Got Some Quilting In

Today was a good day...just a very quiet day and a little lonely. Not that that bothers me.

I worked on MTurk again today. I also got in some gaming with a friend on-line. We had a good visit, since I don't see her on much anymore.

I pulled out Phil's quilt. I decided I needed to get some quilting in. I watched a couple shows on TV to get caught up on what I've been missing.

I finished this block. I enjoyed working on it. I was working on laundry at the same time. It has been quiet and I've really enjoyed it.

Last night I did bowl a 300 game - but it was in 9 pin-no-tap! It's the first one I've done. Patrick bowled a 286, he messed up the last shot. I was hoping the both of us could get it at the same time.

I'm planning on working on my cross stitch or basket tonight. I think I'm going to do the cross stitch but who knows, I tend to change my mind! lol

Wish I had more to say, but really don't. Guess those quiet days bring little to talk about. Back to being boring, I guess. (smiling)

May we all be Happy Quilting!

Enjoying A Day of Quilting

Today we took our walk. Afterwards I got my quilts ready to take to the quilt class. I got the registration information together for the annual meeting. I then sent off a few emails explaining where I will be this week.

Once all that was done, I headed to mom's to give her the registration information to give to Nancy. Mom wasn't going to see Nancy, so I dropped it off. She was meeting at another gals house in the same area. Then I stopped to see Art to tell him we were still on for tomorrow.

After that, headed to the quilt shop for the hand quilting class. I took about 7 of my quilts to show my hand quilting. I brought my first two quilts. I even showed my first applique quilt that is falling apart. I also showed how I quilt. I was showing how I rock and how I hide my stuff. Everyone has a different way to quilt, and my way is another one. I forgot to take the tool I use to pull my threads when it gets hard.

I took Phil's quilt with me. I quilted on it while we were there.

I marked and started quilting the water area on the top middle block. I'm happy to say, I was able to get some stitching done! I got more done than I have been able to get in a long time. I seriously need to finish this quilt for Phil.

I went and got my hair trimmed. Then after that I stopped and got some nylons for the dress I'm going to wear. I just need to find the shoes I'm taking with me to wear. Really don't want to have to stop and buy shoes if I forget them.

I'm still doing the genealogy and it's fascinating at what I'm finding. There are mistakes, but I'll fix them when I get back to paying for ancestry. This way I will have the names and then go look for the documents that back up what I'm entering.

Tomorrow will be busy. Hopefully....Happy Quilting!

Yet...One More Day Away From Home..,,,,,,,,,

Today was another one of those days of getting up early and leaving the house. I took my time. Couldn't figure out what I wanted to take with me to the group meeting. I finally came up with my eagle and Phil's quilt.

On my way to the meeting, I stopped off at McD's to get some ice tea. Then I headed back on the road to Whalen Quilt Works shop. As I was on my way, thinking about today, a car veered into my lane forcing me to go right..thank goodness after half way over she saw me and went back to her lane. I was headed toward a parked car. Took me a few minutes to calm down. I was shaking the rest of the way. Can't believe how many drivers today don't turn their heads to see if someone is next to them but just decide to move over. ugh.

I got to the shop, with my tea in hand along with everything else.....spilled some tea in my bag which had the WHITE background of the eagle! I spilled some on the piece! I run to the sink and ran cold water over it! Then I let is air dry to see if I stained it or not. Thank goodness, I didn't damage my piece!! Panic was there!

I decided to work on Phil's quilt while I was there. I also bought some YLI quilting thread as she still had some made in the USA. It was off white, so I need to find more white. I'll check at Sisters later this week or next. I got most of the block done. I'm really happy with how much I got done.

This morning I remembered I had a "needle minder" with a "scissor fob." So, I went downstairs and pulled it out.

Perfect for my cross stitch. I'm now going to use it instead of keeping it downstairs in a box! I love the way it works! I may have to get a couple more for my other projects.

Speaking of projects, I also wanted to get the black chalk markers for my slimline pencil. She didn't have the black but she did have the pencil with black led. I bought the kit. It was a little cheaper than getting what little led she had. There was only the one with 3 colors and each had about 3 leds. I wasn't too thrilled with that since I had the other led colors. So, I sucked it up and bought the pencil. She's getting more led in later, and will get it then. I spent money on thread...hard to believe how expensive it gets.

I have pictures for the group. Will work on that blog next. Had a great time with the quilters. Mom and dad stopped by on their way home from Vancouver. They went to see my younger brother who flew in from Las Vegas. He'll be back later. My sister-in-law came in yesterday and my nephew is coming in for a couple days and leaving.

I keep moving on...getting stuff done slowly..little by little...and I'm pleased with what I've been getting done. Have a great day! And stay Happy Quilting!!

Trees are Gone...Looking Good.

Today I started out the day with a walk with Ruth. We had a good walk. Afterwards came home and got some laundry going. I'm still working on the laundry...forgot to keep it going..lol

I did go out around the house to take photos of the trees that were being worked on. 

This was one of the trees that got trimmed. 

The second tree was dead so they took it out. So now this one is standing alone. 

We HAD four big trees in this area. 

This is what's left of that area. I do miss it! I loved having the trees there. They were like fence. I knew I had neighbors but they didn't seem that close before. Now it's seeing them RIGHT there. Oh, ll. 

This tree is gone too. This one I don't mind seeing gone. We had cut it down twice before. Wonder how quick this will come back. lol Patrick said he will get some root killer, but don't know how fast he'll do that. It may grow back by the time he thinks of it. 

At least I still have these trees in my front yard. 

And these trees on the other side of the yard. I do love my tree. They really don't look good right now because of the winter. When summer comes it's going to be really pretty. 

I pulled out the ships quilt and worked on it today. I watched another murder mystery on TV and was able to put in a good 2 hours on this. 

Got the sashing, sails, and the white area done. I need to work on the ship and water. Then I can move to the other side. 

Then I took an hour and worked on the cross stitch. It's coming along nicely. I figured if I split my time between the two, I'd get that much farther along. Who knows. I did go downstairs and cut the binding strips for the QOV quilt. I will probably do that on Wednesday when I get home. I am going to Rose's to work on something she has in mind. 

Tomorrow I'm off to the casino with Art. Looking forward to it. Haven't seen him in awhile. I do miss not going over to play cribbage. It will be fun tomorrow. 

I'm hoping to get more done this week. It's another one of those busy weeks. We have our Thursday TAS group and I'm not sure if I will go or not. I've lost a little interest in going lately. Who knows, I'll probably go. Happy Quilting!

FINISH-A-LONG 2016

Starting today out with the Finish-a-long quarterly project. This is for those that like to have support on working on their projects. I'm listing my projects that I would love to finish in the next three months -

My butterfly quilt downstairs waiting to finish the quilting.

Finish Phil's ship quilt! That SHOULD be done for the first quarter!

Finish my Brazilian embroidery piece.

AND last - try to finish my cross stitch.

These are the projects I will work on this first quarter. I'm hoping to add more to the list next quarter. Support is always welcome!

TODAY

Woke up early. Went walking with Ruth. We had a good walk. Came home and worked on laundry. I did some more work on Mturk. thought I had done a lot more on that site then I have. I really need to get more surveys done so I can get more that I'm qualified for. Not to worry. 

I did wake up with a scratchy throat. I'm hoping that's not the case! If I get sick it's because of the gal at bowling on Wednesday! She came and gave my partner and I a hug, then said she had a sore throat. We both looked at each other thinking, "Oh, crap!" WHY do people do that?? Why do they go out when they don't feel well?! Why give someone a hug when they KNOW they are not feeling good?!? UGH. That Wednesday night bowling league just doesn't seem to care about anyone but themselves!

I got the applique work done that I wanted to - thinking I was done - but found out I was not. I have to put the star flowers up on those two stems at the side of the center firecracker. So, I will work on those and hope to have the embroidery done on them as well. I need to baste them down to get started. I have the colors that I want do have there. 

This afternoon I worked on the flower in the corner of my cross stitch. It's coming along nicely. I find I keep second guessing myself. The colors are so close to each other, that I have had a hard time remember what color is next. Do I keep going, do I change colors. The parking is good because most of the time I'm in the right place. Trouble is, I keep double checking myself. I do like the parking, and I'm getting used to it. Once I do, I know I will be moving a lot faster on this. It's a good place to work on it before I start the other one I have set up after this. 

Now I'm thinking the finish-a-long will be a good thing. It will keep me working toward finishing my projects! I may even get to start quilting on another quilt, once the two get done! 

I've got a long way to go....but I'm getting there one stitch at a time! Happy Quilting!

Pouring Rain....Rain.....Rain......and More Rain!

Today we walked. And it POURED! We started out with no rain....but since we were out there, I'm sure the rain thought it would be fun to pour on us! Got home soaked.

My boots couldn't take the rain after I soaked them big time!

Worked on laundry and cleaned up some since we are getting closer to Christmas. I wanted to have the place looking better.

Pulled the vacuum out and looked out the door. Guess the hummingbird wanted to get out of the rain as well. Didn't seem him eating much, but did see him sitting there.

Got the puzzle this far....till I vacuumed a piece up in the machine. This vacuum didn't leave much to the piece it ate. Ticked me off! So, I put it all in the box and threw it out! I HATE having a puzzle that is missing a piece. 'Cause it was my fault it was missing a piece, but decided it wasn't worth finishing at that rate. The piece it ate was the one on the bottom that was missing. Not liking that! Patrick came home and thought I was nuts. He said I could have saved the piece....told him that piece was a tiny shred of paper. No way I could have even used it in that spot. It would be a small pile of paper, not a piece. Guess I can say my vacuum works!

I got the sashing area done last night. Remember when I said, "SQUIRREL!"? Well, that's what I've been up to lately. Start one thing, think of another and I'm off again! I go from one thing to another. I can't seem to just sit and work on the quilt!

It's kinda like when I type this. I can't pull the recliner up when I type, because I see Charlie looking at me over the screen wanting attention.....but I can't give it to her, she's not here. I think it's like when I quilt, I have to put my knees up. I think of her under what I'm working on. That's about the time I see "squirrel!" and off I go. I'm working through it.

Today I was working on the family history....I found Patrick's 10th gr-grandfather! He was the last person executed during the Witch Trails in MA. There is a bench with his name on it. I was so shocked to see it from his side of the family. Didn't expect that. I got excited!! I thought it was only my side of the family that had the Witch Trails. Now I wonder if the trees are going to meet up. Would be interested if they did.

It's still raining and we are heading out to our bowling league. We will pick up some pizza to take with us. It's our party night. That means we bring a gift for a "gal" and "guy." Then we have to bowl a strike to be able to pick our gifts. I usually get close to the last one to go get my gift. Sometimes I think a couple of the women go get one when they don't get the strike in the first 5 frames. They don't like to wait. I don't really care if I'm the first or the last. I've been the last before. (Yep, couldn't get a strike for the life of me....then just went and picked my gift up when everyone else had theirs.)

Got a card from my Aunt. She got the quilt - she couldn't wait and opened it. She loves it! I need to let her know to bring it back so I can redo the binding. I'm just happy she's happy!

May today be a great day for everyone....Tomorrow a great day as well.....and then Christmas! It's a Merry Day for all! Patrick works tomorrow....so no major plans. May we all be Happy Quilting!

Count Down to Christmas!

Another day closer to Christmas. Spirit is in the air.

Today started out with a good walk. I was happy to get out there again to walk. Ruth texted and asked if I was going to walk today...told her "Yep!" We had a good walk. I forgot to take her gift down to her.

After getting back from walking, I started the laundry. I have been getting behind on the laundry. I did get my whites in today. For some reason I hate washing white clothes. Love doing the others! Go figure.

I worked on my secretary work for the water system. I have to send out bills for everyone to pay after the first of the year. I'll be going to the bank off and on between January and March with payments.

I worked a little on the puzzle as well. It's almost done. I'll have to take another photo of it. It's been fun to work on. I really should get it done so I can put the case away. I have to wrap a couple gifts and that case is in the way. I'll just move it and wrap them tonight. They are for the guys at the bowling alley that have been really nice to us over the years.

I did get some quilting in.

I didn't get a lot done. I could have but wasn't in the mood for some reason. I did get started on the sashing and will work on the upper sashing tonight. If I don't play with the puzzle instead.

I'm thinking about what I did today....can't remember....don't think it was that long ago that I would forget it already! UGH. I did get two calls from my two doctors offices. One nurse called to say she sent the form off on my prescription to the insurance company. I've been working on this for 3 months now. Insurance said they would approve it if the paperwork didn't get to them by next month. Ticked me off I've been working on this or over three months. Oh, well. The other doctors office set me up for an appointment....in three months! Something about 3 months with me!

Back to what I was thinking....or was I thinking?! Anyway, kept busy but not doing much in the way of crafts. I tend to get distracted at times. I did watch the shows "Librarians" that I had on the DVR. Enjoyed that! Other than that....my mind is going!.....Can't remember what I did! (Other than laundry. Only because I really don't like doing it some days!)

So, while I keep thinking....I'll wish everyone the best this Holiday Season! I will also hook everyone up to a couple blogs - Life In Pieces and VROOMANS QUILTS. Both seem busy this holiday season! Keep it up and Happy Quilting!

A Wet And Rainy Day With Brazilian Embroidery

Today was raining again. Seems to be a broken record when it comes to rain. I understand it is supposed to be raining all week.....not sure we'll be walking if it keeps up! I want to get back to walking.

I got ready and left for our Brazilian embroidery meeting. There was 5 of us there today. We had an awesome time! We visited and worked on our projects.

I worked on the petals of the flower. I'm not too crazy about them, but they are getting easier to do as I go. Once the top layer is on, it should look great. I was surprised I got all those done today. It feels good to see it coming. I'm hoping it will look better when I'm done. The center is easy enough to do, but I'm going to have to make sure I have the time to do it all at once. I don't want to start it and then have to leave.

I came home, wrote a few more Christmas cards. I really need to get my laundry going again. My socks are running out.

When I had a few minutes I started quilting on this piece. The upper left half square triangle was quilted. I'm going to try and get this block done tonight. There are three more blocks that need to be done. IF I did nothing else but quilt, I could have this done. My problem is that tend to find other things I want to do. I like the way Donna puts it.....SQUIRREL! SQUIRREL! (Running around for another nut!)

I've been enjoying a few of the Christmas movies. We found a few older ones that we have been watching. I really love those older movies. I've also like the Hallmark movies. Patrick calls them "Chick Flicks" but I'm okay with that. They are a lot more fun to watch then some of the newer movies.

It's now the count down to Christmas. I have two pies to make in a couple days. I've really haven't been in the mood to do a lot for Christmas, but I do feel the "feeling" of the holidays. I love the feel of Christmas! May everyone have a great count down....will wish the best to all...and Happy Quilting!

Getting Used to Ripping Things Out!

Today started out fast. I got up and played for about an hour. When Patrick got up he told me we would be leaving in about 30 mins. I had to get my shower and get ready to go.

We went to the Star Wars movie! It was AWESOME! Reminded me of the original movies. I won't give out the "surprise" in the movie. I did love it! We picked Phil up to join us. He had a good time and we had a good time with him. I enjoyed seeing him, since we see little of him these days.

Last night after I typed my blog, I worked on Phil's quilt. I was so ticked off at myself again!! I did the sashing between the two blocks on the left side.

I actually had it all quilted! Then I realized I hadn't done the sashing between the middle row and the bottom row....duh! When I ran my hand over the square that matches them up, it buckled! AGAIN. I thought I could keep going till I tightened the area to quilt.....nope, that doesn't work! So, after putting all that work in, it came out.

This time I am going to work on the top sashing and side sashing, marking as I go. I will do what I can before moving my hoop. One would think I never quilted before! I know better than that. I have done it twice so far.....let's see if I learned anything with this quilt when I get to the top row. I did finish the lower right side and it looks good.

Am I excited about finishing this and not paying attention? Am I just not paying attention? Good questions...thinking "yea to both" but who knows. The quilt has been waiting 20 years. Don't think another week is going to kill it. I'll try and behave this week and see if I can get it done.

Tomorrow is Brazilian embroidery. Then I'll come home and see what I can do with this quilt!

Tonight is bowling and we have a pot luck at the bowling alley. I'm hoping I can pick up my bowling and get some good games in. We won't do the exchange. We are taking my "other son" a container of cookies. I couldn't think of what to get him and I forgot to check with Phil to see what he could use. I'll work on that next year. I've called him my "son" for close to 10 years now. He's been a part of the family when Phil was in HS and when he was back home.

I'm still working on my stuff...getting back to the feeling of working on them without Charlie around. We talked about her the other day. Saying how we missed her and what she used to do when we were around. She would follow Patrick around in the yard and keep an eye on him. Every time he was out there, she wanted out to follow him. Otherwise she was following me around the house. I'm doing better, still missing her. Think of her while I'm Happy Quilting!

From One Place to Another.....

Today was another one of those days where I couldn't walk because of the rain. We would normally walk in the past. With Ruth having her knees done we decided it would be better to wait for a dry day to walk. With the winter coming we will probably not be able to walk as much. We would have walked this afternoon, but that wasn't going to happen.

I went to moms for our meeting. I took my gift for the Christmas party. I knew I would have to leave around 11:30/45 am. Mom knew that. I called to see if the sandwich was still there from Wednesday so I could eat it on the way to my doctors office. Nope, mom and dad eat it yesterday. lol

I didn't have the time to go looking for my applique that I need to work on. So, I took my Brazilian embroidery instead. While I was there I was able to work on the upper area where the wheat is.

I also worked on the area of the wheat on this side too. I need to get started on the flower where the circle is. We have our meeting on Monday. I'll be able to work on it then.

They realized I had to go, so they decided to get started on the gift exchange. Patrick showed up just as we were getting started. I picked my gift and left it just in case they wanted to "steal it." Got back from a busy day to find out I still had the gift, and mom had the gift I took. lol

After leaving moms we headed to doctors. I got right in, but waited 30 minutes for them to bring the information back to me. I had to go out and see if they were still around. Too funny! We went to get my prescription. Then headed to the casino not far from there.

After the casino we went back to moms to pick up the truck.

Came home and quilted while watching a movie.

This block is about 2/3's done. This is the block that I took out! I'm happy to say it's working out better now. I was moving along great! Happy Quilting!

A Quiet Day....But A Good Day!

Today was another one of those rainy days. It was pouring so we didn't get to walk. I did go down to see Ruth. She was setting up for the a party for her "Homemakers Club." I took her down a plate that was a snowman. Told her to use that on her table. She liked it and used it.

Afterwards came back up and vacuumed. I needed to get some of that dirt off the floor. I swear that dirt knows when I vacuum and rushes right in! I wrapped the last of the gifts. I got excited when I finally finished it up. It makes me feel like I finally finished something. lol Looking forward to next week.

I found some fat quarters downstairs that I bought over the last few months. I put them in the "mailbox" that I had to fill for tomorrows groups gift exchange. I won't be able to be there long because I have a doctors appointment tomorrow. I hope I can get in on the exchange, but if not, they can exchange my gift for me.

This is where I was yesterday on the quilt. I didn't get the sashing done. I'm hoping to work on it tonight. I need to get my white pencil for the marking and think that is what is slowing me down. I don't know if it's because I don't know what I did with my pencils or if I'm just too lazy to go downstairs and get them. Either way, I need to get moving and finish this up! (smiling)

Christmas cards are arriving and I'm slowly writing back. I have sent off 10 cards so far. I know I have more to go. I'll work on it by this weekend. Happy Quilting!

Fudge & Brittle Day!

This morning started out with a quick walk. Then on my way to moms, stopped at Rite Aide to get another gift for Patrick. While I was there I found they had Christmas stuff at 50% off.

SO....I just had to buy the Santa and Mrs. Claus set!

Not sure where I'm going to put them. Mrs. is in the bathroom right now. Santa is on my coffee table but he's too big for that. I need to clear a corner and put him there. I've been wanting this set for a long time. They move and sing. I love it.

After that trip, I went on to mom and dads. We ended up making fudge and brittle all day long.

We had two pots going the whole time. We ended up making 5 batches of fudge. One was with cashews, one with peanut butter and the rest were with walnuts. Then we made 3 batches of brittle. We had a great time! Mom put some of her stuff in containers for her friends. She's giving them out tomorrow. There was plenty to give out.

Now for my quilting.....remember I took out Phil's ships?.....well, I finished quilting the corner block. Then I checked to see who it looked and realized I didn't do the sashing between the bottom middle block and the right block. Three guesses what I did last night after I finished that block!....Yep, took out all that quilting! The sashing was buckered! I was happy to see my quilting actually stays in. It took some doing on a couple spots to get it out! After I finished taking all that out, I got it set and ready to do the sashing and then work my way back to the block. It's marked and ready to quilt since I did that when I was working on it. And here I thought I was moving along great! (laughing) Never fails, when one thinks it's going great, something happens.

Tomorrow is a quiet day. No visiting. No shopping. No visitors. Just me and my messes. I wonder what I'll do tomorrow. Hopefully Happy Quilting!

How Lazy Can I Get?!

Today started out with a walk. It wasn't icy like yesterday. We got in a good walk. Came home and started a load of laundry. Then I sat and played games. After awhile I worked on the puzzle. About half of the puzzle is done.

I even went downstairs to heat the room with the idea of working on my projects. Guess what I didn't do?! Got lazy and decided to shut the heat off down there. I wrapped gifts instead. Then I played a little while and it was 1:30 pm already.

So.....I needed to be productive! I pulled Phil's quilt out.

Started working on the lower right side's ship. I'm almost done. I've got the water and the ship windows to do. Then I can move to the next one.

I went looking for the template for the quilting design between blocks. At first I thought I'd have to do without. Then I looked where I put the rulers and was thrilled to find I actually planned that right. Usually I put stuff away and then can't remember that "important" place I put it.

As I type this, Patrick is snoring in his chair! lol Guess he had a busy day today.

Let's see if I can get this done. I'm going to mom's tomorrow to work on the fudge and peanut brittle. Should be interesting. I may have to take my candy thermometer with me. Just have to be sure I bring it back.

Patrick's gifts arrived today. Wouldn't you know it! After I wrapped the other gifts, more show up. I'll work on that on Thursday. I hope. Patrick is taking Friday off I know. Not sure about Thursday. Next week he's taking a couple days off too. He's in that state of "use it or loose it."

I did get two loads of laundry done. Guess I wasn't REAL lazy, but lazy enough! I could have had a lot more done! Oh, well. I'm still getting there and Happy Quilting!

Getting Back on Track!

Today was a good day. I went walking with Ruth. Came home and started working on the on laundry. Sat down and played for a little while, worked on my puzzle.

Then I decided I better get started. I worked on the binding and got it finished. I then added the label.

This is the paper version. Just realized I didn't take a photo of it before I wrapped it. I hope she likes it. 

This quilt is more orange than it looks. I was a little disappointed in the way it finished up. After I washed it, it puckered a little around the binding. I had checked that before I started on the binding, but guess I missed it. It would have been better if I had quilted in the framing. I will consider that net time. I do like the way it came out, just wish it laid a little better. 

After finishing the label on the quilt I washed it. Then I worked on the sleeve for the back. That was done in the darker color since I didn't have anymore of the orange to make it with. 

I walked again this afternoon with Ruth. We did a shorter walk. She had made her 10,000 step at the start of our walk. I didn't get it till later around supper time. 

I pulled out my Christmas cards. I'm going to write a little on each and try to get them out. 

I did say I would show what I had done for Christmas decorations. The Santa's sit up there on the cabinet. 

I ironed the table cloth - a little. Then I brought up the dishes and washed them. Went down and brought up the glasses and washed them as well. I'm try and get it set up nice by he weekend. I want to enjoy a nicely set table for awhile. 

Tonight I'm thinking of working on Phil's quilt. I wanted to have it done by Christmas for him. Haven't gotten there yet, but if I do work on it till then I should be able to get it done. There really isn't a lot to do on that quilt. I have about half already done - I think! I really need to finish up a couple quilts I've started! This week will be pretty much on my own. Not too crazy about that, since Charlie won't be around. I will work on keeping my spirits up! I can do this on my own. 

Life is good, cookies are going out, and I'm still Happy Quilting!

Father's Day Weekend

Today I was actually able to sleep in. I got an extra hour of sleep and it felt good. Patrick slept for another hour and then we went out. We spent most of the day out. Went to the casino and then to the movies.

We do like going to movies. We look for good movies and then we go during matinee time. Cheaper that way. We do have the movie card, and it comes in handy. We have been known to get in to a free movie from time to time.

I did get more quilting in last night. The weather was good, not as hot as it is tonight. I seem to be getting around pretty quick. I'm not sure if I'll be working on this tonight.

We're watching another old war time movie right now. Jack Lemon is in it as well as Ricky Nelson. Both have since passed. Hard to believe all these movies I loved have half the actors still alive.

I went downstairs earlier to see my next project on the list. I would like to make it a little bigger. So, I'm going to have to figure out the math parts to make it just a few inches more. Time will tell if I can do that. I'm going to make the background blocks so I can get them set up to work on. I will sit down this week and work the math out.

Tomorrow is a trip to the Spaghetti Factory for Father's Day. Patrick doesn't know it, but I was nice enough to buy him a couple gifts. I'll give them to him tomorrow.

In the meantime, I'm going to play a few games, and then pull out my baskets to work on another one. That means - Happy Quilting!

A Meeting Day!

Today I did the usual, walking, cribbage, and then off to a meeting. Guess the meeting part isn't usual, but it's close. I go do meeting more often then I ever did. Monday is our embroidery day, so I'll be off for that as well.

The meeting today was at moms. Mom was showing the pattern she got for me that I gave back to her. A couple of them asked if I was going to make the quilt, and I told them no, not since she shared it with everyone before she gave it to me. I gave it back. They couldn't understand why I did that. I told them I don't like working on something, sharing the pattern, then that person finishes it before I do. Mom made the comment that it was because I was mad at her for taking my Christmas quilt and finished it before I even started it. In some ways, yes, but that's not the reason. I just feel like quilters who found a pattern they really like, work on it, and then share what they are doing, wouldn't appreciate the fact that that person finished the quilt first. That person gets all the awes, ohs, etc., while the first person gets comments like, "Isn't that the quilt so-and-so made?" "Did you get the pattern from so-and-so?" I'm selfish in that way. I think someone that finished a quilt, can then give the pattern away for someone else. Why give it away while they work on it? And why listen to people say how so-and-so did such a good job or found an awesome pattern. It's different when two people on the internet are working on the same one. I only feel that way when it's in the same groups. There are too many group members who copy others.

I worked on Phillip's quilt today. I started the 5th block. I've got about 1/3 of it quilted. The blocks go fast enough and if I keep going with this quilt it will be done before I know it. It's one of those UFO's that needed to be finished. I can't wait to add that to the "finished" pile! I'm happy at how much I've been getting done! It's fun to see project that where started years ago, getting done.

Last night I finished block #14. Now I have 13 blocks done. They are coming along great! I'm having fun. I marked this months blocks the other day, so I can get the fabric for those and at this rate, I may get caught up by the time all 50 states are done. I'm close to being half way at this point.

Even though I put up with some of the things that goes on with this group, I still love going and I still enjoy the company. I'm used to be ignored at times, so no worries. Life is good!

I'm still going through ideas of what I want to do. I marked the next two eagles for the quilts, so I'm getting ready to do the applique on them soon. I'm loving the embroidery as well, so I'm still keeping busy. It's the only way to be! Happy Quilting!

Thinking Too Much - AGAIN!

Today started out great. Walked and came home. I started making my Scandinavian Almond Cake. It was awesome, and I still love making that cake! It's actually a kind of pound cake. I could eat both any day. We had a lot of almonds in the house, so got busy making it. It takes a good hour to cook, but when it's done, it's awesome!

I did go downstairs and quilt for two hours.

I did get this area ready for rolling again, but need to move to the middle and then the right side before I can roll it.

I have half this block done. This is block number 4 of 9.

I put up my UFO's to keep me on track. Still have a ways to go. I need to get back to working on the basket blocks.

I saw this upstairs and took it downstairs. It's a pattern/kit that mom brought back for me. It's a table matt for the table. I'm not quiet there yet to work on it.

Then I had the "stupid" idea. I kept looking at this pattern on the wall. I thought it would be fun to do the embroidery on these blocks. So, I cut out a couple squares to mark the blocks. I marked one block and realized it was on the wrong piece of fabric. As I was marking the blocks (yes I did 2), I realized the instructions are crap! They are instructions for someone that can read patterns, because the instructions don't tell you what the dotted lines in the fish bowl are or what stitch to use on it. The only instructions on what stitch to use are the "zigzag" areas. It doesn't even show you how the zigzag is done. They show the lazy daisy stitch, french knot (not a good design for people that don't know how to make a french knot) and 2 other stitches. The more I looked at the patterns the more frustrated I got. I can use my own ideas of how and where to stitch it. I don't want to have to figure it out as I go. SO...I've decided after marking 2 of the blocks, I'm not going to do this! I'm not going to make this quilt. I do not recommend these patterns with the kind of instructions they have.

While the light box is out, I marked 2 more eagles for the QOV quilts. I need to get with Donna and we can work out the colors. I have some fabrics for the eagle but I would like to get her ideas as well. Plus she has some fabrics I want to use on the blocks.

I was thinking of starting another project, and I even bought another quilt pattern online! I should just wait for it to show up before I start another project. Keep telling myself that anyway....Thinking a small project will be fast and easy to do.....nope, that never happens. Why another project...I have two quilts to quilt....I have 3 applique quilts going, and why would I need another one?! I have two more that have fabric and is waiting to get started...so why am I looking at the patterns on my board?! UGH Lynn, stop looking!!

Now that I won't be starting another project, I'll keep working on the quilting side of 2 quilts. Tomorrow is the potluck for our group. Not sure what I will be taking, but I will think of something. I just hope I don't set everything up, we eat, and they leave for me to clean up. I hate it when that happens.

Friday is the other quilt group. Not sure what I'm going to do. I really don't care about going two days in a row, but I know it upsets mom if I don't show up. ugh.

May you be Happy Quilting!