A Day With Debbie

 This morning Debbie arrived around 10:30 and we headed out to Shelton. She wanted to show me the quilt shop out there. Annie's Quilt Shop - I think is the name. Anyway, we took a drive up there. 

Wow! That shop has a lot of stuff. The funny part is that you have to buy in 1 yard cuts. You can't get 1/4's, 1/2's, etc. I was okay with that. 

We saw this panel and wanted it. Trouble is that it was a kit. Not very big. Plus we didn't want the black. Then when we saw the price of $80+ we decided it wasn't worth it. The borders weren't long enough to work with for our quilts. I really do like the panel and not sure where to get it. I did get 3 other panels that will work for us. 

Then I saw this print. I got a yard of it. It's a 108" wide, so it was worth the cost. I want to check with our supplier and see if they have that one. If they do, I'm going to ask for a bolt. AND if they do, I can order another navy blue print because I just used the last of it. UGH

After going there, we stopped at the Olive Garden to get some lunch. We had a salad and some bread sticks. Of course, I had to eat 2 bread sticks! Or was it 3? lol 

We then came back home by stopping at the Sherriff's to see if we could get them to let us honor some of their veterans. They have a dinner in February, and we could do a couple of them. Told Debbie we will need to get busy and making quilt tops. If we can do that, we're good to go. 

We talked about what we need to talk about at the meeting. I got dropped off around 3 pm. Then I sent off my reimbursement and got to work on the beads I had out. I have this container that I started with in the beginning to hold my beads. Then I decided to keep my beads in tubes. So, I put the beads together or put them in a tube. Again, trying to keep my beads organized. So far, so good. I also marked how many beads I have in my excel program. I keep track of the number and how many grams I have. That way I know if I really need to order more or if I actually have them. 

Today was not a day to be Happy Quilting/Happy Stitching!

BE Christmas Party Today

 I got started on putting my stuff together in the crockpot for my artichoke dip. It didn't cook the full time here, so when I got to the grange, I plugged it in. First, I had to stop at the Church to drop off 2 quilts, then I went to Safeway for bread. Once that was done, I headed over to Connie's where she gave me 2 more quilts that need bindings on. It was a trade off since I gave her 2 quilts with backing and batting. I brought home one of her tops to see what backing will work with her quilt. 

Then I arrived a little late at the grange. They were waiting on me. I got a few things together and we at and chatted for a while. Once that was going on, we snacked on my dip and bread. Then we got ready for lunch - potluck. It was all good! I gave Sandy and Cindy their gifts. I should have brought the other 2 one too but we decided on exchanging gifts. The idea was that we bring something we have and don't want or something we started and won't finish. I took a few things I had around my quilt room that weren't doing me any good. Gerilyn received those and didn't want to "steal" for anything else. That made me feel good. I ended up with Cindy's bag of cross stitch, Sue Spargo, and other kits. I have two of them to Gerilyn and I came home with the last 3. I'm going to put them in to give away, because there isn't anything in there I would really do. Plus, I have enough kits right now. And these were simple easy stuff that I don't want to do. 

Came home and got busy with laundry. I didn't do any over the weekend and I needed to get working on that. Then I pulled out the quilts that needed labels. There were a good 7 of them needing labels. AND I have a feeling I didn't take pictures of all of the ones I did. Because I'm sure I did 5 of them. 

Victoria Parrott made this one. I do like the colors she used. I can't wait to see what else she comes up with for us.

JoAnn Wisner has been busy. This is another one of her quilts. Between her and Connie, the pieced quilts are awesome!

Colleen Hill did something different and I like it. At least it looks artsy with a flag in there. It turned out pretty good. 

This quilt is finally done for Smiley's pastor. We will be giving that out soon enough. He was hoping it was done on Veterans Day, but no such luck. It was fun working on this one. I hope he likes it. There are 4 that the labels are on and ready to go to the museum. I counted 7 in the bag, so I'm pretty sure I missed taking a photo of one of the 5 I did today. I have 2 more labels to put on. I also need to work on my labels because I'm out of the ones that are ready to put on the quilts. I may do that later this week. 

All in all, it turned out to be a great day. We had laughs and fun today. I enjoy my Brazilian Embroidery gals. They keep things hopping and fun. We have plans to work on Sandy V's class work on January 15th. Should be fun! I will be gone for a month but we won't be meeting for the week of Christmas and New Years, so I will only miss 2 weeks. Not bad. At least I was taking time to be Happy Quilting/Happy Stitching!

Getting Quilts Ready To Be Quilted

 Some days I can figure a title, other days, not so much! I wish at times I was good at this. 

Today was pretty busy. Guess I can say part of that is my fault for waiting till the last minute! Like right now - I have backing in the wash and needs to be dried by tomorrow morning. 

I started out with getting my gifts wrapped for tomorrow. Then I wanted to cut the backing and batting for 4 quilts. I asked the church to do 2 of the quilts. Before I realized 2 of the quilts were too small! I got ahold of Kirsti to let her know. I'm having a hard time taking in quilts that are too small. We already have 4 quilts that are for wheelchair veterans. Trouble with that is that we don't know if they are wheelchair bound or not - until they arrive. Then we have to ask ourselves if he/she is in the wheelchair the whole time or part time. Gets to be a pain in my rear. 

So, I checked both of them and found I could add to this one. It's 66" x 57." We request quilts to be 60" x 80" so that they are all the same size. It makes thing easier. So, at 2 pm, I made the decision to add to this quilt. I'm going to make it clear at the next meeting (Thursday), that I'm going to refuse any quilt that isn't in our guidelines or even close to them. 

Next was trying to see what I had that would work with this quilt. 

I asked Kristi if she was okay with this red. Once that was ok'd, I got to work. Having to cut the fabric for the borders. 

Four hours later, I had it to 79" x 62" which is where I wanted it to be (except for the 79") After I did that, I thought it actually made the quilt after. I couldn't do the other quilt. She used 3 pieces of fabric. So, if I even tried to find something to go with it, one would know right off the bat and ask me what they (or I) were thinking. So, she's going to have to make it bigger. It's a panel piece of the flag and is on the side. Will be interesting to see when it's done. I know the blue stars go on top when hanging a flag, so need to keep that in mind when putting a label on. 

Then I had to get my stuff cut and ready to put in the crockpot tomorrow morning. I ended up prepping the ingredients for the artichoke dip. I want to add spinach and need to leave myself a message to pull that out of the freezer. 

At least I didn't feel sorry for myself today and got to work on stuff that needed to be done. I really can't say today was Happy Quilting/Happy Stitching!

Just a RELAXING Day - Sore OF

I didn't get up till 11 am this morning. I didn't even want to get up then. It wasn't that I was tired, I just felt like staying in bed. The rain came down and the day was dreary. So, why get up? When I finally got moving, I played games. And watched a TV movie. 

Then around 2 pm we headed out to Safeway to pick up some stuff for Patrick to make his bark. I picked up stuff for my artichoke dip that I will do for Monday. I have 2 potlucks this week. 

Came back home and I just wasn't in the mood for anything! I played games and then I came in the computer room and worked on the information Bryan sent me on the Matheson family. I added more information, and I was able to get through about 10 pages of his. Some of the information I already had, but he added a bit more. I told him when he was ready to come out of jail, I would have the information in a book form for him since he is doing more work than I am right now. I am going to print about 66 pages for him in the next day or so. I also need to copy some of his grandfather's book. 

 When all that was done, we started to watch another Hallmark movie. It was a little confusing as to how they all lined up, but we were able to get some of it. I need go see a couple more shows to figure it out again. 

So, all in all, I was lazy and not in the mood for much. My DIL is out of the hospital and now I'm just started to get hit with all the stuff going on around me. Between her, my SIL, my husband, my BIL, and myself, there is way too much going on. I'm worried about all of them, but I try not to be. Three of us have cancer and the others are dealing with their issues. I found out I have to be checked for another possible issue, but that won't come till February. I'm not looking forward to it, but I will deal with it when it comes. The last thing I need is more cancer, but I seriously don't think that will happen. Even though it's back in the back of my mind. That' why we have physicals - to check how we are doing. Even when we feel fine. Turn 60, not so much, turn 65 and it's like someone in front of you with their hand out, saying "Hell NO!," you have work to do! Life goes on and I'm going with it. Positive all the way! That even helps when one can't be Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Stayed Home Today

It was a day to be at moms. I wasn't in the mood to go anywhere. So, I stayed home. 

I played games most of the morning and afternoon. I did get my walk in today, which was the first time in about a week. 

Then I finally decided it was time to get off my butt and get some stitching done!

 It felt good to get this much done! I'm working on getting back to the step method. It's coming along great!

It felt good to be back to Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting! 

Hate After Affects Of Shots!!

 Yesterday I wasn't feeling 100% because of the COVID shot on Monday. But I did go to our WWII veterans' home to honor him with a quilt. I will try and post that photo later. Debbie was saying Chip mentioned we have lost all but one of the veterans from WWII that we honored this year. I was shocked to hear that, since we honored close to 10 or 15. I'm glad we were able to honor them when we did then. 

I pretty much called it a night around 8 pm last night, then found I couldn't sleep. I was tossing and turning. Even went into the living room and tried sleeping on the floor. When that didn't work, I went on the couch, but had to sleep on my back with me knees up. I woke a few times with sweat! I couldn't believe I soaked my night short! Around 6 am I went back to bed. Then slept till around 9:30 am. 

This morning I was up and playing on the tablet. I could have gone for a walk but just going up and down that stairs was killing me. So, I tried to relax - but wanted to wrap all our gifts for Christmas. While I wrapped, Patrick decorated the tree. It turned out pretty good. At first, I thought it wasn't going to look good, but he surprised me. lol 

We pulled the vacuum cleaner out to get all the white pieces from the tree. Of course, when the vacuum got close to Sophie, she headed by the tree. 

That's where she stayed till supper time. 

Before that, she was enjoying her nap - till Patrick started vacuuming the stairs. Then she kept an eye on him the whole time. When he started up the stairs, she headed for the tree. 

I finally pulled my cross stitching out and worked on it. I was able to get a good 300 stitches in before I called it quits. I wanted to watch Michael Symon on TV. I like him and love how he explains why he does what he does. Better personality then Bobbie Flay - not my favorite!

Now it's time to call it a night, and I'm still feeling the effects of the shot. I as always one who would get a cold worse than the other guy. I would also get a reaction to shots when others didn't. It's been that way most of my life. Being that I grew up in the military life, shots weren't that big a deal. Still aren't but IF I had my choice, I wouldn't get them. Because of my health issue right now, I needed to get the shot. I understood that and got it. When my health depends on it, I will get it. Even if I disagree, I will still get the shot. That's what we did when I was young, and that's what I do now. If more people got the shot, we won't have to do it every year. lol 

At least today, I found time to be Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Finished Beaded Ornament

 Today I woke to being sore all day. I hated having to get stuff done today instead of going to bed! 

I worked on getting the ornament done today and was thrilled when I finally got it done! I listened to by book and worked on the last tassel. I took the peach colored one apart. Then I worked a "delicate" tassel instead of a big honking tassel. 

All five of them are done. The one I just finished in the one on the left. Patrick went through them and picked out who was getting what. I have them all in a container with the sticky of who it goes to. I'm giving Debbie one of the gold ones. Patrick wanted the other gold one. 

Then it was time to clean up and get a label on the quilt that goes to the WWII veteran tomorrow. I did the certificate as well. At least I had the pillowcase for this one! 

We have used all the panels up on the quilts. I was glad to see this one was in the stack to have a label on it. This is going to the WWII veteran. 

Then I wanted to try and get another label or two done. 

This one was donated to us through the museum. I added the label and was about ready to go to bed when Patrick reminded me I had a water meeting. So, we headed over to the water meeting at the church. We had more people tonight then we have had in a couple of years. It was an hour long. Then Debbie and Mom called, so I had to call them back. Now I'm going to call it a night and be thankful for being Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Ornament # 4 Finished

 Today started out at the grange with Sandy and her sister Jeannette. We had a good meeting and I worked on the yellow butterfly for the Orchid embroidery piece I'm working on. I will try and post a photo of that later. 

I left early to get home. Patrick and I went to Kaiser to see about me getting my Covid shot and him getting his port flushed. He had to make an appointment, but I got in right away. I was told when I went to the surgeon. that I needed to get the Covid shot. Now that I have cancer, I need to keep getting the shot. It will help me if I do get covid.  I wasn't thrilled about that, but I did it. The gal that gave me the shot did such a good job!! I never felt it going in. I'm always aware of needles but this time she counted and I didn't feel a thing. I love nurses or doctors that can do that!!

Then we headed over to Costco. We picked up a few things for the potlucks I have next week. I got a lasagna for Thursday. I will figure Monday out later. I still want to do my artichoke dip. I still have a couple things to pick up for that. 

We came home, stopping at Phils to give him a couple things we picked up for him. I cried when we pulled out. I miss Ziva! She wasn't there to welcome me. It was so quiet there. 

I played for awhile on my tablet. Then I decided I needed to work on the last ornament I had to do. The 4th one needs the tassels done on it, and I'm waiting for my beads to come in. They were supposed to be here today but didn't make it. They are scheduled for tomorrow. Fingers crossed they get here tomorrow so I can finish the last ornament. 

 Ornament #4 is done. 

The top is different and not really what I was thinking when I was working on it. I should have gone around one more time, but it works fine this way as well. Now I have one last one to work on and then I can mail 2 of the ornaments out. 

I was at least able to work on both my embroidery and my beading, which makes me very Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Working On Ornaments

This morning we enjoyed sleeping in. When I finally got up and moving, I got to work on cleaning around the house. Got laundry going, cleaned the cat litter box, and went to get my backing and batting ready for tomorrow. Need to drop it off at Connies. 

Then I sat down to get to work on my ornaments. 

 I attached these tassels to this ornament and found I didn't like it. They were clipped off even after I had it completely done. I will rework the tassels and try again later. 

I then completed this ornament. I do like the lighter tassels, but not has happy with them as I thought I would be. Patrick likes it. Plus he was the one that suggested the 2 different colors in the tassel. 

Then I attached the ring of the 3rd ornament. When I did that, I decided to stop. I will put this one together tomorrow and work on the tassels for the first one. Hopefully I can get them done. It might not be tomorrow since Patrick wants to go to Olympia for my COVID shot and then to Costco. I hope to try and get at least one of them done tomorrow though. I may take one with me to our BE meeting. Hard to say. 

At least I was able to work on the ornaments today and be Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Keeping Busy Finishing Things Up

This morning I wanted to get busy with getting the tassels done for the 3 ornaments I have left to finish. Patrick was helping me on a couple of them. 

 I got started on this one when my son told hubby that he had to take Ziva into the emergency vets. She was having trouble with her breathing. Just about the time I had this done, Phil texted to say my Grand doggie was put to sleep. Broke my heart. She isn't suffering any more. But she was such a sweet heart! 

I spent the rest of the afternoon working on the tassels. 

I like to make them all different. It's just something I have a "thing" about. 

This is one that Patrick picked. It does go with the angels in this set, so I was willing to do it. I was able to use beads from broken jewelry that aren't doing anyone any good in a box. 

 This was the last one. I wanted to wait till Monday or Tuesday to get my beads in, but decided since I have to mail 2 of these out, that I better just get them done. And so, I worked on them. Tomorrow I will try and finish 1 or 2 of them. Not sure if I can do all 3 but can try. I do clean around the house first, so that may be a no. 

We went to the Evergreen Playhouse to see the play "James and the Giant Peach" which turned out really good. I never read the book, so I really didn't know what to expect. It was really cute and fun. There were a few younger children there, but they did awesome! Singing and everything!

At least my day was one that I was able to be Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Two Ornaments Down, Three To Go!

This morning I wanted to get back to my ornaments. I started them before even touching my tablet. Patrick was surprised to come in this morning and find me sitting at the table trying to the get the tassels right on the second ornament. 

Once that was done, I started putting it together. After I had it all together, Patrick found one of the tassels missing a couple beads. So, I took that tassel off and re-did it. 

 If you look closely, you will find the 2 different tassels. Each are a set of 3, so every other panel has the opposite one. 

I had a little trouble deciding what I wanted to do on the top of the ornament. I worked it a little, but not really happy with the end result. I do like it, but not what I was hoping for. 

This one came out better. I like the top of the ornament. I also liked the beads on the tassels. Actually the tassel has pearls that were of a broken necklace that my grandmother owned. Since these are going to family mostly, I wasn't too worried about it. The pearls are 75% chance of being real. I'm not sure, and I really am not worried about it. I put them to use in the ornaments and hopefully they will be a heirloom for someone else. The pearls are not that important as I have a ton more. I'm trying to use up some of the beads that were given to me through my grandmother(s) and great grandmother. I think it made the ornament by using them. 

Each ornament is different. I don't like to repeat myself and I like to make each one special for the person they are going to. I have 3 more to work on, then I will pick out the one I want and then work on who gets which one. It will be a process. But a fun one at that. The next 3 are silver, so that will be easier to figure out then these were. I really didn't have a lot of gold. 

I like how they came out. So, I'm glad to see them finished. That is all that matters. Which puts me in the mood to be Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!