I'm back!

No, I did not fall off the face of the earth--I just got buried in kitchen remodeling stuff--it's ALL over the house! All the stuff from my kitchen is everywhere and then add a nice thick icing of dust and you can imagine what it's like here. I had lots of design decisions to make, paint color...handles (80 total!!)...lights, etc. And then I left for a week to SC with some friends to just get away from it all, the snow and mess here! They are not quilters...BUT I got them into a quilt store and they bought fabric! Heck, if I can't buy it (honoring my stash busting commitment), I can sure help those that can! LOL I'll write more in the next post about that. So, obviously there is no STASH BUSTING report--good or bad. But soon..soon I'll be back sewing. The kitchen is almost done now, so a few more finishing touches and then taxes and then I'm free!!
I just have to share this pictures...my daughter just sent a bunch to me with Little L..who just turned 2. He loves to eat and found some cookies...but dang, can't quite get the package open but if I try hard enough, I might get something..


I got something!!

yeah, it's good!

uh-oh, I don't think Dad is too happy..

Dad--don't take them away!!

That kid is always looking for food-he loves apples well, the first 4 bites anyway!

and to give the others a chance to shine...here's the Divine Miss M on Easter..

and finally Miss A, who is now 5 months old! I wish time would slow down, this might be our last little one and I LOVE the little ones..it just doesn't last long enough!

What am I doing???

I am SO supposed to be working on my books/taxes and somehow I wandered off to just look at a 'few' blogs...and I happened to see yet another cool signature and I clicked on it and found a site where I could get one too!! Woo hoo! So, of course I had to go do that, play with my name, nicknames, my Passionate Quilter name and then of course, it's the 120 fonts, colors, sizes and slopes! Then trying to figure out how to get it into my post. My question? Do you have to copy and paste the code in EVERY time you post? I tried to find a place in the template where it could just 'be' and I can't seem to see it. I'm in Blogger and if someone knows how to get it to stay there so I don't have to copy/paste each post, I'd sure appreciate a heads up! Thanks!
Now what kind of post would it be without pictures? (and a chance to try my new code!). So I'll show you another quilt that I finished last week. "Crazy Friendships"Another 24 FQ challenge quilts--I used some pretty contemporary fabric with a 'modified' traditional design and thought I'd finish it off with a traditional quilting design, the Baptist Fan. So it has a little of everything in it. Here's the back...an idea picked up from Mary--I love the way it looks instead of having a seam down the middle separating the two fabrics. This spices it up a bit.
and another snow picture....I love this pump--it's a real pump, but never used. I bought it just for decoration. :)

PS..woo hoo..it worked!

Retard??

This is NOT a quilty post here--but just an observation and sad commentary. So, you can move on if you like. In the last 3 weeks, I have had 3 different friends who know me/us fairly well and know about our Down's Syndrome daughter,(notice the 'pose', when I told her I wanted to take her picture, she immediately went into her 'modeling' mode--oh, the pictures I'm NOT sharing!)

and they have all made similar comments about someone doing something stupid being 'retards' or that 'retarded dog' or something along those lines. Have you ever made a comment like that about another person or animal that isn't being too bright at the time? Unfortunately, that term is used in a very derogatory and negative manner with no respect for the truly 'mentally retarded' population out there. It's something I have heard all my daughter's life. I'm an emotional person and I'm afraid if I would say something, I would start crying. I know they love my daughter--but they are TRULY demeaning her as a human being when they say things like that. I wish I were a witty, quick on my feet person and had a great comeback. After the one episode, my husband and I just looked at each other when the comment was made, but said nothing. Apparently someone saw our eye exchange and said something to our friend, who called and apologized. We thought about saying this comment when someone makes a rude remark.."Oh, do they have Down's Syndrome too?" I thought, that would be a great comment to kind of bring their attention to their poor choice of adjectives. So, when it happened just ONE week later, from one of my best friends, I stammered. It was said so flippant, she gave it not one thought. So.........does anyone out there have any great suggestions? I know it's a very important thing to me, having a retarded daughter, but to others, it doesn't even cross their minds. But please, if you have ever made a remark similar to that, think about what message you are sending--that you think they are the lowest forms of our human race. And you know what? We were BLESSED by having her, wondering what we ever did to deserve to have her.

So, now that being said--and thanks for listening to my little 'soapbox' tirade.....here's a little story about her day today....

I made a huge mistake this morning by not remembering in time to change my daughter's watch and alarm clock for Daylight Savings Time. She is very much a creature of habit, she LOVES structure and follows her watch to the second! Believe me, when it's 12:00 noon--you KNOW where she is! Asking about lunch. 3:00--same thing, only it's 'snack' time and then 5:30 it's dinner. For some reason breakfast doesn't 'have a time'! LOL She-She (affectionately called by her nieces and nephews) has Down's Syndrome (although if you ask her, she's over that! She doesn't suck her tongue anymore and so she must think that's all that means--and don't even argue with her about that!) and is 26 years YOUNG. She's not old, she tells us, she's young. Okay, whatever. Dhe doesn't 'get' the time change thing, so she refuses to let me change her watch or clock. So I'm going to have to sneak into her bedroom tonight and do it quick. She's just not happy--she kept changing MY clock to match her watch! I threatened no dinner to her if she did it again. She didn't.

update: I HAD to change something-either change MY clock or her watch, because it didn't match and she was not a happy camper. Well, these new-fangled watches confuse me and do I know where the little book you get with the watch is? HA! So, after almost 1/2 hour of messing with it--oh let's see, I first changed her alarm by accident, I convinced her it was a better time anyway (it was 4:27--probably set by me to start with accidentally, and I got it to 3:00--snack time!), somehow changed the alarm to 5:00 and told her it was quitting time at work, so that's okay. FINALLY got it to the right time, well, not quite--it was ONE minute behind her newly changed alarm clock. Easy fix--change the alarm clock! LOL BUT oh no--I somehow got it in military time and can't get it back! There is no way I can explain that one to her, so I kept playing. Somehow I got it all right and she's not super happy because it's all confusing her why we do this, but she feels right with the world again.

And again--I appeal to those who don't even think about the choice of words they use..to maybe come up with a better way to express your frustrations with someone. I thought of several comparisons of what it sounds like, but they were all too negative and demeaning, I didn't even want to say them. I would love to hear your suggestions on how you would handle it? Remember it comes out of the blue with no forewarning and I'm not the quickest thinker! LOL

Stashbusting Sunday 3/9

Okay--did fairly well getting rid of the stash and no NEW stash again. But let me tell ya, it's VERY dangerous to have a free 1/2 hour roaming the internet! You won't believe all the new stuff I saw and loved! SOOO tempting, but I'm being strong.

Stash added this week: 0 yards
Stash added YTD: 0 yards

Stash busted this week: 12.5 yards
Stash busted YTD: 70.5 yards

Boy, it sure helps not going to quilt shops, Super Bowl Sales, quilt shows or staying away from Internet sites! But Paducah is next month--that's when the real test comes in. LOL What's sad is that 70 yards sounds like a lot--but there is no way you can even see a dent in my closet. :( I wonder how much you have to 'bust' before it's noticable?

Blizzard of 08

Well, that's what they're calling it. LOL It just amuses me that the newscasters love to 'name' events--AS they are happening! Yes, it's true there were blizzard warnings until 4 PM today--which technically means there is low visability, winds over 35 mph and it lasts more than 3 hours. So, by definition, we are 'having a blizzard'. But for those that lived through the Blizzard of '78--this is just a bad winter storm! We have about 20" of snow since yesterday and the roads are hazardous to drive on since the wind blows the snow right back on the roads as soon as it's plowed. We're in a Level 3 Snow Emergency--which means only emergency vehicles--you can get ticketed if caught. Well, you won't get caught--just stranded with no help! In the meantime, we're all holed up here with a pot of vegetable soup going and a pot of homemade chicken noodles cooking.

So, what's a gal to do when housebound--and no husband? Well, shoveling is NOT one of them! LOL I'm calling the snow plow guy when it's all over! I've been a VERY busy gal and finished 10--yes, TEN quilts this week. Granted most of them were small and almost all of them were flimsy's, but hey--done is done! Here's a few:

"Twinkling Stars"--remember I got this done at my retreat. Now it's bound and labeled."Merry, Merry" # 2 and #3--I can't find #1, LOL Oh well, these were very old projects that all they needed was some simple quilting and a few buttons! Why oh why do I wait so long? Not sure what I'll do with them. I'll show more finishes tomorrow. In the meantime, I felt like I was due to play and do something NOT on my list and fun to do. I bought the fabric and pattern for this tote in Houston last year. It's a new line from Lakehouse Fabrics, I can't remember the name right now. But it's now done too! Now 'that was fun'! I think I'll make another one or make an apron tonight. Or maybe be lazy and look through quilt magazines and books.

Ice, ice baby!

Whoa--it's been gorgeous here since we had our ice storm a few days ago! Not too great for the trees who's limbs are snapping with the extra weight or the electric lines getting snagged right and left. But it looks like a crystal paradise! (Edited: I forgot to mention that these photos aren't mine. I'd love to take credit, but I can't. :) They are from our local newspaper, Marion Star website sent in by Mark Blum--thanks Vickie for the comment, it reminded me do give credit where it's due)
It's melting now but, no fear. Another ice storm as well as 6-10 more inches of snow are due Friday and Saturday. That's okay--lock me up with my fabric and sewing machine!

Speaking of which....the machines are still whirring over in the sweatshop..I mean, the studio! I have still been busy. Hubby's away so dinner's can be simple and I can stay holed up for days sewing! However, I should be doing taxes. I did devote one day so far to them, then I had the urge to sew again. Imagine that! LOL I finally got my Bento Box quilted..the top has been done for a year. (hey--take a peek at the bottom right of the photo--it's the 'ugly' fabric I won at our annual FQ swap. Is that ugly or what? And actually the first time around--it was in the 'pretty' category! And she swore she thought it was pretty! So, now it makes it's annual appearance in the ugly category--but with a little lopped off that has to be included in some quilt along the way.)

Close up of the quilting...

Stashbusting Report and Finishes

Thanks for all the good wishes for my anniversary, sans hubby. :) We'll celebrate when I see him again--not until Mar. 20 though. :( And yes--I was a child bride! I was 17 and he was 19--I got engaged when I was 16 to him. Like WHAT were my parents thinking? LOL Although we were young, we vowed we'd make it no matter what. At first to show up all the naysayers! And then comes the kids and then grandkids and now it all just seems like a few years ago! Time flies when you are having fun!

Another good week--even with 2 grandkids here! I finished 3 more quilts and finished 3 UFO's to the flimsy stage--so that darn list is never going to go down! I'm going to try to keep up the pace, but taxes need to be done sometime! LOL

"Cross My Heart" --part of my Girlfriends 24 FQ challenge"KF Stepping Stones" one of my original 24 FQ challenge quilts. This is a free pattern from Bonnie's site. Picture below is a close up of my free motion quilting. I'm trying to continually push myself to do different things and not be in a hurry to just finish them up. This was on my design wall "Bright HST"(a quilt from about 5 years ago--I messed up the sewing--done at a friends house and we were talking WAAY too much. So came home and put it away) and my granddaughter decided that should be her new quilt! We had just discussed that the quilts they have here at Nana's house were getting just a bit too small for them and I would have to make them new ones. When she walked into my Studio--she immediately fell in love with it! How fortunate for me--that she liked an old UFO! Now the others want bigger ones too and thought I should have them done in a day like hers! I'm going through my UFO's now to see if any would fit the bill for them. Not looking good for the little boys--I just don't do that many 'boy' type quilts. But I guess I'm going to have to now that I have two grandsons!Backing for quilt above--she picked out the backing fabric and there wasn't quite enough--so she picked out two more to add to it. More stash busted! And that brings my 2008 finishes to 15! Pretty soon I'm going to run out of easy ones or ones that are ALMOST done! LOL And we'll see the rate drop.

STASHBUSTING REPORT:

Stash busted week of 2/25/08: 22.5 yards (includes 11 yards donated to church quilt group)

Stash bought week of 2/25/08: 0 yards

Stash busted YTD: 58 yards

Stash bought YTD: 0 yards

Net stash used: 58 YARDS!

Happy 33rd Anniversary to my hubby

Thanks honey for the flowers and chocolates--but I'd trade them for you being here!

Hubby is on a round the world business trip--he's been in China and Vietnam and is now in India--and today is our anniversary. I had a busy day at the Studio with classes/open sew and Zoe being used. My daughter didn't want to go on 'a date' with Mom, so I'm home working on cleaning out my files to do taxes. I could give myself a good swift kick in the behind for getting lax with my paperwork, etc. I do really well entering everything on the computer, and then come summer--I just stuff everything in a file. And now I have to deal with it again! You'd think I'd learn! LOL You see, I have this passion for quilting.....and it's taken over my life! :)

This is a bag full of fabric (about 10 yards) from MY STASH that I gave to a local church. My friend got a call from her former church and they are desperate for fabric. They have people coming in to quilt and no fabric to use. So she called me and I quickly filled a bag for her. It will be added into my stashbusting report! Yeah!

Impossibly Good

Woo hoo! I found the Flat Earth chips at Target! Made by Frito Lay company, they are a chip like snack made from potatoes, rice and either fruits or veggies. They have: 1/2 serving of real fruit or veggies in every ounce, naturally baked, a good source of Vitamin C, 0 grams of trans fat, low in sodium and no artificial flavors or preservatives. Someone in my hubby's office brought them in for a taste test and they are really good! We couldn't decide which one we liked best, they were all that good. I tried looking at the grocery stores, but they don't have them yet. So was thrilled to find them at Target! And here's a coupon for a free bag!

On a side note--the grandkids are gone, but not without leaving their mark! Since my kitchen is torn up and only the subflooring is down, I told them I wanted them to draw me a picture and sign their name. I told them it will be like our hidden secret because when they put the new floor down, no one will be able to see it anymore, but we'll know it's there!

Miss K's drawings got partially covered by the ceiling paint already. I love the way Mr. K (the 5 year old) spells his name. So innocent. And he drew a special picture for his mommy..And now back to sewing! I got 3 quilts quilted this week! I now have to do the bindings (they are machine sewn on the top--needs hand sewn on the back) and I'll post pictures as soon as those are done.

I've been tagged!

It appears as if I've been tagged by Vickie. So you may move on if you like! LOL



THE RULES:1. Once you are tagged, link back to the person who tagged you.

2. Post THE RULES on your blog.

3. Post 7 weird or random facts about yourself on your blog.

4. Tag 7 people and link to them.

5. Comment on their blog to let them know they have been tagged.



1. I hate mushrooms. Most people that know me, like to sit next to me while eating pizza or something that is usually loaded with mushrooms because then they get to share my castoffs! I will eat mushroom soup though--IF the mushrooms are itty bitty!

2. I do NOT like cold cheese, of any kind. But IF you melt it, I will eat it. Why is that? Who knows and go figure!

3. I am deathly afraid of electric and being shocked. I've got a great story about me trying to plug something in while standing in water..someday I'll share!

4. I do not like shoes--I do not like shopping for shoes, I do not like wearing shoes at home, I do not like wearing shoes while driving, I do not like wearing shoes while sewing, I do not like GREEN EGGS and HAM! What does that have to do with it? nothing--but that's what it was beginning to sound like! LOL

5. I do LOVE purses! In every size, color, shape, etc. I love shopping for them and making them!

6. I had braces twice! Once as a young teenager and again as an adult (and pregnant with my third child)

7. I LOVE fabric--oh wait, that's not a secret or weird fact! But I do and always have. I remember the first 4-H meeting I went to and learned we could make all our our own clothes. I've been excited about sewing (not so much with clothes anymore) since then.



And now I'm going to tag....Laurie,Pam, Teresa, Beth, Marne, Mary, and everyone else! If you haven't done one in a while--why not do one now? It's kind of fun to get to know fellow bloggers like this.

Quilts get done regardless of what's going on!

My kitchen is still a mess--although I do have a fridge, microwave, oven and a temporary sink so I guess I could cook if I wanted! I have had the grandkids since last Friday night and they are here until Wed. night. So getting out to quilt is a bit trickier! Plus the fact I'm really tired at night! I'm glad I'm a Nana now and no longer a Mom! AND my hubby left for an extended business trip (around the world--literally--China, Vietnam, Dubai, India, Germany, Switzerland, Paris and London in 26 days), so I've been promoted to taxi driver for my daughter again--2 hours/day back and forth. You know what, now that I think about it--I got all my stuff done before all this happened! I guess next week's report won't be so good! LOL

I was able to finish two more quilts this past week and one more UFO to the flimsy state. My personal goal is to finish two to the flimsy state and get two quilted, not necessarily the same ones. My UFO list is going down, but my flimsy list is growing! It was so scary to think that if I quilted just two per week, it would take me at least 4 months to get caught up--and that doesn't include finishing other tops! My poor Zoe is going to be worn out. But I like the fact that I am sticking to my guns so far (okay--it's just been a month so far, hahaha) and not even looking at anything new!

This is a quilt top, Holiday Lights, that I had ALMOST done for about 5 years--geez or even more! I made the piano key borders and somehow must not have done them quite right, because they would not miter properly, so I put it away. Got it out again a few years ago, got frustrated and put it away. Got it out again a few weeks ago and gee--I whacked off the ends, added plain black corners and whaddya know? It's done! I promised myself I would not meander every quilt I got done and I was going to force myself to start challenging myself on the quilting. (I'm still on a learning curve on a mid-arm machine). So for this quilt, I tried some of the rulers--hmm, not so good yet, but I did get the straight ruler going for the zigzag in the inner border, did some free hand stuff in the 4patch/sq. in square block--not bad and then smaller stippling behind the light bulbs to make them pop--great, and free handed a ribbon-y vine with holly leaves in the outer border--not bad. The best thing is that it's done and I'm fairly proud of it. :)The next one is my Hopscotchin' with Friends, another Challenge quilt and it's the first time that I ever used a pantograph. I had a little trouble figuring out the placement--and remembered AGAIN how hard it is to follow an exact line with a laser! But I knew that if I just kept my movements fluid and if I swung out too far on a leaf or whatever, no one would know. So--all in all--not too bad! I think it's hard to see my quilting--I use So Fine on the top (it really blends in well--less prone to showing mistakes! LOL) and Bottom Line in the bobbin

I also finished my Kaffe Fassett Stepping Stones--and for crying out loud--all it needed was the outside border! It's loaded on Zoe right now and I hope to get out there tonight or tomorrow and do that one. I'm trying another panto--thanks to Mary for sharing all her resources on the pantos she uses.

Stashbusting Sunday, albeit late!

I can't quite seem to manage the Sunday report on time! LOL I'm pooped at the end of the week and I had my grandkids all weekend and still do. I really do forget how much they wear you out. Another good week of using stash and getting UFO's done.

Stash used: 6 yards for backings and bindings
Stash bought: 0

Stash used for year: 37 yards
Stash bought for year: 0

Avoiding all quilt shops in person and online really helps! Plus, I'm staying off the computer and spending most my time in the studio working on finishing things is helping. :)

retreat continued...

This is "I Think I Can" baby quilt that I donated. It was quick and easy to do except for the lousy stretchy minkee type border. But some baby will like the soft edges and not notice that they 'wave' a bit! LOLWoven Triple Irish Chain--this was using Lakehouse fabric (I love their stuff!) and designed by Mark Lipinski. I just loved it when I saw it in a magazine (McCall's??) and when I got the fabric, I realized that the picture made it look MUCH larger than it was. I had wanted it for a double bed, so had to make it much larger. 2480 little 1" squares later...it's done!

Gratitude is finally done! My students quilted it on Zoe for practice and I got the binding finished and label on at the retreat. and the backing is comprised of what yardage I had of 30's prints and I used some of the FQ's that were in the bundle that I didn't use in the challenge. and I was one tired puppy on Sunday night! I went to bed early--like 9:30--unheard of for me! But I only had about 6-7 hours sleep all weekend. Sewing until 3 AM and then I had breakfast duty on Saturday morning didn't help! Sew much fun!!

Quilt Retreat is productive!

First of all--for all those that were interested in the Bright Bull's Eye pattern....I wrote to you individually, but I thought more might be interested also. It's a variation of a Bull's Eye (made with circles--that are layered on top of one another, each circle is a bit smaller). But the difference is that I used a hexagon shape. I started with a 10" background square, and then cut hexagons at 8", 6" and 4". I sewed them on one at a time and then cut out the background. I stitched them on 1/4" away from the raw edge. You are supposed to cut them in quarters when you are done and then mix and match them, but I thought it was busy enough as it was, plus I spent a lot of time making up the sets and I liked them like that! Easy as pie and a great way to use up more scraps!!

I spent last weekend with my small quilt group at our semi-annual quilt retreat. I took 13 projects that either needed finished to completion or just to the flimsy stage. And I got 8 of the 13 done as far as I wanted! Woo hoo!! Some I wondered why I waited so long as I was almost done! I finished three quilts completely, even the labels. We each made a charity quilt to donate to our local women's shelter and I was able to get a 2nd one (a small baby one) done as well. Although now I have a LOT more for my flimsy list! Zoe is going to have to work double and triple time to make a dent in them! LOL

Since I switched my UFO's to the Flimsy list, I added more UFO's to the list. And added more to my finishes list. Think I'll ever get done? Nah...it's always a work in progress. I wonder what I'd do if I ever got caught up? My friend did this weekend--she's the one with NO stash, little scraps and finished up the 3 that she was working on. I can't EVEN imagine being in that position! She's just not normal! LOL

I often wonder when to post pictures of my quilts--when the top is done? when it's quilted? both? I hate to keep showing the same quilts--but each step feels like such an accomplishment, I want to share. So, if I post them too often, sorry! But it might be a while when it gets posted again, if you get my drift..hahahaha.... So, here's what I got done this weekend...This is the Tulip Wreath--I bought the pattern because the sample had beautiful machine quilting and I thought it would be a good one to practice on. Hahaha Now I'm quilting on a mid-arm machine, so I guess it still is a good practice piece! At least I still like it! I had two panels that I had to blanket stitch the flowers and then assemble the top. Took me about 2 hours.

This is Twinkling Stars and it's from a McCall's magazine from 1997! I made the kit from fabric from my stash a long time ago and even made the blocks. So all I had to do was assemble the top. Just a few hours and it was done! I think I'll put this in our Bible Study group's Annual Auction.

This is one of 3 Psalms of Comfort tops that I had left to do. I made one for my daughter, this was mine and still have two more to go. I had all the pieces cut, the HST done. I had to assemble the rows and then the top. About 3 hours and I was done.

Finally--this little project has to be at least 12 years old! My friend and I got together and swapped pink fabrics from our stash to make this cute little Easter wallhanging. I had the squares cut and that was it. She got hers done (the one with no UFO's--now you know why! LOL) and mine just aged and aged. Now was the time to get it done. And again, only 2 hours and the top is done.

Since Blogger won't let me post more....to be continued.....

Stash Busting Sunday-late!

I'm a bit late on my Stashbusting Sunday report. I was at my quilt groups' semi-annual retreat. I did bust some stash for backings (I was short on the one quilt backing last week--I even had it on the leaders ready for my machine when I realized I was way short--like 2 yards worth! LOL) I wondered how I got that fabric to go so far! Anyway, I used the stash for backings, bindings and a few borders.

Fabric USED this week: 5 3/4 yards
Fabric BOUGHT this week: 0

Fabric USED to date: 32
Fabric BOUGHT to date: 0

A good day

Great day today! I started by cleaning out 3 cupboards, all the island cupboards and my Hoosier. We are remodeling our kitchen and the cupboards are supposed to be here by Friday. We had an Amish man make them and I can't wait to see them. In the meantime, I'm living in quite the mess! I have been cooking all week, knowing that it's going to slim pickin's once they really get going on the kitchen. They re-did all our lights and re-hung the ceiling and I've been living with a single bare light bulb in there for two weeks. I hope they work fast--kitchen re-do's are so hard to live through. It's a good thing I have my quilting to keep me occupied!

And I was occupied with quilting today! After cleaning out my cupboards, I went back to attempt to quilt using Rainbows by Superior Threads. I spent about 1 1/2 hours the night before fiddling with it. I have used it in my Pfaff with no problems, but this was the first time in 'Zoe'. I put in a new needle, oiled it and started quilting. The thread just kept shredding.I adjusted the needle, re-threaded, loosened the tension, and could only quilt about 20 inches without it shredding to the breaking point. So I went to the computer and went to their website and started searching for answers. I figure if the big guys can use it, then so can I!! :) I think my problem was the needle--I used a 16 and it really likes an 18. Tried it and it worked! I quilted the rest of the quilt with no shredding or breaking! It's funny how a little thing like that could make all the difference in the world! I just wished I quit sooner to check it out. But at least I perservered...I was real tempted to go back to my old standard threads. I like King Tut for showy quilting and So Fine for obscure quilting.

I have the binding sewn on the top and now it needs sewn on the back by hand. I also have the label pinned on so I can stitch it down while I'm doing my binding.

I prepared class handouts for a class tonight (Irish Chain) and cleaned my sewing room. Ya need to stop and re-group sometime! LOL I also made one of my favorite dinners....Ham Sandwiches, Cheesy Potatoes, Vegetable Salad and Angel Food Cake with strawberries. The ham sandwiches are SO good and I hardly ever make them and when I do, I wonder why I waited so long! LOL

Ham Sandwiches:

12 Hamburger buns

12 thick slices ham (I used leftovers from a Spiral Honey Baked Ham)

Cheese Whiz, spread on the bottom half of the hamburger bun

Topping:

In a bowl, mix: 1/8 cup finely chopped onion, 1/4 c. yellow mustard, 1 TBSP. poppy seed, 1/2 cup butter, softened. Spread on both sides of the top half of the hamburger bun. Place all sandwiches in a cake pan, cover with foil. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.

Enjoy!

Woo hoo! Some finishes!!

Man, I've been putting my nose to the grindstone and working on getting some things done. After going through my UFO's and lists, I decided to really buckle down. Real life is going to get in the way soon though, so I hope I can continue knocking these out. This is what I finished yesterday. The Leaf Challenge: Although it meant a challenge to work One Hour a Day, per Judy, this quilt was one of the more challenging to me. NO--it wasn't hard--I made MORE mistakes on this quilt, due to inattention and being in a hurry and not double checking my measurements than I have made on any OTHER quilt! LOL When I started this quilt, I thought is was so serindiputious (I know that's not how you spell it, but my spell checker is on break!)that I found all these maple blocks in the right size from another project I had put away. Piece of cake I thought! And I had all these bonus triangles! Woo hoo! I plotted it all out in EQ6 and away I went. I thought I would add an applique leaf in the plain squares. Nah, not that good at applique. I'll photo copy leaves from my yard! Great idea--put the block fabric behind the leaf, so it looks like the leaf just fell on the quilt. Great in theory--oh, the leaves looked fine, but my color printer depicted the background fabric a bit differently. Oh well, good enough. But OOPS! I did NOT know that the June Taylor printer fabric shrinks 1" after washing! And guess what? I planned on the whole width of the fabric sheet. Now what? I had to dig in the trash, pull out the trimmings and sew them on two sides of my block to make it work. Not a great start. But I fixed it and moved on. Things are moving along until the nezxt to last border...why doesn't it fit? Oh look--I made one of the borders narrower than I planned and now my pieced triangles dont' fit. Of course, there wasn't an even amount of triangles that I could easily hide an insert. But what else is a girl to do? Fast forward to last week...okay, time to get her quilted. Oops! I do think I have a piece in there backwards! Dagnabbit! I tried to justify it as my humilty block..but I have had enough humble experiences with this quilt, I don't need a glaring mistake on top of it. Take it out, put it back in correctly. Now to piece the back...oh good, here are the measurements. Even though I had to piece the back with two different pieces,looks good. Stitch them to the leaders for my HQ16. Hmm, do it again (backwards doesn't work!) Load the quilt and then the backing and hey--what's wrong? I don't know where I got my measurements, but they sure weren't for this quilt!!! I had to take the leaders off, find more fabric and make the back larger--now it looks really wierd! I almost was afraid to quilt it knowing that the history of this quilt meant more mistakes were to come. But no problems and now it's done! Yee HAW!

My little Snowmen in Trees is an OLD, old top. Kind of simple but fun. I thought it would be a perfect piece to practice using my rulers and special gadgets to outline things. Wow, it's a good thing this isn't an important quilt! Do NOT, I repeat, DO NOT enlarge this picture!

Let's just say that I need a little more work! My hats are off to the longarmers who make their quilts look SO good! I USED to be pretty good on my regular sewing machine, but this is another whole ball game!

My last quilt, Stained Glass Iris (a class sample using bias tape) is a wallhanging that was ALMOST done, except for the border corners. I used my own hand dyed fabric for the flower and borders and was trying to figure out how to eek out enough to make a 9 patch in each corner so it looked like it was woven. I had used too much of my fabric and it wouldn't work. So I put it away--10 minutes from being done! Silly me! I finished it, quilted it, bound it, labeled it and took a picture. Geez, what's wrong with me sometimes? Do you ever do that? Get something SO close to being done and then put it away. And then when you finally do get it out and finish it, you wonder what your problem was? LOL I know that sometimes 'obstacles' in our way are discouraging and bringing it out another day, with a clear head, helps us overcome those obstacles and we can bring closure!

And how was YOUR day?