Patchwork Penguin

Snow Day....

2012-01-23T09:29:00.001-05:00

*sigh*..... we have lost our only day off in March due to this 'ice' storm. Some of the outlying areas of the district are icy... ok, enough grumping.

On the upside, I get a day to work on school stuff, sew, and put a cranberry porkroast in the crockpot.

To whomever put this picture out there on the web.. thank you. It says it all.

Enjoy your day!!

Hugs

"Isn't he just the cutest thing!!!" - Sally Brown

2011-12-30T12:45:00.000-05:00

Kevin is taking this 'rest your arm' thing seriously and bless his heart, he is helping me press and organize my strip drawers.

As you can see, we are quite the assembly line; he presses, I sort. The drawer was full!!! All of the strips are organized into beautiful color piles and the one "I have no idea where to put these" pile right in the middle.

The 'after' is fantabulous - and while this is time consuming, it feels so good in the end to know exactly what I have to work with. Thanks for the inspiration Bonnie!!!

Taking a page from Miss Bonnie's book......

2011-12-28T13:21:00.000-05:00

I'm trying to use my left arm, I really am. And in teasing, I asked my husband "How do you work with your left arm all the time??? It's frustrating! (He's left-handed).

Anyway, a couple of weeks ago, Bonnie Hunter posted that she was going through her strip drawers, pressing and organizing them by color. So I figured since I really can't cut anything I'd try to start on that project. My drawers have exploded so this is going to take some time.

As you can see I haven't even made a dent in the 2-inch drawer. Someone make sure I've come up for air later will you please???

Hugs!

Superior bummer.......

2011-12-27T20:05:00.000-05:00

This tendonitis thing totally sucks. I got four shots in my arm last Friday and was told 'no repetitive movement, no lifting over five pounds'. Do you know how much 'repetitive movement' you do without even thinking about it?

All my sewing plans went down the tubes for my week of vacation. I will admit I was bad on Christmas Eve and bound a quilt for my mother-in-law... it was her giftie and needed to be done. And yes, I keep doing things even though I am not supposed to. I caught myself coming close to tears today because of this. I wanted to get two quilts bound this week and some other pieces cut for another quilt.

I really don't want to go back and get shot again... they hurt like the dickens!!!

Thanks for listening and letting me whine. I appreciate it. Now back to watching Abby, Beth, and Kevin decorate more cookies.

Hugs!

For Sale - left handed Gingher shears

2011-12-26T14:58:00.001-05:00

I bought Kevin a pair of left-handed shears for Christmas, only to discover he cuts right-handed.

So, if any of you cut left handed and would like to purchases the brand new, Gingher shears let me know. I'm asking what I paid... $25.. plus shipping.

Let me know!

Hugs,

Merry Christmas everyone!

2011-12-25T11:04:00.000-05:00

The presents are opened, breakfast is eaten, phone calls made to family members, and the turkey is in the oven.

I hope all of you are having a wonderful day with your loved ones.

Happy Christmas!

Nancy

Quilting can prove harmful to your health......

2011-12-24T13:04:00.000-05:00

Kevin is always saying "Practice safe quilting."... well, who knew he was right?

Over Thanksgiving I cut out ALL of the pieces for a Bonnie Hunter Pineapple Blossom. Our challenge this year is Red and White and I thought, why not?

Well my arm said "No Way!". I have tendonitis. Four shots in my right arm later.... I have to baby it for the next two weeks, no lifting anything heavier than 5 pounds and no repeptitive motion over a long period of time UGH!!!!. Those shots HURT!!!! but hopefully I won't have to undergo weeks of PT.

So my kids and Kevin will be helping with Christmas dinner tomorrow.... I'm not even going to attempt to lift an 18 pound bird.

So Happy Christmas to all.... enjoy your family, friends, food, and fun!

Hugs!

My latest accomplishments......

2011-11-27T10:40:00.000-05:00

Over the last couple of months I have managed to get a couple of things done in between adapting things for my students.

The first is a Cars quilt for my great-nephew Carson. He LOVES Lightning McQueen. The farm animal quilt is for his new baby brother Aidan.

The yellow quilt is from fabric that I bought 10 years ago at G-Street Fabrics in Rockville, MD. Erin's penpal, Emma, was here from Scotland and we popped in during our visit to Washington, DC. She picked out the fabric; it only took me 10 years to figure it out. I think she will be surprised when it arrives.

Ok, back to my latest project. We still have vacation tomorrow and Tuesday, but this is my last 'play' day... I have school work to do.

Have a great day!

Reading Red

2011-11-26T12:04:00.001-05:00

What determines Red???

Our challenge at guild - as stated by your's truly - is red and white. My goal in doing this was to use my red pieces in a red scrappy Bonnie Hunter pineapple quilt (I think I just answered my own question).

So, are the maroon reds 'red'? Are the pink reds 'red'?

If I take a page out of Bonnie's book, it doesn't matter. I took a look at the reds she pulled for her Orca Bay mystery and they run from pink-red to maroon-red. So why am I worried about this?

Probably because someone in my guild will say "You said red and white. Why do you have prints in there? Why do you have maroons in there?"

So now that I have asked the blog world and probably answered my own question at the same time, I venture forth into the sewing room and start cutting. Who knows, I might even have enough for the Orca Bay mystery when I get around to it.

Have a great day!

Giving Thanks........

2011-11-23T09:02:00.001-05:00

- for my family
- for the roof over my head
- for the job I have
- for the children I teach (and for what they teach me)
- for all of my friends near and far who have enriched my life in ways too many to list here

And for so many other things that my brain can't fathom right now. Please take care and thank you for being my friend.

What do you do with a Fat Quarter Bundle... and thank you :o)

2011-10-30T09:00:00.000-04:00

I ordered a Dogwood Fat Quarter bundle the other day. I have a couple of other bundles in the sewing room as well. Now I'm wondering what to do with them?

So I'd like your input. Do you have a specific pattern or book you like? Or is it more of a 'just go with it' attitude? Knowing me I'm over thinking this.

A couple of people have emailed me to check in and make sure I'm still here. As you can see I am. The snow came and went yesterday and while we were without power for seven hours we survived. Hubby hooked up the generator to the fridge and a space heater. I think the girls are even more happy that mom makes quilts now.

Back to all of the school stuff I was going to do on the computer yesterday.

Have a good one!

Check in time........

2011-09-18T18:45:00.000-04:00

Tomommor begins the fourth week of school..... that is so hard to believe. Mid-terms are the week of October 3rd... I can't believe we are almost through the first half of the first marking period. We have a really good group of kids this year and I'm looking forward to working with them.

Well to make that official, the upper respiratory crud is making its way through school.... and I'm fighting it. So far so good.

I try to work on my hexies each evening... or almost each evening. I did get two blocks sewn last night for the Christmas block exchange at guild. Felt good to get my hands on the machine.

So today I spent napping, grocery shopping, and reading the latest Bennie Harper quilt mystery "Spider Web"... I want to get this read, I really enjoy Earlene Fowler's books.

Ok, I'm off to read.

Hugs!

Takin' a break

2011-09-08T19:45:00.002-04:00

Changes on the horizon (nothing major, no worries)... got lots to do.

So I need to take a break from blogging and reading blogs.

Be back soon!

Hugs!

Giveaway Winner

2011-09-05T16:41:00.000-04:00

Surprise!! It's 4:30 EST and past time to reveal the winner of my I made it through the first week giveaway.

So, after going through all of the emails/comments received, discounting the anonymous ones (sorry, I did say that in the post) I came up with 18 valid comments.

Putting the numbers into Random Number Generator, the winner is #14 on my emails list... and that is Amy!!!

Send me your address Amy and they will be in the mail ASAP.

Thank you all for participating! Now back to work on my Cultural Diversity unit.

Hugs!

I made it through the first week.... giveaway

2011-09-04T19:37:00.001-04:00

The first week is done, and I made it. I was seriously exhausted by Friday night and just crashed in the lazy boy for two hours. I've got a good group of kids this year. Hopefully things will continue this well for the rest of the year. I have a student who recently moved from Oxfordshire, England. I'm not sure if he's bored or homesick.... but I'm sure he will be ok.

So in honor of the first week.. I've gone through the stash/scraps and packed up another box. If you want/need some new stuff, please leave a comment telling me your favorite school memory. Make sure I can contact you (email please and no anonymous comments.) Also, I'm sorry but I have to restrict this to domestic US only... shipping this overseas would be a bit dicey.

Let's make this a quickie.... deadline is Monday, September 5 at 4 pm EST. What a great Labor Day giftie this will be for someone.

Oh.. isn't Abby just the cutest??!!!

Hugs!!

UFO Challenge... end of the year

2011-08-31T19:00:00.000-04:00

The UFO challenge is down to the last two months... so why not just eeny-meeny the numbers and make a decision.

September #6

October #10

Many of mine are waiting their turn at Donna's but I'm sure they will be beautiful when she quilts them.

School is a little nuts this week... no major quilting getting done.

Take care!

Songs for today......

2011-08-23T18:50:00.000-04:00

"I felt the Earth.... move... under my feet..."

" A whole lotta shakin' goin' on..."

"Shake, Rattle, and Roll"

What a way to spend our first inservice day of the new year. Sitting in my room and the floor vibrates. Of course being the sarcastic person I am I looked at the other two team teachers and said "Did the earth move for you?"

and to the think the day started with the migraine from.....

Hope you had a good day!

p.s. I quilt... GIVEAWAY!!!!

2011-08-18T15:22:00.000-04:00

You like????? Check out the giveaway that Rachel is having thanks to Green Fairy Quilts.

Good Luck!!!!

Quilting Software.....

2011-08-17T12:41:00.001-04:00

I guess I'm a software junkie.... or I have an unrealistic view of the time I have to actually devote to using it.

My latest acquisition? The Farmer's Wife book and CD. I ordered it all prior to knowing that A: the patterns are available as PDFs on line (can't remember where but I downloaded it on the PC) B: You can use Marti Michel's acrylic templates (haven't bought them yet).

So where do I begin????? I think that this will be 'after school starts' project.

Any suggestions?

Quilty Hugs,

HUGE charity giveaway...

2011-08-15T17:43:00.000-04:00

Green Fairy Quilts is having a huge giveaway to help with their trip to Romania. Go on over and check it out.

Hugs!

Note to Self...............

2011-08-12T16:53:00.000-04:00

Make sure that you cut all of the LONGGGGGGGGGGGG sashing strips the same width prior to putting them in the quilt... not after the top is done. At least it's too big and not too small.

Back to my ripping now..........

Go Baby Giveaway

2011-08-11T18:23:00.000-04:00

Christine at Once Upon a Quilt is hosting a Go Baby Giveaway. I might actually win this one :o)

Two and a half weeks.....

2011-08-09T19:04:00.000-04:00

I can tell the end is near. I'm spending time in my classroom hanging posters and such (how they think you can get a classroom ready in one afternoon is beyond me). Today I concluded a two-part, 7.5 hour meeting regarding and incoming student.

On the quilting front I got my next hand-quilting project thread-basted over the weekend. I want to get the the quilt top made for that special someone (who is practically standing behind me) done before school starts. I'm about half finished and plan to stay home tomorrow and complete the task.

On the weather side of things... RAIN!!!!! We have had more rain in the last few days then we've had in over a month. It is lovely to see puddles along the road and the green grass again.

Hope all is well with you in your corner of the world.

Hugs!

I really am focusing on the task at hand.....

2011-08-04T13:21:00.001-04:00

there just happens to be two tasks I have to focus on.

The first task is a quilt I was asked to make for a friend. Actually there are two.. one top is finished already.

The second task is a quilt for someone special but I can't talk about it 'cause I don't know if this someone special reads my blog on a regular basis.

And since there is only three weeks left until I am officially in school mode... I need to multi-task.... does all this make sense??

I want this book......

2011-08-01T10:18:00.001-04:00

Why do I want this book?

As a history major and quilt lover it will be an great read. But mainly because of this quilt. It's HEXAGONS (I think I'm obsessed with them). Isn't that awesome? Will I ever make it????

I can dream can't I? (There are way too many question marks in this post).

You can read all about the evolution of this beautiful quilt at Gum Valley Quilts. The gal's name is Linda and she lives in Victoria, Australia. I am awestruck!

I can't find the book at the usual haunts, Amazon or Barnes and Noble. If any of my Aussie friends would be willing to purchase a copy and send it to me, I will gladly send fabric or a copy of my guild's documentation book of our local quilts or we can figure something else out.

August UFO Challenge Number

2011-07-31T15:10:00.000-04:00

It all of the sudden dawned on me that tomorrow is August 1. Twenty-nine days until school starts (ARGH!!!!)

Abby helped me with this month's video. Your August UFO is #1.

Oh look.... mine's done!! LOL... but some of the other's are still in limbo.

Have fun!

Quilt Odyssey 2011

2011-07-31T10:33:00.001-04:00

The Sundae Quilters (and friends) made the annual trek to Quilt Odyssey to sell raffle tickets for our guild. Going in a group is great as we take turns seeing the show, shopping in the vendor village (Maragaret made up that name.. I love it), and selling tickets.

Here are a few pictures of the quilts that 'tripped my trigger'. I admire the people who can come up with these ideas and apply them to fabric... I think I'm destined to be a geometric quilter (thank you Miss Bonnie).

The Rainbow Star??? 12,256 hexagons (I estimated 3/4 inch hexies). Not in my life time LOL

Oh and the Chicken bag?? A woman and her daughter-in-law were sitting out front as we left and I absolutely fell in love with the chicken... and she designed it!!!! She also makes a flamingo.... how cool!

Enjoy!!!

Previously... on Patchwork Penguin

2011-07-29T16:30:00.001-04:00

As you recall, yesterday I made my virgin attempt to make a Pineapple block using Gyleen Fitgerald's "Trash 2 Treasures" book and ruler. Yes I admit I skimmed the directions; attempted the block, swore at it a bit, figure it out myself, THEN went back and read the book. I do things bass-ackwards that way.

So after all that, I sliced and diced my Christmas fabrics into 1.5" strips. Isn't that a lovely pile??? Reminds me of spaghetti. The center blocks are all the same.... the only uniformity to the whole thing I guess.

I have two out of 64 done. Not something I'm going to get done in a weekend. Lots of up-and-down to the ironing board which they say is a good thing.

Oh, and before I got started, Kevin had to put my arms back on .... my chair. I decided I didn't like it without them.

Happy Quilting!!

Pineapple Block - Gyleen style

2011-07-27T16:14:00.000-04:00

This is why my first grade teacher said on my report card.. "Does not like to follow directions."

Ok, I admit, I skimmed the book... I didn't read it. But after walking away and then going back with a clear head (and lunch) I got my pineapple block figured out using Gyleen Fitzgerald's ruler and book "Trash 2 Treasure".

I'm liking it... and am in the process now of cutting ALL of my Christmassy fabrics into 1.5" inch strips.

Hope you are having a great day!!!

Leaders and Enders

2011-07-22T18:53:00.000-04:00

Bonnie!! Bonnie!! Bonnie!!!!

I wouldn't call myself a scrappy junkie... nor a leader/ender nerd.... but I am trying. Today I spent some time putting together my 'twosies' to make 4-patches. I MADE 400!!!!!! I know it is difficult to see in this pictures... but the drawer is almost full.

Holy moly!!! So I went through Bonnie's books and found that many of her quilts are made using 4-patches created with 2-inch squares. Ok.. now I have to decide which one to make.

If you smell something burning.. it's my brain trying to make a decision.

Hugs!!!

Neverending Hexagons.....

2011-07-19T19:43:00.000-04:00

I love 30's prints... and I love hexagons. So a couple of years ago I decided to embark on a Grandmother's Flower Garden. I have lots of flowers made, more to make, and have a few actually put together.

Then I decided... why not try 1/2-inch???? So, I cut out some Civil War prints (my new passion) and some Kona Natural and get those together. No clue what I'm going to do with it (no it is NOT going to be a full-size quilt)... I just like putting them together.

Now I have challenged myself (with a "You're nuts!" from my Sundae Quilter pals) to try the 1/4-inch. Gonna look for those at Quilt Odyssey in two weeks.

I'll let you know what the address is for my rubber room :o)

Hugs!

A win and some wings!!!

2011-07-17T10:58:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago, the Fat Quarter Shop had a giveaway for Amanda Murphy patterns. I won!!!! Thank you so much to the FQS!!!!

I received a set of patterns in the mail the other day and they are adorable. Abby has looked at them and found a couple she likes.

The wings part of this post is a Swallowtail butterfly. One of them shows up at least once a summer and Kevin got a picture the other day.

Hope you are enjoying life in your part of the globe. It is going to be wicked hot here this week....bring on the autum temps!

Hugs!

In my next life............

2011-07-09T20:33:00.001-04:00

1. I'm going to design all public buildings AROUND the women's bathroom
2. Teach people how to cut fabric in a straight line. (no one in particular)
3. Teach fabric companies how to roll fabric onto a bolt so that it can be cut on the straight of grain.
4. Curb the reliance on a calculator/digital read-out so that kids can add and subtract without punching plastic buttons and then freezing up when the machine doesn't give them the correct answer and I have to tell them how much change I get back.
5. Be able to press, fold, cut, stack, count, draw lines, and sew 189 flying geese in one evening.
6. Be better at watching what I eat, how much I eat, and exercise more.
7. Try to be more tolerant when life throws curves I'm not ready for.

Ok, I'm done being *#*(&$#.... how was your day????

Old is new... and a finish

2011-07-05T14:06:00.001-04:00

Kevin is on vacation this week, so today we went to breakfast and did some running around.

We went to a local flea market/antique co-op and of course I was on the lookout for old quilts. This is what I found. It is a beautiful pink/yellow squares pattern with a purple sashing. There is also an embroidered date of 1917 in one of the corners on the back. I love it!!!!

Also, I was able to finish another UFO this week. This is my guild President's quilt. I had the honor of serving as president of the Chambersburg Quilt Guild in 2000-2001. You know how quilts have to talk to you... well this one took its own sweet time telling me how to finish it. When I was asked what fabrics and colors I like I said "Red and Pansies". The reaction was "Yeah, like we will find that" and low and behold they did!!!!!! I love this quilt... there are signatures of members who have passed on and some whose pathes have taken them away from the guild.

So since I knew I wasn't going to get my hand-quilted sampler done anytime soon, I made an executive decision to switch this one for the sampler on my UFO list (see sidebar). Five of my UFOs are at Donna's waiting to be quilted periodically after her machine gets a tune-up. So other than one huge one that I need to find a stencil for to mark some wreathes, my UFO box is EMPTY!!!!! My goal will soon be reached... I am so psyched.

Hope you all are having a wonderful day (in much cooler temps I might add).

Hugs!!!

July UFO Challenge

2011-07-02T09:35:00.000-04:00

Sorry, I'm a day late. Abby and I were out and about yesterday an then my in-laws took us out for supper.

So here we go. The July UFO number is 5.

Have fun!!!

Finished!!!

2011-06-28T12:25:00.000-04:00

I've managed to get two things completed since school let out.

The first is a baby quilt for my daughter's friend. I love the Turning 20 patterns... quick and colorful! I love the way Abby holds it for the picture... don't you?

The second is a pattern from Judy Laquidara. I think she called it Bears in the Farmhouse or something like that. I'm calling mine "Bear-inagoddadavida".... remember the song? It's the 60's man!!

Ok, now what else can I get in to.

Quilty hugs!

For Sale

2011-06-27T14:24:00.000-04:00

I'm still rearranging and cleaning out, and this fabric and book have moved at least half a dozen times in the last week. I suppose that is a sign that I am never going to make this.

The fabric package has never been opened. The project is the quilt to the left - the one draping down. It is called "Watermelon"; the book is by Barbara Brandenburg.

The fabric was originally $55; the book $20. So for $50 US (plus shipping) it's yours. Let me know if you are interested.

Retreat Weekend

2011-06-26T19:51:00.001-04:00

How can one weekend go by so fast??!!!!

The Sundae Quilters got together for a retreat this passed weekend and while all of us couldn't be there we were together in spirit.

So much fun, laughter, food, joking, food, humor, food... did I mention food? We had enough to feed an army!!

Here is the group shot from Saturday. Across the top and down from left to right: Judie, Belinda Shelley (the retreat virgin); Fran and Lori (tucked in behind Tracy); Tracy, Marie, me; Carla (in yellow) Jeane (to my left) and Bonnie in front. Sophie, the camp managers dog, became an honorary member.

I have uploaded some more pics over at the Sundae Quilters blog; feel free to take a look.

Scrap box winners!!!!!

2011-06-23T14:25:00.000-04:00

Abby has drawn our winners for the three boxes of scraps. I will email the winners for their addresses when I am finished here and hopefully get them in the mail tomorrow before going on my retreat.

Oh and that was Beth 'squealing' in the background.

Learning to let go....

2011-06-20T16:30:00.000-04:00

Recently, whether in one of her books or on her blog, I read something written by Bonnie Hunter. It had to do with scraps and using them in a quilt. It is OK to put 30's fabrics with theme fabrics with Christmas fabrics with calico that is older than dirt fabric with.... well you get the idea.

Yesterday I went rooting through bins and I found leader/enders that I had been saving. Some were Christmas four-patches, for that Christmas scrap quilt I was going to make how many years ago. Then there were the 30's pieces, for that 30's scrap quilt. If they aren't made yet, they aren't going to happen.

So after some reassurance from Kevin, I put all of them together in one box and will put them into a totally scrappy quilt. I can't save all of this anymore for 'this project' or 'that project'.

This is like AA for quilters, people!!! I've decided it is part of my 12-step intervention program!!!

So yes, I'm Nancy.... and I'm a fabricaholic. There, it's said and I can learn to let go and put it all together.

Now if only giving up Coca-cola was that easy.

Happy Scrapping!

My drawers are full....

2011-06-19T19:08:00.001-04:00

That got your attention didn't it (hehehe); But as you can see.... they are.

And these are my leader/enders from 2-inch squares... and there are more to come. I also have 2.5-inch squares to mess with.

And this is a scrappy project that I totally forgot about .... it must be 2-3 years old and will be going to my retreat with me this weekend.

So what is this Flat Rate Priority box??? It's fabric... actually I have three of them. I have filled them as far as I can (cause the PO says they have to be full but not over). I don't have time to cut all this into strips and you saw my drawers... where would I put it???

So let's have a GIVEAWAY (USA only please). If you like scrappy, and you want to cut it all up, it's yours. Please leave a comment... I'll draw three names on Thursday, June 24.

I know this will go to a good home..... just not mine.

Summer break is here.......

2011-06-14T15:36:00.000-04:00

....and with it summer jobs.

Yesterday was spent at school for my contract option day. Having fulfilled that, I will not have to go in on the November 30th In-service day next year.

Today's task was strawberry jam. I make it with the low-sugar Sure-gel.... yummy!!! I know I've posted about this before (it's an annual thing). Abby helped so very much.... and we even drafted Phil, her boyfriend. Even Smokey approves!!!

Having started with 16 quart, we still have three sitting on the counter waiting to be capped and munched on. The other 13 are in these jars and in one freezer bag for ice cream on Father's Day (another yum!).

Hopefully going to get some sewing/quilting in this week. Need some fabric therapy time.

Hugs!!!

Yard Sale Part I

2011-06-05T19:39:00.000-04:00

I spent some time destashing... I hope you find something you like. I can take PayPal (I'll send you my email address to make the payment) or a US money order. Please bear with me.... I'm learning :o)

Prices include Priority Mail shipping. Overseas shipping may be more.

Loralie Teacher Border Print (3 yds)
6 FQs
2 Panels (one teacher missing from each panel)

$30

3 yds Sorbet $15

7 yds Harvest Print from Wilmington Prints

($40)

4-1/3 yds Mardi Gras Masks

1.5 yds Mardi Gras Beads (Robert Kauffman)

$25

Maywood Studios

5 yds Ornaments

1.75 yds dark green

(9) 1 yd each

$65

Working on the Yard Sale - Question??????

2011-06-05T16:25:00.000-04:00

I'm busy pulling fabric out of the stash to put up for my 'blog sale' and I have a question for those who have done this in the past.

I do have a paypal account.... and I've only ever used it and gotten payments from people when I give them my email address. Is there an easier way to do this?

In the past I've done more with sending US money orders.

Any suggestions or advice will be appreciated. Thanks!

Bernie is sick.... and I'm frustrated

2011-06-05T14:13:00.000-04:00

Finally....... I have a Sunday to sit down and knock out a project and what happens.... the machine zonks on me!!!!

I was just meandering... and in the middle the bobbin thread was doing this (see picture)... so I just spent 30 minutes ripping it all out the middle of the quilt. I had changed the needle in the middle of quilting and apparantly that took care of that problem but I'll have to re-do it after Bernie comes back from the spa.

Before I found all of that on the back, I tried to make the binding... my feed dogs won't come back up.

Of course.... just as school is ending and I can sew without guilt. *SIGH*

Hope you are having a better day...

June UFO

2011-06-04T10:28:00.000-04:00

I am so sorry for posting this late. My only excuse is school. The end of the marking period is here (school is over on the 10th) and I have to get grades done and in by Monday morning.

So without further delay here is the number. It took four attempts before it gave me a number that hadn't been chosen yet.

Thank you all for being patient.

Hugs!

Binging and Purging

2011-05-28T19:55:00.003-04:00

One thing nice about the Memorial Day weekend is I really don't have to stress too much over school. There are two weeks left, I know what I'm doing and needless to say I am breathing a sigh of relief.

I've been doing a lot of purging in the sewing room. I went through a stack of magazines, saved the ones I want and put the rest in a box to donate to the guild quilt show boutique table. I also found some notecards, nick-nacks, and patterns that I know I will never do anything with. I am nowhere near done though and will work on this from now until the show in July.

The up side of all this is that I found the camera case and the file containing all of the disks for my laptop (Kevin is laughing at me).

Part of my purging will be looking seriously at my stash and perhaps having a yard sale on my blog. Somewhere in time I really liked, even loved, all of this fabric. But there comes a time when reality bites me in the butt and i need to pass it along to someone who can really make use of it.

So blogland friends, keep your eyes open. The yard sale will open soon.

Hugs!

PS I guess I never did buy Bonnie Hunter's Leaders and Enders book.... so I just ordered (Kevin laughed at that too).

I really want to know........

2011-05-28T14:50:00.000-04:00

about your iron.

What kind do you have?
Why do you like it?
Do you use steam all the time?
Do you have an 'automatic shut-off" feature and does it bug you?

Anything you can tell me will help. My friend Donna is allowing me to test-drive her Oliso so I will get to that ASAP.

I have two old GE irons... heavy as all get out... and they are HOT!!! - pulling oodles of electricity which means I really don't want to leave them on while I'm sewing (thus the question about the auto shut-off thingy).

I appreciate your input... happy weekend!!

UUUUGH!!!!

2011-05-20T15:52:00.000-04:00

I hate these teeny.... tiny.... little..... *#($&(#(& things!!!!

We went through this last spring... why again????

Ok, enough ranting.

Hope you are having a better day

Hugs,

I know I had it....

2011-05-15T15:24:00.000-04:00

I know I bought this..... anyone know where I put it?????

I guess after school is done, I'll need to rip and tear and put away in the sewing room.... but if I'm going to do that, I'm going to have a new floor put down and get the ratty old carpet out.

Bonnie is going to think I'm nuts.

You really needed to know this didn't you :o)

May UFO challenge

2011-04-30T13:33:00.002-04:00

Tomorrow is May 1.... can you believe it? And therefore it is time to draw another number for the UFO Challenge.

May is # 7..... I have the top done, just need to figure out how to finish it.

Good Luck!!

Goals and Objectives

2011-04-23T15:20:00.000-04:00

I know.... some of you are wondering 'who's this??'... haven't heard from her in a while. No excuses... just nothing much to say.

All of the teachers out there will understand what it means to set goals and objectives. Well I decided that the quilter side of me needed a goal as well. I am slowly trying to get my UFO quilt tops bordered, quilted, and bound. What was a full box is now a box containing only four quilts... each at a different state of design. Two of them are ready to go to Donna once I get the backing made. I am working on the borders for #3 and the fourth... it needs some trimming down before I border it and I want to make sure I won't be disturbed before I start trimming down the sides. Donna does have a few more... but I am considering them 'out of the box'.

So that is what I have been up to... besides school. We will be heading to our oldest daughter's Law school graduation soon and then school for the twins and I will be winding down for the year.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful day!

April UFO Challenge

2011-03-26T11:08:00.000-04:00

I figured while I'm sitting here blogging (actually having the time to do it) I would go ahead and post the April UFO Challenge number.

April is # 2 ....... my Bear-inagoddadivda.

Good luck!!!

March UFO Finished

2011-03-26T10:59:00.000-04:00

I got my Dresden Plate quilt back from Donna last week and got the binding on lickety-split!!! Didn't it turn out gorgeously gorgeous!!!! She did a fantastic job with the quilting... I love the bamboo design in the border.

This one was sitting waiting to be hand quilted... and reality check said no way. I have another one of these to put together... in my spare time.

On to the next one!!!

25 years and counting.....

2011-03-26T10:53:00.000-04:00

Kevin and I celebrated our 25th anniversary on the 15th. My students are amazed I've been married for 25 years. We've had our ups and downs.... what married couple doesn't.... but I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat. He sent me an Edible Arrangement at school and I brought it home to share with everyone... yummy!!!

Have a great day!!!

Civil War Giveaway

2011-03-17T18:37:00.000-04:00

Elizabeth is having a giveaway.... Civil War fabrics and the CW Diary Book. I am such a CW junkie.... love these fabrics!

Good luck!!

A day to mourn........

2011-02-22T15:57:00.000-05:00

My Rowenta died...... thank goodness I have Kevin's grandmother' honkin-heavy thirty-year-old iron as a back-up.

Oh, and we did get a snow day.... ugh!!!! Now tacking them on to the end of the year.

March UFO Challenge Number.....

2011-02-20T15:14:00.000-05:00

What the heck.... February is short right? And since I'm bloggin I might as well post the March UFO number.

Here you go..... # 4!!!!! OOOOOOO my Dresden Plate.... gotta love it.

Quilty Hugs!

February UFO #8 - Flimsy Done

2011-02-20T14:57:00.000-05:00

So when I began this UFO challenge idea two years ago... my mind said "Done is done... quilted, bound... done." Now I say... "whatever!!!!.... if it is 'doner' than it used to be... I'll take it."

So here is my February UFO challenge.... Old Tobacco Road. This was a Bonnie Hunter mystery a couple of years back. Mine is a little narrower than hers... lesson learned... don't whack when something is gnawing at you. But I think it turned out well. I'll get the back pieced and off to Donna to add to my longarm list.

Speaking of Donna, I know she is working on my Dresden Plate, so maybe I'll get that one done-done and off the list sooner rather than later.

Happy Quilting!!

Gyleen Fitzgerald... amazing!!!!

2011-02-12T16:25:00.000-05:00

Today was guild day, and our guest speaker was Gyleen (pronounced GUYleen) Fitzgerald of Colorful Stitches. Amazing woman!!!! and funny......... she had us laughing all throughout her presentation.

I had the honor of booking her visit when I was on the program committee last year and I am so glad that we had the opportunity. She told me that she is booking out to 2013 already... including a cruise to Alaska in August of that year!!!!! Wish I could squeeze that in before school started.

Anyway, her new book is called Trash to Treasure: Pineapple Quilt Challenge. If you are on Facebook look it up. If you are in a guild, suggest her to your program committee. I know you will enjoy her visit.

February UFO Challenge Number

2011-01-29T12:40:00.000-05:00

So it is January 29.... that means almost February, right?

Our UFO Challenge for February is # 8.

Happy Quilting!

A young life is gone.....

2011-01-27T20:18:00.000-05:00

Our district lost a student this evening. He was 18; ... a senior ready to embark on the next phase of his life.

I've known him since he was a little boy.... he was in nursery school with my twins.

A wicked traffic accident Sunday night... he went through the windshield from what I understand; broke his pelvis in two places... and laid in the cold so long his core temp was down in the 30s. I don't know much more than that.

Please.... hug your children.... hug anyone..... it all goes by so quickly.

Is it at all possible........

2011-01-26T13:10:00.000-05:00

to have too many UFOs???????

Lord 0'mighty where did all of these come from????? Honestly, my sidebar list has probably gone out the window now. I just dug up two more and my brain is moving in that direction.

on another note... we are having a snow day today. The storm didn't hug the coast enough to dump on us.... but enough to be a pain. So now we are losing our Easter break..... Pennsylvania weather is grand!

Hugs!

What in the world was I thinking.........

2011-01-18T19:09:00.000-05:00

I made a quilt a few years ago with lots of 9-patches in it... and I had more leftover.

So I took some of the leftovers and put them into 9 in 9-patch squares, set them on point with plain set in squares, and then set-in triangles.. yada yada yada.... you know the deal.

Long story short... this puppy is approximately 105" x 125"........ and its on my UFO list!!!!!

I'm seriously thinking of hand quilting it... I want wreathes in the set in squares.

Stay tuned!

Do you piece batting?????

2011-01-18T13:23:00.000-05:00

if you do it's yours for the cost of shipping (domestic only... don't think it would be worth it to ship outside US). Pieces vary in size... I just want it out of the living room (so I can start filling the basket again :o)

There is Hobbs 80/20 and various types of Dream Batting in there...... cream and white.

Let me know!

S(n)ew Day......now nICE

2011-01-18T11:38:00.000-05:00

We got the call last night around 10pm that we would be on a 2-hour delay today. Then around 7 am this morning we got the call that school is closed.

Darn!! I left all of my stuff at school :o)

So I'm using the day to catch up on fixing, piecing, etc. I took the borders off of one quilt that was made in my 'quilter's infancy'.... you know when you just cut a border, sew it on and whack off what is left over. The picture above shows what I had left after measuring it to fit. Breathing a big sigh here.......

I pieced the backing for it also; a hodge-podge of three different purple-floral fabrics. It's for Abby and she doesn't care what the back looks like as long as the quilt keeps her warm.

Ok, I'm off to check my UFO list and see what needs done to what to get ready to quilt. I have to finish marking borders on my 30's sampler to hand quilt also. Should do that while the sun shines.

Hugs!

Coffee Pot Crisis

2011-01-16T10:10:00.000-05:00

The coffee pot has died. Kevin said the water is not getting from the resevoir to the pot and he is finding a puddle under it in the morning. So we will be getting a new coffee pot.

I am so wanting the Keurig.... why? Cause it's cool!!!! and Judie has one LOL..... and well........ it's cool!!!!!

Kevin, being the practical, level-headed one in the family (and my kids are totally his kids) says we don't need that and just by a new Mr. Coffee or something. OOO!! He just said get one with a timer! That is splurging!!!

We are so 20th century! I'm surprised he hasn't planted his own coffee tree/plant thing and takes his donkey out to pick the beans. But he says we don't have anyplace to keep the donkey... so Juan Valdez he ain't.

Ok, this post has gone totally whacked.... off to buy the new coffee pot.

January UFO..... I lucked out

2011-01-11T21:41:00.000-05:00

I really lucked out on this one. Two days after Abby picked #3 for January my friend Donna, who does my long-arming, called me to say my Disappearing 9-patch was done.

Woohoo!!! That is #3 on the list. Can you believe it??? I got something done in the month I was supposed to (thanks to the holiday break).

This is a workshop sample for a class I am doing at guild in April. After that, it will be donated to Quilts of Valor.

Thanks Donna!

I DO NOT Want a snow day

2011-01-10T20:50:00.000-05:00

So........ the big storm is coming. I am hearing rumors that some are predicting an early dismissal tomorrow and a snow day on Wednesday.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

You see, we only have ONE day off in January, ONE day off in February, and ONE day off in March. Easter is late this year. Losing one of those days would make an awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwfully long stretch without a break.

And besides, I did not put a snow day in my lesson plans for this week.... so it won't happen............... right??????

UFO Challenge Participants Request

2011-01-01T11:10:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year!

I have a favor to ask of all the gals/guys in the UFO challenge. Would you please, if you have a moment, email me with your blog address so that I can fix the list? It is still adding spaces and I want to try and doctor on it if I can. Also, I'm going to make a spreadsheet this time. Technology is only so reliable.

PS. As of 2:00 pm EST I have 19 full or partial records. Thank you to all that emailed; some I got from emails I saved. For those that haven't had a chance to email I would appreciate it if you would. Also, please check the link on the side to make sure it works. Thanks so much!

Thanks!

Green Fairy Giveaway

2010-12-31T16:38:00.000-05:00

Green Fairy Quilts is having a New Year's Giveaway.... check it out!

To quote Sally Brown ......

2010-12-30T16:42:00.000-05:00

"Isn't he just the cutest thing!!!!"

Kevin is a civilian re-enactor and makes some of his own clothes. He decided to make another hat, this time using a piece of rabbit fur he got at a flea market for the ear flaps.

This is the beginning of the project. He and Mr. Featherweight work very well together don't you think?

Everything belongs to the cat....

2010-12-30T11:47:00.000-05:00

especially a box of unpressed Fat Quarters.

Judy L's Peach French Toast

2010-12-30T09:06:00.001-05:00

Yummy!!!!! Here is the recipe. I decided to add the white 'glaze'..... but you really wouldn't have to.

Swimming in the shallow end of the gene pool......

2010-12-29T09:00:00.001-05:00

Is the human race really becoming that stupid???? Playing Real-life Frogger on a highway.... duh!!!!

January 2011 UFO Challenge

2010-12-28T19:53:00.000-05:00

Evening all,

I've had a lot of requests to post the January UFO challenge number....so I hope all of you have your lists ready to go.

January's number is .............. 3

Good Luck!

UFO Challenge 2011... are you ready?

2010-12-27T19:56:00.000-05:00

There is less than a week before the first number is chosen for the 2011 UFO challenge.

If you haven't gotten your list together please do so ASAP. Post it on your blog if you like.... we'd love to share in your progess!

Keep your eyes open for the first number.. I might even draw it early.

Hugs!

Doin' an Amy.......

2010-12-27T18:59:00.000-05:00

I love Amy.... it is such a joy to read her blog and honestly... there are times I live vicariously through her when it comes to quilting. We are both teachers... and I totally envy the balance she has achieved between family, career, and quilting.

I was feeling in a slump today.... overwhelmed again by all the fabric and not knowing where to start. I had purchased a second plastic drawer unit to divide my strips into light and dark so they aren't all lumped together and today I took the time to separate them.

Well something happened.... I think the fabric pheromones must have invaded my system because I started to think about something I could make and I had half of the stuff already made from my Leaders and Enders ala Bonnie Hunter.

So... today I started making Bricks and Stepping Stones. I was able to cut all of the bricks out of my 3.5" strip drawer and I do believe I was able to cut each brick from a different fabric.

My goal tonight is to get the blocks done. I was never good at pulling all-nighters in college (one and only time I did I got a C on the test the next day) so I don't honestly see a quilt top done tonight.

But there is the rest of the week.

Thanks for the inspiration Amy!!!!

Dear Jane......

2010-12-27T11:14:00.000-05:00

Am I thinking way too far outside my box here? I don't give myself time to quilt as it is... do I really think I'm going to get a Dear Jane done in this lifetime???

I know it is all in my head. If I truly want it I'll do it. I even bought the CD to print off the patterns. Part of my reluctance is that paper-piecing is not one of my favorite things to do. *sigh*

Have any of you made a Dear Jane? Anything that you can share about your experience will be greatly appreciated.

Hugs!

Holiday Happenings

2010-12-27T11:10:00.000-05:00

We survived.... and I hope you all did too. Sometimes the holidays are so hectic that I find myself very unnerved and tense. Then when its over... I miss it. Go figure.

Anyway, here are a few pics from our holiday. Do you think the kids are happy????

Hugs!

Flag Day Farm by Moda.....

2010-12-18T08:08:00.002-05:00

I covet this.... I want this.... and I didn't get it when I had the chance.

Recently someone posted a link in their blog to a shop in Texas that had one bundle... and I was good and didn't order it. Kicking myself now.

And finding a picture to show you???? Ugh!!!

Happy Saturday!

Why????

2010-12-15T19:11:00.003-05:00

is it that every time I go to add a name to the UFO list, the gadget adds space between the names and I have to delete said space???

perhaps one of my techno-savvy bloggy friends can help me figure this one out.

Hugs!

Once Again.....

2010-12-12T16:32:00.000-05:00

I have fallen off the face of the earth.

I have come to the conclusion that we should just close school between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Between the holidays and hunting season I somtimes feel like I am a salmon fighting the current. Oh well...

I still haven't pressed all of those lovely fat quarters I bought at Thanksgiving... they are waiting in two huge piles in the sewing room.

Today I am attempting my first cheesecake... wish me luck. I hope the 8th grade teachers like it.

We had a little unexpected snow the other day... it stuck, made the roads a little slippy, but looked so pretty while it lasted.

Oh the buzzer is going off... have to see what the cheesecake looks like.

Hugs!

My babies are 17 today.....

2010-11-30T09:37:00.000-05:00

where did the time go.

That's Abby in the red walker, Beth in the yellow.

They were born on a Tuesday... Abby at 4:44pm, Beth at 5:08pm

There are days I want my babies back.... to cuddle and snuggle with; but every once in a while, they will surprise me and sit down on the couch with me and hold my hand.

They were quite the surprise.... especially after losing their brother who was still born.

I love them so much.

When I'm good, I'm good..... but when I'm bad........

2010-11-29T14:34:00.000-05:00

I was oh so bad; and Kevin was right there watching the entire time. (But bless his heart, he wasn't feeling well and is now on the couch with a stomach virus).

Anyway.... this was the fruit of my labor. I never thought I'd become a Civil War fabricaholic.... but the prints and shirtings just go into everything so well!!!

oh, and the three 30's fqs I don't have in my massive collection either... so they had to come home.

So, I'm done being bad for a while.... now to concentrate on Christmas.

Quilty Hugs!

Happy Thanksgiving !!

2010-11-25T12:30:00.000-05:00

The turkey is in the oven and I have nothing to do until I need to peel the potatoes soooooooooooo...........

I pulled out my Old Tobacco Road quilt pieces from the Bonnie Hunter mystery ... was it 2008???

This is what I have together so far. I was rather daunted by this task when I saw all the pieces, and the diagonal rows, but now that I have some of it together I really like it. I just take it one row at a time, hang it on the wall and then put some of them together.

and really I do have some school stuff to do, but I figured that can wait a couple of days.... I don't go back until Wednesday.

Happy Quilty/Turkey Hugs!!!

Quilters are Good Cooks

2010-11-13T18:07:00.000-05:00

or are we just fantastic eaters???!!!!

Either way, food and quilting always seem to go together. Our guild has a Christmas covered dish and also one in the spring at our May meeting. A few years back someone suggested we put together a cookbook.

It's here!!!.... and the recipes look yummy! I know that I have tried a few at the covered dish celebrations and have never been disappointed.

I have a box of books ready to sell; going to take some to school and send a few to work with Kevin. If you would like one let me know. They are $12 plus shipping.

Quilty Hugs!

Hoop Question

2010-11-11T15:52:00.000-05:00

I would like to put a call out for advice, preference, 'don't use that one'.... what can you tell me about your hoop?

I currently have an older model of the Grace Lap Hoop (mine doesn't swivel) and I really like it. Unfortunately, the legs tend to detach from the base and Kevin, bless his heart, is going to do his best to fix it... but I was thinking of trying something else that isn't so technical.

Am I making any sense??????

I wish I could test drive hoops... like a car. *sigh*

Thanks for your help!

UFO Challenge 2011

2010-11-07T12:06:00.000-05:00

Anyone up for the UFO Challenge for 2011? I'm glad to host it and I think some of you actually got stuff done... unlike me LOL

The object is simple....

1. You choose 10 UFOs and make a list; numbering them 1-10.
2. Each month (January through October) I will post a number chosen at random and that is the UFO you work on and hopefully complete for that month.
3. By the end of the year you will have 10 UFOs completed and off your conscience LOL.

So, if you are interested, please leave a comment and make sure I can link to your blog so that I can put you on the list on my sidebar. You can join at anytime... this is a totally no pressure activity.

And again, thanks to Lost In Space and the picture of the Jupiter 2.

Quilty Hugs!

Slowly but surely... and I was bad

2010-11-07T12:00:00.000-05:00

So I am slowly working on something. I will be teaching a Disappearing 9-Patch workshop at guild in the spring and thought it would be good to come up with at least a flimsy for a sample. So I raided the Reds, Cremes, and Blues (with some help from my Sundae Quilter Sisters) and so far this is what I have done. Pieces for the next 10 blocks are sitting on the sewing table waiting to be put together, and that may happen momentarily... I need to do something creative that doesn't involve a lesson plan.

On the being bad front... I fell in love with the Bliss line... and bought yardage and some FQs from the local shop... and then found the FQ Bundle on sale at Green Fairy Quilts and ordered it on line. I have no idea what I am going to do with all of this... but since when does knowing what to do with it factor in to purchasing.

The kids are getting antsy at school... it's hunting season, Thanksgiving break is coming soon.... and the weather has turned a tad chilly (I love that part).

So until next time, hopefully sooner than this one was, I bid you adieu.... Happy Quilting!

Still here..................

2010-10-17T09:58:00.000-04:00

Wow... I haven't posted in nearly a month. For that I apologize, but honestly I haven't had anything earth-shattering to post about.

My life is school... working through this semester that I've never taught and trying to re-vamp stuff that is 20 years old (seriously). I spend an average of six hours at school on the weekend; it is so much easier to work there rather than haul everything home.

But enough whining.... what have I been doing?

I did get some 5-inch squares cut - I need to make a sample for the disappearing nine-patch I am going to teach at guild in the spring.

I did go the Grandmother's Flower Garden group that Judie started.. and actually sewed a few hexies together... Thanks Judie!

On the down side, my inlaws are slowly driving back from New Mexico. Near the end of their two week vacation she fell and did major damage to her wrist. She had to have surgery in Roswell and rather than get jostled around on a bus and plane, they are making their way cross-country.

So, I hope that you are all having fun fondling fabric and using the creative side of your brain. I am so hoping to spend some of Thanksgiving break doing the same.

Quilty Hugs!

Isn't this September?????

2010-09-23T19:02:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow it is supposed to be 95F..... Hello???? Didn't the weather Gods get the memo?????

I'm sorry, I'm a fall person, I live for fall weather..... 70s during the day, 50s at night. I didn't order the sudden rise in temp and the 'almost maybe could-have-been a tornado' last night.

Also, why am I sick in September???? Because I went back to work in a Petrie Dish... also known as a school. Everyone is sick. So, maybe if I get sick now I won't get sick later (aka flu and pneumonia) like last year.

So I will stop grumbling now. Back to grading papers.

Quilty Hugs!

I'm still here......

2010-09-18T13:22:00.000-04:00

Well, we just finished the third week of school. Some of the 'squirrels' are starting to calm down.... I think they realize they are here for the next 166 (school) days.

The memorial for our former Latin teacher was today. It was incredibly moving and the number of students, past and present, that attended was great. This man really touched a lot of lives. On the way home I decided I would take the leftover "latin" fabric from Erin's quilt and make a baby blanket for his grandchild that is due in November.

I finally swapped out the chimney sweep blocks and will get them in the mail Monday or Tuesday. One poor gal sent hers twice and apparently someone in the postal service decided they needed them more. How sad is that.

My daughter Erin is the throws of interviews for a federal clerkship position. She will be home for one in Harrisburg on Monday and flies to Cincinnati for two in Kentucky.

The creeping crud is making its way through the school district. I'll probably have Beth to the doctor this week for a sinus infection. I told my students they can't breathe in my room anymore :o)

So I hope you all are having a lovely fall/spring. Take care and hug someone you love (or even someone you don't).

Hugs!!

From Cloud Nine to the Pit of Despair

2010-09-07T19:54:00.000-04:00

Today being the first day back to school after a three day weekend, I stood at the top of the 'ramp' coming into the 8th grade hallway and greeted the students with a "Good Morning!! It's great to see you!" Within an hour I hit bottom.

Yesterday I heard that one of the teachers on our faculty lost her father this weekend. Upon coming in today I heard that another teacher on our faculty lost his fater as well. Then I heard a teacher in another building lost his father. I couldn't believe it!!!

Then I received news that the former Latin teacher, who retired in June and just moved into his new home with his wife in Florida to be near their daughter, son-in-law and soon to be born grandchild, passed away Sunday night.

I have no desire to relive this day.

Go! Giveaway

2010-09-06T08:25:00.000-04:00

Ryan is having a giveaway for a Go! cutter... but you have to hurry... it ends at 11:59 tonight.

Good luck!!!

Slow Poke Quilters

2010-09-05T18:30:00.000-04:00

I am a slow poke... I freely admit it. I piece and quilt for me, at my speed. Anymore challenges, round robins, even block swaps make me tense.

So if you are a slow poke, come join us. You can find all of the information here.

Hugs,

Thread colors and other musings

2010-09-05T13:30:00.000-04:00

The first week of school is over and I survived (needless to say I was beat on Monday). Five days down.... 175 to go; am I actually counting???

I have some squirrelly kids this year... but I am sure they will work that out before too long. The first week is always crazy with assemblies, pictures, etc.

On top of the first week I had to go and buy yet another router... the ports in the one I had were blown and the desk top wouldn't connect to the web - though the lap top would connect wirelessly. Weird.

On the topic of thread.... what colors do you use the most often? I tend to use off white and black.. sometimes grey... for piecing. I don't get all matchy-matchy when I piece... do you? I am just curious.

So I hope everyone else is having a wonderful Labor Day weekend here in the states and if you are not in the US... I hope you are enjoying the weekend you are having/had.

Happy Quilting!!!

End of Summer/First Day of School

2010-08-29T19:12:00.000-04:00

Well, this is it... summer is over and the first day of school is tomorrow. I've spent every day of the past week in my room, hanging posters, copying papers, etc. Kevin built me two incredible bookshelves and Abby and Beth donated some books they were finished with.

So my quilting time will be put on the back burner... but I think I've learned to budget my time with this new position and I know come January things will get easier as I have taught the second half of the year already.

So, have a great fall and keep on stitching. I love living vicariously through all of you!!

UFO Challenges for September and October

2010-08-29T19:05:00.000-04:00

There are only two more months in the UFO challenge so I just picked a number for each month and put them on the sidebar.

September # 1
October # 8

Thank you to all who have participated. I know summer gets busy.. and needless to say I didn't get as many done as I would have liked but I know I will soon as two more are at the quilter.

We will start this up again in January if you all are interested.

Quilty Hugs!

Go Cutter Giveaway!

2010-08-21T10:00:00.000-04:00

Woohoo..... Canton Village Quiltworks is hosting a giveaway for an Accuquilt Go Cutter. The more I see these things and the beautiful quilts they produce, the more I'm thinking I could find room in my sewing room for this incredible gadget.

Go over and enter... but you know I'm gonna win :o)