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Sunday, February 28, 2010

New Things to Learn

Well, I decided to go ahead and trade my Janome 5700 in for a 9700 model. I can't wait to see what I can do with the embroidery part of it. My 5700 only embroidered about a 4-inch pattern.



I've told Kelsey stories, so now it's time for a Craig story.

A few days ago, I wrote about the 1/4 inch foot I purchased for my machine and what a great job it does. My son told me he wanted to see the that foot that was the sh_ts. (A new slang term. Hmmm. I can do without it.)  I asked him if that meant great, awesome, etc. He said it did. Then he commented that he didn't have any idea of what I was talking about but the people reading my blog apparently did. He said I wrote 3 lines about it so it must be great thing.


He is too funny. He is going into graphic design so I bet I can get him to use my new machine to embroidery out some designs before long.  We'll see.

Until later  . . .

Happy snipping, stitching and quilting!

Thursday, February 25, 2010

It's A Sad Day at Our House

It's a sad day at our house. Please visit my other blog "At Home on Pine Ridge"  to read my story about our dog, Molly, adopting us.


 Then read this post  for an update.

Tomorrow will be better.

Happy snipping, stitching, and quilting.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Answering a Question & Wishing for Spring

Cindy asked which Fons and Porter Magazine the Santa pillows I am making are from. It is the Nov/Dec, 2009 Love of Quilting Holiday Projects and more.


I know I am a visual person so I thought it might be easier to find the issue if you could see the front cover. I really like the cover quilt and plan to make one of those also.

We had such pretty weather here on Saturday. The sun was out and temps reached the 60's. It rained most of the day on Sunday and temperatures on Monday were freezing. I am so ready for spring . . . but a chance of snow is in the forecast for Friday. 

As I reread my blog title, I was reminded of the old saying "You're wishing your life away." That is definitely not the case. I don't even like to go to bed at night because I am afraid I am going to miss something. Is there anyone else out the that feel that sleeping is a waste of time?

I always tell my kids that I want to live to be 100. But, I don't want to be a burden on anyone.

My, my, aren't I persnickety today.

Happy snipping, stitching, and quilting!

Monday, February 22, 2010

Design Wall Monday, A Question, and A Duh Moment


My design wall has the final two Santa Pillows that I need to piece.  I should have completed them when I did the other ones because like many of you I had another project calling and I started working on it today instead.

 On Saturday, I took my Janome Memory Craft 5700 to the shop to get its annual cleaning and the bobbin winder fixed. While there I purchased a walking foot for my Janome 1600DP and a stitch in the ditch foot (I didn't know there was such a thing.) I can't wait to try it out on my next quilt.

Generally, when I piece I use my regular foot and use a piece of tape to mark my 1/4 inch line.

 I really thought I was pretty accurate. Saturday I also purchased a 1/4 inch foot and tried it out tonight.


Oh my gosh. I can't believe I have quilted for the past year or so using a regular foot when a 1/4 inch foot is so much more accurate. I've looked for one at my sewing machine shop a couple of times and couldn't find one. They had one this time and it was only $9.95.

On my way to Fort Smith, I called my husband and told him I looked at my receipt for my Janome 5700 (why I keep it in my vehicle, I don't know) and it was a 2002 model (actually that is when I purchased it) and that is was time for a trade in.  He chuckled and said, "Is that right!"

The young man that cleans the machines was at the store and actually volunteered to clean it that day so I wouldn't have to make another hour trip during the week. When I stopped back by to pick it up later in the day, the saleslady said, "You really need to trade this machine in while it is still in such good shape."

She suggested the Janome Memory Craft 9700. Are any of you out there Janome 9700 users? If so, would you please email me. I would love to know how you feel about it and if they are offering me a good deal.

Be sure to stop by Judy L's for Design Wall Monday posts.

Happy snipping, stitching, and quilting!

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Spoiled Kids!

Not only do I spoil my own kids, but I have also taken to spoiling their friends. Kelsey's boyfriend wanted a stocking cap made with his country's flag colors (Mexico). So I looked on-line for patterns and came up with two of them.



The top hat is double crocheted and I did not think to bookmark the website. The bottom hat is more tightly woven using single crochet and half double crochet. You can get the pattern here.  

Okay Kelsey and Ismael. Here is a picture of both of them together. I hope they fit and you like at least one of them. If they are not what you wanted, let me know and I'll think of something.


The things we do for our kids. I love it.

Happy snipping, stitching, and quilting!

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Quiltathon Update and Lazy Sunday Morning

I got up and went to church. After church I stopped by Wal-mart to get some stuffing for the pillow I made yesterday. So by the time I got home is was after 10:30.

I purchased a new type of filling called "cluster stuff". Is is tiny, down-like clusters that are not supposed to clump or bunch. Can't wait to try it.


I had started my bread machine before I left for church so within 5 minutes of walking in the door after church my bread dough was ready. I took it out and put it in a loaf pan to rise. Within an hour, I was pulling it out of the oven. Yum Yum!

Here's my lunch. Salad with smoked turkey, cheese & boiled eggs, tomato soup, bread, and orange juice. I am trying to eat healthy and lose a few pounds before our June cruise.


Lunch has been eaten and my Santa Pillow finished.

 

A light snow is falling again and this chair is calling me. 



No, I am not going to do it. I'm not going to sit down in that chair by the warm fire and read blogs all afternoon. 

No . . .  I'm off to work on my Kindle cover.

I have the fabrics sewn together and have applied decorative stitches. Now I need to add the binding and decorate. I decided not to put appliqued work on it, I just added a few buttons. Ta Dah!  It's finished. Oh, by the way, I used the Bookkeeper pattern from the Moda Bakeshop website.





 Now I'm switching back to working on the Santa Pillows for a couple of hours. I look forward to seeing what everyone else has been up to these past two days.

Happy snipping, stitching, and quilting!

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Quiltathon Progress

I looked through my meager stash to find some material to make the Santa Pillow from Fons @ Porters Love of Quilting--Holiday Projects. These are the fabrics I chose.


I decided that while I was cutting out and making one that I would make several. They will make good gifts.


I have one sewn together and ready for stuffing. I looked for my bag of stuffing but cannot find it. I think I used part of it when setting up my Christmas village and packed the bag up with my Christmas decorations.


I think I'll make the front of the next one quilted using a small stipple around the Santa head to make it stand out. Now I think I'll start on that Kindle cover.

Happy snipping, stitching, and quilting!

Friday, February 12, 2010

Good Intentions

I had good intentions to sit down tonight and turn these fabrics into a "kindle" case.


But then, I sat down and started catching up on blogs. Found new blogs. Fell asleep in the chair watching a movie and reading blogs.

So the material is still waiting for me. And I found a holiday pillow that I would like to make.  I know Christmas is a long time off but I am in the mood now so it's just as good as time as any. (Kelsey, quit shaking your head at me.) This pattern is in Love of Quiltling Holiday Projects and More.


Well, I guess that gives me something else to do during the quiltathon this weekend. I also have a quilt top that needs borders added, sandwiched, and quilted. But, I am off Monday so that gives me three days to sew and quilt.

I have plenty to do, now I need the motivation.

A good nights' sleep will fix that.  See you all in the morning as we start our quilt-a-thon. Don't forget to hop on over to Judy L's blog to join along or to see other quilters' progress.

Happy snipping, stitching, and quilting!

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Which On-Line Fabric Shop?

Well, I just finished my "Bears in the Farmhouse" quilt. Thanks Judy L. for a great pattern.  The first time I posted this quilt on my design wall, a reader left a comment saying she noticed I had a couple of triangle blocks turned the wrong way. I thanked her for telling me. Marked the area with pins so I could fix them after I finished the project I was working on. See the top left hand corner triangles.


What do you think happened? I sandwiched the quilt and started quilting.  I was in heavenly bliss because I had someone that requested a quilt from me (daughter's boyfriend) and I was almost finished quilting it.

Then entered my daughter, Kelsey.

"Hi Mom, that quilt sure looks good. I showed Ismael a picture of it and he said it sure was bright and that he liked it. Oh, did you fix those blocks you had in wrong."

So much for heavenly bliss. I just looked and her and said, "Oops, I forgot all about them. Just tell him I did it on purpose so he would have a one of a kind quilt."

And that's that.


I am considering ordering fabric on-line since there is not really a quilt shop in my town. So I would like to know:

Which on-line quilt store do you use and why?

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Not Enough Time in a Day

Wow! Time flies. It seems like just a few minutes ago it was morning. I was making sure my son could get out of the driveway. Planning a day of sewing. Well, it's 3 p.m. and I haven't started sewing yet.

First thing this morning I cleaned the kitchen. About that time my husband, Larry,  got home from work and we went grocery shopping. Not my favorite thing to do and I often put it off too long. We got home by 1:30 but my computer called. I checked blogs, etc. and before I knew it, it was after 3. So here I am watching a Hallmark movie and staring at the beautiful snow laden trees outside my sewing room window. The sun is brightly shining and I can hear water dripping from the roof.


My quilt is calling. I'm off to trim and square it so I can get the binding on this evening. If . . . I can drag myself out of this chair.


Squaring and trimming finished. Two inch binding cut. Ready to be pressed. Update tomorrow.

Happy snipping, sewing, and quilting!

Halfway There

Well, I am about halfway finished quilting this quilt. I am doing a quick stitch in the ditch. It's getting late. I'll have time to finish it tomorrow because I just found out no school again.

Monday, February 8, 2010

Design Wall Monday

Here is what is on my design wall right now.


This is the same quilt that was on my design wall last week. But I have decided what I want to use for borders. I'm adding a 3 to 4 inch striped border and then a 2 or 3 inch black and white polka dot border. I am trying to use what I already have. But I am crazy about this fabric so . . . I'm using it.

My daughter's boyfriend said he would like to have a quilt. Any pattern, any color, so he will probably be the recipient. Unless he doesn't like the black and white polka dot border.

Stop by Judy L's blog Patchwork Times for Design Wall Monday postings.


Until next time  . . . 


Happy clipping, stitching, and quilting!

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Valentine Table Runner

I have finished the Table Runner I showed a sneak preview of on my last post. 






I'm giving this mini quilt away on my other blog here. Now I'm off to walk and then hopefully work on one of my "works in progress" that so need to be finished and loved.


Happy snipping stitching, and quilting!

Crocheted Socks

My husband and I went to Fort Smith yesterday--about 40 miles away. We didn't really go for anything except to get out of the house. 


We stopped by Hancock Fabrics first. Here is what I couldn't live without. A left handed scissors. A mini scissors to use when doing embroidery or sewing binding on quilts by hand. Two skeins of sock yarn.


I'm going to try my hand at crocheting socks. I see a lot of people knitting socks, but not many people crocheting.  I decided I needed a challenge so I found a few patterns on the internet and picked "In Your Shoes Ankle Socks" from the Crochet Me website. (I couldn't get the actual link for the post.) It seems pretty simple and has good reviews.


So far so good. Hope I don't get frustrated trying to do the toe and heel and lay it aside. Then, of course, there is always the second sock to do.  Do any of you quilters and crafters out the ever feel like your have ADHD?

Happy clipping, snipping, and quilting!

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Where Have I Been

I didn't realize I hadn't made a post since Monday. I have been lazy some evenings and busy some evenings. Here is a sneak peak at what I am working on.


I hope to make some more progress today. 

EQ6 was a Christmas present and I have just got around to playing with it. This is my first piece to design and make. Can't wait to see how it turns out. My daughter's laptop cord bit the dust so she has my laptop with the EQ software on it. It's only been 2 days but I keep having designing ideas and can't test them out because I don't have the software. I hope they store well in my brain. HaHa. 

Happy snipping, stitching, and quilting!

Monday, February 1, 2010

Design Wall Monday

Stop by Patchwork Times to see other design walls.

Another "work in progress".  This is one of Judy L's quilt for an hour patterns--"Bears in the Farmhouse". Almost finished.


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