cindyquilts

Holiday happiness

2010-05-31T21:17:00.000-07:00

I have been sewing and completed a top this weekend. I used Mary Johnson, of Heartstrings fame, easy strip quilt directions. The quilt went together quickly and I got a lot of comments on the top when I went searching for binding fabric. Now, to get the quilting completed.

My local quilt store helped me sandwich the quilt and did a quick basting stitch on their long arm machine. I am hooked! I want to be able to use a long arm for my quilts! They offer a class so you know my name is going on the list!

Anyway, this quick quilt is a gift for a work partner who is expecting her first baby. Baby is over due ... I am just flat out SLOW. Pics as soon as I complete it.

I'm over it ...

2010-05-22T00:56:00.000-07:00

I can't seem to get to the post office while they are open. I looked for the postal annex place ... you already heard all of this.

TAAA DAAA!

I went to the post office anyways. They have this machine that lets you send packages after hours! They provided the packaging ... kinda paper-plastic envelope. There were none of the cute boxes pictured in the display.

SO ... someone is getting a package in the mail! And it was less than $5 to send it, thank you very much. I want some of those boxes tho ...

short story ...

2010-05-11T20:58:00.000-07:00

I am a grump! BIG GRUMP.

I have so much fabric and just want to share. I have a package ready to send off to one of the winners from "Quilt Dad"'s anniversary. Now, it is not huge, it all fit EASILY into a manila envelope. The 6" x 9" size, not some jumbo mumbo envelope.

I went looking for one of those alternate post offices. The kind where you can rent a box. (In my imagination: only people hiding something/having affairs rent mail boxes.) Couldn't find one so I went to Kinko's/FedEx. This whimpy envelope was going to cost pennies short of $13 to send! Needless to say: it will go into the mail this Friday when I can get to the "other" post office.

All I really wanted to do was share my stash. The value of the fabric I am sending is less than $10, I am sure. How do others ship goodies?

pot holder x jumbo!

2010-04-26T21:11:00.000-07:00

This is the other potholder I am working on. It will be close to 20" x 20" when i finish it. I have an antique, solid wood dining table so I use table cloths and "pad" when serving food.

Looks like I figured out how to add pictures! Guess that means I can get out the camera and add the pictures of things I finished but never posted about!

shoe boxes

2010-04-26T21:08:00.000-07:00

This picture represents SEVEN shoe boxes of pre-cut squares. I am sending 100 3" x 3" to one of John's readers.

chop, chop

2010-04-26T00:04:00.001-07:00

OBVIOUSLY ... I can't remember how to post! Lucky I remember how to sew! OR, I was lucky when I got the last picture to post ...

If it gets attached, the pics will show a small project I have been warming up with. It was four solids and I piece if fabric that looked like silly string to me. The silly string fabric was WOF x 15". I decided to make it into pot holders/mats big enough to keep baking dishes off the table. (Pot holders on steroids!)

I can't get the pics to post. DRAT ...

Back at it ...

2010-04-25T23:56:00.000-07:00

It has taken me forever to get back to this. Lottttts of history: ended a relationship; changed jobs x 2; legal business in Alaska is completed; garden grew/harvested/replanting. You know ... life on life's terms.

John, over at Quilt Dad, had a blog anni. I love watching how this guy has matured in his sewing. I offered to send him some precut squares from my stash. Even tho I was not sewing, I was trimming and cleaning up stash off and on. Someone will be getting 100 3" x 3" squares as well as about 75 nickles.

AND ... I did start sewing again. If I can figure out the new computer/picture files: pictures above.

Garden update ...

2009-07-20T18:18:00.000-07:00

Last time, the beans were not on a trellis yet. My friend put up the rails and stretched the string for me. Some of the beans look like they are close to blooming. I love fresh green beans. And as hot as it is: they are going to be hot right off the vine!
This is the largest doggone tomato! I will measure the trim line on my house but I think it is close to six foot off the ground, and this plant has passed the mark.

I guess it is time to go get a picture of Jacob's crocheted wrapper. It is really warm to sit under and it is made with very fine thread. My dad says the 'cone yarn' is like knitting machine yarn. Dunno ... just know I cannot use a single strand, have to use at least two strands.

Guess I should take out the blocks I made into the quilt center as well.

No promises when I will post! My friend is bringing me her cat tonight. They are going to Maui for a month. Maybe the cat will like me, maybe not.

weekend wrap up

2009-07-12T22:48:00.000-07:00

I actually finished a couple of things other than garden tasks this weekend.

I made Jacob/Amy a small blanket and I am going to post a pic here (later) and then mail it home for them. Amy says they have a lot of stuff with them.

And ... I finished the center section of a small quilt. I need to decide how I am going to finish it up. Time will tell!

And ... I pulled another almost finished afghan out of a box and worked on it. It is nice to be finishing up projects. I think there is only one more afghan in the box of 'nearly done' projects.

Pictures later this week. (You have heard THAT before!)

Feed my sheep ...

2009-07-12T22:27:00.000-07:00

This my garden on Independence day. Since then, I have hired a guy to come help with garden chores, so it has changed a lot. I will take a new picture this week.

We call it the "feed my sheep" garden because I tend to help feed all of my neighbors. Many of the people who live near me are on SSI/SSD. Their budgets are always limited. So ... I plant and tend and they accept my offerings of fresh veggies.

On the right side of the picture is ONE tomato plant. It is inside a wire cage as well as staked and propped. That same box has a volunteer acorn squash. It is just covered with golf ball sized squash. Under the leaves of the squash is what is left of my spinach and leaf lettuce.

Center section, upper box had peppers and pole beans. Center section, lower section has basil, parsley and oregano.

Left side box has three tomato plants. These were started in my dad's green house. They have very strong trunks and not a lot of fruit set yet. The farthest one is called Cherokee Purple, the center is Roma and the closest is Early Girl, I think.

The two little pots have summer squash in them. They have been transplanted to another bed at the front of the house. They are blooming and acting all happy.

Also at the front of the house are barrels with the cucumbers and their trellis, a very large rosemary plant, and one with lemon balm and spearmint.

Donations ... June

2009-07-05T03:21:00.001-07:00

And a few more ...

Donations ... May

2009-07-05T03:19:00.000-07:00

More afghans.

Donations ... April

2009-07-05T03:17:00.000-07:00

I am just going to post the pics. I have done very little sewing, but I am still cranking out the crochet projects!

spacefem.com ... find the colors of your rainbow

2009-03-19T21:44:00.000-07:00

Wandering around again ... sheeez. And I have never added one of these thingys to my blog because I do not understand them. The only reason I am now ... THIS is SOOOOOOO much like me!

So at the risk of it not working ... I am going to try it!

Your rainbow is shaded red.

What is says about you: You are a passionate person. You appreciate energetic people. You get bored easily and want friends who will keep up with you.

Find the colors of your rainbow at spacefem.com.

YES ... I have been cutting fabrics. I have also finished another afghan and nearing the end of yet another. These are donation blankets. TOTALLY Stash busting too!

Pictures soon!

Two finished afghans

2009-03-09T00:34:00.000-07:00

I finished the second afghan tonight. Even tho I have yarn to start the next one, I am really glad to have these two done.

The one hanging over the "Lazy Butt" chair is about 4 foot square. The one stretched over the chair is about 3' square. I haven't measured them, I am guessing. The smaller one is a donation. I am so tired of counting: one, two, three ... pico ... one two three ... pico.

The third picture is my weekend visitor. He is a 12# mini dobbie. He keeps disappearing into my bed. Tigger goes home tomorrow, he was here so I could take him to the groomers for Mr. Almost Wonderful.

And since I still screw up adding pics! I will show you Miss K's quilt progress tomorrow.

here we go again!

2009-03-07T23:44:00.000-08:00

I got information from the State this week. Even tho it is time consuming, they are still working on bringing Miss K from Alaska to Oregon. Some times ... it is so hard to be patient. Perhaps, this is a test!

I have finished another afghan. Another one is on the last row. The first finished one will go to the Appalachia Project. The second one is for Dewey/his school friends. He brought more yarn, he wants another blanket for himself. It will need to be bigger than the baby ones I have been making!

Drum rollllllllllll!

I start a new job on Monday, March 9th. I am excited to be back doing social services. I need to get a complete job description, but I know the population I will be working with ... unemployed/under employed adults with barriers to employment. I will also be doing networking and job development. This is actually considered a training position and is time limited ... as if I care?! It is a great opportunity to grow and stretch while still getting paid.

Pictures tomorrow night, or, that is the plan!

The next Afghan

2009-02-23T01:00:00.001-08:00

This is the second afghan from the yarn Dewey bought. If you look closely, you will see the hook is still hanging in the blanket. I ran out of the blue yarn! I plan to get more and finish this blanket right away. It is about 9 or 10 rounds short of completion. (Of course, I have a couple more projects going on ... always.)

As for quilting: I have been working on Miss K's quilt. I am not sure why I cannot just get this thing done! Mom helped me do the layout, Dad approved, and I brought it home to finish. I think I am waiting for a deadline: Oregon and Alaska will finally agree on when she moves and I will have to finish it so she has it when she gets here!

My week looks like it is going to be scary busy. Translation: I might not post for a few days.

Keep sewing!

Small things

2009-02-16T23:17:00.000-08:00

These blocks finish at about 7" square. They are just sitting side by side, not sewn.

I have been working on small things again. I finished one of the afgans for my son to gift (36" square), and I have been working on the polka dot neopolitan project. I have decided I need a focal fabric for the dotty stuff, and nothing in my stash is screaming at me.

I still have a lonesome Christmas box sitting here. I am waiting to hear from my swap buddy in Australia ... Chooky says it hasn't gotten there yet. As far as I know, my son mailed it before he went overseas in early December. He is working insane hours and I have not seen him in days, so no way to check ... yet.

Neopolitan Ice Cream

2009-01-25T02:04:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking about making myself a table topper with shades of pink, cocoa brown and white. Kinda like neopolitan ice cream. Goofy, huh?

I cut a bunch of squares tonight and matched them up like the broken 9 patches I did before. I guess they are not really disappearing 9 patch, they are more like braided or broken or some such nonsense.

Each of these pieces of fabric has white, pin point dots. Where did I get this obsession with dots?!

I have been working on another crocheted blanket too. Son has a friend who is expecting a baby boy end of the month. He asked me to make the blanket, he bought the yarn, how could I say anything but yes?

While I was playing with fabric, I cut another convergence table topper too. It has some very interesting colors, fall colors, of course. Once I get it laid out, I will post a pic.

Information, PLEASE ...

2009-01-21T09:36:00.000-08:00

I have decided I want to learn how to long arm quilt. I have so many tops that could be pushed out the door if I could get them quilted!

I went to one of the local quilt shops, the only one I know of that offers long arm classes and machine rental. I even put my name on the list for the next time they form a class.

Here is my question: what should I expect to pay to learn to quilt and how much an hour to rent the machine? Their price is $60 for a three hour group class. Once you complete the class, you are 'awarded' an hour of time with the machine. After that, each hour is $20.

Is that about right?

pillow case

2009-01-06T01:01:00.000-08:00

This is the newest pillow case. I do not make them in pairs. I make them for the novelty, just for fun. My son has asked if I can find Curious George fabric. And some yellow fabric. If anyone knows where to find it, please give me a clue! (I can find yellow!)

This is for N's daughter ... she has a 'thing' for sock monkeys. I was going to make her a monkey for Christmas and time got away from me. DUH ... that happens a lot. Her birthday is later this month ... no promises, maybe.

pillow cases

2009-01-05T11:42:00.000-08:00

This pic is the scraps left over from the pillow cases I made for my b'friends daughter. She will be 16 this month, guess I better come up with something a little nicer than pillow cases.

I was teasing with N. last week: Princess will have something for when she moves out. Pillow cases is a start, right? (Not my job, her Dad can get her ready to move. We do not live together.) College is still in the distance, she is mid-year of her Sophomore year.

As for my Princess: staffing is scheduled for this week. We should have a move date after that. My friends keep reminding me: most moms over 50 are looking for g'kids, not raising nieces. Miss K. will be a welcome addition to my home and our family.

Another finish ...

2009-01-05T11:33:00.000-08:00

This quilt probably almost qualifies as an antique! I started it in 2005, sent it out to be quilted in 2006, and then I folded it up and put it 'away'.

I really had no idea how to sew down the binding ... or even start: attach it! Finn pushed me, I blame her! And I thank her. It isn't hard and each one I do ... it gets easier! Other than pot holders, I doubt I ever just 'flip' a quilt again.

I am still working on some mini-blocks. I think they will be place mats. Or a table runner. I am not pressed to do them, they are a fun filler project.

I still have a lottttttt of leaf fabrics. My first intention was to make myself a fall quilt. And ... I still might do it. In the meantime, here is the first leaf quilt.

Chasing links ...

2009-01-05T00:37:00.000-08:00

So ... I am wasting time! I finished the binding on another quilt tonight and stopped to read others blogs. Then I found a link to chase ... you know the drill.

I think of myself as a bit old fashioned, so I took a 1930's marital test. Snicker, giggle. I have been married THREE times! If I knew how to post this, I would. I can tell you my score was: 102. Anything over 76 was considered "superior". Someone tell my ex husbands! Between them, they have had 16 marriages, as far as I know. And, I was number 2 twice and number one once.

So, the URL for that link: http://www.magatsu.net/maritaltest/

FYI: I think I lost points for wearing red nail polish.

I will get a picture of the finished quilt posted in the next day or so.

Disappearing 9 patch ... part II

2009-01-01T23:37:00.000-08:00

These are the pics that go with the other text. I tried! Rather spend my time sewing! The lowest pic is #3, the center pic is the complete block, and the first pic shown is the traditional block.

Disappearing 9 patch ... part I

2009-01-01T23:16:00.000-08:00

I took this series of pictures to show how I made my non-traditional block. If I knew how to blogger better ... the pictures would be throughout the text. Put that on my "to do" list!

First picture: two sets of blocks laid out. I put them on top of a piece of plain fabric so they would show up. My blocks are from the 2" trim pieces; the ones in the small quilt from last week were 2.5". NOTE: Although similar, they blocks are different.

Second picture: Blocks assembled and ready to move the pieces. Let's see if blogger will put the picture in the correct place!

Third picture: Two pieces from each block are ready to be sewn together.

Next picture is the block assembled followed by the picture of the more traditional disappearing 9 patch.

Grrr... this is a love hate relationship with Blogger!

I think the pics will be on the next entry!

A finish!

2009-01-01T19:08:00.000-08:00

This is actually the small quilt I started last week. I have learned a lot of new skills since Finn's challenge. I HATE doing the corners on the binding! YES ... I quilted it with white thread. The completed project is about 15"x22" ... just a small table topper.

Conversely ... I like doing the hand work?! It is almost soothing to sit and pick away at the tiny stitches. NOW ... do not get confused! I have no plans to learn anything about hand quilting!

The other thing ... this is probably not a true disappearing nine patch. I will post a series of pictures to show how I created it. Additionally ... I have also made it in a smaller version. (Because someone challenged me. Sheeeez, I am as bad as a kid with a dare/double dog dare ya!)

It is nice to start the year with a project finish! Actually ... I failed to take pictures of the projects I finished between Thanksgiving and Christmas. I made 6 crocheted blankets and several pillow cases. Guess I can post pictures of the scraps from the pillow cases ... the pillow cases were gifted.

Disappearing 9 patch

2008-12-23T02:55:00.000-08:00

I have been trimming scraps and small pieces of fabric like my life depends on it. I seem to use certain sizes over and over so I am sorting and cutting.

My boss is a quilter also. She has a lot better stash than I do. And ... she makes miniature blocks. (I tend to do jumbo.) She also does paper piecing, I am not planning on going THERE!

Tonight, I grabbed bunches of 2 1/2" blocks and made 9 patch blocks. Then, I cut them the way I think the disappearing block goes. And ... I put them back together again! As they are now, trimmed and ready to assemble, the size is 5 1/2" square. Not mini! I laid them out with a very fine pin dot fabric for filler squares. I also cut some pink mottled batik-like fabric squares. I am not sure yet.

Snowflake afghan

2008-12-23T02:51:00.000-08:00

I am going to do this in two parts.

I finished the afghan last night and measured it today. It is at least 54" across. I smoothed it out, not really stretched.

After I finished it ... I heard from another source: son and g'friend are taking a relationship break. Hmmm... wonder if he still wants this!

crochet

2008-12-15T02:03:00.000-08:00

I am still working on holiday afghans.

My goofy son says to me: MOM! Be careful not to get carpal tunnel! And then he says: Do you have time to make my g'friend one for Christmas? How can I tell him NO?! He went through the yarn stash and pulled out fiber he wanted used for this one. At least we don't have to buy materials.

So, this one is six sided instead of my usual four. It is close to four foot across now but I think I want it closer to six foot. Sweet son says: looks like a cross between a doily and a snow flake. (I am not sure if that is good or bad?!)

I have also spent hours this weekend pressing and cutting for my boxes. I swear, I think I cut about 500 blocks, about half of them as nickles. I really need to get one of the nickle books. The good news is: the scrap pile is sinking.

Best Wishes,
Cindy B. in Happy Valley, Oregon
21 degrees and 4" of fresh snow

Missing in Alaska

2008-12-07T02:01:00.000-08:00

I went to Alaska to do a bunch of things.

FIRST: I am still looking for a living wage job. My family thought I might be able to find one there. (I didn't.)

SECOND: Emma has turned ONE. What a sweet little charmer! (Emma with her mom in the pic)

THIRD: I was able to visit Miss K. We are still working on adoption details. It will be a few more weeks, IF we are able to pull it off. Some days I just want to give up. Then I talk to family and know I can't give up now!

Holiday needs are crashing around me. I wish I could say I am getting lots accomplished! NOPE!

Christmas exchange

2008-12-07T01:53:00.000-08:00

Well ... I hope air mail goes fast!

I have had a wicked few weeks and I am hoping the mail service has a sense of urgency!

I have completed my package for my penpal. Shhh ... it is a secret. BUT ... here is the picture! I am sending an apron, a set of note cards, a selection of my 'leaves' as nickles, and about 200 2x2 ready to use blocks. All packaged in a holiday tin.

If it is late ... I will make a public apology.

oh, oh, oh ... OVERWHELMED!

2008-11-28T13:40:00.000-08:00

I am still here, and among the living.

Very little fun sewing going on. I am working on swap things and gifts.

I have been in Alaska again. (It is cold there.) My niece is doing well, will be coming here soon ... as far as I know. Bureaucratic gobbly-de-gook.

I have completed and gifted 5 crocheted blankets in the past month.

I have started a new job. The job is nice, just a bit different from what I am used to.

Shirts and pants ... up date on quilts

2008-10-21T00:51:00.000-07:00

Some of you will remember I had a very tough time in the spring of 2006. It is all 'done' ... but I still have a bunch of 'stuff' left over from that relationship. Some of it will be sold, it really is good enough 'stuff'.

BUT! The rest (his clothing) is going to be a utility quilt for me to carry in my Explorer, when I am out exploring. I am going to cut the pants and shirts into 6"x6" squares and make both a pieced front and back. I plan to use the buttons from the shirts as 'ties' in the center of each block. I will actually tie the rest of the intersections.

I have been sewing like the devil is chasing me. I am still working on the quilt for Miss K. It is a simple block in a block, to be set on point. Mom and I had discussed setting the blocks in rows and decided we needed about 80 blocks. I had made over 125 blocks, just in case. I went to the folks last night and we pinned a sheet on the wall and started arranging the blocks. Hmmm... I might have enough left over to make a second quilt!

So, I need to take some pics this week. I seem to be able to either write or do pics, and not too great at either! FYI: garden still growing, I still have tomatoes on the vines!

Hi Honey! wait ... I didn't go anywhere ...

2008-10-13T02:03:00.000-07:00

I have been here and I have been sewing. Just no pics or words! I promise to catch up.

1. I made several pineapple blocks, and decided I didn't like them. They are in an envelope to go to Cher (Marathon Quilter).

2. I have completed 56 block in a block squares for a quilt for Miss K. Her birthday is end of the month, maybe I will at least get all of the blocks completed. They finished out at 8"/7.5" once set. I think I want at least 80 blocks before I play with setting.

3. I have made 20 other blocks for a dolly quilt/lap wrap. They are waiting for me to 'decide'.

4. I decided to sort scraps and cut them into some common sizes for 'emergency' projects. Iron/Cut ... Iron/Cut ... my hands and shoulders sure are feeling it! Stash Busting at its best!

** I finished the class I was taking, 2 nights a week. Joined a non-profit board. Job interviews.

All done!

2008-09-30T00:59:00.000-07:00

I finished the binding on Dick's quilt. The front is 16 blocks of log cabin and the back is wide wale corduroy. I brought the corduroy from the back to the front, mitered the corners, and tacked it all down.

AND ... my finger with the 'dimple' from the needle is fine because I covered it with a tiny band-aid. (The kind the doc uses to cover an injection site.)

Hmmm... which project to finish next. I have one more that is ready for binding. Makes sense to pull it out and make sure I have all of the binding strips still! The sewing 'room' has been moved twice since I got the quilt back from the quilter. Even if I cannot find it ... I have several others close to ready.

Dick's quilt

2008-09-29T20:40:00.000-07:00

This is Dick's quilt. It is about 42" x 42". Dick is a WWII / Korean War vet. We met on line in a vet's chat area about eight years ago.

In the winter, Dick's lap need to be 'wrapped' when he is at his computer. I started this quilt in 2003, and got it tied in 2004, I think. I never did shove it in a box or basket ... I just didn't finish it!

SO ... this will be challenge quilt completion number two. I actually have a little dimple in the tip of one finger from pushing the needle. NOW ... I am using a little spot band-aid to buffer that spot.

complete!

2008-09-29T16:08:00.000-07:00

Okay ... all done! When I put the binding on, I added a small flange. I am not sure I like it, even tho it looks okay, it was reallllllly hard to turn and tack down.

NEXT ... more binding, while I am interested in it. The next quilt is also part of the Finn New Year's challenge. The quilt is about 45" x 45" and I made it for one of my on line Vet friends. Dick was here with me when I tied it, he might have even helped. And I am sorry to say, it isn't finished yet.

Onward and upward! I found more projects mostly finished ... maybe I can pass my 3 plus a project commitment.

golly and gosh ..

2008-09-21T15:12:00.000-07:00

A friend took me out to breakfast this morning and I got to announce ... drum rollllll ... convergence is DONE!

I am going to work on a new project next. Only three more 'half dones' to finish to meet my goal with Finn.

This convergence was so much fun ... I plan to do it again.

Well ... la tee daa!

2008-09-18T15:16:00.001-07:00

Talk about chopping up a picture! And, convergence is the one I wanted to talk about the most ...

Told you I needed help! I want to learn how to talk, then pic, and then talk more.

Ready to bind!

2008-09-18T15:16:00.000-07:00

I am not sure I thought I would ever get this far! In fact, after my challenge quilts are done ... I think I will do it again!!

I should have gone out yesterday and shot the pics of the garden. Today, it is overcast from both weather and lots of fires in our area. I picked all of the pimento jalapeno peppers for my Latino neighbor. Gave them all of the ripe cherry tomatoes too. Another neighbor rolled by and I gave them slicing tomatoes. It has been a rich season in the garden.

NEXT ... I need to learn how to tell blogger where I want to put stuff. There must be a tutorial ... or Finn ... to teach me!

I know I can, I know I can ...

2008-09-17T14:46:00.001-07:00

I am two rounds and trim/bind short of having the convergence quilt finished. I keep stopping and picking out little/tiny boo boos. Time to finish it so I can move on. Enough already!

The top picture is the fabrics I am working with to make "K" her welcoming quilt. My Mom talks to me nearly daily to see how I am doing, if I am still cutting strips. I didn't know she was fond of butterflies. Two of the focal fabrics have butterflies. I have been saving small scraps of each fabric as I cut it, so I can send them to Mom ... get her approval. Next picture of these fabrics will be clearer. They look like strips of fancy sherbet to me!

If I can get outside before the sun shifts, I will post a pic of the garden later. I continue to give away produce and herbs nearly daily. I am ready to do some fall planting, if the summer veggies would ever give up the beds so I have some place to plant!

pause ... fill in details

2008-09-14T22:05:00.000-07:00

Okay ... first things first. (HOW do I pick first?!)

Stash Busters: ADDED 4.5 yards; USED from Stash: .75 yard.

NEXT!! I have received TWO Random Act of Kindness gifts this week. I saved them up, was going to clear my dining table for better light. Scratch that idea! Get the scissors and cut those babies open!

From Coco Beach, Florida: a magazine, memo pads and a cookie recipe CD from Ann-Marie. Too funny: lead article: Easy Organizing!

From Poulsbo, Washington: A cute hand bag and a WONDERFUL closet sachet from Jessica. The hand bag features leaves ... just about my favorite!

Thanks Ladies! I appreciate your kindness.

And now, for my news. I bought all of that girly foo foo fabric to make my new daughter a special quilt. "K" should be coming from Alaska in a few months. She is related to our family but her parents are unable to care for her. "K" is almost 10 years old. She loves pink and lavender. I am not big on fluff and girly stuff. Suppose this is God's way of softening my rough edges? In the event "K" does not come, I will make sure she gets the quilt anyway.

SO ... off to cut more fabric. I have already cut over a yard of 2.5" strips and a half yard of center squares. More strips and boxes to come. My Mom says she will help with this one, hope it is more than verbal support!

half way there!

2008-09-11T22:29:00.000-07:00

Okay ... I think I am at least 'half way' there. With the top being quilted being 'all the way' there. I have put 20 lines of quilting on the top, I think 3 rounds of stitching will finish off the outer rounds.

AMY: I even got all of the tails tied and trimmed! I sure understand why you said that would be a frustrating ... sheeez.

My new Best Friends ...

2008-09-09T02:22:00.000-07:00

These are my two new best friends.

I started quilting convergence this morning and had to stop ... go buy tools, and take out two rows of quilting. Not great odds! I had sewn 5 or 6 lines and had to take out two.

NOW ... I will use a lot more pins, "drive" slower, and check the back more often.

I expect to be able to finish the quilting tomorrow. AFTER I put some time into looking for a job.

Monday morning sandwich

2008-09-08T05:41:00.001-07:00

I couldn't sleep so I decided to work on my sandwich. I starched the livin' day lights outta that orange fabric! It felt like a piece of heavy paper!

I have pinned the very center section. I think I will do a few of the lines thru it each direction and work my way out from the center. If anyone can share a better way, PLEASE feel free to let me know.

Doing the quilting is new to me ... I either make pot holders or give the flimsy away. Or hold it in the closet thinking I will send it out for completion.

Finn: Keep pushing, my friend! I can do this!

practice makes perfect ...

2008-09-08T02:17:00.000-07:00

These are the same fabrics as the convergence quilt. This actually a potholder. I quilted it with forest green thread. And ... obviously, I need to tie/hide all of the ends and wash it.

What was funny to me was trying to follow the light blue chalk line as well as the sound of the needle as it went thru the foil.

I think I am ready to go ahead and work on the larger piece. NOTES to self: forget the chalk lines, the wall hanging has much smaller pieces. I have cut the backing, I am going to use a bright orange with a random pattern on it; the batting for the center is cut also. Pin baste and away we go!

Convergence

2008-09-03T17:27:00.000-07:00

I finally took the pic of the convergence quilt top. Even tho the pic might make it look large ... it is a rectangle about 16" by 18". The tiniest squares on the top finish out at one half inch by one half inch.

I was worried about quilting it with the bat that has a metal layer in it, but my "HeartStrings" buddies have assured me: it will not matter. The end product in this case will be for a friend's Thanksgiving table.

So ... this is the immediate project I am going to finish before moving on to other quilts. I am part of Finn's New Years Commitment.

State Fair, part two

2008-09-01T23:57:00.000-07:00

My Dad loves to go to the fair. Eventho I had gone earlier in the week, Dad and I went together this weekend. I was not exactly a cheap date! I paid the gas and drove, Dad paid for lunch. I had forgotten how expensive fair food was ... I feel bad.

We had a great time looking at all of the FFA and garden projects. I was my high school's first girl allowed into FFA and it gives me a thrill to see how many girls are still involved in farming activities.

We got poured on twice! The first time was not as bad as the second time. We just ducked into a grove of trees and ate our ... ahem ... greasy and less than warm burgers. We went to the cattle judging after that and visited with his farm neighbors. The second time, the wind was blowing and the rain was just not fun.

Dad was game to go look at quilts! He at least pretended he was enjoying them. My mom has never made a quilt, that I am aware of. I call quilting a big math project to me ... I love geometry.

In the same building as the quilts were a number of home workshop displays. The picnic bench was cute, my dad does a lot of woodworking.

When Dad was still farming, he raised sheep. He always sold the wool and that was the end of that. Last year, he sold the sheep ... and, scratchin my head here ... started making spinning wheels! One of these days, I will get a pic of one of Dad's wheels. This spinning wheel pic is from in the sheep barns.

State Fair, part one

2008-09-01T23:48:00.000-07:00

Nathan is my "almost Mr.Wonderful" friend. We go to a few places together and mostly just entertain each other ... in a supportive way.

We went to the Oregon State Fair this past week. When we went to the county fair in August it was beastly hot (105 the day we were there!). I might have whined ...

Anyway, we saw the 4H exhibits but not the quilting exhibits. I was ticked but I kept my mouth shut ... except for the whining about the heat.

You KNOW ... we went to see the quilts this time! I am not sure Nathan enjoyed the quilts. What I enjoyed was that he did not whine! The circular quilt was his favorite. I like the braided quilts.

From the garden

2008-09-01T23:38:00.000-07:00

I love gardening! I think it is because: no matter how I abuse it, my garden is sooooo forgiving! I have 32 square feet of raised beds. Not a lot, but enough to help feed at least 10 other families.

I am raising squash, cukes, tomatoes, peppers, and lotttttsa herbs. Plus ... the token melon plant for a friend. We cut the herb bed at least twice a week, harvesting about a gallon bag each time. I have basil, rosemary, lemon balm, mint, parsley, oregano, sage and pineapple sage. Some of it, I just add as if it were salad greens and some gets cooked into sauces.

I am planning on using cold frames to protect some of the tender plants once it cools off here. Last year, I just tossed a sheet of plastic over the tomatoes and we were able to harvest them until December 10th. My plan is to do better this year.

Such a busy month!

2008-09-01T23:27:00.000-07:00

I have decided to catch up on blogging so people do not think I have dropped off the face of the earth!

Four of the gals from my George Fox cohort got together to do a bit of shopping, eating and catching up. It was funny to me ... I spent 20 months in classes with these friends and I didn't know until now that one of the gals is also a quilter! Makes three of the four in the pic.

We are planning to get together again before the Christmas holidays land on all of us.

WELLL...

2008-08-18T23:42:00.000-07:00

Mom says she will bring my camera back this week. THEN ... I can post some pics of things I have been working on.

Sorry friends.

Pay if Forward

2008-08-11T11:52:00.000-07:00

You know I will do anything to keep from cleaning house, look for work, (fill in the blank.).

I was wandering/visiting blogs via the "HeartStrings" group this morning. And I found Jessica. Well, I had seen Jessica before but today ... she is offering Pay it Forward. ( Jessica's Quilting Corner )

And to keep the current flowing ... I will offer a small, handmade gift to the first three who respond here. Keep it going!

on the photo front ... pout, pout ... I left my digital camera in my Mom's car after the reunion yesterday so ... even if Blogger liked me, I can't post pics that are not here!

Wandering Blogger

2008-08-05T11:52:00.000-07:00

I was trying to organize my bookmarks, get all of the quilters into one area. So, you KNOW I was wandering around, chasing links, looking for links I lost in the last computer meltdown. (Wonder how to save bookmarks off line so I don't lose em again.)

Mrs. Goodneedle ... hmmm... I remember reading her in the past! Wandered on over ... she had a little link inside her blog. Followed it too ... of course!

So ... this is where I ended up: http://www.blogthings.com/whatsyournameshiddenmeaningquiz/

AND ... it was fun and funny. So, I am sharing.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

What Cindy Means

You are very open. You communicate well, and you connect with other people easily.
You are a naturally creative person. Ideas just flow from your mind.
A true chameleon, you are many things at different points in your life. You are very adaptable.

You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing.
You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long.
You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start.

You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people.
You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts.
You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals.

You are balanced, orderly, and organized. You like your ducks in a row.
You are powerful and competent, especially in the workplace.
People can see you as stubborn and headstrong. You definitely have a dominant personality.

You are a free spirit, and you resent anyone who tries to fence you in.
You are unpredictable, adventurous, and always a little surprising.
You may miss out by not settling down, but you're too busy having fun to care.

obsessive ... uh, yaaaaaaa

2008-08-04T16:24:00.000-07:00

So, I was wandering around blogs and found a gal who hands dyes. Many do, is my best guess.

For some reason, she saves dryer sheets ... so do I, Pat told me to!

So, I offered her my bag of dryer sheets, because I just can't throw away something that might have value to another. Well, unless it is an ex-husband.

Last night, I set up shop in the kitchen, prepared to do the 'right thing' with the dryer sheets. They were all lumpy and messy ... so you know I ironed them! And I counted them!

Later this week, I will be sending Katherine a package of 108 recycled dryer sheets. (I tried to load the picture ... it is about an inch and a half tall)

Hope it rings her bell, cuz I still don't 'get it'. PAT ... you started this!

Heart Strings and donations

2008-07-29T12:05:00.000-07:00

I want to post a link here for an opportunity to donate as well as possible 'winner'.

Susan is in the DFW area and is going to participate in the breast cancer walking event. THREE days of walking! OH MY ...

As a way of soliciting donations, Susan has made a quilt ... that is what we do. Go to her site and link up to make a donation. YOUR name might be drawn, the quilt might be yours!

the link: http://08.the3day.org/site/TR?px=1481641&fr_id=1184&pg=personal

As long as I posted it right!

aH Ha!

2008-04-21T00:23:00.000-07:00

I wonder if anyone else still reads my blog?!

I just finished the convergence block I was working on. Of course, it features leaves. DUH ... I still have so many leaves fabrics here. I plan to post a pic this week after I have had a chance to trim and border the block. Some of those intersections sure are tiny!

I bought the Ricky Timm book so I could learn a bit more about art quilts. The other thing is I have been ordering Kona Bay prints. I have fallen in love with so many of the Asian inspired prints. I have several Japanese friends and want to honor their friendships with small art quilts with the Kona prints.

Reply to the blog and I will send you some of my leaf prints. Iffun ya dare!

Two more blankets

2008-01-08T23:47:00.000-08:00

This is the promised pic of the other blankets. Britta and Emma are heading back to Alaska and I forgot to hand her the blanket! Does being a great g'ma make the brain go numb??!

As I said before, one of these is for a co-worker at school and the other is for sale. The one with the yellow and green is actually bigger ... camera angle?

Maybe I should try hand piecing, keep a little basket of pieces by my Lazy-Butt recliner. I have made these blankets in the evenings while resting. Wonder if the quilts would be as fun? I do have a small blanket all ready, cut and marked ... time to piece it.

Oh, happy days!
Cindy

Miss Britta and baby Emma

2008-01-07T02:06:00.000-08:00

Well, unexpectedly, Britta has come to visit friends in Oregon before she goes back to Alaska on Wednesday. We got the call a couple hours before she arrived in Portland and you KNOW we beat feet to get to the train station!

Alicia and I got to take many pictures and hold Emma for a bit before their ride needed to leave. **THANKS, Josh.** Seems funny to see my grand baby with her own baby! I am just not old enough for that!

I am working on the last color bands of crocheted blanket number three. I will post blankets two and three later this week. I have the yarn for one more blanket and then I will go back to my quilting.

Emma's blanket

2008-01-01T01:00:00.000-08:00

This is Emma's blanket. It is about 36" square. Emma is almost six weeks old now ... my how time flies. Steph, my daughter is still trying to be mom and is pulled into g'ma duty too. Brittany is doing well.

I have almost finished the next blanket. One of my co-workers is expecting a baby soon and I am expecting to have this blanket done before school resumes. I will post as soon as it is done, the next day or two.

Happy stitching!
Cindy

hooking right along ...

2007-12-26T04:12:00.000-08:00

My great grand daughter was born in Anchorage, Alaska on November 21st. She was a C-Section birth, delivered about three weeks early. Emma is a tiny baby, she weighed barely FIVE pounds when she was born. I finished crocheting her a blanket this weekend.

One of my co-workers is also pregnant so I have started a second blanket. Jenn is not due until spring so i have awhile to finish her blanket.

I will post pics as soon as I take them.

One more time ...

2007-12-20T18:43:00.000-08:00

I have finished my BA degree and plan to reorganize my life to include more sewing again. (You have heard this before, right??!)

I have been teaching half time for almost a year now. This past week was almost solid sewing with the kids. I wish I had pics of some of the projects.

What I do know now is that I have the next two and a half weeks off and I plan to sew, sew, sew.

RETURNING!

2007-05-08T14:15:00.000-07:00

I spent a year getting healthy, both mentally and physically. Some was planned and some of it very unplanned. I lost a younger brother to heart disease and then had a heart attack of my own. Both hip joints have now been replaced and I feel great.

I am continuing in school and anticipate graduating in December. I will be one step closer to getting my counseling license! YIPPEE!! It has not always been easy, but it has always been worth it.

So ... the sewing machine has been unplugged for a year last week. I moved it when my son came home from the Army and have just not felt like sewing. Last week, my local quilt store had their monthly fat quarter sale. (Like I needed more fabric?!) I decided that new fabric might inspire me to make new things ... and man o man ... there are many new things to do!

NOW ... I need to remember how to post pics.

See all soon,
stitch, stitch,
Cindy

Return of the slow quilter

2006-05-12T19:39:00.000-07:00

Well, I have actually been doing a bit of sewing. Not as much as I was 'in the last life', but I am getting the feeling back.

I remember reading Bonnie's blog when she was going to school and thinking: how does she do it all?! Afterall, she has a fulltime job in raising a teen boy, a fulltime job managing a home and she was also going to school. Add on top, all of the quilting for herself and others. Man o man ...

I started back to school last week. I am going fulltime, which is a challenge considering how long I have been retired. (Retired: tired more than once?) At the end of this journey, I will be able to take the licensing exam as a counselor. Considering that is what I used to be, altho unlicensed, I am really looking forward to it.

This pic is more of those leaves. I just keep trying to finish them up. Bear in mind how many there were and I have not even cut into some of them yet ... I am using some more of the small 4 patch blocks too. My neighbor has asked for a top that has a focus on purples and magenta, so we pulled those prints and batiks for her.

So ... life is good and I am back. Thanks for the loving support during my recent notta life.

stitch, stitch,
Cindy

New computer!

2006-04-30T23:26:00.000-07:00

YIPPEE!

I got my new computer today. Still loading stuff but I am so happy. This means I have the freedom to post when I want and as soon as I load the software for the camera ... pics too! YOU have no idea how much I have missed the comments and contact from friends.

I am 6 seams short of having the main part of another quilt top finished. Remember those 'stupid' leaves?! I am still trying to get rid of all of them. What in the world possessed me to buy so many different leaf pieces?! (49 is excessive ... and just way too many). I have the fabrics for another top pulled ... the neightbor girl decided she wanted the blues and purples from the pile ... so she gets leaves too!

Off to check out the rest of the blogs ... love you all and thanks for the prayers and encouragement the last couple months.

Cindy

updating once again ...

2006-04-18T11:32:00.000-07:00

Here I am again. Things are getting much better, because they have to!

Stashbusters can be all kinds of upset with me. I went wandering last Saturday and bought several small pieces of fabric, just because they were yummy to the eyes. And now, I can hope to stay out of quilt shops until the summer Shop Hop season.

I have about 30% of another top pieced. I would post pics but I am using a community computer and it is not possible. As soon as possible, you know I will. The urge to cut and piece has returned so you might get buried in pics again.

I bought a new foot for my machine. I had thought a Viking that was new in 1983 would be toooooo oldddd to get parts for but a new Viking center opened and waa laa ... they had a quarter inch quilter's foot. No more excuses for using three eighths seams! And let me tell you ... it was wonderful to use too. That wonderful little gate won't let me make a wide seam!

My college program meets for the first time this week. I have been scrambling to get all of my essays and stuff complete. I think I will be mentally ready when our class meets for the first time, May 5th. Can you imagine?! Cinco de Mayo and I have to be in a classroom?! Oh ... I am not a Latina, maybe it doesn't matter. Besides, I don't drink alcohol. (I do enjoy watching the drunks some times tho ...)

Best wishes, Dear Friends,
Cindy

...continued

2006-04-04T14:21:00.000-07:00

I continue to recover from my injuries.

I actually put blocks onto the wall last night and plan to start sewing again soon. I did go to a fabric sale Saturday ... the once a year biggy sale at my LQS. And you know I bought a little sumpthun ... not excessively tho!

Thanks for the thoughts Dear Friends. I will be back soon.

Cindy

A brief intermission

2006-03-19T17:31:00.000-08:00

This is just a brief intermission. I will be back as soon as possible.

During the recent upsets in my life ... my computer was destroyed also. My physical wounds will heal and I will recover as quickly as possible. (Thank heavens for Kinko's ... no one I live close to has a computer.) When I return to school, I will be able to read mail, blog sites and post comments. E-mail is fine if you want to know what is up.

Altho I have not been sewing, I have been reading. Bought three new to me quilting books to study color and techniques. BUT ... I have not been shopping for fabric, and THAT would make me feel better, I think.

All my best, Dear Friends,
Cindy

open for opinions

2006-03-08T00:12:00.000-08:00

Okay, I am open for suggestions on this. I haven't really decided. I am using up the 100+ batik 4 patch corner stones and bricks from previous projects. Now, you ought to know by now ... I am not one to REALLY follow the directions. I march to a different drummer, or sumpthun like that.

I do not want to do the traditional bricks and corner stones like Bonnie/ Quiltville suggests. I thought about doing them in a diamond formation from the center. My other twisted thought was to start at the upper left corner and work to the lower right corner and it might look kinda twisted. Some of the stones are sewn to one end of a brick but no strips are sewn.

I don't think it would take much to change my mind, if I had one (a mind). This would be a donation quilt, to either the VA hospital where I get care or to the University hospital that ajoins it.

Hit me with your best thought.

Jessica's quilt

2006-03-06T00:02:00.000-08:00

Jessica is one of the skills trainers at the school where I volunteer. She is expecting a baby this summer and I have decided that I will give her this UFO. (Gives me a little time to get the back on, okay?)

Last week, this little gem was just that ... little. Over the week, it grew. The original squares in the nine patch blocks were three inch strips so I added a three inch strip to kinda seal up the edge. The next border is 'indigo', which I thought was a way dark blue, but it looks black to me. (No problem, I love black in a quilt.) The final border is a wide band of the inner blue, I think it is five inches. For the back, because I changed my mind, I bought a very nice lemon yellow. It ties in nicely with the bits of yellow in the nine patch blocks. This top finished out at 45 x 45.

I haven't been to school in nearly two weeks. Brenda called last week because the kids were worried and I assured her I would be back as soon as I was able. Monday is the b'day for one of the boys who I have worked with the longest, so I am going to do my best to get there.

The doc is trying to get me into some physical therapy to ease the pain until the orthopedist has time to replace at least one of the hip joints. Not that I am looking forward to surgery, I am looking forward to a pain free hip/hips.

I am going to go ahead and start the next top ... using up the four patch corner stones and more of the bricks that I have cut. Then, I will finish up another UFO. Seems to be the best way to use up stash as well as complete projects. If I have a chance, I think I will try to add a list of my UFO's as well as list a few of the blogs I visit frequntly.

Best wishes all,
Cindy

Oppps or ... blogger faux pas

2006-02-26T22:49:00.000-08:00

This is the little quilt that goes with the entry before this. (Which will appear after this one ...) I asked blogger to post both of them but I failed to check it all before I clicked the publish button.

Blue flannel

2006-02-26T22:01:00.000-08:00

This is the little baby quilt that I pulled off from the bookcase and pinned to the wall. It is a series of 9 patch blocks with kinda sky/ cloud blocks. It is small ... as it is, it is 31.5 inches square. I bought plain blue flannel for the back. All of the squares are cut from scraps, I made a raggedy quilt for a friend several years ago. Most of the heart blocks have a soft yellow background and the corners have aqua for the background. The center block in each of the 9 patches is a funny yellow with cheddar dots.

Because this quilt has been on the bookcase for over a year, it will need to be washed before it is given away, it is dusty. I never preshrink flannel because ... ummmm ... I am not sure why. Another of those things left over from Grammy.

More tomorrow ... maybe I will finish it tomorrow. Now that it is front and center!

All together now ...

2006-02-26T17:14:00.000-08:00

Well, I got all of the trim in place and actually managed to get a pic outside. It was threatening to rain, the sky is WAYYYYYY overcast. The only thing left to do before I can call the top complete is to embroider all of the leaf stems. Sounds like a lazy evening task. (ALL my evenings are lazy, the truth be known.)

David is not at all fond of this top, he says it all in one word: LOUD.

I still have over a hundred of the 4 patch corner stones that I made when I was working with the corner stones and bricks patterns. All of the corner stones are batiks so they will go with many things, I think that might be next. AFTER I finish one of the UFOs, I picked up the backing about three weeks ago to finish one and might need to just put it on the wall briefly so that I will force myself to see it and do it.

Best wishes all,
Cindy

edges pieced ...

2006-02-25T20:29:00.000-08:00

Well, I pieced the strips and stuck em up there. This thing has gotten tooooo big for my wall. Guess I will have to figure out something else when they get bigger like this. Novel idea ... clean up the UFOs and fabric on top of the bookcase and then there might be room. This top looks like it will be about 48 inches square when I finish up. Been several days since I posted progress so I am doing it tonight but might again later or tomorrow, when the edges are attached rather than pinned.

Joseph called from So.Caro. yesterday, says that he is bored and so had done extra duty twice yesterday. Not many young people say they are bored in Basic Training! He also kinda suggested that he might not come back home, as in, he might go regular Army rather than Reserves. And ... that is fine by me. He had a hard time finding work here and he is 20 years old. Army can't hurt him.

More soon ...

I will learn my computer ...

2006-02-22T23:34:00.000-08:00

Well, thanks for all of the help, dear friends. I was unable to 'restore' my system because my son the Rocket Scientist had turned off that feature; not sure why. I ended up going onto the Olympus site and finding the software to download. (It was a true God-shot that I was able to find the info!) NOW ... I promise to learn how to not delete what I am not sure of.

This is Lisa's quilt as far as it is assembled. I have started cutting and piecing the piano key border. Actually ... it is probably not the traditional piano keys and might need to be called otherwise. I am using a mixture of width size pieces, 2 inches, 2.5 inches and 3 inches wide by 6 inches long. I am pairing them and then double, double, double until I get a long enough strip. The small maple leaves at the top are 6 inches square; all of the leaves need their stems embroidered soon.

We are getting some nicer days here so I might be able to take pics outside by weeks end. Of course, if I plan to do pics outside, we can plan on rain clouds and storms.

Best wishes all ...
Cindy

ooops

2006-02-20T21:21:00.000-08:00

So I was cleaning up my computer. (Remember, technology challenged and I took it on anyways.) I deleted the stuff I thought was junk, guess sumpthun wasn't. Because now, I can't open the pics in my camera. I have gone thru the manual that a friend sent for my computer and the things it says, I can't find! (like: system restore.)

So, for the moment, you will need to believe I am plugging along. I have finished the main body of Lisa's quilt and have made 4 small maple leaves blocks to go at the corners where the piano key borders will join.

Joseph has been writing and still seems to enjoy the Army. It wasn't hard for me either so I do understand why he is having fun. But, dawg gone ... he loaded the stuff for the camera! He won't be home until some time in May. I might have to go to Radio Shack and ask for help!

Happy stitching dear friends ...
Cindy

possible blocks

2006-02-12T22:10:00.000-08:00

Okay, here we go again. The rows of blocks are not sewn together. I took the dark brown and the dark green blocks and set them to the side. They did not seem to be well with the others, but I am still open to input. I sewed the black trim on the four 9 patch blocks off center on purpose. The black outer border is just pinned to the wall, duh, since the blocks are not sewn. I think I will put either piano strips on the outside or some other color grouping before finishing.

Working on finishing other UFOs. Will post pics later.

As for the son ... he is enjoying basic training. Not a lot of news. Guess he is busy.

best wishes,
Cindy

next batch of leaves

2006-02-09T22:15:00.000-08:00

Okay ... next option. I removed the celery green watercolor and the cocoa brown watercolor. I replaced them with mustard yellow and a medium forest green. Each of the four outer nine patches is the same: grape leaf print center, mixed orange/ yellows fall leaves and mixed shades of green fall leaves. The inner nine patch is grape leaf print , pumpkin orange leaf print outer patches and reds/ orange leaf print center patch.

Maybe ... just maybe ... it looked 'busy' because there was so many colors in such a small space. It looked okay before ... color me confused. Remember: math, not art.

Okay ... my brain is tired for tonight. The iron was hot and I struck.

best stitching wishes,
Cindy

reworking the leaves, version two

2006-02-09T19:02:00.000-08:00

Okay ... this is the next phase. Dee asked if the green leaf was what was fighting me but I think what it amounted to was that it all felt too busy with the logs. So, the logs are now turning into 9 patch blocks to be assembled between the maple leaf blocks. It feels less busy to me, up close and personal. Reminder, these are the same prints and watercolor fabrics that were in Brenda's quilt. The 9 patch blocks will need to be framed to make them the same size as the leaves. I plan to 'play' more tonight and might even post again later.

School has been a little calmer this end of the week, the kids are out tomorrow and we have staff inservice meetings. Altho I am a volunteer, I have been invited to participate because I have a great relationship with the kids and most of the staff. One person was missing today, and many things 'went better' for me. Not pointing fingers ... every day is different.

I am going to one of the local quilt shops after school tomorrow so nothing will ruin my day! The VA counselor called today to make sure I wanted to continue with the education plan for May. Duh?!*#

Okay, sew while the iron is hot?
Cindy

oh so slow ...

2006-02-07T22:02:00.000-08:00

This quilt is taking so long because ... I don't really like the way the fabric works, or doesn't work. I had the four maple leaves constructed and even went so far as to have two rounds of logs attached ... and took it all apart. I am back to the four maple leaves, sigh ... oh well.

I think it is the perfectionist in me, but I am not going to let this go until I like it. PERIOD.

I have actually worked on a couple of the other UFOs and think I am making progress there too. The neighbor gal told me to just finish them up and list them on Craig's list or something, get them out of the work room. And ... she might be right.

Couple of the 'quilting buddies' have already said they will accept left overs from the strips and blocks when I finish this leaf project. So, my sewing area might take on a more organized look in a couple weeks. dh (and that was intentional small case letters) still doesn't understand anyone cutting into fabric and then resewing, but he has learned how to stay out of my way too.

The next quilts will feature pansies ... I bought a bunch of them too. Not near as many as I did of the leaf prints tho ... wheeeeew.

School is school and I am taking Tuesdays off for the next 8 weeks so I can take a personal class. My mentor/ homeroom teacher understands and thankfully has not made me feel like a heel for abandoning the kids. (Last class, I worked until mid-day and then went to class, and the kids acted like I was doing sumpthun wrong.) They will have a chance to get used to the idea of me being there part time as I start 'grown up' school in May.

Okay, done whining.

Best wishes all,
Cindy

maple leaves

2006-01-30T01:02:00.000-08:00

My plan, subject to changes, of course, is to use the watercolor leaves as centers in some courthouse steps, log cabin blocks. That way I can use up some more of the excess from all those leaf fabrics my OCD self thought she needed. Needs vs. wants ... oh my.

This quilt top will be small again and given to another of the teachers at the school. Feel free to comment, you know what kinds of stuff I have around here from the last quilt.

I think I have figured out how I will deal with all of the unfinished projects. Until I can learn to use a quilting machine, which they rent by the hour at a local shop, I will just send out the tops. I am to the place of just wanting them finished. I think I lost 2 queen and 8 lap quilt tops in the fire, and I already have 10 more again. In fact, one of them was finished for a little neighbor girl for her b'day ... last March. It was her first b'day so she does not know that the 'not-an-Aunt' is a slow poke, but her mommy does!

School ought to be easier this week, the begining of a new term and semester. I have a few things to do for myself before I rejoin the grown up school crowd in May, must remember to take time for my own needs too.

Catch all later,
stitch, stitch, stitch,
Cindy

Shhh ... a gift

2006-01-24T23:30:00.000-08:00

Shhh ... this one is a gift. Patrick is our program Principal and this is one of the hot pads that the kids worked on. Patrick's b'day is tomorrow and they wanted to give him something that they had at least helped to make. The hot pad is 8.5 inches square. The center 4 patch is faces of dogs and pics of bones.

Other than that, I have not really had much time for writing or sewing. By reading blogs, seems as tho a lot of other people have been sewing. Semester ends this week and I look forward to enjoying some time kicking back and chopping fabric into little squares.

Will post after finals on Thursday ...
Cindy

hot pads for everyone!

2006-01-18T23:45:00.000-08:00

Well ... I didn't end up making maple leaf squares. I decided to use up some more of the 'sample blocks' I had stuffed away. These blocks are all made from the same base fabric, just cut geometrically. The colors are pretty close. The left square is eggplant purple and melon borders and measures about 12 inches square. The upper right is lavender border and measures about 10 inches square. The lower right is one quarter inch black piping followed by the eggplant purple border, measuring about 8 inches square.

quilting is geometry

2006-01-18T20:18:00.000-08:00

These are a few of the hot pads I have recently made so the kids can picture quilting as geometry. The ones on the far left are each about 8 inches by 8 inches. They are 'left overs' from a baby quilt I pieced last spring. The two in the middle are from pieces of Brenda's quilt, they are each about 9 inches square. The one on the far right was made for our school cook, Ann. It is nearly 11 inches square. Each of them represents the skills of measurement, alignment and accurate stitching. Some of these kids are really sharp about those skills and I think they will at least be able to mend their clothing when they become independent.

And let me tell you ... that is FAR more than I knew about sewing when I went into the Army and had to pay someone else to do my mending and sewing on patches for me.

I was a late 'bloomer' in just about all ways. I started really sewing after my first daughter was born ... and then I had to sew to keep her in clothing and each of us in blankets. Think the phrase is: necessity is the Mother of all inventions ... or sumpthun like that.

Later tonight, I think I will work up a simple pattern one of the other teachers asked me about. It is a simple one ... maple leaf ... and turn it into a hot pad, whatelse?!

later, dear friends ...
Cindy

Thank you, Steve ...

2006-01-17T22:19:00.000-08:00

Some of you may remember that I really have no sense of color. At least ... that is my opinion. So, I went out to Pioneer Quilts in Damascus today and had the owner, Steve, help me. Again. Let me tell you, I love the stuff Steve does, as well as most of the others who work there, but getting him to pick colors for me is like trying to pull hen's teeth.

I think I was there for nearly an hour before we finally agreed that he was going to decide on the fabrics and all I would do is agree and follow his instructions. Remember I had wanted to use black on the back?

The picture shows the two fabrics I ended up with. The cheddar piece is the same as the narrow strip on the front, the other piece really threw me at first but after a bit ... I kinda like it.

Now, when it comes to people, I am as loyal as they come. I have your back, period. BUT ... when it comes to fabric stores, I can be a bit fickle. I stopped at another quilting shop on the way home. Quilting Delights hasn't been open long but they are a little closer to home and offer a few things Pioneer doesn't. Like ... 'open quilting' on Thursday evenings, long arm machine for rent by the hour and HUGE work rooms.

So, I stopped. Of course. And what an ego boost it was! They raved over the top and asked if it was a copy of a pattern or of my own making. When I explained that it was an adaptation of one from Bonnie's site, they asked if I would work it up for a beginners class and took pics of it. Like I said, good for the ego.

Tomorrow, I will try to show some pics of the hot pads I have been making for 'busy work'. They are such a great way to teach kids geometry.

Stitch, stitch, stitch ...
Cindy

picture number two

2006-01-16T23:53:00.000-08:00

David says this pic is much better ... for a change we agree.

taa daa

2006-01-16T23:40:00.000-08:00

I finished putting the final border on the fall leaves quilt tonight. Promised a couple people that I would get the pic posted, and I am trying! The outer border is a deep forest green with a faintly visable 'etching' of kinda cabbage roses. It doesn't really show much and is not in conflict with the prints in the main body.

More in a couple days.

Best wishes,
Cindy
BTW ... Joseph is in So.Caro. for basic training now. Fort Jackson was my last duty station in 1971 but I imagine it has changed alot since then.

slowly making progress

2006-01-10T21:51:00.000-08:00

Maybe I will get this together yet. Blogging is not easy for a technology challenged person! I know how to get the pics out of the camera now ...

After my trip to the quilt shop on Sunday afternoon, I was so grateful Linda was there, I cut more pieces to finish the top. The forest green looks great beside all of the fall colors and the cheddar print just seems to belong there. One more round of border and I am calling it quits. Quits because it will be done and I changed the 'rules' again while working on it.

All those 'extra' four patch blocks will go into the next fall colors quilt. That is ... I think I have decided what to do and will pin it up in a day or two.

Friend that I play an on line game with asked why I put everything onto a pin wall. Easy ... I can't get up and down from the floor very easily. I am pending replacement of both hip joints and floors are not my friends. Now, i might have to make other plans because the VA has cleared me to go back to school in May and I just won't have time to rehab after hip replacement. think I can wait it out until my next retirement?

Happy stitching, friends,
Cindy

Picture added

2006-01-08T15:30:00.000-08:00

2006-01-08T15:26:00.000-08:00

Well, I have the main part of the quilt assembled. I am going to go look for a good piece for the borders and backing. Can't decide, I have a full bolt of nice black but thinking maybe a rich cocoa brown might go better with fall leaves. Per usual, I will leave the final selection to whatever clerk is on duty because I have no eye for color.

My plan for the borders is to put a rather narrow one next to the patchwork, follow it with the 4 patch corner stones and small stepping stones set diagonally followed by a wider outer border. The top is really fairly small at this point, I think about 28 inches square.

Brenda's quilt top

2006-01-07T15:03:00.000-08:00

This is Brenda's quilt all pinned to the wall. I have started sewing the blocks together today and should be able to get most of the assembly done this weekend. I have about a zillion of the four patch corner stones left so I will use them to form a border. More later ...

Sew, sew, sew

2006-01-06T19:59:00.000-08:00

I worked with the kids at school today on sewing. Some of them have sewn with me before and others have just seen me do mending for their peers.
We were practicing the skills of measuring and then joining pieces. During the course of the morning, we were able to get 5 or 6 pot holders nearly complete. One of the boys said he had never sewn before but you could not prove it by me because he did great. His corners were square and his side seams even. (Pretend I was a good teacher, okay?)

I did sew the pot holders for Amanda and her room mate the other night. After that, I made a couple other variations for today's sewing project. She seemed to be pleased ...

This weekend, I will be tackling Brenda's quilt. I found the digital camera but have no idea how to get the pics here. As far as I know, Joseph has left for the Army so I either have to learn how to take pics and upload them or have someone else add them for me.

Best wishes with your sewing projects!

life happens

2006-01-04T21:32:00.000-08:00

Life happens and I have not been able to do any sewing in a few days. Our cat doesn't even like me and I found him sitting in the sewing room today so sumpthun must be up.
All of Brenda's quilt is up on the wall. I am going to finish the gift sewing for Amanda tonight, she already knows I am making her some patchwork potholders.
Son Joseph was by the other day and looked at Brenda's quilt and said : (editted for polite company) ... Mom, that is the ugliest quilt I have ever seen. Man-o-man ... cut my heart out kid!
So, after reading a couple blogs, I am going to finish a few small things tonight, looked for the camera to post pics and can't find it. Joseph leaves for the Army in a few days so he might have picked it up to take with him. Adding digital camera to my wish list, being careful to only wish for things I can really use.
Best wishes all,
Cindy

work in progress

2006-01-01T19:48:00.000-08:00

Okay ... so I have been attaching the blocks to the pin wall and am pretty pleased with the look so far. I need to cut a few more blocks because the colors did not 'play well together' that I had originally picked.
Hope to be stitching blocks by tomorrow but I have a few holiday sewing projects to complete by Monday also. You know ... never finish anything until it is 'due'.
Next project will be to learn how to add pics so you can see how I am doing.

Sanity check

2005-12-29T22:00:00.000-08:00

Weeks ago when I decided that I needed to make Brenda, my teaching mentor, a quilted table topper, someone who knows me should have stopped me!

The pattern is not all that complex, 4 patch blocks, square blocks and brick shaped blocks. Easy enough. Each square will have 4 of the four patch, 2 squares and 2 bricks. Still easy enough.

First I found all of the right fabrics ... maybe a bit excessive ... 30 different batik/ marbles/ water colors and 49 different leaf patterns. Each piece is at least a fat quarter, altho most are 1/3 yard or larger. And because it was to be a gift, I decided to prewash and re-starch each piece.

So what if it took me two different weekends to prep the fabric?! I really like Brenda and appreciate her helping me.

Finally ... time to cut into my lovely stash. From the solids, I cut 2 inch pieces. Two to four pieces, depending on the size of the fabric. Mixed them up ... so each pairing would have a light and a dark. And stitched and stitched and cut and cut. And built about 150 four square blocks. WHEW ... now, I am down to having about 25 blocks left to square, so they are as close to perfect as I can make them.

Tomorrow ... I plan to start cutting the squares and the bricks from the leaf print fabrics. They really are a nice collection of fall prints. And with a little luck, Brenda will put it onto her table once before replacing it with her spring topper.

Wish me luck!

Day one

2005-12-28T18:09:00.000-08:00

Wednesday seems like as good of day as any to learn this. I like many things in life but I am passionate about a few things. I will use this blog to share my wisdom, or lack there of, with any who can glean from it.