Embroidery And Beading All Day

This morning I was up first. I liked the peace and quiet (with except to Sophie) in the morning. After getting my shower, I got moving on getting a few things done before my class. I had to get a few QOV stuff done. We are trying to get the new program to add requests for groups. I was able to send one thing off to Cindy today. Then I was getting my supplies ready for our class. 

Noon - had to be ready and in class. We had a deaf person in the group. There were interpreters. At first it took a while to get it so see could see them. I thought a couple of the gals were not very understanding for her. I tried to help when I could, but I don't know sign language and wish I did! We were still able to get our class going. I found that I didn't have the right brown to work my piece. So, I sent a message to Debbie to get that floss sent along with needles. 

I did practice with the stem. I like the way it comes out. It's a stem that is done 4 times. I do like how it turns out. This is my practice piece. I couldn't do the box because of the wrong weight in floss. I didn't want to work the leaf, I can do that with my eye shut. 

These petal need to be done. I started working on them. I am not going to use the color she did for her piece. I want mine to all look the same. The purple in the center of this is off in color. Doesn't match the hew. I don't like having colors that don't go together. Yet at times I have done that. 

When class was done, I found a package for me waiting! It's the High Street Bead Company's gift box that comes once a month. I love this!

I had a surprise opening it! I love surprises like this. She knows how to pick the colors. 

This is a $20 value that I get every month. I pay $16 because I set it up to received every month. I love the colors. They are pastel, but pretty pastels. 

After enjoying my surprise, I wanted to make the earrings that were bugging me. 

I have wanted to know how to make these. So, I pulled out some beads that I had. I have them finished but Patrick needs to add the hooks, so it's not done yet. This took awhile because every once in awhile I made mistakes and had to take it out. Now that I know how to do them, I'm going to make more. Katt wants black and white, so I will do them in black and white next. I will keep the gold in them. She may want those instead. I will figure it out. 

So, all day long I was either stitching or beading. That's what I call being Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Beads Arrived

This morning I was up earlier than normal. Guess I've been thinking about the cruise Patrick wants to go on. I'm exited about it, even though I will have to take Dramamine to get through it. It will be fun to take a cruise. Not sure I like the idea of being away from Sophie that long, but we'll see. It's in the talking stage. lol 

I worked on my game most of the day. Patrick worked on the bathrooms and I got laundry going. Just pretty much relaxed all day. The good news was that my beads arrived yesterday in the mail. So, I went back to working on Katt's star. I'm getting there, but lazily getting there. Deadlines are my down fall. 

I got my beads from Aurora Crystals. I love going through them. WA state hasn't made them pay the tax and I get shipping free for the amount that I order. Fire Mountain Gems used to be like that, but now I have to pay the shipping and the tax. It gets expensive when I need a small amount of beads. I got about half of that small one done. Paying too much attention to my games then what I was working on. 

Then it was time for bowling. I did better today. Took me to the 3rd game to "wake up" and figure out what I was doing wrong. I bowled a 156, 166 and then 180. I didn't loose any pins in my average. We lost all 4 games. Nick throw a fit in the end and left before we were done bowling. He didn't bowl very well. Oh, well. Had a good night even with that. lol 

At least I was trying to be Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting! 

  

Not One Of My Better Days.....But It Wasn't Because Of Me

 Today started out with me going over to Nancy's since mom is in Las Vegas - or Utah now that I think of it. Mom's at the cabin in Utah with my 2 brothers and their wives. 

Nancy and I did some stitching to start out. She told me of her son having back issues and was going to the doctors today. So, while we were stitching he was texting what was going on. He was going to help her get all her cabinets taken out so the new cabinets would go in on Monday. The doctors first thought it was a muscle issue. Today, they think it was a disk issue. So, he is going to the Orthopedic doctor on Monday to see if it really is a crushed disk. Not good news. After lunch, Nancy and I took everything out of her kitchen cabinets. Since her son couldn't take the cabinets out on Sunday, the neighbor (old neighbor), said he could come and do it, but it had to be tomorrow. Which had both Nancy and I boxing up everything in the cabinets. It went fast with the 2 of us. Told her the best part is that it saved her 4 hours of that later tonight. 

Put the last 2 flowers on and started to stitch one of them. Had to fix a stem and replace where the flower goes. I'm getting there. 

Headed home and got gas. My beads came in today. Trouble was, the blue I thought I ordered wasn't among them. So, I hurried up and placed another order. Hopefully I will have it on Tuesday. But for right now, I can work on the gift for Christmas. 

At least I got the one bead I really needed on the gift. 

Then Patrick and I went out to eat before heading to Longview for bowling. I thought about going to the rest room before heading down, but figured I could make it till we got there.....Not so lucky. Not that I couldn't have made it - but ended up in a traffic jam on I-5 south. We called Joanne and Nick to see where they were in the traffic - they were behind us. Told them to get off at exit 42, where we got off..... We turned right and ended up circling around and getting back on the freeway back in Lewis County!! We went backwards. Called Joanne and found we were now behind them! It was 5:50 pm when we called the bowling alley to let them know we were stuck in traffic. They said we had till 8 pm to finish 3 games. Traffic was touch and go. About an hour in line, Joanne and Nick were able to get off the freeway and head home. When they got off, we moved another half mile and stopped.......At this point I needed to go pee!! We ended up stopped on I-5 for 2 1/2 hours! Nick and Joanne were home when traffic stopped. When we FINALLY moved, after 2 1/2 hours! - we turned around. If we would have gone to Longview - we would have 15 mins to bowl 3 games! I told Patrick it was like we were coming home from bowling but we didn't get to bowl. 

Turned around before Castle Rock, WA. (Half way point) This was the road trip to Longview, and 

And this is what was left of what we left behind. It went on for 6 miles. The best part was the rest stop was only a mile from this part! I told Patrick he better stop!! Wow! Next time I think about going before leaving, I will!

We were back home at the usual time, all because of traffic. While we were in traffic, I talked to Bill (quilter) and Sharon is in the hospital. She had a stroke last night! Not good news! I can't seem to win today. They say things go in 3's and that exactly what happened to us today. Or maybe to me! Made up for the "now worry" day yesterday. Prayers going out to Sharon! 

All in all, today was a pretty good day of getting a chance to be Happy Quilting/Happy Stitching!

A Day For Genealogy

Cherry and I went walking. We did half of what we normally do. At least we went walking.

Then I came back home and decided I wanted to get some genealogy done. I was working between copies of papers - mostly copies out of a book. I worked on the Perkins family first. Then worked on the Strong family.

By the time I was done, I worked on GYPP, TAYLOR, PERKINS, STRONG, and the off shoot of those families. I found that my 13th gr-grandparents and 12 gr-grandmother are buried in a church aisle in England. In "findagrave" they had a picture of the church aisle. It's a pretty church from the photos. I think it was St. Joseph's Baptist church in England, but not for sure. Then I found an interesting thing with some of the early settlers. They pulled up the markers of the grave site, and put the markers around a church in another area. Then they build on top of the graves. This was in MA. So, some of the graves are hard to find because the markers where moved and lost.

I did get fabric in today. I have more coming and I'm looking forward to getting them.

Other than that, today was not a day to be Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Way Too Many Computer Issues!!

This is getting old. I am still without my new computer. On top of that, this laptop decided not to charge, so I had to get it back and running again. The trouble with this one is that it disconnects to the internet (have to reconnect each time), and it disconnects to the plug - which is plugged in. So, half the time I don't know if it's charging or not.

Okay, now it's catch up day.....Yesterday I had the day to myself. Hard to believe. So, I took the time and went downstairs and cut up fabrics into 10" squares to do a "Layer Cake" quilt. I found a couple really cool patterns and they look halfway easy. I need to do a few top for QOV, and I cut out the fabrics. I got 43 squares cut and ready to go. I also cut the fabrics into other squares, so I can try and sell them later. That money will go back into fabrics. I went through the stack of fabrics that Donna had and was able to find a lot of small pieces to work with.

These are the lighter fabrics. I took the darks out and washed them just now. (explanation coming) I got a lot done and was thrilled with how it went. I couldn't wait to get started, but then Patrick came home and I called it a day.

I got some good mail!

This pattern arrived! I'd been waiting on this pattern for over 4 months. I actually forgot about it, but when I was called saying it was in, I had to give her my information to get it!! I'm so happy to get this one!

Today -

Went to the funeral home to pick up my necklace. I order a necklace that has dad's thumb print and his name with his birth date. I had to shed a few tears. It turned out pretty good. I'm wearing it now.

Today was a day for Quilts of Valor in Olympia. I found out we are the only QOV group between Tukwila and Longview WA. We should get a group started down here, but I'm not going to do that. We talked about what was coming - and about the fabrics. Apparently some of our fabrics have been bleeding. The backings have to be washed before we send them to the quilters. They advised that we wash all our fabrics to get the bleeding out. Trouble is, bleeding sometimes keeps going on. So, I decided I would wash my fabrics - which I'm doing now - including the ones I cut. Not what I want to do, but needs to be done. If I have to cut my squares down to 9", I will.

Fabrics to wash!

Stopped at moms and showed her the necklace. We had lunch and we made a few calls to get some more papers done on dad. It's starting to tire mom out with all these things coming up. She was a little emotional today, and I tried to keep it together but sometimes it didn't happen.

Came home and relaxed. Patrick came home about an hour later and we went to the casino. We are collecting the stuff they are giving out this month. Today was crock pots. So, now we have 2 new crock pots. Not sure what we'll do with them, may give them away as gifts. They were free, so we aren't too worried out it. They are 5 qt. We played for about 3 hours and came home.

So, the last couple days have been fun days. I've got a lot done and I'm excited about helping with the "Layer Cake Quilt" for QOV. I just hope the fabric that I washed will work out. I'm not too thrilled to know I have to iron it all once I'm done. Oh, well, that's what make it's Happy Quilting/Happy Stitching!

Tried Something Different Today

This morning I woke to find Patrick on the couch. Guess my allergies were making me snore all night. Poor guy!

Today was a good day for enjoying the day at home. Patrick worked out in the garage. He was cleaning up his golf clubs that he bought. Come to find out, he got a couple clubs that were $250 clubs. So, I guess one can say he did pretty good looking for clubs.

While he was out there, I was in here working on laundry and decided to bake some bread. I wanted to try something different with the sour dough. I used the bread machine this time to knead the bread. It actually did a good job of kneading. I was really surprised. It still came out "sticky" and was easy enough to shape. I made two batches. One was the whole wheat and the other was regular white. I did put some "old" yeast in the dough to see if that would help a little. I know that's not how sour dough is supposed to be done. But it actually helped a little.

This was done the regular way and the other batch (forgot to take a photo) was done in the cast iron pan I have. It turned out good too. Patrick thought it was light like angle food cake. I was surprised to hear that.

While they were baking, I worked on my cross stitch. I'm getting the itch to start something new, but I know I have a couple things I need to do first.

The leg is coming along pretty good. It's going pretty fast when I can work on it. I've been trying to get more done, but I can't seem to sit down and work on it. It's either too busy or I'm at the stage of wondering what I want to do next. Hate that.

I got my fabrics from

I love the colors! Can't wait to see what will work with these!

We went out to eat and I was surprised at how I didn't eat much. I brought most of it home. Patrick will have something for lunch tomorrow when I'm off bowling for travel league.

Life is good, I'm having fun! Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Enjoying A Day To Myself!

This morning I was up and ready to go. It was Brazilian embroidery day. I got all my stuff together and realized as I was on my way, that I wanted something to drink. So, I went to Safeway's Starbuck and got some chia tea. Then I headed over to the church to our meeting.

I worked on my birds today. I worked on the feather of the black and white bird. I kept satin stitching that feather! I couldn't believe it!! It's finally coming to an end.

I'm attaching the wing here. It's coming along fine. I got a lot done and need to work more on the wing. I'm thinking of letting it hang there. It's actually looking like it's hanging over the edge.

Got home and I worked on my cross stitch. Since Patrick was going to be home later, I got the mail and found an awesome pattern waiting for me!

Angie from my IG friends, sent me this pattern of King Henry and the wives! She did this on IG and I was loving what she was doing! The pattern is a little beat up, but still usable. She also sent me the Spring Angle of friendship. It's cute! I'm probably going to do that first, then the others. But o in any big hurry right now. That was so sweet of her!!

When I went downstairs, I had to take a photo of my kits I've been getting together.

Still have a few more to do.

Then I was back to working on my Maribelia pattern. Ambrosia is doing great! I getting more and more done, and will work more on her tomorrow, since my week is going to be a lazy one! I'm looking forward to being at home all week.

Still enjoying life and what it brings. Each day at a time. Life is good and I'm living the life of Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Spent The Day In Vancouver

This morning I was up and over to Cherrill's early.

Came home and played a few games before mom and dad came. I had to drive us to Vancouver. We were on our way to see my great niece and enjoy her Birthday party. It started at 2 pm and we arrived there around 2:10 pm. My nephew Zac was up in Seattle for an interview and was supposed to come from Seattle all the way down to Vancouver to meet up with us.

We arrived with mom and dad's dog. Since the dog wasn't allowed in the house, she was outside in the yard. We had stopped and got lunch before we headed down there. As it turned out they were waiting on us to have lunch. The minute we arrived they started to eat the food. I didn't have  problem with that. I wish I had known that before we left, but then mom and dad ate when we got there. I had some sweets, which wasn't a good idea for me, but oh well.

Mom and Lisa's mom got in to a discussion with Lisa's Uncle over religion. Mom and Lisa's mom where very one sided on the religion, while her Uncle and I were another. It was a big topic the whole time we were there, but I just listened to them. I tried to stay out of the discussion as much as I could. I did put in the fact that the bible was written by man, and then let them go. It was interesting. I believe religion is a "personal" thing and not something I need to convince someone else into believing. I'll leave it at that. Even though mom said she prays for me because of what I believe.

We ended up staying till 5-5:30 pm. Then it was time to come home. I drove all the way back. It was a good ride. We got home in good timing. Arrived home at 7 pm. I was hoping to be home sooner to work on my crafts, but that's okay. I enjoyed an awesome day with my great niece. She's a sweet heart. I was thrilled to see my beads arrived in the mail! Now I have the beads for my cross stitch piece.

Since my camera died on the way home, I can't show any photos. I will try to remember to post them tomorrow.

Life is good, Life is fun and I'm thinking about being Happy Quilting and Happy Stitching.

Cribbage And Applique....Not A Bad Day!

I had things to do today. So, by 10 am I was out the door.

Arrived at Stillwaters to pick up the folks mail. I had to do stuff for mom's client. Then I went to Art's and played cribbage. I lost both games! Not by much. He told me I hadn't changed...still whining! lol He took me out to lunch.

After that went to mom's and took care of the mail. What I needed to come in the mail...didn't. So, now I have to go back on Saturday. Since I took the key to their box, I have to return again on Monday to give them back the key.

I stopped off at Donna's and took the quilt I brought from QOV. She will cut the edges, and she might even sew the binding on. I'll stitch it down when she's done. She was busy working in her yard.

Headed home. Worked on my sourdough bread. I baked both and called my neighbor to come and get their bread.

I put my cross stitch stuff away...temporarily. Then went downstairs and made some stretch pieces for my cross stitch stuff.

I bought the elastic at Hobby Lobby the other day. I also bought the snaps. I thought they were garter pieces but they are actually clips. They will work great. I will use them on this fabric when I get it set up to start.

I then pulled out my applique stuff. I seriously need to get a couple eagles done for the QOV quilts. As I type this, a thunderstorm is going over head. I unplugged my computer...not wanting to go there! This is the second storm that has gone by so far today. First one was around 4 pm.

Back to my applique - I decided I better get the eagles done and also try to finish the quilt block for the group! I haven't even started it, so I need to get moving. I have all I need to work on it. The next meeting is Thursday, and it would be great to have it done by then.

The last part of the Beautiful Sea SAL is posted. I will do that before I go back to Katt's stocking! I want to have a "finish!" It will be great to have another project done. Still no clue what I will do with it....Any ideas?

I did get some Happy Mail! I received the cross stitch pattern "RED" and I also got some fabric to from Australia. I'll show a photo later - it's on my IG and I don't have it on my computer.

Have you ever had one of those days....when things go wrong and yet the time didn't go as fast as it usually does in a day? That's what it seemed like today. I was home at 2 pm and finished the snaps, then cleaned up a little.....and yet only 45 mins went by....then I started working on getting my applique.....not much time went by.....oh, my, what a SLOW day!

Happy Quilting....Happy Stitching!

The Day Didn't Turn Out As Planned - What Else Is NEW?!

Today started out early. Went to the neighbors to help her with her socks. Then went to Ruth's to help her out as well. Got both of them going. Then came home to work on laundry.

I also had to find the "Nantucket Rose" pattern. I put it in a "safe" place, and we all know how that goes with me. So when I finally figured out what I did with it, it was 45 mins later. I am mailing it out tomorrow.

While I was doing laundry and just about ready to sit down to work on my cross stitch - mom called and the doorbell rang at the same time. I told mom I'd call her back and answered the door. It was a package from Fed Ex that I had to sign for. YES, YES, YES!! My Scroll Frames FINALLY made it!
I was jumping for joy!! And I got a candy bar in there too!

I HAD to put my stuff on the frames! They are BIG frames, but exactly what I wanted.

This is how big it is! A big piece. I may order the smaller sets later. I'm so pleased with these frames.

Beautiful frames. I'm so happy with them. Patrick was saying how big they are. I needed to get the smaller ones. Told him I do, but I'll get those later. Right now these are fine. I have all the sizes I need, and I'll order the others later this summer. It was funny how it took 10 days to get to me once it made it to the US.

I then got ready to make supper and realized I took out the wrong things. So, I had to figure out something different for supper.....kinda the way my day was going!

I did get a few minutes in to do cross stitch!

Bottom of penguin is done and now I'm working on the "Y" that he's playing in.

So, I received an email from "relative race" to contact dad. His DNA matched with a contestant on the show and they wanted to talk to him. I gave them his information after I watched the show. It's really fascinating how they are on a race to meet members of their families. Fathers, Mothers, Sisters, Brothers, Cousins and more. I'm not sure how dad matched up, but it will be interesting if they end up on the show.

Now, since today has been one of "this and that" and not anything of what I had hoped for. Tomorrow I'm going to visit the folks and say my goodbyes before they go off to visit my brother and his family.

Bowling is coming to an end. We have this week and then a week between for fun night. Since we didn't win, we won't be bowling next week.

Life is good, I'm still waiting on my orders, and I am getting excited about getting them. I wish they would get here faster, but that's how the mail is.

Best wishes, and Happy Quilting - Happy Stitching!