BedofRosesMQ

DH the Woodturner

2012-01-25T16:13:00.004-07:00

Dh has been wood turning again. He finally got his shop set up so he could get back into woodturning and he has been having a good time with it. He used some small scraps to make little bowls I can use to make pin cushions. He also had a chunk of walnut he got from a friend so he turned this bowl out of some of it to give to the friend who gave him the wood. It's one of the prettiest bowls he has done. I'm hoping that by the time the fair rolls around he will have a couple made to enter. He also makes pens and key chains.

The Snow Storm

2012-01-18T16:47:00.003-07:00

Well, after all the build up from the weatherman we have about an inch of snow on the ground. It is now a rain snow mix and already starting to melt. Around here it is a relief not to have piles of snow. It would be ideal as far as I'm concerned if it only snowed on the grass and left the roads open. They got a lot more snow in WA than we did here in Rupert.

So today instead of quilting I have played Words With Friends with my sister on Facebook and now I'm knitting dishcloths. I may even get a binding on a quilt this evening while we watch tv. Stay warm I'll be back soon.

Winter is Arriving After All

2012-01-17T22:52:00.003-07:00

According to the weatherman snow will finally be arriving here in the Magic Valley tomorrow morning. We should expect 3 to 8" of snow and then by Thursday morning we will see rain. I think I will sew or put more fabric away.

I have been working on the Cheddar Challenge from quiltville.com . These are the blocks I have done so far. I'm not sure how they will finally go together and I'm not sure how many I will get made. I'm also working to get things finished this year. We'll see what kind of a track record I create.

Well, it's time for Murder She Wrote so I'll sign off for now and keep you updated tomorrow on our winter.

2012 UFO Challenge

2012-01-02T14:40:00.002-07:00

This year I have decided that I will join the UFO Challenge on Patchwork Times. I have enough projects for two years that I know of, but we'll just start with 12 for this year. So here is my list:
1. Connecting Threads kit After Hours Barn Raisning-needs made, quilted, and bound.
2. CT Barn Raising Log Cabin- needs made,quilted and bound.
3. CT Cottage Lane- needs made, quilted and bound.
4. CT Bradford Skies- needs made, quilted and bound.
5. CT Sweet Bee Baby Quilt- needs quilted and bound.
6. Log Cabin Christmas Quilt Top-needs quilted and bound.
7. Scrap flour sack top- needs quilted and bound.
8. R&W snowball quilt-needs binding
9. Flannel Christmas Lap Quilt-needs binding
10. Lone Star Quilt-needs to be made and quilted.
11. Finish RRCB-needs blocks finished, quilted and bound.
12. Batik Lasagna Quilt-needs quilting and binding.
Anyone else want to join in the fun? Keep your fingers crossed that I can get them all done while I finish unpacking and putting away the rest of the fabric still in boxes. Not to mention the other Connecting Threads kits I have hidden somewhere. With this move I have learned it is possible to have to much fabric. Never thought I would say that much less admit it in public.

Here Comes 2012

2011-12-30T16:08:00.004-07:00

Are you ready for 2012? I'm not sure I am but I guess I'd better get ready. I finished off 2011 by making some Christmas presents and just enjoying the sewing room. I made some baked goods also to give but they disappeared so fast I didn't have time to get a picture of them. I had some travel pillows so I made pillow cases for them for the kids across the street. The empty pillow case was for the oldest child who recieved her pillow for her birthday in September. I also tooks some fabric and quilted it to polar fleece for couch blankets for my son but neglected to take a picture before they were sent on their way. I included some pillow cases and I did remember to take a picture of them.

I made some Toasty Toes Socks for the better half he was really good this year he received 3 pair of them. They are made with polar fleece and very nice and warm in the cold weather. I'll have to take a picture of them so you can see them.

It was a great finish to the year and I had a lot of fun doing the sewing. It's been awhile since I could just enjoy sewing because I wanted to.

So what did you get made for yourself or for a gift?

Squeak Naughty or Nice

2011-12-19T21:36:00.003-07:00

Today Squeak has been a real pill. Anything he can climb he does and anything he knows he's not supposed to do he does (more than once). I finally told him it was beginning to look like Santa was going to pass him by - didn't seem to phase him much. While I was in the quilt room this evening trying to get some sewing done in between chasing him to get the pins back he had taken out of the pincushion I found him on top of a 4 shelf stand playing with the chain on the light fixture. When I told him he had to get down he started batting at me. I think he has finaly reached his teenage phase. I sure hope it is a short one. Hope everyone is ready for Christmas.

This Week

2011-12-01T14:27:00.002-07:00

I'm doing this as a blog post so I catch everyone up at once. This week started out like any other normal week. We had Doctor's appointments in Twin Falls so we went in earl to talk to Verizon because it was time to get new phones. After that we went to the doctor, had some dinner and drove home. We hadn't been home more than a few minutes when we get a phone call from our son's girlfriend saying they are in the emergency room and our son is being admitted. Turns out he has two blood clots one in the lung and one in his left leg. So he has been in the hospital since Monday night on blood thinners and may get to go home on Saturday. We have been in touch but he says he doesn't need us to come to WA there is nothing we can do to change things. So we will wait and see and may go see him in January. In the middle of all this we discover things are not quite what Verizon told us it would be so we take our cell phones back and go back to our local phone company. We now have smart phones that at the moment are smarter than we are but we'll get better. Jumping from one company to the other and back has caused some problems with the home phone. We can call out on it but we can't use our new cell phones to call home, however anyone else can call the home phone and get through. Go figure. Things should calm down around here in the next few days and then maybe I can post some fun stuff. Stay tuned.

Latest on Canning

2011-10-26T12:50:00.008-06:00

The last time I canned anything was about 28 years ago when we moved to Washington and the kids and I went to Bainbridge Island to pick strawberries with which we made strawberry jelly. Here in the Magic Valley of Idaho we have been blessed with an abundance of fruits and vegetables. This year I have put up 4 pints of applesauce, two pints of apple butter, 9 pints of pear butter and 7 pints of plum jelly plus all the corn and pepper relish that DH did. I know those aren't huge amounts of product. It is enough for this year to get back into the swing of things. Also I have been trying to lose weight and consume less food so I'm trying to only put up what we can consume in a reasonable amout of time so I don't end up throwing anything out later.

Fall has finally arrived with a cold front which came through here on Monday night. We've had temps in the low 40's the last couple of days, but the next few days we will be back up to high 50's and low 60's. Our trees have been looking very nice in all their fall color.

Fall has Arrived

2011-10-08T18:28:00.003-06:00

Fall roared in like an angry beast this last week. We went from 80+ degrees to 40 degree weather and lots of rain, wind and cold for 3 days and today the sun is back with about mid 50's. The rest of the week is supposed to be real fall weather in the 60's with chances of rain.

I finally quilted the quilt in the picture. One of my customers sent it to me to quilt it belonged to her MIL and they found it when they were cleaning out some things. I put a muslin back on it and bound it in muslin. I had to quilt it with a meander due to some fullness in the center, but it came out much better than I figured it would.

On the home front DH has been canning pepper relish, corn and peppers, and pickling corn on the cob. This is his first attempt at canning so far so good. I thought I had a picture of his jars, but can't find it at the moment.

I have also managed to get this quilted so it just needs the binding sewn down and then it is going up to WA to put in my sister's booth at the quilt show for sale. It's made of flannel and can be used as a wall hanging or a lap quilt.

So working in the quilt room, quilting and canning are what's been happening around here what have you been up to lately?

Fall is Just around the corner

2011-09-19T21:48:00.000-06:00

It's been a busy month. I have been working out in the quilt room and managed to create a sewing corner so I can take a break and sew something every now and then. I ordered some cheddar fabric so I could do Bonnie Hunter's Cheddar Challenge. I've decided to use 3.5" blocks with 2" for the knot on the bow tie and put them into a circle. I made enough blocks to do one wreath and I like it so I will do blocks as time allows.

Dh spent the day making pepper relish. It was his first time to can anything and I think he did a pretty good job. What he started with and what he ended up with. I'll post some pictures of the current state of the quilt room soon. I havet to take some first.

Canning Season and a Question

2011-08-29T16:02:00.003-06:00

It's been 30 years since I canned anything. This summer I have picked some apples and made some applesauce, some apricots which I have added some peaches to and I am in the process of making apricot peach butter in the slow cooker. A friend told me about doing it this way shefound it on Foodinjars.com
Now my question is how do I make food in jars a link so you could just click on it and go there? I'm not sure how to do this and I sure would like to be able to do it as I often find things I would like to share.
Okay, back to the quilt room to get some more work done.

The Hurrier I Go

2011-08-22T14:52:00.004-06:00

Here it is the 22nd of August already. I need a way to slow down the days. I finely entered something in the fair this year and won two red ribbons. I entered the Double Irish Chain quilt and one I did many years ago called White Bear from the book called Quilted Legends of the West. The book says that, "When the Indians brought goat skins to explorer Captain Cook in 1778, he thought they were white bear. Explorer Alexander MacKenzie saw the animals and decided they were white buffalo, and Lewis and Clark thought they were mountain sheep. The Mountain goat is not a goat at all, but an antelope". When I put it in the guild show in WA it took viewer's choice and my husband liked it so much that I gave it to him as a birthday gift.

Today I am attempting to can applesauce and some apricots. It's been 30 years since I last canned anything so keep your fingers crossed for me.

Back to the never ending chore of putting fabric away.

Pay It Forward

2011-08-01T22:10:00.005-06:00

I've joined a PIF on Amanda's Musings which can be found here http://scrandasmusings.blogspot.com . Sorry I don't know how to make it so the link doesn't show. The idea is that she will make something in the next year and send it to me. Then I blog about it here and recruit 3 people to play along. Those that sign up will recieve something I have made sometime in the next year. So if this sounds like fun let me know and I'll add you to my list. Once you have left a comment that you would like to play then you blog about the PIF on your blog and get three people to play along. Once I have something made I will contact you for your mailing address so I can send your gift on it's way.

So who would like to play?

p.s. Did I mention that today is my BIRTHDAY?

End of July Already

2011-07-31T12:59:00.008-06:00

Seems like July just started and it's gone already. Yesterday I spent the day in the quilt room ironing and folding fabric trying to get it all put away. I probably could have accomplished more if I hadn't taken Squeak out with me to give the girls a break. He teases and torments them without a break. So he played and had a good time. He played with fabric, hid in the fabric and attacked the fabric I was trying to iron and fold.

When he wore me out with his help I decided to sew a couple more of the 36 patch blocks and use my new sewing machine. I got this machine from a man in Twin Falls, brought it home and cleaned it up. It sew a beautiful stitch. I think the cabinet is the original cabinet. I found the sales reciept in one of the drawers and the lady bought it in 1953. It has been well used and will get some more use around here.

This coming weekend we are going to a quilt and woodworking show in Kuna, ID which is west of Boise. Friends have a machine and cabinet I purchased online and they picked up for me so I could get it when we came up. It is a Singer 301. So I'm looking forward to getting that set up to use also.

Well, guess I'd better get some more fabric put away.

Give Away

2011-07-23T15:41:00.002-06:00

I just dropped in to let you know that I found a give away that you might be interested in. It's being held over at Aunt Polly's Porch. She's entered in the bust my stash contest at AccuQuilt so if you have a few minutes go to facebook/Accuquilt/contest, look at all the photos and vote for you favorite. I'm feeling better about my stash after seeing some of the ones posted. If they do this again I'll have to enter mine I should have it all put away by then. If you get busy and don't get entered I'll understand. Should I be lucky enough to win I'll be sure and post pictures. Good luck to you all.

Happy Friday

2011-07-22T16:38:00.005-06:00

I've been meaning to post all week and keep getting side tracked. Dh found himself a pop-up camper he can use for his music weekends, fishing and camping. We went to pick it up on Monday to bring it home. It's in very good shape for an older camper. We learned how to take it down and how to set it up before we left.

Then I finished a second green and brown double irish chain quilt. It needs a label and a binding and then it will be going to the grandson as his graduation present.

Went today and bought some cherries from a lady who has a tree loaded with them. They are very good. I'm thinking I might go back and buy some more to freeze to make pies with. Dh says he is making chicken salad tonight so I bought some tortillas so we can have a wrap. Have to go now and find something to wipe up the drool. Later.

Saturday Morning

2011-07-09T21:03:00.002-06:00

This morning there was a small plane flying close to the house. When I went outside to see what it was I saw this crop duster spraying the field about half a mile away from us. He made several passes and then it was quiet.

The day was spent cleaning up the back yard and trimming trees then taking all the limbs to the dump. We still have a lot of trimming to do and the house needs painting. So when we get it all done it will look like a different place around here. I'll be taking before and after pictures.

Tomorrow I will be working in the quilt room trying to get more fabric put away. Never a dull moment around here.

Busy Weekend

2011-07-08T18:42:00.007-06:00

Hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable 4th of July. It was a very warm weekend around here but very nice. DH played guitar all weekend. First at a family get together a lady he works with was having. Then he spent the better part of the rest of the weekend playing at another friends farm. He has a large get together on 4th of July weekend and people come from all over to play music and have a good time. There were enough musicians so everyone could take turns and play or visit or eat. The mosquitos were bad so I didn't stay as long as dh but it was a good time. As I was leaving to come home one evening I caught the tail end of the sunset.

I also managed to go visit with the This and That group at the park. They were knitting, spinning and eating. So it was a busy and enjoyable weekend. Did you do anything fun at your house?

Summer's Arrival

2011-06-25T18:54:00.007-06:00

Summer has finally arrived in full force. Today was a run errands day. We made a dump trip, went out to breakfast, checked mail, went to get dh a fishing license and a fishing pole and took one of the big truck batteries in to get charged. The big truck has two batteries, but we couldn't get the other one out because of this. They aren't very old and I counted 4 little beaks all sound asleep. Thank goodness Mom didn't come back and see us around her babies.

I am working on a Winning Hands quilt that I'm really liking the look of. It is going to a friend. I also went to the guild workshop on the

15th and had a good time sewing and getting to know some of the ladies in the guild.

I have also been working out in the quilt room getting more fabric unpacked and put on shelves. I'll post before and after pictures of the quilt room soon. I finally found the rest of my Circle Lord designs so I am looking forward to playing with them to learn some new designs. Now if I could just uncover my software for programs. My computer was in the shop again earlier this month and they cleaned it up but said it was on borrowed time. So now I have a new computer with 2 Terrabites of hard drive and 12 gig of memory. Have to get the things I need from the old computer transfered to the new one. So far I am enjoying the new computer just have to learn how to do some things differently. The old computer was an XP and this one is Windows 2007 and Microsoft Office 2010.

Memorial Day 2011

2011-05-30T22:04:00.005-06:00

Hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day. We went to the cemetary in Burley so DH could take part in the service. It was overcast and a cold wind was blowing. After the service we went to get something to eat and of course the sun came out for the rest of the day, but we still had the cold wind.

This week we had a ductless heat pump installed in the quilt room. It will also provide air conditioning if it ever warms up around here. It's a nice small unit, runs quietly and doesn't take up any floor space.

Last week Dh went to Kalispell, MT for the wedding of our nephew. I managed to make a Double Irish Chain Wedding Quilt for him to take. I had enough blocks made so I am making another one for the grandson for his graduation quilt. Then I have one to get done for a great-neice in Bend, Oregon.

My desk top computer is once again at the computer doctor. Something really got ahold of it this time when I went to check on it I was told they were still trying to work through the computers issues. Hopefully it will get to come home this week. Well, that's what I've been doing what is happening in your part of the world?

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-07T15:30:00.007-06:00

Well, here I am again. Spring is trying to arrive, but it's been 1 step forward and 2 steps back.

Yesterday we went to Twin Falls to run some errands. The important one being the renewal of my military ID card. DH had to go so he could claim me. After getting that all taken care of we went to Costco and I stopped at Joann's for a quick visit. On our way out of town we went to Shoshone Falls. They have been releasing water from a dam upstream so the falls were looking like what the Indians and the pioneers saw when they stopped. The first picture is of the falls when we went in July 2010 with the grandson, and the second picture is how they looked yesterday. Huge difference. They are called the Niagara of the West. If you look carefully in the second picture you can see a small rainbow at the bottom of the picture just to the right of center. It was very faint and I wasn't sure it would show up. It was a lovely day to visit the falls. There are picnic tables where you can have lunch and enjoy the view. Also, if you have a National Parks Card and a picture id you can get into the park for free even though it is a State Park. As far as I know it is the only State Park in Idaho where that is the case.

I'll have pictures soon of the baby quilt I am working on and a wedding quilt. Hope you all have a great Mother's Day weekend.

Popping in Again

2011-04-17T15:54:00.017-06:00

You've probably been wondering where I've been. Well, I've been trying to sew, stay warm and get taxes done. In the last three weeks we have had one storm system after another pass through and a couple of them have left views like this: While the weather was being difficult I did get the red and white 9 patch snowball quilt done using the spirals template from Circle Lord. Yesterday we drove up to Mt. Home to look at 4 wheel drive Jeeps. Dh was wanting something with 4 wheel drive so he ended up getting a 2005 Jeep Liberty. It's a nice small vehicle and gets 20 to 24 miles to the gallon. After Dh was done with the car business we went on to Boise to visit some friends and I was lucky enough to work in a visit to The Quilt Crossing and KnitWits both very nice and a must for a return visit. This morning we had pancakes for breakfast and Squeak being the spoiled baby that he is had to have some also. In the midst of all this we recieved a post card from the vet telling us that it was time to bring in Squeak to be spayed. I drop Squeak off and by the time I return home the vet has left a message on the machine. I return the call and the Vet says,"Did you know that Squeak is MALE??? MALE says I in shock. MY SQUEAK is MALE?? Yes, says they - Do you want him neutered? "Of course, says I then I hang up the phone. Squeak has been in to see the vet before this so how come the vet didn't know Squeak was male, and the place I left him overnight while we were gone once never said anything about him being male so how was I supposed to know this? It's been real interesting learning to say him instead of her when referring to "Studly" Squeak. It does however, explain Squeak's P & V attitude.

Visitors from The Great Salt Lake

2011-03-24T22:51:00.002-06:00

Today there were seagulls everywhere. This group spent the whole day in the field next to us - the one they sprayed yesterday. Dh came home and was wondering how they knew to show up Is there a seagull hotline or facebook page did someone tweet to them. He was having a silly afternoon.
We had snow then rain this morning and then it cleared off and we had some sunshine before it started to cloud up again. Tomorrow will be one of those wait 5 minutes and the weather will change days. Think we will go to the movies and watch the Limitless movie. Dh wants to see it I may decide to go watch Rango.

Every Where You Look

2011-03-23T13:38:00.004-06:00

Every where you look around here there are tractors in the fields getting them ready for planting. The field next to us has had hay in it for the last two years and they'll probably do another crop again this year. It's really nice to see them out working makes me thing spring is really just around the corner. Tomorrow we are supposed to have another storm coming through and not have really nice weather until maybe next Monday. Last week as a storm was moving in I saw all these birds in the tree getting ready. We are starting to see more and more birds. Wonder what we will find this spring.

On The Needles

2011-03-22T15:44:00.004-06:00

I've been working on a knitted baby blanket for no reason other than to try out a new stitch. I really like the look of it and it is a very easy pattern. It's called the Farrow Rib Stitch and if you google it, it is easy to find. The nice thing about this pattern is it looks the same on both sides.

It is a beautiful 40 degree windy day here. There is a mouse in the house and all the older cats have taken turns guarding it's location. Then Squeak comes along and it is a growl and hiss stand off. So most of my day has been spent saving Squeak from being torn limb from limb. I'm beginning to think she will never learn when to back off. Well, I'm off to try and get some sewing done, again, we'll see how long that lasts.

Just Because the calendar says so

2011-03-20T14:54:00.005-06:00

My calendar says it is Spring, but I look out my window and it still looks like winter to me. The wind is blowing and the sky is overcast and it is chilly so I'm thinking maybe my calendar jumped the gun a little.

This morning Squeak was showing signs of spring fever. She found and empty box and entertained herself and us playing with it.

She loves bags and boxes to play with, I think, more than her toys. She sure gets the most out of each day. Since coming to live with us she has provided daily laughs. May you all be so lucky to have someone or something in your life to make you laugh and the day just a bit brighter.

Happy National Quilting Day

2011-03-19T23:01:00.003-06:00

What better way to celebrate National Quilting Day than by entering the giveaway at http://sewcalgal.blogspot.com . She is also having the 2011 Golden Quilter Awards. Here's your chance to vote for your favorite quilters and designers. This runs through the 31st of March.

This quilt is one of my favorites. My sister designed this pattern and one weekend we pieced it for a customer of mine and I quilted it using the Double Rose Vine pantograph. It really came out nice and I'd like to make one for our bed. My sister calls her pattern House of Cards.

This quilt is called King David's Crown from a book by Sally Schneider and Barbara J. Eikmeier called Traditional Quilts with Painless Borders. I was lucky enough to be able to take a class from Sally when she lived in Washington. I'd also like to make another one of these large enough to fit our King Sized bed so it is on the TO DO list. The cat is Squeak giving it the cat seal of approval. Hope spring is showing in your area soon.

Finally, keep the Japanese people in your prayers. They will survive, but it will be a very long haul. There are places starting to gather quilts to send and you can find out some information at Quiltville.com.

A Beautiful Day and Richard

2011-03-17T17:24:00.000-06:00

It has been a beautiful day here. Blue skies with white puffy clouds and lots of sunshine.
I was looking through all the pictures I have taken since we moved to Idaho. I came across this one of Dh and our friend Richard when he came for a visit last summer. He didn't stay very long, but he and DH had a good visit and it was nice to see him again. Last month we received word that Richard had passed away in his sleep. To say it was a real shock is an understatement. It is still hard to believe that I can't send him any more funny jokes and stories or give him a call to see how he is doing. He was Dh's friend, but he also became my friend. So I encourage you to not put off doing something you really would like to do you never know what tomorrow will bring.

A Spring Like Day

2011-03-09T22:19:00.000-07:00

Today the temperature made it over 50 degrees here in Rupert. It should be mid 50's most of the day tomorrow before the next cold front gets here tomorrow evening with the thread of thunder showers. It was a lovely day today and just serves to make me want spring right now. Managed to get two blocks put together before I was ready to do Squeak in. She thinks she is supposed to be on the cutting table to help cut, on the sewing table to help sew and play with the iron cord to make ironing as difficult as possible before she unplugs the iron and takes off at light speed when she is yelled at. She can be so annoying, but even so I wouldn't trade her. The older cats, however, would trade her in a second.

The Winners Are

2011-02-28T19:13:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry I haven't posted the winners of the giveaway sooner. My computer was taken over by one of those programs pretending to be a Windows component. It took my husband a couple of days to clear it up because it was really embedded. Don't know what I would do without him.

Anyway, Congratulations to Candace she won the signed copy of the book and Regan won a set of my Quilt Bugs. If you two ladies will email me with your mailing address at ohiostar46@gmail.com I'll get your gifts in the mail to you.

Thank you to everyone else who entered and I hope you are the lucky ones the next time around.

And We're Off

2011-02-19T13:15:00.000-07:00

Good Morning to everyone. Hope you are having a wonderful weekend so far. While I was reading my email this morning I came across something tiltled Quilt Fever. It is an animation of quilts set to music. Very entertaining and you can find it on the right side of my blog. Don't forget to have your sound on.

The give away has started and you have until midnight Friday the 25th to enter. I am looking forward to your quilting story.

Get Ready

2011-02-18T11:04:00.000-07:00

Okay, I hope you are all ready to play give away with me. The give away will start at midnight tonight Friday the 18th, Mountain time and will run through Friday the 25th at midnight my time (Mountain). The rules are simple:

1. You must have a blog for your entry to count and post about my give away on your blog. All others are welcome to post, but no blog no entry, sorry.

2. Please tell me how long you have been quilting, why you got started and your favorite quilt pattern to make. Anything else you want to mention is fine also. Example: I have been quilting since 1989. In 1990 I got my first quilting machine because I really didn't like quilting on my sewing machine and I didn't like to tie my quilts. When I got the machine DH said, "It's to expensive ($3200.00) for you to have and maybe not use, so I went into to business just so I could have the machine. I discovered I really liked it and I am still in business today. My favorite quilt pattern is the Ohio Star. It's really hard to pick just one.

3. Last but not least have fun.

The first winner will get the signed copy of Bonnie Hunter's new book Scraps & Shirttails II. I'll have a couple of other things also and will post them over the weekend. Winners will be picked by a random number generator.

So if you don't have a blog and really want to be in the running for a chance you have time to get one set up. Like me you may find you enjoy it more than you thought you would.

I'll leave you with a picture of Squeak enjoying her new climbing, scratching stand. She loves to sit on it and watch the action or create her own.

Teaser

2011-02-09T17:27:00.000-07:00

Today in the mail I rec'd Bonnie Hunter's new book "Scraps & Shirttails II". I ordered two so there is one for me and one for a give-away. A Special Bonus it is signed by Bonnie. So stay tuned for details and dates. It will be sometime between now and the end of February have to give some thought to the details. I've had a quick peek and it is even better than the first one.

February Already?

2011-02-03T15:04:00.001-07:00

You've probably wondered where I've been and what I've been up to if you haven't just given up on me. Well, I've been working on Bonnie Hunter's Mystery Quilt that I started at Thanksgiving, writing the instructions to the block I am teaching at one of my quilting guilds this month, and cleaning and sorting paperwork trying to establish some order so taxes won't be such a chore this year. (Who am I kidding on that one).

The green and white block is a Disappearing Four Patch Block. I started with 4 6" squares sewn together and then I cut 1.5" from the center line top, bottom, left and right and turn the 4 center rectangles 90 degrees and sew it all back together. Easy and fast to do.

Monday when I was trying to sew Squeak was making all kinds of

noise unter the sewing table and when I stopped to take a look this is what I found. Squeak had thrown herself away. She is not helpful when it com

es to sewing so everything takes much longer to finish.

Last but not least Connecting Threads has a new feature called Kit Builder. You can build your own kit

and they will send you the kit you built. This one is for a baby quilt and is costing me just under $13.00 pluse the backing.

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T13:31:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable New Year's Eve.
Squeak finished out 2010 modeling the newest fashion for 2011, a plastic bag wrapped around your neck. She thinks plastic bags are the best toy around. They make a lovely noise and fly around the room nicely. She discovered this morning that she really likes Mom's oatmeal it was almost as good as her own breakfast of wet and dry cat food. Dad didn't want to share. She's hoping Mom will start working soon on the mystery quilt so she can help with the sewing and ironing parts. Well, places to go and people and cats to annoy. Talk to you soon.

Love,

Squeak

Merry Christmas from Squeak

2010-12-20T18:38:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy month around here and Squeak (that's me) is really getting into her first Christmas. She's been helping Mom (who is busy working on the mystery quilt over at quiltville.com) with her quilting by testing out the quilt top before it is finished. After her nap Squeak said it was okay to get it quilted. After an afternoon spent annoying the older 3 cats Squeak took a minute to enjoy a refreshing drink of buttermilk. (It was Dad's glass, but she just knew he wouldn't mind sharing). Once refreshed it was on to wrapping presents. Who knew tissue paper was so hard to get a grip on and requires constant flattening so it can be used. Once presents were all wrapped it was time to take a nap and what better place than on Dad's lap while he talks on the phone to Auntie Vonda. Squeak's dreaming of next year when they'll put up the Big tree. By then she should be old enough not to tear it to shreads. (She overhead Mom say that was why they had the little tree put up where she couldn't reach it this year). I can hardly wait until New Year's Eve. I'm not sure what happens then, but it should be fun. Merry Christmas everyone.

Love,

Squeak

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T15:29:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone is enjoying their turkey and football. Since our Turkey isn't fully thawed we decided to wait and have our turkey dinner tomorrow night when DH gets home from work. We are supposed to get more snow here sometime on Friday and Saturday. We've had quite abit and with the wind it drifted alot. Our driveway is just one drift after another. Dh spent most of yesterday digging it out so he could get the car out and go to work on Friday.

Today Squeak has played with and attacked everything she could get her paws on. She has really grown even though she still looks small. When Dh was getting ready to go to the store Squeak thought she would be helpful so she tried to help Dad tie up his boots. After that work out she decided to rest for awhile on Mom's chair laying on her favorite quilt while she watched How It's Made on TV. Now as the sun is setting in the west Squeak is thinking about how she can chase the older three cats and maybe instead of hissing and growling at her they will come and play with her for awhile. If not she'll just have to annoy Mom and see if she will play some kitten games before bedtime. It's a rough life being the only kitten in the house.

The Buddah Cat

2010-11-15T19:37:00.000-07:00

Miss Emma was sitting outside the bedroom door pretending she was the invisible cat, just waiting for one of the other cats to walk past so she could practice her attack skills. The only thing she found was me with the camera.

Meanwhile, outside this hawk was having lunch. We don't know for sure but we think he probably killed a dove. It didn't take him long to finish it off.

Squeak has become a fast moving, growing blur. She is always busy discovering her world and estimating her chances if she
decides to take on the larger cats. So far she is smart enough to not try anything she'll regret.

I started piecing a kit from Connecting Threads called Jacobean Nine Patch. It should go together pretty fast
so I'll post pictures once I get the top together.

November Already

2010-11-12T16:16:00.000-07:00

I don't know where the time goes. As you can see the Squeak is still with us and becoming fast friends with DH. She is now about 8 weeks old and it's like having a two year old toddler. She has provided alot of entertainment around here the last few weeks.

Last night the This and That guild met and we had a very nice turn out. We are a group made up of knitters, crocheters, spinners and quilters.

Since it was Veteran's Day DH was home enjoying being a retired veteran.

I am looking for a heater for the quilting room. The weather has finally turned colder here so the little space heaters I have aren't getting the room warm enough fast enough so I need something larger. Since it is so chilly out there I haven't been getting as much done as I would like. I may have to set up a machine in the house to get some piecing done. I have a Connecting Threads kit almost cut out and ready to put together. I'm also planning on doing the new mystery quilt Bonnie Hunter will be starting on the 19th of Novermber over at quiltville.com . Her mysteries always produce stunning scrap quilts.
Our glorious fall colors are mostly gone with the wind and rain we have had over the last week.

That's about it for what's happening here lately. What's happening in your part of the country???

Grape Harvest

2010-10-16T19:29:00.000-06:00

Today we picked the grapes out front they were finally ready. The Dh sure had a good time checking to see if they were ripe. I'm going to wash them off and juice them in the Vita Mix and freeze the juice. Then this winter I can make grape jelly.

The neighbor across the street brought over some fresh baked whole wheat bread and soup she made which we had for dinner. Very good and all gone.

This morning we had a woodpecker on one of the trees in the back yard. I managed to get a couple of pictures before other birds chased it off.

See What I have Been Up to This Week

2010-10-15T19:35:00.000-06:00

I am kitten sitting until the 25th of October. This is a tiny orphan kitten who has to be fed with a dropper. I call her Squeaky because she sure has a set of lungs on her tiny little body. She follows me around while I fix her milk. I have to be extra careful that I don't step on her she is so small. Once her tummy is full she purrs like nobody's business. The other cats are giving her lots of room and if she gets close they run from her.

Dh just sent me this picture I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Not that Meth Labs are funny, but the picture definately is.

I finished the Red & White Panel quilt that was in the machine. I used a shell pattern on it and it really came out nice.

Meet Gertie

2010-10-03T16:18:00.000-06:00

For all of you who have waited patiently to see my machine in her new home meet Gertie. Gertie is my APQS Ultimate 1 which I have had since February of 2001. I named her Gertie in honor of Galloping Gertie the Tacoma Narrows Bridge that fell into the sound in the 40's. She arrived in two seperate shipments. The table arrived on day 1, on day 2 we had a strong earthquake and on day 3 the machine arrived. She has been dusted and polished, oiled and ready to be threaded. We are waiting on two new carriage wheels so the warped ones can be replaced then we put on a practice piece to get her used to working again. She has been on a forced vacation while her new home was prepared.

Meanwhile, I have steadily been putting more fabric on the shelves. It is amazing how much of it there is to be put away. I'm wondering where it all came from because it didn't seem like this much in the old quilt room. I must have been really good at hiding things from myself. So I guess, I'd better get back to it and put more fabric on the shelves.

I have started another blog on wordpress which I am planning on using as my business site. You can find it here http://bedofrosesmq.wordpress.com/ . I've only done one post so far. Let me know what you think.

Don't Fall over in shock

2010-09-20T13:22:00.000-06:00

I know a post from me two days in a row. Will wonders never cease.

I stuck my head out of the quilt room long enough yesterday to get these pictures. The first one are the grapes growing down by the garden. We also have some dark purple ones out in front of the house and they are starting to turn soon they'll be ready. The second picture is of some of the trees and bushes around the house. They are starting to turn colors. Seems like they just started showing this week. Before we know it winter will be here.

I'm hoping DH will be back by tomorrow night with the quilting machine.

If I could Make Money

2010-09-19T13:32:00.000-06:00

If I could make money as fast as time passes I'd be really rich. I knew I had alot of fabric, but even I'm stunned at how much is really there. Equally stunning is the amount of scrap pieces I have saved over the years from various projects and the ones I have been given because no on wanted to deal with them.

So this weekend I decided that instead of putting fabric on the shelves I needed to make something so this is what I have been working on and hope to have the top put together today. I'm really liking how it is coming out. I also put borders on a small red and white panel I found so it is ready to be quilted. It feels like progress of sorts.

Dh is in WA packing up some more of his tools and the quilting machine. Without any problems he should be back home by Tuesday night or Wednesday. Hopefully, by this time next weekend the machine will be put together and I will be quilting once again. I haven't quilted on my machine since May 2009.

So back to sewing while it is peaceful and quiet here.

The Best Bar-B-Que Bar None

2010-08-20T20:47:00.000-06:00

DH makes the best pork bbq sandwiches in the world. Notice exhibit one to the right. You

should have stayed Katrina it was really good. The cook and his BFF are really enjoying their dinner as did I.

Worked some more in the quilt room today and had some much enjoyed help from a friend.

Will be going to WA soon to bring the quilting machine home. One of these days I'll have an organized room and can start sewing again. Putting away all your stash is a good cure for buying more material. IT will be a while before I want to buy more. Anyone guessing how long it will be. LOL.

The sunroom is coming along so I'll have pictures of that soon.

Surfacing again for a minute

2010-08-08T00:08:00.001-06:00

I know I have been among the missing lately. I have been working at cataloguing and taking pictures of the fabric as I put it on the shelf. It is a slow process but I am making progress. Anything less than a yard has gone into a box to be cut into strips and squares for making scrap quilts. I am starting on my third box. I'm sorting out all the pre-printed tops and panels into another box. I have boxes of polar fleece and flannel. I'm putting things I am no longer interested in using in another box. In a couple of weeks we will probably be heading to WA to get the quilting machine and bring it down. I haven't quilted on it in a year and I miss Gertie. I am so spoiled. My husband, sister-in-law and grandson really did a nice job on the room and I'm really enjoying using it

On a different note we caught this little guy this morning doing his best to get everything from the Hollyhocks.

I have found a knitting group so I am excited about that. There are ladies that knit, crochet and spin in the group. They also get together to die yarn every so often so I'm looking forward to enjoying the group. As soon as I get alittle more organized around here I'll host the group.

We have been enjoying all the sunshine here this summer. The last month we have been having temps in the 85 - 95 degree range and afternoon thunder showers. The cats don't like the thunder. Lucy hides under the bed until they are over. Rosie has finally decided she liked it outside. She goes out about 10:30 in the evening and comes in between 6 - 10 am. She has been catching mice and bringing them to the front door so show them off.

The small Lone Star I discovered when I unpacked a box. Now I just have to decide what to use for a background. Well, I'm off to read awhile before bed. Hopefully I'll have more progress to post soon.

A Quick Trip to Yellowstone

2010-07-15T14:41:00.000-06:00

Tuesday morning we got up and headed for Yellowstone National Park. Since we moved to Idaho we are only 230 miles away. We arrived in West Yellowstone mid afternoon and drove to Old Faithful which is 30 miles from the West entrance of the park. We had to wait 90 minutes

for the next eruption since it had gone off just before we arrived. There are many other geyers around and LOTS of other people also waiting. While we were waiting we noticed this unusual cloud in the sky. As we were leaving we managed to get a picture of this fellow helping to keep the grass at the lodge under control. The closest motel room was in Bozeman, MT so we headed north. We had a bear run across the road in front of us but he was moving so fast didn't have time to get a picture. I did manage to get some great pictures of Old Faithful going off and here's one of them.

It's Been a Busy Week

2010-07-10T16:27:00.000-06:00

It's been a busy week. I moved all the boxes with fabric and yarn out to the quilt room. DH and the grandson put up 3 cabinets for me to put fabric in, so I have started a box at a time to fold it and put it on the shelves. I'm using Bonnie Hunter's sewing room as a guide. So far I'm liking the results. Right now I'm just trying to get them in color families no particular order, then I'll sort each color family into a better order. The picture on the right is almost everything I had in the bedroom in the house. I still have a cutting table and some things stored in the closet to move once I make some room. I'm also thinking that sometime before the end of the year (once the room is in order) I'll probably have another give away to celebrate. I'm thinking the give away might involve you posting a picture of your sewing room so we can have a tour of sorts. This is an early warning in case you want to join in you'll have time to straighten up - or not whichever you prefer. When I'm ready I'll let you all know so stay tuned. IT's going to take me awhile to get through all those boxes.

FINALLY FINISHED!

2010-06-22T19:08:00.000-06:00

Yep, that's me yelling. I just have to clean the floor and start moving all the bins in so the can be gone through measured, folded and put into cabinets. I've got my work cut our for me. It was finished due to DH's hard work with the Grandson and my special sister-in-law Miz Vonda's help. One of these days she'll get to come for a visit and not have to work.

The quilt is one that I made for a friends baby. I neglected to take a picture when is was quilted and bound before mailing. I added a lime green paisley border and the same print for the back. I think I have enought left to make a log cabin baby quilt also. I'm really liking these colors used together. Well, I'll up date you again when I get everything moved into the quilt room. If you are in the neighborhood drop in and you can help fold and put away material. Plan to stay awhile there will be lots to do.

Painted quilt room

2010-06-08T18:12:00.000-06:00

Here is a picture of the quilt room finally painted and ready to finish the electric work. Soon we'll be ready to head for WA to get the quilting machine.

The picture on the left is another bird we have seen in the back yard in the last few days. I think it is a Tanager. There sure seem to be a lot of different birds around here. Some I've never seen before. We do have doves which we hear in the mornings and evenings.

It has been a beautiful day here and I sure hope we get some more of them.

Last I looked it was April

2010-06-05T19:37:00.000-06:00

I don't know where the time has gone. It has been a BIG chore trying to get the quilt room ready to paint. Finally, last week the texture was done and this week DH is painting. Once that is done we'll be ready to put down flooring. I'll take some pictures once dh is finished with the painting and post them.

Monday we go down to Salt Lake City to pick up our grandson. He is coming to spend 6 weeks with us. It will be nice to see him again.

I've also been taking some EQ6 classes from Quilt University. I can highly recommend them. They are alot of fun to do and you learn alot of things about the program. I'm awaiting the arrival of EQ7 it should be here any day since I got an invoice from them showing the charge on the credit card. I'll be back soon and have some pictures to post. These two bird pictures are birds spotted in our yard this last week. Enjoy.

Thunder Showers

2010-04-21T14:02:00.000-06:00

We are having our second thundershower of the day. Early this morning it poured rain and then the sun came out. Then about 20 minutes ago the whole sky turned black and the thunder started and the rain poured. Lucy headed under the bed and curled up in as small a ball as she could.

Well, this week drywall started going up. Hopefully Friday it will get finished. The guy installing it is doing it on his time so it's whenever he can get here. It is about half done,and finally starting to look like a room instead of a shell. DH put in the second door this week. The one with the window is the public entrance door and the solid one is the door that will open into the sun room once it is built. It will be enclosed access to the house. My counter with the cash register will go between the two doors. The floors will be a laminate called Brazilian Cherry and we picked up a ceiling fan and the blades on the fan are the same color. Now I have to figure out a color for the walls and ceiling. Any suggestions?

Guess I'd better go and finish my last lesson for my EQ6 Sampler class and get it turned in. Have learned alot about EQ6 and looking forward to learning more when the next class starts in May at Quilt University.

Just another April Day

2010-04-03T13:17:00.000-06:00

Last night's storm was a good one. We woke up to a white world and the wind was still blowing. The snow is melting, but it is a slow process. The trees were starting to bud and we had flowers coming up but not blooming yet so they should be okay. I took these pictures about noon after the snow had been melting awhile. It is a bright and sunny day otherwise.

So I guess I will spend some time working on my EQ6 Sampler Class and try to get another lesson turned in so I am only two behind. If you own EQ6 but don't use it I would encourage you to take the class at Quilt University. It is a terrific class. You get to work at home, don't have to find parking and don't have to be in class at a certain time. The best way to go to school.

Where Did March Go?

2010-04-02T23:10:00.000-06:00

All the sudden here it is April and instead of spring we are having a winter come back. This afternoon it started with the wind blowing and the sky getting dark and then it started snowing tiny little flakes. It is bad enough that we lost Dishnetwork just before 10pm.
March was a busy month. My sister-in-law came to visit for a few days and helped DH put up insulation in the quilt room. I signed up for a class at Quilt University to learn how to use my EQ6 so I have been busy trying to get the lessons done. Of course, the week the class started my computer had to have a time out at the repair place something grabbed ahold of it and wouldn't let go. Then last week our son came down to see us for 4 days between jobs. He started his new job on April 1. He called tonight and said his first two days were good and he is liking it so far much better than his last job. While he was here he helped DH put up some window trim on the Quilt Room. He also made friends with Rosie. It was a short visit, but hopefully he will come again one of these days.

Dh and a couple of his friends went up to the hospital and played some music one Sunday and they are planning on going again on the 21st of April. It's nice he has found someone to play guitars with he really enjoys the guitar. He taught himself how to play as a teenager. Well, that was pretty much my month. How was your March?

Finally Spring

2010-03-20T19:11:00.000-06:00

Like everyone else I have been wondering if Spring would ever arrive. This week has been very spring like here. Fields are starting to turn green, the robins have arrived and the cats have spring fever.

My DSIL came down from Montana last week and helped DH put up the insulation in the quilt room. Just have the ceiling to get done and then it will be time to do drywall. DH put in the last window and it really looks nice. With 5 windows and 17 overhead lights I should be able to see what I am doing anywhere in
the room. I asked DH to up the windows up higher than normal because it would give me light and let me put things under them without blocking them.

Had to take my computer to the fix-it man because it just wouldn't play nicely. Brought it home on Friday so I can finally post on the blog again. I am taking the EQ6 Sampler class at Quilt University so that I can finally use my EQ6 without saying bad words. Working on the first lesson and so far it is fun and I am learning cool things. Hopefully, I'll be better about posting now that the computer is working again. Have a good weekend.

Wiring is Done

2010-02-27T13:22:00.000-07:00

The wiring is all done in the quilt room and we are waiting for the inspector to come and say GOOD JOB so we can move on to the insulation. Dh has been putting in the windows so when they are all done I'll post pictures of them. This is the window which faces the house. It really lets in a lot of light and I will have a sewing machine set up so I can sew and look out the window. This week I also managed to get a baby quilt put together and quilted so tonight I will do the binding and it will be ready to mail on Monday to the customer. It came out really nice and I have enough to do another one. I have to admit I wasn't sure when she said they were doing the baby's room in pink, brown and white, but I'm really liking this combination. Even dh said it came out really nice. The pattern is Sunny Lanes. Well, I'm off to knit some more on my knit along sweater.

Knit A-Long

2010-02-15T22:19:00.000-07:00

I'm doing the Lion Brand Knit A-Long which is the Inishturk Sweater. It has a boat load of different cables which will make me a cable expert by the time it is done. I'm really enjoying this knit so far.

For Valentine's Day we had a Turkey Dinner. My DH (the chocolate cake guy) says that you are supposed to have turkey on all the holidays. Needless to say that doesn't happen, but every once in a while I make his day and fix him a turkey dinner. So tonight when he was fixing a plate of left overs he's saying "Every Day is Thanksgiving". It doesn't take much to make him happy. He's a keeper. Well, have to go watch the pairs figure skating. Later.

Calling Tracy K

2010-02-10T18:39:00.000-07:00

Since I haven't heard from Deanna the winner of the fat quarters I have drawn the name of another winner. Will Tracy K come on down. Tracy I need your full name and mailing address so I can get your fat quarters in the mail. You can email me at ohiostar46@gmail.com . Thank you.

AND THE WINNERS ARE!

2010-02-08T01:19:00.000-07:00

Good Morning. Would the following three people please email me at ohiostar46@gmail.com with your full name, mailing address and an email address so I can let you know your prize is on it's way.
1. # 25 Mary St. John Nielsen - Bonnie's Book
2. # 4 Amy Skattebo - Tidy Tote Kit
3. # 12 Deanna - 4 fat quarters.
Congratulation to you all. Many thanks for all who entered I have enjoyed chatting with you and reading your blogs. I hope you will all come back and visit and say hello when you do. Already thinking about what I should do next. We'll see how things go.

Give Away

2010-02-01T02:39:00.000-07:00

Today is the day you may or may not have been waiting for. I'm having my first give away which will run through Sunday, Feb 7 (my granddaughter's birthday). The rules are simple: comment here and post it on your blog. Everyone gets one chance and the winners will be drawn using a random number generator. Please sign your comment with your first name last initial and leave your blog address. I'll come pay you a visit and get to meet new people. The First Prize is this hot off the presses book by Bonnie Hunter a signed copy. If you are not familiar with her you can find her at http://www.quiltville.com/. Second prize will be this kit for a useful item to use in your sewing room - you provide your favorite fabric everything else is included. Last, but not least, will be 4 flannel fat quarters in fall colors.

Let the fun begin and if you are new to this blog please take the time to read the post on January 13 this year about the chocolate cake question and then place your vote on the poll to the right. If you feel so inclined let us know how you voted and why. Only if you want to.

Good Morning

2010-01-23T13:48:00.000-07:00

It is a windy, cold day here in Rupert. The sun was out this morning, but it looks like another storm system is headed our way. You may have noticed that I changed the picture on my header. This is what I see out my front window. The mountain is MT. Harrison. We are about 25 miles away so I took the picture with my zoom on my camera.

Dh has been out working on the deck that will run between the house and the quilt room. When it is finished it will have a screened in section, an enclosed part and the front part will be open. I'll try to get pictures of all the stages. This one is what was accomplished before he got to cold to continue. This spring we will be painting the outside of the quilt room and the house. The plan is to paint the quilt room a barn red with white trim and the house a white with red trim. Then we are going to paint a 3' x 3' quilt block to put up on the outside of the quilt room. I've decide to use the Ohio Star Block since it is on my business card.

I want to welcome all the people that are following my blog. Please feel free to leave comments, pose questions if you have them or just say HI when you get the chance.

Last, but not least Rosie Cat has decided that DH is her person. She follows him around, curls up in his chair or at his feet when he is on the computer, and when he watches t.v. she is in his lap soaking up all the attention she can get.

Knit-A-Long with Lyon Brand

2010-01-15T17:54:00.000-07:00

Lyon Brand Yarn is having a knit-a-long startin this coming Thursday. I'm planning to try the sweater. Now to find some yarn and do a swatch ahead of time so I am ready to get started. Hope some of you will be joining me in this endeavor and you let me know you are knitting along.

The poll for the Chocolate Cake debate is coming along nicely. Don't forget to leave a comment on the post also when you vote.

Hope wherever you live your weather isn't making life to uncomfortable for you. This picture is the view we had yesterday morning from our living room window. The mountain is called MT Harrison and really stands out with the snow on it. It is about 30 miles from us.

Confessions of the Not So Famous

2010-01-13T11:09:00.000-07:00

Here we are in the middle of January already. I know that most blogs host a giveaway when they reach 100 posts and I have passed that milestone. My excuse poor though it is - I was really busy moving. I will be hosting a giveaway, but it will have to wait until the gift I am giving is published and then arrives in my mailbox so I can send it to the winners mailbox. There maybe more than one surprise I am still thinking. So in the meantime I have a question for all of you.

In our family we have an ongoing debate of what is a CHOCOLATE CAKE?
Anita (me) says it is a cake that is chocolate, devil's food etc. with any kind of frosting.
Carl (dh) says it is any cake with a chocolate frosting. That the frosting determines what the cake is.

Needless to say it has created many lively discussions over the years and the family nuclear and extended is divided in their opinions. So what I would like to know is
What do you think is a chocolate cake. Please vote in the poll on the right.

P.S. DH has read the blog and says I have it wrong. He says that when you go to the store and tell the baker by pointing at the cake with the chocolate frosting "I want that chocolate cake", and then you take it home and cut it and you see what the cake is. So he says it could be any cake, but a chocolate cake is the one with the chocolate frosting. The poll has been changed to reflect this new information. We strive to be accurate.

2009-12-28T17:40:00.000-07:00

This is what was in my SSCS package from Liz at http://luv2cre8te.blogspot.com/ . I'm looking forward to using everything. Stop by and see her she is very talented.

While many were working on the mystery quilt at quiltville.com I was working on this quilt which I have decided to call Christmas Cards. It is a Winning Hands quilt the pattern is by Eleanor Burns so since I worked on it over Christmas I thought Christmas Cards would be a good name. I still have to figure out borders. I'm trying to decide if I should do a border with the print and then a black one or if I should do a black one with the outside border being the print. What do you think?

Lately, when it is meal time the Rosie Cat has decided that she should get something to eat also. So she climbs up in a chair at the table and begs. She watches every move we make and every so often she gets very vocal about being left out. I'm thinking I should put a phone book in the chair so she can sit up higher. Sometimes when she can't stand it any longer a paw comes up and stretches trying to reach anything she can. She has also recently taken a liking to DH. The other night she climbed into his lap and spent the evening. Unfortunately, I didn't get a picture of that.

Let Christmas Begin

2009-12-23T18:16:00.000-07:00

Today my SSCS gift from Liz arrived after it's sightseeing trip. Since I moved this year my old address was the one that was given so the package first went to my old address in WA. Luckily my son is living in our house and checking our mail so I was able to call him and ask if a package from Australia had shown up for me.

He says;" I just got something that says I have to sign for a package."

So I told him he needed to go to the Post Office before he went to work and have the package forwarded on to me at the new address. So on Friday last he makes it to the post office to forward the package. He tells the postal clerk that he has a package he needs to forward to Idaho for his Mom.

Two packages are put on the counter, and the boy being in a hurry to get to work says," What's the matter with Margaret she knows Mom moved to Idaho why is she sending her something here". (He didn't read the address to see that it is addressed to him) So he proceeds to put labels on both packages and sends them off to me. On his way to work he calls me to tell me he has sent two packages on to me.

Two packages, I say. Who are they from?

He replies, "One was an international package and the other one said Merry Christmas from Mike, Margaret and Andrew."

I ask was that one a long, fairly flat red one?

Yes, says he.

I, being the wonderful Mother that I am, say, "Son, you should have read the label. We just got one like that yesterday from Margaret so you just sent us your Christmas present from her. (as I fall in the floor laughing)

He says in horror, : "OH, no I'm a re-gifter!" To top it all off it is sausages and cheese which he loves.

So now my SSCS gift has arrived and here is a picture of my ornament from Liz. Thank you very much Liz I will think of you every year when it goes on the tree.

Winning Hand

2009-12-04T21:32:00.000-07:00

I've been working on a Winning Hand quilt which should finish about double size. This is a picture of one the blocks. It's the first time I have made this pattern using a black background. So far I am liking it very much.

We have been having cold weather but lots of sunshine. Miss Emma has been spending most of her day watching her own shadow. She is so easily entertained. When she takes her nap you can usually find her under the top quilt on the bed.

Bonnie Hunter over on Quiltville is doing a mystery quilt. I am saving the instruction so I can make it later. So far I am liking what I am seeing and I am looking forward to making this quilt. It's not to late to join in. This pattern will only remain on her site for a short time and then it will be retired. It is a work at your own pace mystery and if you like scrap quilts this is the place to be.

How Pumpkin Pie is Made

2009-11-26T12:19:00.000-07:00

I just received this from a friend. Thought you might enjoy it as much as I do. I'll never look at Pumpkin Pie the same way again. lol

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-25T16:56:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I posted. I finished the curtains I was making.

The Roses are the new curtains I made for the MBDRM and the red are the ones I made for the living room.

Dh arrived back from WA on the 11th and has been sick since he arrived home. I finally got him to go to the Doctor yesterday. He now has some pills to help him get better I'm hoping by this time next week he will be back to himself again. He had a few moments this morning with Miss Emma. She liked laying on his lap in the sunshine. She doesn't like to lay on your lap unless you have a quilt on it.

Tomorrow we will have turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes with gravy and a vegetable or two. It's the first Thanksgiving in several years that I haven't cooked for 8 - 12 people. I have mixed feelings about that as I'll miss the game playing and my sister's creative pie cutting. Maybe next year they will come to visit for the holidays. Hope everyone has a good day tomorrow.

End of a Perfect Day

2009-11-05T17:55:00.000-07:00

Today was probaby the last glorious fall day for the year. Temps were 65 to 70 degrees depending on where you were located. The clouds have started to move in and tomorrow we will be getting temperatures 15 to 20 degrees lower with rain. I just looked out the window and witnessed a beautiful sunset to share with you. I have missed the desert sunsets.
I found some beautiful fabric that I am thinking of using to make a Card Tricks Quilt. I'll post a picture as soon as I have a couple of blocks constructed. Enjoy your evening.

Happy Halloween

2009-10-30T22:49:00.000-06:00

Here in Idaho they build straw mazes in the month of October. I haven't been to one, but every time I go into town I drive by this one on the highway. Right next to it is this one and the sign that is next to it has blown over because it has been breezy here the last 3 or 4 days. What the sign says is "Maze for blondes". So here's wishing you all a peaceful and fun Halloween and don't forget to set your clocks back. I'll leave you with this thought I saw on the sign at one of the vet offices in town:

You can tune a piano, but you cannot tune a fish.

A Beautiful Day

2009-10-15T20:19:00.000-06:00

Today was a beautiful day. It was what October is supposed to be. The last week the trees here have started to turn colors. This is in our back yard this morning. The second picture is looking from the front of the house. Last week the mountains had snow on them which has now almost all melted. The third picture is one I took last week while they were harvesting the potatoe field just down the road from us. The birds are seagulls looking for bugs from the freshly turned earth. We are about 2.5 hours from Salt Lake City which is where the seagulls come from. It seems strange to see them here in the desert.

Last night I finished a shawl, but will have to post pictures of it later. I'm making a couple for gifts for Christmas so until they are given they shall remain a mystery. Hard to believe there arel only 69 days until Christmas. I'd better get busy or I won't be ready in time.

A Quick Note

2009-10-13T22:42:00.000-06:00

In the midst of unpacking I have been busily working on my SSCS project. It is coming along nicely. I've also been knitting dishcloths in the evenings while I watch t.v. I came up with my own pattern because I didn't really care for the patterns I tried. I just cast on 27 stitches and knit every row until I have 48 - 52 rows, then I cast off, do a round of single crochet, and a row of double crochet and call it done. They have sold very well at craft shows and the people I have taught to do them also have good sales. Feel free to give them a try. Well, back to unpacking I think these boxes are related to rabbits.

Crazy Weather

2009-10-09T22:26:00.000-06:00

Still haven't unearthed my card reader so I can upload new pictures yet. However, I do have some on file I can use. The reason I bring this up is Kristie at the Cowgirl Quilter asked "What Is On Your Bed", so I went looking for a picture of the quilt on the bed. I have two scrappy quilts on the bed at the moment, but only have a picture of the top quilt. The lump is Emma taking her afternoon nap. If the weather keeps up as it has been we will be adding a third quilt to the bed. So what is on your bed as winter approaches?
The weatherman here says we have had the second warmest September on record and as soon as October hit the temps have been 12 - 15 degrees below what they usually are this time of year. I guess the weather we have been having the last week doesn't usually get like this until Thanksgiving. We had snow the 4th of October which melted in a couple of days.
I have been working on a quilt from Bonnie Hunter's website called Blue Ridge Beauty. I'm hoping to get it pieced and ready to quilt when we bring the quilting machine down in the spring. What have you been making? Have you already started on Christmas gifts? I have started knitting a shawl for a gift, but so far that's about it. Well, guess I'll go snuggle in bed with a couple of quilts and a book for awhile.

Alive and Well

2009-10-04T13:13:00.000-06:00

Here I am in Idaho finally. I have been back to WA to finish packing up the kitchen, loaded boxes in the truck drove back down to Ontario, OR to meet DH. We left the big truck parked at a motel and drove across OR to go to our nephew's wedding in Redmond, OR, had a good time and drove back to Ontario where DH got in the big truck and drove up to WA to get his music room and computer packed up to bring down before we dig in for the winter. I drove back down to the house because we had left the cats with water, food and a clean litter box for 3 days. So I have been back for a week unpacking and trying to find places to put everything. DH should be leaving WA sometime this week to head home. While he has been in WA, DS, the girlfried and DH have all come down sick with a cold/flu.
This morning I woke up to snow here in Idaho. I have taken pictures, but so far I haven't found my card reader so I can download the pictures to the computer. As I just looked out the window it is snowing still. Idaho now feels like home and I feel like a visitor familiar with the area when I go to WA. I have even found a quilt group to join which meets next week. I am really looking forward to that I am more than ready to get back to quilting again. I'll add pictures as soon as I can. More later.

Trip #5 made

2009-09-04T19:40:00.000-06:00

Greetings from Idaho. We have now made 5 trips between Washington and Idaho moving everything into the new place. I came down on Wednesday in order to miss the rain predicted for WA starting at midnight. I was having a really nice drive and was almost to LeGrande, OR which is half way. I was loaded with boxes and climbing the Blue Mountains almost to the top when I came around a curve and there in the middle of the road was a deer. I had a car on my left and a semi on my right and no place to go. Unfortunately, I hit the deer. I had the cats with me and they never made a sound. The man in the car on my left pulled over and helped me check out the truck which has quite a bit of damage to the front end and thanked me for not swerving into him. The truck was running okay so I continued on my way and made it into Rupert at 5 am. The insurance company has already sent some one out to do the claim and he has the parts ordered to fix it. I should have it back by the 16th looking like new. I felt bad hitting the deer, but my only other choice was to hit the man on the left of me. It was such a nice drive until then. At least I am okay and I didn't hurt anything except the deer.

On a more cheerful note - this time we brought furniture so it will really feel like home as soon as we get the truck unloaded and things put in place. Looking forward to staying in one place for awhile. We'll probably make one more trip the first of October to finish up some things in WA and then we should be fairly well done until spring to pick up whatever is left that we probably really don't need, but we'll bring down here to go through and end up getting rid of most of it. We do have some peaches on the dwarf peach tree in the back yard I'll take some pictures of them.

Remember Me

2009-08-22T22:30:00.000-06:00

We've been really busy trying to finish up with this move. We've moved almost everything but the furniture which we will be moving this trip. We had some cement poured so that we can built the sunroom between the house and the quilt room. It will be nice to sit in the sun this winter without having the cold and wind. The cats will enjoy having a good view of the birds.

I did manage to get some sewing time this trip. I completed a Christmas top I purchased as a kit from either Mary Maxim or Herschenners I can't remember which. I also made new curtains for the kitchen window. They really brighten up the room. I'm going to use the same material and make some for the dining room when we go back. I took extra time and lined up the checks so they are even. That took some doing because it certainly wasn't printed on grain.

I caught Miss Emma enjoying the sun coming through the living room window. I forgot to take the scratch pad for the cats so DH took a spare pad and used it for a guide and made a holder for the pad. It worked really well and the cats enjoyed using it to sharpen their claws. It is really nice to have a handy husband.

I hope to return to blogging on a more regular basis soon. Life should be settling down to a slower pace in the very near future.

Made it another year

2009-08-03T14:53:00.000-06:00

We've had a busy couple of weeks here. Last weekend we had Famous BBQ and had friends over to share it with. My son, his girlfriend and her parents and the people we bought the refrigator from.

The boy thinks it's really funny that we invited people we didn't know well. It's like this - We purchased a used refrigerator to use in the new house until we move our appliances down. So when we went to pick it up we learned that Cindy and her husband Ron, Emily the daughter and the granddaughter (sorry I don't know how to spell the baby's name) are are from Asheville, NC which is 40 miles from where my DH is from (the Famous BBQ chef). We started talking about food and one thing lead to another and we said, "As soon as we come back from our trip to Idaho Carl was making his famous BBQ and we'd invite them over if she would bring a banana pudding." So we gave them a call and they came over. When Megan and her parents drove in they wondered whose car that was and Megan said, "Oh that's probably the people they bought the refrigator from". I don't know why, but for some reason they think that is just to funny.

This Saturday was my birthday. It was a fairly quiet day we had some pineapple upside down cake and ice cream and played some games. Sunday I was invited over to Megan's (the girlfriend) parents house for dinner and we broke in my new Super Scrabble game. So when the movie Julie and Julia comes out my son will take me to see that. All in all it was a nice weekend. So now I'm back to packing we have the truck half loaded for the next trip. I think the cats know a trip is in their future they've been keeping a close eye on the packing. Talk to you all soon.

Walcott State Park

2009-07-15T13:50:00.000-06:00

Yesterday afternoon while we flooded the yard here in Idaho we decided to drive out to the park for a couple of hours. The park is only 12 miles from the house so it is a nice drive. We had the park to ourselves so I took some pictures and then we enjoyed the piece and quiet to read awhile. I did get a picture of this Screech Owl

and some nice views of the park. The park has several really nice old trees. You can launch your boat, and camp if you have an RV. The lake is right on the snake river. I know more than you wanted to know about a park.

We've been here in Idaho for about 2 weeks so we will be heading back to WA this weekend so we can load up and come back down. Slowly we are getting it done. I'm sending this from my early birthday present. My husband bought me an HP 17" laptop. The office Vista program is taking some getting used to I have used Windows XP for so long I am comfortable with it. Take care I'll talk to you soon.

July in Idaho

2009-07-02T12:20:00.000-06:00

Here we are once again in Idaho. So far the weather is hot with thundershowers. I'll be taking pictures but once again they will have to wait until I get back to WA for me to post them. I am still using the computer in the library. We did sign up for Dish so we can watch the news while we are here. They should hook that up on Tuesday morning. Internet will have to wait until we are here more. So I haven't fallen off the face of the earth just temporarily moved my location.

More Pictures from Idaho

2009-06-12T21:49:00.000-06:00

While we were in Idaho we went to an Estate Sale and purchase this solid Oak dining table with 5 chairs. It is in very good shape and we are quite please to get it since we have been looking for quite awhile for one. Now to find an Oak China Hutch.

We also learned the ins and outs of flood irrigation. It is definately a learning process to get the water where you want it to go. This is how they do it in the field next door. I don't suppose we could afford the same set up for our 3+ acres.

Next post I'll post some pictures of Memorial Day in the Rupert Square.

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggity Jig

2009-06-05T13:57:00.000-06:00

Wasn't that a line in a nursery rhyme? We arrived back in WA on Sunday night to record temps for this time of year, only to discover that the air conditioning wasn't working. It has been a long 4 days of heat and trying not to move to much. Today we have cloud cover and much cooler temps.

Our trip to ID went very well traveling the first time with 3 cats. We stopped in Boise for the night going down. The girls were restless and jumpy but otherwise they did okay. Lucy found a place where she thought she was hidden.

All three cats were really glad when we arrived at the new house. Took them about 3 days to settle down. Lucy was still having a little trouble feeling secure when I found her in the bathtub. Emma made herself comfortable after a couple of days while Rosie took a little longer.

We managed to get a door put into the room where I will be quilting. Before you had to go down the stairs into the shop and then go upstairs to get into the room. It had no doors or windows in it. We've added a door so once we get the sun room finished I'll be able to go from the house through the sun room directly into the quilt room. I'll be able to show you pictures once we get a couple of windows put in there is no light at the moment. We have to finish the wiring, put in insulation, drywall, then paint and put down a floor.

The good looking man (DH) is on his way to NC for his 45th high school reunion on the 12th. He will then go to Pittsburgh to see the grandkids and daughter unit. He took my older camera so hopefully he will remember to take lots of pictures. When he returns we load up the truck and head back to ID to get some of the work done so we can finish up with the moving.

Sorry this is so long, but couldn't post any pictures from the library computer. I've noticed that I have 102 posts but my give away will have to be a bit later on. Once I have been able to unpack I'll be able to have a giveaway so I'll keep thinking on it so it will be extra special and you keep checking to see when it happens.
Now I'm off to the quilt store and the knit shop while I am on my own and unsupervised.

A Quick Hello

2009-05-18T13:23:00.000-06:00

We are once again in Idaho. It is sunny and warm. This time we brought the cats with us since we plan to stay 2 weeks. They traveled much better than I thought they would and are still getting used to the house. I've been taking pictures which I will post once I get back to my own computer. I'll be checking in every few days from the library.

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-11T00:38:00.000-06:00

Hope your Mother's Day was enjoyable. Mine was very enjoyable. My husband gave me the Fuji S1500 digital camera and some new shirts. My son took me, his girl friend and her mother to the race track for the Mother's Day Brunch and the races. We had a good time learning how things worked and donating our money. I also rec'd a gift card to Joann's.

Earlier this week I quilted a pretty baby quilt that I want to sell on my ETSY site. I still need to put the binding on it. I used a mint green flannel for the back. This was a kit I bought at the quilt shop and it went together really fast.

Earlier this week we purchased medium size cat carriers so that when we head to Idaho next week we can take the cats with us. I left one in the living room on the floor so Emma and Lucy could check it out and get used to it. They spent most of the morning circling it and smelling every inch of it. I need to make a cushion to go in the bottom of each one for them. It will be very interesting to see how they travel. It would be nice if they take to it right off and don't drive me crazy since they all get to ride with me.

Well, it has been a long day so I guess I'd better call it a night. I'll check in from the library while we are gone.

Longest Move in the History of the World

2009-04-23T01:33:00.000-06:00

I sure will be relieved when we are finally moved and I can move forward to something else. I'm sure you will be also. We finished taxes and got them in the mail with a couple of days to spare. Then we packed some more boxes in between Dr and dentists appointments.

In between all that I even managed to quilt a couple of customer quilts. This is one of them ready to go back to the customer. The photo doesn't really do it justice it has some really lovely colors in it.

I should be back to post on a regular basis soon I hope. Stay tuned.

What's Your Favorite Birthday Cake?

2009-04-04T17:51:00.000-06:00

The favorite cake in our house is a Pineapple Upside Down Cake followed by German Chocolate Cake which is a close second. This is for my son's birthday cake. His birthday is the 15th of March, but this year his girlfriend threw a party at the Mexican resturant and there was German Chocolate Cake. So he lucks out and gets two cakes this year.
So my question for you is What is your Favorite cake - Birthday or otherwise?

The Dreaded Income Tax

2009-04-02T01:27:00.000-06:00

Once again I've put off until the last minute doing taxes. I always tell myself that I will do better in the coming year and have everything ready to get them done as soon as possible and not wait until the last minute. It's a lovely dream world I live in. So the schedule C is done and now we have to do the 1040 and get it in the mail before the 15th. On to other things.

This morning while standing in the living room I turned my head and say these babies standing right outside the window. By the time I grabbed my camera and took the picture they were out by the drive. First time we have seen them this year. Haven't seen Mom or Dad yet.

I'll be back when all the paperwork is done and in the mail. Talk to you later.

Monday Excitement

2009-03-16T17:55:00.000-06:00

Today I went to the post office to collect all the mail being held while we were gone. My package from the Chocolate Cat had arrived and here is a picture of what it contained. Starting top left there are some summer napkins, a Souvenir Apron, a lovely pins and needle keeper made with birds fabric, some toothpicks and a couple packets of coffee, a Koala Bear key chain, and four Cherry with coconut candy bars. The blue paper they are sitting on is what they came wrapped in. What a nice way to start the week. Thank you very much Lise. My husband loves toothpicks and coffee.

Yesterday morning brought some more snow. It seems like Winter just isn't ready to give up yet. I am so way past ready for Spring. It wasn't deep and by afternoon it was mostly gone. In the 25 years we have live in WA I don't ever remember having this much snow or having any this late in the year. My sister swears it is the ice age making a comeback. If that is the case I'm going to make alot more quilts to be ready.

BACK TO WASHINGTON

2009-03-14T16:29:00.000-06:00

We arrived home about 1:30am this morning. It was a long trip, but it's good to be home again. The cats missed me.

While we were in Idaho I managed to get the binding on this customer quilt and get it mailed off to her. She called me and told me how pleased she was with it. I was glad to hear it because I really liked this one. I think I have enough material left to make another one. BTW this is the quilt I made with the material posted in a previous post.

We were having breakfast one morning and when I looked out the window I saw this guy walking through the yard. I quickly grabbed the camera and managed to get a picture. He's the largest Pheasant I have ever seen.

The next two pictures I thought were interesting and I hope you also find them interesting. The first one is looking out the living room windows and this is what we see. Then the same morning I saw the Pheasant from the dining room window I also noticed this tree in the back yard. I had seen a picture on another blog called I Live On A Farm and she had taken a picture of a tree that had two of these eye like knots on it. So here is my tree.

So once taxes are filed we will load up the truck and do it all again. I hope by that time spring will have arrived and it will be a little warmer. Hope you enjoy the pictures.

March in Idaho

2009-03-10T18:50:00.000-06:00

We have been in Idaho since Thursday. This was a quick trip to start moving the things that are packed. It has been an interesting trip so far. We have had snow, strong cold wind and sunshine. When you can see them the mountains are beautiful all covered in snow. I've taken some pictures, but they won't be uploaded until we get back home.
I did manage to finish the quilt I was making for a customer so that picture will also be uploaded later. Just wanted to check in so you wouldn't think I had fallen off the face of the earth. I'll post again soon.

Birthday Give Away

2009-02-24T14:48:00.000-07:00

Bob at www.superiorthreads.com is having a giveaway in honor of his birthday this month. If you haven't tried their threads you should give them a look. I have started using them in my sewing machine and on the quilting machine and I especially love their So Fine for that. I have also used the King Tut for machine embroidery. Check them out you won't be sorry.

A Sunny Good Day To You

2009-02-21T12:39:00.000-07:00

It has been awhile since my last post. I've been busy working on 4 customer quilts this week and making a list of everything we have to take with us when we head for Idaho the end of the month.

I have a baby quilt to make for a customer and get in the mail before we go. Here are the fabrics I am using. Care to guess what they will turn into?

Tomorrow I am going into town to sit and sew with my sister. She teaches a quilting class for seniors and I thought it would be fun to sew and visit. Hopefully, I will have a picture for you tomorrow so you can see what the fabrics grew into. Okay I am off to the quilt room to finish the last quilt for my customer.

Blocks for a good cause

2009-02-11T18:11:00.000-07:00

You may know about the fires in Australia and all the people who have lost everything. If you have been wanting to help, but didn't know what to do, and you are a quilter you can go to http://ozcountryquiltingmum.blogspot.com/ and get the details on how some of us are helping out. Let Tracey know if you are interested.
Also just to let you know that Superior Threads is having a give away in honor of Valentine's Day. You can find them at http://superiorthreads.blogspot.com. They have wonderful thread and prewound bobbins if you use them. Give them a try.

I Won!

2009-02-04T12:36:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I recieved an email from Lise at the Chocolate Cat that I was one of two winners on her recent giveaway. My very first win in blogland. I seldom to never win anything so when I do excitement abounds. Stay tuned for photos.

On another note I quilted this T Shirt quilt for a customer this week.

She used a nice fleece backing. This was the first t-shirt quilt I have done and I'm not sure I want to do another one. I couldn't get enough tension on it to prevent all the wrinkles.

I'm off to get another quilt done so I'll talk to you later.

The Latest Customer Quilt

2009-01-29T20:46:00.000-07:00

This week I finished this quilt for a customer. She used the blocks from the block of the month at Joann's 2008. It turned into a very pretty quilt. I quilted it using the Daisy Swirl pattern which you can see much better on the back of the quilt.

Have been making slow progress on the DD quilt. I think I got a little carried away on the units for the nine patches. I guess they will come in useful in a future project of some kind.

Had to take my better half to the dentist today to have a tooth cut out that had broken off at the gum line. So he is home watching old movies with ice on his swollen jaw. He'll probably be sore for a few days before he feels better.

Guess I'd better get back to getting my taxes ready to send to the state since they are due the end of the month. This is my least favorite time of the year. Oh well, once it is done I can quilt the next customer quilt so I can sew on Super Bowl Sunday.

p.s. Check out thepioneerwoman's blog she has included her recipe for enchiladas. If you like mexican food it will make your mouth water. I'm thinking they are going to be a meal around here in the near future.

A Different Cup of Tea

2009-01-21T18:26:00.000-07:00

I guess it's been awhile since I posted anything. We've been having fog for the last two weeks and I think it has invaded my head as well. I did manage to get a quilt done for a customer this week which came out very nicely. The picture doesn't do it justice. It is done in shades of a lovely mint green and lavender with darker greens making the chain look. The back is a pale green. I quilted it using the Baptist Fan pattern from Circle Lord. I need to find some energy so I can get several other quilts done.
I've included a joke my husband sent me. I hope you enjoy it.

Cup of Tea

One day my mother was out and my dad was in charge of me.

I was maybe 2 1/2 years old. Someone had given me a little 'tea set' as a get-well gift and it was one of my favorite toys.

Daddy was in the living room engrossed in the evening news when I brought Daddy a little cup of 'tea', which was just water.
After several cups of tea and lots of praise for such yummy tea, my Mom came home.

My Dad made her wait in the living room to watch me bring him a cup of tea, because it was 'just the cutest thing!'

My Mom waited, and sure enough, here I come down the hall with a cup of tea for Daddy and she watches him drink it up.
Then she says, (as only a mother would know...): 'Did it ever occur to you that the only place she can reach to get water is the toilet?'

Mystery Quilt

2009-01-10T00:21:00.000-07:00

Okay, I couldn't stand not knowing anymore so I looked ahead. I have finished all of step 1 and am about half way through step 2. I have cut the strips for step 3 and put just enough together so I could make the two blocks to see how they look. I like them - what do you think. Now I can be happy finishing up all those square in a square blocks the 9-patches won't be hard. Then I'll have to decide if I want brown for the outer border or do something different. Anyone else doing this mystery from Quiltville.com?

Snowing again, yuk!

2009-01-04T19:17:00.000-07:00

We are getting more snow as I write. According to the weather man we will get 2" and around midnight it will turn to rain and then it will go away. I hope he is right. This first picture is the snow we still had on the ground about 3 pm this afternoon from previous snowfall and the second picture is what has been falling since 3pm. Good thing I can stay inside and sew. Sometime soon I am going to have to make it out to the quilt room and get some quilts done. I have three for customers and a couple for myself to get done. Thank goodness no one is in a hurry to get them done. Guess I'd better get back to sew on the mystery quilt I am working on from quiltville.com. Think rain and warm thoughts for me. lol

Coming Up for Air

2009-01-03T03:33:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone had a safe and Happy New Year. Ours was quiet. I started sewing the New Year's Mystery quilt on quiltville.com. I took some pictures and I'm sorry they are a little blurry, but should still let you see step one and two.

Then to finish off my year I received my SSCS gift from Jodie in Australia. The gift includes a quilted bag, a needle keeper, a bar of soap, a piece of brown fabric, a lovely croched broach and a Christmas card. So it has been a very good weekend here in Western WA. I'm already looking forward to the SSCS for 2009 if Donna is up to it. Off to bed now so we can sew some more later today.

Something Other Than Snow

2008-12-23T21:49:00.000-07:00

It's ready for quilting. The second border is added and the back is pieced so once I can get to the quilt room it will get quilted. It is a colorful quilt and feels wonderful and measures about 61 x 72" so it is a large lap or a twin topper.
Next, my sister has finally started her blog. You can find her at http://ladycatquilts.blogspot.com/ . So if you get a chance stop by and say Hi. She does lovely quilts some of which you have seen here. The blue one Miss Emma was posing on (in one of my earlier posts) is one of my sister's quilts. She also has 3 cats and I'm sure you'll be introduced to all of them sooner or later. Like my three they all have their own personalities and are very outspoken. Off to have some cocoa and read for awhile.

White Christmas

2008-12-22T17:04:00.000-07:00

These are a few pictures I have taken the last two days. The stumps make me think of elves with snow hats. The weatherman on T.V. just gave us an interesting fact: The last time the Seattle area had more than a foot of snow on the ground was 1861. So this is going to be a winter for the record books
here in Western WA. Now that we've set a new record I hope we go back to our normal weather of 40's and rain. Never thought I'd miss the rain.
On the other hand I am getting some sewing done and enjoying reading and knitting. I almost have a pair of socks done so as soon as I get them finished I'll post a picture so you can oooh and aaaah over
them. LOL
I hope where ever you are that you are warm and dry and ready for Christmas. This to shall pass (probably not as soon as I would like it to) and spring is just around the corner. Right?