Happy Halloween!

It was a pretty good day today. I went over to mom's since my physical therapy is only a 5 min walk from their house. (If that)

I brought my quilt so she could help me get a few more blocks done.

We laid the quilt out on her floor. This is the area that I have been working on, with the blocks and sashing.

This is another area (on the opposite side) where we had 5 blocks done. I have some sashing done here, but need to do more.

Mom finished one block and I was able to get another one done. I actually worked on one block last night, went to bed, and then at 2:30 this morning I got up and worked on the quilt for another hour and a half.

I enjoyed going over to the folks today. Dad had carved this pumpkin. I remember when we were kids and he would come up with some really cute or ugly pumpkins. He always liked carving the pumpkins and we would be right there with him. We even decorated our pumpkins to see who had the better one. We didn't do that this year, we hardly have any trick or treaters. I do miss it when we were younger.

I'll have the candy ready while I'm Happy Quilting!

Had a Great Time

Yesterday when I posted I was so tired, I didn't really write about all the fun and what we did. So, I'm going to get caught up on the workshop/class.

Mary Arnold is a excellent teacher. She had 5 of us in her class, and she took all the time she needed to make sure we all understood and could do what she was teaching. Each step was checked, and each step was demo'd so we could see what she was talking about. Even though I'm left handed, she was great in teaching a way I could understand and work with. Plus it did help that I know applique.

The first thing we did was a flower doe with freezer paper. She explained three different ways one could do freezer paper. One was doing it on the top of the fabric. This one was done with ironing on the back of the fabric. She taught how to get the freezer paper out of the back - again, three different ways of doing that.

This one was "needle turn" applique - which I do. She does the finger pressing over needle turn. It works both was and is very easy to do. Some who have a hard time with needle turn would love her technique. I will probably do both the finger press and needle turn when I need to.

This one is the " --- perse" (can't remember how to say it, let alone the name. I could look in my folder, but one gets the idea. This is where one takes the fabric (with a big print) and cut it so one can applique it to a background. This was a fabric that had apples on it. I cut seam allowance around the apple and appliqued it to the fabric. It turned out awesome, and I believe I was the only one that got this one done.

Then we learned the "perfect circles." As you can see there is a template at the bottom, of a circle. We used those to make a circle. I need to work more on this. Mine still have the points at times, so I need to baste it a little smaller.

The last step we did was learning reverse applique. The yellow center was the reverse applique. Then we were told to add the stem that we did earlier in the lessons. She showed how to make the bias tape stems. We learned how to sew it on this block.

So, that was what we learned in class. Today was another one of those days. I went and met a friend for lunch and then came home to quilt. Patrick came home feeling like I did yesterday - spent and tired. So, he slept for about 3 hours while I did both the computer and quilting. Called and chatted with mom. We are going to quilt together tomorrow on the quilt. It's coming along nicely, but not sure how many photos I need to post, when they all seem to be about the same. Around here, it's Happy Quilting!

Class and Bowling

A busy day! Spent all day at the applique workshop class. Mary Arnold taught the class. Check out her website. She's awesome and I did learn a couple "tricks of the trade" that I didn't know. So, all in all the class was worth it.

I have samples that I will try and list tomorrow. This block is the one I take with me while going to appointments. I've gotten more done then this. It's coming along great.

I liked the class today because we did all the different kinds of applique. She taught how to get points flatter. There were 5 of us in the class. It worked out great. The best part was we all picked up on the applique at the same speed, so the class went along quick and easy. We did the reverse applique, and taking fabric prints and appliqueing them on. I finished my apple. It turned out great.

Bowling was tonight as well, so I didn't make it with quilting on the quilt. I bowled a 202 and then turned around and got a 135! I couldn't believe it! Drives me nuts when I do that!

Tomorrow is a day of quiet and the meeting a friend for lunch. I'm PLANNING on being Happy Quilting!

Quilting Day

Today started out being behind. Once I got to the quilt group at the Museum, I was able to get back on time. I did get half a block quilted while at the meeting. I also worked on it for a short time when I got home. Patrick came home shortly there after. He had a meeting to go to in the evening.

Decided to take a photo of the back of the quilt. I didn't have anywhere to place it other than the floor.

It's looking pretty good, I must admit. I just need it to look more "ironed" then it does. lol

This is where I ended up today. Getting closer to getting this block done.

Each step is a big step, just not sure it's be enough to get me finished by the first part of December. I start freaking out with time. I need to calm down and see what I can get done. If I keep this up, I will probably fall behind. Need to just keep going.

Tomorrow isn't going to be as easy, and I may not be able to quilt for 2 hours. Tomorrow I am taking the applique class. That is going to take all day, then I'm bowling tomorrow night. Ugh, I NEED to quilt!!

My days get changed from what I would love to have them be. I can't seem to be so lucky to have lots of time to myself. lol Laundry and everyday stuff come up too much and too often. Lucky me! lol

Wishing tomorrow was a day to be Happy Quilting.

Need to Visit

I seriously need to visit the blogs I like to read. I haven't been checking out the blogs because I've just been trying to get comfortable with my schedules.

Today was back to the physical therapist for my shoulder. Kills me how I can get busy on other stuff. I've learned a long time ago, DON'T PLAN ANYTHING I want to do! I came home today and worked on the quilt.

I'm on the last corner of the 6 blocks that I had already quilted. So, I can say, it's moving along nicely.

Once I get this part done, then I can move on to the other blocks and start counting blocks again.

I did work on the puzzle today in between getting ready to leave and cook for supper.

While I was cooking, I was able to finish this! I like it. I had fun working on a puzzle.

It's been a long time since I did any puzzle. Used to do them with my kids. I do miss that. Patrick wouldn't help me, so it takes longer when it's just me.

I did take my block with me while I waited for my appointment. I didn't take a photo of it, but will do that later this week. I was surprised at how well I was working on it. I'm excited about learning P3 Designs method. I've got the stuff, just need to get ready to do it. I will try it with the Baltimore Liberty blocks I'm working on. I seriously need to work on the baskets and other blocks first, so I'm getting there. Quilting is tomorrow, and I'm hoping to get a lot more quilting done at the meeting. At least the floors aren't so dirty there. At the quilt show, I won't take the quilt to quilt.

The weather calls for more rain. So, the whole week is going to be wet. I just wish I was staying home all week. I have quilting tomorrow, class on Wednesday (for applique), lunch with a friend on Thursday, and physical therapy on Friday. Can't win.

As for the class I'm taking on Wednesday - it's a Mary Arnold class and she's teaching all the different ways to do applique. I figure you can never take too many classes. I believe, if I come out of that class learning one thing, then it was worth it. I'm looking forward to taking the class. I've only taken applique classes from Patricia Margaret (Pullman, WA), Nancy Chong, and my mother, Shirley Taylor. I can always learn more.

This week is going to be wet and cold, and I'm going to be Happy Quilting!

Time Going Fast

I realized I was started just about every blog with "Today." As if one wouldn't know it was today. lol

My morning started out doing genealogy on my Taylor family. My wonderful daughter-in-law found more information on my great great grandfather and grandmother that I have been trying to find for over 30 years. She found the book of Clinton County, NY that states my grandfather was the first school teacher of Peru, NY. He taught school! That did surprise me. I also got a phone call from my great great grandmother's side of the family - Shephard. He has information and wants to exchange information with me. So, I'm sending the information on them to him and he's sending me information on her side. Wish I had photos of that side of the family. Most of my photos are on my mother's side. We found that my grandmother lost two brothers in the Civil War.

Okay, enough of genealogy. Back to quilting. I have been getting the sashing done, and have 2 more to do that will finish of the 6 blocks I had quilted. Then I can start working on both the blocks and the sashing at the same time.

It's getting closer to having 6 of the 30 blocks done. The other 5 blocks need the sashing done. I do have 3 sashings done on those blocks, so it's coming along pretty good. I'm going to need to go to moms here pretty soon to get her to help me. This week is a busy week, with a couple hours of my day being away from the house. So, I'm going to have to get moving on quilting every chance I get.

We went bowling tonight, and I bowled better than I have been bowling. At least my average is going up 1 point. I really need it to go up at least 10 pts.

As the week goes, and being busy, I'm hoping like crazy I will be busy Happy Quilting!

Rainy Week

Yesterday I spend most of the day at mom's teaching the fabric catchers. Really didn't have much going on otherwise.

Today we enjoyed a good movie and a trip to the casino. While we were out, it rained. We've had a week of nothing but rain, including the tornado that hit Longview (45 mins south of us). So today it got very wet and windy! That's when it's awesome to be home and quilting.

Been working on the sashing today.

Today started out great, till we arrived home. There was a message on the phone that one of our friends passed away.

Willie Keepers, may you rest in peace. Now you are free if pain. My God bless and keep you!

My daughter in law called with exciting news of my ancestors, so tomorrow I pain to be working on the family history. I'm looking forward to being (once again) Happy Quilting!

Quilt Group Day

Today was a day at the quilt shop for our quilt meeting. I was teaching the "thread catchers" to the group. I made 2 of them and gave them away. lol - I'll be teaching it again tomorrow with mom's group. I dropped off the sewing machine and things we need to work on them. I came home and cut out 10 more to make them tomorrow.

These are the ones the 5 of us made. I made the blue/green one, and didn't get my other one in this photo. Gave mine to Kathy W who wasn't feeling good and couldn't make it to the group meeting. She stopped in and I wanted her to know we care.

These are the ones I have ready to do tomorrow. Will get them done at mom's. Best part is they really don't take long at all. I want to have a couple done so I can give 2 of them to my friend, Carol.

Got home and worked on the puzzle. Had a headache, so I took my migraine pill and doing better. Had a call from the doctors office to call them back, so will do that tomorrow. Not sure what it's about but will find out tomorrow.

While fixing supper, we had a big storm come in. Hail was coming down fast and the size of peas. I tried to get the film on it, but didn't get the down pour by the time I got the camera out. I will figure out how I can post it here, and then you can see it. Right now it doesn't want to load. (Sorry about that)

Tonight will be a night of quilting and getting to be Happy Quilting!

Not One of My Better Days

Today I ended up over sleeping. Then I headed over to mom's where I picked up a sub sandwich. When I arrived they were eating breakfast. So, decided I'd eat my sandwich when I got back. Headed over to physical therapy where I finished up with my back issues, and had the honor of giving him another order for my shoulder. We laughed at how I just finished up with one thing and now I'm having to deal with another. Got back to mom's and ate my sandwich. Mom had me stick around and show her a few things on the computer. I finally called it done, and headed how. Stopped at the grocery store and was lucky to get in front of the buses. Then I only had an hour before Patrick got home, so I worked on the puzzle.

The puzzle is coming along faster than I thought it would.

Went bowling and not having as much fun trying to figure out what I'm doing wrong. My average has dropped to 165 and that is bugging me. I'll be working on this all year! ugh.

Tomorrow will be teaching the group how to do the thread catches. It will be a great day to be Happy Quilting!

Quiet Days of Quilting

Today was the usual routine of walking in the morning, cribbage right after, and taking some time to myself. Then in the afternoon, I found the Hallmark channel and watch a really good movie while quilting.

My quilting job right now is going around the sashings of the blocks I have already quilted. Since they are on the edge by the borders, I decided to go ahead and get those done.

I mark as I go. Never did like having them marked and then try to find them later when I quilt. I found that I tend to forget to quilt the circle of the flower, and end up going back and putting them in there. Funny though, as I like the flowers both with and without the circle or center - which ever you want to say for that.

This sash has since be finished. I have about 3 more to do then I can get back to doing both the blocks and the sashings. The flowers in the squares is looking really good. I spend a good 3-4 hours on the quilting today. That will come in handy as I'm going to mom's tomorrow before heading to physical therapy, then bowling tomorrow night. So, not sure if I'll get much in tomorrow but will try. The quicker I can get this done, the quicker we can get this ready for Patrick to mail to his mom. I know it's going to take me another month, but I'm really trying to get this done. It's odd how I've been trying to do this one on time - compared to my Hawaiian. I still have about 38" to do on that quilt and it's done. Funny how I'm working faster with this one. Hopefully I can have them both done by the end of the year. It would be great to have 2 quilts quilted this year, if I can get there.

This house is still feeling Happy Quilting!

Coming Along Slowly

Another one of those days. I walked early this morning. It was good to see Ruth again! Now I'm back to walking at 7 am. Amazing what one can get done when they get up early. I played cribbage next door, and won a "skunk." Now we are tied for the month.

Cleaned up by vacuuming, mopping the kitchen floor, and doing laundry. I'm sure there is something in there I missed. Was able to work on the puzzle a little today. Getting there with getting it together. Not as easy as I thought it would be, but it's still fun to work on. I need to work on the birds at the top.

I finally had time to sit and quilt today.

Laid the quilt over the railing so I could get a better photo. I have this area almost completed. I've been putting the sashing quilt designs in. I was surprised at a few of the center flowers missing the circle, so I had to go back and put them in.

I'm liking the pattern and the quilt. I have been enjoying working on this. Funny how that goes Ive made quilts that I didn't like the design and then it took me forever to get them done. This may get done after all.

The flower in the corners help. I couldn't think of anything that would work better. I do like the way the sashing goes with the overall design. The boarder will have that same flower and some leaves, so I'm looking forward to being at that point.

I've been reading a really good book lately. It's one of those that you can't put down. I have been sleeping better by reading a book before going to bed.

If you use iBotta for coupons, you need to check out Snap Groupons  Snap give you a check like Check 51. I just tranferred $30 from iBotta.

I hope all is well with you and your enjoying (like me) being Happy Quilting.

Seahawks Lost!

My morning started out with cats hissing at each other below our bedroom window. Thought it was Charlie, but when I got up to see, she was staring at me through the siding door. The other two cats where still below the window. I let her in, grabbed two quilts and curled up on the couch.

After I got up, it was time for the Seahawks game. We watched it till close to the end. While we were downstairs watching the game, we had the fireplace going. Felt great. Patrick sat in his chair and I started working in my quilt room. I put a few fabrics away, and cut some fabric for the thread catches that I'll be doing on Thursday and Friday.

I like bright colors and thought I would make two of each of these. I need to do a couple for my friend Carol. She's like me when it comes to colors.

I pulled out the quilt on the floor, and yes, Charlie was outside. I wanted to see how things were working out.

I do love the back.

This is were I'm putting the quilting in the sashing area. This area has 6 finished blocks, and with one of those completely covered in the sashing and corners.

Here's a better area to see. The quilting in the sashing seems to bring it all out. It brightens up the quilt all around.

This is the area that only has 5 blocks done, but the sashing has been done in three areas. Still have a long way to go, and I think once the sashing is caught up, it will make it look a lot better. Plus it will look like more is done. It is going pretty quilt with the sashing areas. The flower in the squares really brings it out.

This is where I'm at now. It's coming along a last faster than I expected, and it's really pretty. I just home mom likes it as well. Time is flying and I'm trying very hard to make sure I get at least 2 hours a day in on quilting. Some days I get lucky and get in more hours. Today I did get close to 2 hours, so I'm Happy Quilting!

It's Saturday

Well, the weekend arrived. Doesn't mean it helped me out, but it arrived.

Today we went to the casino and on one of the rare occasions we actually came home with a little bit more then we came with.

I haven't had a chance - or should I reword that - to work on the quilt. I got home and played on the computer and laptop. I am planning to work on the quilt tonight.

I did start putting the flowers in the corner and I will take a photo of that tomorrow so everyone can see what I've been doing. I really like the way it's coming along.

Weekend seem to have me less than Happy Quilting.

What A Day

I keep telling myself I need to get moving on this quilt....well, I do. I woke up with my arm in pain, so I called the doctors, and was told to show up in the office at 4 pm. I worked on laundry, paid attention to Charlie, played cribbage with the neighbor, and then off to the doctors.

This is one of my UFO's. I worked on this block the last two times I was at an appointment. I completed three of the leaves. I noticed I had two blocks done, or at least one is almost done. I have to put the center circle on it. Not bad. Easy to take with.

I even started this puzzle piece. I'm having fun working on it, and as you can tell, it's a quilt puzzle. I've actually gotten a lot done in the three days I started it.

Last night I was this close to having this sash done. I'm going to get more sashes done as far as quilting goes. I seem to be going pretty fast, and this is going pretty good. I'm really liking how this is turning out. I should have it done by Christmas.

I went to moms today and brought back some dishes she gave me. Not sure where I'm going to store them, but I will find a place. I'm getting caught up on movies and TV shows. Not sure what I'll watch when I get caught up. lol Charlie doesn't care as long as she's in my lap. This is going really well, and keeping things Happy Quilting.

Quiet Day....Enjoyable Day!

With the weather trying to decide if it's going to rain or let the sun shine through, I enjoyed the day at home. Funny how the older I get the more I like spending the day to myself. I did get a call from mom, saying she's going through more of her stuff, and chances are I'm going to be getting some of that stuff. Ugh, I think I have enough stuff at my house, and need to downsize not grow bigger.

I spend part of the day playing games, and doing laundry.

The other part of the day I enjoyed sitting here with Charlie, quilting.

I wanted to know how much I had done, so I put the quilt out on the floor and checked the quilting out.

You can see my feet lol - I didn't crop this, but should have. Anyway, this is what it was looking like. I'm really happy with the way it's turning out. I haven't had any problems with the basting so far, and thinking I'm more then willing to pay the $30 for basting on my next quilt.

This is an area where I have 6 blocks done. As you can see, I'm working on the one block. It's almost done, and with what I counted, I will have 12 blocks quilted, with 3 sashes done. Not bad.

I went downstairs and saw the mess. I'm not too thrilled having to figure out where all that stuff is going to go. I need to make a couple thread catchers for a friend but the room is so crowded right now, that I can get down there to do them. I'm hoping to do them this next week, as I'll be teaching the two groups how to make them. I made 4 the first time and gave 3 of them away. So, I need to make a few more. Chances are I will be giving them away as well. Oh, well.

Things are looking up and I'm still working on being Happy Quilting!

Appointment Day

Today was one of those days you dread. It was time for my Mammogram and my thyroid ultra sound. I thought the Mammogram was bad! Nope, the ultra sound beat it out! Mammogram was a breeze compared to the ultra sound! I don't think that gal realized I had to breath! She had that "camera" at my throat and pushing hard! It hurt like a son of a gun! I'm surprised she didn't bruise my throat! I hope I don't have to do that again!

Went to visit the folks before going to my appointments. The floor was coming along. It's not even 1/2 done, but it's looking good.

I was able to get a few stitches in on the quilt. I'm getting excited about the cabinets that are downstairs, but still have to wait on mom. lol

I'm working on keeping busy with quilting. So, this house is still at it and Happy Quilting!

Still Getting Work Done

Today turned out to be a quilting day. Headed over to the Musuem to meet with the Mt. St. Helens quilt group. Funny how over the years little has changed. We all love to do hand work. Many of the members have their quilts machine quilted. I thought about that today. Kathleen A., is going to be known as the quilter for Lewis County. 100 years from now, historians will talk about her quilts. Not so much about the maker of the top but the unique way she quilted.

As for me, I will continue to hand quilt till I can't use my eyes or hands. Hands first lol.

One of my issues is miss Charlie. That is my lap and quilt shes on.

I finished another block. Haven't counted how many are done. I have quilted 2 sashes now. Its going pretty good I must admit.

Charlie doesn't seem to mind. I've covered her many a time, and she hasn't budged.

Put the quilt on the floor to figure out where I was and ended up pulling her off the quilt more than having any luck getting to my work. Ugh

Each day is a challenge, and I'm still Happy Quilting.

Making Up for Lost Time

Today turned out to be busy and yet fulfilling. A lot got done, including laundry.

Worked on my quilt while getting other things done. I cleaned up the computer room and put a lot of stuff away as well as throw a few things away. Even got two letters written and played cribbage with my neighbor.

While we watched Dancing with the Stars tonight, i completed yet another block and quilted the sashing area. I like the design we picked for this. Showed Patrick and he is even happy with the design. So today I was able to get a block done and start doing the sashing. The flower design will go in the square corners.  

As you can see, I'm having fun and Happy Quilting!

Bowling Day

Today was a day of nothing but bowling. I had to meet the traveling team and go to Longview WA for bowling. We bowled in the travel team that has teams from St. Helens, OR, Morton, Centralia, and Longview, WA. I won at least 2 of the games, but didn't bowl very good. Good thing they only do that once a month. We were one of the two teams from Centralia.

Then I bowled tonight, here in Centralia. Did bowl very good at all - all day. I could have done better, but worked on my form better than anything else. I'm hoping to get back up there. Ugh!

So, today was not one of those days of being Happy Quilting.

Busy Day

Today was pretty busy. Woke and played a few games, the go ready to head over and pick Phil up. From there we went to mom's to collect the desk, cabinets, and file cabinet. Phil and Patrick moved everything out to the trailer, and wouldn't you know it - the sun was shinning when we started, then it poured as everything was loaded and ready to go. So, some of the cabinets got wet. Mom was cleaning up her area. We brought her desk home with us, and will probably give it to someone that needs a desk.

The cabinets were loaded into my quilt room - which was a mess already! I did have the table looking good, but still had to move things around.

Had to wipe down the cabinets because of our wonderful rain.

There were 3 parts to the cabinets mom had. The ones she had was in an "L" shape. I don't have the room for the "L" shape, so we tried to see what other things we can do. One of the thoughts was doing them back to back. I like that idea, and I think it will work with the room I have. I can use the bigger area for work space. One of the tops, I found, has a "bubble" in it, and Patrick said that was because the person that made the top didn't do it right. Nothing we can fix.

This is the idea of what we will be doing. I won't have the drawers to put in yet, because mom is keeping them till her new cabinets come in. Patrick isn't going to do any work on these just yet, because the drawers need worked on, and the top needs to sit right. He will do the work to make it work for me. The part on the right, of the doors is where the other piece lined up. So, we will put a peg board there, so I can use the area and it won't look so bad. He's talking about putting peg board on the end of this cabinet and in the area that doesn't meet up. I'll show you when it happens.

We cleaned up the roll top desk and put it in the computer room. Now there are 2 desks in the garage for those that may need one. We even moved the table out in the garage as well. Now we have way too much furniture in the house! But at the same time, the cabinets will really make my quilt room look awesome and chances are I will work down there more often then I do now! I love what Patrick is wanting to do for me. I'm getting excited and looking forward to being Happy Quilting!