Found My Son's Quilt!

While looking for that pattern the other day (Thursday), I came across my son's quilt. It is over 20 years old! It was a quilt that I did through a chat site on the internet. Back then we would all log onto a chat site, hoping someone was on line, and chat about quilting. We put together a "Round Robin" - before Patricia Margaret and Donna Slusser's books came out!


After all the blocks came in, I put them into a small quilt for Phillip. 

I put the quilt together, and Phillip started to quilt it. He wanted to learn how to quilt, and I wasn't going to stop him. 

I pulled it out of the box today, and decided it was time to finish the quilt. 

I'm going to leave his quilting stitches in there. He was about 5-7 years old when I started quilting on this. He worked on it in my lap. I'm not sure why we quit quilting on it, but if I remember right, I would ask him and he would say "not today."

You can see his stitches here. 

The stitches are pretty good for a young boy!  I was so thrilled at the time when he wanted to do this. 

I decided it was such a nice day today, that I would get the swing set put together and sit out there and quilt. 

Couldn't resist the view! This is looking up from the deck. I just love seeing the clouds come in, and it reminded me of being young when we would lay on the ground, looking up to image what the clouds looked like.

I had so much fun taking photos!! (I did tell you I like taking photos)

After I got everything set up and found everything I needed to go out there to work on the quilt, Patrick decided we would go to my son's house to drop a few things off. I didn't tell my son that I found the quilt and was starting to quilt on it. 

I drew the water on the bottom section of the block. I also filled in the areas that didn't get done by Phil. 

I know this isn't the best photo, but took it anyway to show what I was doing. 

I bet your asking - "What about the Hawaiian quilt?" Well, it's too nice a day to have that heavy quilt on my lap. Talk about being HOT! So, I decided this morning that this quilt is smaller and easier to quilt on days like today - plus I can take it outside and quilt on it on the swing set. It's more portable than the Hawaiian. 

I did find that since it's been stored for 20 years and has been moved at least three times, it does has a slight smell to it. It's a smell that I end up having an allergic reaction to. So, I'm going to work on the quilt outside so the smell doesn't bother me too  much. I'm not sure why it's taken me this long to decide to finish the quilt. Guess I was hoping Phil would finish it himself. lol

Today I ordered a couple of needle threaders. I have one but I like the ones by Sewline that look like lipstick. I bought two - one for smaller needles and one for the bigger needles. It cost me enough! I remember when we could get needles and threaders for around $5. Not anymore! It cost me $32 for both of them - $14 each! It could have cost me more, but I looked around for the cheapest price. I'm also looking for the Hedgehog Needlepuller that doesn't cost an arm and a leg! So far, it looks like that is going to cost me $15 as well. UGH! I hate spending that much on one piece of "supplies." Good thing I'm doing survey's to make money to pay for some of this stuff!  The Hedgehog Needlepuller will just have to wait a little longer before I get one of those. 

With another day like today, I may get a lot of quilting in on Phil's quilt. I figured out I had used an off white quilting thread when he started quilting on the quilt. I have white in the house, so decided I would do it in white. That way one can tell who's quilting was where. As I worked on the quilt, I thought of how he would sit in my lap and we would quilt together. Those are good memories of my times with my son. 

I did get more done on the embroidery stems I was working on yesterday. I also started to applique the basket done on that block. I would like to have it done in the next couple weeks, but not holding my breath! - As you can see, I go from one thing to another and back again. I get bored with one thing and start on another. Plus, I'm trying to get some of these unfinished quilts done. I'm in progress of finishing a lot of them at this rate! I hope your better at getting UFO's done and are Happy Quilting!

Enjoying Embroidery Work on Quilt Blocks.

Yesterday was a pretty busy day. I was able to get some embroidery done on my quilt blocks while being at our quilt group.

I had a good 90% of the embroidery done on this by the time the quilt group left. We all had a great time and stayed longer than we usually do.

Here is a better photo of the completed block. I'm happy to report that I have now got two of the Baltimore Liberty blocks done.

I realized after doing that and starting the next block that I still need to finish the last block of the Affairs of the Heart quilt.

So, last night, I sat down and put the stem on the basket blocks. I still have a few more stem to do, but it's coming along. I will then applique the basket down, and get that basket done. I still need to work on how I'm going to do that for the other block. I need a light box, so I will probably take my ott light and put it on the other side of sliding glass door. Not to that point yet. lol

So, what is it about having a table clear - that everyone (including me) puts stuff on the table and goes back upstairs?!

Put a few things away today, got tired of seeing all that on the table.  Still need to put more away!

I asked my group if they had any "extra" "scraps" in black and white that they wanted to get rid of - I'd take them. Not that I need more fabric! But Katt asked me if I would do a black and white quilt for her. Now I need to let her know I have the fabrics and she needs to tell me what pattern she wants made out of them.

This is my quilt frame with my quilt!! Can you see the mess?!! I can't believe I move stuff from the table to the frame and back again! I still need to put this stuff away as well! I did get some of it put away, but still have a long way to go. I am getting organized though. Would you believe I was asked about the blocks that I started at retreat last year. I told her I would get the pattern so she can get a copy of it. Would you believe it took me 20 mins looking for that darn pattern??? I had it on the table, OH, guess what?! I organized my projects!! So, where did I put it?? After 20 mins I realized I actually put those quilt project in a plastic box. That was yesterday, and I took the box to my friend that asked for it. Trouble was, it put me that much more behind my schedule for the day! Ugh! I organize myself so well that I can't find what I'm looking for! GO Figure!!

Okay, now I'm going to try and get some more quilt related stuff done while Charlie is in my lap! She's not easy to type around on the computer, and she keeps moving closer to the keyboard to try and get my attention. ugh. I'll see what  I can get done tonight, with her in the middle of everything. May you have better luck being Happy Quilting!

Baltimore Liberty quilt block finished!

I've been working on the Baltimore Liberty quilt blocks made by P3 Designs. I finally finshed the Liberty Bell block.

This is the finished block after all the embroidery was done.

This was the original crack I embroidered. After looking at it, I showed my husband and asked what he thought. He told me I needed to have it more rapid to look like a real crack. I think took the embroidery out and started over.

 
That's when I did this. I agree with him, it does make it look more like a crack. I ironed the block and put it away.

Then I started working on the firecracker block. This one has a lot more embroidery on it, and I'm having fun. I am surprised at all the french knots, but they are going quickly. I had this all done last night. So far today I have been working on the center flower. It's a lot like the center flower in the bell block. I still need to put the yellow parts of the flowers in each flower, as well as putting the green on the flowers. I'm enjoying the work.

I had a few minutes before getting supper started today, so I worked a little on this needlepoint piece. I need to have two of them done by next week It won't take long and I do love working on it.

Bowling went well tonight. I did get another 202 out of it.

Tomorrow is quilting with the Thursday group. I'm going to head over there tomorrow and plan on getting more embroidery done again. I may just get started on the basket block.

May you be Happy Quilting!

Enjoying the Embroidery!

Today was a fun day for me. I was able to sleep in for the first time in a very long time. I didn't go next door to play cribbage, because they had other things to do today. Ruth doesn't get back till Thursday, so I didn't have to be up at 7 am to walk.

The sun was out and I just had to go out and take more photos. It's been a long time since I took photos like I did when I was younger. I'm getting excited about photography again.

This is the lilac bush in the back yard.

With the sun out, the tulips decided to open today. I had fun checking out the different tulips in the yard.

After seeing all the tulips I noticed more flowers coming up.

I can't wait till this blooms.

Purple is one of my favorite colors for flowers.

After checking out the yard, I went back in the house and pulled out some of my blocks. I also did a few more surveys, then sat down and worked on the blocks.

This is where I was as of last night.

I did the flower and the firecrackers last night while watching Dancing with the Stars.

I sat down and worked on the needlepoint for awhile. I will try and get it done by next week.

I went to the window so I could mark where the basket goes on this block. I had to have the marking on the front so I could see where to put the 1/4" bias tape. I also marked the area that needed to be embroidered.

I was putting the basket straps where the lines told me, then figured out I needed to re-think that idea.

I decided to move the straps where they looked better. I basted it down so that it's in the right places. I will have the sides, bottom, and top done by doing the back basting. I need to do the stems of the leaves and flowers by embroidery.

So, tonight I'm planning on doing more embroidery, and I do love how the designs come to life with embroidery. This is the time where I'm very thankful for having a grandmother who loved embroidery and loved teaching me the right way to do it.

I'm going to work on the bell block and the firecracker block before I get started on this basket. At least I have it ready. The other block (that is the same pattern) wasn't as easy to mark on the front. Tomorrow I will probably need to take my light out on the deck to be able to shine on the glass. Then I can see where I marked it on the back.

Another day of keeping busy in my own way. I'm enjoying the slow week, and getting a lot done (for me). My you have a great day of being Happy Quilting!

Now I Can Get Back to My Projects.

Yesterday was spent away from the house, so I didn't have any quilting to report on. We had bowling last night as well, and I'm happy to report, I'm keeping up with my average lately.

This morning I went out and got a few photos of the flowers and plants that are coming up in the yard. This is the flower that my Hawaiian quilt has in it. I can't ever remember the name of it. The other one is the columbine flower.

Our tulips are coming up, and I love some of the colors we have.

I had fun taking this photo! I didn't know how it would turn out, but I'm loving this photo.

This is another one of the tulips out in the yard. It's so different, and I'm really liking the effect it has.

Today, I was doing laundry all day while working on surveys on line. I like to be able to make some extra money, so I do different surveys each day. My son got me onto a sight where I can do a lot of surveys and get paid better for them. I've been working on that sight for the past couple days. I'm really liking all the different ones I can do.

After doing the surveys, I decided I better get the friendship block done. I hated working on it. It wasn't because of the design, it was more the fabrics. I had such a hard time working on it. My stitches are bigger than I like, but it was so hard to get a needle through the fabrics. Plus when you use "sticky tape" it makes it hard as well.

I was at this point as of last night. There is a "strand" that I had to cut off. I also had to make a smaller bias tape strip to be able to finish this blocks.

This area was the hardest part of the whole block. I had to "square it" and it wasn't that easy. With the tape on the back, it was sticking together and making it harder to move the piece in the right spot. I did what I could. When the fabric doesn't want to cooperate and it doesn't let the needle "glide" through the fabric, then it's hard to do.

This is the finished block. I know Deanna wants a dog wood flower on this block, but I'm not going to do it. It will take too long, and I don't want to work with fabric that doesn't "glide" when you do applique.

Hopefully tomorrow I can get some embroidery done on my blocks. I may even pull the quilt back out and work on it.

This week is back to what I like. Spending the day by myself, working on what needs to be done, and getting a few things done. The last two weeks keep me on the go, and I found I wasn't too thrilled about having to go somewhere every day. I have quilting on Thursday, so it will be nice to get some projects done this week. I'm really looking forward to getting things done.

Life is good! Hope you all have a great week, and I'm going to plan on being Happy Quilting!

Applique' Blocks

Yesterday was pretty busy and I didn't get a chance to write on here. I'll try and keep up. 

Since my parents left for Oklahoma on Thursday, I was spending the night at their place. Friday, a dear friend of the family, was coming over to stay at their house till they get back. She was at the TAS Retreat - that I was going to go to, but cancelled because of "issues."

I had my therapy at 10 am - about an hour after some of the quilters came over for our meeting. While they were at mom's I walked over to my physical therapy. Came back and they were all at the table working on a folder that holds a dollar bill no matter how you open it. Needlepoint is my favorite form of crafts, so I decided to join in on the fun!

Since I knew the stitch, I was able to get this much done before we called it a day. Ethel showed up just after lunch and she stayed with the pets. 

I did get to work on the Celtic block for Deanna. I'm not liking the idea of doing a dog wood applique on the block, so I may just let someone else do it for her. 

I'm working in the area that you can see is not "tacked" down. It's going pretty fast, I just need to keep my eyes open to the "over" and "under" areas. So far it's not that hard. I did find it a little hard to do the -- areas. I had to fold the fabric so that it would cover it, and square it off. 

I did get started on the embroidery for the Baltimore Liberty quilt. I have the embroidery floss ready to work on the blocks. I forgot to bring the original pattern to see what all needs the embroidery stitches on them. I did know the fire crackers needed the stems, so I did those and then went to the Celtic block. 

Still looking forward to being Happy Quilting!

A Day of Waiting more than Anything!

Today was one of those days, where appointments and running around seem to take over my day.

I started out with my usual walk with my neighbor. Then I had to come home and work on my exercises and head up to Olympia to see my doctor about my back. Charlie wanted her attention, so I did give her a 10 min "pampering" before heading out. Since I have to drive 30 mins to Olympia, I always seem to take longer than it's supposed to be. A 30 min drive ended up being a 50 min drive because of rain and traffic. I had a 10 am appointment, got there about 5 mins before my appointment time. Waited 45 mins to have my name called. Waited another 50 mins in the room for the doctor. Oh, and the best part - called Phil to tell him I was running late and it would be another 30 mins before I could meet up with him. When I did that, the doctor showed up. We talked about my back, he had me bend to see how the physical therapy was doing. Good news - he said I'm doing great and need to keep up the good work. My meeting with him was 10 mins tops! Best part is that I don't have to go back for another year - unless I keep having problems, but he was really impressed with my physical therapy.

In the meantime, Phil thought I was going to be late, and he went to another store. Then he got lost on the freeway, and an half hour later, he met up with me for lunch. lol My parents called three times today before they headed out for Oklahoma. Patrick took the day off, but in the meantime, I headed to the folks place to take care of the pets.

After fixing supper, I made tea, and decided I better get to work on my applique projects.

So, I went into mom's sewing room and started cutting the bias strips that I needed for the Celtic block.

I used the 3/8" bias tape maker and ironed the "rods." After I did that, I used the "WashAway Wonder Tape" to be able to stick the rods onto the design. I decided not to use the tape that is supposed to be used on the tape maker, as it didn't work with a "dang."

I used the strip I had left from when I did the other section. Now I have 3 more strips ready to work on the rest of the design. Since the quilters are coming over tomorrow,I will applique it done. I taped it down, and as you can see, I need to work on a couple of the "points" to get them to lay down right. The end piece that is under, will be cut off and another piece will start under the "overlay" when I get there. I need to keep that there, just in case I need more tape in a special area.

Today was one busy day, and hopefully tomorrow will be a day of getting stuff done other than running around. I'm off to do my exercises and try to get stuff done. - As if that will happen! lol

Best wishes, and Happy Quilting!