Fabric Shopping Day

This morning, Debbie and I went to Yelm to go shopping for fabrics. We wanted panels and ended up with more. First, we stopped at Dutch Brothers for something to drink, then headed on to Yelm. it was a good ride. It's about an hour north of us. 

We arrived and found a panel that was marked "last one." So, we picked that up along with a lot of other panels that will work for what we are doing. 

They had this really pretty fabric of eagles in squares. There is so much we can do with this one. Plus, we got some fabrics that go with some of the "odd" colors in some of the panels. We ended up spending over $600 for fabrics. 

Then I was looking for some fabric for Katt. I want to do the applique cat "Two Fabric Applique" piece I have. Even though I wanted to keep it a surprise, I really couldn't because she's so picky. I had her call me for some fabric choices. I sent her some photos of the fabrics they had in the colors she wanted. 

Not orange but colors she would go for. She decided on the one at the end (right) and the third one in from the right. 

The photo is brighter than it really is. But I took those colors and then went looking for a black. I couldn't quiet find what I wanted, till I saw this one. It works great. I'm going to make that pattern on the fabric. I have had that pattern for a good 10 years. I was going to do that for Katt way back when. I decided it was time, when I went downstairs and started clearing out my quilt room for the garage sale. I still have to go through the room again, but right now, I'm good. Katt wanted it a "lap" size. So, I figure I can make it about 60 x 80, since those are lap sizes we do for the veterans. I hope I got enough fabric for this. I'm pretty sure I did. BUT DANG! $15 a yard!! How crazy is that! I ended up spending $118 for just that fabric! Now I know why I don't do as much quilting as I used to - getting to expensive. I really do want to do this one for her, so I will work on getting it ready to applique. Then I will quilt it by hand. I'm actually excited to do this. FIRST, I will finish my cross stitching. It will give me a motive to get the cross stitch done!

My foot is giving me trouble, so I had Patrick wrap it for me. It seemed to help. I need him to wrap it again tonight because when I sleep, I seem to mess it up more. Not sure what I did to it, but it's getting worse. I'm thinking I must have sprained it. UGH

Saturday is our day at the Panda! We will get 50% of sales. People just need to let them know they are there for us. I hope we can get a good amount of money Saturday. 

So, even though I can't say I was actually quilting, I can say that it had to do with quilting, which makes me Happy Quilting/Happy Stitching!

Enjoyable Day Of Beading

 This morning Patrick went golfing and I went to my PT appointment. 

Came home to find Patrick home early. He took a nap and I went to work on my beading. 

I finished with the border of black. That was 6 rows. Then I put 2 more rows on my Fireplace Sophie. It's coming along. I like working on this. I have more to do and will start getting back to it. I'm wanting to get to Sophie's ear at least. I have about 6 more rows to go before I get there. The sooner I do, the more I will work on getting to the eyes. 

I listened to my audio book. It's so good I couldn't stop listening even when Patrick is talking to me! lol 

I realized we haven't sent out messages to our veterans stating we have their request and I need to let them know we are working on them. I will have to go down the list and let them know. It's going to be a long time of going through the list and sending messages. Not looking forward to it, but will start doing that tomorrow. 

My happy day was Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Enjoying friends at Our TAS Meeting

This morning I didn't have to take care of Cherrill, so I decided to sleep in.....no such luck! Kitty was meowing outside...brought her in, went back to bed...and she drove me nuts!

When I was getting up, I had a text from Patrick, "Call me when you get up." So, I did. So - before I say what he told me, I need to explain about last night. We left the garage door open when we went bowling - for Kitty to go in when she was ready. Got home and she was not in the garage, but the food in the bowl was gone. So, I filled the bowl and called Kitty. No Kitty, so I shut the garage door. At bedtime I was just getting ready to go to bed when Kitty meowed at the door. I got up, went and took her out to the garage......noticed the food was eaten.....what the heck! I looked around, nothing. So, I shut Kitty in the garage.

Back to the phone call....Patrick said, "We have a PROBLEM." Not knowing what that was, I said, "Ok, what?" He then told me we went to let Kitty out of the garage and there was THREE cats sitting in the garage. I was then informed that we are not a "cat heaven" and they are not going to live in his garage. (I agree). So, one took off as quick as the door opened, one hid, and Kitty just sat there watching it all. So, when I heard that, I went out and made a LOT of noise to make sure the other cat wasn't in the garage, then shut the door.

All that excitement! Then I headed to the quilt meeting at the shop. Whalen Quilt Works has had us in the shop for the past 5 years. We had 7 of us showing up. I gave Barb my quilt top, backing and batting. I hope the King size sheet is big enough! I didn't measure. I also took my Aida fabric (greens) for her to pick what she needed.

I worked on the wings of the eagles I'm working on. This is two sets of wings that I was able to get done. I bought a white on white with polka dots. I'll use that on the head and tale. I'll probably do those tomorrow at mom's house when we have the next meeting. I'm not sure if that group is going to continue on with TAS or not. It will be interesting to find out. Our group may not continue under the TAS logo.

Got home and worked on my sourdough bread. I've got it ready for 2 small loaves and will take one tomorrow to bake at mom's home.

I also took Kitty out of the garage. She couldn't figure out why I didn't leave the door open because when she was looking at me, it was a look of "can I come out now?"

I got my quilt back from Whalen Quilt Works today. I had taken the sleeve with me because I wanted to give it to Rita, but she gave me my quilt back. I came home and worked on putting the sleeve on. I wanted to work on my cross stitch, but I need to get the sleeve on this. No time better to do it, then now.

I was surprised at what all was taken from my box I took to the quilters. They seems to like what I had. Sue took the quilt I was working on by hand. I had some of the fabric and stuff there, plus that scrap quilt had two rows done.

This is the quilt I finally gave up on and gave to Sue. She wanted it. I'm happy to see it going to a good home. There was a lot done on this, so she can get a lot more done to finish a quilt. I'm happy it's gone. So, I will remove the label for this quilt because it is no longer with me.

The stuff the group didn't take will be taken to mom's group and they can take what they want.

Happy Quilting!!

Teaching Day...An Awesome Day

Today started out as usual, yep, I went walking again today....no surprise there, right?!

After walking I got home and got prepared for the "2 Fabric Applique" class. It was mostly getting scissors, light box, needles, pins, and markers. I was thinking of taking some applique that is reverse applique to work on. Never did get to that point.

The cat was at the shop up on the wall. I had 4 people in the class. It really worked out great. We had a great time. It went really well and I was able to do applique backwards! I couldn't believe it, but I was able to show how to do the applique a lot better than I did when I tried to do it in the Beginner class in Nov. We had enough light boxes because I went and got moms. Sharon brought 2 as well, so with 4 people we were able to have a box with each person. We started early and got going. I was enjoying how easy it went. I love the colors everyone came up with on their "2 Fabric Applique" quilt. One was a Rose, one the Acorn one I did a while back, and the other was the Dog pattern. I have the dog, just haven't done it yet. I really loved the colors they came up with. Time flies when one has fun! They will be basting the quilt for awhile. One or two of them are taking the class with Nancy Chong, so I'm thinking they should be ready with the quilt when that time comes.

I bought some fabrics at the shop while I was there. I wanted to get some fabrics to go with the QOV quilt I'm doing for dad. They are colors I'm not "comfortable" with but will work with. I'm sure they will work. I "kinda" like them, so I'm happy with my choice. Tomorrow before going to the quilt group, I need to get something going to work on. I don't have much in progress...which means I need to get more applique set for taking places to work on. I could take the eagle, but not quite there yet.

I had a great day being Happy Quilting!

A Day of Little Sleep...and Still Not Done.

Today started out at 3:00 am - remember time change was at 2:00 am to 3:00 am. We went to bed at about 9 pm, but I couldn't sleep very well. I probably got a total of about 3 hours in. We left at 3:20 am to get Patrick to the Portland OR airport. Dropped Patrick off at 4:30 am. Headed back home and was home by 6 a.m. Went back to bed and slept for about 2 1/2 hours. Got up, ate "lunch" and headed to the bowling alley to bowl my first three games. (We won't talk about that - was awful!)

Came home at 2:30 pm, enjoyed a couple hours to myself, and headed back out to the bowling alley. Finished up the last game of last week. Then bowled another three games. Took me till game #6 & 7 to get to my average. Oh, well.

So, I'm now with Me, Myself and I. Good thing they aren't have a conversation with each other because I'd really be in the loony bend! Patrick was off at 6 am with a 5 hour layover in Chicago before heading to Green Bay. He's going to surprise his mom for her Birthday. Bet the tears roll! He hasn't been with her for her Birthday since he was a teenager. He's due back in a couple days. So, that is where the "Me, myself and I" come in. Almost too quiet and as long as I don't answer myself, I'm good!

Last night I worked on the 2 fabric applique "Cat Nap." I'm happy to say I was able to get some time in on it tonight - hence the last posting of my blog. I finally FINISHED IT!! The applique is done, and I will be taking it to the quilt shop tomorrow. It will be on display for the class. I'm teaching two classes in April. One is day time and one is two night times. (The two nights is one class).

Patrick I don't think liked the colors. I told him I wanted colors that would work for Charlies coloring but this was the closest I could get. He thought I should have used the light for the top and dark in the back. Told him no, I didn't like that idea. Plus, this is "out of my comfort zone." I don't use these colors and I would normally do this color. I'm happy to say, I do like it but it's not one of my favorites. I like bolder colors. I wanted to show customers that these colors work just as good as the others. Some people may like this more than the bolder one I did last year anyway.

The good news is that I can get to the eagle applique and have that finished - HOPEFULLY this week. I seriously need to get it to Donna's and out of my "hair."

I am listed this as a finished project, because it's going to the shop as is. When it comes back, I will quilt it then.

The rain and wind are back. The Narrows Bridge in Tacoma was shut down today because of a truck being blown over - yes a Semi Truck! More wind is expected tonight and I don't care for wind. I don't mind thunder and lightening - actually love those - but hate winds.

OKAY, time to call it a night - have to be up early again tomorrow. Wonder if I'll get any sleep tonight......Happy Quilting!

Happy Birthday, Dear Brother!

Today is my younger brother's Birthday. Patrick, I hope you had an awesome Birthday, even if it was gardening! lol Love you!

The day he retired!

Family Reunion - Dad, Mom, Chris, me, and Patrick. That's the order it went in the family. lol  Best wishes on your Birthday! Think of you often.

As for quilting today, I've been working on the "Cat Nap" quilt top. I'm almost done! I have the firefly left to work on. I'll take a photo of it tomorrow and post it.

I'm a lot farther on this one. Same photo as yesterday - tomorrow will have the finish project. I worked on it all afternoon.

We had to go up to Costco today. We got our shopping done there, then came home. Watched a movie already today and watching another one. One would be surprised at me, I haven't been playing games like I usually do. I really need to get the wall hanging done, and can't wait to finish it.

I'm ready to get back to the eagle. Need to get it over to Donna this week.

Updated my calendar to have my classes added. I'm also going to demo hand quilting next month. April is filling up - mostly with classes. I do have meetings to attend as well. We are getting ready for the TAS annual meeting.

Things are going fast...including the time....and I'm still here, Happy Quilting.

Applique!

Today was an early walk, then time on the computer.

The afternoon was good news that my grand-doggy is doing better. She's home.

My afternoon was busy doing the applique work on the "Cat Nap."

I'm trying hard to get this done by Monday. This one has more pieces to it and it's taking a little longer to get done. I'm happy to see more done.

We may or may not be busy tomorrow, so don't know how much time I will have to work on it. I'm hoping to get a few hours in, but who knows. I'm really stuck on getting this done, so that is about all I have to report today. Happy Quilting!

Day of Applique With My Group

Today was up early but no walking. We weren't able to get any walking in because of the wind and rain. The wind was going strong all night. Woke me up a few times. It was still going strong this morning.

I waited before heading off this morning. I had to get my blood drawn. The gal didn't seem too happy this morning, but that's okay. Wasn't there long. From there went to mom and dads. Figured since I had the time, I'd go visit. 'Course mom had a cold. She didn't look too good. Dad was going to take her to the doctors if he could get her in. Need to call and check on her. Had dad take a small walk with me around the houses. We had a good walk. Only walked .83 of a mile, but that's good for dad. He leg was bothering him a little.

I went on to our meeting. Had a good time. Took the pattern of mom's over to the shop to set up a class for beginning applique. Not that that would matter, Nancy Lee Chong is going to be giving a class in May. Not sure if our class will be full or not. Nancy usually draws beginners. I will be interesting. Nancy's class is a little more expensive. Maybe that will help us out. lol

I'm getting there. More and more is getting done. I told Rita I would have this done by Monday...now let's hope that happens. I have to take a few things to the shop on Monday so it better be done by then. I tend to want to work on my "job" on the computer and spend time on that when I should be working on the quilt. I have tomorrow to work on it, and will try to get moving on it.  I really need to get this done. The photo shows it better then it shows from a distant. Patrick said he didn't think there is enough contrast to the colors. I'll see what I think after it's done.

Sharon was asking me about the eagle. Wondered if I had it done. Told her no, I had it on my goal for this week, but haven't gotten to it yet. I'm hoping to get to it this weekend. Heard Donna was back and I really need to get it over to her.

Sun is going down without the help of rain. I'm enjoying my time lately. Was asked why I haven't been to the Tuesday group and told her I was finding my Tuesdays getting busier than they were last year. She said something in the line of "need to cut back on stuff and come see us." I can't believe I was told that, but understand that. I already cut back on a lot of stuff and that group was one of them. I don't want to be so busy that I can't spend time working on my genealogy, quilting, cross stitch, or even breathing. I'm slowly cutting back a lot of stuff.

In the meantime, I'm still going strong and Happy Quilting!

An Interesting Wednesday....and Applique!

We got in our 2.5 mile walk. We planned on going again at 1 pm but the rain showed up again.....go figure, live in WA and it rains....not unusual. It rained all day and is still raining. Again, not unusual.

I worked on the computer and got another load of laundry in. Mom called and she's sick. Sounded awful. Glad I wasn't at her house to get it.

I worked on the "Cat Nap" quilt top and watched a few more shows I missed. I'm getting caught up.

I am not as far as I would like to be. I may have to wait till Monday to get it to the shop. At this rate, I'm still behind on my goals. I wanted to get both this and the eagle done. At this rate, I'll only get the "Cat Nap" done. Guess the goal for next week is the eagle.

Not much to report. Went bowling tonight and since our partners are gone the rest of the month, it was done fast. We did win 3 games and would have won all 4 if I could bowl! I bowled under 150 on the first two games, but did bowl a 203 on my last game. Just couldn't figure it out till the third game. On the way home, I realized I forgot my sweater, so went back. Then on the way home the second time, our neighbor called and needed help. We rushed home to help him out. He needed the dogs in the "cage." Patrick had a hard time getting them. Then our neighbor came home to help his father-in-law. His breathing was off, so I stayed till he calmed down. When S showed up, it was fine. He was getting his FIL to breath better. I left. Patrick left early because the well was off. He got it started again.

Phil texted and said his dog was sick. They were going to take him up to Oly for an emergency operation, and I'm still waiting to hear how she's doing. This is my granddoggy! I hope she's doing good, but I'm worried.

Other than that, all's good....Happy Quilting!

Peace, Quiet, and Applique!

Today I started out with 2.5 miles. Came home and worked on the computer. I enjoyed my day by myself. It was quiet and I was just relaxing. It's one of those weeks where there isn't much scheduled and I'm loving every minute of it.

Ruth called at 1 pm to go walking again. So, we walked another 1.5 miles. That's the one we call our "short" walk. Both of us hit our 10,000 steps by the time we reached her house. I would have reached that yesterday, but my fitbit went into sleep mode and I lost a couple thousand steps.

This was were I ended up last night. I'm getting there I do like the way it's coming along. Just have a couple more days to get this done.

I was working on seeing the TV shows I don't get to see at night. Patrick likes his shows and won't watch mine. I only got about 1 1/2 hours in this afternoon though. I'll work on it tonight and see where I am tomorrow.

Got a text from Donna and she's having a blast at her retreat in PA. They have already finished 2 quilt tops. Betting she has more done by now. Knowing Donna, she'll have at least 2 tops done by the time she comes back.

Patrick and I ended up pulling the frig out and cleaning behind it. We vacuumed up the dust that was under and behind it. I was thrilled to have it done! Took a good hour - because of how picky Patrick is about mopping the floor and waiting till it dries. No worries, it's back where it belongs and clean!

Computer telling me there is more work available, so I think I'm going to go and make some more money! - In the meantime Happy Quilting!

My Daughter's Birthday!

Today we got in our 2.5 mile walk. We had a great walk just before it started to rain again. I recorded the rain from yesterday, and will post that when I figure out how to get it off my phone.

I started laundry before I left for my walk. Then I did laundry all morning. I also got in some vacuuming. I couldn't believe how much trash was in the vacuum! Then again, I hadn't vacuumed in a few days.

Lynn & Katt Wiltzius

My beautiful daughter's Birthday is TODAY! I couldn't ask for a better daughter! I do miss her. This photo is a couple years old, but she's still the beauty! We chatted on the phone a couple times today! She was baking her own cupcakes. She wanted to get her favorite frosting recipe. We had a good chat and laugh.

As the day slowed down, I watched TV and worked on the Cat Nap quilt.

The cat is coming to life. I am getting a little tired of the flowers, but that most of the quilt. I will try to get more done by Thursday....actually I need to get it done by then.

I do like the way it's coming out.

Our secretary of the bowling league called and said we need to be at the bowling alley early next week to make up for the games we missed. We'll all be finishing our games, then bowling for the week. Funny part is that I have to bowl on the travel league as well...so I'll be bowling 7 games next week. Not sure I'm thrilled about that, but oh well.

Wishing my niece and her family my best. Her son is having some kinds of problem. Not sure what it is because I only get to see posts once in awhile on Facebook. I don't get told much.

All's good here, and I'm busy with cleaning and quilting. I'm happy with the way things are going. I just need to keep on track.....Happy Quilting!

A Working Sunday....

This morning I was up early - no surprise there. I enjoy the peace and quiet in the mornings when Patrick is still sleeping. I played as usually - got it out of my system - then worked on the Cat Nap quilt top.

I got quiet a bit done. I was working on it and decided I was going to make a goal for this week. My goal is to have this and the eagle done this week. I need to get this done for the shop and the eagle done for when Donna gets back. Both of these are going to get done! I need to quite jumping from one thing to the other. I do like the way this is coming along. I should have it done this week. I seriously need to have it done by Thursday when I have the quilt meeting.

This is what it was like this morning! While I was appliqueing, it poured! It was only about 5 mins.
First time trying this out, so not sure if it will work.

We went and helped mom and dad move their old furniture into a storage unit for my brother. He'll pick them up when he comes in July. Then we all went out to eat. We got one game of gin in and then headed to the bowling alley.

We arrived and were told the team we were bowling pre-bowled. That was't the end of that - because one of the lanes broke down, so we had to bowl on the one lane. I did bowl a 210 and 171. Just as we were going to bowl the third game, someone hit a power pole just a block away from the bowling alley. That means, power OUT. We pulled out the our flashlights from our cell phones and put all our stuff away. To make things a little more interesting - we were bowling to try and win the quarter. It was between us and two other teams. We won two games, and the others only got one game done before the power was out......it's a wait and see what we will be doing! We were a 1/2 game out too. UGH.

Got home and started getting this ready, when I found a message from BDIEG (Brazilian embroidery) saying I can accept the scholarship to Seminar if I want it. I said, "heck yes!" So, I get a discount for going to the Seminar (retreat) in June. I'm happy now! I just hope I get the classes I signed up for! At least something good came out of this day!....actually more then usual, the bad would be that I lost the game today. Life is good. We're all Happy Quilting!

A Quilt Day At Mom's

Was up and walking 2.5 miles today. Then it was off to moms for quilting. I arrived at 9:20 am and everyone was already there. Poor dad, he was just getting his breakfast. We used to have the meeting at 10 am but everyone has been moving the time to 9:30 am.

Hildi had to leave early because her daughter was rushed to the hospital in Auburn WA. We had a full house. It was great. Bev and Hildi showed their new projects. Hildi is doing a cat quilt. It's really pretty. It was about that time that she had to leave.

I worked on the ears and part of the flower on the right side of the cat. It's coming along great. I was able to get a lot done. I need to do the other eye.

I got my quilt back from mom and my dishes that I had left behind awhile ago. I helped mom on the computer. Then when I came home, I realized I left my cell phone behind. It's in the computer room. Dad needed to call Patrick and I had to get his phone number. Dad asked Patrick to help move the "old" furniture to farm for my brother. We'll do that on Sunday. The "new" furniture is coming tomorrow. The "old" furniture is from 1972 when we lived in Germany. Not very comfortable. It sleeps good, but not good to sit in for a long time. At first none of us wanted the furniture, but then I guess my brother changed his mind. Too funny!

Grocery shopping is this weekend. Then we have to move the furniture and bowling on Sunday. One of those things. In and out this weekend - again. Not sure if I'll get any quilting in, but I can try.

I'm still working on my projects till I get a phone call from Katt. She asked if I could make a baby shopping cart pad. One of her friends is getting married and she wanted to get one for him. I told her I didn't know, I usually don't sew......ugh.....am I now getting to another project? His baby is due in June....not much time....ugh....think I would rather do a baby quilt then do that......I'll look it up and see if it's easy....doubt it....can hope!

Life is good, busy, and fun. Happy Quilting!

Hello Thursday!

Today was a day of walking 2,5 miles. We had a good walk. Ruth had Weight Watchers this morning and of all the mornings I was late because of sleeping! I was able to get moving by 7:30 am so it was okay.

I enjoyed the day to myself. I did what I wanted to do, which wasn't much really. I did put in a few hours of computer work. I actually like doing the work, so I put the time in - even though it's really not WORTH my time. I don't make a lot of money but I do like doing the work.

I worked on my Cat Nap today. Didn't get much done.

Same photo from yesterday. I have the noise done, and starting to work around the cheek area.

I also baked a cake that was from my 2nd great grandmother's recipe. I found her wedding cake recipe in her diary. It's "Lizzy's Wedding Cake" 1894. She didn't say what she did to make the cake, but had most of the measurements in it. I tried to think of what they did back in the 1800's to bake. They didn't have what we have today in the way of beaters, oven, etc. I liked it but Patrick thought it was too plain. I don't know if I should add vanilla next time or even try self raising flour. I'll keep working on it to see if I can get it close to what it should be. She had a "filling" for the cake and I used it as a filling and frosting. I'm wondering if she had a normal frosting on the cake with the filling in there. I think I needed to make the filling a little thicker, but not sure.

I just went to get the 1857 Album Quilt blocks that are out this month. I noticed the blog has a "members" part. I checked on it, and wasn't too thrilled to see a fee to be a member of that page.

In that thought, I'm finding a lot of really pretty applique quilt patterns getting to be way to expensive. I don't understand why patterns should be going as high as $75! That's a lot to have a pattern that may or may not get done! I saw a quilt I thought would be great to make, and found that each block cost $24. By the time I bought all the blocks (12) and the border - which is even more! - It will cost me over $100.....and with me having the trouble of finishing what I started....why would I pay $100 for a pattern? The patterns that are pieces, are not a problem because I can make that pattern out on paper without any problems. I learned how to make block patterns years ago. Rarely today will I buy a pattern for a quilt that is pieced, So, I guess if applique is going to cost more, then I'll just have to make my own patterns and share them. I'm not money "hungry." (smiling)

Tomorrow is quilting at moms, so I'll take the Cat Nap and get more done. I wanted to have it done for the shop tomorrow but that "ain't" going to happen. I'll try and have it done by our next meeting next week at the shop.

May we all be Happy Quilting!

Another Rainy Day And Quilting

Today we walked not once, but twice! We got in 4 miles.

Afterwards worked on a few things including laundry. Since I went walking at 1 pm it took a good chunk of my afternoon. I went downstairs after we got our walk in.

Started quilting at this area. I actually got part of the green done on both top pieces. Still have more go to. I think it will be easier if I roll it again to finish that up. I'll work on the right side of the quilt and then I'll roll it to be able to get to the green border and finish it up. THEN I will have the center complete.

I worked on the Cat Nap quilt top last night. I'm getting farther along with it. I think once I get this part done it will go faster. Looking forward to getting more done on here.

Tonight was bowling - and I bombed! I bowled under my 500 series. Not good, dropped another pin in my average.

Not one of my better days, but I'm still moving along with projects. One step at a time....Happy Quilting!

Cat is Starting to Show Through!

Today is another day. It was cool this morning and we walked 2 3/4 miles today. We tried a different way around the houses. It helped us get an extra little bit. Ruth was really moving! For someone who had knee surgery she's doing great.

I worked on my amazon account. I wanted to go to the QOV meeting, but the weather was a little more than I wanted to deal with. The winds are really going! It's been off and on all day. We had trees really bending. Haven't lost a tree yet, but almost wondering if we might. I'm glad Patrick took out the dead trees last month. That would have been something if it would have fallen. The bamboo trees by the house are bending more than I've seen them do in a very long time. Guess we have more winds coming tonight too. So far, so good, we still have electricity.

I was missing Charlie with all the winds! We used to sit here together and keep each other calm. She'd sleep on me and I'd feel better.

I watched a couple shows I missed this last week. While I was watching the shows I was appliqueing on the 2 Fabric Applique - "Cat Nap" by Connie Johnson Sayler. I thought it was Nancy Chong's pattern but it's Connie's.

 I had this much done last night. At least the front of the paw. I worked on the paw before I took the photo.

The cat is starting to show through. I'm happy with the way it's coming along. It's taking time but it's going quickly. I do agree with Nancy S. from our group - 2 fabric applique does get boring and one has to do something else. I'm not sure if I will work on it tonight or not.

I had wanted to quilt downstairs but then knew I had to get a couple things done first.

Today was the QOV meeting in Tumwater. I wanted to go! After thinking about it, decided I didn't want to drive up there on the freeway with that kind of wind! My car would want to go into another lane. Not a safe thing to do. So, stayed home. I thought I would work on the eagle during the time I should have been up there - but got side tracked with the Cat Nap. I realized today was March and since I'm teaching a class, I seriously need to finish this to show at the shop. I'm not going to quilt it, since I'm not teaching quilting. I'm just teaching how to do the 2 fabric applique - AKA reverse applique.

I baked a homemade Pizza and a Pizza Dessert of cinnamon & sugar. It turned out great. Patrick has plenty of left overs. lol I hate pizza leftovers.

I keep being reminded to work on the letters for the blog. Way too many things going on right now!

Tomorrow is another day. Hopefully I can get moving back downstairs and get a couple hours of quilting in. Since I don't have any plans tomorrow, I will try and get some quilting done. Life is good as long as we're Happy Quilting!

Rain...Embroidery...And Good Friends

Today started out walking 2.25 miles. I enjoyed a good walk this morning.

Got everything ready and headed to our Brazilian embroidery group - BFF. We had some visitors from the "BELLS" group. They came all the way from Renton. We had a great visit! They brought some embroidery patterns and books from a major BE teacher who's health is not good. We picked through the stuff and donated to the Seminar's Scholarship fund.

These are some of the patterns I got.

I loved the women in these two patterns. I just had to get it.

Fell in love with the white peacock and got that pattern as well. That was all I bought. I didn't want to get too much because I really need to finish other stuff first. I have to keep myself in check with one project at a time. I seriously don't want to get into trouble with doing more than one project at a time.....like I do with quilting!

This is what I was able to get done today. I'm glad I enlarged the pattern. It was just a little too small for me. I like this pattern.

I will be working on the Cat Nap tonight. I need to get moving with it. Tomorrow is QOV meeting day. I don't know if I'll go. I tend to go 2 out of 3 meeting. I'm not done with the eagle and Donna won't be there. Not sure what I would do other than go to the meeting. Plus tomorrow it's supposed to be rainy and windy.

After our meeting today, we went to "Berry Fields" restaurant to have lunch. I like their food, but it's expensive to eat there. I had a 1/2 sandwich and it cost me $10. Had a salad as a side with it, but still.

Okay, now I'm off to try and get moving on the stuff I didn't get to today. May we all be Happy Quilting!

An Awesome Weekend of Quilting!

This morning I was up and playing - my usual thing on the weekends. Enjoyed the peace and quiet while Patrick slept! (smiling)

In the afternoon, I heated up the fireplace downstairs. John Wayne's movie "The Quiet Man" was on and I love that movie! Put it on downstairs and Patrick joined me while I quilted.

First things first. I had to roll the quilt! I was so thrilled to be able to roll this. I took off the "claps" at the ends and took a photo before I rolled it.

I worked on the left side and quilted this area. Once can see the center on the right to see how much I rolled it. Still not done with the center - BUT I'M CLOSE!! I'm getting excited about all this!

I was finishing up the small square area. I also worked on the green area on the left. I started on the green area on the top left. It's coming along great. I should be able to get that done tomorrow and then I can finally claim to have the center done. I was looking at the rolls and I'm close to the bottom! There was about 1 1/2 rolls on the back bars. That means I'm really close to getting this quilt done! After 4 years on this frame it will be great to finally get it done. I worked on the butterflies in the upper photo. I found it didn't take too much thinking to decide on the patterns for those. It was a lot easier than I thought thinking of a design for the next butterfly.

I worked on the 2 fabric applique a little last night. I really didn't do much on there, so didn't take a photo of it.

I found myself trying to figure out why my photos where coming out on the yellow when I was taking photos downstairs. It was driving me crazy, so I pulled out my filters. THEN I realized I took off the filter that works for downstairs. I put the filter back on. I have two filters on it right now. Drove me nuts, because I thought I had the filter on it, but they were coming in yellow! Guess I need to pay more attention to what I'm doing with my camera!

Bowling tonight was a little better. I got a 507 series, not the best but I was consistent tonight. I missed some easy spares but I was doing better on my bowling. I'll keep working on it and hopefully get back to those 200 games. We won all 4 games tonight.

I was reading Karen's post at the bowling alley tonight and couldn't believe what I read! She will be away from blogging and sewing for a while because of her eye! I wish her all the best and hope her eye heals quickly!

I was checking out TAS' facebook page and one of the gals is doing the "Love Letters" quilt. I just love that quilt! She's doing awesome and now I think I'm going to add that to my "wish list." Yep! Another thing to add to my wish list! UGH.....oh, well....Happy Quilting!

A Great Day With Friends

Today I was up and ready to go early. We walked early so Ruth could go to her meeting. Funny part was, I was ready early and she wasn't there to walk. Walked down and got her.

Before heading out to our group meeting, I basted down the flag piece, just in case I worked on it at the meeting.

I also finished up the basting on this quilt top. I worked on it before I left and when I got to the meeting. Once I had it done, I was ready to applique it. I was trying to decide what I wanted to work on, the eagle or the "'Cat Nap" quilt. Since I already had the "Cat Nap" out, decided I would just go ahead and work on it. We had a great laugh today at the meeting. It felt good to laugh with friends!

I was able to get this much done while at the meeting. One can see the paw and the ear. I do like the contrast on this quilt. It works good. I'm so glad I waited before working on it with that other color I had at first. I was thrilled at how much I did get done.

I came home around 3 pm. I had to stop off at the store and pick up some food for tonight. I got the grill going....

since it was a nice day. Then it died on me! So, I worked at it. We had good food.

I also walked around the back yard to see what all was growing.

Not sure what this is, since I can't tell one flower from another. This is purple if I remember right.

Tulips are coming up! Can't wait to see what we have out there since Patrick planted more last year.

Was enjoying the trees in the yard as well. lol

Roses are starting up! Can't wait to see what we get.

I worked on Mturk as well. That does take time and I do enjoy doing it. It's a small way to earn money. Not that I'm worried about that.

Tonight I will try and get some more done on the Cat Nap OR I may try and get more of the eagle done so I can go see Jeannie with some progress tomorrow! Eagle it may just be! I haven't showed Patrick the cat quilt yet. He likes seeing me cut the fabric away.

I'm looking forward to checking out the quilt show tomorrow. I know it will be awesome! This quilt show has over 200 quilts and the best part is 80% of the quilts are all hand quilted. I just love seeing hand quilted quilts.

We have set up March for my classes. I will be teach a night class and a day class for the 2 Fabric Applique. This class I'm letting everyone bring their own patterns and their own fabrics. If anyone is interested - contact Rita at Whalen Quilt Works, Centrallia. WA. I'm looking forward to it! It will be FUN! Come join me!

I still haven't made it downstairs to quilt. I'm hoping to get down there again this weekend. I really need to get past the center and get my rear in gear and finish it up! OH! In reading my great grandmother's diary I found a mention of finishing up a quilt! She finished the quilt one day, and finished the binding on the quilt the next day! I just wish she told me what quilt she made! I would have made one in her honor....oh, well.

Happy Quilting!

Today Was A Good Day...Even If It Wasn't Quilting!

Today I was up and ready to go walking with Ruth. So good to have her back! We actually got in two walks today and I'm way over my 10,000 steps. Funny how I can't even get 7,000 steps when she's not around!

I worked on genealogy this morning. I read some of my great grandmother's diary last night and wanted to check on the people she was talking about. I found out she was living with her White family. At the same time she visited her Moorhead family as well. She didn't say much, other than going from one family member to another. Her diary was written in 1894. She didn't live much longer than that. She died at the age of 24, of "lock jaw." I've got more to read. She said she got her "wedding cake receipt" in her diary, and I think I remember seeing that recipe at one time. If I find it again, I just may make it.

After working on the genealogy, I worked on making some money on Mturk. It was amazing how much time goes by when I'm working on both the genealogy and my Mturk.

It's day 4 and I'm not done with basting the "Cat Nap." It is close but not quiet there. I have quilting tomorrow and I'm hoping to finish the basting and get started on getting the applique started.

Went bowling tonight. Got a 506 series. Getting back up there again. It's taking too much time trying to get my "groove" on again.

I did give mom my Hawaiian quilt to put in the quilt show this weekend. I will be going to see Jeannie Austin on Friday. I'm excited to see her again! I have to take my eagle with me, and I've got to get moving and getting more stuff done on that block before I take it to her Friday. Let's see what tomorrow will bring...Happy Quilting!