A tornado visits us....

...this afternoon! Stacy and I had just finished up the strawberries when hubby came home telling us a town west of us had their tornado sirens going......about then the sirens in our town went off! Not the best feeling in the world! We delayed Stacy leaving for home as the sky was getting really dark and not a bird could be heard! I am so happy we did as she would driven right into a tornado!!!!

Our State Route through town runs east/west and the darkest skies were to the north of the road.......standing on our back deck,which is just south of 39, we watched the rolling dark clouds then as the rain drops began to fall hurried inside and to safety as the sirens blew again.....

Yes, a tornado passed through less than 2000 feet from my back yard but we were spared any damage! Several businesses were damaged, some barns on nearby farms were damaged, a few houses lost roofs or parts of them (including my Aunt), trees uprooted, power lines downed, and more flooding but at last report--NO ONE was injured!!!!

at my Aunt's House (also lost their garage roof)

Storms bring water and flooding everywhere!

We have been having horrible storms the last few days. Tornado warnings and thunderstorms have been abundant! We have had about ten inches of rain in two days! Lots of flooding in town! And it's still raining.

clouds rolling in



landslides

over 4'" of water in the plant DS works

loading docks under water

roads and streets closed

Hoping the sun shine again tomorrow!!!!!!

Crossing Ohio

has been put on hold for me!! So I am back to square one on this project. I am in the process of using "Jacktheripper" on this! After arranging and rearranging different layouts, we just couldn't come up with a setting that pleased us! My oldest DD, Stacy, came up with a new idea and I can still use most of the pieces! I am still taking the blocks apart so don't have a picture of the new one but hope to soon!

Graduation Quilt

......for Matt.

I started putting this quilt together during May Retreat. Didn't get it done nor did I have any special plans for it except to use up stash! About three weeks ago, Stacy asked if I had a quilt they could give to a friend of their's as a graduation gift? This came to mind, but it wasn't done! I devoted a few days between routes to get the piecing done (it was to hot for me to be outside during the day anyway). I quilted it in-the-ditch on a Saturday afternoon when no one else was home. So here's Matt's gift.

I do plan on using this pattern again as it's a great way to use up stash!

Behind.......

...in everything! Not only I behind in posting to my blog, I am belind in life happenings in general! I knew the last month of school would be a whirlwind but I sure didn't expect the total madness! But...I have survived and will take my time getting caught up!

I spent the last week cleaning/washing the inside of 15 of the 26 school busses in our fleet. Hot-n-dirty work in an understatement! There are a few more on my list, but I am ready to hand over the bucket and hose to someone else! One bus is still out at the big repair shop and can't be done for now....the other two will be done on Monday. Eight have been cleaned by the drivers themselves.....now they are all shiny and clean for state inspection and the new year come Aug.

Am also in the middle of strawberry season--yummy! Have two batches of freezer jam made so far. Will freeze some yet for winter enjoyment and want to made a dessert of some kind for tomorrow.

So off to clean strawberries in a few minutes!

Ohio Quilter's BOM....

......for April! Yes, I know, it's almost the middle of May and I am just now posting my block! I did finish it in April, just being a slow poke in blogging. With the last few weeks of school upon us, it's been a wild ride like always, but only 12 more days till summer break!

BOM update:

Work on my 3CreativeStudio block of the month is up to date until the next one is posted this weekend.

Retreat:

..was awwwesome! Had a lot of fun chatting, eating, sharing ideas, eating, sewing, eating, shopping, eating with the other gals there! Seems time just goes by so fast when we are together and all to soon it's over!

Wedsnesday evening I picked up Pat and we headed out to find dinner somewhere--ended up at Mrs. Yoder for a wonderful buffet--yummy! I left for home soon after as I still had to do the 4:30am on Thursday :(....I did take my sewing machine and project bag into the conference center before going to work at 2:30 Thursday afternoon. I could hardly wait for 5:00 to roll around that day! Ann's daughter brought her down and I convinced her to bring us some taco salads for dinner--yummy! I only stayed until about 10:00 Thursday evening as I was sooo tired from getting up early and working.

Friday: Up and out of the house by 8! (actually was awake earlier) The machines were already humming when I arrived at the conference room---coffee and I was ready to go- I spent most of the forenoon working on my BOM's, trying to get them caught up. In the afternoon I started a new project(s)....I know, I'm supposed to be finishing up all the UFO's around here...but.......... Catered dinner this evening followed by an awesome "show-n-tell" time. Took Ann home then vwent to find my bed around 1AM.

Saturday: Started sewing about 8:30. Still working on my new projects and also getting very inspired by some others I see coming together--more wannados! Just like I need those! NOT! Took Pat on a drive with me to find lunch and also a filled corn crib she wanted a picture of....sooo much fun! I was kind-of sluggish for a while in the afternoon, think I needed a nap! Mic stopped in on her way to Stacy's and brought me a Pepsi--thank you again! I did manage to get one project about 3/4 done, didn't cut enough yellow, and the other is about 1/2 done, before I had to pack up and leave. I didn't go back on Sunday morning this year as hubby had to leave by 12:30 and Mic was also leaving by 2, so wanted to spend a little time with them.

But, the question is....Is it retreat time yet???? I can hardly wait for the next one!

"♡★♡ `·. ♡★♡ , ·´ ♡★♡ ♡★♡ `·. ♡★♡ `·. ♡★♡ , ·´ ♡★♡ ♡★♡ `·. ♡♡♡♡ TO ALL THE MOM'S OUT THERE, WISHING YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL MOTHER'S DAY!!! ♡♡♡♡ ♡★♡ `·. ♡★♡ , ·´ ♡★♡ ♡★♡ `·. ♡★♡ `·. ♡★♡ , ·´ ♡★♡ ♡★♡ `·. ♡★♡ "

Time Out!!!!

I am so wanting to get a lot done here at home before retreat and also getting things ready for retreat......but it's time for a "time out!" Thought retreat would be a great time to make a quilt I saw in a magazine but never got around to it and it would help use up a lot of my stash. So today as I finished up the laundry, I starting the cutting of the fabrics. All went so well, I got everything but the background fabric cut before I had to go back to work! Sweet!

After work, I had plans to meet a friend for dinner, but we both decided we jus twanted to go home since it was raining, windy, and actually colder! A hot bowl of home made vegetable soup was on my mind and tasted so yummy......then back to the sudio I went. Wait! What did I do wrong? I reread the cutting instructions and discovered I had cut 200 pieces of assorted blues the wrong size! gggggggggrrrrrrrrrr I am sure Kim in Hawaii could hear my moans and groans! Now, I have 200 assorted 2 1/8 x 3 3/4" blues and they won't work in the pattern! So if you happen onto a pattern needing these miscuts, let me know! Think this project will be put on hold and I'll find something else to work on....thought about cutting my Lone Star but not so sure after this mess!

So, now taking a time out--getting a nice hot cup of tea and off to read some blogs! Tomorrow has to be better!

So close but yet so far away......

............retreat that is! Next weekend this time I hope to be sitting with about 40 other quilting friends at retreat! If all holds out, I'll even get a free day off of work--about time! Now, what to take? I mean, there are UFO's, WIP's, wanna makes.......I just don't know! Usually take to many projects to work on so would like to cut that down this year, but then again, since I live so close, I most likely will grab something else everytime I come home. This year I must get something accomplished besides eating/laughing/shopping!

But, before I can head out to retreat, I have a busy busy week~

~Today I am about to head out with Amber to take in the "Berlin Barn Hunt" then will get to babysit my precious granddaughter tonight.

~Tomorrow I'll get hubby back on the road to Oklahoma again then off to Wooster to tour the Home and Garden Show with Stacy.

~Monday work from 6-9 and 2-5 (dinner with a friend)

~Tuesday work 6-9 and 2-5 but I get to spend the time between with ANN! (Gotta pack my machine and projects tonight!!!!)

~Wednesday I work straight from 6-5 (field trip to Canton) -- will get to see Michelle as she's coming to get me and we will "do" lunch while the students "tour." In the evening I hope to meet up with Pat as she's arriving in town early for retreat.

~Thursday work from 6-9 and 2-5...then over to retreat for a few hours......

~Friday-Saturday is Retreat! Oh how I am looking forward to this!

So, if I have disappeared you will know why! I always have to have my cell phone on so my Mom can reach me...my Dad is doing pretty good right now, but lately has more bad days than good, but I always need to be available.

Have a great week and I'll see you soon!

Progress on Crossing Ohio

I was so upset with myself after the last update of "Crossing Ohi0," that I edited it! A fellow blogger (thanks GF!) notice I had made a mistake in the assembly of my orange block so I have fixed that and went on to make this weeks block. Well, wouldn't you know when I took the picture I noticed I had messed this block up too! Oh man, maybe...........naw, will keep at it! So another repair job was done! I also have a few very intense weeks coming up so I went ahead and made the block for week six.

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?