Last post for this year

Thought I'd better get my December finishes up before May does her checking!! I did two of the purses. The only difference was the button. I needed one as a shop sample and one for me, as I didn't want to wait to use it! Also two pillow cases to go with the quilt Becca quilted for me that's on my bed.

And a photo of me and DH--after Idownloaded the Christmas photos, I realized I had neglected to apply make up, so...so sorry!!!!

Now I believe I'll attach another binding by machine to a customer quilt--did over 400 inches on another one earlier this week while watching (listening ) to movies for two nights. DH is at work, so my chick flicks are out in force!!

Baby, it's Cold outside!!

Went to Anchorage on Saturday. This is what it looked like!

New things!

First is the baby the quilt was made for: Elizabeth Marie has arrived!! (2 weeks past due date!) Mama was more than ready!
Second is another purse is being worked on--actually two at the same time--identical twins. Photos to follow....now I must get flowers ordered!

Goodies

from Becca and a hug from her WH. I scored bigtime yesterday afternoon! Thanks, Becc! I can hardly wait to dive into the apron patterns and the charm pack, especially. The book will be saved for tonight when I'm piled up in bed. You are a sweetie! (Come home!!--oh, I guess you are....) :(

Yesterday was my birthday

and I am now the speed limit(in some places!) no--not 45!! DH was at work and I worked also. Just before closing, my boss walked in with a present and I hadn't said a word--and I know her memory is like mine, so her source is a mystery! Here is what she got me. The table runner and tea towels are fabulous! They look handpainted. And she said I had to use the towels--they are not just decorative. They need ironing, but I couldn't wait to show them off! After work I celebrated with pumpkin pie for dinner and a book. My mom and sister called and the card from eldest arrive on time. The man child called and sang happy birthday to me this morning--he IS his mother's child--always late! So he sang in front of some coworkers--now picture this with me: Young, male, oil field workers!!!!

First snow of the season

drivers drive me crazy!! You would think they live on the equator instead of Alaska!!! Come on! 30 miles an hour on plowed roads in a 4 wheel drive!!!! As you can tell, I had to take DH to the airport this morning at 6 AM. Not my best time of day--and no coffee! ( am rectifying that now accompanied by a piece of pumpkin pie) And the highway was busy for that time --Black Friday has struck. I think I'll stay home and sew--maybe check the mail, maybe not! Am now done grumbling :)

Happy Thanksgiving!

New furniture


is in place. My red chair is perfect for binding quilts and other handwork. Fits me perfectly! I have hidden the pouches of hand work in the ottoman. DH is happy they are not under the end tables, but doesn't know I've stashed them in there!
The turkey is in the oven--a smoked one from a local meat shop here in town. My mouth is watering just thinking of it. And we will have mashed potatoes and gravy--my favorite! And no Thanksgiving dinner is complete without pumpkin pie made from scratch. That would be DH's special request. Have a wonderful , thankful day.

Mine!!

We have been looking forever (well, maybe not FOREVER) for the perfect piece to go against my short wall. I used to have a huge bookcase there (it is now in my studio covered with quilt books, scrapbooks, and various lovely stuff) but when DH moved that wall out to make room for a larger frig on the other side, it left. Also it became an eyesore cuz it was my favorite "hot spot" as FlyLady calls them! Anyway, here is the replacement. I am putting table linens and aprons in it. The only problem is the flower painted doors--they do not go with our modern theme OR color scheme. DH is thinking of blending them out, and I'm kinda leaning towards sunflowers, but then they may have to be changed later. What do you think?

Wild purse

well, the purse isn't wild, just my fabric choices!! It is a pattern by Penny Sturgis. I think the name is bows and tucks--no, I didn't say botox!! It is sitting in the shop--and I feel another one coming on! (If you click on the picture, you can see it MUCH better!)

It's about time!!

I just noticed the date on my last post!! Where have I been?!? Actually DH requires a lot of maintenance!
The wedding was today--guess who got the last of the binding done last night? Got it in one---you would think I wouldn't go right to the wire EVERY time!
Tomorrow I'll post the cute purse I did a couple of weeks ago..
We were in Anchorage last week. I drove up and met DH at the airport on Sunday. His alternate was sick so he held over 3 days. So we went out to dinner at Simon's and Seaforts and then went shopping Monday--I am now the proud owner of new living room furniture--a couch, recliner, chair and ottoman/coffee table. Photos will happen when I become the proud posessor of said items! We will pick them up in Anchorage on Tuesday.
Last night we bought a cute little piece to go against a short wall--photos will follow. Hey, Becca, give me your credit card and I'll shop til I drop for you!!!

Wedding quilt

Here's what I've been doing: a wedding quilt for a friend from church! Just have to do the hand part of the binding and the label, wash and lovingly fold and wrap it. The wedding is the 21st--I can't believe I won't be late!!! (A first for me...well,maybe a third!!)
And of course, the never ending household chores such as dishes, floors, and laundry.

Pumpkin made

finally!! It has been a PIG (Project In Grocery bag) for a few years. I was gonna take the class from the pattern author and something came up so it has been sitting....and sitting.... The funny thing is, it took no time at all to make! The most time consuming part was stuffing the big booger!!
But he is done in time for THIS year!

As per your request

here are the pictures of my buying spree! The curves book and template look extremely intriguing. the FQs are for 2 grommet purses and the buttons were bought because.... . The wild fabric in the 2nd pic is for a purse and the four green/pink ones for another apron (imagine that!!) the fabric and FQ groups are for Yellow Brick Roads (I've never made one!) for gifts and the red and green batiks, the batiks between the yellow brick roads and the other pile are stash enhancers. There you have it!

Spent my paycheck

and then some---but oh, the beautiful fabrics and plans for projects make my heart sing---or something like that. maybe it's hunger pangs.... But the fabrics ARE wonderful!!!

Christmas samples are done

We have these panels at the shop, so made these up very quickly! The extra angels from the panel were made into the focal point of a pair of strippy placemats. The half circle reversible napkins were cut using Cheryl Phillips cut-a-round tool. Aaak! the last 2 photos are sideways!! What's up with that?!? They aren't sideways on my desktop!! Oh, well. Such is life. If that was only the worst thing that ever happened to me!!!

Apron on it's way

Here's the hot for chocolate apron for my partner. Also sent a beautiful recipe book and chocolate.

One year ago today

Becca talked me into starting this blog!! Thanks, Bec.

No self control

when it comes to batiks, or any gorgeous fabric, come to think of it!! I worked yesterday afternoon for Nancy. Remember the gazillion bolts I mentioned awhile ago? Well, some found their way home with me! the batiks have no project in mind, but the other pile IS designated!! So I am rather pleased with myself about that! they represent key ingredients for 2 projects and borders and backings for 2 more. So, to work!

Finally!!!

The child this is meant for is ONLY 5 months old. Hey, I guess that's not too bad! But since it is overdue I took the easy and fast way out--a panel. So the "piecing" (HA!) quilting and binding took one day. Guess I shouldn't have procrastinated so long! Now the child born in March will be next. Guess what? Another panel is about to be used. Then I'll be caught up with the babies in church and can start stock piling like a very smart friend of mine does-- huh, Becca?

Now, I ask you

what is so wonderful about fall?!? Does this look appealing? NO!!! It is typical fall weather--foggy, damp, drizzling!! Think I'll go quilt!

Hot for Chocolate

apron is done! here is a photo. Oh, can't tell much about it?!? Gotta wait til it's sent to Whats-Her-Name ( or Val tells me it's okay to show). Now to gather the other goodies.........

Another one bites the dust!

Finished the lap quilt last night while watching (or rather listening to) Colin Firth in Pride & Prejudice. Love that movie and thought I'd give Mama Mia a break!! So tomorrow I'll take it in to the shop . Will also be buying more fabric--we unboxed about 100 bolts of batiks last week---and they are fabulous!!!

Back at it

I was incapacitated for a couple of days--I HATE headaches!! So today I treated myself to some aprony goodness! I know, it's not for Val's swap, but this one needed to get done for the shop. What's Her Name's is next! I just have to pick up some embellishment stuff and it's a go. Then I'll have to force myself to think chocolate. My mind just doesn't go there!!

Quilt top done

in one day!! From cutting to top. Hopefully I will get it quilted Monday. This is another fun fabric line I couldn't resist. There seems to be alot of those....hmmmm.
I also worked a little on Becca's mystery--now that I've seen Jami's, I think I'll work a little faster!!

Next clue, please

Here are my strip sets--I am ready for the next step! Disregard what they are resting on--my quilt has nothing to do with the mystery!!

Today's accomplishments

include 3/4 of the strip sets done for Becca's mystery and this bag. After I eat something, I'm going back out to the studio to finish the strips. I want the next clue when Becca returns from the Wilds of Wisconsin!

Mama Mia Apron is Here!!!!

and what an awesome one it is!! I could hardly restrain myself from ripping open these gorgeous packages to arranged them artistically to photograph them!! Besides the awesomely and beautifully constructed apron (by the way, I now don't NEED to buy this fabric line!!) Nadine included a fabulous black boa (and suggested I DON'T fry bacon wearing it!!), a beautiful green glass heart, a drink wrap from the same fabric line, (as was the hand crafted card), green cocktail napkins, a recipe for a pineapple limade drink(yum!) and.......a foam microphone to use while belting out "Dancing Queen'!! How fun it that!! My sister will be so envious--we will use whatever we can get our hands on for this purpose. Eat your heart out, Kim!!!
Thanks again, Nadine (apronvalleyroad.blogspot.com)--you done good! And now, Val your swap is complete!

A finish and

the 3rd block. here for your viewing pleasure. The table runner is hanging on the wall at the shop. I also finished a purse and took it to the shop before I thought to take a photo---so the camera will go back to the shop with me!!
Have been at a Ladies retreat at our church camp--will be there all day tomorrow. The speaker used to teach at Bob Jones University and she is very thought provoking and the Word of God was very convicting tonight. Am looking forward to tomorrow. Since the camp is only 3 miles or so away, I am home to sleep in my own comfortable bed!!

Another block done

well, the next stage, anyway. yesterday I quilted and bound the fall table runner. Now I need to remember to take the camera in to the shop tomorrow , since it is hanging up already. Here is a photo of my dining room---couldn't have this mess going on if DH was home. We use the table for dining when he's here, since he cooks. i just reheat leftovers!

A generous giveaway

by Melinda--check out her blog and her button is on my side bar, but probably not hooked up right!! But she is also listed in my blog list.

Today's achievement

I was 'sposed to mow the lawn, but the grass stayed wet and then it started to sprinkle, so, what's a gal to do?? Work on a collective effort quilt for the shop, that's what!! And now I know why I don't do fusible machine applique!! I'll do it by hand any day! But one block is half done--still have to machine app around the pieces---yech!! And the other 2 block backgrounds are done and the second one is ready to be cut out and stuck down, and the 3rd is traced around. This will be the I Believe quilt from Nancy Halvorson using her book and fabrics. Definitely not my cup of tea.

Old project done

I finally got the pillow cases made for the quilt that is currently on our bed. Recognize it, Becca?? It was my first show and tell when we joined the quilt guild way back when!! So....I haven't done anything I had planned on, but oh,well! At least something WAS done!

Fall Tablerunner

moved to finished top yesterday. Now I need to buy the backing and finish it. It will be another shop sample. It seems they are the only things being finished!!
We are having a fabulous fall! (whisper: the rain has not appeared yet in copious amounts!!---shhhh)
Tomorrow I will be observing Labor Day sequestered in my quilt room--DH is at work, so the day is mine to enjoy. I hope to get Becca's mystery up to date and get some borders on some tops that have been waiting for that final step, or maybe I'll get 2 baby quilts started and finished--the babies they are intended for are growing older even as I type!! The glorious options when many WIPs abound are wonderful!!!

Sunflowers

are blooming!! We feed very greedy birds vast amounts of sunflower seeds and they are messy, so we transplanted some of the starts into a pot.
Next year we will start some earlier in the house.

Becca called, so I haven't made it out to the quilt room yet to take advantage of an unexpected day off, but I'm going!!!!

Mystery Fabrics

I think this is the way I'm going on Becca's Mystery, since I haven't seen the quilt or blocks.......
(That was a small whine--didn't deserve any cheese). The black will be background and the purple the accent for all the blocks--my brain couldn't handle any more color decisions!!

Christmas Tree Skirt Class

was very fun. Barb is a very good teacher and we had lots of giggles and laughs. However, Becca should have been there!! Kathy made a fall table topper and the rest of us went Christmas. I finished the top, and it now is in my mountainous pile of tops waiting impatiently to be quilted!

Also did a shop sample--a pot pincher pot holder to go with the apron.

New roof

is beautiful. I like the color much better on the roof than the way it looked on the one shingle I had as a sample--and that's a good thing!! It usually doesn't happen that way!! The brown metal gutters will be installed next week and the ugly white plastic ones will disappear.

We have been busting our tails at work getting ready for the huge sale we're having at the shop. My boss is cleaning out the shed she has "stuff" stored in--old kits, fabric from when it was a fabric store, not a quilt shop (wool, satin, rayon....) all coming out...ooofta! Plus lots of quilt fabric, too. Needless to say, I bought and brought home some treasures to add to my stash!!

Shop sample

apron is done--and very cute! I love this apron pattern . Will be working every day next week to get ready for a huge sale we're having next Saturday, so today is my last day to get some quilting related things done--like starting on the bindings for three large customer quilts!! If I can get them trimmed and the machine part done, I will be happy. Then in found moments I can stitch a bit by hand. So I don't expect to surface again anytime soon!!