BOM 5

is done and on the design wall with the others.

"At Home" Retreat

was held this past weekend for the "Ohio Quilters." I didn't know how much time I could spend in the studio since I was scheduled to work on Saturday. Well, due to the snow/ice, I got the day off on Friday and got rescheduled for Saturday, but..that also meant Hubby was home and...... (won't go there!!)

Friends, Pat and Becky, were in town so met up with them on Friday after the roads cleared. We headed to a neat quilt store, http://www.somewheresewing.com/. Didn't buy a lot--a backing, a spool of thread, and a WOW to add to the stash. Ann met us here too.

After lunch, we did a little local shopping and browsing...basically relaxed and enjoyed our time together. Dinner was a fun time with Debi and Dennis!!

I did manage to get the "Sand and Surf" top sewn together after making it home in another snow storm Friday evening~

Saturday I was so bummed after my trip was rescheduled--I couldn't contact the gals since my phone just wouldn't work....grrrrrrr (it did reset itself late Saturday afternoon, was it due to the weather?????)and meet up with them. So, I decided it was a good time to work on binding a quilt. I could easily do this while the laundry was being done:

Didn't accomplish all I had wanted to in the studio but I am pretty happy with this much done! It seems I never get much done during "home retreats!)"

Irene

BOM #4

is finished! I am rethinking the color placement on this one.....not sure I want the bright yellow in the center again? Think I will wait and see what the other 8 blocks are then if I want to change it I can......

Irene

Circles

of fabric the size of a computer disk.......100 of them!!! Now, what am I going to do with them????

One gal made this:

(but, I'm not going to applique!!!!!)

I have thought about cutting 7 inch background blocks and just sewing the circles on top and letting them ravel:

Need you thoughts and suggestions please.....

Irene

BOM Block #3

is now joining the others on the design wall. Finished it late last night when I couldn't sleep.

And here are blocks 1-3,

Ohio Star, Friend's Coming Together, Dutchman's Puzzle

I also got all those batik's cut and into "kits" to take to retreat with me! Now, I have to decide what I am going to work on??? Know Michelle would love it if I paper-pieced some more of the blocks for her quilt...huuummmmmm

Irene

Cutting~

Spending sometime doing cutting and prep work today. Have an on-line retreat coming up later this month and another "live" retreat in February. If I don't do some prep work now, I'll be rushing again at the last minute.

On the cutting table are batiks:

Am planning on these becoming quilt using a pattern by Debby Maddy, called"Star Gazing." http://webstore.quiltropolis.net/stores_app/Browse_Item_Details.asp?Shopper_id=2253191245102253&Store_id=529&page_id=23&Item_ID=1212

More batiks coming out of the bins:

The plans for this group of fabrics is to make a "Quick Trip" quilt using one of Eleanor Burns' patterns. http://www.quiltinaday.com/shoponline/books_display.asp?i=5137

Not sure what else I'll get into but am sure there is NO shortage of fabrics to use!!

Irene

Ack.....

no more sewing done this past week! "Sally," the favorite sewing machine took a slide off the table so had to go to the repair shop--thanks to Dennis at www.somewheresewing.com, Sally is not back in working order!! Of course, I couldn't walk out without first roaming the aisles of the shop...and yep, you guessed it, I didn't come out empty-handed! My purchase was a jelly roll in batiks with two border and binding fabrics. This will be a "group project" at retreat in February.

I am still working on the restoration of Jan's quilt (a few before shots)

--getting closer but still so far away to arriving at the finish point! I think I'll work on this again today as I do laundry for the Hubby. He came home after ten last night and leaves out again tomorrow, so I have no choice. I have to do do his laundry so he can repack.

Irene

Mystery BOM

OK...just what I don't need...but it will use up some of my stash!

The gals over at www.quiltingaroundtheworld.com are doing a Mystery BOM this year. I really want to use up some of my stash, so decided today I was going to really try and keep up with them! I've done "sew-alongs" with some of these gals before and they keep you on your toes!

Anyway, I got the first two blocks done today~

I am hoping to keep the dark blue a constant throughout the quilt....the background is a cream that I have around 4 yards of so am almost sure that will be used in each block too --if I run short--another cream can be used as this will be a scrappy quit)

Starting out

the new year by cleaning up the studio and rearranging! I know, I've moved "stuff" around to many time to count since we've moved, but I just can't seem to find the "perfect" layout that I'm pleased with!!!

Today I found a "kit" that had three rows done...have no idea why I put it back and didn't finish the top. Maybe it was an "Ann package?" (projects I kept to take to Ann's to work on)

The beginnings of:

Sand & Surf
Quilts and More, Winter 2009

Finishing another year and on to 2012!

Decorating...

I am slowly decorating the new place. Definitely taking my time doing a little at a time. I have become "hooked" on www.pinterest.com and see so many neat ideas!!

My bathroom candle design:

To my friends and family far and near~

Goodie Bags~

This year I wanted to do something a little different for "My Kids." Ideas were thrown around, but with the "time factor," I couldn't get done what I wanted so maybe that will work for next year if I start now????

I stole this idea from Stacy:

BUT! a lot of my candy canes were broken, so she suggested I make some Peppermint Bark:

Also found a great deal on a huge bag of assorted candy, so made "candy bags" for all the kids: "hearts" for the gals and "bark" for the guys.

My baskets are ready to go:

Flannel Quilt

is finished!
Pattern: One Block Quilt

I changed the borders on this quilt as I didn't have enough of the creams and greens to make the HST's the pattern called for.

Weekend Adventure~

This past weekend I had a chance to "go west." I took some of my quilt tops/backing/batting to my friend Kris in Sprinfield, OH, and she will quilt them for me. I am just not getting them done! She then traveled with me south to Lesa's house in Bellbrook. Lesa took us the http://www.fabricshack.com/. UT-OH!!!!! But I was good and only bought a few fabrics that I knew I needed to finish projects and two fabrics for one new project! This shop is dangerous!!! From here we went on a hunt for food!!! The joy having a good meal with great friends is priceless!!

I spent the night at Lesa's and on Saturday, we were honored to take a class taught by Teri Tope, http://www.materialgirldesigns.com/, on reverse applique. Yet, you read right, this chick, who DOESN'T applique took an applique class!!! I am SOLD on this method! If all applique could be done using this methos, I'd sure do more of it! I didn't get very far on my projects, but, that's ok, winter's coming!

sample 1 my block started

I am also making a tree:

I definately wasn't ready to head back home on Sunday, but.......

Flannel anyone?

Going through some older magazines, I found a pattern called "One Block Quilt" in the Spring 2008 issue of Easy Quilts. When we changed out the summer quilts to the fall/winter ones, we discovered that we were one flannel quilt short! Don't know how that happened as I've been making flannel quilts for what seems forever!

Anyway, this week we have the beginnings of another flannel quilt on the design wall. I know I don't have enough of the greens to do the border shown in the pattern so will keep digging in the totes for something--or use the piece I found while shopping a the Fabric Shack this past weekend with Lesa and Kris!

Awwww...a finish!

When stressed, I piece/quilt! So since this past month has been a HIGH stress level time for me, I have used up 5 1/2 yards of stash fabric, a backing, and some batting. I only purchaed 2 1/2 yards of fabric at 25% off for this quilt. If I remember corectly, I started the cutting of this quilt Oct. 1st.......Now it's in the dryer and ready to be mailed out as a gift to~~~~~~~~~

Inventory

of quilt tops that are stored and need quilting is in progress....

So far I have seven tops hanging here with the backings that need to be quilted. I am at the point of hiring someone to machine quilt them for me--nothing fancy, just get them done! Any suggestions?

I have also found three that I need to buy/make backings for. I am sure there are more since I haven't opened some totes yet! I won't even start with the half done/started tops as of yet! For some reason I am finding that I have become a "topper!" Is there a cure????????

"I Have A Notion"

is the first quilt I finished for me here at the new home! It hangs in my studio! Years ago I swapped "notion jar"blocks with some friends and now I have a nice wallhanging for my room!

On the Wall

right now is the beginnings of a very scrappy blues/tans/creams quilt. This so out of my element!!! I am trying really hard to stay true scrappy, but......

So far I have used 5 1/2 yards of fabric pieces for the blocks all from stash! Not sure what will be used for the borders, just may have to have some fabric retail theraphy for those!

Andy's Quilt

Mr. Miller's grandmother hand-pieced this quilt top for him but didn't get it quilted before she passed. I was asked to sandwich it and quilt it......Beautiful Trip-Around-The-World!

ummmm

time has gotten away from me! Not sure where the time has gone but I know I am behind in almost everything!! Work has been a challenge but slowly getting into the routine......But it's sad that we count the days from one break to another! This to shall pass! (at least I hope so or it's going to be a loooong year!)

Am loving the wonderful fall weather between the rain! But, let it rain because then it's not that white stuff!!! Slowly getting everything setup in my studio and the new home. Taking my time and still changing my mind alot! Also still sorting and purging all the "stuff!"

More in a bit......

School is in session

for the 2011-2012 year. Am having trouble readjusting to going to bed at 9:30 and getting up at 4:30! Would much rather stay up late (yes, I've always been a night owl) and then sleep in. It's hard when hubby stays up until 1-2 AM then sleeps until 9-10 AM, but that's been his sleep routine for about forty years!

Kids so far are wonderful. It's not always easy adjusting to new a new bus driver, getting up earlier, and a new school routine for the NINETEEN seventh graders I have! But they/we are working it out. New kindergardeners have been dry-eyed so far-pray it stays that way!

I have been slowing setting up my studio. Not everything is moved in yet, but come on, I HAVE to be able to sew/quilt between routes or I'll totally go insane! It's far from being the way I am envisioning it, but at least I can cut and sew!! Maybe over the holiday weekend i can get some of the kids to help finish the moving? Will see........

WHY?????

is it that almost everything is moved from the house BUT my sewing studio????? All I need help with is moving the cabinets and tables.....the rest I can do myself. BUT for some strange reason, I can't get the guys to help get this moved. Look out--if THIS Momma can't sew between bus routes, she's NOT gonna be very happy and then you won't be happy either--this I promise!!!

OK..now I have vented so I'll go play with the little bit of fabric I have here!

OH WOW!!!!!

I am so humbled by the generosity of my friend Elizabeth!!!! "Liz" and I met on-line a few years ago though an on-line quilting group. We met in person in 1998 and have stayed friends. Last week she told me she was getting rid of a "bunch" of her stash and wanted me to have it! Ok, what's the catch??? I had to travel to the Pittsburg, PA area to get it....... ummmmm...now, when????

After talking to Michelle, we decided we would do a "road trip" yet this week before I returned to work and she started fall classes--it worked out that she had yesterday off, so away we went!

I went to Canton on Wednesday night and stayed with Michelle overnight--we both got much needed hair cuts and had dinner at Ruby Tuesday's.....(and of course, Handel's ice cream for dessert!!!)

Thursday morning we hit the road around 8:00. Our first stop was at IKEA!!! Spent a few hours here then off to Golden Corral for some food! Stop number two was in Moon, PA--my friend's house. It was sooooooo wonderful seeing her again after thirteen years!!!! So, ok, we don't live THAT far apart, but both work and are/were involved in kids/family stuff, but I'm hoping now that our kids are older and mostly on thier own, we can connect more often??? Anyway, here are pictures of what she gave me! (and no the fabric won't stay on there sheveles, only there to air out the mothball smells)

I am still in awe! There just simply aren't words to describe my thanks!!!

From there we traveled to Grove City and hit the outlet shops--ummmm, no further comments needed on this stop!! lol Grabbed dinner at a drive-tho on the way home. Met up with some rain showers and construction, but made good time..

Has a wonderful and fun day, altho, me thinks me is getting to old for this much in one day!!!! I was sooooo tired!!

Thanks again Liz for your generosity and thanks Michelle for a fun day shopping!!

Cosmic Jewels

August 10, 2011 I was privilaged to travel to Fairborn, Ohio and take workshop by Debbie Maddy (http://www.calicocarriage.com/). Oh how wonderful! Had a great time! My top isn't finished as I need to add the borders, but this was so much fun!!!

Moving Days

have arrived! Will be so happy to be able to walk without dodging boxes!

See you next week!

Retreat time:

Once again I was able to attena a quilting retreat this past weekend in Torch, Ohio. (hey, didn't wash all those busses for nothing!) Was winderful to get away from all the "mess" at home for a few days!

Sure didn't get everything accomplished I wanted to, but enjoyed myself--

New SCRAPY (gasp!!) project started:

And I made another purse/bag (not that I needed one!)

Also made a block to add to the "comfort quilt" that is being made for a fellow quilter diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Thoughts and prayers go with Sherry.

Not what I had planned

on doing today!!

I wanted to keep working on my snowball blocks between loads of laundry, etc. But, while runnning a few errands this morning, Hubby and I decided to stop at the local produce stand. Seeing all the green beans she had, reminded me that I needed to order some to can and stock the shelves for winter......was very surprised to find out she had extra today and I came home with a bushel of green beans! Hubby helped clean and snap them or I'd still be at it! So, three families will have beans to eat this winter if nothing else!

Now, next week I can sew?????

Snowball Blocks...........

is what I worked on today....didn't feel like packing/sorting so I got a start on my swap blocks.

Stash Enhancement

was on the agenda yesterday and today!!! It felt soooooo good to be able to add to the collection!

Quilt shops visited were: Mrs. Miller's in Charm, Pine Tree in Kidron, Somewheresewing west of Millersburg, and Lone Star in Mt. Hope. Also made a stop at Pat Catan's! Had so much fun with Pat and Becky!!

Jars

Finally I have put my "Sewing Jars" into a top!! I am hoping to use this as a wall hanging in my studio after we move......

Fun Times

with an unplanned visit from friends! Got a phone call asking if they could visit for a few days??? DUH!! My house is a mess with packing boxes/newspapers/stacked boxes/etc.....but if you can deal with it, come on!!!

Today we visited two quilt shops and a craft store--lunch on the go and then pizza/salads for dinner.

Due to Amber having a flat tire, we got to see the son, Ryan, DIL, Amber and MS. Rylee to! I think this is the first Rylee actually saw me sewing. I walked away to press my project and this is what I found when I returned: (thankfully I had turn the machine off!!)

Moving.................

is what we will be doing Aug. 6th so my time has been spent sorting though our "stuff." What to keep? discard? Where did all this stuff come from????

Did a little sewing with friends last week, but not near enough!! Have a few new ideas just waiting to be started, but until I am in the new studio, it's just not gonna happen.

So, until I have something exciting to update---I'll just take breaks and read your blogs.........

Spinning Black and White

Altho I still don't remember who all swapped with me in this swap, the top is done. Another one added to the "to be quilted" pile. Would be nice if these tops just magically quilted themselves!!!

Looking for

the ladies that swapped in this Pinwheel swap with me? Were you one of them??? Please contact me if you were! The blocks are all done in black/white/wob/bow.

Using scraps......

So many scraps! Time to "get-a-grip" on them! I was intrigued with Bonnie Hunter's pattern (http://quiltville.com/outonastring.shtml) Out on a String. Pat had two 6' diamond rulers so I changed my stars from 3" to 6". I am also using one fabric as the center for each star--I know, controlled scrappy again, but it's a start!!! Not sure how many stars I will make yet....

"My Time"

.....was spent at a friend's house for a few days. I left Monday forenoon and will travel back home tomorrow morning. We spent time sewing/quilting, chatting and having lunch with more friends. Also did a little shopping.

Progress: Disappearing 9-Patch top is completed-

A "Shelley" bag was made:

I continued working on my "Sewing Jar" blocks and my black-n-white Pinwheel blocks. My string blocks have been started, and I tested a "scrappy Majestic Mountains" pattern. All in all, a great feeling of accomplishment and a time of relaxlation!!!!!