jodybob quilts

Dining Room art

2012-02-04T18:11:00.002-09:00

I'm finally feeling human (as opposed to sluggy or snail-like!) but am hanging out with DH, so no quilting is being done. Piano practice IS, however! Here are a couple of photos of what's on my dining room walls. The small glass piece is 11" x 14".

Exxie's Home!!

2012-02-01T11:30:00.000-09:00

However, she is still in her box in the entry.:( Early in January we had to ship our espresso machine back for minor repairs. We HAVE had her for about 8 years (I think!), so she was due for some extra TLC. I have been without an Americano for 3 weeks!! DH will be home tomorrow night, so Friday morning things will be right in my world again--DH AND Exxie!

Wimpy Wednesday

2012-01-25T15:42:00.002-09:00

Well, I'm puny--caught a cold on Sunday and thought I had it beat--not so. So I hibernated in the studio and quilted Judy's quilt. It is done. Her DH is into subtle, so the thread color is very blendy. I used Linda Taylor's "Feather Meander" and Superior's Omni in a pale peach color--it does show up nicely on the back and I'm happy with it.

Fun Friday

2012-01-20T19:30:00.000-09:00

A quilting friend stopped by this morning with a cute wall hanging top she wanted me to baste on Henrietta so she could machine quilt it. And i discovered i had my needle inserted at the wrong angle--the eye was turned too much to the left, so in certain directions--back and to the left, it wasn't catching the bobbin thread to make stitches. Good thing it was basting and not quilting!!
And I had my second piano lesson--I am loving this! I do need to strengthen my ring and pinkie fingers---lots of scale practice in my immediate future.
I will be working (or playing) tomorrow--so that means my backbone of mush must also be strengthened to resist fabric acquisitions!!

#3

2012-01-19T21:43:00.000-09:00

is finished. I love doing bindings at my quilt group meetings--I can visit without having to concentrate!!

# 2

2012-01-16T11:26:00.001-09:00

is finished and # 3 just needs the hand sewing of the binding and it will be done! I've also quilted a large lap for a local charity. Have you ever done one on a longarm that doesn't have enough backing?!? I will NEVER not measure a back again!! (I usually only quilt for myself, so I know the size of my backings---more than needed!!)
But it is done, albeit, creatively at the last edge.

I am seriously considering changing Gertrude's name to Henrietta, which was my previous longarm's name. I keep calling her by it, so might as well make it official. There, I've decided...Henrietta it is!

Next on my list to quilt is a queen size for a dear friend. I've had the thing for awhile (I'm too ashamed to tell you how long--let's just say I need to iron the top and backing before loading!) and she's waited patiently enough! I will post a photo of it on Henrietta--it is gorgeous and she likes feathers, so will use a feather type panto I used for the first time on the charity quilt.

First Finish for 2012

2012-01-06T14:29:00.000-09:00

is the wedding gift. It was done on Wednesday, washed on Thursday and photographed and wrapped today. I am taking Tilde's 12 for 12 challenge and will be a piece of cake if I just quilt a few of my tops--the binding is no problem. I need to prepare backs--that's the problem! For crying out loud, it's only 1 or 2 seams!!! Get with it!

OK, maybe I'll listen to myself......

Quilts finished

2011-12-31T15:24:00.002-09:00

after Christmas gifts were done. The first was made up of extra blocks from Becca's mystery. I added borders and made it into a table topper. The second is using Brenda's pattern "Kisses and Cuddles" and Moda's line of fabric called the General, so, of course, it's name is General Hooker!

Just took a wedding gift off Gertrude and did the machine part of the binding. The wedding is Friday, so should be in good shape. Would have been better if I hadn't had to frog stitch 4 or 5 rows.....but now it's in the last phase...hooray!

Christmas gifts

2011-12-31T10:31:00.001-09:00

Decorating the tree

2011-12-21T14:53:00.001-09:00

The man child and I decorated the tree while DH supervised with his phone---hmmm...is that possible????

Under the wire

2011-12-12T13:59:00.000-09:00

This one was done in the nick of time! I was putting in the last binding stitches, the label and in the washing machine on Friday just before my eldest and his family came down---he will be on the Slope for Christmas, so last weekend was our only time to get together. But I did it!! The grandson's name is Tory and green is his favorite color. Sadly, he didn't come with the family as he had a college final on Monday :(

Culprits Return

2011-12-05T10:45:00.000-09:00

to the scene of the crime. I was rudely interrupted while peacefully blog cruising by lots of banging under my bed room window. There they were--mama and her twins, munching--no tearing at--my poor dead peonies. I have tried to take photos of them thru the window before and I now know better. So I made a mad dash out to the deck and of course Mama wouldn't stay, so she is headless in this photo. Serves her right to have missed her moment of glory!

Encroaching critters

2011-11-27T12:45:00.000-09:00

These tracks were on my deck two feet from my french door this morning. He (or she) had wandered all over and had to climb 3 steps to get there!! Our moose have no fear--we don't have a dog and leave the peony bushes for them to munch. The only time I don't want them around is when I'm trying to get to or from my quilt studio!

Thanks giving was wonderful--DH was home and we spent the evening with my brother and his family.

Almost finished

2011-11-17T22:17:00.000-09:00

The guest bath just needs a medicine cabinet and it's done!!

Wind storm

2011-11-17T10:14:00.000-09:00

results from yesterday. We were without power for about 12 hours and had wind gusts up to 65 mph. This 90 foot spruce bit the snow. More firewood!

Design Wall Monday

2011-11-14T15:09:00.001-09:00

It is now off the wall and loaded on Gertrude. The panto is picked, the thread chosen and the bobbins wound (hopefully enough). So later quilting will begin. This is my first BQ quilt, and I must say it is fast and simple; but what would you expect with 15 inch focal squares!!

I hate winter

2011-11-09T11:44:00.000-09:00

and especially now. As you can see from the photo, the snow came too early. The deck still has furniture on it and my car still has the summer tires on it. DH didn't have time to get ready for it before he had to go to work. The week in Seattle threw everything off and the snow was early and stayed. Oh, well. As long as I stay out of ditches and don't slide into anyone (or an intersection!) I'll be happy!

Back at it

2011-11-04T16:48:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I got this one quilted and today it's trimmed and the binding half done. Tonight I'll put in a "comfort" movie and do my favorite part of a quilt.

Monday

2011-10-31T11:35:00.001-08:00

and I think I'll live. Some guy hacked and coughed right behind me all the way from Seattle, and he won. I've been sick since Tuesday and today I'm finally feeling a little better. needless to say, no quilting has been done:( or housework! I did do some ironing --two shirts, rest 15 minutes, two shirts, rest.....I hate not having any energy! I like feeling good when I do nothing! So I'll try to get my house in a semblance of order today..........

More photos

2011-10-27T09:16:00.000-08:00

Seattle

2011-10-26T14:29:00.002-08:00

was fun as usual. DH got his new eyeball--now before anyone freaks out, he has an ocular prosthesis that he has replaced periodically. So we have a collection of eyeballs!!

There is a store called All Saints downtown that features steam punk clothing and accessories that has an absolutely fabulous display of antique sewing machines. I was in hog heaven!! Look at this---an antique long arm??!! Click on the photo to see this up close! (On the right you can see a couple of the machines in the window) Will post more photos tomorrow

TaDaaa

2011-10-25T11:22:00.001-08:00

Here's what's happening at my house---fun,huh?!? I'm staying as far away as possible, tho sometimes I am required to hand over a tool, or a paper towel! Very different from my dated stenciled strawberries and sliding glass doors--this will look wonderful when finished. Now I'm on the hunt for the perfect shower curtain!

Off again

2011-10-17T09:10:00.000-08:00

Am leaving for the airport in 20 minutes--off to Seattle with DH. Hoping the rain holds off! I'll be back in a week, hopefully with fabulous photos to share.

Glass art

2011-10-09T13:29:00.000-08:00

from found items. A quilting friend and general crafty person made a few of these using various glass objects, and I had to have this GREEN one! Besides a glass vase and glass candle plate, I think part of the top is a headlight, or it might be a light bulb?!? Anyway, I love it!!

UFO done

2011-10-03T14:41:00.001-08:00

This has been languishing in my tops done pile for awhile, so thought I'd try a new panto out on it. So, it is finished--finally!

Retreating

2011-09-24T10:48:00.000-08:00

My quilting group is retreating in Homer--and I'm not there due to a scheduling misunderstanding with my DH. So.....here's what I'm up to by myself. Am planning on getting the blocks, rows and inset edges on this weekend so I can show it off to Barb, the designer and teacher of the class I took for this quilt. (She is at the retreat.)
That said, I'd better fill my water bottle and get out to the studio!

Sunflowers

2011-09-22T18:18:00.000-08:00

Ginger Salmon--YUM!!!

2011-09-17T11:51:00.000-08:00

This is one of DH's recipes for salmon--works great on fresh or frozen fillets. This is using silver--red is best. Right now the last batch of reds are in the brine--they will go in the smoker tomorrow; then this year's smoked salmon will be done--hooray!

Quilt class completion

2011-09-14T09:21:00.002-08:00

I finally broke down and took a Cotton Theory class--the bath mat. No way am I doing a quilt in this method!! (I DO have a longarm!!) But I've wanted to try one, so this tiny project was perfect. (And it only took two classes plus a LOT of time at home to finish) If curious, check it out at the website---very interesting!
By the way, it looks wonky in the photos cuz it's been washed and dried in the machines--after all, it IS for use, not decoration!!

Flamingos

2011-09-05T11:39:00.000-08:00

were carefully transported in my purse. These beauties were spotted by my sister in an antique shop and had to come home with me. They reminded me of knick knacks either my mom or my neighbor had when I was 4 (that fact explains why I can't remember whose they were as I spent a lot of time at Mrs. Maltby's house!!) Does that make me an antique, too?! Don't answer that--I prefer to think of myself as a "collectible"!

Baby quilt finished

2011-09-03T11:38:00.000-08:00

Just put the last stitch in this last night. DH came home from work 2 weeks ago and asked me if I had a baby quilt ready to give away . He wanted one for the grandson of a coworker . I didn't--I know, I should, and I will be working on that!

Also spent a delightful day on Monday with Ron Paul and his wife, Laura Lee Fritz. Ron did some maintainence work on Gertrude while giving me lessons on what he was doing, and Laura lee and I visited while she played in my threads, wrote down thread info for me, and hand stitched on a couple of her creations. She is a quilting design author, so of course I bought her newest book!!

Dinner plate dahlia

2011-09-01T16:41:00.000-08:00

DH just cut this beauty which measures 9 inches in diameter. I floated it in this crystal bowl, which you can't see cuz the flower hogs the whole thing!!

Better late than never

2011-08-24T22:33:00.000-08:00

I've had this photo on my desk top for ages--just forgot to post it here!! This is my new ironing board in the usable position--it goes up flush on the wall, (in case I host square dancing or something similar in my studio!) DH made this to my specs. The blocks on it are the leftovers from Becca's mystery--they got turned into a small Christmas quilt (still in the top stage---a lot of mine are there---must get quilting so I'll have finishes!)

I'm back

2011-08-22T17:31:00.000-08:00

and haven't gotten back into the swing of things yet. Vacationing is hard work!! The house boat on Rainy Lake was fabulous! I got into Fargo after being up for 25 hours. My sister and niece met me and we took my mother to lunch for her 80th birthday. Then drove back to Bemidji, repacked, and drove to International Fall to spend 3 days on the houseboat. So, of course, in the confusion, I forgot to repack my camera!!! Sister dear is gonna send the ones she took. Here is one of some of my family at a bar-b-q Kim had at her house. My sister-in-law and 4 of her kids, my sis and her 3 and me. We also took a couple of road trips and did some antiquing and quilt shop hopping! Will take a photo of the best find later to share.

My bags are packed

2011-08-02T12:29:00.001-08:00

I'm ready to go...well, almost! I will be flying out tomorrow night to be with my twisted sister for 2 weeks. We will be on a houseboat for the first 5 days I'm there, doing nothing but sunning, yakking and eating! YES!!! It is hot out there, complete with sun. I can do sun and hot. Can't really complain tho...we have had some lovely weather, but now it is raining. I will check in while gone, but infrequently.Hope you all have as much fun as I'm planning on!

Productive Day

2011-07-23T19:57:00.001-08:00

Two tops finished and a third needing one more border and then mitered. It's been awhile since I've done that, so will get out a book to review. I've lost interest in the blocks that were up, so they are partially assembled and relegated back to the BOB drawer...oh, well. I never claimed to have a long attention span! (But I DID see 3 or 4 sets of Dear Jane swap blocks that MAY be arranged on the wall, petted and admired and maybe put together?? or maybe returned to the place from whence they came...who knows?!)

Design Wall Monday

2011-07-11T17:25:00.001-08:00

Here's what's on my wall:

It might have gotten sewn together and the CW 9 patch might have gotten its borders, but...... A motorcycle ride was taken to the Princess Lodge in Cooper Landing and deep fried coconut crusted salmon was eaten instead, Oh, well. The quilt blocks won't spoil! These were taken from the BOB drawer (Bag of Blocks). The ones on the right were left over from a quilt I made years ago (recognize the quilty friends fabric, Becca??) and the half square triangles on the left were the scraps from a snow ball quilt that is still a top.

Many threads today

2011-07-07T17:59:00.000-08:00

Yesterday the pieces were cut, strip pieced and cut again. Today they became blocks. Now I will see if any are glaringly in the wrong order ( the photo will show that as will any comments from you!). then hopefully they will be a top tomorrow.

Late Night Visitor

2011-06-29T11:30:00.001-08:00

Last night DH contemplated sleeping in the hammock. Considered mosquitoes and stayed in our bed. Good thing---a large bear wreaked havoc on our bird feeder. He must have had a craving for sunflowers. And he was tall--the feeder was up high on a birch tree. Rats! Now we have to replace the feeder. :(

Did I mention this tree is about 10 feet from the corner of our garage???

Ribbons!!

2011-06-28T12:38:00.001-08:00

Things are back to normal here. The Quilting on the Kenai Quilt Show is over for another year, and for the first time, I got ribbons!! This is a viewers choice show and I placed third in crib quilts (the pastel one I made as a shop sample) and third in the Challenge category. We had to create something using the Hoffman Challenge fabric--half yard max and identifiable minimum. First place was a wall hanging that was fabulous--the quilting on it was spectacular (as expected from Lily), second was a jacket that was juried into a show in the Lower 48 (I didn't hear the particulars as it was announced at the fashion show after I had modeled it and was dashing back down the stairs for a clothing change!), and my wall hanging was third!!

I am very tickled!

DH Recycles!

2011-06-14T19:10:00.002-08:00

When I finally decided to buy an ergonomically correct tilt table for my sewing machine, I was informed that they were no longer available. WAHHHH! So I took my handy-dandy DH into the store to show him what one looked like. (They did have one under a machine but no way were they parting with it!!) And this is what he crafted from a piece of a bookcase he had decapitated to allow our big screen TV to fit on it.

And now he's building me a wide ironing board that will fold down from the wall. WaHoo!!

We have babies!!

2011-06-13T16:14:00.000-08:00

Here is mama sitting on the babies. DH said a few days ago she was stomping them down to sit on them, but they are too big to do that to now!!

Robin eggs

2011-05-31T11:57:00.000-08:00

While mama (or papa) robin did the broken wing act, DH took some photos of the eggs.

Homer happenings

2011-05-30T18:23:00.000-08:00

Just got home from a trip to Homer on the motorcycle. The sun was shining but the wind was cold! At the beach of Kachemak Bay this was going on: Kite surfing!! Brrrrr!

Robin nest

2011-05-30T09:56:00.003-08:00

My DH went outside to clean windows (he's a keeper!) and was going to use this ladder. However, it was already being used!! There are two nests on it!! The other one is to the right of this one with no occupant in it at present. So far I have seen no swallows around the many houses waiting for them to move in to.

Today is Memorial Day in the US, and I am very grateful to every person who put their life at risk for my freedom.

Flowers

2011-05-25T13:00:00.000-08:00

yet to be. This is what my bleeding heart and peony bushes look like today. It is sunny!!! and the wind is blowing as usual. This spring has not been nice, but it's wonderful compared to the midwest.

Design Wall one day late

2011-05-24T19:30:00.000-08:00

Here's what's on the wall. they are almost put together and they will receive no borders. I'm thinking no batting and a flannel back. Since I used a muslin foundation, these puppies are already heavy!

Groan......Sigh!

2011-05-18T10:16:00.000-08:00

That was me after my fabulous session with a new to me massage therapist. DH gave me a blank check for a day spa here in town for Mother's Day, and I took him up on it. My usual therapist quit to become a firefighter/paramedic, so I have been without for too long! Heather is wonderful--she pushed and stretched me till I hurt so good! So today I see my chiropractor, tomorrow the eye Dr., Monday I get my summer color on my hair, Wed. my teeth cleaned. Wow! I will be a new person--wonder if DH will know me?!??

Is this Love, or what?

2011-05-14T18:49:00.000-08:00

While at work today this arrived. DH is on the slope and it's our 28th anniversary---I know, I was 12 when we got married!

Camp quilts

2011-05-05T18:52:00.000-08:00

Here is what I accomplished quilt wise at camp: two tops done and one just needing blocks sewn together and borders, which happened today.

Anniversary Gecko

2011-05-03T19:23:00.000-08:00

Bet that title grabbed your attention!! Becca sent me this fabulous metal gecko and 2 "How to" quilting DVDs for my anniversary--on time (actually early!!) and in THE bag! (We have been recycling the same gift bag for years, and she blew it last year and kept it. I chastised her and she sent it back!!) Isn't he adorable? and the perfect color!! As you can tell, I LOVE him!!

Had an endoscopy this morning to find out why my stomach feels like a soccer ball resides there and I'm always feeling full. (The tiny amounts I was eating did NOT result in weight loss :( oh, well) and discovered a small hiatial hernia (that is misspelled, but I'm too lazy to get out my dictionary!) I slept from noon til 6:00 this evening. Those were some wonderful knockout drugs!

Hopefully tomorrow I will post what I accomplished at quilt camp--and other shannanigans

My stuff is packed....

2011-04-25T19:31:00.000-08:00

I'm ready for camp!! Our church association has a crafters retreat every spring, and this year we prevailed! Tuesday through Saturday morning instead of just the weekend! Yeehaw! (But since I live 3 miles away, I will be going home at night to sleep in my own bed.) DH is coming home Thurs. night, so last minute house cleaning and frig purging was done today. I am looking forward to long hours of quilting, friends, and spiritual renewal.

Another.....Apron!

2011-04-25T10:44:00.000-08:00

Here's the apron I just made for the shop. It is VERY cute on--a fashion statement!

Blocks close up

2011-04-18T13:50:00.000-08:00

Here is a photo of the blocks. Hope you're not bored yet!! I have 16 of the star on the right left to put together, then setting blocks and borders. I'm adding a third border to make it bigger. If you want to see the quilt completed in Brenda's colorway, go to Robin Place Fabrics on my blog list. (There are also some other color choices from the Sat. class)

Mystery blocks

2011-04-16T19:13:00.000-08:00

Here are two of them--the third is in progress. I've picked out fabrics for 2 more already...

I'm SO impatient!!

2011-04-15T20:04:00.000-08:00

These blocks are fabulous!! and of course, my color choices are too!! After tomorrow you may peek. I've been sewing up a storm--only have the last batch of blocks to put together---yeehaw!

Progress

2011-04-14T16:01:00.000-08:00

was made big time on the Princess Mystery--however, no photos until after the second class on Saturday--I'd be dead meat if I "solved" the mystery before its time!! But I will tell you I am gonna make a couple more of this pattern and DH really likes it too!

Design Wall

2011-04-11T18:04:00.001-08:00

looks like this . Another small quilt just needs to be put together, but I've been doing homework for the Princess Mystery, and Brenda gives lots of it so we have blocks after one day of class. So that's a good thing! So I am prepared for class on Wednesday. Just have to pack up and hopefully not forget anything! I have been known to do that, but I'm only 10 minutes away--5 if there's no slow traffic and I hit the lights right!
DH just put his fabulous mac and cheese with sausage casserole in the oven. I know... how do you spell spoiled?!?

Strings are up

2011-04-04T10:15:00.000-08:00

on the design wall. And now they are gonna come back down since I have decided to make many and then see how they will go together. By the way, my design wall is white, not blue!! And I don't like blue, so what color do you see??!!

Sorry...

2011-04-02T20:07:00.000-08:00

I've been dieing to show you the string blocks trimmed and gorgeous, but I MUST get Becca's mystery blocks sewn together and off the design wall---only three more seams to go.........Made 24 8 1/2 " blocks and I hardly used any of the scrap pile! I'll be able to make a zillion quilts from scraps.....who knew?!?

Strings

2011-03-27T21:05:00.000-08:00

are being made into blocks! This is my first attempt to use scraps. I'm a control freak kinda gal. But these are going well; I have Martha, my featherweight, set up in the front room on a card table (DH is at work!!) and stitch a tad in between chores, meals, and sessions at the computer. And it will all disappear into a closet in a heartbeat!

Spring???

2011-03-21T19:15:00.000-08:00

This is as springy as it gets! My DH always makes sure I have flowers when he's home. This is what it looks like outside!

Here you go, Kay

2011-03-18T14:09:00.000-08:00

As per your request, here's a close up of the back ground fabric next to all four of the blocks in Becca's Mystery.
Just finished basting a HUGE Double Wedding Ring on Gertie. It was done in 30's and 40's repro fabric and laid perfectly flat. The owner (a freind) stayed and visited while it was under the needle. Now I think it's time for a snack!!

Old blocks

2011-03-15T17:21:00.000-08:00

were put together so I could use them to try my hand at ruler work on Gertie. She and I decided we like rulers--they are our freinds!(I know, I spell it like Jane Austen--on purpose!)
I am warming up after being outside for a couple of hours splitting wood. If I were actually working, I wouldn't get cold, but I stand in one spot and push the lever, then pull the lever....push, pull, push, pull. I just have to make sure I don't try to split DH's fingers!

Remember Becca's mystery?

2011-03-13T13:03:00.000-08:00

Well, it is ready for sewing together:
The setting blocks really look different at a distance!! Oh, well. It is what it is!!

Princess Mystery

2011-03-12T19:01:00.000-09:00

fabric is purchased except for the inner border. I'm gonna audition fabrics when I get to that point. The dark green is the background. As you can tell, I worked today and spent 2 days wages!! I do love batiks and a large shipment came in this week.....

Things are moving right along

2011-03-09T20:55:00.000-09:00

and here is another lap size quilt done. I also pieced the top of one that will be a Christmas gift and worked on Becca's mystery. It calls for 25 pieced blocks and I'm going to have 36!! 9 of each color. No wonder I can't seem to get it done! (That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it)

Well, it's not gonna get any better

2011-02-26T19:24:00.000-09:00

for awhile, so here's the photo I DO have of the shop sample I finished in january and named Laffy Taffy. (It's my candy of choice this month!)

Baby quilt

2011-02-25T15:35:00.000-09:00

for a boy--my first time using the Yellow Brick Road pattern and .... drum roll, please! Quilted with Chantilly Lace in honor of Becca, since it's her all time favorite panto. :0) Since DH isn't here to hold it, I pinned it to my curtain.... pretty clever, huh?!? (Just had to tell you why it looks friendly--it really does lie flat, not waving!!)

Tonight I'm going to see the play Peter Pan performed by local talent, including a family that attends our church. I'm looking forward to it, but seems strange to be going without Becca.

Also check out Melinda's blog--she's having a giveaway that you will want to enter . (Just don't take my chance!)

Gertie's stylin'

2011-02-17T17:34:00.000-09:00

with new shoes. DH replaced her old wheels with EZ Glides and does she ever slide across the dance floor! Also replaced pinning with leader grips. They make it a snap to load quilts! (Sorry--I couldn't resist!)

Done in time

2011-02-13T21:54:00.000-09:00

for Christmas next year is this tree skirt pieced in November of 2008. Knew I wouldn't have it done in time to use, so stashed it away to do next year. November 2009 came and...whoops! no time to get it done. And guess what?! The same thing happened last year, so I decided NOT to procrastinate again (what a novel idea!) so I am now prepared, 10 months early! Hooray for me! Now I need to find the pattern so I know how much fabric yardage to add to my 100 yard dash from stash total.

Tragedy strikes

2011-02-06T23:00:00.000-09:00

My computer is dead, so I'm using DH's. All my email folders. my address book etc gone. DH had just backed up all my photos on a flash drive and he can read my hard drive , so I will get them all back, just not immediately. Things could be worse!!

2nd quilt done for 2011

2011-02-03T12:19:00.000-09:00

The first one is at the shop, so not photographed to my satisfaction yet! The drunkard's path will NOT be ready, but this baby quilt is. And ahead of schedule! All I know is he will be a boy, so am waiting for labeling purposes. It is the P.S. pattern from Ursula Reikes

Drunkard Path blocks

2011-01-05T14:37:00.000-09:00

are going slow!! I started with this pile and after 3 hours, 30 are done. Only 290 more blocks to go!! However, it is a learning curve and I AM getting faster. I'd better, since my lovely employer would like it hanging in the shop for Open House which is the first Saturday in February. I must mush!

King Crab

2010-12-29T17:38:00.000-09:00

is the best dinner ever; much better than lobster. Look at the size of that claw! Yum!! (DH is exaggerating, but they are tough to pull apart and their nasty pointy things are sharp!)

What's not to like???

2010-12-28T18:06:00.000-09:00

Part of my Christmas present from DH: He's a keeper!

You never know

2010-12-23T15:44:00.000-09:00

what's gonna happen. Yesterday I went to the dentist for a filling and came out with the tooth gone. Hmmm, that's what happens when the option is a root canal or pulled and the tooth that WAS under the bad one is already pulled, so no sense spending a bunch on a tooth that isn't functioning anyway cuz his partner is gone. And no, I'm not opening wide for a photo--it's the very back one on the top left. You'll have to use your imagination!

Finished in December

2010-12-21T16:21:00.000-09:00

Hopefully this one won't be the last--we'll see. DH gave me the fat quarters for this 2 or 3 Christmases ago. It's from a Moda line I liked. And I practiced another edge to edge. This put me over 100 yards from stash. Hooray!

PS. Forgot to say the block is a monkey wrench set on point

It's beginning to look

2010-12-20T15:31:00.000-09:00

alot like Christmas! This flamingo is the ornament my sister in law from Texas sent me for my birthday.
And I finally have a fireplace to hang the stockings. However, if Santa can squeeze down my stovepipe, he'll have a big surprise trying to get out of my fire box!!

Quilty update

2010-11-18T12:59:00.000-09:00

Well, where to start?!? That's the trouble with long pauses between blog entries.... In October I went to the Northwoods Retreat in Homer. Had a blast, did some work (a top, 3 aprons, and lots of arranging and some making of military donation blocks.)
In November, a dear friend came over and showed me how to do an edge to edge the easy way (Becca wasn't here to lead me through the ropes of a new machine!! waaah!). So this one is finished. It was leftovers I cobbled together from an inset circle class with the intention of practice quilting. I am also in the middle of many more, (of course!!)

Deck update

2010-11-18T09:34:00.000-09:00

Oh My Goodness!! Things have changed! But it HAS been over 2 months... Ooops!

On my deck

2010-09-10T20:27:00.001-08:00

are these lovelies.. Summer is finally here!

Gifts

2010-09-06T20:42:00.000-08:00

from Becca!! Photos as promised.... She made these awesome necklaces with her own two little hands, and they are superb!! (and green!!) She also sent me a very modern tray and votive cup centerpiece. I need to get some candles for them as our days are getting shorter :( and it is time to break out the light. Thank you so much Becca--I LOVE them! ( By the way, saw Jer at Mykles last Tuesday night.)

Another job

2010-08-31T16:53:00.000-08:00

associated with Lith. If we had to do this by hand, we might get more exercise, but this log splitter is the only way to go!! 2 weeks worth of wood in 20 minutes....and all i had to do is operate the lever! Well, then there IS bending over, picking up, bending over, stacking, bending over, taking into the house, bending over.....

Lith

2010-08-29T21:43:00.000-08:00

is what I named our new soapstone wood stove. When he is used this winter, I will only have to burn 2 loads a day and the whole house will be heated. We still have to finish the tile around him. Ain't he a big boy?!? And the lizard (AKA moi) can snuggle up to him on the bench and warm my bones!!

And I received a wonderful package from Becca--but that's for another posting after pics are taken. She absolutely blew me away with the gifts she made!! They are beyond fabulous!!

I'm a slug

2010-07-19T21:01:00.000-08:00

and I have no valid excuse. I think I have the lazies. all I do is lounge around unless I'm at work or church. I have no ooomph.
So I will show you the fabric tulip I painted in a class last month--I cannot take credit for the drawing of it--Trish Stuart whipped it out in less than 10 minutes; in fact, I believe it was closer to 5!!
Hopefully I will find some ambition this week.

Cold summer plants

2010-07-02T11:27:00.000-08:00

My lilac bushes have never looked so good! They must like to be shivering! The peonies always do well since they are snuggled up against the house on the south side. (also this is the first year for the dark one and she was ready to bloom when planted!!) the light one is absolutely loaded with LARGE buds.

Fabulous ink class

2010-06-27T22:47:00.000-08:00

I attended a great class taught by Trish Stuart today. She will be teaching 4 more classes, as our Quilting on the Kenai featured artist and teacher. She is the nicest lady---a lot of fun and my kind of gal! I didn't get a photo of any of my attempts (After I get them closer to a finish--and much more practice!! you MAY see them). Here are just a couple: There were 21 ladies in the class, and as you can tell, there were a few artists in the group!
I'll tell you about the Art to Wear Fashion Show at a later date. I'm hoping to snag a photo from someone that was there as a spectator. I was one of the many models and have to say, one of my outfits was......well, you'll have to wait!!!

Gertie's Playground

2010-06-20T19:36:00.001-08:00

Well, it's not done, but it is what it is!! The space in front of her that is now housing a table and my ironing board will be my scrap booking counter eventually. I think the rest will work as is, if not, it can be rearranged except Gertie is in the only space that she will fit!

Gifts part II

2010-06-20T15:33:00.000-08:00

I have been sloughing off on the blog updates. Mea culpa! Here are the photos promised eons ago. Fabulous souvenirs, huh?!? My sister loves me. The gown feels wonderful, as only silk can, and it's cut on the bias, so just flows . The pearls are drop dead gorgeous. I admit it, she spoiled me!

Gifts galore!

2010-06-08T20:45:00.000-08:00

I have been blessed with goodies in the mail! From my SIL (the one we saw in Houston in
April) I received these cute Flamingo corn stickers--but as she suggested, I am gonna put them in my plants so I can enjoy them.
And from my sister, I received this VERY CUTE bag and souvenirs from China, which will be shown in another post. (They are very awesome!) So I scored big time . I'm smiling.

Oh! For crying out loud!!

2010-06-07T23:41:00.000-08:00

It's June 7th!! Already! I have been busy setting Gertie up ( or rather DH has!) and working 3 days a week to get ready for the Quilting on the Kenai Quilt Show. Also found a home for Henrietta--she now lives with the nice ladies from Kenai Piecemakers who make charity quilts.
Photos of my rearranged studio will happen once I get it organized and clean. Gertie is a much bigger girl then Henrietta--the 2 feet in length is nothing compared to her extra large girth!!!

Baby quilt #4 is done

2010-05-25T10:45:00.000-08:00

Well, it's done and ready for the washing machine, anyway! This baby quilt finishes at 54 inches square.

Does this Look like Spring???

2010-05-21T19:44:00.000-08:00

We went to Anchorage on Wed. This is what it looked like in Thompson Pass. Gives you warm fuzzies, right?? NOT!!! I'm not real pleased with our weather--I hate global warming! and then Becca rubs it in--and my sister tells me it's in the high 80's in Minnesota....arggghhhh!
I've been working at my paying job so will hopefully post the finish of another baby quilt early next week. We are having a sale at the shop while Pat is at Quilt Market in Minneapolis, so my stash increased--a bunch---but most of it is earmarked for projects, which is a good thing...I think!

Meet Gertrude

2010-05-17T21:11:00.000-08:00

Today a friend and I made a road trip to Wasilla to meet Gert. And she now belongs to me!!! DH and I will go up to get her on his vacation--we will need to rent a trailer with a 14 foot bed. She also has a 30 inch throat. She's a big girl and sweet as can be. I can hardly wait!!

Another finish

2010-05-12T22:44:00.000-08:00

This baby quilt was pieced at the retreat. The next is now in the hand binding stage and the third is still in its plastic baggy.

I still can't wear a shoe--this is getting very old! How did you stand it, Jan?!?

DH is going back to the Slope a day later than normal (Dr. appt) so we are going out to dinner tomorrow night to celebrate our anniversary. 27 years!!! Where does the time go???

Crafter's retreat

2010-05-02T21:33:00.000-08:00

was this weekend at camp. I was terribly organized. I took my machine and paraphernalia, 3 baby quilts cut and kitted, and one to bind. I got 2 of the three ready to quilt, and just finished the binding on the pansy quilt.

What goes bump in the morning?

2010-04-25T21:16:00.000-08:00

As I was getting ready for church this morning I heard something bump against my bedroom wall. Looking out the window I was eyeball to eyeball with a yearling bull moose. (I could tell he was a he by his antler bumps!) I grabbed the camera and stepped out onto the deck. Of course that spooked him, and Mama and sibling joined in the mass exodus! " Which way should we go?? She's pointing a camera at us!!!"

I'm Back

2010-04-25T16:51:00.000-08:00

Just a quick note before church. Texas was warmer than here--but breezy on the gulf, and of course, i packed for WARM!! But we had a good time and enjoyed ourselves! This is a photo of where we stayed in Kemah.
The second day there we did the amusement park--the Bullet (wooden roller coaster) was awesome--rode it many times! On one of the treks up to it, DH stepped on my bare flip flop shod foot. He stopped to turn to me and I kept going. It still hasn't healed enough for me to wear a shoe ( my baby toe was scalped and the next one is sporting a black and blue spot where it attaches to my foot). So the 5 pair of shoes I hauled down there with me stayed in the closet while I wore the clod hopper flip flops everywhere!! So the evening out outfits weren't worn either--are you feeling sorry for me yet?!? Then on the morning we were leaving (4:00 AM) He did the exact same thing on the exact same place!!! Now, may I have cheese with my whine? So here in the snow covered land called home, my feet are exposed!
More adventurous tales will follow!

And she's off!

2010-04-12T11:29:00.000-08:00

No, not off my rocker...well, no more than usual! DH and I are headed to Houston tomorrow--a combination visit and business. DH's sister lives in Houston and his company is sending him down to tour a plant they do business with, so we are going a week early to see Lynn. I am hoping for nice weather, but as DH say's "Even the rain is warm in Texas during the spring". (It is NEVER warm here--not even in summer!!!). So I'm taking my lily white body and hoping to catch a few rays!! I keep telling myself white is healthy even tho it looks like death!! I'd rather be tan!! One good thing is that I do tan quickly and if sensible, don't burn.

So I will be gone for awhile--unless I snitch DH's notebook when he's not looking!