Cutting/Hauling Wood

Yesterday hubby, SIL, BIL, Zack and I helped the in-law's cut and haul wood. First two pictures of MIL's sammies....the first is Dani (Sonny's sister). (Penny, I asked her to show how the girls like singing. *BG*) The second picture is her daughter, Chrissie. She's standing on what used to be a shelter in that kennel, but now it's just a place for them to stand on.

Here is Zack. He was the supervisor. We tried taking him in the house by Nana, but he wouldn't hear of it. He wanted to be outside where the action was. He was very well behaved the entire time. In the background is hubby on the left and BIL on the right.

Zack even tried helping. Maybe we were going too slow.

Sunday Stash Report - 10/26

There really is nothing to report this week. I think I only went in the sewing room one day and it was only for a little while. So no fabric in and no fabric out.

I'm hoping to get in some sewing this morning for a little bit. This afternoon we're going by the in-law's to cut and haul wood.

My numbers to date:

Fabric Added This Week: 0 yards
Fabric Added as of Apr. '08: 268.25 yards
Fabric Used This Week: 0 yards
Fabric Used Year to Date: 76-1/4 yards

IT'S HERE!!!

RANETTE ROCKS!!! The package came yesterday from Ranette (Ranette's Daily Stitch). This is what I took out of the package. The contents were wrapped in a piece of fabric and there was a lovely handwritten note.


If that wasn't enough, not only did she send the two patterns, but she also included a Quilter's Journal, embroidery needles, a magnetic needle holder, and the "wrapping paper" fabric.

THANK YOU so much Ranette. You are so sweet!!!

Down and Out

Tuesday I felt like I was starting to come down with something. (Not a surprise with a bunch of my co-workers hacking away around the office.) I left work early and plopped down on the couch and stayed there the rest of the night. Yesterday I stayed home from work and slept most of the day. Today I'm feeling a little better but still feel pretty wiped out. Hubby also is sick but he's just got a croaky throat rather than the nasal congestion like me. Usually we're never both sick at the same time.

Needless to say, there hasn't been any sewing done this week. However, I did call Hinterberg on Tuesday and talked to customer service about the problem with my Voyager. She thinks there still is a thread caught somewhere so she gave me a couple of things to try, which I haven't gotten to since I've been sick. I really need to get busy on quilting these tops. If I feel up to it tonight, I'll check some of it out.

I just have to share this. I am not a good cook. I read Judy's blog about all these great meals she makes and kitchen gadgets she has; and I can make mac & cheese, tuna casserole, the basics. Hubby normally does the cooking because he was home before me (and I don't always follows the directions that closely). Since hubby works 12 hours now there are days that I get home before him. So the other day I decided I was hungry for scalloped potatoes and ham. I bought all the ingredients and made it for supper and it turned out! It was really yummy. Hubby even took some leftovers to work for lunch. There may be hope for me yet! ;0)

Tonight I'm dropping my luggage off by my friends. Next week we're going to North Carolina. We're flying and they're driving so they get to lug my suitcase around so I don't have to check it in. We'll be going to watch the late model and sprint cars race at the Lowe's Dirt Track and then heading to Wilmington to see the battleship and the ocean. Of course I've got a list of quilt shops that will be "in the area"....but I'm not planning on buying any fabric, unless it's on sale and not found around here. It'll be just in time too, the weatherman mentioned the "S" word possible for next week...and highs in the low 40s. Brrrrr.

I WON!!!

I can't believe it....I won Ranette's fall patterns giveaway!! I've been eyeing the Fall Memories pattern for a while but never bought it. Looks like I'll have two new fall wallhangings for next year!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH RANETTE!!!

Sunday Stash Report - 10/19

Can you believe it? I've gone TWO weeks without adding any fabric to my stash!!! I'm doing the happy dance!

I used 2-3/4 yards for the Fall Back in Time top which I finished this weekend. I'm not sure what I'm gonna do about the borders yet, so I'll add that if/when they're added. My new goal is to finish the year with at least 100 yards used.

My numbers to date:

Fabric Added This Week: 0 yards
Fabric Added as of Apr. '08: 268.25 yards
Fabric Used This Week: 2.75 yards
Fabric Used Year to Date: 76-1/4 yards

Quiltathon Progress Update #2

I made more progress on Fall Back in Time after my initial post yesterday, but didn't get to submit an update. I finished Steps 2 and 3. Took a little break and cut a bunch of background squares to make more HSTs for Heritage. Then hubby came home so I had to stop.

Today hasn't been nearly as productive since I had to do some house chore type things, but I did get the top made. The pattern is Keyholes from Anka Treasures' (Heather Mulder Peterson) On A Roll Again book. The pattern calls for two borders but I'm not really sure what colors to use. I don't have any yardage of this fabric line. If you have any suggestions, please post a comment.

If you read my blog, you know that last week I was going to hang a curtain rod in front of my table to hang my quilts. In order to move the table, I had to take several boxes of fabric out from under the table. I didn't put them back "just in case" hubby decides to drill the holes. Riley seems to like this empty space....he has taken up residence there when I'm sewing.

Here are our naughty little goats. When they're not eating leaves or grass, they like to hang out on our porch. Normally Roxie is the one who sleeps on my bench, but yesterday Buddy decided he likes it. Buddy has been pretty naughty this weekend....he keeps putting his feet up on the door or siding to try and look in the house.
So Roxie laid on the doormat which hubby had moved away from the door.
I've procrastinated long enough and now I'm off to work on quilting Snow Wonderland. I really need to practice quilting more but I have so many tops that need to be quilted so I don't take the time to practice. I'm so worried about ruining the quilt that I worked so hard to make. So then I procrastinate and the tops keep adding up. I just need to realize that they're not going to be perfect and like on the Nike commercials....JUST DO IT!!! So that's what I'm going to do! I'll let you know how it goes later.

Update: So much for that idea. I guess the bobbin thread wasn't the problem because the Voyager still isn't working. :0( I guess I will need to call Hinterberg this week. In the meantime I'm gonna check out the Hinterberg groups archives.

Quiltathon Progress Report #1

I was wondering why I was starting to feel hungry so I looked at the clock in the bedroom....it was already 10:00! So after three hours of sewing, what did I accomplish?

Jelly roll strips cut into rectangles.


Rectangle fabrics matched up.

Step one complete.
Here are what the boys (Riley, then Sonny) are up to while I'm sewing....

Sonny sleeps by the door because the goats (especially Buddy) like to come up on the porch and peak into the window next to the door.

I'm taking a little food break and then I'll get back to the sewing room.

Almost forgot, I think I figured out what was up with my Voyager. The bobbin thread was caught. (Guess it helps to read the MANUAL.) Glad it wasn't a wire connection problem. I'll probably wait until tomorrow to quilt though...I've stood enough already today.

Pre-Quiltathon

Saturday and Sunday Judy L. is hostessing another Quiltathon. Since hubby is working all weekend, I am definitely participating. I've been warming up all week by working on HSTs for Heritage (2 more fabrics completed and 1-1/2 more fabrics started) and tonight I started cutting up jelly roll strips using these fabrics:

It's last year's Fall Back Into Time fabric collection designed by Sandy Gervais. You'll have to wait to see what I'm going to make with it though.

Some projects that I'd like to work on this weekend are:

1. Heritage (make more HSTs)
2. Fall Back in Time (continue cutting fabric strips)
3. Snow Wonderland quilting (if I can get my Voyager working)
4. Start Christmas table topper
5. Helen's Block Party block
6. Start another Patchwork Party block.

So what do ya say? Wanna join us?

Fall Yardwork

I didn't want to bore blogland with a bunch of Heritage HSTs talk again, so I decided to post some pics of my little nephew. He had a busy day playing with leaves by Nana and Papa. Isn't he adorable?!?!?

Do you see Sarah in her t-shirt looking on in the background? Zack likes to hang/climb on Sarah and use her as pillow when he lies down for his afternoon nap. She takes it without saying boo. They make such a great team.

Now for the boring stuff...8 fabrics are done, 2 more fabrics ready to be squared up, and 14 fabrics waiting patiently for their turn.

Heritage Update & New Quilt Shop

This morning I have some labwork and then have to meet with the doctor so I worked on Heritage some more. Last night I finished cutting the last of the 24 fabrics into squares. I now have 6 fabric HSTs completely done, 2 fabrics ready to be squared up and the rest patiently waiting to be sewn.

I forgot to mention yesterday that on Tuesday I visited the new quilt shop (My Sister's Quilt Shoppe) that opened in the area. They opened on October 1. They're still adding merchandise but I really liked it. Lots of Moda and TOT fabrics. I'm looking forward to seeing what types of classes and BOMs they will have.

I better get going.

Update: Yahoo, I'm done with the dr. appt/labwork and although my numbers still need to improve, they were much better than the last couple times. I don't have to get rechecked for 6 months!!! I have 6 months to lose some weight and lower my cholesterol and glucose more.

Wednesday Update

Nothing too exciting to report. I've been diligently working on Heritage the last couple days. I have 5 fabrics left to cut into squares to make HSTs. Six fabrics are completely done (made and squared up). I still have a long way to go but I'm working on it. I am thinking about switching gears for this weekend's quiltathon, but will probably decide on Saturday. I'm off to get some sewing in before bed.

Heritage Update

I've made some progress on Heritage today. I've finished (sewn and squared up) HSTs for 3 of the 24 fabrics. I have 9 of the 24 fabrics left to cut up into squares. Tomorrow I can work on making more HSTs.

I also started on the "Smiles" NPNT block, but only got the hair done.

I really wanted to sew today and hubby was napping before the Packer game so I ended up just putting my sewing table back up against the wall without getting the curtain rod hung on the wall. After the game we had to work on the goat's fencing (about 4 ft tall) because they keep escaping. Hubby won't admit that the chicken wire that we had used is not sufficient enough to keep the goats in. (We originally had made this pen for the geese but they don't like it either. LOL) Buddy puts his front legs on top of the fencing and then leans on it until it bends over enough for him to flip over the fence. Roxie just takes a flying leap and jumps over the fence. Hubby noticed that Roxie was kinda limping the other day so I told him he had to fix the fence before she ended up breaking her leg trying to fly over the fence. We put some more stakes up so they weren't spaced so far apart. We'll see. I have my doubts...those darn kids are stubborn about being able to roam around. So who knows if I'll ever get quilts hung up in my sewing room. ;0)

Sunday Stash Report - 10/12

Good news....nothing IN this week!!! I also have nothing out but I finished two Patchwork Party blocks, one Nice People Nice Things block, and started Heritage. Next weekend is Judy's Quiltathon, and I plan on sewing all weekend since hubby is working!!!

Here is my first block for the Nice People Nice Things by Helen at Hugs 'N Kisses. I hope to work on my next block, which will be Sisters, either during the Packers game this afternoon or tonight while watching TV. I've also bought a snowman bag pattern which I'm planning on making for a Christmas present so I may have to put NPNT aside for a little bit until I get the bag done.

Here is Heritage. I've got 12 HSTs completed and squares cut from 7 other fabrics. I still have many more squares to cut. I would have more HSTs made but yesterday I had the bright idea to move my cutting/sewing table out so hubby could hang the curtain rod up so I could hang Midnight Mischief on the wall. Guess he didn't have the same idea because my table is still in the same spot and the quilt is not on the wall. I use an old dining room table for cutting/sewing and the legs a little wobbly (also something he hasn't fixed) so I don't want to be sewing on it when it's not up against the wall. If he doesn't work on it when we get back from brunch, I'm either gonna do it myself or just put everything back.

I also need to check out my Voyager. I had loaded Snow Wonderland on the frame the other day and started quilting and just like that the needle stopped moving, but it still sounds like it's running. I think maybe a wire just got knocked out of whack a little when I moved the machine over on the carriage. I'll check that out later today too. Fingers crossed that's all it is.

My numbers to date:

Fabric Added This Week - 0 yards
Fabric Added as of Apr. '08 - 268.25 yards
Fabric Used This Week - 0 yards
Fabric Used Year to Date - 73-1/2 yards

Thursday Update

Just a quick note to post that I finished my second Patchwork Party block this month. Now I'm starting to cut fabrics for Heritage. I don't have the paper templates to make HSTs (not to mention I don't like doing it that way anyway), so I'm just cutting the squares and then making the HSTs....it may take me forever since there are almost 600 but I'll work on this in between other projects.

I also finished the first Nice People Nice Things block. It is soooo darling (if I do say so myself LOL). I haven't gotten a picture yet, but will post one soon.

Today I ordered the last three blocks and finishing kit for the Patchwork Party Winter edition. I am going "no buy" for the rest of the month. I have three tops that can be quilted, plus plenty of projects that I can work on without "needing" any new fabric.

Tonight FINALLY is the new CSI. I was really getting sick of seeing the previews over and over again.....kinda like the presidential "commercials". Should be good though!

Have a good night. Tomorrow is Friday!!!!

Halloween Topper

I realized that I never posted the picture of the Halloween table topper that I finished on Saturday. So here 'tis.

Tonight I loaded Snow Wonderland to the quilting frame. Tomorrow I'm hoping to get started quilting on it if I have enough time. I also started the first Nice People Nice Things embroidery block.

Stash Report - 10/5

I blew it again, but how could I pass up fabric that was half price??? Plus it was the shop hop, but almost everything I bought was for a specific project. I added, gulp, 27 yards to my stash of which half is for backings. I'm done buying....my sewing room is a complete mess. I have a huge pile of completed tops, a dresser full of tops waiting to be quilted and fabric or kits in every nook and cranny.

I did have a good week USING stash too. I used 1-1/4 yards for the Halloween topper, 3 yards for the Snow Wonderland backing, and 4-1/2 yards for the Snow Friends top, and gift 1-1/4 yards to my niece.

My numbers to date:

• Fabric Added This Week - 27 yards
• Fabric Added as of Apr. '08 - 268.25 yards
• Fabric Used This Week - 10 yards
• Fabric Used Year to Date - 73-1/2 yards

Tonight I started another PPS08 block and got the first NPNT transfer sheet ironed onto the fabric. I need to stop procrastinating and start quilting on Snow Wonderland.

Sunday Update

My stash report will have to wait, I'm too tired to figure out my totals today. For the most of the day I've been working on Snow Friends. Why I didn't work on this 3 years ago when I bought the fabric is beyond me. It all went together real easy and fast. I need to add one more border but it will have to wait....I've run out of energy for the day. I'll finish the border tomorrow and then it can join the other tops waiting to be quilted. I'm thinking I will give this to our friends Wayne & Carol. I'll post my stash report tomorrow too.

SE Wisconsin Shop Hop

I thought I had all kinds of pictures of the shops to show you, but after downloading the files, I only had pics from the first two shops. I was pretty preoccupied looking for the "clues" to the mystery posted throughout the shops. Never fear I did take pictures of my purchases.

Shop Hop - Day #1.

Stitches 'N Tyme in Oakfield - They have everything Moda!! This was one of my favorite shops on the hop. I wish this store were closer, I'd be there all the time. The store is in a ranch style house and the entire ceiling is full of quilt tops.

This is probably my luckiest find. I've been wanting to start some embroidery projects and this book has step-by-step illustrations on how to do MANY different types of stitches. I found this book at Primitive Gatherings, which is one shop I didn't think I'd like because they have a lot of "prim", civil war, and wool merchandise, but I could see going back.

I had seen this quilt online several times and thought it was pretty cute. It wasn't until I saw it in person that I decided I needed to make one myself. So I bought the book and the rest of the shop hop I searched for orange and black FQs.

Here I found backing (50% off) for the Snapshots top, some cute pink, purple and teal animal footprints (50% off) and several misc. fat quarters.

I also found backing for Tilt-A-Whirl, a couple fat quarters and patterns.

The find that made me the most giddy was the new Cider Mill Road (by Nancy Halvorsen) FQ bundle. Next to it is a pattern that I already had (Easy Quilts by Fons & Porter) which I'm going to make with the FQ bundle.
Shop Hop Day #2. Saturday my niece and I went on a bus to the last 6 shops. She really liked this top. Notice underneath the quilt is one of the CLUES to the murder mystery! It was really nice not having to drive all over the place, but I think next year we'll just drive ourselves. We ended up going to one of the shops that wasn't on the route which put us almost an hour behind, plus it seemed so long in between shops. By the time we got to the last three shops, we didn't have much time to really shop. I really wish we could have spent more time at The Quilted Basket and Patched Works, they were both very nice shops and tons of fabrics!!! There's always next year! ;0) But I had a lot of fun spending time with my niece. She informed me that next year SHE could drive....man where did the years go!

I found this kit at Royce's Quilting in West Bend. My niece really liked it too but couldn't afford to buy the kit so I will probably give it to her after I finish it. The fabrics are from Jackie Robinson's Fuchsia collection. I just love the pastel colors.
I managed to visit at 13 quilt shops into two days. The 13th shop was the one that is closing. I got there just before they were closing. They were closing early for a funeral so I had to shop quick. It was kinda sad because I don't think I'll (and really don't NEED to) make it back before she closes the doors. I loved shopping there and will definitely miss going there. Now I need to get busy sewing!!!