WIPPY'S PLACE

JANUARY 15, 2011

2011-01-15T09:22:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine says I needed to write a post linking her site to mine...here is her link!

http://cq4fun.livejournal.com/153151.html

---for the needle workers out there, ya need to see what my friend is talking about! It is gorgeous!! because I havent been here for some time, I need to figure out how to put her button in here! LOL

I have no pics to post at this time, but I can tell you it is simply gorgeous out!! Sun is shining brightly and temp is very comfy! maybe now, I can post here a bit more regularly!

2010-08-19T04:30:00.001-07:00

OMG--do you notice how long it has been since I have posted here? now, I have to learn everything all over again...so much has been going on, mostly, just life! I hope to get back in the swing of things...

BACK TO NATURE QUILT IS DONE--well, the top is done!!

2010-01-03T14:28:00.001-08:00

The past month or so I have been assembling a quilt top for the shop--~I~T ~ I~S ~ D~O~N~E! It is beautiful...Yea to the designers Toni Steere and Jenny Foltz. Yea to Timeless Treasures!! This is the most thought out B.O.M. I have ever done! no guessing and step by step instructions for everything! even alternative methods...I was forced to take my time and read everything and I still ripped out stitches but that is ok...hehehehe--you cant tell! There were many things to be learned working up this top! and flying geese--I cant tell you how many and there were even geese within geese! can you find them? hehehe
these are the blocks! 9 and 4 corners. I had two friends work one block each to see what they thought of the patterns. ---the rest I worked up. This is just SOME of the geese--Laci had to get in on the action! took me quite a while to make all these but the technique makes them easy and almost perfect...it was me folks,! hehehe here are more geese! This was for an inner border....and of course, log cabin style for corners...

this next picture is the center assembled and the corners ready to be sewn on....at this point I am liking this much more! I thought I was going to e done real soon-this was taken on Dec 30th --DONE wasnt going to happen till later on....

I was to the point below yesterday and I thought I was going to be done 4 days ago! Looking really good and John likes it too....Too bad it has to hang for display in the shop for the next year!
but that is ok--I will get to look at it often! Busy Season is here!!!

and now--TADA--the final border..I have never mitered corners but with the GALS' instructions, it was a breeze!!! I almost feel like a pro :o))
now --here is this baby in the living room on the floor.... cant really tell the size? look at it on our KING sized bed---- I might have to turn it the other way but that is ok--there isnt really a top or bottom per say, unless ya wanna tuck one end but it will look terrific when it gets back home. Tomorrow this baby goes to the quilter then I add the binding....tonight I begin cutting another project!

yeah, it's been a while!

2009-12-08T09:04:00.000-08:00

This is what I have been doing! the girls ar there because they wanted to be! hehehe The quilt top is this year's Thimbleberries club quilt--mine is smaller, I didnt want to use the pre-printed blocks nor the border---the border fabric I used in the swing jacket :o) and I will make a dress (one day) to go with. Placemats are done and on the table and the wall hanging is in the quilt shop...blankies and slippers were *orders* or for shower gifts! not sure about the scarf yet--I dont like the hood :o)) any hoo--more soon--or later!

BACK to the HEAT!

2009-10-01T21:46:00.000-07:00

here are pics of recent quilt show I attended--stupid batteries died and of course, the others were dead, too, from lack of use I guess....and pics of the girls before we left and a roadrunner I managed to catch a picture through a window.....

MY STATUS FOR TODAY!!!

2009-09-03T17:52:00.000-07:00

"No one should die because they cannot afford health care, and no one should go broke because they get sick." President Obama

I agree with this 100% --therefore this is my status for today and every day!!

WHEW--no work today!

2009-08-20T11:29:00.000-07:00

for the past month or so, I have been participating in a TOM and JERRY challenge...we were given fabric with tossed motifs of T and J and we needed to add to it to make a top...I went and bought more T and J fabric and used that and coordinating colors as well! I am happy to say I am delighted with the results...I hope some child will be just as happy!

These pics are of another sort of challenge..TRIPS FOR TWO TO BOSTON
I asked a friend to *play* with me on this one...didnt take too much effort..however, I wasnt able to meet up with her as we had gone out of town or I had to work!
we were to share the cutting, ironing, and sewing...my friend did most of all that....assembly was time consuming but well worth it! I have to trim off the points and add a border....this is rather small, so not sure what I want to do with it! Dont want to go too big because then I wont be able to quilt it myself....I am thinking 12 inches in borders.....any ideas?

I am working another project using paper-piecing technique. using fabrics in browns, pinks, and whites to creams and tans....I am 1/3 done so far----will take pics of that soon....also beginning stages of quilt on cover of Fons and Porter J/A issue...this I am going to love! tata!!

QUILT DONE!!

2009-07-30T19:24:00.001-07:00

Some of you may remember this quilt!! I pieced this while we were living at John's sister's house in the Summer of 06 (waiting for our new home to be built)! I only had a corner of the dining room table and her bed for work space. I had all the squares cut and I assembled it while there..This was a project that I simply put away, not sure what to do with it till about a month ago. I showed it to a friend and she quilted it for me! I tried to capture the beautiful quilting and I hope, when washed, I have the result I am looking for! This quilt is for me! I used unbleached muslin for squares, border and backing and the quilting (tho not the best pic) is ideal for what I had in mind and it is DONE!! on to another project's completion!

look what hubby did part two

2009-07-15T20:00:00.001-07:00

LOOK what hubby did for me!

2009-07-15T19:42:00.000-07:00

these are before

during :o)

AND DONE!!!!

now I get to clean up my kitchen!

thanks for peeking in,

ANOTHER POST--sew soon?

2009-07-14T07:33:00.000-07:00

bears paws I didnt make all of, actually but they are too pretty to not show! I made the yellow baby afghan for a nieghbor and began the purple for another one :o)) I am now all caught up on the Thimbleberries club for this year (pic bottom left) and the placemat is for a shop sample.. I actually worked on another shop sample but that needs borders, soon as I can get to it! I started two quilt tops--one is an interesting rail fence and the other is an item I saw in a quilt shop that I had to have for me! going to the quilt shop now--ttfn!

we are back (again)

2009-07-12T16:52:00.000-07:00

and we are gonna stay put for a few weeks maybe months--who knows! we had a great week and even managed to see a HUGE bear wandering around looking for breakfast...and I mean really huge--one of the biggest we have seen in Lakeside... easily over 400 lbs...ya know--it was actually really hot up there in the trees, too and come home and it is well over 100 degrees here!! sure wish we could have stayed longer--I accomplished lots and even managed some walking and hiking--yeah, in the heat! had one good storm while there, that dumped at least 1/2 inch of rain and knocked out power...that is kinda rough when the house is out in the boonies and who knows when things would get fixed...fortunately, it was only about 45 minutes. I managed to crochet by candle light--I completed an afghan and started another (for babies that are coming) and did lots of sewing--pics to follow soon...Tomorrow I go back to quilt shop--I think I am passed the point of helping out--I am still working full time--now I will try to simply put the money away--I wanna go on a nice long trip --hopefully next summer! more soon

OK-I KNOW--it's been a bit!

2009-06-15T19:00:00.000-07:00

been busy and have been out of town and no access to computer unless I spend time in the library--well, decided I could live without computer for a little while--we are kind house sitting! The girls love the sitting room :o) and used it and like it much! they were both sleeping when I found them in here, and sat pretty for me :o)--later, I caught them basking in the sun in another room--it is called the great room. They made themselves at home, Susan G ..THANKS!

I made this afghan in the time we were gone--I was on a mission to complete an afghan and was actually surprised when I did....
This time away was like a quilt camp for one..took the machine and everything I would need, made a dress, a top and worked on a quilt top for a shop sample, and a quilt top for me :o)
pics of those soon to follow, I hope...getting more hours at the quilt shop than I thought but I am needed so it is ok--I can save money for more fabric, or whatever....we have a trip to Boise coming up in August, so may have to hunt up shops in that area---more soon

ANOTHER wip (project) completed

2009-05-13T20:11:00.000-07:00

This was a challenge from 07-08 and I never did finish it---till now! one more done--who knows how many to go...tomorrow I will get to work on another one!

NO MORE FULL TIME (for now)

2009-05-10T18:46:00.000-07:00

I am actually getting some playing done--I got stuck on a ribbon border for the Star Bom so will be taking it with me tomorrow to get some on hands help----I was about to undertake something else but was talked out of that! I did manage to begin and complete this quilt as a shop sample....and in the 4 weeks since I posted last, have begun working on my hexagons. My intention is to make a quilt 22 - 4" by 22 -4" pinks, browns, and whites. It is English Paper Pieced and it is fun and addictive! I dont quite remember where I got the idea and pink isnt a color I care for but this is looking great already..A friend called it my Neopolitan quilt! Yesterday I bought a bolt of chocolate brown batik for the half hexagons that will be on the outside and for the border. That is a all, oh--unless I make it bigger, I need to make 484 of these. This is a Summer and take it with me project! I cut binding for another wall hanging today and will stitch that when the sun is out..it is a black background and going on black border...not nice at night!
ok--gonna watch tv for now!---toodles

ALL SASHING DONE

2009-04-05T14:43:00.001-07:00

I have been too *into* this top to stop and take pics along the way other than part one! LOL..I hit bumps in the road and I am not sure they were mine or the pattern's but I put it aside a couple days and just now finished it..I tried to get a better picture--too windy outside and the girls (dogs) left paw prints all over--LOL--most of the fabrics are Thimbleberries, from a dark brown to dark green in case you cant tell what they are! *wink*

been busy at the shop, had a pj party and sale at the shop, had another b'day, baby shower, all sorts of things going on and hopefully that will come to an end after the local shop hop this month. I will then, only have to worry about the monthly TB meets and Monday play day in town. Gosh, I am retired! hehehehe but have worked full time this year...oh no and my sewing room shows it!

have a strong desire to learn English Paper Piecing--have all the toys and fabrics and I am not willing to get started! hehehe WIP pile is calling to me, too----well, another day--I am gonna make a table runner! hehehe

PART one of SASHING

2009-03-25T17:53:00.001-07:00

Here is the first section to be completed~! OH, I like! Labor intensive for me but if I take small steps--I get it done and better! I hope to get 3 blocks added tomorrow.

our local quilt guild's show

2009-03-21T18:30:00.000-07:00

mine is the large yellow Dresden Plate with yellow background

I probably wont chatter a lot--the pics speak for themselves..I was able
to sneak away from the shop and took pics of all that I could...
this post is the quilts that were entered into the Something Old is
New Again challenge..
I will begin posting other pics in separate posts..

AGAIN--too busy for words

2009-03-18T07:35:00.000-07:00

BIG sale at quilt shop starts tomorrow and lasts through Monday--then BIG
sale for B'day PJ party on the 28th...there is a quilt show this weekend
and Last night I cut out all the pieces for the sashings in the STAR B.O.M.
I am making with Judy L....sorry --no pics yet, but I am excited to get
going on this--so many little pieces!!! no problem there--gotta do it while
I have the giddy-up! LOL thanks for stopping by...more soon

The final BLOCK-Judy's Star B.O.M.

2009-03-13T05:12:00.001-07:00

I have been so busy at the quilt shop that I had to
take some me time and I completed this block last
night. This took a little more time than the others,
and it went together nicely! THANKS JUDY!!
In just a couple days, the fun continues! I am
delighted I have stuck with this! Those that
know me well know I never work on one project
at a time and wonder if I ever complete anything!
I can tell you that I promised myself to see this
to the end! I need to see this completed--the blocks are simply wonderful!
Nothing wrong with a different kind of challenge! These are pics of all the blocks.

This is the next
block of the Thimbleberries B.O.M. club 2009.
another B.O.M. I intend to see to the end!

That is it for now! byeee

MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL --OUT LOUD

2009-02-28T10:55:00.000-08:00

http://www.menopausethemusical.com/main.php?page=outloud

Other than telling you this is a must see, I wont tell you that much about it!

IT WAS fabulous--I just cant enough great stuff about it!!!

--as good as Bill E, Larry the cable guy, etc--FOR WOMEN--there were men
there but I dont think they appreciated it near as much as the women did---
a couple of them actually laughed! Most of the gals were belly laughing so
hard it was funny watching them so it would cause me to laugh more and then
we couldnt stop! I will keep my eyes open if it ever makes the round here again...
it was worth every penny and then some...it takes place in Bloomingdales! :o))
and was sold out last night and tonight....otherwise I would go back...and probably drag John with me! hehehehe It is definitely a must see!!!

ANOTHER TOP DONE

2009-02-22T15:50:00.000-08:00

and although they did most of the work, because it is a panel,
I like it a lot! This worked up fast, this afternoon...and is a
new assortment from South Sea Imports!

Yesterday was Thimbleberries club, now I need to get
that cut and assembled and work the rest of the week..

I wonder if new stuff will be coming in >>>>>>>>>>>>> TOODLES

ANOTHER PROJECT!!

2009-02-18T06:58:00.001-08:00

I talked to a friend of mine on the phone yesterday, and I just had to start another
project for a grandbaby on the way! (April) . These are the fabrics I chose for
baby girl! (of course, after talking to grandma!) This is gonna be a raggy edged quilt
and will be quite suitable for winters where they are! below are the first 12 blocks!

I personally dont think the baby will care what it looks
like but I bet daddy will like it! :o)) I am adjusting
a pattern in a QUILT magazine, (April/May 09)
and at the rate I am going already, I should be
done in no time! :o), even with working full time...
temporarily. I did buy the fabrics and assemble
these blocks just yesterday so I am hoping to keep
up that speed! More pics as I can!! Stay Tuned!

Judy's block # 12

2009-02-15T20:15:00.000-08:00

One block to go--this is number 12....block 13 and sashings, and putting it all together! OH BOY!
this certainly has been fun!!

Crochet project done

2009-02-12T20:30:00.000-08:00

and on to the next project!!

I am making a child's quilt with fabric from and for a sample at the quilt shop! Basic and cute--I hope to complete it in the am and post a pic...We are going to the mountains to visit with friends for the weekend! We will be staying in the home across the street from the house we built the year we retired! PICS SOON

we have WEATHER

2009-02-10T06:43:00.000-08:00

almost two inches..maybe we will have more today--it isnt over! nothing more to say...

SEW DAY!!

2009-02-07T10:10:00.000-08:00

made two cq blocks this am..I will be participating in a private with a gal that
is new to crazy quilting..so I put these together..I havent done much cq until
lately and decided that I needed to do more...especially since I will be
participating in the CQ bee that has begun within our guild!

Today, I have
gotten to the border of quilt two of three for grandsons. # 3 is going to be a bit
smaller and not needed till June so I can relax with that one. The twins will
be 8 on the 24th...

Also today, I will be making sure I am all caught up
on B.O.M., lotteries, and I hope to finish my crocheted runner.

Due storm
tonight, so that should keep me in and catching up! I really wanna cut out
another top! hehehehe

WHERE IS MY BREAKFAST

2009-02-05T17:02:00.001-08:00

I travel along the same route each day I go to work at the quilt shop--or to Green Valley to club meets or play or shop, etc...along the way one morning in Jan, I noticed a hawk on the same pole, at the same time of day. Now in Feb, I see him there on a pretty regular basis. Today, having not been that way for two days, I decided to grab camera and see if he would be on his perch. Sure enough, there he was, so I pulled off the road and began snapping pics...He wasnt even phased by my approaching. I took some pics from a distance, got in car and pulled up closer. Not wanting to push my luck and have him fly away, I inched up even closer and decided that this may be as close as I could get. LOL--I may even try to get closer tomorrow! Really a magnificent bird of prey, I am certain he was waiting for some roadkill breakfast! I would not be providing that for him if I could help it!

THE rest of the BLOCKS

2009-02-01T17:31:00.001-08:00

These 4 are for a lottery on a Thimbleberries list I belong to.

The next picture is of blocks for b.o.m. in local guild and the quilt for one of my grandsons'...I didnt do the blocks on point this time--the boys should be able to tell them apart! hehehe

That is all for today--I am going to go and applique the hearts and watch the end of the game and relax..

Judy's B.O.M. # 11

2009-02-01T15:30:00.001-08:00

Here is that long awaited for block # 11 -- It was a lot easier to put together than it looked to me at first! block 12 will be released on or about the 15th....looking forward to that one now!

I know folks are watching *the big game* right now and that is ok..in fact, my DH just tuned in, too! but that wont last long, either team could win and we would be happy.

I used today to catch up on other *single* blocks for swaps, b.o.m.'s, hearts for friends, etc....so--I am going back to my machine..more pics soon..

a CQ project for a new Bee

2009-01-25T14:36:00.000-08:00

well, this is what I came up with and that should keep me busy in the Bee for some time! BTW if the pic looks funny, it was the photographer, nothing else..hehehehe

I might need to convince them they need to have the Bee more than once a month!!

Couldnt help myself

2009-01-24T17:15:00.000-08:00

well here they are...I just couldnt help myself and had to complete the blocks today.
above are Jan and Feb bom... two each month-I wont get the filler blocks till I work on Friday and get them cut! LOL
below ar e the other four so you can see them all together

I am in the process of working a blanket stitch around the flowers and leaves.... I changed some things because I simply didnt like the way they looked....no more on this one tonight! LOL

LOVELY day to play!

2009-01-24T11:06:00.001-08:00

I dont know that gives--I know I uploaded the pics where I wanted them! LOL anyway, the one in the middle is a block I snatched up at the guild meeting for 50 cents...I think I will make more of these, it was that easy and of course I have the pattern and templates! It was a block from JoAnn's 1999 bom. The florals are of a bom that was to start in January this year, but, Phyllis decided to catch the winter visitors and do a double bom from Nov to April...These 4 blocks are Nov and Dec...there are 4 more blocks to be done another afternoon, perhaps tomorrow, and then there will be two sets of filler blocks that round out that bom. Judy L's bom is set to begin again on Feb 1st....counting days here! OK--more soon--maybe I will do the other four blocks...maybe as well work on the hand appliqué all at the same time, eh? OH, the bom at our guild is also going to last 6 months for the same reason stated above..these blocks are dear Jane blocks double in size so we dont have to work such teeny pieces.....I hope I win some of these in the future! now I am going......

TB Jan 09

2009-01-18T11:55:00.001-08:00

Here is Thimbleberries Jan 09 blocks..I had trouble with one stinkin' seam and frogged that darn thing 4 times but it is done--not doing that again! I am doing the traditional colorway and looking at it up close, I could also have gotten away with the bright, as I like some of those as well...

it is beautiful yet breezy outside. I htink I will stay indoors, tho...I dont need allergy stuff or anything like that coming my way. I may just watch a movie and do some handiwork or crochet or dig into my wip pile....lunch first! ((~.~))

CHALLENGE project is done!

2009-01-15T07:18:00.000-08:00

I am going to take a chance and call it quits and post pics--hoping no one from the guild sees this---they havent been here yet so.....the challenge--white and black with accent color. Something old is new again. My accent color is a pale yellow. all that is needed is the label...I actually might keep this when the quilt show is over! LOL

I didnt do all the embellishing that I thought I would in the beginning..now I have goodies and fabric for other projects like this!

ok--now on to the next project in the 09 Thimbleberries club! I really like these fabrics!

Today I am going into town tobabysit fosters so the twins and parents can go to Flandrau Planetarium..I kinda wish I was going with them! more soon

TB party 08

2009-01-08T11:46:00.000-08:00

here are the quilts from this year's club...one of the gals is gone most of the year so she finished up last year's quilt and made another from scraps and another gal made twin sized quilts! the last picture is my top-no I aint done yet! LOL did you have to ask? I need to get busy--09 club starts this Saturday and my fingers are a-itching!!!

seems I am always running backwards

2009-01-07T06:21:00.000-08:00

Lizzie and the troops are finally moved and beginning the process of settling in--YEAH!!! For a while I thought this time would never come since they were supposed to close on the 24th of November! -I have told her this is the last time to help them move and they certainly shouldnt be moving for a long time!

I have managed to complete 1 1/2 quilts and have 1 1/2 more to go of this particular design and fabric line.. would seem even the dogs approve so I posted all the pics I took of the completed one.

I am making one for each of 3 grandsons! LOL

The girls simply cannot claim them! LOL

This one is a sample I made for the quilt shop and have been making kits to sell..

it has become very popular and all the initial kits have been sold...anyway--that is it for now--if you folks in the northwest and northeast send me some of your weather, I would love it! Ya'll are simply getting way to much!

YEAH- BLOCK 10 and a Break

2008-12-16T17:02:00.001-08:00

HERE IT IS!! Block #10 of Judy L's BOM. Now we get a break till Feb 1st. I hope I stick to it! LOL Most of you know how I am-I have lots of w.i.p.s (works in progress) hence, Wippy. All fabrics used are Thimbleberries except for the background. You can see a picture of Judy's quilt and what mine should look like when (different colors) completed...http://www.patchworktimes.com/Star-BOM/

back to quilts for the twins! watch for pics of those! I started the second top today, thankfully, they dont have to be completed till Feb. hehehe

JUDY'S BLOCK # 9

2008-12-04T08:21:00.000-08:00

WOW--I believe we are more than half the way through...somewhere along the line we get a break for the holidays...I am not looking forward to that--a lot can happen in that space of time--I hope I dont lose interest and remember to start up again..----OH--we get block 10 before the long break--yippee...the break is to Feb 1st...ok---have that written down in several places, just in case, you know! they dont call me Wippy for nothing! hehehehe

L@@KEEEE almost there

2008-11-22T14:34:00.001-08:00

Here is the top so far--I have to trim the outer edges and then add the borders--I did NOT enjoy assembling this--too much on the bias stuff going on! hehehehe
tomorrow will play with the borders--I am going to change those around and make it wider and not as long (I think)...I wont worry about that now! toodles

THIMBLEBERRIES catching up!!

2008-11-22T10:16:00.000-08:00

the pictures here are of month's 11 and 12---12 already because our time together in Dec will be partying and eating and sharing ---nothing unusual about that, but it is Xmas that month! :o) All that is left to do is assemble the top!. what in the world is dogtooth? looks like flying geese to me...I was so tempted to leave these out after seeing all the cutting, sewing, marking, etc that was required. Still looks like geese! Glad I didnt leave them out--the top needed them! hehehe
If I get the top assembled, I will post a pic before Turkey day--if not--have a wonderful one, stuff yourselves, be thankful always!

JUDY L's BLOCK #8

2008-11-18T13:42:00.001-08:00

Here is Judy's #8 block! YIPES--this is all of my second attempt--doesnt match up perfectly like the others but it will have to do or else I will stress more! LOL no 2 actually looks 85% better than no 1. but I can settle for a B instead of an A....
and because I lured you here to the *desert*--here is what we have for FALL right out our front door. on the left (orange) are Mums, on the right is a Nandina (Domestica) and at the top are Mountain Marigolds! I love Fall up north but this will certainly do in a pinch!

PARTS of the BIG quilt 2008

2008-11-15T12:07:00.001-08:00

here they are--all the block parts of the big quilt in Thimbleberries club...the biggest block - center left--is for one of the quarterly projects! The block in the center of the pics is the very center of the big quilt! it is also in the bottom picture by itself. It was just completed.
now it is time to assemble all the blocks with all the sashings and the borders! This portion is not 'due' till Dec 13 when we have our Xmas party....We will also get to spend all the bucks we have collected throughout the year!
I was at the quilt shop when the quilt kit for 09 came in! OH MY!!! and of course, it is in the traditional colorway. The gal that head's up the club will assemble it as we go along..That begins in Jan 09 and again, I am looking forward to that!
more soon!!!!

the usual stuff

2008-11-13T19:12:00.001-08:00

this is what I will be using for the challenge in the local guild. you can see I have everything I need for the time being...I guess what remains will be what kind of stitching to do! I am in the process of binding two quilts, too!! I would swear to it that the log cabin quilt came back bigger!!
tomorrow I will be working all day :o)........I hope there will be block 8 before the holiday break begins!! Thimbleberries Party is in Dec---top should be done by then....have to assemble block 11 and assemble----in Jan it starts all over again! Looking forward to it already!!

JUDY'S BLOCK # 7

2008-11-13T15:35:00.001-08:00

well, they say, better late than never! LOL--this went together much easier than I first thought--and this makes blocks over the 1/2 way point! we get a break over the holiday season (darn) --- not sure when it starts, but wanna make sure I am caught up with everyone else, for sure...

ELECTION DAY catch up

2008-11-04T16:27:00.000-08:00

I HOPE YOU WENT TO VOTE!!!!!

Below are pics of some of the items I have been working on. previously, I worked 6 days a week at the quilt shop for 3 weeks and then last week only two and I could be found catching up on other things as well. Also, my daughter introduced me to a site that I can play games and such with friends and family around the world! THAT has been much fun and it is addicting! If I am not found posting on lists, I bet you can challenge me to word games and find me playing! Keeps my brain in tact thus far! LOL
the crocheted hat is for a friend in Idaho--Interesting colors that are more vibrant that what the pic shows...after a time, hubby refused to model it for me--guess he thought I was catch a pic of him in it! LOL---The TB strips are the makings of the french braid top for the quilt shop and the block is for the Oct TB club project....on Saturday we begin to assemble the top! OH BOY!!

Lizzie found a house and had an offer accepted and I am delighted. today I began helping them pack up! 5 kids is a HUGE move but this shoud be the last time for years to come....I wish them well and I get make lots of new things for the kids! and mom and dad of course....

going to see what poll results show and play with some hand applique and crochet
I will try not to be gone so long next time! (LOL-I do have another BOM to make already)

JUDY L's BLOCK # 6

2008-10-19T16:09:00.000-07:00

here is block number 6 --this is going to be a very nice top--it is very nice of Judy to do this for us!--THANKS JUDY!!

I have been working 6 days a week at the quilt shop--yipes--hopefully all that time ends this week. The sale will be over--yea!

I did manage to buy fabrics to make clothing with :o)) and of course add more to my stash!

more soon

Judy's Block # 5

2008-10-01T19:42:00.003-07:00

Number 5 is done! ready for the next one! hehehe

almost forgot

2008-10-01T11:14:00.000-07:00

some stirred within me--and I had to pic up a crochet hook...
and this is a little niche that I have decorated (most of this stays year round)

ok--now going to go and stitch...crochet later ;o)

WOW __OCTOBER

2008-10-01T10:14:00.000-07:00

I am delighted! I love this time of year...you wouldnt know it was Fall here..I have to make it look that way inside the house! But that is ok--I love this time of the year anyway!
these are a few of the Thimbleberries blocks I have been working on---These bring me up to date in the Thimbleberries club...

Been keeping myself busy...I acquired storage systems for my room! organizing all that and refolding my fabrics has worn me out! Now, I have a bit of a problem finding things! BUT the room looks bigger and neater--so why complain! maybe I will get brave and take pictures! LOL

My brother was here for a visit, from Florida! It sure was great to see him!

that is about it for today..I am going to go do some stitching..

JUDY'S STAR BLOCK # 4

2008-09-25T11:00:00.000-07:00

Here is block number 4 of Judy's B.O.M. (block of the month) as each block is assembled I like more and I was lucky enough to find Judy's book-NINE PATCH EXTRAVAGANZA --HEAT WAVE being my favorite :o) more soon....

Judy's Star B.O.M. number 3

2008-09-09T14:51:00.000-07:00

I havent posted in more than 3 weeks...yipes--BUT I did complete Block number 3--I am getting more excited about participating in this B.O.M. I am delighted with this block! :o)
have mouse trouble--more soon

STAR B O M #2

2008-08-15T19:34:00.000-07:00

HERE it is--#2 already...this was a little more challenging--I conquered the 16th of an inch things, but I couldnt get the mitered corners to come out right so I gave up and did the standard thing...I am VERY happy with the outcome. of course, I am using Thimbleberries fabrics except for the background..I didnt have anything here I was happy with, not to mention that what I had was given to me and I didnt want to iron it, so I went to the shop and the background I used caught my eye...

I have also been making other things and this is a bingo prize I won for worst card-rotflmao the little pillow..I love it! the Kansas Trouble block is for my reproduction fabric -Civil War era quilt

That is it for right now--Tomorrow is Thimbleberries club--my favorite Saturday of the month!

Judy L Star B O M

2008-08-05T07:24:00.000-07:00

I surfed around and looked at all the STAR BOM's on others' blogs and they are terrific! wonderful job ladies!! I do believe everyone has made wonderful choices for colors. I am looking forward to the next block!

I passed the week away sewing, hanging out, or visiting family. I think our enthusiasm went down the tubes, no rains in our area in two weeks--oh boohoo--this is Monsoon season ans I am wondering where they went..most of July almost led me to believe I was living someplace else...

I sure am glad last week is over..many of you know our niece passed away in her sleep at age 37 of unknown causes (toxicology results not back yet). The services were wonderful and it was a bright warm morning..She is going to be missed.

presently working on Judy's B O M, a 5 1/2 inch Dresden plate (well, will make 110 when all is said and done) , a dear Jane, the TB club big quilt and quarterly projects, a couple crazy quilt projects and a civil war era quilt...there are other wips but I dont believe I need name them all--you get the idea!

Judy L's STAR BOM

2008-08-03T16:43:00.000-07:00

well, here it is in all it's glory.

this is the first block in Judy's STAR BOM..I love it and now I can see some of it together, I like the colors I have chosen so far...

waiting for block # 2....

sluggish and hot

2008-07-31T11:51:00.000-07:00

man oh man--hoping rains come back soon...not been a good week at all around here, but to pass the time I have been sewing--takes my mind off things..Here is the first block of blocks for the Dresden Plate quilt..not perfect, but I am happy and it is staying this way! LOL..I have yet to lose interest on working this quilt...and am making good progress...also finished the BOM for the Thimbleberries big quilt for 08, and am working several other projects including a Thimbleberries nine patch--not sure yet how big to make any of my quilts--we are going to be on the hunt for another bed...bigger--the girls need more room! If this Dresden Plate quilt needs to be bigger--it will probably get borders! and lots of them! more soon as things calm down!

MORNING AFTER STORM and playing

2008-07-24T10:04:00.001-07:00

Well, here we are--the morning after
the rainbow indicates what kinda mess we had the night before..I know better than to go out in a storm of that nature. there were stranded vehicles every where and mud up to windows, etc,etc...what gets me is that the drivers' wanting to get home overrides their senses and they go around barricades, etc..and THEY KNOW what may happen....oh well, there will always be idiots I guess!

I know we have never experienced that kind of lightening and thunder before..I honestly thought that we had been the recipients of a direct hit but it was the neighbor's home..she lost electric, air, phone, and her microwave. She has had power since yesterday am but has to replace everything else...we havent heard, but hopefully all is well now. The lightening was SO CLOSE that I could hear the crackling and sizzling..and the clap of thunder was there before the lightening stopped! They dogs were petrified and needed to be cuddled for some time after....AND it came back around two more times....for a total of 1 1/2 inches of rain that brought the waters in the pics I loaded from Tuesday night. We were expecting the same yesterday but it was nice and dry and ~H~O~T~, and again we are due more of the same but we shall see--kinda hit and miss this time of year around here.

I pacify myself staying inside where I can play and watch and listen..Yesterday I created this tissue cover to go with the THIMBLEBERRIES line of projects and fabrics I will using in this year's club! I ABSOLUTELY love this line and I thought this would make a nice addition. I also designed the crocheted couch set :o) nothing like have everything I like to do in one project! LOL The base isnt hemmed yet..I am going to use a shorter box of tissues, but I think you get the idea.. :o) thanks for taking a peak---now I am going back to the machine to work on my TB nine-patch! more soon

AND OUR SUNSET

2008-07-22T19:37:00.001-07:00

from the outside from the dining area from the other side of the yard

MAJOR STORM TODAY

2008-07-22T19:20:00.000-07:00

These pictures will tell you why we have a stupid motorist law out this way---people try to navigate through something similar to this around town--this wash is in the canyon behind our home. I have never seen or heard it run before today--after dinner, the noise of rushing waters got our attention so went back to see and boy were we surprised...we got an inch of rain + and you would think this *river* ran all year looking at it.
these last two--taken from the bridge across this *wash*...the first pic--you can see the rooftops of the two story homes on our street--looking more to the southeast--the other is looking the opposite direction--I wouldnt wanna be at the other end of that running water....who knows where it will wind up --flooding everything in it's path...the is amazing to us as we dont get much rains....

Beginning a BOM with Judy!

2008-07-22T15:37:00.000-07:00

On Aug 1st, I will begin (via the net) participating in a STAR BOM with Judy Laquidara. These are the colors I have chosen for my quilt. Of course, I had to add some Thimbleberries to the mix so it is earthtones...as soon as i figure out how to enter the rest of the info, I will do so...hehehe you can see the quilt here http://www.patchworktimes.com/--just click on the star bom on the right of the screen...as I said--soon as I get more info and set it up--will let you know...

Here I am..playing as usual

2008-07-11T16:03:00.000-07:00

AH--the Dresden Plate quilt I am making! It is machine pieced and hand pieced and appliquéd. It will be hand-quilted 4 blocks at a time. There will be 110 blocks and 1320 mostly different scrappy petals. A friend is teaching me this as part of hand appliqué lessons. She says this is a good place to start--no matter- as you can see by my work thus far, it is addicting. I have made 78 plates in 1 1/2 weeks, and I have 35 centers done, all ready for their blocks--THAT part will be time consuming.

The Moose Mats are an extra project within the Thimbleberries club. the project for the month was to make two border strips--so no pic of those--no big deal. THE BIGGEST deal was completing my LOG CABIN quilt top--sorry no pic--it has been mailed to my friend in Idaho for quilting. Hang tight--you will get to see it completed before the Summer is out! I am not a pink person but the reproduction fabric screamed of log cabin so that is what it became. I am delighted with it!

currently, now that that project is out of my room, I am crazy quilting a Summer block for a swap and I am working on a purple RR that I wish I could keep! hehehe. beat me up--I have not crocheted in about 2 weeks now. just about the time I began the Dresden Plate quilt! I guess I have my priorities!

The monsoon season is upon us and I dont get to play much in the afternoons but that is ok--I have my hand works that I can do sitting anywhere. It has been nice enough in the am to walk and cool enough in the later afternoon to take the girls out for a walk.

I was all excited--we had a good 80% chance of rain today and so far, nothing. I love to watch the storms come in, smell the air after and relax! So, till it comes in today, I will pacify myself on the couch with appliquéing!

LOG CABIN TOP update

2008-07-04T09:21:00.001-07:00

I was up at 3 --dont ask why--my brain was a flutter with something to sew on....and I did just that--been working on the top since I got up--also--made two loaves of banana bread, steamed some brats, made deviled eggs and potato salad, and cut some fresh fruit for salad! who needs curves! I am pooped and ready for nap--then BBQ and pool party and then back home to zonk out! LOL

Well, this is what I came up with! nothing real spectacular about it but it sure looks nice on my bed and it isnt done. I am debating whether or not to put a border on it and if so --what next? hehehe Obviously I want it longer on the sides, but I might only do 3 sides...Think I might make some matching shams and pillows :o)...

I am already working on my next project and have several I have played with over the last couple days. Helps make the hot days go by faster! I am looking forward to messing around in the swimming pool at John's sister's house.

I didnt get my nap! oh no! oh well! sure hope everyone has a wonderful day today. we are due more Monsoon activity..more than likely it will happen during fireworks and that might be a blessing, since most fires going on here are human caused...people just will not learn!

Please remember all of our people that are overseas and pray for their safety. Sure do wish they could be here celebrating the 4th with us

have a wonderful day and be safe and behave safely!

STAYING BUSY

2008-06-28T07:58:00.000-07:00

have to--it is too hot to go out! I finished 72 log cabin blocks for my quilt! Now, I try to figure out what setting I want..

not sure what I am looking for at the moment but I have plenty of resources... and of course, my girls love to get their picture taken so i
couldnt leave them out.

on the left here is a very small Dresden plate. This is a project a friend is teaching me..It is 1/2 hand pieced and 1/2 machine and hand appliquéd. I wish to make a queen sized quilt--sooo we are guessing, that I might need about a whole big group of petals. I have about 300 so far -only since Monday-they are addicting.- I made this one block so I could see how it was going to come out!

I have also been working on Dear Jane --these were made using scraps from my log cabin blocks and I recently received a bunch of reproduction strips to make more blocks...

I am also designing another doily, working on some placemats for Thimbleberries monthly project and well, I am Wippy, so I am sure I am not mentioning everything because folks would think I never clean! hehehe..Laundry is calling me...byeeee

LAZY CRAZY QUILT IS DONE!!

2008-06-17T21:53:00.000-07:00

I began this quilt back in October of 2007. It was rather
interesting in that there are blocks within blocks.
You can actually pick them out if you concentrate hard enough! hehehe There are
12 blocks, but lots more if you were to *read between the lines*!! This was very challenging for me and there was a time I thought I would actually hand quilt it--however--I wanted to see this done in my lifetime! I have a great friend that insisted that I go to her house and she would teach me how to quilt using her equipment..who am I to say no to such an offer? we are becoming good friends for other reasons as well! :o)...This is my very first Thimbleberries quilt for my stash! I have a couple yet to be completed! and of course, this year's club quilt and extra projects!

well, it is JUNE and temperatures made a big jump--today it was 110.2 at my house!, and we are expecting higher temps this week--you can bet I wont be going out so see some quality sewing time inside! bring on the rains! I am beyond ready for them!

JOSEPH'S 1st Birthday party

2008-06-17T21:29:00.000-07:00

Pictures say a thousand words! hehehe this is Joseph. Our grandson on John's side.. Looks like his mom and dad...all in all, everyone had a marvelous time, despite high temps and lots of people! LOL Joseph was sleeping before he could be taken out of his seat! hehehe or should I say throne? He definitely is our little prince!

doily revised

2008-06-09T06:32:00.000-07:00

Here is number two! Last night I typed out all the corrections and blocked this one....I am going to make yet another- hehehe--I need something to crochet and yarn is simply too hot to have on my lap...I also have another doily in mind and will begin that as well!

accomplishments yesterday

2008-06-02T05:20:00.001-07:00

These are how I passed the time yesterday--that and crocheting of course!
The Saturdays of our Thimblerries club, some of us stick around to share our progress on our Civil War reproductions quilts. I didnt start mine till yesterday and I have these done already..3 colors, different designs, hues, toones, and I am delighted since I had no real pattern in mind...just using traditional blocks. I has set this up to do one block a month, then a couple gals said that would be big enough--they wanted to do 20 blocks, so here I am--LOL--catching up--I am sure one gal is all done her blocks already! hehehehee

I also made a Thimbleberries thread butler. no pattern, tho I had made one before, I kinda followed that idea. it keep me company at my sewing machine..
Today, I am going to be hanging out in Town with another gal--we are going to do our own kinda shop-hop thingie. I need some things for cq-ing, gotta check out the shop that has the most CW repros in town, maybe eat, and check out JoAnn's

have a glorious day!

SO FAR-TB CLUB

2008-05-30T15:39:00.001-07:00

Here is the Thimbleberries big quilt blocks so far this year! If I could, I would have this done already! LOL...I am in the process of quilting the wall hanging and making the table runner using all the same fabrics featured this year in the club...the two blocks in the center are 24 inches square. that gives you an idea of the size so far!
back to sewing ((~.~))

THIMBLEBERRIES catch up and Girls

2008-05-30T09:29:00.000-07:00

here are the girls --they were groomed on Wednesday. they are all rough and tumbled from being outside. They weigh 8 lbs each. Missy is the closest, 100% Maltese and is one year--Laci is just over 3 years and probably 90% Maltese...she has poodle's legs and tail..LOL

The Thimbleberries block is a combination of April's work (the lattice part) and May's is the bear's paw...tiny pieces...sheesh....I think I would rather be working on my Dear Jane blocks for the small pieces! One block is for the big quilt to be completed as the months pass, the other is for the quarterly project and will be a runner soon as I can get my hands on the next fabric to be released for the club. I am almost done quilting the wall hanging and getting that bound and up! I am in the process of binding a quilt that was recently quilting after waiting about 7 months in my PTF (project to finish) pile! hehehehehe I better get back to it or I my get side-tracked again. more soon

Amer Hero tops update

2008-05-28T13:05:00.001-07:00

here is an update of the top I was working today while the girls are getting groomed! :o)
the girls will certainly be cooler when all is done pics soon

AMERICAN HERO TOPS

2008-05-28T07:35:00.000-07:00

these blocks were made by Robin
this is a piece of fabric that can be used as is for a top-donated to me
these blocks were made by Robin
as were these blocks!
I am assembling scraps and blocks from Robin and using scraps from my stash as well, this is just the center--I hope to complete this today.. not sure what I will do for the rest, will just wait and see what unfolds.

I am also crocheting my second doily and am to round 37 and tweaking my recent design with the help of a a friend who has already completed testing my design...I could see the smoke from her hook all the way down here--she lives in Oregon! LOL--pictures soon--my second one is in a country rose color and you can see partial several posts below. Gonna be a scorcher today so I may not even venture outside except to water the gardens that are not on auto-drip. I also will be playing with the Thimbleberries club stuff today...no cleaning..I dont have time for that today! LOL

THIS IS END OF MAY????

2008-05-24T05:47:00.000-07:00

I have been busy inside and outside but, it has been incredibly windy and all the high mountain peaks around have snow on them--hehehe--some as much as 6 inches! who would have thought, this isnt typical at all..

I am assembling tops for American Hero quilts (you can learn more here, http://www.americanheroquilts.com/) and I have been playing with the doily and doing my usual amount of sewing.

we are even trying a garden this year--not much but will see what happens..yesterday we had a high of 68 degrees :o) today it is supposed to be 84...and guess what? it is windy! oh well--gonna go sew more.

DOILY, daiquiris, and Drag racing

2008-05-18T16:25:00.000-07:00

just hanging out--drinking strawberry daiquiris, and watching drag racing on the tv. here is a picture of the second doily. of course, and as usual, and is way ahead of me, she is an internet friend of a good many years and we are tweaking the pattern and fixing what needs to be fixed...

IT IS HOT! I havent ventured outside since about 9 am...time to be hibernating....tomorrow i go to finish a quilt and do some sewing...and work on Thimbleberries club stuff :o) *~*CAROLE*~*

what did I do?

2008-05-14T12:33:00.000-07:00

I dug out a project I bought back in 1984 or 83, just know that I was living in Athens Greece at the time and I dont remember-I just thought I would put it out where I could see it and MAYBE just maybe I would begin working on it again--it is about 25% complete, not sure if you can see that in the picture...I loved it when I bought it, still love it--might take me another 20 to finish, but I certainly hope not...it needs to be on my wall! A friend on an email list said even if I work on it 15 minutes a day that is progress...that amount of time will not be good but I think better would be to just have it out where I can see it. That way, when I dont wish to work on anything else I have going on, this will be where I can hear it calling out to me!

we are having weird weather...last year at this time the temps were in the 100's....today, rather right now, it is only 74 degrees...yesterday's shower brought us .25 inches of rain! YES!!!!! and chilly enough this am to dig out sweat pants for my walk--what a welcome change! off to play.....

AND here it is in all it's glory :o)

2008-05-10T16:40:00.000-07:00

and ready to go away for a few months!

it is done --yes--now to another project!

IT IS FINALLY DONE--PINEAPPLE CAROUSEL

2008-05-10T06:25:00.000-07:00

I DID IT!!! the doily I began on December 8, 2007 is now done as of last night! It is being blocked right now, tho I am certain it will be dry in about a half an hour (outside) and I can get a real picture. This is all you get to see right now! There is a reason that you cant see it in all it's glory (yet) . This is my very first doily design, and will be entered into a contest. I tweaked it to 20 inches :o) . WHEW I am glad it is finished! hehehehe It is going in the mail on Monday and will be back to me in July or August. wish me luck! :o))

I have been working on my log cabin, and have been working on this top for a charity quilt. They were not kidding when they said not two people make the same size block! Actually, mine are--LOL and another's was right on the money as well, but you can see where I had to fudge the strips and I managed to square it up from corner to corner and the sides and believe it or not--it is good! hehehe
there are two pics because I couldnt get the color right...the background is all Thimbleberries creams with various shades/colors in there. The two Tudor roses I made..the block was a paper pieced block but I assembled it using the tradition method and the measurements were not correct and I wound up with rectangles in the middle but those blocks squared up to 12 1/2 so I dont care! LOL..4 blocks out of the 15 measured to 12 1/2. so--I just assembled -trimmed where necessary and now it is ready for outer borders. These were a project from November! yeah, I know--I am catching up tho! hehehe I have other projects I am anxious to get stared on!

John has been busy in the back yard, making a greenhouse. So far, we have tomatoes, corn, swiss chard, carrots, onions, and 7 spices. He will be off from work in June and July. OH NO! hehehe.

Happy Mother's Day !!

OH GOOD GRIEF

2008-04-26T14:58:00.000-07:00

I do know my grandkids--really--Green for Jacob and Blue for Judah....hey--at least I got them right on the wall hanging! sheesh...hehehehe it is the weather and I am sticking to that story!

LAZY SATURDAY and hot and windy!!!

2008-04-26T14:42:00.000-07:00

here are some pics of projects I am working on or have recently completed---Thimbleberries BOM for April and the April extra project for the club is the tote bag--NOW--I used CHENILLE IT blooming bias--what a neat item--sew it on, wash and dry and bingo-instant chenille--LOL--(the dark blue on the tote) ..I made a little pouch/bag for my cutter when I go to class, and the best is the wall hanging. This is the 2007-2008 challenge project for the guild. it is supposed to be *I remember when* wall-hanging and there are requirements, one of which is to work using techniques I hadnt used before, which I messed up a little on. (just the size) I did however, work some techniques--beading, paper-piecing, foundation piecing, appliqué and I will be adding more embellishments as I work on completing this by the end of May.

the chosen colors are respectively Green for Jacob and Blue for Jacob...This will be a birthday present for my daughter and her hubby. I also have another project going on--last Fall I participated in a choose your own theme swap on a cq-ing list-- my theme was sewing...anyhoo-I almost have my block done and will be making a wall organizer with those blocks...will take pics later on...I am making the finishing touches to my doily as well..we played in the garden this morning--not it is hot and windy and I dont wanna do anything but sit...soo-----gonna go sit!
enjoy your day

helping out others

2008-04-15T12:34:00.001-07:00

this is my portion of a quilt that will be donated to a lodge in Wisconsin---in support for Faith's Lodge, a non-profit organization that provides a place where couples and families facing the serious illness or death of a child can retreat to reflect on the past, renew strength for the present and build hope for the future.
I belong to a Thimbleberries lovers' email list and i find this to be rather fitting to make a couple quilts for this project!
I enjoyed doing this portion--I needed practice with the flying geese! LOL ...
right now, I am cq-ing a purple block for a RR and I am working on a challenge quilted wall hanging and crocheting a doily to enter in a contest....ok-ok--for those of you who cant stand the wait --here is a pic --tada---I really need to get this typed up! hahahaha.

took the girls out for a walk--everything that blooms down here is having is pollen blow from here to timbuctoo (sp)--I am really sick of these high winds..(6 days now) .not to mention what it will do with any fires that may pop up! none of this is helping my nose or throat.
think I need a nap today--*~*CAROLE*~*

not yer mama's log cabin

2008-04-09T15:18:00.000-07:00

well, ---I scanned the block because I was too lazy to get out the camera and this was faster! I suppose that comes with age-I have been a senior citizen for one week, but I dont notice a difference. I have used John to get discounts in the past and now, I can get them on my own! WHOOPPEEEE! LOL....anyway--the scanned block is actually 10 1/2 inches square but that doesnt show in the pic...I have no idea how big this quilt will be but I can say that I started out with 85 of the *windows*. hehehehe I dont know--could have been a math thing because I could get 17 of them per one strip. I didnt care for the middle which is normally two of the small blocks, the same size, so I decided to go scrappy as opposed to dark/light. Then I decided that I liked (and had in my stash) most or all of the Charleston II line of Judie Rothermel's collection..soooo...that led me in another direction, also! Guess I could add that I will make this a queen sized quilt! LOL...

I got another block done today--not a Dear Jane "specific" but size wise, will do well---used some of the scraps from the aforementioned block! -- waste not want not-- more soon

PRODUCTIVE MORNING

2008-04-08T13:03:00.000-07:00

I rode my stationary bike for 30 minutes @ 11 miles an hour --LOL-- I baked a banana bread, made bread pudding, did the laundry and straightened up my Thimbleberries cabinet (under my cutting table) --the stuff strewn on top are fat quarters, will become fat quarters or squares and strips for future scrappy projects!! The lazy crazy stuff at the bottom is what is left of a kit I bought four years ago that is now awaiting quilting. It will be a hand-quilted project.

Last night I cut up fabric for a log cabin quilt--never made one and figured it was time I took the plunge--have wanted to for a long time. today I begin assembly of that. I am using fabrics from Judie Rothermel collection called Charleston and is a reproduction from 1850-1865--in pinks, greens and browns. (another step from the comfort zone is the pink! hehehehe) my projects other than quilting are a doily for a contest and 3-4 afghans --all my own designs... I just have to *get a move on it* hehehehehe I am home more now that I am not working at the shop till she needs me--the folks from the cold country have gone home so I will be home sewing more, crocheting more, and just relaxing and enjoying being home! That is all for now--have a need to sew! have a great day!!

IN THE MIDDLE

2008-03-25T07:46:00.000-07:00

the first quarter of the TB CLUB is over and I am working on that project as well as the *BIG QUILT* that will be assembled at the end of the year! here is what I have so far!!! I am working today but will play till it is time to go and hopefully finish the top ( 5 ft x 5ft) today.I am hoping to get it completed by the April meeting --we start another quarter and and another project as well.

THEY MUST LOVE ME

2008-03-24T14:56:00.001-07:00

About a year ago (or less) I got summoned for jury duty in Pima County--I was selected but the judge dismissed us all right away--declaring a mis-trial--some folks were using every excuse to get out and he was quickly running out of jurors....two weeks ago i received a summons for another county (in Flagstaff) --this I cant understand--it was for Navajo County with the pima county address...I havent lived in Navajo county for two years!!! I filled out all the papers, and sent that back--I was dismissed! hehehehe TODAY, I get a summons for Pima county! Think they got it right now? can I serve twice in a year? I dont care--I just have to be careful what I take along to play with! ---eeny meeny miney mo---crochet or quilting---I will have to think on that one! I am a people watcher so reading and concentrating on that is almost impossible! hehehehe

I have been sewing--today I began handwork on a wall hanging and I am going to add borders to the TB CLUB 1st quarter project! I hope to have that at least ready for quilting by the class meeting--maybe I can get it done...ran in to the shop to pick up a little extra material and wound up leaving knowing that I get to work tomorrow! LOL...

that is it for right now! It is warm out there! I am NOT ready!

LOOKING FOR A MAN!!! Here is some advice from my sister!

2008-03-11T07:33:00.000-07:00

"Hook, Line and Stinker: Love Lessons from the Sea"

How well my boyfriend learned that I am not an avid fisher. As a matter of fact, I only went because I wanted to be with him. I did, however, get a bit excited when I caught a bass. I reeled it into the boat so fast that it landed by my feet and started flopping around. Panicking, I jerked the pole high in the air causing the hook to dislodge from the fish’s mouth. Unfortunately, for my boyfriend, it found it’s way to his. I told him I was sorry if I hurt him but I did get the best catch of the day.

Speaking of a good catch, should you find yourself in open waters, fishing and dating have a lot of similarities. We lure them, hook them then reel them in. Sadly, we catch a few stinkers along the way. You know the "throw backs". Take the stingray for instance. Would you want to date one? It has poison in it’s tail. Such is the case with people whose present circumstances are always overshadowed by past failures, successes and relationships. Date a stingray and you will find yourself in a long line of comparisons. Desire a happy future? Leave this creature behind you.

Looking for a deep relationship? Watch out for the shark. He circles his prey before moving in for the kill. People like this try to keep everyone else out of your life. Easy to recognize when they are verbally or physically abusive but they are often subtle, manipulative and controlling Eventually you realize you are a victim but by then there is no one around to help you.

Have you ever dated a blowfish? They always puff up when you hook them. Get one out of its environment, where it isn’t all about them and they can’t function. Sometimes they are the life of the party. Don’t be fooled. They are in constant need of attention: yours as well as others.

So you hooked a crab. Do not worry. They never stay on the line long enough to be reeled in If you ever want to marry one; you have to toss it in a very hot pot, put a lid on it and slowly cook it to death before it quits trying to claw its way out. Do be mindful of those pinchers.

Also to be avoided is the big mouth bass. They try to control you with their arrogant conversation. They have something to prove and their mouths know it. Few people get a word in but if they do this fish has a bigger tale.

Jellyfish appear translucent. Get too close and they will suck the life right out of you. They attach themselves to your time, work and even your house. After you’ve lost everything they move on.

Not all fish are bad companions. Dolphins are playful and protective fun loving and easy to get along with. Loyalty is one of their best attributes. They are definitely keepers.

Although oysters have a hard exterior, they are soft in the middle. Having allowed the trials of life to build their character, they contain a priceless treasure. Break through their defenses and you will be richly rewarded.

The whale, though seen as menacing can really be a gentle giant. This creature has a big heart and is willing to share it with you. He will protect you from the tough guys and treat you like a queen.

Ready to go fishing? Here are some tips from the pros. Know what kind of fish you want. Use the right bait or lure. Go where you can catch one and, for goodness sake, cut the line before you reel in a throw back.

After the fishing incident with my boyfriend, he decided that we should go target shooting NOT a good idea but that is another story altogether.

COLOR STUDY --PURPLE

2008-02-26T17:50:00.001-08:00

As you can see, All I needed was a let's post pics, note from the group leader! hehehe. Here is my purple block already to go out to the next person on the list (yet to be determined)...I tried to get close-up of the stitches without the blurs -- this is as close as it gets!

it is my intention to make a good sized quilt using each color twice in blocks, have siggies of participants on the backs and then use it on the bed in the extra room! My blocks will be about 14 inches finished...not sure yet...i didnt want a bunch of small blocks to deal with! LOL more on this quilt soon! I will be doing two colors each month--one block for me to send around, and then I work each of another five as they get to me....The other of my two will be worked as I feel like it! I may even send those around to be played with! Was surfing and could find almost none with a decent looking border. I am wondering if they didnt do borders back then...

CQ FOOD FIGHT BLOCK

2008-02-26T16:47:00.000-08:00

dont ask why, but I chose triple orange salad! and this is what the block looked like before (commonly called nekked or naked) and this is what the block looks
like now--it is ready to be sent...

I tried to capture pic with natural colors but as you can see that didnt happen! the bottom pic being the closest! anyway, if I dont stop now, I might not send the block! Maybe i will make another....

I really DO get things DONE!!!!

2008-02-24T08:07:00.001-08:00

I began this while living at SIL's house back in 06, waiting for our new home to be built, after moving back to Tucson. John bought me some fabrics and I didnt have a clue how big I was going to make it but decided because i didnt have a lot of things with me--that the traditional fence rail looked great as a whole! I had a king sized bed to go by--LOL. I only need to sew down the binding.

This next one I began while we were living in Lakeside and I took a class using four patches and that interesting sashing you see! hehehehe forget what it is called and I couldnt find the binding that I had previously cut, so I used the purple... who knows where the orange went to! LOL My step dil picked out the fabric and I am certain she has since forgotten--been about 2 1/2 years! this also simply needs to have the binding stitched down.

MANY sincere thanks to my friend in Idaho for doing the machine quilting..I have my first lesson in machine quilting in March and am really looking forward to it! It was much easier to assemble tops for her in trade for the quilting! hehehe I really need to learn while I have the desire!
Today o will be bustling around in my room---wanna make a couple more dj blocks, and get ready for a class tomorrow with Jean Biddick--using yet another new technique for me called blending backgrounds!

JUNGLE FEVER II

2008-02-21T16:08:00.000-08:00

I made this up as a sample for the LQS--I have now added a border and now I really like it a lot! LOL

I can even deal with the colors! LOL---I will probably be quilting and binding it as well!

Today i received back two quilts that I had sent to a friend in Idaho for quilting and I am stunned by the outcome! WOW--now to find the bindings I had previously cut and get them bound....and post pics for you to see---more soon---

OUR LITTLE HAMS

2008-02-17T17:20:00.001-08:00

looking at the screen--Laci is on the left (will be 3 in April) and Missy (will be 1 in May) arent they the cutest hams? Missy weighs 7.8 lbs and Laci weighs 7.4....I have decided that i will have this breed for the rest of my life..

This is a quilt I made for them to use when we go camping. The intention was to keep them comfy --maybe they wont wanna be in our bed?!?! on second thought, that wont work! LOL--so it will be my lap quilt..most of it is Thimbleberries flannel...
I made this today and it is simply a sew and flip with scraps! no batting.

I am going to pick up my crochet hook and design a block for an afghan using the wonderfully colored yarn I just got...I feel inspired! teehee----or maybe i will just relax and do some crazy quilting!

WE HAVE WEATHER!

2008-02-15T09:06:00.000-08:00

well, it excites me anyway! I love weather!

these are of the back yard--the grass is green year round--thank goodness

I have daffodils growing, too, back there but didnt get them in the picture..

been spending a lot of time sewing and crafting--I am participating in rr's and just have fun....the orange colored block is a crazy quilting food fight swap block--it is nekked right now but will be shown in it's glory before I mail it with the recipe!

the pic of the 4 blocks is the second block for the Thimbleberries club and will be part of the BIG quilt we assemble at the end of the year...I will also be making all the quarterly projects as well--another set of these blocks will be made for that soon as I can get extra fabric to complete it--or I might just use some I have here already since they blend together from year to year.

the next picture of the lap quilt is JUNGLE FEVER and is a promotional item to be displayed in the local quilt shop. I didnt care for it at all till after I assembled it! LOL have to wait for the bolts to come in so I can add a border, backing and binding. And when the kits are gone--i get to keep the quilt! That is the best part....I can keep it in the rv!
Speaking of which, we recently sold the pop up trailer---we decided to have a regular rv and will be looking for one! I need to make some new things for that when we find one we like! --here we go again! hehehehe
the last picture are of my DEAR JANE blocks...you can read more about this at www.dearjane.com. this fascinates me so I am making my own dear jane journey and so far so good, still have tremendous interest!
I have also been helping out a bunch at the quilt shop! Tomorrow is the local home studio tour of ten homes--I am hostessing all day at my friend's house and really looking forward to it! I LOVE her house--and if permitted--will take pics.... was going to have my own tour today but I backed out because of the rain! and now it is snowing again and John just walked in--nothing going on at school because of the weather...he says he wishes he was watching this in the mountains! well, DUH! LOLthat is all for now..think I am caught up--gonna go sew....

my FIRST DEAR JANE block

2008-01-31T18:38:00.000-08:00

WOW--two posts in one day! I couldnt resist! above is my very first DEAR JANE block!!
I am delighted with it's outcome! HOWEVER, I am ROTFLMAO because with this very one block--hand piecing went out the window! In the book of the blocks, Jane's looks pretty good for being hand-pieced! I say--more power to her! she did a wonderful job..I really wanted to hand-piece--but the seams would NOT cooperate! the very last seam will be pressed open... this one is finger-pressed for now--till tomorrow! I was so excited I couldnt wait till tomorrow for you to see! My background, sashings, possibly back, will be unbleached muslin (looks white in the pic)...I do intend to hand quilt! I am very far from that point--who knows--might change my mind! hehehehehehe night night--tomorrow--maybe I will make another?!?!?!?

CQ Geronimo block is done and more chatter

2008-01-31T10:17:00.000-08:00

and he will be on his way home tomorrow!! I had a blast working this block...wasnt sure i could stop but sure needed to!

now I move on to another project! This, too, will be a cq project! I made a Spring block for the season to season swap--I have a green block to embellish a little bit and I know the theme of the block for the food fight swap--just gotta get the right stuff together! I have it, so no shopping for anything! LOL That is it for the CQ projects!!!!

You will never guess what I am taking the plunge to do?!?!? well, some of you know, so rather than putting your brains to work--I am going to tell you! I drove 52 miles to a quilt shop on the northwest side of town to buy some shirtings and civil war reproduction fabrics! YES, I am going to do a sampler quilt of common blocks from the civil war era--I am also going to do a Dear Jane Quilt. You can read about it here---http://www.dearjane.com/ ---I have what I need now to get started, including more fabrics! LOL Maybe I can get one block done today!?!?! I am going to do this by hand! I want it to look like the one at the DJ website! Others have done it, and started another, some are doing it now, and others are starting out just like I am! I am very excited about this. I wont be in a hurry---and have given myself a minimum of two years to finish! So, if you see me referring to DJ, you will know what I am talking about! more soon

THIMBLEBERRIES 08

2008-01-27T15:45:00.000-08:00

The first meeting has finally taken place--and i have made the first four of 8 blocks! LOL--I am going to make the wall hanging and need to make four more of these for the big quilt!! either way--I am moving along now!
That is all for today *~*CAROLE*~*

CRAZY QUILTING FUN!!

2008-01-19T16:42:00.001-08:00

I am participating in a "create your own theme" crazy quilting swap--I happen to have GERONIMO in my possession-This belongs to gal named JANE that lives way up north. I wanted to surprise her with something special. so i begna getting my ideas together last summer. I wasnt going to show anyone till after I had completed this special project, but showing all got the better of me!!
I have played more since this picture was taken but you can see where my ideas are going! I am really enjoying this and I hope the owner likes it as well...no surprises now! hehehehehe

Another gal on this list began a color study swap with the first color being greens! oh how wonderful for me! (below)

I also sent out another block to a gal in Colorado because I wish to do a good sized quilt with two blocks of each color. I have enough wall hangings for now if I get them all completed!
And this one is for the Spring swap--these blocks will all be embellished by others as well as myself...this is part of the fun!!

creativity abounds in this type of quilting--in fact, I have also crocheted items to be placed on green blocks that will be coming my direction for embellishments! I can have the best of both crafts this way! LOL.. *~*CAROLE*~*

THE YEAR SO FAR

2008-01-19T16:21:00.000-08:00

has been going very quickly. I have been helping at the quilt shop since the 3rd and will be there next week, also--doesnt matter--more $ to spend on TB club again this year. The fabrics are much more to my liking and yes--still getting out of my comfort zone!! I have been assembling tops for a gal that is doing some quilting for me. I have been trying to come up with a border for the green one--this is the one I took apart a couple months back as it didnt come out right--so far so good this time around...the blue one is my first attempt at the keyboard border--THIS I like! wasnt near as difficult as I thought it would be!

LAST Sunday (the 13th) I managed to take my "boss" (quilt shop owner) into Tucson for the QUILT SHOW! we arrived at 9:45 and left at 3:30--good thing i didnt have other plans--I wou,ld have, but hubby wasnt feeling great so i stayed away from him! LOL----OH WOW!!! I didnt want to lug around our camera, so i decided that I was going to buy a cd with pics of all the quilts on it--well--THAT went by the wayside--i forgot! So, that part of this catching up will have to wait! I did have a private hands on needle turned appliqué lesson from Jeane Kimball and got an autograph in a pattern book I purchased. Another highlight was the scrap-busters demo..lots of wonderful ideas!!

these pics are of a tote I received from a gal in England . We participate in a Thimbleberries list and i couldt resist doing a XMAS swap!

Last August I submitted my very first (all mine) afghan design to a publishing company and it was accepted and published. Last week, I received my original afghan back along with the publication that also has several designs that I have tested for the publisher! Wow was this ever a thrill for me! I have another pattern that I co-designed with a gal that came out in 06...I am also designing a doily for a contest later on this year. I will mention it from time to time but probably no pics--at least for now--there is always that possibility that i would submit it also, for publication!

THAT is all for this post! there will be more tonight or tomorrow so please check back!
*~*CAROLE*~*

I HAVE BEEN TAGGED

2008-01-06T13:29:00.000-08:00

guess it is about time I posted this year! LOL

The Rules are to "Give up to 10 people whose blog brings you happiness & inspiration and makes you feel happy about Blogland." Beware! You may get the Award several times! Let them know by posting a note on their blog so they can pass it on. Here is my list of Blogs that make me happy and make my day!

FRANIE in ALASKA
Sharon
SUSAN
ROBIN
GAIL
INGRID
JANE
Gabrielle
JULIE
REE

and since I am here for the moment--here are some pics of last night's sunset--Jan 05 08

sing to LET IT SNOW!

2007-12-18T16:40:00.000-08:00

Oh the weather outside is frightful

But the fabric is so delightful

I wish I'd no place to go

Let me sew ,let me sew, let me sew



My kitchen floor needs mopping

But I've bought some beads for topping

I've got to finish my UFO

Let me sew, let me sew, let me sew



When I finally sit at the seat

I'll forget all about my home

My family will want to eat

They'd better call for pizza on the phone



The stitches are finally flying

And the seams are flatly lying

If they really do love me so

They'll let me sew, let me sew, let me sew


AUTHOR UNKNOWN

PHENOMENON

2007-12-12T07:50:00.000-08:00

What a wondrous phenomenon! I took out the dumpsters to the curb and ran back in to get camera--we have fog rolling in at 8:45 in the am--imagine that--there is snow on the mountains around us and a brisk 36 outside...I love weather :o) thought I would share00*~*CAROLE*~*

CATCHING UP AGAIN

2007-12-10T20:18:00.000-08:00

well, here I am again--I let more time slip away. no more excuses.

Following are pics I took at our final Thimbleberreis meet of the year. Those that completed their tops are in here, and there are a couple that will participate next year. I am behind the top with the gal in blue holding it! ;o) I didnt follow all the directions perfectly, my tulips wound up opposite and i wasnt going to change it! I didnt do embroidery in windows--I am going to hang curtains! LOL and add another border or two...

The picture with the gal in blue behind the quilt completed hers as instructed and has a king sized quilt-The gal in the white jacket was the instructor

I got a real good look at next year's fabrics and decided that i will more than likely buy all of the lodge (dark) colorway

and some of the lakeside (light) colorway.

I completed the ripple afghan on Sunday night now I am designing a doily to enter into a contest next year..I am looking forward to this and will take a couple pics soon.

HEY--we are getting some weather--we had rains off and on all weekend and there are winter storms warnings around. We are due a fair amount of rains all day tomorrow. That makes me happy since we see little in the desert. I actually think that what we got put us over our annual rainfall amount of 12 inches :o)
That sure is not much in my book and of course the records do not show that. because they go by what is recorded at the weather service center at the airport. Dont get excited for us--we are still in our drought.This top is pin-basted and ready for quilting--I am going to practice a bit before I tackle it! I was tempted to hand-quilt it--but again-would love to see it finished in my lifetime! hehehe

that is enough for now--i am going to work up a couple rounds on the doily, then call it a night!
for now;

HAPPY HOLIDAYS, MERRY CHRISTMAS, Happy Hanukkah and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

YIPES_DECEMBER ALREADY

2007-12-01T10:03:00.000-08:00

I can hardly believe it is almost a month since I popped in here---first there was the shop hop--I worked 9 days straight and didnt hop-I think I had more fun helping people with their projects and selecting colors, etc,etc... Then we got Missy spayed, then I get to have sinus and ears infections that settled in chest----that kep me home for 2 weeks. Yesterday was charity sew day for the guild and we finished up a lot of quilts and took 146 stuffed animals and 83 quilts to the charity we selected a few months back.THAT was fun and it is behind us till next summer, so yippee! There is a Xmas party for the thimbleberries club next Saturday and we get to touch fabrics for next year's club--THIS I m really looking forward to! right after those meetings, there will be a little civil war/reduction class and about 7 of us are going to make quilts from that era. This should be lots of fun as well! Now that warm weather is here instead of HOT, I will enjoy spending time at home and hopefully more time outdoors....the past 3 days have been all BUT miserable--overcast, cloudy windy and rainy---i love it! sad thing--it is to clear out today--and leaving cooler temps--I can handle that. I can also handle the fact that John;s daughter left this am to go to Missouri to work on marriage...she was told she couldnt come back here, but go right to her mother's.. WHAT A RELIEF...we promised we would help in any situation, but we dont want to be taken for granted or taken advantage of.....so--with that said, because we do not know when she will begin or how she will begin to pay us back, John has landed a neat job as a construction assistant at a local high school-4-4 1/2 hrs per day and he is looking forward to it--he literally has nothing to do around here and finally admitted he was getting bored. well, duh---I aint gonna sit around here all day doing nothing, either---so I sew and go into town to play, etc,etc...and he gets to work on rebuilding our savings/play money!

I have been doing a lot of sewing for charity and we moved the small bedroom set into the small front bedroom and i have the second largest bedroom now as my sewing room--and today or tomorrow--John is moving the computer desk so I dont have to shut'er down at 8pm any more! and i can compute and sew in the same room! dont know if that is good or bad, but i do more at night after he goes to bed! I simply cannot go to bed at 8 pm each night--no way!

Finished a few things, and I need to take some pictures and work on my ripple afghan! I also want to design a doily, before i lose my thoughts and ideas! ya'll have a wonderful weekend-*~*CAROLE*~*