A Good Day With Friends

Today was a great morning to start walking. I took Art over his key, so he could turn it in. He asked for some supplies to finish cleaning, and I headed back to the house to get what he needed. Told him I'd pick up what he didn't use when I got back. I then headed to Ruth's for a good walk. She had an awesome time with her family over the weekend. After our walk, I was surprised to see a car by our water system. We found out he was doing research for the state. So, I let him into the well and he talked to Patrick. That was an interesting morning. Stopped and picked up what Art didn't use for cleaning and come home, just in time to head out to our Brazilian Embroidery group.

I worked on the leaves by the flower.

And the flower. This was as far as I got at our meeting. I decided I was going to fill it in more.

Which is what I did. I like it better fuller. I will do a lot of little french knots for the center. I'm really liking the colors of this kit. I'm having so much fun with this one! I can't wait to see how much more I can get done. I tend to hold off till our meetings, because I want to do my applique. But that's okay, because there are days I don't want to do applique and this will be fun to work on. I also have my cross stitch that I need work on.....will see when I get back to those too.

Last night I put the two pieces on the basket. I wasn't happy with it.

I decided to the that interface material and she if it will work better. I believe it will. So, I cut out the pieces, glued them to the fabric.

I stopped on my way home to get glue sticks. I then worked on the pieces and glued them in the spot they need to be. I will applique it down and smooth out the points. The fabric is then and I noticed it had the number show throw. Not happy about that, but its in pencil, so it should wash out. At least I'm hoping.

Last night I had this done. I have the stem ready to work on and then can work on the flower. Haven't really decided on how I'm going to do the flower, but will probably try the same method that I did above. Glue stick helps, but it takes a little more then I thought it would. I'm just now learning how to use it, so I'm still trying things out to see if it works for me. Being left handed doesn't seem to be an issue. I just need to learn to use both hands when working with folding it to the glue.

Tomorrow will be another great day with friends. I'm looking forward to being with my cousin tomorrow. We decided to have a sew day, instead of going to our meeting tomorrow. We have a lot of good ideas, and I'm hoping we get started on one......Actually, don't need another project......hopefully I'll finish the other eagle block. Will need to take my camera since I've given her the block already. She did mark it for the embroidery, so I'll take my green floss and do the embroidery to finish it up. We are talking about doing one of the eagles as the pillow case. I'm okay with that.

Tonight is another meeting night. This time I'm secretary. Note take, and not appliqueing. I'd rather applique while the meeting was going on. (smiling) Been known to do that.

Tomorrow will be with Donna, Wednesday will be taking Art to his appointment, and then the rest of the week I can enjoy it by myself. AHHH, that sounds awesome!! I'm still trying to get people to volunteer their time at the quilt show. Funny how people will donate fabric, but not their time. Same people seem to do the work. Oh, well, that's the way things go.

May we all be Happy Quilting!!

A Day of Sewing...

This morning I woke up after having a great night sleep. I had the best night sleep I had in a long time. Think it was the Zyrtec! lol

I've been doing laundry and cleaning up a little, but my quilt room wasn't the room that got cleaned up. I did enjoy the afternoon downstairs.

I laid the 9 patches next to each other to see which one I like the best. I actually liked the bottom set. Would you believe I asked Patrick and Donna - "top or bottom" and they didn't have a clue I had them different! lol - Guess I should have said it a little better.

I'm hoping I have enough of the yellow/white to finish the border. I don't think I will have any to put a square in the corner, but not too worried about that. May just do a solid border and then put the other (red or blue) in the corner. Step by step and I may get this going pretty good.

I keep the center changing as it goes.

I'm going to have to trim the one border down because it's just about an inch off. I will start from the middle and work my way out.

I finished appliqueing the star and two leaves I was working on the "Baltimore Liberty."

It's coming along great. It's not perfect, but it's looking good. I have the bow to do next. I like the new technique I was trying out.

I used that technique on this block as well. One can see my leaf that needs to be attached. This is were the Vellum sheets would come in perfectly. I may just do that! I'm thinking there are a few things with the baskets that can use this technique of using the interfacing. It's soft and easy to use. I'm thrilled Kathy W introduced me to this stuff!

 I will do the back basting on the flower, and will also use it on the stem, but these leaves I really did want to have the "wavy" look to them. I'm thrilled!

Tonight we will be talking about when we will be starting bowling again. We went to the Wednesday meeting, and we won't start for another week. I'm thinking that's what is going to happen with Sunday too.

It's getting colder, and it's getting close to time when I can quilt while watching TV. I'm looking forward to getting back to quilting! Even though I can now one the butterfly quilt. I keep looking at it, but seem to keep putting it off. (smiling!) Happy Quilting!!

Do You Ever Have One of Those Days?!

You know the days I'm talking about. The days when you want to do something and you think about it all day. Then when you start, the day is pretty much gone and you don't get much done!

Today I woke early as usual and was thrilled to see the rain. I wasn't so thrilled to see the wind, but I can live with it. It was really windy today. I saw a news strip go across the TV saying the wind was at 60 mph, and a 10 year old girl was killed by a falling tree. Not news one likes to hear.

We headed to the casino, and came home. We didn't do so good, but not worried about it. Don't think Patrick was in the mood to play, and he's the one that likes to go.

I woke with a headache and sinus, so I took my Zyrtec. By the time we got home I just wanted to lay down and sleep. So, I did. I fell asleep on the couch and got a good 1 1/2 hrs in. Surprised me too, because I usually don't do naps.

I kept thinking about the border I'm going to do on the QOV quilt. I know it's going to be the 9 patches, but haven't even gone down to cut the fabrics.

It's not big enough, so I need to add more borders.

I did watch a few videos on applique today. I wanted to see how people applique with an interfacing. Kathy McNeal has a good one (link on her name). I learned a lot from that one, as well as Sharon Schamber Quilts. I picked up a few things from both of them. Each have a different way of doing things, so its fun to see what I can use from both. I have the interfacing that Sharon Schamber sells, and I'm trying it out now.

I went looking for my glue sticks. I thought I had some in the freezer but wonder if I throw them out when I haven't used them in over 2 years. Now I have a reason to use them, and was able to find one that is almost out. I am going to try this technique with the leaves I need to do on the "Baltimore Liberty" block as well as Bountiful Baskets. 

I pulled out all my tools, and started working on the technique. I'll have to take photos tomorrow so you can see what all I've been doing. I like the affect of using this interface. It lays better. Kathy Wagner from our group does an awesome job using this technique. She's going to demo it next month.

We still have rain due, and I'm still tired, but will work on my projects tonight. I want to see how this works out! Happy Quilting!

Can't Win..........Another Busy Day!

This morning got in a good walk. Can't complain about that. After walking left early to moms because I needed to make a couple stops on the way. I needed to get the poster laminated and went to Copy Depot. I was able to get it laminated and headed over to moms. Got to the office of The Gathering Place so I could talk to them about getting a day set for when we could have the TAS Annual Meeting. As I'm getting out of the car, I noticed my cell phone missing. Looked all over, and ended up going back to Copy Depot to see if they had it. When I got there, they didn't have it, but when I turned around the guy at the counter said, "Hey, here it is." It was on the floor! UGH

Headed back to Stillwater Estates and went to the office and was able to get the meeting set for moms Birthday, May 3rd. Then I went over to moms and her place was packed with quilters. So, I worked in the kitchen. I did get some work done, but kept going out to the living room to chat. Couldn't win!

Of course I didn't take the fabric out of my bag from yesterday...so I had to dig for my applique. This is the fabric I got for QOV.

This is what I got for my leaves and a couple others I just liked.

Of course this was way on the bottom of my applique bag. I was looking at the bag today, and realized I need to wash it. I'm thinking of putting it in the washing machine on hand wash.

I finished the leaf in the middle that goes across the firecracker. I did notice one of the firecrackers needs attention, so will try and fix that one. I basted the star on today. I will try and get it done here pretty soon and work on the bow that goes across it. I also need to work on the leaf that come from behind over the star. I need to work on the flower as well. It's slowly coming along.

I let the group know I'm no longer going to be the "coordinator" of the group. After 4 years, I need a break. I need to let someone else do the work.

After leaving moms I headed over to Donna's and had good chat with her. I tried to see if my QOV quilt was done, and found out it's not. So, I'll change the "done" part of that quilt top. I've got an idea of what I can do to make it bigger. I need to add a couple more borders, and I have an idea for one of the borders. I'm actually thinking of doing a nine patch border for the next one. I'm going to mark it on my paper to see how I want to do the colors. I have ideas. I will try a couple nine patches before I decide, that way I only use one or two nine patches before messing up a few blocks.

Tomorrow is another Saturday, and Patrick has the usual on the schedule. It will be interesting tomorrow to see if I get to work on the quilt top or not. I'm hoping! Happy Quilting!

Quilting Day.....As Well as Bookkeeping

Today started out walking. After that, left for our quilt meeting at the quilt shop. We had a pretty good meeting with 12 members showing up. We chatted about the Fair and the quilt shop coming up. We had the stuff that will be sold at the quilt show in a couple week. All proceeds goes to Lewis County Beast Cancer Survivors. We did pretty good. Unfortunately, I spend money on some fabrics, that I really didn't need!

I have been thinking about what was said at the meeting and what all I do for the group, that I am going to resign from being the coordinator. I think after 4 years of keeping things on track, it's time for someone else to take over.

I finally made it back home at about 3 pm. Then I headed down to the computer room to get an email ready to go out after I get the pattern from Kathy. I also had to email Cil my quilt I'm going to put in the show. It's one I've had hanging on the wall before the butterfly quilt. I had another one I wanted to do as well, but couldn't figure out where I put it. No big deal. One quilt is just fine.

I fixed supper at 4:30 pm and then went back to the computer room to work on the budget for the water system. Patrick needed it to give the report on Monday. Now that that is over, I'm going to work on the "procedures" for our group. Don't look like I'm going to get much quilting done tonight. Oh, well. I need to get the quilts ready to take back to Donna tomorrow....Oh, crap! Here I go again with a list of "need to do!"  One of these days, I will just sit back and relax! (In my dreams!)

Okay, time to quit this.....Happy Quilting!

Middle of the Week...And Still Busy!

Today we were started out early. Went walking and played cribbage. Got skunked,.....yet again!

Took this photo last night. I walked down to Ruth's to check on her computer. I loved the reds in the sky. This is a tad darker than it was, but it's still pretty.

Love nights like this.

Took a photo of block #15. This is a better photo and will post it in the finished blocks area. I really enjoyed working on the embroidery.

While I was getting ready to go to the doctors I set up the next block.

I will work on this one tonight and tomorrow. Not sure what I can do tonight.

We had our bowling meeting tonight and the same person is secretary again. I can't believe they keep putting her back in! She doesn't know how to keep track of money! Oh, well, I bowl for the fun of it, and we give her a check so that she can't say we didn't pay.

Too many appointments! Quilting tomorrow with Haven't Missed a Stitch and looking forward to seeing what everyone donated! Happy Quilting!

It's Only Tuesday, and Yet Another Busy Day!

Woke to a shower and a trip to the casino with Art. I actually did pretty good! First time since we have been going once a month! I came home with more money then I played with. Can't complain this time.

After coming home called Patrick and decided I would treat for supper. We went down to Longview WA for supper and on the way back took the back roads. We talked about thinking about where we would go after this house is paid off. We want to go to a one level home, and chances are we will be around here. There were a few places on the back roads that we liked, and will think about living in those areas as well. It's something we will think about in the future.

I finished the applique on block #15. Now I need to do the embroidery and will probably do that here tonight. I'm still not crazy about the colors, but I can live with it. Once it's in a quilt, it won't be that bad.

I really haven't done much in the way of quilting. I'm hoping to do more later. I keep putting time in when I can. Still Happy Quilting!

One Thing After Another.....

This morning was up early to get to my dental appointment. After an hour of getting my teeth cleaned, I came back to get my cell phone and go for a walk with Ruth. We took about an hour because we had to deliver notices to the water group.

After walking, got back in the car and headed to Walmart to pick up a few things we needed. Wanted to get there before it got too crowded. I rarely go, but when I do go, I make sure I get what I want and leave.

Arrived at the folks just before my physical therapy time. I chatted with dad. He looks great and is handling the situation very well. He will know in the next two days if he will be part of that 10% of people who get surgery. Mom had a couple things she wanted me to for her. I stayed after they both left - mom to take care of a client of hers, and dad to show the neighbors how to get to my sister-in-laws mothers place. I ordered what mom wanted ordered, then I played her game for a few minutes and went home.

Arrived home to work on Patrick's dessert of "Scotch-a-roo's." I have made them over the years. It's one of the family favorites. Just as I was getting the chocolate melted, the power when out. Called the power company and was told there was a car accident and the car hit a poll.

I tried to work on block #15 of "Bountiful Baskets" and was able to get a few more stitches in. Not that crazy about this block, but still working on it. Seemed to be on the phone more than anything.

Last night we picked up the quilts. I saw Donna had a ribbon like this one, and thought that was awesome she won a prized ribbon. Then when I picked up my quilt, I had the same ribbon on my quilt! I was shocked! It's a people choice ribbon. Like Patrick said, that is better than any ribbon I have ever gotten. It tells me others like my quilt! I read what was said about my quilt, and I agree with the markings that were given. I had "excellent" on all but one thing. The one was "good" because of two things. My batting doubled up and there was puckering. If one reads my Hawaiian Quilt pages, they would see I knew that and was working on trying to fix the problem. I had forgotten about that, till it was brought up. I agree with everything the judge said, and am happy to say, this judge judged on my work and not on her personal ideas. It felt good to get another ribbon as well as a blue.

Today was busy, and not a day I would like to repeat. The power went off around 3:30 pm and came back on about 5:30 pm. Guess we were lucky it was that short. Art called to make sure I was ready for tomorrow. We are going to the casino and he wanted to make sure I wasn't changing the date. It's a pain, because every day this week has one thing or another.

I still have more work to do on the solid stash of table mats. I need to get the binding on those. Will try and work on those Wednesday, if all goes well.

May we all be Happy Quilting!!

Awesome Day! ---- Actually Got Some Work Done!

Today started out early, worked on laundry. Watched TV - the old John Wayne movies. While I was watching the shows, I actually worked on a few things!

Patrick had said I needed to add stars in the 4 corners of the QOV quilt I made. I went downstairs and looked for a gold color fabric, and didn't find any, so Patrick picked out this color for the star, as it went well with the panel.

Now I can mark this as a finished project, since it is going to someone else for quilting, I will have it back for the binding. I'm going to call it done now, as I don't know if I will be doing the binding or not.

Last night I worked on this block (believe it's #15 or #16) I figured out I was missing a leaf, so had to put that one on before I could do the flower. I'm looking forward to getting this one done. It will be 2 done in less than a week. IF all goes well.

I have a dental appointment tomorrow and will take it with me to work on while I wait. Then I'll be over at moms before having physical therapy. This should be my last visit to PT.

I'm happy to report, I'm working more on my project than I have in a very long time! I'm getting more and more done. We are picking up the quilts tonight from the fair. Looking forward to having my "baby" home again. Don't think I'll put it in any more shows.

Happy Quilting!! - And don't forget to check out my earlier message about Richard John, below!

QOV Honors Richard John

I received the following last night:

Richard John, a decorated soldier from the Vietnam War was presented a quilt from QOV. It was an emotional time for friends and family. It was a planned surprise. He was primped up by the nurses. In the morning he wasn't doing very good. They didn't know if he would be okay by noon for the presentation.

The QOV gals from the Upper Peninsula presented him with this quilt. He was hugging the quilt when family left. It was an honor to give him this quilt. He may not live long, but he will have this quilt to comfort him in his last days.

This is my husband's Uncle. He has had many strokes in the last couple months, and I was afraid we would not get the quilt there fast enough. He has served our country well, and needed that "Thank you" that he was not given when he came back from Vietnam. He was a helicopter pilot and had been wounded in the war. He saved lives, and he has metals that he doesn't talk about. He said one time that he had metals that would surprised everyone, but they were put away. He like other veterans put there metal in a drawer and don't bring them out. They got them for the "job we had to do." Most don't talk about the metals, and when family finds them, they are surprised and want to know how they got them, but by that time they veteran has passed.

Thank you to QOV for rushing this quilt to him, as his life is short. It's an honor to be part of his family. He's been added to my many, many members who have served our country.

Saturday Fun!

Got up early today. Went to the casino - yep, back to doing that weekly - didn't come home with any money. haha

I had a great chitter chat with Katt. She went to the Lewiston, ID parade.

WSU Butch & Coke Bear

High Five!

Honoring Military

Coke Bear & ?

Not sure who she's with there. I love the outfit!! She said it was 2 hours of sweating and getting her photo taken every 2 minutes. Plus the usual bumping into people who like to punch and be a pain! That's my girl!!

I worked on my Bountiful Basket block last night. I finally finished up block #17.

I must have 1,000 french knots!! It took me all night last night and this afternoon to finish up the knots. I do like the way it came out. I'm happy with it. Even Patrick was impressed. I need a better photo, but will use this for now.

I picked out fabrics for a couple more and will work on them tonight. I STILL need to get a star pattern to put on the quilt top I did for QOV. I may work on that tomorrow.

Tomatoes are getting red. Have more than I can eat, and told my son to get over here to get them.

Katt sent this to me. This was in Lewiston looking over to Clarkston, WA. She's having a lot of smoke from all the fires in WA and ID. I'm sure some smoke is from OR as well.

After she sent me her photo, I noticed we are getting to be like that as well. The sky is all smoke! Nothing but gray with the sun trying to get through. 

No clouds or blue sky. It's just smokey!

Patrick is talking to his mom, and she's telling him about the quilt his Uncle received from QOV. He's telling her she needs to let him use the quilt. She was saying he might bleed on it. Patrick told her it's his "honor" quilt and he's to use it, not put it on the wall. He may not live long and we can even bury him with it! (Don't think she liked that remark) I understand keeping it nice, but at the same time, we give the quilts to the military veterans as a thank you! They are to be wrapped around them and loved. 

Wondering if the sky will continue to smell like smoke and be hard to see the sky. Not a good year for fires. We can hope it gets better. 

Visited dad today at their place. Mom and dad look great and are in a good mood. They are dealing with what is going on. Dad's strength is gone, but it's because of his condition. We should know this week if surgery will be on the list. Dad's joking around, so things are good. 

I'm happy to say, this year has been a good year for crafts. As for life in general, I could have a better one, but thankful it hasn't hit rock bottom yet. We can get hit at the knees and come back up. As long as I don't get hit in the knees and then flat on my face, things will always be good. Life goes in swings. I'm still swinging! haha  That makes it Happy Quilting!!

Enjoyed the Day to Myself!

I started the day off with playing cribbage. I skunked Art one game and he won one game, then I won he last. Enjoyed that, but he had more stuff for me to take. He told me to come back in the afternoon and get some more stuff. Not like I need more stuff! Anyway, I came back home because Ruth was having a garage sale with her neighbor, and the money would go to the food bank.

I sat down and played some games, then I decided I would do applique. I wanted to get caught up on my shows I taped. So, I was able to go through a few of my shows, but not near what I've missed out on.

I appliqued the leaves on block #17 of the Bountiful Baskets. I then decided I would do the embroidery on the block as well. I started adding all the french knots that go there. I used Pearl's technique of where the french knots go.

I'm about 2/3 done with the second stem for the flower. I will try and get this block done tonight. I actually enjoyed spending time to myself and working on this block.

Patrick came home about 2 pm. Said he was caught up and decided to go home. He worked outside while I worked on my block. He was okay with that, but he did let me know I need to quit bringing stuff home from Arts. I tend to agree. Sometimes I think Art is offended if I don't take things. I brought home some towels and stuff for the kitchen. Figure Patrick can have more rags. Not that all of them are like rags.

Called and chatted with dad today. He's doing really good and sounds wonderful! I really love hearing him sound back to normal.

I need to get a star pattern to put on the QOV quilt and get that out to the quilters. Dick is getting his quilt tomorrow. Asked my sister-in-law to take photos for me. I'm excited to see what he gets. I'm hoping it will cheer him up. I know he won't live much longer, but I can hope it will bring some joy to him.

Took a walk with Ruth around 6 pm tonight. It was cool and comfortable to walk. We both are close to getting out 10,000 steps in.

Enjoy! Happy Quilting!!

Dad's Home

Today started out with a walk and then a trip to the hospital. The good news was dad was given the okay to go home. I left before mom came to take him home.

I got home and worked on the laundry (a week worth), vacuumed, ran the dishwasher, and then decided to sit and watch TV.

I worked on this basket while I was watching TV. Our bowling partner came over and we spent a couple hours chatting.

Dad called just before she came over and said he's doing good and told me he had to be on the liquid diet for the next 2 weeks. He's can't have anything other than liquid. I hope he can do this, because if he doesn't he will be back in the hospital.

I'll try and see what I can do tomorrow. I'm planning on staying home unless mom calls. It's been a long week, and I'm looking forward to being back to being Happy Quilting!

Day 4 and Counting.....

Today started out walking and cribbage. Got a call from mom saying she would be at the hospital around 10/10:30 am and I told her I'd meet her there.

I went to the hospital to find dad already out from his colonoscopy. I stayed with mom till about 1:30 pm then we headed home. Dad looked good, but found he may be staying another 3 days.

Got home and went for a second walk with Ruth. Then went to Ruth's to help her with her computer and it seemed to be her server. Called Century Link to see what was going on. Her loading was taking  very long time. After being transferred 3 times we finally got a really nice tech guy. He found something he wanted to check on. He was trying to reach the other department to help us out. After 45 minutes of waiting he apologized and said he was still trying to figure out what was going on. I told him he could call Ruth back and I'd see what I could do when I come back tomorrow. I couldn't believe he couldn't reach the other department in his own company. Too funny!!

Came home, got laundry loaded and then cooked! After supper went back to see how dad was doing. He said the doctor said tomorrow he may be able to go home and then go back to the office in a couple days.

Patrick treated me to Ice Cream from DQ! I was happy! Now I'm not sure I will get anything done, but I just need "down time." So, we will see what tomorrow brings. Happy Quilting!

Two Days at the Hospital and Counting!

Today was able to sleep in a bit, but that didn't happen. I did get up about the time Patrick left for work. I worked on getting laundry started and then waited for mom to call me.

Mom called and we decided to meet at the hospital. Mom was upset about the way dad was cared for yesterday, and truthfully I was too. I took dad water yesterday because they weren't giving him water. His nurses button didn't work, and when I questioned it was told that light is on to show him the button. Well, guess what?! The button didn't work! Dad was still in pain and ran a temp last night. So, when mom talked to the nurse this morning she wasn't happy. By the time I got there, they seemed to have straightened up because they finally gave dad a bath and changed his bedding. He was getting better responses today. I had told Donna I wasn't happy and she told me who to go to to get what we needed. I didn't need to get to that point, because the leading nurse came in a couple times checking on things. It was finally decided that dad is staying the night again. This time he's having a colonoscopy in the morning.

While at the hospital today with dad I was able to work on my baskets.

I finished the one on the right, did all of the middle one, and almost done with the one on the left.

I was showing mom how I do back basting and added this leaf. Not sure if I will keep it, but will check it out.

Yesterday mom and I missed out on the Brazilian Embroidery, so I didn't get much done, if any. The group called me to see if everything was okay, so I told them what we were going through. It felt good that they called to see how we did.

When we had to take off Sunday afternoon to the ER, I was working on the mats.

I was getting the binding on one corner.

That's about as far as I got. I need to finish up the bindings on these mats.

So, even though I have not had much chance to work on stuff, I'm still trying to get stuff done. Mom is getting more done than I am. Life can get in the way! Happy Quilting!

Day Started Out Great........

Today I woke at a good time and enjoyed time to myself. Last night I did get two baskets done for the Bountiful Baskets.

After Patrick woke, I headed downstairs to work on my QOV quilt.

I changed the "piano key" border. I like what I did this time. I showed Patrick and he told me I need to add some stars in the corners. So, I'll print out a star that will work and put them in the corners. At first I thought it was an all day project, but when I noticed it was 1:30 pm and I had it done, I felt pretty good about getting it done. I had my moments of "where did I set that border?" I folded up the light fabric and set it aside. Would you believe it took me 10 minutes to find it again?! I couldn't believe it, I kept looking in the ear that I was working. The thought in my mind was....how the heck do you loose something when it should be right here?! I'm looking all over the area that I was working in, I looked on the quilt frame, you name it. Then I moved some fabric, and guess what was under it?! (I looked under it twice!!)

At 2:30 pm we got a call from mom that the ambulance was coming to get dad. We took off and spent the next 6 1/2 hours in the ER with dad. They moved him to a room, and we will go back to see him tomorrow. They really don't know what is up. Decided I would wait till I know what's up before calling everyone. I can't answer the questions, and dad told me not to call the family. Once I know what's up, I'll tell the family.

So, tomorrow will be a wait and see. Happy Quilting!

Another Weekend Already Planned By Hubby!

Today I woke at a decent hour and went walking with Ruth. We usually don't do the weekends, but since the sun was out early, I decided to contact her to go walking.

I sat and enjoyed the morning while Patrick slept. Then when he got up, we headed for the casino. We did good, and when I say we did good, it usually means we came home with more than we spent. Even if it is $5.

We then headed to the theater to see the movie, "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." I loved it! It was a great movie. I even liked the fella's who played the part. I can't wait to see the next movie that comes out.

Last night I finished up this eagle block. I added the embroidery that was needed. It gave it more life. 

I worked on this block today and got all the leaves done. I need to add the embroidery to it. I also need to check with Donna to see if the pattern has more embroidery that I didn't mark on the quilt block. I'm pleased with the way they both turned out. Now I'm going to take a little time off and do some of my own projects. Was watching a John Wayne  movie while working on this block. Now we into the next movie of his. 

I have the baskets sitting here next to me, and may work on those. I have the Baltimore Liberty quilt block to work on as well. Not sure what I'll work on.  I was hoping to work on the QOV panel that I was working on earlier. I am ready to make the changes to it. That will have to wait till tomorrow. 

Haven't heard from my kids lately. (Wonder if they are paying attention to this blog - that would be cool) haha

I was watching TV the other day and they said "LOL" isn't used as much as it used to be. Now everyone has gone back to "haha" or "heehee." Not sure what I think of that. When I laugh, I sometimes Laugh Out Loud, but then when someone says something that doesn't make me laugh, I "snicker." I don't say, "haha" or "heehee" unless I'm teasing some one. Guess I'll have to rethink which one I'll use. (smiling)

While we were at Maryanne Wilson's yesterday, she had a quilt from the 1930's. It was called a "potholder" quilt. Mom was trying to figure out how it was made. So, she called me today and told me she figured it out. I'm excited to see what she and Maryanne come up with, because they were talking about making a quilt just like it. 

Okay, I'm starting to rabble again....so, I'm going to call it good....Happy Quilting!

Awesome Day With Jeannie Austin!!

This morning started out like most weekdays, walking and cribbage. After cribbage, I headed to mom's house for our group meeting.

Mom told the group a couple days ago that the meeting would go till noon and then her and I would have to leave. We were both surprised to see 8 members show up. It was awesome. We worked on our projects.

I worked on the Baltimore Liberty block at moms. I've got most of the stems done. I need to put the stick in the middle firecracker and then one more leaf before putting the star in. Then I have to leave an opening on the points to put another leave that goes over and behind the star.

Mom and I headed over to Mary Ann Wilson's house to visit with both Mary Ann and Jeannie. We had an awesome time. We stayed 2 1/2 hrs. It was so much fun. We talked about the quilts that mom judged, and the quilts Jeannie judged over the last week. They both commented on how quilters haven't been doing the bindings right. Mom said she noticed this year the binding were better, and Jeannie said she noticed they are getting worse. When a quilt is judged, the binding makes or breaks a quilt. Mom also talked about the pretty quilts that were turned into the fair. One of the hand quilted quilts that was there had trapunto. When I heard that, I felt better. No hand quilting can over power a trapunto hand quilted quilt. (Unless they really mess up) So, I'm even happier now that I got a blue ribbon on the Hawaiian and will enjoy getting it.

I showed Jeannie the blocks I'm working on that are her patterns. I showed her this one and she told me to put a couple stitches in the eye to make the bird "real" rather than "stuffed." So I did and agree with her.

I told her I was having trouble getting to the cutting part of the eye on this one. So, she cut the felt and I appliqued it down. Then I did the stitches for the eye, but looking at the phone I may need to do a couple more stitches for it to show better. I will work on the embroidery on the wings while watching TV. Just haven't gotten there yet. It's almost done.

Jeannie let me take photos of her quilts. I am not showing the whole quilt because I didn't ask permission to publish them. I love this eagle - and yes the quilt is between tan and yellow tan, so it's showing more yellow then it needs to in the photo. I have this pattern and thinking of doing this one as well.

I know Patrick has plans for this weekend, but I'm so excited to get to work on more projects! They inspired me!! They were telling me about a Civil War Gals blog that one of the gals here in Centralia/Chehalis are doing. I haven't found it and will send Jeannie a message to find out the name again. Then I'll add it to my list. I did find another quilters blog for Civil War - Civil War Quilter - that I enjoyed reading. I just hope they post more often.

It's exciting to see what others do, and how much help they are! Jeannie and Mary Ann were awesome! We had lunch with them and we talked about how they do quilts, and how they work together. One has one technique and the other another technique. So putting their ideas together they come up with some wonderful quilts! I would love to be at that stage with a friend. Donna is the closest I have to getting there. Happy Quilting!!