Measure Twice, Cut Once, Then Go Buy More Fabric

I always always always measure several times before rolling the rotary cutter over my fabric. But these days, I have to take into consideration my screwy memory. I read the measurement instruction for cutting the navy background for the owl quilt; 11 1/4" x 26 1/2". Then I read it again, same thing. Then I marked it with a pencil; still 11 1/4" x 26 1/2". Then I pressed my navy fabric and laid it out on my cutting matt. I measured and checked my measurement and checked one more time. Then cut three strips for the owl background.

What I didn't do was check the instructions one more time after my brief respite to press the fabric.

Just to be on the safe side, I measured my strips to make sure they matched the instructions. Guess what? I had cut them, all three, 10 1/4" wide. Somewhere between reading the instruction several times and actually cutting the strips, I lost an inch.

So since I didn't figure in memory lapses when I purchased my Kona navy fabric, I must now return to Hancock's and buy some more. 

Could it possibly be that it's time for me to retire from the quilting arena?

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On 09/30/2015, Barbara Anne said ...

No! Say it ain't so! There will be no talk of retiring from quilting when you make such charming quilts.

I will share my method of staying on track: notes to myself. If I've moved the needle to the right or left, I have a reusable note to remind myself to move the needed again when I turn the machine back on. If I stop cutting, I leave myself a note about what width to cut when I start again. ETC. You get my drift.

The notes are a life saver, a sanity saver, a frustration lessener, a time saver, and a gasoline saver. I minimize my use of paper by drawing a line thru the cutting width when I've finished cutting, then use the paper for the next cutting width whenever I'm interrupted while cutting.

Big hugs!

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On 10/01/2015, Emily Stevens said ...

oh crickey I have cuts loads of stuff the wrong size just recently! I'm no way near retirement age :)

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On 10/01/2015, Lori in South Dakota said ...

Nah--they make more fabric! Think of it as supporting the fabric industry!

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On 10/09/2015, Pat said ...

Nooo! I see that it turned out ok. I encourage saving all scraps, if needed, though! Always come in handy for something.

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Puny Progress

I know that sometimes my blog shows little evidence of progress as far as quiltmaking (or anything else) goes. But I have done a little work in the past few weeks.

Above is a block I made last week for my guild's October Block of the Month. It's an "O" for October. I had a little trouble with the instructions, totally my problem, not the instruction writer's. The first time I tried to make the block, I got my piecing order confused and came up with a block that looked nothing like an O. I'd show you, but I threw it away. I kept reading the instructions over and over and, for the life of me, couldn't figure out what I had done wrong. When I finally got to that "ah hah" moment, I felt a little stupid. Ah, the joys of fibro fog, huh? Or aging. Or both.

You'll recall back in the summer I purchased a child's mandala coloring book with the intention of using crayons to create some quilt blocks from it. I didn't forget about that project; I have two blocks colored (see above).

I got ready to cut the background pieces for my owl quilt, whose working title is "Who? Who? Who Are You?" I didn't expect to have to buy any fabric, but I found I didn't have enough of anything suitable for the background. So I made a trip to Hancock's and bought some Kona Navy and Kona Brown. But I haven't started cutting yet. 

So, you see, I do make progress. Just not a lot of it.

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On 09/28/2015, Barbara Anne said ...

Good to see you O was successfully pieced and I hope you had made the tossed test block from some why-did-I-buy-that? fabric.

Love your colored Mandala pictures and, as great as you are with applique, they'll make great blocks when you choose to start them.

Your owls will soon be perched in rows, looking this way and that, in a perfectly charming manner. It's always a delight to find just the right fabric, whether in your stash or at the store!

Hugs!

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On 09/29/2015, Pat said ...

I bought The Secret Garden coloring book. Wow! It is so detailed! I just bought some koh-I-noor colored pencils. Maybe I'll get to it. Always loved to color. Hope you gave a good night & better day tomorrow.

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On 10/01/2015, Alison said ...

I think you do a huge amount. Much more than I do!
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Night of Murder

It has been a busy couple of days with shopping and household chores (I even got a head start on Christmas shopping), so I have not got back to the sewing room. Tonight after getting Jesse off to work (he's on night shift this week), i snuggled up on the sofa with Skipper and started binge watching Season One of "How to Get Away With Murder." Then my sister Ramey called and we talked for a while.

Now I'm ready to get back to the show. I was never interested in this show until Viola Davis made history as the first African American woman to win a best actress Emmy, or something like that. So I decided to check it out on Netflix. Halfway through the first episode, I'm hooked.

 

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On 09/25/2015, Barbara Anne said ...

I haven't seen any of this series so will look for it at the library.

We love Midsomer Murders, Inspector Lewis, Foyle's War, Morse, and such BBC shows that I find on DVD at the library.

Hugs and nightie night from the Eastern Time Zone.

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On 09/26/2015, Denise in PA said ...

Ooooh, yes, it's good! And, after you watch the first season, the 2nd just started! Hope you keep enjoying! o:)
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Momentous Day

Happy First Day of Autumn, everyone, the official beginning of my favorite time of year. The trees do not look like the sweetgum bough in the above photo yet. Leaves have barely begun to turn, in fact. But that will change soon.

I'm going to hang my "Endless Autumn" quilt in the foyer today, after I take down "Little Pink Houses." I've had a very painful night and morning, so I will wait until Jesse is around before I start changing out the quilts. I might even get him to do it since the chore involves a step ladder.

I spent most of the morning watching the coverage of Pope Francis's visit on tv. I love this man. I grew up in the Catholic Church, although I've been a Protestant for most of my adult life. Francis personifies all that the Church (any church) should mean to all of us. I felt blessed just watching him bless the crowds.

This day has brought some sad news too. One of my childhood heros has passed away. The incomparable Yogi Berra is gone at age 90. He came to that fork in the road, and he took it. Rest in Peace, Yogi. And thanks for the memories.

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On 09/23/2015, Barbara Anne said ...

It is a momentous day, indeed. I share your admiration for Pope Francis and have many childhood memories of Yogi Berra, too.

Your Endless Autumn quilt is glorious and I applaud your wisdom in waiting for Jesse to hang it up. Young muscles cannot be beat!

Happy Autumn! May you feel better and better with each passing day.

Big hugs!

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On 09/24/2015, Joanne Cage said ...

A lovely post and photos, Suze. Love you!
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My New Pretty

I have been a loyal Rowenta iron user for more than 20 years now. This is my third one. My first one suffered a chewed chord. So Vann went and bought me a replacement, which he got at Sam's and called an imitation Rowenta. Actually, it was some other brand, which I can't remember, so I myself ordered a non-imitation Rowenta and donated the imitation one to the thrift store or gave it to a relative--can't remember that either A few months ago, that Rowenta actually stopped heating. Again, I think it was a cord problem, but I'm pretty sure it wasn't puppy chewed this time but just worn.

Because I needed an iron immediately and didn't have time to order, I replaced it with a Rowenta from Hancock Fabrics, which turned out to be made in China, not in Germany as Rowentas are supposed to be made. Not sure if it's a knock-off, or if Rowenta has a Chinese factory. And although I have absolutely nothing against the Chinese, I have to say that this Chinese iron is inferior to the German one I was used to, mainly in the way it steams, which is not impressive. And steam is the main reason I have always loved a Rowenta for ironing anything, from quilt pieces to clothing.

When I saw this pretty Rowenta iron online (with the prominent words "Made in Germany" stamped on it) I ordered one. And here it is. I have given it a test drive: It heats very well and steams like a son-of-a-gun. I am well pleased. I am going to try to be careful with the cord so that it doesn't suffer any twisting, rubbing, or anything that will damage it. I ordered it from Amazon, if anyone wants to know. I recommend it highly, and I suggest that if you are thinking of purchasing a Rowenta, make sure it is made in Germany, not China.

My Chinese Rowenta

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On 09/21/2015, Lynn said ...

I have a "made in Mexico" Rowenta that leaks like crazy if I put water in it. It does get really hot, but I can't use the steam feature because it just won't hold water. Good to know that there are still some "made in Germany" models available.

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On 09/21/2015, Barbara Sindlinger said ...

Glad you had some luck with these Irons. I had one for 10 years that I loved but it broke and the next 2 leaked so bad and ruined fabric so I just threw them away. I will never spend that much money on an iron again. I am happy with the cheap disposable irons at Target or Walmart. Actually the latest one is on it's 3rd year and it's a great steam iron and gets super hot.

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On 09/21/2015, Jocelyn said ...

I too am a Rowenta fan. I bought my first one about 20 years ago. It was the best iron I ever owned. Dropped it once too many times, so when I replaced it, I went with my second Rowenta (made in Germany). I think they are built to last. I don't put water in mine, just use a spritz bottle if I need to steam.

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On 09/21/2015, Barbara Anne said ...

I have a Rowenta, made in Germany, and have had it for probably 8 years and have no complaints. I wish it were cordless, but I've heard from several folks that the cordless irons are heavy and I don't want heavy at my, ummmmm, tender age.

What an unwelcome surprise to learn that some Rowneta irons are made in China and in Mexico.

Hugs!
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My Buddy

Miss Daisy Dukes (Dai-Dai)

Crossed the Rainbow Bridge 9-15-15

A Good Dog and a Precious Friend

 

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On 09/18/2015, Lisa Allen said ...

Aw, so sorry to hear that.

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On 09/18/2015, Joanne Cage said ...

It's hard to say goodbye. So sorry.

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On 09/18/2015, Barbara Anne said ...

Oh, sending heartfelt sympathy to all who loved Miss Daisy as I know full well what precious family members furbabies and grand-furbabies are.

I know Bella and Taco would be happy to relinquish Daisy's cozy bed if only she could come back.

Big hugs to all from this dog lover.

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On 09/19/2015, Linda said ...

My sympathies. Losing a friend is always difficult. She was a sweet, sweet dog.

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On 09/19/2015, Debra said ...

Sorry about Miss Daisy. The loss of a precious fur member of the family is so tough.

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On 09/21/2015, Pat said ...

So sorry. It's very hard losing a fur-baby or fur-friend.
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Super Soup

I love tomato soup, especially now that the weather is getting a little cooler. The best tomato soup I've found is the one I make from scratch. But now I've found one that is just as good as my homemade and a whole lot quicker and easier, Campbell's Slow Kettle Tomato and Sweet Basil Bisque. Just pop the top off the container, heat it in the microwave for a couple of minutes, and you won't believe it's not homemade.

Today I had a bowl for lunch along with a grilled cheese sandwich. YUM YUM!

 

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On 09/16/2015, Barbara Anne said ...

Very interesting! I've not seen this at the grocery yet, but yesterday I had the Progresso Tomato Basil soup with crackers and it's enough for two bowls of soup for me.

Great minds choose the same flavor soup!!! :)

Hugs!
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Feeling Better

Thanks for all your suggestions and sympathy. I know many of you share my problems and know how hard it is to manage a life around chronic pain and fatigue. Bless you all.

I am feeling better today and will keep my dentist appointment in a little while. I'm about to meet a new dentist and a new hygienist as mine have retired. I have had the same dentist since the mid-70s, so this is a big change for me.

I did reschedule my doctor's appointment. The second reschedule I've done for it. Don't have to do that until November.

I missed the first meeting of the 2015-16 quilter's guild year on Monday. Couldn't drag myself out of bed to get there in time. I sure hated to miss. I also had to miss bee this month. I've just been a party pooper all the way around.

Can you believe September is already half over? Didn't I just turn that calendar page?

Several mornings for the past couple of weeks, a doe and her twins have come through my yard from the vacant wooded lot across the street headed toward the wooded area behind me. They came through this morning very early. Just a while ago the dogs and I saw them come back through, heading back to where they came from. I hope they stay out of the roads and away from the hunters. They're beautiful. They do give the dogs fits though. (This is not a picture of our deer. They move too fast to photograph. But they look just like these.)

 

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On 09/15/2015, Barbara Anne said ...

Cheers that you're feeling better and wishing you well with the new dentist and the office staff.

Sorry you missed the guild and bee meetings as both are such a life for your heart and creative imagination. Do you suppose you could carpool with someone who lives near you so you wouldn't have to drive?

Don't you love when wild creatures come silently into your life and yard? We see graceful deer here, too, and used to frequently until a new neighbor built a pen for his 5 hunting dogs in the woods at the back of his property. Those dogs are SO noisy that the deer prefer being where it's quieter.

Hugs!

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On 09/15/2015, A said ...

I, too, had to break in a new dentist recently. Mine retired (like you, I'd had him since the 70s) as well. It went fine, but it seemed really odd to go to a new place with new people! Hope your experience was a positive one.

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On 09/16/2015, Denise in PA said ...

So glad you are feeling a bit better! I often think how nervous I will be when my dentist retires. We've been going to him and the same hygienist for almost 30 years and they are fantastic. We started with him shortly after he began his practice - I'm hoping he's got quite a few more years left in him - LOL And, no, I cannot believe it's mid-September! Didn't summer just start???? o:)

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On 09/16/2015, Debb said ...

just found your blog, am enjoying it.!!
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Saturday

I'm sitting here at 10:30 in the morning worrying and obsessing about all that I have to do this month--starting today. I have to go grocery shopping. I've squeaked by as long as I can and really have to make the trip. This is one of the hardest chores I have to do. Probable THE hardest.

Then next week I have a dentist appointment and an appointment for my yearly Ob/gym checkup. Two appointments in one week!

Also this month, I have to buy tires, get the oil changed, and have my car cleaned--because the last weekend of the month, Andy and I are going to the beach. Now that should be something to look forward to. But it just feels like another task on top of everything else. For one thing, I'll have to take the dogs. Don't ask why, just trust me. I have to take the dogs. Other options have been tried in the past and turned into minor disasters. The dogs are going. The only place at the condo where they are allowed to walk is a small strip of lawn between the condo and the busy street. It is definitely not a dog-friendly place.

Most of you probably are wondering what's the big deal? Doesn't seem like such a terrible schedule, does it? But if you deal with fibromyalgis, chronic fatigue, or several other chronic disorders, I bet you understand. I saw a cartoon on a fibromyalgia website this morning. It read, "I want to do something today, but I can't. I did a thing yesterday." SPOT ON.

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On 09/12/2015, Barbara Anne said ...

Oh, sweet girlfriend, scoot over on this bench 'cause I'll sit with you. Can we recline and put our feet up, too? That would be more restful not that we'd feel rested when we stood up, of course.

I never make two appts. in a week and didn't when I was making AMIL's appts. Fatigue is real and you cannot fight it. I encourage you to postpone one of them to a time convenient for you. The office you choose to call will be fine with your rescheduling as long as you give them as much notice as possible.

Perhaps Jesse can get the tires and the car taken care of? It seems to me there's no need to clean the car because it will transport dogs and will need cleaning after you get back from the beach anyway. Right?

Does any grocery store in your area deliver? It's worth finding out.

Lastly, as my Granny used to say, don't borrow trouble. Worry about the future doesn't change anything except to add misery to today and that's no fun.

Big hugs!

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On 09/13/2015, Denise in PA said ...

Susan, I mostly want to just send hugs to you. But, I also had the thought that a grocery delivery service might be available?? I hope you feel better very soon and can enjoy your time away at the end of the month.

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On 09/14/2015, Pesky Patti said ...

I'm in your boat. It seems like forever since I have felt any joy. Thinking of ya....

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On 09/14/2015, Pat said ...

That quote explains it very well! Thought I would not make it out of Walmart today. Had brain cloud and tried to pay for my cash back! Just look forward to and enjoy your trip, and like the previous quote - just do one day at a time.

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On 09/14/2015, Pat said ...

PS - Amazon has Prime Pantry. I've started ordering heavy things like detergents, coffee, even big packs of toilet tissue. Pretty big box for $5.99 delivery and they have waived that a couple of times. At least I don't have to carry it but one time - into the house. That's begun to be a big deal - 4 steps...

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On 09/15/2015, Debbie Price said ...

Oh Susan, I know how you are feeling! I can get myself all worked up about the need to do so many things, which of course, starts the ol' fibro reality check. I think it may finally be hitting my older girls that what I have really is a life changing thing. Laura already knows and unfortunately, I think she is also heading down the fibro path.
I agree with Barbara Anne, see if Jesse can take the car and do cancel one of the appts. if possible. Laura has a weekly doctor appointment and I am exhausted when I get home. It's not even my appointment! This fibro is a pain in the tush sometimes.
Soft hugs,
Deb
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Jfykxsrbjifsehuid!!!?

I have been trying all morning to go to the sewing room and work on Knick Nack, and I just don't seem to be able to. But then I didn't get out of bed until after 9:30. I haven't done that since, I don't know, probably since the last time I had the flu, which was at least three years ago. I'm almost always out of bed by 7 or 7:30, often earlier.

I hate this condition, or whatever you call it. I hate that it controls my life. I hate that it makes everything I do so hard. I hate it. It's evil. I hate it I hate it I hate it!!!

There. I feel better now. Thank you for enduring my rant. I think I'll do some reading now and forget Knick Nack for today.

 

Doggy Dilemma

I finally got the dog part of the last block of my "Knick Knack Pattywack" quilt finished. So yesterday, I worked on adding the doggy facial features and the dog house pieces around him. I got one block done--but it needs work.

My trouble comes about because my blocks turned out not to be the same size as given in the instructions. The instructions are written for 13" x 17" blocks. I think I might have had one that turned out that size. My smallest blocks are 12" x 16", so I find it necessary (unless I want to start over) to trim all my blocks to that size. 

I was under the impression (who knows why) that it doesn't matter what size your blocks turn out with this type of piecing--that you can simply trim them all to match when you're finished. In a way that's true. Or it would be true if I didn't have to match those dog house pieces to the blocks.

So I had to figure out what size to cut my dog house pieces to fit my smaller blocks, including some half-square triangles. Let me tell you right off, math is not my calling. Numbers seem to screw up my brain and turn it into plum jelly. The block you see above has been sewn, unsewn, and sewn again several times with different size pieces--and it still isn't right. If you'll notice where the lighter green roof peak meets the red roof side and should match points with the brown house side, it doesn't. There's about a quarter-inch gap between the roof peak point and the brown corner. 

So I have a couple of conundrums. One, I have a bunch of numbers scribbled on a piece of paper, and I'm not sure today if I can figure out which pieces match which numbers. Also, I can't decide whether to ignore that error and not take that block apart again--and get our my trusty seam ripper and start ripping and try to figure out what size to make what piece in order for those points to meet. I'm almost of the opinion that I should just forget the dog houses and border the blocks with straight border strips. AAAAAARRRRRRGGGGGGGG!!!!!!!

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On 09/11/2015, Linda said ...

Aargh! Sometimes the best of figuring doesn't quite make it to perfection. I believe I would leave it as is. Perfection is overrated, don't you think? I think I would press my house seam toward the roof to give it a little lift, as it would be in real life, smile and then go on to the next item. Most people probably won't notice the discrepancy because our eyes tend to "fill in the blanks" for us. I'm anticipating seeing the finished quilt. That's a cute little doggie.

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On 09/11/2015, Barbara Anne said ...

Oh, do I ever understand your frustration! Been there, too. Even after all of the 20+ years of quilting, if I cut HSTs as directed and sew, some are wonky and I cannot account for how that happens. Solution: I make the HSTs larger and trim them to size. Bingo!

Since all of these wonderful blocks are embellished with embroidery or applique, I'd edge this block's roof lines with rick-rack to hide that quarter inch and do the same on another block or two so it looks intentional.

As for the varying block sizes, I'd trim them to the same size if that's reasonable or sash them to make them the same. Come to think of it, I'd finish all of the blocks before doing any trimming or added sashing. Once they're all finished and the doggies are happily looking around, you'll know when you choose a layout what you need to do and not do to make it work. This will be a wonderful quilt! Hang in there!

Big hugs!

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On 09/11/2015, Sandy said ...

Susan, wouldn't that 1/4 inch difference at the top be taken up in the joining seam allowance? that would make it perfect if I'm seeing it right. I wouldn't worry about the point where the brown strip and green triangle meet. Just tell anybody that asks that the house settled over time!!! Riding by on a horse you would never see that anyway!!! Good luck but give yourself a little slack. I love the block and those little things wouldn't bother me at all. Perfection is overrated in my opinion.
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I dreamed last night (felt like all night) that I had left my dogs with relatives to go on a trip. they had put the dogs outside and apparently forgot about them. They were nowhere to be found when I came to pick them up. I spent the rest of the night walking, climbing hills, and calling for them. Woke up one time, relieved to find Skipper in bed with me and Sophie in her chair. Went back to sleep and picked up dream right where I had left off, desperately seeking doggies. This morning, my legs, back and hips hurt so bad I can hardly walk. But Sophie and Skipper are safe with me.

Bella and Taco were safe all night, huddled together in their bed that is really Daisy's (see above photo).

 

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On 09/07/2015, Barbara Anne said ...

Oh, bless your heart and other parts that you worried all night about your sweet dogs and you walked so far you woke up exhausted. My mother told me to turn my pillow over when I had a bad dream as that sort of "changed the channel" mentally. It's always worked for me whether it makes sense or not!

Aren't Bella and Taco just too cute?! Peaceable Kingdom in the kittie cup (or not!).

Big hugs!
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Come September

I think of September as "October Eve," the lead-up to my very favorite month. I love everything about October, especially the colors and the cooler temperatures. But I like September too; it brings the shifting light and air of autumn and the hope of cool breezes

The title of the above quilt, you might recall, is "September." String-pieced blocks and appliquéd sunflowers give a feeling for this, meteorologically speaking, first month of autumn.

I spent the morning sorting through things to donate to the thrift store and to the guild free table. My spoon drawer is depleted entire. So now I'm going to snuggle with Skipper on the sofa and get some reading done.

 

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On 09/01/2015, Barbara Anne said ...

I've loved this September quilt, it's colors and sunflowers, since I first saw it and it speaks to me of mellow autumn and delightfully cool days.

Your guild member are sure to feel Santa has come early as they get to choose among your donated goodies for things to take home.

Skipper and whoever else joins in the snuggle time might made your reading plans turn into an impromptu group nap. That sounds good, too!

Hugs!

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On 09/11/2015, Jenny said ...

This is beautiful! I love that you think of September as, "October eve". October is my favorite month too :)
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