Well Hello,

It has been a long time since I have last visit here.  A lot have happen and past.  Some happy times and some not.  But with the New Year, I am planning on doing more quilting for me.  Want to do some BOM's I have put off for years.  Cleaning and purging my house.  And just living a simpler life.  Is it possible...?? 

I do have the flu right now.  Have it for about 1 week and 1/2.  Nasty...nasty...nasty.  Just want to breathe.  I do work full time so have to go to work, would rather just sleep all day right now.  Did miss 2 days of work, and did get some sleep while I was off.  But, please try not to get this flu, it is not fun. 

And of course....want to eat healthy.  Have been watching after the holidays.  Couldn't do it during holidays...come on...cookies...arghhh..!!  So I hate to cook, but notice that the more I do, the better it is for my DH and myself.  So I am slowly looking up easy, fasy, healthy recipes....did I say easy...!!

Just a start for now.  Will be back very soon with some quilting...!!

Super Mario Quilt.

Have been so busy.  Been quilting, working, just tyring to catch up with life right now.  I have been working at a new job for the past 7 months.  And the only thing I have to say is wow.  So much training and to much stuff to keep updated on.  I like customer service but the stress that comes with this job does get to me at times.  But it is a good job.  I do sit all day at a computer, and when I come home, I don't want to sit at my home computer.  But I do have so much fun at home on my computer.  Well enough about work.

I was a single parent when my children was small.  And my son wanted of course the video's games.  I did my best to try to get them for him.  At Christmas time, etc.  He knew it was hard and understand.  But he loved Super Mario Brother.  And I did get it for him.   I would try to beat him at that game so much that I never could.  And I would really try.  It was "OUR" thing to do.  I would work and after dinner, try to beat him.  When he was in bed, that would be the time I would practice....and never could beat him...  It was a special time for us.  Well he is grown, and still love the video games.  And he also buys them himself..Ha ha.
Yes, he became a very (sometimes)  level headed, young man and at 28 yrs old, I made him a Super Mario Bro. wall hanging.

I am making another one for myself.  I love the way it turned out.  I used 3 1/2 in squares.  It is a large wall hanging.  The one I will make for myself, think I'll use 2 1/2 sq.   Yes, I took a picture and drafted it out on draft paper.  Each square I colored in and counted.  This quilt is just as special as the time we shared together.

A Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year...!!!

Yes, I do hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas.  My DD and her DH along with my 3 GD's spent Christmas with us.  They came and conquered.  They had ripped, tore, played and repeated.  They ate and ate some more.  Only 2 short days with them.  I enjoyed every minute.  BUT...after they left, I took a 4 hr. nap.  And went to bed early.  Whew...!!!   I am still wanting a nap.

So as I am resting, I do want to wish a very safe, healthy, and Happy New Year to all.                             

Very Busy around Here..!!

I just love this season.  Enjoy the hustle and bustle.  Songs, spirit, family and friends.  Yes, I am one of those crazy 4am shopper on Black Friday.  If the deals are right. And this year I was there, getting some toys for my 3 GD's.    A great deal on a dig camera for the DD.  

My house is dusted, tree is up, outside lights are out and what can I say.  I am tried.  All day yesterday, I probably lifted nothing heavier than my remote control to the TV.  And it felt good.  Didn't cook, we are still reheating left overs.  I do love left overs from T-Day.  To me, it is just as good as the first day.  But after today we are done with Turkey.  Nothing is left...!! 

Started a new job 2 months ago.  Just off training.  Yes 2 months of training.  It killed me.  But still learning.  It'll be a few more months before I am completely comfortable.  It is just the "not knowing".  The job I do, changes every day.  I don't mind change.  But I just learned how to do it this way....Just the other day....Arghhhh!!

I have done some quilting.  Made 2 baby quilts.   My SS's are having babies next year.  And my DH is so excited.  One is made with the Yellow Brick Road pattern, and monkeys on the border.  The other is the Mother Goose Nursery Rhyme panels.  Just love the YBR pattern.  Simple, easy, and love the scrappy look of it.

Have to finish a quilt for my DS and his family yet, for Christmas.  It is half way done.  I like saying half done, then half started.  Makes me feel better about it.  You do know what I mean....!!!!   Just a scrappy jewel box lap quilt.  They wanted something to throw over them on the couch.  And my scrap's just keep multipling.  I do have tons of scraps.  And love it..!!  Do hope everyone has a great, safe, and very nice Holiday.  I am hoping to blog more often....now that I am off training at work...!!   Be talking soon..! 

Just taking it Easy..!!

Yes, I am.  Working midnight shifts, which are killing me.  I just can't get into a sleeping pattern yet.  Sleep 4-5 hrs.  Then I am wide awake.  About a few hours before work I lay down for a few more hours.  I would love to sleep right and straight 8 hrs.  I have been doing this for about a month now.  Think I could get into a pattern to sleep better.  But I am working on it.

Little sewing done here.  I do have 2 baby quilts to make.  My SS is expecting a boy, and they have a little boy already.  So I am making both of them little quilts.  I just love making baby quilts.  Most of family have little girls.  So this is going to be fun making little boy quilts.  I have bought 2 little kits to make them.  One with Nursery Rhymes, and the other is just a yellow brick road pattern, with cute colors and monkeys. 

Then after the baby quilts.  Well it'll be time to start working on Christmas gifts.  I have been working and / or planning a Blue and white quilt.  I am making snow globes with my embroidery machine.  And want to set those blocks with blue and white sashing's. Add some snow flakes....don't know yet, but that is the fun or planning.  I should just get me the E7 for my computer.  Would help me more on the planning of quilts,  maybe for my Christmas gift...!!

Have you seen this tutorial on Half Square Triangles or how to make Pinwheels.  I am just so thankful for this idea.  And it works.  Here's the link...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekYpJzHoW6E&feature=channel

Trust me you'll just love it.  And here's a chart that help with different size.  So to make them you need... -
2 =1 in
2.5 = 1.5
3.5 = 2
4 = 2.5
5 = 3 1/4
5.5 = 3.5
6 = 4
7 = 4.5
8 = 5
8.5 = 5.5
9 = 6
10 = 7

Now Missouri Star Quilt shop just made my quilt making so much easier. 

Just been Busy...!!

Time does go by.  I am unemployed, and just with that said, that takes up a lot of my time.  Looking, sending out resumes, on web sites...networking for the past year.  I have been on at least 13 interviews, and I think I have landed a job.  I will know Monday morning.  I took the drug test and finger printed me....if that clears,  I have the job.  And let me tell you what a relief.  I am a Morning person, and they only had 1 afternoon and 1 midnight position open.  I truly hate afternoon's.  So midnight it is.  I am usually up quilting at nights lately, so I am hopeful I can get into the midnight shift MODE!!   And really looking forward in getting back to work.  I am ready.  And hope it work's out.  Will let cha' know..!!

Now on with quilting.  I have cheated.  Yes cheated.  I had to make a King size quilt for a dear, dear friend.  Well, for me that is just to large to work with.  I am a twin size and smaller kind of gal.  And that is okay with me.  I have came across this king size quilt top that I have just loved, and bought it.  Yes, I bought the King size top. 

Then of course I can't quilt the top on my home machine.  Just to much tug - of - war with a quilt that size.  Sent it off to a longarm'er.  And the price was very cheap, if I say so myself.  And  the Cheated Quilt turned out to be a lovely quilt.  And my dear friends just love it.  These are the best I could do taking pictures of it....because of the size. 

Now I am working on my DD's quilt.  I am doing a pineapple quilt by Bonnie Hunter from Quiltville.  My daughter just love purples, and that is what the back ground fabric is ... a very light purple.  And a lot of my scraps.  I have decided along time ago.  That I am a certain type of quilter.  I am a very traditional piecing type.  Favorite quilts are the scrappy's.  Just love the log cabins and Stars.  And enjoy making lap quilts.    

So that is it for now.  Think I'll get some Z's...and dream about fabric shopping....(after I get the new job!!).

Pink-Brown-White Baby Quilt for a "BOY"

Amy's Creative Side is having it's 3rd Blogger Quilt Festival.  And I enjoy it so much.  It is a wonderful quilt show.  And the best talented quilters.  The link button is off to the right.  Check it out...!!


Now my sister asked me to make a Pink, Brown and White Baby quilt.  It is for her niece, on her DH's side.  The baby shower was with those colors.  Nice things, the baby cloths, burp cloths, everything in those colors.  She had all those test done, that tells you if it is a boy or girl.  And all of them was "Girl".   It was easy for me to come up with a string quilt for the baby in Pink's.  My own GGD's quilt I made was a pink string quilt.   Here's my GGD's String Quilt.

So I had plenty of left over strings from this quilt.  And what a way to use up my scraps.  A pink baby quilt.  So I made a Star quilt with all the left over strings.  You know, I still have a lot of left over strings scraps.  Think they just multiply in my scrap bins.    And here is the baby quilt I made.                       

On this picture the binding still needed to sewn down.  But yes, here is the Pink, Brown and white baby quilt.  Then my sister called me on Monday morning, and told me that her niece had the baby.  And it was a boy.  Yes, a boy...!!     So off to the drawing board, and I am making a baby boy quilt this week.   I am thinking of Blues, Greens and Yellow's for him.  Have to see what I have.  Or this could be a good excuse to just go shopping....Hmmmm!!  I do need some new fabric....Hmmm.   See what is new in the baby section's.  Well that is my Pink - Brown - White quilt for a boy story.   And I told my sister that he still should get the quilt.  Because that is part of his story.   He can say....Yes, I was supposed to be a Girl..!! 

Where have time gone...!!

It's the end of April all ready.  I have been busy with just sewing different stuff.  Yes, Stuff...!!  I have embroidered some kitchen towels for myself.   Have some with Ice Cream Sundae, Cheesecake, and Chocolate covered Strawberries.  And I love the waffle weave towels, they just clean up and wash up nicely.

I have been making some cute tissue box covers.  I made this one for myself, then I was in a pincushion swap and made a few for the swap.                                                                                                                      

The pincushion swap was just so much fun.  Very talented people made just the cutest PC's.  I love them all.  I can't wait until the next swap,  think I'll start making some now for it.  I have seen some cute patterns for them and want to try them out.                                                                                                                

                                                                                                       

Also lets talk about Rope Bowls.  On HGTV message board, on a PJ Party, they showed how to make them.  I am addicted to this.  So much fun, and I am using up a lot of my scraps with the bowls.  I have 3 GD's that love putting stuff into them.  And I am making a few for them now.  I have made 3 for myself already.  Simple and just to much fun.  The pink bowl I made is a large bowl and I have my scraps that need to be cut into 5 in squares in the bowl.  (The next quilt I want to make is going to be with 5in squares.)  And a little blue/white bowl under my sewing machine.                                                                                     

                                                                                              

                                                                                  

                                                                                   

  

That is all for now.  And I will be back soon with some more "Stuff"....I have been making.  Enjoy your day...!!

Quilting Time....!!

Yes, it has snowed here.  About 18 in.  And to me that is time to quilt.  So let it snow.  I am so very happy just playing and quilting, without feeling to bad about not doing other things.  I am in a Pincushion swap.  My first ever.  So I had seen these pincushion made out of baby food jars.  Yes, bought some baby food.  And cleaned out the jars.  Removing that glue on the glass is the hardest thing to do.  Got a straight razor, and it work out nicely.  Put some novelty item and put into the jar.  Wooden spools, buttons, yo yo's, etc.  And made the top the cushion part.  It's okay for the first one I have ever made.  Think I will play with it some more, maybe add ribbions and bow's, maybe glue some buttons on the outside of it.  Have about a month to play with them.  And do want to play with them..!!

Also have started a scrappy quilt for my neighbors.  Just a simple Buckeye Beauty block.  12 1/2 block.  Have soooo many scraps, that I stopped making the blocks when I hit 60 of them.  Guess I am making some lap quilts for my family.  But they just sew up so easy, and do love the way the quilt looks.

My neighbor, anytime it snow lightly here, he is outside with his lawn mower, plowing a little path for me on my driveway.  And to thank him,  I made the scrappy lap quilt for them.  Also some beer...tehehe.  Need to keep him warm.  I have the best neighbors that a person could ask for.   But for snow like yesterday, I do have someone come by and plow my driveway.  My driveway is a distance, and a little hill.  So we have to have it plowed.   Forgot to shovel my front sidewalk.   My DH had both of his knee's replaced and he is still not up to doing things yet.  And I don't mind doing it.  It get's me outside a little.  Hmmm tomorrow, and the sun should be out.  My front sidewalk is not long about maybe 5 slab's of concrete.  Should not take me long.  Our roads are cleared here.  They are good about it, or use to it.  Might not be at the first hour, but give them some time, and yes, they are working to keep our roads cleared..!!  Well that is it until next time.  Keep safe, and keep warm!

Crown Royal Quilt..!!

I have been quilting for many years. Made quilts for friends, family and everyone I knew who was having a baby. But..... I have never made my DH a quilt.

So I have started to collect Crown Royal bags last March. I have done some research on the bags and I came across some quilts made with them. I love it. I am not a drinker, and my DH is a light weight when it comes to drinking. I would have never collected the bags I needed, so I have asked all my friends, family, and people they know for the bags. By the time summer was here, I had over 100 bags. Large ones, and small ones. Perfect!! I washed them out by hand laid flat to dry.

I knew what pattern I wanted to use to make this quilt. I love stars. And the center would be perfect for the embroidery part of the Crown Royal bag. And that would be the Friendship Star pattern. I bought about 5 yds of the gold fabric for the background fabric. I first thought maybe I should use flannel for the background fabric, since the bags feel like a flannel. Then I decided not to. I made the blocks, and between the blocks I made strips with the corners squares. Or just shashing with corner squares. I used the bags for the strips to. The picture I have here is still with the binding not done. I have to sew it to the back by hand. And I love doing that part...! The only quilting done here is just a simple stitch in the ditch...or close to it...(giggle)..!!

But, over all, my DH totally loves it. And now I can say....yes I have made my DDH a quilt..! Now I am off to make a few scrappy quilts for my family. I have so much scraps that I need to make some quilts with them, and do it now...!! I am working on cutting down my scraps to make the lap quilts. My favorite pattern to do scrap quilts is the buckeye beauty. I just love making them and love the way they look. I am off to make them now...Happy Quilting!!

Merry Christmas...and have a Happy New Year!!

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year. Hope Santa was good to you, he was to me, even if I was naughty!! And I will be back soon...

Ready for Christmas...

I am. I just love Christmas. Have my tree up around Thanksgiving. My DGD's visited and helped me with my tree this year. Wish they live closer. But... Now I am the type that can leave my tree up all year. I don't, but... Just love this season. Don't like the cold, but love the season. Listening to songs, and all the lights. Live in an area that people do decorate their homes. And will just drive around and enjoy. I am one person that don't like it when Christmas is over. Know you can keep the feeling all year!! But you don't. I know, I know. So I am enjoying it now!!

I made some cute little purse's out of Santa Hats. So they are called Santa Hat Bags. Cut them about 3/4 of the way down, straight across. Pull it inside out, sew across a few times to reinforce it good. Then the tip of the hat with the ball on it. I just sewn it inside of the hat for the closer. You can add a closer to it, did with little Velcros. I think next year I'll have more time, and add a lining in it. This one don't. But it's cute, and big enough to hold you cell phone, keys, and wallet. Just right for a quick fun bag / tote..!!

Well, I am off to do some groceries shopping. And maybe start making some cookies this weekend. Yeah, that's about all I want to do this weekend make some cookies. See ya'.

Gifts??

With Christmas sooo close. I am working on some gifts. The potato bag. I have been making these for friends and family, then someone told me to watch them, because they can catch fire. Well, I don't want to make them now, and send them out. That's all I need. I have used mine for a few times. I love, love, love it. Here's the direction on how to use them:

Potato Bag

This simple bag creates a “just right” baked potato. The inside is done well yet moist, while the skin remains tender. The bag will cook 1 – 4 med. Potatoes at once. Simply wash and dry the potatoes. DO NOT PRICK!! Wrap potatoes in a paper towel & place in bag. Microwave as instructed by your manufacturer, usually 4-15 min. Let bag Air Dry. Enjoy. Also try this with: Sweet Potatoes, Corn, and Apples.

So before I give them to my sisters, etc. I think I'll do more research on them. If you know of anything about them please let me know....add a comment here. It's made from 100% cotton fabric, threads, and batting....this one is made with 80 - 20 batting.






I have embroidered on some sweatshirts for gifts. One saying I just love was....On Dasher, On Dancer....On Master and Visa.







I finish making a quilt. Black and White string, with Cats applique on a few blocks. My GD's love it. So do I. Just love making string quilts. I love making scrappy quilts, and the way they just turn out. I put this one on Etsy for sale, and hope someone buy and enjoy it..!!








Be back soon. Maybe with more info on the Potato Bags. Happy Quilting!!

Busy Making Gifts.

Yes I am. Just busy making things. I have been working on things for the family, and some items for a craft show. I have to work on the craft show a little bit better. And make more items to sell. But for now, I am having fun making things for the family. I have a lot of pot holders, and Hot Pads done. Also snowman toilet paper.

I am having SO much fun making the snow men's. I am in a craft show Nov 13th and 14th. And I hope this will be a big seller. The craft show is a small one. Very small. I like hanging out with the women that put the show together, and spending a few days just hanging out with them. Oh did I mention the food they sell, I love eating there too!!

I am making some red work and blue work pot holders. Still have to sew the binding on the pot holders. I like to have a few table runners ready. But mainly...just a lot of small quick and grab things. I have done a ton of sweatshirts. Have those ready. I like to do sweatshirt with winter embroidery on them, just not Christmas, this way you can where them all winter long. Have a few with Christmas items on them.

I am off to work on more "stuff" for the show. I'll be back, and let you know how my snowman does...!!

The Black and Blue Quilt

I made this quilt for my DGD #2. Now my GD is just so fun to be around. She also scares me. That little girl, yes she is only 7 years old, is not afraid of nothing. She runs, throws, jumps, ride, and when we are swimming....she loves to be under water all the time. Just my little tomboy, with black and blue knee's. So when I asked her what color did she want in her quilt for her bed. She told me....I don't like pink, and purple is too girly... how about black and blue.

Black and Blue, oh my. What am I going to make, to keep it light and fun for a little girl. First thing I thought about doing was a string quilt. But the oldest GD has a pink and white string, and I wanted the quilts to be different. So I started looking into my patterns I have, and it was about only 10 minutes, and this pattern just jumped right out at me. I have machine applique a cat in the center of some of the blocks. And I tell you what.....she loves it, and so do I. And it took a 7 yr. old to teach me, that black and blue's can be fun.

Sewing Room Tour.

First I have to say - this is my first time making a virtual tour. I think you can tell by watching my video. I used my camera, and it did a nice job. It's me that needs the help..Tehe!!

Yes, I am a lucky quilter to have a finish basement for my quilting area. It is 4 years in the making. I usually ask for items I need as Christmas gifts, etc. My next thing I want is a large Ironing Board. I do love my little retreat area as I call it. I can run and hide here, just have fun. This is about the cleanest it'll ever be. Nothing on the floors is just not me! I don't toss things around, but I do put things on the floor as I am working. And my Threads are not so neat. I do have an embroidery machine that is going all the time. And usually my threads are just laying around the machine area.

So here is my room. As you walk in - There is all type of pictures, wall hangings, and little quilts on my wall. I have bought the pictures here and there, and made most of the quilts. I have 2 tables placed together for pinning, and the sandwich part of the quilting. (Which I do not like..!) There are baskets everywhere with FQ's in them. I just started to collect the 30's FQ...need another basket..!! Then against the wall are 3 large cabinets. 2 of them hold my fabric. I do try to keep the colors together. And one holds my backing fabric and some batting's. On top of the cabinets are boxes with my scraps. I try to cut up my scraps into usable size. But don't always work.

I have shelves to hold stabilizers, and my baskets of fabric. The larger baskets, have projects that need done. My love of my room is the PEG BOARD..!! I would not go without this. Then my Book shelf, for my magazines and books. My desk, I need a new computer here...just a laptop maybe, another gift...?? Cutting table and the table I work on. Have high riser under the table to fix me. Then my TV. I have a DVD - VCR recorder. (Last year gift..!!) I have taped on VCR tapes, all the sewing shows from the past years, and as I work.....I am recording the shows on to a DVD from the VCR tapes. Less room needed from the tapes. And I get to watch the shows as I am taping. And then my sewing area... I do like the cabinet I have. Next to my sewing machines is one of those cabinet that holds those storage boxes....bought it at a close out, real cheap. And my UFO's that I need to work on NOW, are there.

I hope you enjoyed looking into my playroom. Yes, Adults are allowed to have playrooms tooo!! I am going now to look at the other tours also. Please leave a comment, or suggestions, I am always looking for ideas, and crafty way to store things...or hide them ...!!

Quilting Arts Virtual Tour - Studio's....

Well Quilting Arts is having a Studio tour. It's a virtual tour of studio's. And I love the idea. I am always looking for better ideas for easy storage. And space. I am lucky to have a large sewing room or area. More to mess...!! I receive the Quilting Arts newsletter by email. And they are having a Studio Tour with a Theme Open Studios. It start's October 3. And you can be a part of it. Here's the link to the web site. Check it out...!!

I am going to love looking at other artist studios, or just their sewing space. I remember having to put my sewing machine away everyday...in my bedroom closet, just because I didn't have room to keep it all out. Luckily that didn't stop me from doing what I love to do...!!

A Problem Quilt.

I have been looking at this quilt for a long time. It's the Snow Chateau by Michael Miller. When a LQS had it on sale. I bought it. I do love the quilt. I am trying to make a wall hanging for my house for each season. So I needed a winter one.

This quilt was nothing but problems. The directions....wrong. The cutting....wrong. The piecing....wrong. Directions had miss steps. The quilt turn out to be a different size then what it's supposed to be. Had to piece together some strips to make it work. The directions are just totally wrong. Then and since the center is off.....then the borders to fit it is off. Had to figure out what size for the border to be....to fit.

Well, it is done. The only good thing is.....I didn't had to purchase more fabric to make it work. That would be a whole different can of worms. I have contacted Michael Miller web site about this....and you know the drill....sorry about your....!! I have just contacted the LQS and I am waiting to see. But, after all of this, I do like the quilt. Wish the corner squares where a little different. If I had more fabric to fussy cut out better.

So a warning to you. Watch out for this quilt. There are just sooo many problems still with the directions. But it did push me to do some figuring and test me on my quilting skills....just a lot of moments that had me going .... HHmmmm....if I did this, would it work. And it did...!!

Another Baby Quilt Finished. But--

I have finished another baby quilt. My nephew's wife is having a baby girl. The Shower is 2 weeks away. And I have the quilt done. YIPPEE!! Usually, I am working on the quilt the night before the shower. It feels good to be done early. Just have to label it. My family is growing, and it is a very nice thing. It feels like I am working on baby quilts all year. I have another one to start for my Niece. I still have a little time. About 4 months...haha..!!

My Quilt Guild is having a Quilt show. So anybody that is close to NE Ohio, come by...I will be working the show Saturday morning until about 4pm. Here's some details....Cascade Quilt Guild

presents

Basket of Quilts XIII

Saturday, September 19th, 10 am - 5 pm

Sunday, September 20th, 12 pm - 5 pm

Bath United Church of Christ

3980 West Bath Rd. Bath, Ohio

It is usually a very nice show. And there's some Vendors, etc.


With the cooler weather coming. This week I want to work in the yard. Get it ready for winter. I have bought some flower bulbs to plant. I don't have to many spring flowers...and I want to fix that..!! And just put my fall decorations out. I just love the 4 seasons here. All of them. Hate the snow on roads - but love the snow on the ground. I have lots of tree's around me....so when it snow here...it is pretty. So I am off to play in the dirt today. Planting some mums, and look at my containers...some of the summer flower's are about done. I have a rock garden in the making...it's been 2 years for this area...and I am always adding or removing something. This is where I have no spring flowers, and want some.

Going to miss my Mom...

Oh this is hard, and sad. My mother passed away on Monday - 24Th - she was 80 yrs. Mom has been sick for the past 8 months, and I know that she is not suffering anymore. But I never wanted her to go. She has raised me and 3 of my sisters alone. Yes, a single parent. Yes we are products of "Father took off". Not rich by far. But growing up, we didn't know that we had nothing. She gave us all the love and care we needed. Never went without. And as I was growing older, I realized how hard she had it. And how hard she worked. And I loved her even more. Mom was always there to help anyone of us...or just anyone.

I love and miss you.