Rainy, Windy, Rainy, Windy.....Relaxing And Appliqueing!

Today I wasn't able to get out for walking - or we decided to wait for the wind and rain to slow down....never did.

I had to pull out the laundry and get it done. It's been almost a week since I was able to work on the laundry...my basket got way too full. So, I worked on getting it down to nothing in the basket. But wait!... Patrick will probably add to it tomorrow and I'll be back to a full basket! He loves to throw in the bathroom rugs, sheets, and sometimes the shower curtain. Don't get me wrong, not complaining - found out I have a "rare" hubby that helps me clean the house. We have always had a "Saturday Clean Day." He's awesome when it comes to cleaning. We share!

Good news is, I was able to get a LOT done today. Even though Patrick came home early, I still had a lot of work done.

This is the final leaf that I have to do. I'm really loving this design. I'm not that crazy about the orange, but I'm told this is her colors and it will go great in the house. My daughter is the "orange" person in this family. But orange gets a little old after awhile. I do like this orange though. Just tired of working on that color. :-)

I was thinking today, that I need to get the color paints that Kathy McNeil has. I'm going to try and order them this weekend. I have a couple embroidery patterns that are quilt patterns. They are the ones that are colored. I finally found a set of color paints that I believe is a lot better than the ones I have been using.

I also reminded myself I have the cross stitch to finish up. Here I go again... what I need to work on....I need to make some applique blocks that will go between the 9 patches I did. I found my "501 Patterns" book that has small patterns. There are some really pretty flower blocks in that as well. I will try and do those....here I go again....small like the baskets that I need to get back to....plus the baskets from my BOM that I was working on till I started this quilt! Funny how I would rather applique then piece. The thought of piecing gets me nervous and I tend to think of other things I could be doing - like making zucchini bread - which I did today as well.

 
And then there are those "hair brained" ideas of doing a puzzle. I got this far last night. Haven't touched it again today. I'm staying on track right now....Happy Quilting!

Meeting Day At Whalen Quilt Works

This morning started out with a good walk. We got in a quick walk and then came home to get ready to head to moms and then the meeting.

Yesterday when we walked, a Rainbow showed up. It was the full rainbow at that!

I was so surprised at how we were able to see the whole thing. It was really pretty! And it was sprinkling all the way home.

Went to moms to take pictures of her quilt. She wanted to have some photos of her and her quilt.

It turned out awesome!

This is mom - Shirley Taylor - with her most recent quilt.

Some close up photos.

This is the quilt that mom had stripped in green, didn't like the color, after she quilted it about 1/4 of the way. She then took out all her quilting stitches, the green strips and then redid the sashing in red. Once that was done, she started quilting it.

She signed it, "My Baltimore Album 2015."

After leaving her to her appointment, I headed over to the quilt shop for our meeting. Had a pretty good time. I purchased the black batting so I could finish the Oak Leave quilt. I still have the corner to finish up. Then I'll put it together to get the quilting going on it. I have till the 23rd to get it finished and ready to go to my Aunt.

I decided I needed something else to keep me busy as well. So, I put the other puzzle away that I was going to do. Then I went and pulled this on out. I started it before bowling last night. Haven't touched it today. I've got Charlie in my arm right now, because she's dying to get to my lap. Trying to get her to wait, but it gets hard to work around her.

I brought my block back from the group. It was the rose block. I asked Kathy W what she thought and we both agreed I needed to add some more embroidery on the flower. After that, it will be done. I'm okay with that. I'll work on it this weekend so I can take it back on Monday when the last class for applique is done. I've learned a lot over this class.

I'm still working on the Oak Leaf and Acorn quilt and it really is getting done. I'll have a good day tomorrow to be Happy Quilting!

VETERAN'S DAY!

This is going to be about all the Veteran's out there -

Great Granddad Hodge, Civil War Vet,.

Great Granddad John Wineland, Civil War Vet.,

Ed Study and "Chum," WWI Vet.,

Family members (unknown),

Dad, (Myron Taylor), with his mother and my mother,

Dad again while in Libia.

TO MY BROTHERS, CHRIS AND PATRICK, AND MY HUSBAND PATRICK THANK YOU ALL.

THANK YOU FAMILY FOR ALL YOU HAVE DONE FOR THIS COUNTRY.

Check back tomorrow to see how far I've gotten with the Oak Leaf pattern....back to being Happy Quilting!

Back On Track

I'm back on track. Ruth is back and this morning was getting up early to go walking. I really enjoy our walks, and really missed them. She has a way of making me feel better. At 84 years old, she's so full of life! I hope I'm that way at that age. You'd never know she was that old.

I got working on the laundry.....nope, still no ham showing up....and enjoyed the day with Charlie. I got working on my Oak Leave quilt again.

I was able to get the top of the quilt done, now I'm going to try and finish up the bottom.

I love the way it's coming out. It's turning out great. I actually worked on it last night. I didn't think I was going to be in the mood, but I did work on it.

Guess I was feeling sorry for myself after yesterday, but then after thinking about it, I realized I was able to keep them there and they did feel better by the time they left. I can hope.

Ruth and I went walking again around 1 pm today. It was cold! I believe we are getting colder and they are talking about snow in the mountains. We will get hit with rain I'm sure. I wouldn't mind snow.

Tomorrow is Veterans Day...SO.. I thank each and everyone who has served this country! Thank you all!! Happy Quilting!

Learning To Teach.....

Today started out fast. I went to Donna's to get the light box from her, so I could have an extra one. After leaving there, I headed to the shop to get set up to get started.

I had everyone mark their blocks for back basting. Then I got them started on a sample piece - not the best choice of a starter piece. I showed how to get started on the applique. Not good. I had two of them just about ready to call it quits and leave, but calmed them down to get them feeling a little better about applique. Since I'm left handed, I found it is not easy to teach a completely new person to applique - to applique. One gal tried to applique like I do as left handed and was double backing on her stitches. Then I had to figure out the easiest way to teach her to go without backtracking. I showed her to applique with the piece above her, and applique the way they did 100 years ago. (The way mom was taught as a child even) That worked pretty good. She was getting it and felt better. Most were so tense that I keep telling them to relax and enjoy. I had them for about an hour and a half before mom arrived. She came in like a bull. She started in on how to applique and went over the same stuff I did. She showed how to do a skinny stem (not back basted), and told everyone that she doesn't care for back basting, so really wasn't much help with that. We got everyone ready for next week, and told them to do the pumpkin for the next class. Mom is so much better at teaching beginners. I did okay, but not as good as I would have liked. I thought it would work out better, but I think I rushed it a bit. There was so much that needed to be done, that I tried to move along. Hopefully next week will work out a little better.

Last night I did get a few stitches in on this.

I still have the border opposite the leave to work on. It's getting there.

And on the other end of the quilt, I need to work on the leaf. I ave the border done, but not the leaf. It's coming along great. After class today, I lost a little interest in working on this today, so came home and played. I will get back to it tomorrow probably.

I was reading another blog yesterday and saw where she was making a circle each day for 365 days. She's already got about 8 circles done. I thought that was a clever idea, but I'm not one that would want a quilt of circles. I'd probably do different sizes, but then not sure how I'd have a quilt out of circles. So, I thought about what I could do for 365, doing one thing a day......and I thought I could do leaves. Like the different leaves out in nature, do a leave of different sizes, kinds, and colors. I think that would be a little more fun. Will I do it? No clue, but I'm thinking in that direction. The thing is, I'd have to make the time to do it each and every day. Prep time would have to be added in that as well. OH! I could do that for the blocks in between the 9 patches! I'm thinking again....need to finish what I already have going!!

Even though today didn't go as I would have liked, and I'm a little down because I didn't do what I wanted in teaching...I'm still here, still moving, and still Happy Quilting!

Bowling Sunday...With Some Applique Thrown In

This morning I did the usual relaxing before Patrick got up. Then hurried and took a shower, running out the door to get to the bowling alley for our travel league.

I bowled pretty good today, getting a 211 which got me the $5 winning game. One of the awards in our travel league is $5 for each high game and high game handicap. One of the gals in the league bowled a 734 series. She did an awesome job.

Got home after stopping a couple places on the way. I have been getting my stuff ready for the class tomorrow.

I washed moms quilt again - for the sixth time today - because it has so much red. I left it after the sixth wash and will take it still wet to mom. I tried to "air dry" it yesterday and it turned the inside of my drier pink. I really don't care for pink, but oh well.

It's been a rainy week.

I'm happy to say I'm getting really close to finishing this top. I have about half of the border around it done. I'm working on the border areas. I have most of it cut out now, but have more to applique before I start cutting the next set out. I'm enjoying the applique so far. I will need to get the back batting for the quilting.

We're going bowling again tonight, so won't be able to get more done. I will be teaching part  the day tomorrow.

Trees in the yard.

Hopefully tonight I can bowl another good game. I'd love to get another 600 series if I can. At the same time, I'll be thinking about quilting! Happy Quilting!

Busy Day Without Being Busy

Today started out slow and ended up busy. It was one of Patrick's days. We left the house at 10:30 am and came home at 5:30 pm. We took a drive, then went to the movies. We watched the new James Bond movie. It was really good. 

After we got home, I started working on the class projects. I cut some small squares from scrap and marked 8 pieces with a flower. I was thinking about how to start out the class. If some people having done much applique, I thought it would be good to show on the scrap and then they can go to the pattern we are providing. Plus it's back-basting which most haven't done yet. Mom will come in around noon and teach the skinny stems. I'm thinking they would rather do the back basting but we will be teaching the freezer paper as well. 

Tomorrow will be busy again, as I have bowling at 11 am and then again later in the evening. Not sure what I will be doing for lunch, may just take snacks to get me through till I get home and have supper. 

I've gotten more done on the Oak Leave pattern, but haven't taken a photo of it yet. Will try and get one done tonight and then I'll post it tomorrow. I'm getting closer to getting it done. Life is Happy Quilting!

Enjoyable Day With Friends!

I was up early and headed out to moms earlier than usual. I was surprised to find myself the first one there. Got to enjoy a few minutes with my parents before the others arrived.

I was able to get a LOT done today. I listened and appliqued on the Oak Leave quilt. They had potatoes for lunch and I made a salad, since I can't have potatoes. I was told it's not the potatoes but whats on them. In my case, it's the potatoes. Most people don't understand that. If they were in my shoes they would.

By the way....still haven't found that ham!

After our meeting at mom's I got a text from Donna saying she was working on her quilts today. I stopped at her place and spend another 2 hours of enjoyment with her. We chatted and worked on our project - mine being the Oak Leave quilt. She was sewing on her machine and just about finished the quilt top she was working on. I showed her my blocks on the wall, and she gave me a good idea. Put applique or embroidery in the blocks between. I think that is what I'm going to do.

I have more applique work on the upper part, but it's still working out great. I'm getting there. Will need some black batting for the middle. Good thing I have the backing fabric and can get moving on quilting it. I'm not there yet, but should be before too long. I have two more weeks to get this don.

I brought home moms quilt and I'm washing it. I will take a photo of it once it's washed. She is letting the center where she lives to use it over the holidays.

Lots got done, and I enjoyed the day! It's was one of my better days. I didn't get to play on the computer (good thing) and I got more done then usual. I'm enjoying being Happy Quilting!

Losing My Mind, In a Funny Way!

Today started out fast. Got up, showered and then mom called to say she was on the way. Another friend call right after. I tried to get stuff cleared off my table downstairs to get it ready.

Okay, here's where the mind is getting lost! I saw the sandwich ham in the refrigerator, touching it, thinking "we'll have it for lunch." Mom arrives, and we baste the baby quilt for my niece. Mom still has some time before she had to go to another meeting. So, we sat and enjoyed each others company by working on our projects. I worked on the Oak Leave quilt, she started quilting on the baby quilt.

Lunch time comes around, I go to the refrigerator, looking for that ham I saw earlier. NO HAM! I search in the refrigerator - luckily there wasn't much in there - NOTHING. I couldn't figure out what happened. I texted Patrick, asked if he took the ham to work, NOPE. I then went all over the house trying to figure out where I was and what I could have done with it.....NOTHING....As of tonight, the ham is MIA! I have even looked in the washing machine to see if I put it in there....nope. I've check the cabinets, bathrooms, and even the computer room....nothing. How much does one want to bet, I'll find it one of these days, either smelling up the house or growing green by the time I figure out where I put it.....What the heck?! What in the world could I have done with it. I keep checking...and checking...and checking...without any luck.

Okay, mom left, I vacuumed (not ham there), and I then sat and appliqued.

I'm getting there. I do like how fast this is going.

I started working the border on the right side. That way I can work around the quilt. I haven't figured out where I'm going to work next. I'm trying to decide if I want to come to the left side or continue to work the right side. Guess I'll figure it out when I get there.

This is still on my wall. Still haven't decided what I'm going to do with it. (Nope, no ham around here either.) I'm almost thinking of making some solid blocks from the other solid fabrics I have left over. I still have a ton of 9 patches for at least one or two more quilts. Not my favorite idea, but we'll see.

Still haven't heard from the gal that has my quilt. Decided to send a message to double check.

Patrick is watching the football game, no clue why! It's two teams I don't care about, and I don't know why he would. I have better things to watch than football on Thursday, let alone on Mondays. I don't mind Sundays, as I get into it as well. But CIN & CLE are not my teams and I really don't care. Sorry.

As one can see, I'm still working and having fun, I'm still appliqueing, and I'm still looking for that ham. Oh, well, Happy Quilting!

Another Day, Another Idea

Today started out early. I actually make bread to take to Art and my physical therapist. Patrick's bread was left at home. Called and asked if he wanted me to drop it off while it was still warm, and he said no, because I'd have to bring the butter and other things with it. So, he had it for dessert. lol

I had the bread done, and was working on my quilt for my Aunt.

This was my starting point.

This is what I was able to get done today. Considering I was only able to work on it for about 2 hours all day, it's not to bad. I'm happy to see it going so fast. I realized today that I'm actually appliqueing from corner to corner. I need to work back through the other corners. I do like the way it's looking.

I took the pattern that I got from the course I took at iquilt. Kathy's owl pattern. I love how she designed it, and I'm wanting to do a wall hanging out of it. I'm going to try the technique and I'm hoping I'll enjoy it as much as I think I will. I also will be ordering her paint pencils, as they are what I've been looking for. I don't like the crayons. I used them in the past and over the years they have faded so bad, one can't tell what was there. I have seen some of the other things embroiderer's use for their quilts, and I like the look but wonder how long it will stay that color. These pencils she has stay a long time.

Mom will be over tomorrow to baste her quilt for my niece. I need to go down and clear of my table - yah, I know, it's a mess again....Never fails, just can't keep it cleared off.

Looking forward to tomorrow, as it's my day to stay home! I love to be able to do what I want and I'm usually Happy Quilting!

Rain, Rain, and More Rain on QOV Day!

Today I was up early and got all my stuff together for the two meetings I had to go to.

The first meeting was the QOV meeting in Lacey, WA. I drove up by myself today because I had to leave early to get back for our TAS annual meeting committee. I made it to our QOV meeting and added the top part of the wing of the eagle I'm working on. I haven't finished the right side wing, so couldn't add that top wing. I bought some of the fabric that goes on Acorn quilt that I forgot to buy when I bought the front fabric.

Next meeting was the committee meeting for the annual meeting of TAS. We had a good meeting and I need to get information out to the board and newsletter. Stayed around moms and put the needles in the kit for the Beginning Applique class that I'm going to do on Monday. I then took it over to the shop and was shocked to see the class was full. I have 7 students. We don't have any more kits, so mom and I will do another pattern for another class in February. We'll talk about the design and see what we can come up with. Then we will work with Rita to get the class scheduled.

I've gotten more done on the Acorn quilt. It' coming along great. A couple people have asked me to do another class on this type of applique, so I'm working with Rita to get another design and I'll do another quilt for her. I like working on these because they are quick and easy. Plus it will help Rita out at her shop. Guess Nancy has been telling the groups she's in how good I was as a teacher. I had a few people come up to me and ask when I would have another class because they want to take it. I'm thrilled to see others liking my work. I never thought of my work as being anything that special. It helps once in a while to hear how they like what I do.

Life is good, I'm happy and busy. It make it all Happy Quilting!