2003 UFO Completed!

Finally I have made a quilt from blocks I won in a lotto in 2003! I have often looked at these and just didn't know what to do with them.......a few weeks ago I took them along to Ann's and she immediately thought of a way to set them! WOOOT! WOOT!!! I was one block short, so I made a block, goodness knows I have plenty of 30's fabrics! It didn't take long to set the blocks and viola! we have another quilt top! I decided last night it had to be quilted this week too...so off I went. The quilting isn't perfect but I am still learning this method called "machine quilting." But I am soooo happy to have another empty container! (at least for now :) ) Now which container do I dig into next????

Updates coming soon....

Getting to that time of the year when my schedule flies out the window! The last six weeks of school are always so busy~field trips, prom, ball games/track~ and this year it seems bsier than ever! We have three drivers off due to health related issues so the rest of us try to fill in as much as we can.......

Michelle also finishes up her sophmore year of college April 30th and will need help moving. Altho she's not coming home for the summer, she will most likely have to move across campus. Definately will miss her not being home!

April 30-May 2nd is Ohio Quilter's Retreat! CANNOT WAIT!!!!!! Two -three days of not having to watch the clock! I am not working on April 30--my one free day a year! But now I have to figure out what I'm going to take to work on---UFOs or start something new????? Maybe it's time to bring out my Lone Star I've been wanting to make?????

Anyway...in a few days I'll update the latest projects...now I am off to get hubby on his way to OK/TX again ....so see you all soon!

Crossing Ohio continued....

At last my third block is completed! Oh what a day it's been! Went to Ann's again between routes and it's a good thing or I may have thrown everything away and given up my love of quilting!




"Mr. Seam Ripper" was awaken for the day by Ann first, then to my dismay he came to my sewing table too for a workout. :( I also discovered I couldn't count when I was cutting my Crossing Ohio blocks---2 1.5" squares short on each block. Since all the fabrics came from either my stash or Ann's I can solve this problem but it totally upset me that I did this! I did discuss a "setting" idea with Ann and we both like it but will have to wait and see if it will work.


Also figured out a layout for some more swap blocks I found in the UFO cupboard...can't wait to start sewing these together now but again, unless I want a small quilt, I have to make a few more blocks to go with them.....will try to do that this week yet.


Time to "chill" for a bit then off to bed to hopefully get a full night's sleep for a change.

WAHOO!

I finally finished my "roaming" and accomplished something again! DIL sent me a txt message inviting me to dinner last night, just stop in on your way home from work. So, ok, I stopped in for pizza and a little away time, not to mention some spoiling of the granddaughter! A beautiful evening so we spent some time outside too.

I came home fairly early because I was tired--physically, emotionally, and mentally. Thought I'd go to bed early--haha! Seeing the quilt laying there that needed the seam rippers attention really got to me, so I started removing the quilting. By about eight o'clock I was ready to start again--but, it's almost bedtime but who needs sleep?.....quick shower and then I resandwiched the quilt. Just couldn't stop so I started quilting again.

Today I have a finished quilt (needs washed yet) and another UFO is gone!

Roaming....

The sun is shining brightly, the birds are singing, the wonderful sounds of spring are all around and I am......roaming! First the living room, then the back deck then on to the sewing studio, back outside, back inside---roaming roaming roaming! Had a very messed up holiday weekend and now that Michelle has left and gone back to school, I can't seem to settle down and accomplish anything! Had a good morning at work, hope the afternoon goes as well, but I can't get anything done here at home! I have started about 5 different "things" and not one, no--not one--of them has gotten completed! I am restless!

And I was dumb enough to think machine quilting would be the route to go today?? Oh my, someone needs their thinker examined! Needless to say, what I did get quilted now has to be undone---get ready for a work out o seam-ripper of mine because you will get one!

So, I'm thinking maybe I just need to forget about quilting/sewing something today and start getting my projects together for retreat the end of the month??? I surely can't mess that up can I?? But, what am I going to take to work on? Do I dare to start another new project or do I dig into that UFO cupboard and pull something from there? I really want to start a new project, but can I do that without feeling guilty???? Let's see how I feel after work tonight....maybe just maybe I'll be able to concentrate then????

Wonderful day at Ann's!

Since I am on spring break and didn't have any major plans for yesterday, I ventured up to Ann's for a day of sewing.....oh what fun! It was nice not to have to constantly watch the clock and just relax and sew. Before I went, I dug around in the UFO cupboard-ugh! But now am happy I did because I got a few tops made :) and gained some great ideas and tips from Ann! Altho I didn't get all of the "stuff" done I took with me, I have some great ideas on how to proceed with them!

Both of these were swaps at one time or the other (found one tag that said 2003 :()

This one will become a baby quilt when quilted:

Not sure where this one will end up at:

I also made my 2nd block for our weekly Crossing Ohio Challenge:

A nice walk with the dog and a light salad for dinner and we headed back to the sewing studio! I have to finish taking pictures then I'll post my other "top finish."

This was a wonderful relaxing day for me and I so THANK YOU ANN!!!!!!!

Crossing Ohio

is a beautiful quilt block that Ann introduced to me recently. I am NOT a fan of small pieces (and this one has a lot of 1.5 inch squares)! But I have decided to make the blocks different colors thus being able to strip piece some with the background in wow and the dark blue consistant through out.


I have one block sewn (not trimmed) and am working on cutting another 19 blocks. I think I'll "kit" this to take along to Ann's or retreats that are coming up. Ann and I are doing this together, her's a lot scrappier than mine, so that keeps me motivated! Not sure if we are doing a block a week or a block a month??? Don't remember if we decided! Still using from the stash bins--doesn't look like they are decreasing--ugh!

Check out Ann's block here: www.granfrysquiltingchaos.blogspot.com

Another project completed!

Having made a "Professional Bag" for myself, which I fell in love with and use all the time (love all the pockets!), I've had some requests to make more. Shellz wanted one for school so she could carry her laptop and books, etc all in one bag for the day instead of messing with a bag for each class. Made one for her for Christmas and it's working out great for her.



A teacher friend of ours also got one for a Christmas gift. Now her Mom wants to take it from her! Jodie is not about to give her's up, so asked if I would make one she could give to her Mom for a Mother's Day gift? Finished it this forenoon.

Computer updates...

...Had a very sick laptop. :( Thankfully I had another one I could use altho I don't espically like it! Yesterday I was pretty bored so ventured over to Ryan's for the afternoon. He informed me that a new neighbor of his could probably repair the laptop or at least tell us what was wrong! Needless to say, I hurried right back home and got it! A few hours later I had a new hard drive and a working computer! I did lose some pictures I hadn't transfered yet, but am not going to cry about it! Maybe I can get a few from some of the other ladies that were in TN last July with me? If not, I still have the memories!

So are any of you using Windows 7????? WOW, what a change! IMO it's so much better than XP or Vista altho it will take me some time to wade my way through everything! :)

Now, I best get something accomplished thoday....only a few more hours and Spring Break will be here! YEAH!

3Creative BOM update

I have also finished the next block for this BOM series plus a bonus block. I am so liking this one and using up some stash!

Block of the Month....

...for Ohio Quilter's has been finished for awhile. Just haven't gotten around to posting.

March Block:

Catching up~

is what I am trying to do! For a few weeks I spent quite a bit of time helping my parents..My Dad wasn't doing so well so tried to give Mom a break as much as I could. The following week I was attacked with the "spring sinus" infections--UGH! It's been a long time since I had the "crude" this bad! Sure glad it's over! Now hopefully winter is over and gone and spring has truly sprung!

I have been trying to go spend at least one day a week, between bus routes, with Ms. Ann. I sure enjoy our time together! It's so nice to have her back from her travels although she sure deserved every bit of the time away!

On the design wall.....

..............and I need ideas! These blocks come from a swap (I'll have 12 in all). I used some of my "geese" cut off and made some pinwheels that I would like to use as cornerstones, the problem I have is, what color(s) do I use for for setting strips???

Please leave comments with your suggestions!

Flannel............

At this time of the year, flannel quilts are so wonderfully warm! I've been swapping in a yearly flannel swap for close to ten years now.....This week I decided to dig out the last of the blocks I had and get them into a quilt top.(plus it helped keep me warm!) Trying to stick to my "no buy" challenge, I went into the flannel cupboard---found some yellows, so they were used. May have to break down and buy the backing, but I do have a nice bright piece of flannel, if only it's big enough!







Then for some simple sewing...I made a few "Wonder Wallets." I don't like taking my purse on the bus (plus there's not a lot of room to store it), so decided one of these is just what I needed! I can carry my license, a few dollars, etc. in it and tuck it into my coat or jean pocket!


Now, it's Friday so I must get a few household chores done. After hubby leaves again tomorrow (well, he's gotta get home this afternoon first!), I'll be free to dig out another UFO, work on my current challenges & BOM's, or maybe dive in and start a new project???




Happy Quilting!

Irene

Sometimes-----

---you just have to bite the bullet and do something you just hate! I absolutely hate mending! But, Hubby has a coat he wears all winter altho it's old and somewhat tattered, but it's warm. He busted the zipper and the pockets were torn so badly, anything put into them was lost. So, while out and about with "the college kids" yesterday, I finally bought a replacement zipper.

Today, after the snow was shoveled again and the kids left...I made new pockets and attacked them...AND.....I actually replaced that zipper! Now, when he gets back from Texas, he will have his coat again :).

As a reward I made block 6 of one oof the BOM's I doing. The lighting wasn't very good today so the purples look blue.

Delays, no school, snow , any quilting?

Another week of messed up schedules! With a delayed start on Monday, I simply didn't get anything done at home! Another snow storm kept us home Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday so I really tried to accomplish something besides shoveling snow!

I managed to get Stacy's very bright Bargello quilted and the binding on! (all but one FQ came out of the stash--yes!)

I also got my 5th block made in the 3Creative Studio Series (http://threecreativestudios.com/bom.htm)

Off to see if anything will get accomplished this week?

Snow Storm Hits

The weatherman predicted a snowstorm for our area....no way did we expect the 17 iches of snow with winds! I was all set to spend today in the sewing studio but those plans changed! There was no way I could let Hubby do all the snow shoveling alone! He started by digging out the back sidewalk as I got a pot of chili simmering.....following our lunch I ventured out to help him shovel. Now I need to relax before I even think about quilting! A nice cup of hot tea with a piece of freshly baked carrot cake and and I'll be ready to head into the studio--at least I hope so!

.......Main Street is where?

.......and the sidewalk is here?

.......Hubby's car is snowed in

.......finally found the driveway

Ohio Quilter BOM-February Block

Ummmmm.not happy with my block--ya see the center of one block just doesn't come to a point. :( I do believe this block will see some frog-stitchin' and a section remade!

Delft Blue~

My friend, Char, is hosting a "Delft Blue-n-White" Swap.......now how could I say no to this since these are some of my favorite colors??? She sure knows how to entice me! So I need one block per swapper by March 30th.....think I'll get them done before March 29th???? You know me, wait until the last minute then stress! I made my sample block and found I had to adjust either the cutting of the fabric or the seam allowance...the second block looks a lot better! So far there are only ten swappers and I already know I'll want at least twelve blocks.....I went digging in the stash and came up with fabric to made a different pattern to add to my "swapped" blocks once they return. Now to find another set of fabrics and pattern. I want all twelve blocks to be a different pattern.....

block I will be making to swap after I make adjustments (this is the sample block--not swap worthy!)

Block I made to add to the collection:

Clean-up Progress

...Did get some of the clean up done tonight after a relaxing dinner at Park Street Pizza!

I also took the time to "bag" on-going projects( BOM's/Pick-n-Choose/30's Wall Quilt/Pink-Green paper piecing/etc.)....so now hopefully I can find them when I want to work on them! More later on the "new" project I started too I just couldn't resist! :)

Frustration has set in......

Nothing, and I mean NOTHING seems to be going right! Not only in sewing/quilting, but life in general....Deep down in, I know if I can get over this "bump," all will be ok, but, man-------

Taking a look at my mess in my studio, it's no wonder I get frustrated when I walk in the door instead of finding the calmness I am used to! This is supposed to be my place to go to regroup/calm down/chillout---you get the idea. Well, I don't think this is doing the trick right now~

Sooooo I have decided I need to stay home tonight (well, once I get home from work) and clean up this clutter! {would much rather go watch the girls basketball game} Hopefully the pieces will all fall into place and my sewing adventures will all come together tomorrow as planned?

~New Ride~

Haven't been in the studio since Monday altho I feel the "itch!" I've been pretty busy doing our taxes and at work--moving my "stuff" from bus #20 into bus #8 and test driving #8. It will take a few "runs" to be completely comfortable driving the new bus, but so far I really like it!

On the road for the first offical run at 2:40 pm this afternoon!

Ohio Quilter's BOM

Here is my January "Star" block....again, no fabric purchased--gotta reduce the stash!

....Block 3

..of the BOM Challenge is completed.

"BOM" Stash Buster

I am trying so hard to use up some of my stash! There are fabrics in there that I have no idea why in the world I bought them to begin with--ugh! So while surfing the other day, I came across this website for a Block of the Month (BOM). The colors caught my eye, and I realized I had a lot of these in my stash, sooooo another UFO birthed! I am going to see exactly how many of the blocks in the series I can make without spending a penny.......

Block 1:

Block 2:

I am sure I have enough of the "yellows" for all the blocks (and then some) but the purples, teals, and blacks will change as I go. I do want to keep all the blacks a "white on black" fabric.

Care to join me? Challenge is at least one block a week until I'm caught up, then one block a month.

Irene

Blue-n-White Swap:

Ohio Quilters (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/OhioQuilters/) is hosting a 10.5" Blue and White block swap.....Now, this is not my favorite size of block to make, but I decided I needed to try, so into the stash of blues I went digging thinking this is a great way to use up some of the smaller pieces of fabric...... I need 3 sets of 6 blocks. I am sure I will be adding more of my own once I receive the "swapped" blocks back.

Change of pace....

Decided I needed to take a break from the machines.....I was starting to make to many mistakes!

I keep a "grab-n-go" bag packed at all times. This bag contains some kind of handwork, a puzzle book, and a book to read in it. It's the bag I grab on my way out the door when called on an emergency, waiting time on the bus, etc.

One project in this bag has been waiting a year to be completed! All the embroidery done on these pillowcases, except for about fifteen minutes, has been done while sitting at the bedside of some family member during a hospital stay. I am happy to report they are completed, washed, and on Michelle's bed!

Now, I will have to find a project to replace them in the bag, but I'm sure there's something around here! Maybe my yoyo's or another set of pillowcases, or my button dolls, or ..........anything but applique!!!!

--Irene--

More snow.....

....dumped on us Thursday afternoon and Friday! Closed school two hours early on Thursday and cancelled on Friday! I love seeing the white snow as long as I don't have to drive in it! Pretty much stayed in the house after I got home Thursday evening! Did venture out last night as we needed to pick up some groceries for Michelle to take back to college with her.....not exactly fun driving! Need to shovel some this forenoon so she can get her car out, then I'm back into hibernation until I have to go to work on Monday!

Stay warm and safe!

--Irene--

Success!

....in making 10.5" blocks. I am not a huge fan of smaller blocks, so before joining in the blue-n-white fun with fellow Ohio Quilters, I decided I needed to make "test blocks." For some reason, I just seem to have problems making any block that is smaller than 12.5" come out correctly! grrrrr

Anyway, since we didn't have school on Friday, yes our first "snow day," I went stash shopping. Had to dig really deep to find the bleached muslin, but the blues weren't a problem. I have made two sample blocks so far and they actually measure correctly! Michelle helped me and I have 12 blocks (2 sets of 6) cut out, just need to sew them now. I may even go the diatance and do another set of 6???

Michelle returns to school today, after being home for a month, and Hubby is finally on-the-road again after having off ten plus days, so I may actually get the rest of these sewn this weekend! Being alone, which I truely don't like, I do have the freedom sew as I please! So we shall see after I get a few chores done and Shellz on her way...........




--Irene--

Ride with me?

Hang on, there is a road here we must travel on to pick up students.........

Can I

start this week over??? As we headed back to work/school this morning, it seemed like nothing went right! COLD and snow greeted me as I headed outside....snow seemed to be just a dusting so not to bad. Almost made it to work--like two minutes away and my truck breaks down.....grrrr......Thank goodness for cell phones! I was picked up and at work within five minutes! Also got hubby up at 6 am (and no he wasn't impressed!) to let him know where the truck was parked......Guess the altenator decided it didn't want to work anymore. :(

Bus routes went pretty well--snow covered roads--and only "ran" a few minutes late. Hubby came and got me and we got the truck home. Thanks to the willing helping hands of Kevin, the truck is working again and I can use it tomorrow. Do I dare wish for a snow day so soon after break???? The way I feel tonight, I sure could use a day at home in my pj's! Needless to say, no sewing or quilting got done today! It's not 8:00 and I am soooo ready for bed!

Tomorrow will be a new day so we will see what it brings......

Paper-Piecing~

~is NOT one of my favorite ways of piecing! I have spent all afternoon paper-piecing and have accomplish so little! I managed to add only one block to the collection. At this rate it will take me eons to get this top make! Maybe I need to challenge myself to at least two blocks a week????? Needing a total of thirty blocks, I just might have the top pieced by summer if I meet this challenge.....

I love this block and the secondary pattern it makes.....

Not a happy camper:

As I work on my new wall hanging, I find I am NOT happy! Following the instructions, I find my pieces don't fit as the picture shows and the directions state! Now, do I readjust the rest of the pattern or rip? I am not thrilled with the "look" of what is on the wall!