This and That

I spent the yesterday afternoon in the sewing room. It is so relaxing and fun, I don't know why I have such a hard time getting there lately.


I need 42 of the blocks.  I have about 12 totally made and the inside blocks completed on all but 9 or so.

As I was piecing these blocks

I suddenly had a thought. When piecing most quilts I make . . . I sew each block together piece by piece, block by block. In fact, the only time I piece by using the chain method is when I am following directions on mystery quilts.  The only other quilts I can remember sewing in sections are double wedding ring quilts.

As I pondered on this, I decided it was because I really enjoy watching the blocks come alive as I make each one individually. Most quilts I make are kind of scrappy so I am using many different fabrics. I guess when I make a quilt using the same color blocks all throughout, I chain sew.

Maybe I'll get the rest of the blocks sewn together today. But then again, I really want to read this book before the movie comes out in March.



For some reason, I have a hard time dividing my time between two different things. It seems that if I begin reading, I can't quilt. When I begin sewing, I can't quit. Maybe one day, I'll learn to switch gears easily. 

So my question is . . . How do you enjoy sew your quilt blocks together?  Do you have a hard time switching gears?

Happy snipping, stitching, and quilting!

Old, Old Projects

I started this afghan about 5 or 6 or 10 years ago. lol I have been on a movie watching kick. Cold weather and I just want to sit in front of the wood stove.

So instead of messing around on the computer for hours upon hours, I decided I needed to do something useful. Then I saw the afghan sticking out of a bag in the sewing room.

During the last 3 evenings I think I have added at least a foot onto it. I actually enjoy it, but my fingers do tend to get sore. So I have to remember to stop every 15 or 20 minutes and do finger exercises.

I do believe that downstairs in the closet is a red/pink tone afghan that has been around for even longer. I think I was making it for one of my nieces. And I mean a long time ago. She is now married and has two teens. Where does time go. I guess I need to finish it and I can use it for valentines day decor.

Happy snipping, stitching, and quilting.

Well, here it is Sunday

and I haven't been in the sewing room yet this weekend. So, what did I do all day Saturday?

I have decided I need to do something to tone my body.  I have been walking, pretty regularly, for over 5 years now. But, that doesn't really help with firming the stomach. So, once again, like many years, I have decided to do something to get fit. I have chosen to use the WII fit.

I started on Thursday, when we had the ice day. Friday, I did not work out. I got 45 minutes exercise time in yesterday. That actually takes over an hour because of listening to the computer and selecting the exercises to do.

I am paying extra attention to the yoga and stretches. This is so important as we get older. By Saturday evening, I could feel my stomach muscles reacting to the exercises when I moved. That is good. I can tell the exercises are helping.

I still plan to walk/run at least three times a week because you don't really get the heart rate up when using the WII. And I like being outdoors and walking.

Today, I plan to pickup and clean some. Then I hope to get to the sewing room and work on some more of these blocks.

Happy snipping, stitching, and quilting.

Oh My . . .

2013 was not a good year -- for finishing quilts, that is. Or blogging.

A few nights ago, I updated my pages, adding one for 2013. I couldn't even remember what I had completed. I had to go back over the blog to find out. And it wasn't much. I have at least 5 projects started that I really need to finish before I start anything else. But, that won't happen.

I am already itching to purchase fabric to make Bonnie Hunter's latest mystery--Celtic Solstice.  I want to do it in fall colors. I usually do her mysteries as she releases clues, but this time I just didn't have the energy. And, now I am glad I waited. It will make a great fall color quilt with browns, blues, reds, and greens.



 

I also want to make Judy's Medallion Mystery -- Back to Square One.

 

This one I want to do in blues and yellows.

Many of you know how it is to itch to start a new project and work with new fabric. So, no, I don't think I'll get my unfinished projects completed before I begin something else. But I'll try.

Happy snipping, stitching, and quilting!

The Header Quilt

I used the header quilt as a table cloth on my dining room table during the Christmas season. I commented to Becca that it was one of my favorites and simplest. She said she like it also. So it was nice to hear from a few of you that you also enjoy it.

I've made two other quilts using this pattern. One for my mother-in-law. I looked back and can't find a picture of it. I guess I didn't take one. The other one I gave to my niece.

I have another niece that wants a quilt. She is not picky. She just wants a quilt. I just never got around to picking out a pattern. I think I will just use this one. Now to think what kind of applique to use. You guys have given me food for thought. Thanks.

Happy snipping, stitching, and quilting.

Back to School for a Day

I really enjoyed the day off yesterday. I should know by now that when I get up and around and stay busy all day instead of being on the computer or reading most of the day; the day is much more enjoyable.

I leisurely drank my two cups of coffee while reading blogs. Then I got the WII fit out and worked out on it for about 45 minutes. It actually only adds up to a little over 30 minutes of exercises and stretches.

Then I walked through all of the ice to go to the mailbox and check to see if the driveway was wet or a sheet of ice. It was a sheet of ice.

Then I took a wonderful shower, slathered on shea butter, and fixed left overs for lunch. After that I headed to the sewing room.

I was able to get the quilting finished on the quilt I am going to give away. Then I sat down this evening and got the binding sewn on. I do it all by machine. Too lazy to do it by hand.

I kept the quilting very simple and minimal.

My kids says it makes the quilts fluffier and softer. I do agree with them.

We had the best bean soup for supper. I purchased a package of 12 bean soup and added a bunch of ham scraps to it. I cooked it for 4 or 5 hours. Served it over cornbread with a salad. It was delicious. And enough leftovers for lunch tomorrow and probably Saturday.

Happy snipping, stitching, and quilting.

Ice Day

We were not supposed to have any accumulations. But we did.

This is the backyard. Even though it was above freezing today everything should have melted, but it did not.

It seems kind of strange to see all of the ice without snow on the ground. It is beautiful but the snow makes it even more so.

Happy snipping, stitching, and quilting.

Happy New Year!

I spent about 3 hours in the sewing room yesterday working on quilting this quilt.

I do believe I will keep the quilting very simple.

I plan to give it to Larry's sister and brother-in-law in thanks for all of the help they gave us during the December ice storm. She just completely remodeled her kitchen and repainted the whole house. Knowing her like I do, I assume the colors in the quilt will blend in nicely with her remodel.

We spend a quiet New Year's Eve with my parents and part of my family. We always have soups and then play cards or dominoes. It was a great evening.

Today, I plan to finish quilting the quilt, watch movies, and lay low.

Happy snipping, stitching, and quilting.