Scraps and more Scraps!

Today was a good day! I cleaned house and then went downstairs to work on my sewing room.

I decided I needed to keep moving with the scraps. So, I pulled out more fat quarters, half yards, and "cut up" scraps. The pieces of scraps were cut into squares, which is what I have been doing lately.

Ended up cutting all these squares. I've been getting more and more bigger pieces which is nice to have. I have been adding these to the boxes I bought a while back and they are growing fast!

This is one of the bigger pieces of squares (in the box). I'm happy lately to be able to get rid of some of those small pieces that I just don't know what to do. I did cut a couple of my scraps into strips. I didn't get a lot of strips but I decided that I'm going to start cutting more bigger pieces into strips. That should work. I don't do much with strips, but it will help.

I used all my boards for the fabric pieces, so I need to order more. I also need to order straight pins, so will check the internet for what is the cheapest. I like it when it is "free shipping."

I moved my supplies out of the top shelf and put them on the first shelf. Then I took the boards I rolled with the fabric on, and placed them on the second shelf. I was able to get all of the fabric boards in there. I also worked on the fabrics in the "color order."  It looks good, so I guess I'm doing okay with the placement of colors. Patrick told me it's not in the color wheel order, but then it really doesn't have to be. I agree, I'm not that organized and I really don't care, as long as I can see what I have. I'm wondering what I'm going to do when this gets to the point where I can't add any more to the shelf. I may have to put them in the shorter and smaller shelves in the cabinet. We'll see what happens when I get to that point. I do have a lot of solid fabrics that are pieces. I haven't decided what I want to do with them. I'll keep thinking about this.

I have pulled out my Hawaiian quilt again, and quilted on it last night. Charlie was sleeping near Patrick, so I was able to get a lot more done.

I'm having to do exercises now for my back. I'm going to physical therapy now that started yesterday. I go again tomorrow. Time will tell if that will solve the problems I'm having.

I ordered 3 wool batting's from Connectingthreads.com and very pleased with my purchase. If you are looking for good deals, they do have them. I got the wool batting on sale, but I had to pay taxes for being in WA state. ugh. Anyway, I didn't have to pay for shipping, as I ordered 3 for the price they had. Mom bought 1 and I got the other two.

With one of those  bats I'm going to baste this quilt next month. I'm going to have it ready to quilt once I finish the Hawaiian quilt. This quilt is the one Patrick liked, but I liked the blue on that I made better. lol - Will do that after this. I was thinking today about sitting downstairs and work on getting that butterfly quilt done as well. I keep thinking about it, but since I had scraps to get organized, I wasn't in the mood to do quilting down there today. I will work on it now, till I get more boards for the fabrics.

While I baste that quilt, I will work on a small quilt to machine quilt. I need to get that done one the machine, because it was done with fusible fabrics on the fabrics. It's just way to hard to quilt in those areas, so if I quilt it on the machine it won't be so bad. I have ideas of what I want, but have been known not to do what I seen my mind. We will see how it goes in March when I do it.

So as you can see, I'm still Happy Quilting!

And Then There Was One!

The last two days I'm happy to report, I've been busy with quilt blocks.

Even when I've had my lap full! lol

Before I finished block #34, I decided to do some embroidery work. I figure it would be more relaxing for me since I was getting tired of #35's block. This block didn't come out as I would have liked, but being small pieces, it wasn't as easy as I thought it would be. The best part about doing this quilt, is that I've learned a few things and I can do smaller pieces then I ever could before.

I finished this block today while watching "Arial America" and found that it was going okay. Better than I thought it would, but not happy with the flower. Maybe when the embroidery is done on this, it will take away from the "mistakes.

I worked on the embroidery for this block, and shocked myself by finding a mistake. I would have taken it out and done it again, but realized the embroidery covers it up a little. If you really look hard you will see what I'm talking about.

This quilt top has been long in coming. I am not happy with my work, but then most quilters are never happy with what they do. I learned a lot from this quilt, that can go on to other applique quilts in the future.

Yesterday, we took a drive down to Kelso WA. That place is really nice. I love their housing areas. There is a really pretty park there as well. My hubby and I were talking about how easy it is now to let things go. We don't worry as much about our two (grown) children. The can make their own decisions and will learn from their mistakes. Yes, we all would love to tell our kids what they are doing wrong, but there comes a time when you just have to let them go. I just hope in the future my kids will come back and see me from time to time to say hi, or just stop by. I remember when we were their age, I don't remember calling home or going home often. Started doing that later when we were in our 30's. As long they they are talking to each other and getting along, I couldn't ask for more.

We're bowling tonight. It will be the first time for me in over a week. I'm hoping I can "do good." lol

I've been thinking about getting fabric from Craftsy.com (see ad), as I hear they have a sale and good fabrics. They seem to be out there quiet a bit. I do know they have yarn, and I'm planning on getting some yarn from them as well. I need to do another baby gift. Seems lately too many friends or family friends are having kids. So, I've got to get moving and work on those as well.

So, I'm keeping busy with my blocks, and will pull the quilt out this week to get back to working on it. I'm hoping to get a lot more done and still be Happy Quilting.

And Then There Was 2!

Thursday was a day of doing NOTHING! Actually I did, but I was doing laundry and cleaning up a little, since I hadn't been feeling good for the past week. I seriously need to mop the kitchen floor and then I'll feel better!

Yesterday, was a better day. Actually, I'm pretty happy with myself, since I've been spending less time on the computer and more time working on my projects or cleaning house.

Miss Charlie kept me company the whole week. Let me tell you, she can really get hot and pass it on to me! I couldn't tell if my temperature was up, my hot flashes going, or if it was just her!!

I finished the applique of block #34, and started work on #35. I thought this one was quick and easy. I'll have to mark the block for the embroidery, which I'm starting to look forward to. One of these blocks has more embroidery then any of the others. Should be fun. I found marking my lines with basting was very helpful. White thread made it that much more helpful too.

AND THEN THERE WERE 2! - down to my last 2 blocks of Affairs of the Heart!!

This is block #35, and I'm about half way. I took the petals out at least 3 times. It wasn't as easy as it looked. So, I decided to quit using my template for placement and decided to use my own eyes to place them. That way I can control the pieces going in the right spot. It doesn't look like a hard pattern, but when you start placing them and lining them up, it is a little harder than it looks. If all goes well, I should have this block done by the weekend.

Patrick is wanting to go out, and after a week of sitting here, I am to that point as well. So, I'm thinking today we will be going out, either to a movie and then dinner or doing something other than going to the casino. Patrick has finally gotten to the point of not "wasting" money at the casino.

Talked to Katt this week and she told me she would like a black and white quilt. I told her about the Nine Patch that is called something like "Half Nine Patch" but not sure. Any way, I just need to look for black and white prints and white on white prints that I can use as "scraps." Should be fun. That I can do as time allows and when I feel like using the sewing machine. If I get enough, I could do it at the Retreat in May. Time will tell. CRAP, ANOTHER PROJECT!!

Too many ideas, and too little time to get them done! Tick-Tack, time is going by fast.

I did pull out some genealogy the last few days. I've added a few more names to my family tree. I've also found some things I should have found 20 years go, but missed.

So, while I'm playing on the computer, working on genealogy, or just sitting here enjoying my applique/quilting, I hope you will be Happy Quilting too!

Not the Best Day in 2014!

My evening last night was cutting all those pieces that go to the blocks I wanted to have prepared. We watched the Olympics while I cut out the pieces. I bagged the pieces with each of the blocks, and have them ready to work on.

Just before cutting the pieces of fabrics, I thought I would look on my computer for "Quilter's Blogs" and "Quilt Blogs." I was amazed at how many of them there are BUT most of them are more for selling fabrics, or advertising. I'm looking for blogs that are "readable" and enjoyable. I want to read about other quilters. I do miss those old chat sites where you can log in and chat with other quilters. I was a member of those chat sites years ago, and when life took over, I quit going into them. When I was able to get back into quilting, I couldn't find those websites again. Guess that's why I like the "Just US Quilters" on Facebook. It's a group of women and men that quilt, share ideas, and talk about what they are doing.

So, if you see a GOOD Quilter's Blog, that is fun to read and check out, let me know. I don't want to visit blogs that sell fabrics, patterns, or kits. I'm looking for a blog similar to this blog, telling views what fun they had that day OR even how bad the day is. Those are what I consider "personal" and fun blogs.

Last night I couldn't sleep again. So, at 2 am I was up appliqueing on block #34 of "The Affairs of the Heart" block.

This is what I did last night and at 2 am this morning. I was surprised at how quickly this block is going.

I moved to the couch so Patrick could get some sleep, since I couldn't. By the time I fell asleep, he was getting up. So, I headed back to my bed, got an hour of sleep before waking up and coughing again. Called the doctors office and found I had to go to Urgent Care because my doctor couldn't get me in till Tuesday next week. Headed to the Urgent Care, and sat for over 1 1/2 hours to be seen. When I got in there (finally), I was told I have an ear infection and a sinus infection. Three prescriptions latter, I made it back home by 1 pm.

Called my folks to tell them what was up, and found out my mother is in the Emergency Room with stomach pains. They are doing a lot of tests on her and dad said she's in great spirits. Just in pain. She couldn't sleep last night either. So, now I'm waiting to see what the test results are for her. What a wonderful day!! ugh

This is what I got done while waiting to be seen in the doctors office. Not bad.

Now for Sharon's block that I didn't get a good picture of.

While I'm taking the rest of the day off, and waiting on mom, I'm hoping to be feeling better soon.

I wish you all a great day and hope your Happy Quilting!

Preparing for the last 3 blocks

Today isn't one of my best days with this cold/sinus infection. I didn't get much sleep and I've been coughing way too much today.

Yet, that didn't stop me from working on stuff I needed to get done.

Last night while watching the Olympics, I finished this block. I still need to do the embroidery. Once I had this done, I realized my last three blocks were not ready to work on. So, I pulled the butterfly quilt top out that I started for Katt about 20 years ago. - And yes, she's still wanting on that quilt! One of these days.

I finished one butterfly and started this one. The dark green fabric is the body of the butterfly. I have finished 3 butterflies since I pulled this box out from hiding.

While I was looking for my last 3 blocks, of the Affair of the Heart, I pulled out all this fabric from my "in progress" bag. These are fabrics I don't need anymore, so I rolled some of them up on the boards, and cut a couple others up into squares.

I rolled these up and added them to my "stash."

As I told you before, this is the shelf I was pulling all my scraps out of. I put all the boards I've rolled in here for now. I will be changing things up again! As you can see, my shelf underneath is another shelf of fat quarter fabrics! That will be next!! - Now you can see why it's taking me a while to do all this "organizing."

This is the area that I plan to move the fabric boards to. I will get there. I'm not quite there yet. - If you haven't figured me out yet, you will. lol

Now, back to what I was doing today - not only did I do some of the fabrics, I pulled out the freezer paper for the last 3 blocks. I pulled out the zip log bags with the fabrics and block numbers that are left to do. My last 3 blocks are #34. 35. and 36.

Block #34's colors.

Block #35's colors. As you can see, I like use very little fabric. Plus this gives me extra in case I cut the fabric I'm working on and need to replace what I did.

Block #36 was not as easy as it looked. I didn't like some of the fabrics that they had in the BOM kit.

I went through my other block bags looking for other colors that I wanted to replace. I still didn't care some of the colors, but with this set of blocks, when they are all put together, it won't look that bad. So, I replaced a few of the colors.

So, tonight I will be cutting out the pieces for the blocks and get started on applique. I'm looking forward to getting these blocks done. ---As YES, getting my Hawaiian quilt done too!

My list is getting shorter - at least I'm hoping it is - and I can get started on the other 2 quilt tops I really want to do. I at least finished the Mystery Quilt, but then that shouldn't count since I started it before those other 15 (and counting) projects I have downstairs. The quilt will be one finished, and I need one more thing finished before I can even THINK of doing one more project. I'm still staying with my goal - FINISH 2 UFO'S before I start another project. I was ahead of myself till we had our retreat - there I gained 2 UFO - but thankfully I did finish one in November or there a bouts. But this is a new YEAR! So, I started one and finished one - guess I'm not gaining any ground yet! ugh

Let's hope this year I can get this quilt top done, and move on to the next UFO. I've even been thinking about doing the "guilt wall" quilt again and get it done. Trouble is there are 2 of those! All the same quilt blocks too.

IF all goes well, I'm hoping to be Happy Quilting!!

One Friendship block down, one more to go!

Still feeling under the weather, but was able to get some stuff done. Not near as much as I would have liked, but I have been working on a few blocks till I feel a little better.

I was able to finish Sharon's block. I am happy with this one. It turned out a lot better than I expected. I took this photo from my phone, so I will post a better photo later. It took me a little longer than I thought it would. I was being more "picky" about the leaves. I ended up taking out as much as I put in I think. The first ripping job was on the stems. Then I ended out taking out one of the flowers and putting it back on. Next was the first 3 leaves. They were way too skinny and they were "lumpy." So, it was like practicing doing leaves all over again! The final ripping job was one of the "buttons" because it wasn't round and it didn't look the same size as the other one. So, this block wasn't the easiest for me, but that was more my fault then the design.

Since the friendship block took a couple afternoons, it took me a little longer  to be able to work on my "Affairs of the Heart" quilt block #33. This is not my design, it's just my block. It's a book you can get at any book store, by Aie Rossman. Here's a link to Amazon - Affairs of the Heart book

I'm getting closer to getting this done. I need to do the embroidery work on this block as well as the last 2 I worked on.

I didn't go bowling last night because I didn't feel right in having the people around me get whatever it is I have. I really think it's my sinus' but really don't like taking chances with friends and family.

We watched the Olympics ever since it started. Just wish they showed it more often then they do around here. I have really been enjoying the different sports. Yesterday, we watched "My Girl Friday" with Cary Grant. That was a good movie! It's fast and quick but it's funny at times as well. If they did that movie today, it would be a little slower, and drawn out, but I like the way it was done back then. But then I love older movies! A heck of a lot better then they are today.

Today will be spent with my folks, playing games. Not sure I'll be doing much with my projects. Time will tell. I'm hoping this cold or sinus infection will go away and I can be back to being Happy Quilting!

Friendship Blocks - again.

Thursday was our group meeting. I only went for about an hour and a half. Wasn't feeling up to staying, though I would have loved to.

I signed up for the Retreat that Quilter's Junction is putting on in May. I'm really looking forward to that, just need to figure out what I want to take to work on while there.

As you know, this was Sharon's block I was having trouble with. I just could not get myself to figure out the colors that were needed for this. I actually took all these pieces (except the red) out. I didn't like the way it was coming out. So, I tried another color, and took that out as well. The stems where giving me a problem! I couldn't believe how hard one block was causing me when it came to colors!

I finally decided on this step color! It's a yellow-green and not a blue green or green green. Tn went through the shop at Quilter's Junction to find the colors that would go with the stem.

All but the last one I bought at the quilt shop that will go with the block. I went through moms fat quarters and found the last print in there. These will be my leaves, and the red is the bigger part of the flower (see photo above).

This is the pattern of the block I'm doing for Sharon. She didn't want bright colors, and for some reason, that was hard for me. I have to have some "bright" color in my work. So, it's true that one learns from doing friendship blocks, because you end up working with colors you may not like. I'm not crazy about these colors, but they are growing on me.

I was able to get the flowers done at mom's group on Friday. So, I'm going to spend part of today and work on the friendship block.

We all received a "Celtic" pattern for our block for Deanna B. She thinks this will be easy for all of us, but we've been telling her it's not as easy as she thinks. Time will tell. There were some hard patterns she was giving out. I got a medium one to work on.

So, I'm going to take today and try to get a couple blocks done, one friendship and one of the Affairs of the Heart blocks.

I need to add the hearts to this one and then I can move on to block #34. I'm hoping the last ones are a little easier. I haven't been too thrilled with my work on these.

So, I'm going to close this, get back to the blocks, and try to get another hour in on the Hawaiian quilt. I have about 1 1/2 sides done with the first set of hand quilting. I'm hoping to get more done this week, as there is very little I need to do or places to go.

May you all be Happy Quilting!

Scraps and more scraps!

Since Sunday, I have been working on my scraps, every chance I get.

I've pulled out the scraps (again) and started rolling or cutting the fabrics that I have. I've also been trying to get Sharon's block done. For the first time in years, I have been having one heck of a time figuring out the fabrics for her block! I wouldn't have thought it would be so hard, but I have put the stem in 3 times!! I sewed the first one down. Then took it out! Rip, by rip, by rip.

This was my first "idea" that I hated. So, it came out. I left the red bud, and 3 of those 5 leaves. Now I'm going to take out a couple more leaves, because they don't go with the one I decided on. She wanted civil war/1930's type fabrics. I have a hard time with that. I'm not a small print person, and 1970's fabric can work too. I'm just not too thrilled working on this one. She didn't want bright fabrics, and that is more my style.

On Tuesday I was able to get this much done on rolling fabrics, and cutting blocks. The fabric in front is my 6 1/2" squares. I'm now in the area that has big pieces of fabric that can't be rolled but can be cut into bigger squares. So, the good news is that I'm able to get more larger size squares cut up. Amazing at how much fabric I can cut up instead of waiting to roll.

As you can see, I have larger cuts of squares.

My boxes are getting more squares in them, and I've even added some of the bigger squares into the boxes. I'm going to need to figure out what to do with all these squares, but that's fun for another time. Right now it's just getting organized that counts. I'm not even done with the first shelve and have two more to go after this one. I'm going to have to order more boards, and I'm okay with that. I'm going to clear out the larger shelves in my cabinets, so that I can put the boards in there. That way I won't have to double them up in the smaller shelves. But then, if I need to double up the boards with fabrics, I will.

I found myself questioning which fabrics to cut up, then realized, if I put them into squares of the different sizes, I can pull out the fabric piece I need to do the applique work. I actually did that with the greens for Sharon's block. I pulled out a couple of the 3" squares and was able to get more than one done.

At night, (when we don't have to go bowling), I quilt on the Hawaiian quilt. I have been getting more done on it.

I'm getting around it pretty good.

Once I get around the border, I can start binding it on the next pass. One of my problems with quilting on my lap is my Charlie.

I have the foot rest up when I'm quilting, and she loves to sit in my lap!

And there are times I have a little "baby" in my lap that doesn't want to move! She had her paw up on my shoulder, but since I did a "self photo" I had to move her arm.

When time allows, I do go and get my scraps organized. One of these days, I will get it done, but at times it gets overwhelming. I can do about 2 hours of work down there, then I have to call it quits. I'm not patient with cutting and sewing, so after awhile when it gets to the point I want to quit, I do. Don't want to get to the point that I won't go down again. I need to do this and it's so much fun to see what fabrics I forgot I had. There are fabrics I found that I just have a hard time to cut up, but I'm to the point that I need to do this to get it where I need to be.

Don't miss out on my photo's of the snow that was here on Sunday, I have a "double" post today.

Hope you enjoy the "view" and will be Happy Quilting!

Sunday, February 11, 2014 - There was Snow, And Than None

I'm posting twice today - this is what I woke up to on Sunday. SNOW and then more snow.

This is the photo I took the night before.

This was also the night before.

First thing in the morning.

This was Charlies feet and the only ones i found. lol

This is the way she came over to the deck. Looks as if she couldn't stand to step in the snow.

Interesting tracks in the snow - in my front yard.

Not sure what did this. Might be the snow starting to melt.

My tree photos.

Can see the sidewalk.

Looking at Patrick's garden.

Can still see green.

Our hose. lol

This is the back yard.

So, these are the photo's I took on Sunday just before the snow melted. It was so much fun going out in the yard and seeing what all was "fresh." Washington during the one and only snow that we have had all winter.

This is one of two postings I'm doing today. I just had to show you what a wonderful Sunday morning was like. The best part is the snow melted by Monday and work was back on schedule with little worries to the weather.