Halfway There

I just finished my tenth block for my patriotic summer quilt. Ten blocks to go, and I can put it all together.

I thought I was going to sew all day, and it's barely 12:30, but I've changed my mind. Not feeling too pretty good, so I'm going downstairs with Skipper and read until time to cook supper. Making a pot of chili, which seems appropriate for a rainy day.

Happy Holiday weekend, everyone. Be safe.

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On 06/30/2017, Barbara Anne said ...

Well done!!!

Please send the rain to us as we need rain badly. Thank you!

Hope you feel better soon and have a wonderful 4th!

Hugs!

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On 07/01/2017, Dolores Tanner said ...

Getting caught up, beautiful quilts, congrats on the ribbons!!! Those darn dogs anyway.... if it is not in and out, it is trying to go on an adventure... :)

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On 07/01/2017, Barbara Anne said ...

Oh, and did you get the email I sent?

Hugs!
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Moving Right Along

Four of my Patriotic Ribbon Stars are done. I'll need 20. I'm not sure what I'm going to call this one. I'm hoping something summery and patriotic comes to me as I work on it. I like my quilts to have names.

I'll be getting some more blocks done this afternoon. Anna just arrived to clean, so Skipper and I retreated to the sewing room to stay out of the way..

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On 06/28/2017, Barbara Anne said ...

Well done!

How about calling your quilt "Star Spangled Summer"?

Hugs!
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Two Mysteries Solved

Skipper pouting over the discovery and repair of his escape route

I found Skipper’s escape hatch. When the tree cutters came a few years ago to take down a big dead oak in the back yard, they had to take down part of my fence to get their equipment in. When they left, I noticed a gap under part of the fence after they put it back up. Said gap looked big enough for Skipper to squeeze through. I wasn’t able to straighten that part of the fence, so I just placed a concrete block in front of the hole to block it, and Skipper was none the wiser.

Somebody had moved my concrete block. I have no idea when, but I don’t believe Skipper possesses enough brute strength to have moved it. I suspect it had to be the fellow who cuts my grass. Skipper, who has increased a bit in girth since he came to live with us, had stretched the gap even bigger. Now it took two concrete blocks to make sure he can no longer get out. 

While I was repairing the damage from outside the fence, the Skipster came to his hole to come out and be with me. When he discovered he could no longer escape, he was quite perturbed. 

I’m more than a bit embarrassed to disclose the solving of the mystery of the missing camera cord. So I’ll just spit it out. It was attached to the computer, where it was supposed to be, where it has always been. The part that attaches to the camera has always stayed on top of the desk, beside where I keep my camera. Somehow it had slipped off the back of the desk. So instead of looking behind the computer monitor when I didn’t see the cord where it was supposed to be, I decided it was gone. It wasn’t. I feel stupid. Enough said.

SaveSaveSaveSave

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On 06/27/2017, Linda Enneking said ...

Thanks for sharing about your camera cord. It reminded me to pack my camera for a trip I'm taking tomorrow. I am sure I would have forgotten it.

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On 06/28/2017, Sue, a Florida Farm Girl said ...

No, the gremlins came in overnight and put it back on the computer after making you pull your hair out. Glad you're back in business.

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On 06/28/2017, Barbara Anne said ...

WaHoooooo! Skipper is corraled and your computer cord was found. Applause!!

Hugs!

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On 06/30/2017, Bonnie said ...

Your camera cord story reminds me of me hunting around the house for my reading glasses, grabbing a second pair, and going to tuck them in my shirt neckline so I'll know where they are -- only to tuck them in next to pair of readers #1. I won't tell you how many times THAT'S happened...
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Patriotic Patchwork Plan

For a long time, I've wanted to make a patriotic-themed quilt to hang in my foyer during summertime to celebrate all the patriotic holidays. Finally I have begun. I ordered a fat quarter bundle of MaryJo Tuttle's "Patriotic Picnic" prints from Connecting Threads and chose a star pattern (it had to be stars), Ribbon Star. I made my first Ribbon Star block back when I was working on the "Farm Life Sampler." It's so much fun and so easy and makes a gorgeous block.

Here's the first block for my Summertime Patriotic quilt--Ribbon Star block made from "Patriotic Picnic" fabrics designed by MaryJo Tuttle.

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On 06/26/2017, Barbara Anne said ...

Love your new and ongoing red/white/blue summer project! Nice 1st block!

This is the same block I made for Brian's colorful quilt last yeear/

Hugs!

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On 06/30/2017, bfbarnes44@gmail.com said ...

Would you mind sharing the name of the block? Thanks

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Saturday Finish and Sunday Slump

No, I still haven't found that blasted cord. But Jesse let me borrow his (something I had not even thought of until yesterday) so I could post a photo of my newly finished "Heartwarming" quilt top. It's all ready to be quilted. Well, that is, as soon as I decide on a backing and construct it.

I have at least two more quilts on my list of things to get started, as well as a couple I want to finish up before the next quilt show. That's two years, I know. But time flies these days.

Skipper, who is usually up before the chickens (not that we have any chickens), let me sleep until after 9:00 this morning. I can't even remember when I have slept that late. As I don't move very quickly of a morning, it was almost 10:00 by the time I fed him his breakfast, let him out for his morning constitutional, and got my coffee made. At around 10:20, I went to see what was keeping him, and couldn't see him in the fenced back yard. But the yard is big, so I called and called...and called and called. And finally, there he was, at the back gate, waiting for me to let him in.

This is the second time Skipper Lou Blue has escaped the chain-link-fenced back yard. I have examined the perimeter of the fence and can find no gaps or holes where he could be getting out. I don't believe he's climbing the fence, or he would have scratches or some kind of injuries. Somewhere in my back yard, there is a secret tunnel. Next thing I know, I'll be getting a call from China to come get my dog.

Needless to say, with my schedule so discombobulated, I didn't make it to church this morning. So I'll just have to put the time to good use and sew something. I have a few garments I want to make before I get back on quilts, so maybe I'll do that.

And here are the prize ribbons that my quilts won last weekend. Thanks to Lena Colley of New Traditions for doing the longarm quilting on each of them.

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On 06/25/2017, Patty McDonald said ...

Congratulations on your quilts winning ribbons. You did a beautiful job. It's so easy to forget that you have health issues when you accomplish so much.
As for Skipper, some dogs are just great escape artist. One of our labs (she is 2) always finds a way to escape. She is a high energy girl and loves to run. Skipper is older so I can't think of a good excuse for him.
Enjoy your week. Patty Mc

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On 06/26/2017, Barbara Anne said ...

Lovely heart-warming quilt, lovely ribbons, and a mystery about how Skipper is getting out of the fence!

Hugs!
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Ribbon Winners

I thought I had found the cord for my photo downloads, but it was the wrong cord. So I still haven't found it, and I'll just tell the news anyway. Two of my quilts were awarded ribbons in Quiltfest 2017 last weekend.

My "Country Girl Sampler" won 3rd place in one of the large bed quilt categories.

"Turkey Trot" took a 3rd-Place ribbon in the pieced wall hangings category.

It's very fulfilling to have my work recognized in this way. But I surely don't intend to rest on my laurels (ribbons). I'm already working on quilts for our 2019 show, which judging by how time seems to fly these days, will be here day after tomorrow.

Now, back to trying to solve the mystery "Where Did I Put That Camera Cord?"

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On 06/24/2017, Ramey Channell said ...

So beautiful!

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On 06/24/2017, Barbara Anne said ...

Congratulations x 2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Have someone give you a pat on the back as a reward for your most excellent and wondderfully colorful quilts!

Happy dancing for you!

Hugs!

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On 06/26/2017, Melanie said ...

Congrats!!!

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On 06/27/2017, Linda Enneking said ...

Congratulations! Your quilts are so pretty, and all so different. I'm happy that your talent is recognized.
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Quilt Show Sample

Somehow I have lost the cord that lets me download photos from my camera to my computer. I can’t imagine what has happened to it, since I never ever unplug it from the computer. But I have searched every place that I can imagine I might have put it, although I can’t think why I would put it anywhere except where it belongs--attached to my computer. I’m beginning to suspect a four-legged burglar. I just am not sure which four-legger to suspect.

I wanted to download the photos I took at the quilt show. Although I didn’t photograph the entire show, as I normally do, I did get a lot of good quilts. But for now, they’ll remain hidden on my camera card.

But I have gathered a few shots that other guild members took and will post some of them here for your viewing pleasure. And as soon I find my cord, I’ll post some photos of the surprise I got when Ramey and I arrived at the show on Saturday afternoon.

 

Click on the photo to enlarge and get a better look at the eye-popping quilting on this beautiful piece.

A beautiful and original version of Lori Holts “Farm Girl Sampler” patterns

A fun and festive tribute to Halloween

I love this Christmas sampler.

There was a large display of members’ row-by-row quilts.

My friend Mary U.’s gorgeous turtle quilt

I have to make a run to the store now, in between heavy rain showers that Cindy is bringing us. But I’ll post more photos later.

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On 06/22/2017, Barbara Anne said ...

Applause for each and every glorious quilt and their quiltmakers! Thanks for showing us these quilts and best wishes in finding your mission cord. Did you look on the floor as that's where it could be if gravity was at fault?

Hugs!

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On 06/23/2017, Sue, a Florida Farm Girl said ...

Does your computer not have a card reader slot? Mine is on the front of my laptop and I simply insert the camera card and upload the photos. I used to use a cord but this works better. I just have to remember to remove the card and put it back in the camera!
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Downton Puzzle

On some Ramey Sister Shopping Spree or another, I found this jigsaw puzzle and it reminded me of “Downton Abbey.” It’s not titled that; I think the title is “Upstairs, Downstairs.” But since I love “Downton” and jigsaw puzzles, I made it mine. I wasn’t looking for a puzzle, and I normally don’t care for the 1000-piecers, which are just too large to maneuver well. But this one was too tempting to pass up. 

It turned out to be a lot of fun and not difficult at all. I still have it assembled on my dining table and will leave it there for a while longer. 

Who else out there likes jigsaw puzzles? I’ve loved puzzles since I was a little kid. My mama used to buy them and my sisters, my mama, and I would work on them together. 

Quilt making is a lot like working a jigsaw puzzle, putting colorful pieces together to form a pretty whole. Speaking of which, I have all the “Heartwarming” blocks and sashing assembled into rows. Just have to add the border and it will be ready for Lena’s long-arm.

I’m off to my guild’s quilt show in just a bit. Sister Ramey is going with me. I don’t know if I’ll be able to stay on my feet long enough to see all the quilts, but I’ll give it a try.

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On 06/17/2017, Barbara Anne said ...

Love this wonderful puzzle! I've always enjoyed puzzles, too as did my mother.

Hope that you and Ramey had lots of fun at the quilt show and that you won a prize or two!

Hugs!

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On 06/18/2017, Sheryl Colle said ...

I love doing jigsaw puzzles, and I especially like this one! May I ask where you found it?

I sure hated to miss the quilt show this year, but it would have been a long commute for me! :)

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On 06/19/2017, Beverly said ...

I love puzzles, and this one would have pulled me in, too. Great detail. And, like you, I hate putting them away.

Do you do the puzzles I post every Friday morning?
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The Perfect Lace

I found the absolute perfect eyelet lace to make the flange on the "Heart Warming" quilt. See the little hearts? I found it on Etsy and bought nine yards, which should make it around the quilt.

What did we ever do without the internet? I think we went shopping--to lots of different stores--and used lots of gasoline and energy. Those shopping trips were adventures, but these days, when a short trip to the grocery stores seems like a huge chore, I sure am grateful for online shopping.

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On 06/16/2017, Barbara Anne said ...

You're so right about the perfection of ths sweet lace with hearts AND the "Let your fingers do the walking" handiness of the internet..

Hugs!

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On 06/16/2017, Linda Enneking said ...

The lace is perfect for your quilt, which is going to be really pretty. I am tempted to try this pattern.

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On 06/19/2017, Pat said ...

Yes, I love puzzles, too. My great aunts used to work them in the country store they ran. Guess I've loved them all my life. Internet is great. I used to wonder if our mail carrier or UPS/FedEx cartier thought I was crazy - I get something 3-4 times a week. But I hear lots of people say they shop online. It's so easy, fast, conserves energy & gas, and saves my achey back, feet & legs. BTW-love your Downton puzzle!
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Faith and Begorrah!

Or as Jack Bauer is wont to say, “DAMMIT!"

Remember this? “Trick or Tree.” I started it last Autumn and have never quite finished it. But I entered it in the quilt show, knowing that I had several weeks to finish it up. So we had almost 400 quilt entered, too many to display, a problem we had never had before for our shows. I was told some quilts, of necessity, weren’t being accepted, and “Trick or Tree” was one of them. No problem, thought I. Now I won’t have to hurry, hurry and get it finished for the show.

Well, guess what? This morning, I received a list of quilt show entries. “Trick or Tree” was there. Unbeknownst to me, the talented ladies who hang the show were able to do some finagling and get more quilts in, including mine. Trouble is, nobody told me until today. The show starts in one week. Actually, come to think of it, show quilts must be turned in next Tuesday! So boy or boy, do I have to get busy!

Trouble is, I have book club today. Then I have to run a couple of errands. Then I have to cook supper for Jesse tonight. I know from experience, I will be far too tired by the time all that is done to start quilting, hand quilting to finish up the piece. It will have to wait till tomorrow. So glad it’s a small quilt, and I have only about 1/3 of the quilting left to do. Then add my embellishments, bind it, label it, and sew on a sleeve. 

Anybody want to place bets on whether or not I meet the deadline?

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On 06/08/2017, Barbara Anne said ...

I think I can, I think I can! I think you can, too! Good luck!

Hugs!

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On 06/08/2017, Lisa Allen said ...

I have full confidence you will get it finished! I still have to attach binding to a bed-size quilt and stitch it down, attach a label, and attach sleeves to two bed quilts!

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On 06/09/2017, Linda Enneking said ...

Your grandson probably wouldn't mind eating takeout food so you could get started this afternoon. I'm confident you will get it finished in time. Looking forward to seeing the finished quilt.
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Row One Is Done

I got all the sashing and corner stones cut out and Row 1 put together. But now Skipper quotes Popeye by saying, "Enough is too much." (At least I believe it was Popeye who first said that.) The Skipster wants me downstairs now. NOW!

More tomorrow--I hope.

 

 

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On 06/08/2017, Barbara Anne said ...

Well done!!!!!!!!!!!

Hugs!
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Mattie Brown Abides

This is Kathryn and Cait’s cat Selwyn, enjoying a pleasant snuggle with an old fuzzy mouse toy named Mattie Brown.

When Kathryn posted this picture on Facebook, I recognized the old fellow immediately, and I had not seen him in decades. I don’t remember the entire history of how Mattie Brown came to live at our house, but I know it was some time in the 70s (I think). And I think my family (me, my first husband Kenneth, and our two children) were on vacation, perhaps in North Carolina, when we purchased Mattie for our then cat, Cattail. (Am I remembering correctly, kids? Or did we get him closer to home?)

Anyway, Mattie Brown is an old, old cat toy, apparently an indestructible one, somewhere around 40 years old. I’m so glad to see he lives and entertains yet another generation of our family’s cats.

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On 06/05/2017, Barbara Anne said ...

Sweet! Isn't it nice to see old, faithful toys enjoyed by another generation of kids or pets?

Hugs!

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On 06/06/2017, Alison said ...

Gorgeous cat all snuggled up
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Pentecost

“In the last days, God says,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your young men will see visions,
your old men will dream dreams.”
Acts 2:17

I love the tradition of wearing red on Pentecost Sunday. Today i wore red pants and a short-sleeved red cotton sweater.

Our minister gave a wonderfully compassionate sermon, especially appropriate for these days in this country. Our choir was inspirational with hymns like “O, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing” and “Every Time I Feel the Spirit."

“Diversity is one of God’s greatest gifts to the world.”
--Rev. Terry Tingle

I wish I could have got a better photo of our Pentecost banner. I was using my cell phone, and I can never hold it still enough to get a good shot. I love that banner and think it would make a gorgeous quilted piece.

Blesses Pentecost to everyone. Feel the Spirit!

Flange Binding

Yesterday, I got the “Turkey Trot” wall hanging finished--bound, labeled, and sleeve sewn on. I did something with the binding that I’ve never done before. I made flange binding. It was very easy. 

The flange is the red strips between the edge of the quilt and the binding.

For an excellent tutorial for making flange binding, go to www.jaybirdquilts.com/2010/12/binding-flange-tutorial. I would post the link, but for some reason, my computer has quit letting me post links on my blog. Or maybe it’s the blog that won’t let me link anymore. I have to do some checking.

I totally hooked now on flange binding and plan to do some more of it as I finish up some of my quilts. I have a special and fun idea for binding my “Heart Warming” quilt. I’m planning to use eyelet lace in place of the flange.

Speaking of “Heart Warming,” I finished up the blanket stitching this morning. Now all that’s left is putting the whole thing together. 

Happy Weekend, everyone.

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On 06/02/2017, Bonnie said ...

This quilt is a real eye-catching beauty!

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On 06/02/2017, Barbara Anne said ...

Flange binding???? Will look at that link when it's not past midnight, okay? Tanks for including the link.

LOVE this happy quilt! Will you nake it "Fly Away Home" since it has that delightful ladybug fabric in it?

Hugs!
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No Sew

Nothing to blog about. I haven’t done any sewing in days. Just taking care of ticky tacky stuff around here until I’m out of spoons and don’t feel like sewing.

The big event yesterday was changing my sheets. You’d be surprised (unless you have major back problems) how badly that chore can work on one’s back. And how long it takes to complete because of the back thing.

Every day I think “No cores today. Straight to sewing.” Then something pops up that needs doing, and then something else, and then something else--and then the couch.

Well so far, nothing has popped up today and I had a modicum of energy (knock on wood). So excuse, please, me while I go try to get a stitch or two in. Oh, come to think of it, the bed isn’t made. And there are some dirty dishes in the sink from last night. And.... NO! NO! NO CHORES. I can sleep in an unmade bed, and we have plenty of clean dishes in the cabinets.

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On 06/01/2017, Sylvia said ...

Really like reading your blog even if it's not about sewing

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On 06/02/2017, Linda said ...

Sometimes, one must make hard choices in order to get any sewing time!

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On 06/02/2017, Barbara Anne said ...

Love your blog topics and I can relate to this one!

I'm a firm believer that thinking about sewing or looking thru a sewing boook or magazine counts!

Big but gentle hugs!

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On 06/20/2017, Must see Alaska Fishing Lodge Information said ...

I thought your post is really about sewing. I love the content of this. Nice read as always.
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