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!

Snowed in.....

................. at Ann's! When you are enjoying the company of friend's you tend to forget to watch the falling snow! Before I knew it, the roads were snow covered and icy, so I spent the night and we got to sew some more this forenoon! What a wonderful Monday and Tuesday of throwing ideas around and making progress on our projects and I even started a new one!

My new wall hanging in progress before any borders:

One more----

finished to be given as a gift! A while ago, Ryan stated that they "needed" another quilt as a sofa throw.....Monday I started digging throw my stack of blocks and found these---decided they would work for their "throw." Finished the quilting last night and into the washer/dryer it went. I am not overly thrilled with the quilting! Being "swapped" blocks, I found not all the fabrics used had been treated equally--ut oh! But I don't think it looks to bad since it's been washed and dried.

More progress.....

.........a jacket has been added to the finished list. The sleeves will be hemmed after "she" tries it on.

Progress..........

......another professional bag has been completed.

.....Making Gifts

Still working on Christmas gifts. This one was finished this weekend and will go to Shellz's teacher friend:

Finished!!!!!!

Finished hand quilting Stacy's Star Fling quilt early Monday...binding is on, it's washed/dried and ready to go out the door!

Am still working on the "block a week" Pick-n-Choose blocks with Ann, really like how my blocks are turning out altho they ar etotally scrappy!!!!

My design wall is empty right now so have been thinking about the next project. Just not sure what I want to do except it's got to use some of my stash! I do have tops here that I could quilt but need a break to let my fingers heal! Maybe I'll take a break until after the holidays---seriously doubt that tho!!!!

Irene