Around the Blocks

Thangles Buck-a-Block

2012-02-05T20:53:00.000-05:00

I am late getting these done, and I'm not that thrilled with the setting package, so I might just hang onto them and do something different later on.

I've made so many shirt quilts that I have lots and lots of 4 patch strips. I put a few together and am thinking of what I'll eventually do with them. Love, love, love scrappy quilts.

By the way, I had a great visit today with some fellow quilters - Trish, Nancy, and Vonda! Thanks for coming over today and letting me give you a quilt show!

Ready for second border

2012-02-04T20:27:00.000-05:00

Got this memory quilt ready for the second border. My friend came over today and picked the inner border and we decided on navy for the outer border.

Ronnie was a big fan of the local sports teams, the Yellow Jackets, and their colors are orange and blue. The emblem is from one of his shirts. I need to figure out how to incorporate it into the quilt. If I can get border fabric that is very close to the emblem background, I may put it on the front in a corner. Ronnie would have liked that, I think.

Winter or Spring?

2012-02-04T15:13:00.000-05:00

Aren't we supposed to be in the middle of winter? My daffodils don't think so.

Progress and Supper

2012-02-03T19:23:00.000-05:00

First the progress....it is coming along nicely.

And supper

I also put some pan fried chicken tenders on top. Yummy!

Then for dessert I made some chocolate chip cookie dough dip. Some time ago I purchased some "off" brand graham crackers. The hubby didn't like them. Finally, I found a great use for them.....

Another Memory Quilt

2012-01-28T21:58:00.000-05:00

Tonight I started my next memory quilt. This is for my best friend, who lost her husband to cancer in December. It is made from his shirts. I've just started sewing the strip sets together. Those strip sets will make 5 of the 9 large blocks. It is going together really fast.

Baby coin quilt

2012-01-28T10:59:00.000-05:00

This may be my new favorite. What I love about it: 1) that it was made all from scraps, 2) the flannel polka dot backing and binding, 3) the pieced backing, 4) the modern look, and 5) that it was so easy to make. I quilted it using Sticky Buns by Anne Bright.

My Walking Trail

2012-01-27T13:00:00.002-05:00

In the winter, I have my own inside walking trail. I like it. It take me about 30 long strides to complete the circle - living room, foyer, dining room, kitchen, and back to the living room. I can walk almost 4 miles per hour on my little trail. It beats a treadmill that takes up space. My walking time is my praying, thinking, planning, and sometimes music listening time. It's not only good for the body, but good for the soul.

My Thermostat

2012-01-27T11:17:00.002-05:00

My thermostat isn't working properly. I am in the throes of menopause. Five hot flashes in four hours this morning. My, oh, my. FRUSTRATING. However, I thought about the good in those. Yes, there is good in hot flashes. They are a reminder of the awesome body God gave to us women. They remind me of all the things that ARE working properly in my body. I retrieved a book, I've loved for many years.

My Body
Thank you, God, for this body. For the things it can feel, the things it can sense, the wondrous things it can do. For its bright vigor at the day's beginning, for the hard sweet satisfaction of it walking, working, playing. For its very weariness at the day's end, and the dear comfort of it sleeping. Sometimes for even its pain - if only to sting me into some new awareness of my own existence upon this earth.
I look upon it sometimes in reverent amazement - for we are indeed fearfully and wonderfully made. All its secret silent machinery meshing and churning, all its muscles coordinating, the whole of it so neatly functioning. Lord, don't let me hurt it, scar and spoil it, overindulge it or overdrive it, but don't let me coddle it either. Let me love my body enough to keep it agile and able and well, strong and clean.
Thank you that I live within this body - the real, eternal forever existing me. That it has been made to serve me so happily, so well, so long. And until the day comes when I'll have no further need of it, let me appreciate it to the fullest and be grateful for it: my body.

as penned by Marjorie Holmes more than 40 years ago.

Textured Photo on Stretched Canvas

2012-01-26T20:41:00.000-05:00

I don't know what this technique is called. I tried it tonight.

You start with Mod Podge, a craft brush, tissue paper, and a stretched canvas. And of course a photo on your computer to print.

You cut the tissue paper a little bigger than a piece of printer paper, and then tape it to the paper on the back side. Feed your paper through your printer so the image will print on the tissue paper.

Since I was making mine 5 x 7 size I printed two different photos on one sheet.

Carefully cut the tissue paper away from the printer paper.

Paint a coat of the Mod Podge onto the canvas; place the tissue paper on top of the wet Mod Podge; slowly and ever so gently smooth the tissue paper down. Or as I did, pat it down. (I wasn't so gentle the first time and tore the tissue paper)

Then you have a textured photo canvas!

Birthday

2012-01-26T20:14:00.000-05:00

I had a birthday this week. It was a great day! Elijah and Katie had brought me some New Orleans Coffee and Chicory from Cafe Du Monde. He picked it up on his recent visit there. Yummy! My group at work gave me a little party and had an Amazon gift card and a beautiful fancy yarn scarf one of them knitted for me.

Sunday morning when the kids were here I snapped a few pictures and posted them on facebook later that evening. My friend pulled one of them off and made me this great textured canvas photo.

She handed it to me on Monday morning. She told me how she did it, so tonight I decided to give it a try......

Finished

2012-01-22T19:19:00.000-05:00

Quilted using a pantograph called Fay Feathers by Lorian Quilting.

My loved ones....

2012-01-22T18:05:00.001-05:00

Elijah and Katie came home for a short visit. He was one of three "preacher boys" who preached today at Grace Church. He always does such a good job. This momma is proud!

My mom came to hear him, and I drove down and picked up his other grandmother, Mamaw Hixson, so she also could hear him. They are proud of their grandson too!

Ready for Quilting

2012-01-21T11:41:00.001-05:00

Got both of these ready to quilt. Yay! I love a pieced back. I don't like to do it, but I think it just adds something to the quilt. I even had enough of the pink and brown to make a little pillow to match.

Love, love, love this bright coin quilt. Now time for a lunch break.

Shiny Sink

2012-01-21T09:28:00.000-05:00

A shiny sink makes me happy. Did you know you can shine your stainless steel sink with a steel wool pad? I didn't know that, until I went to the Flylady's website. She has lots of ideas for keeping your home clean and organized.

Baby Coin Quilt

2012-01-20T22:38:00.001-05:00

I found this pattern on the Moda Bake Shop site. I really liked it, especially since I knew I had enough bright scraps to make it. Much of the scraps are the same ones I used with my spring fling quilt. This is so easy and goes together really fast. I even had some of the same flannel turquoise polka dot for the backing. I like they way they suggest you put another stack of coins on the backing.

I hope to get it ready for the machine tomorrow. I still need to quilt the pink and brown one. I did get some backing today, so it won't be long and hopefully I'll have both of these done.

Say YES to the Dress!

2012-01-14T19:16:00.005-05:00

My friend's daughter, a senior in high school, put on a fantastic event today in our little town. She held the first annual "Say YES to the Dress" event. For weeks now she has been collecting barely used, and in some cases, brand new, prom and special event dresses. At the beginning she had several beautiful girls put on a fashion show, some with tuxedo'd escorts. She had collected all kinds of donations from local businesses - signs, balloons, "Say YES to the Dress" T-shirts for the workers, hanging racks, even some great prizes which were drawn at the end of the day.

Each dress got a tag with a number, size, and price. She had a ledger book all set up with the number, owner, price, and various instructions to her Mother on how to collect the money, and how to mark the ledger to indicate all the particulars. I worked with her mother today at the event. What made this even more special is that for each sale, 10% of the selling price went to "Hands of Mercy," the local non-profit food pantry.
I am so proud of Allison. She is a very special young lady and I look forward to seeing what the Lord has in store for her future.

Allison, in the center with the dark jeans, is surrounded by her friends that helped in the event and some of the fashion show models.

My First Design

2012-01-13T21:52:00.000-05:00

I know it isn't much, but it is the first quilt I've made without a pattern. My first design. Just simple pinwheels, large plain blocks, sashing and cornerstones, but still....I feel like I've done something great. It will be a baby quilt. I've just got it laid out to be sure that is how I want to put it together. Used all fabric I already had. I always like that. I'll have to do some fancy custom quilting in the plain blocks.

Late Lunch

2012-01-13T14:44:00.000-05:00

Nutella on chocolate zucchini bread with decaf coffee. Oh, my, my. Decaf, you ask? Yes, I am one of those ~~old people~~ mature adults who can't drink coffee past noon or I'll be up half the night.

Laundry Room Re-do (continued)

2012-01-13T14:40:00.000-05:00

Wire shelving that I am removing.

It was secured with these little things and screws.

Not sure why I am filling the holes and painting. All of them will be covered up with the new cabinet. Guess it just seemed like the right thing to do.......and made me feel like a real carpenter!

Photography Tips

2012-01-12T20:58:00.000-05:00

I get a weekly email with digital photography tips. I love reading it and looking at the pictures. This week, it challenged its readers to do a 15 minute photography exercise "to improve your photography in 2012"....I had 15 minutes so, I did it. Well, I tried to do it.

Start by selecting a setting (living room). Observe it for 10 minutes. You are to just study the room, what would make a good picture, how the lighting is, what angles might work for interesting photos, look for details, etc. I think I made it about 3 minutes. Sorry, I'm a little hyper or impatient, or both.

After your 10 minutes of observation, you shoot pictures for 5. I probably did about 3 minutes worth. These were my favorites.

It was an interesting exercise. There is so much to learn about photography. It forces you to pay more visual attention to everything. I like that.

My Motto

2012-01-10T19:58:00.000-05:00

I found this on another blog and it fits me and my quilting exactly!

Thelma and her quilt

2012-01-08T20:21:00.000-05:00

Memory Quilt

2012-01-08T17:40:00.000-05:00

Binding mistake

2012-01-07T19:39:00.000-05:00

Got the quilting done.

But I made a mistake when I was sewing on the binding. I don't know what I was thinking, but I sewed it on the wrong side! These handy little eyebrow trimmers are much better than your regular seam ripper.

Ink Cartridges

2012-01-06T15:38:00.000-05:00

Paying $47 for these makes me cringe! Surely there are some new printers out there that don't use such expensive ink cartridges. It just kills me to pay that much for these little things. Anybody out there have a good printer with less expensive ink?

Laundry room re-do

2012-01-06T15:19:00.000-05:00

Phase 1 was removing the pedestals under the washer and dryer. Check
Phase 2 was removing the toilet. Check

Aren't you just thrilled when you find you can do something yourself! I am. Removing the toilet was really easy peasy.

Ewee, look at that ugly paint color. That was the original. Neither of us liked what the other picked, and ended up compromising on something we both hated.......that was a wise decision.....not. This is where the new cabinet will go. Yes, that is a filing cabinet. It will eventually go too. Hopefully this laundry room will end up looking like a nice laundry room. The hubby wasn't really thrilled with this home improvement project, and actually....snicker, snicker, wants to keep the toilet. I told him I am going to plant some tulips in it and put it in the yard, maybe with a sign over it, "rest stop"............just kidding...

Opportunity

2012-01-04T20:12:00.000-05:00

The Lord has opened up an opportunity for my little quilt ministry that I am very excited about. A sweet young family lost their baby boy a couple of years ago to SIDS. It was heartbreaking for them and all who knew them. The mother is looking for someone to take his baby clothes and transform them into a memory quilt. The couple was friends with my son - therefore the door was opened for me to do this for them.

source

I've not made a quilt from baby clothes, but there are all kinds of great pictures, ideas, and tutorials on the web. The Lord is answering my prayers for Remembrance Quilt Ministry and I am thrilled to be a part of it.

Politics

2012-01-03T21:22:00.000-05:00

I don't typically get political on this blog, but these statements are some we all need to read and understand, before we vote this year.

1. You cannot legislate the poor into prosperity by legislating the wealthy out of prosperity.
2. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving.
3. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else.
4. You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it!
5. When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that is the beginning of the end of any nation.

Widow Quilt

2012-01-02T18:41:00.000-05:00

Finally got it finished. I was pretty disappointed in the blue border fabric. I bought it at JoAnn's and should have known better. I picked it by color and not by quality. It is very thin, and it kept moving when I was trying to sew it. I will need to be sure and quilt it pretty heavy. Hopefully it will still be ok and using it for the binding won't cause me too much trouble.

Remembrance Quilt

2012-01-01T22:27:00.000-05:00

Finally, I am back on the quilt. Not sure about it. I sure hope she likes it. Got all the little blocks made into the twelve bigger blocks. Still have to sew them together.

I normally put an inner border on these. Not sure what I'll do. Since his favorite color was yellow I may try to piece enough of the leftover yellow shirt strips and see if I can make an inner border from it.

2011 In Review

2012-01-01T18:13:00.001-05:00

Quilting projects completed in 2011.

Style

2012-01-01T17:40:00.001-05:00

I don't know about you, but even as I age, I want to be stylish. I am not trying to look younger than my age. I have a head full of gray hair, and am ok with it. But I do want to look stylish and not really older than I am either. I struggle with trying to find clothes that are not too young looking, but still with some style. I was inspired this morning by a 40ish lady with a great sense of style. I decided to cut off a dress. Boots are in, and shorter dress lengths are popular also. I am a small person and I think I can pull off the shorter length as long as I wear dark tights.

The dress, before and after. Wow, it looks like I made a shirt out of it, but I am not very tall.

If you were 53 years old and had gray hair, would you wear this? Do you think it too short for a woman my age?

Happy New Year! (almost)

2011-12-31T19:36:00.000-05:00

We had the new year tradition of black-eyed peas, for supper tonight. I know, I know, we were a day early, but that is ok. I made enough, we can have more tomorrow. I added a big meaty hambone from the freezer and made it into soup. It was pretty yummy. The hubby had fished all day. After a day of fishing, he always comes in starved and raves over whatever I fix. He liked them.

I've had the best week off from work. I did so much organizing, cleaning, and really enjoyed being home. I have yet to sew. Maybe I'll get to it tomorrow or on Monday. I don't go back to work until Tuesday.

I've been thinking of all my blessings this year, and am so thankful. I've also been thinking of things I'd like to do in the new year. I am so project oriented, I tend to get caught up in my projects. I really have to work at being social. I do love to have company though, so my new year's resolutions will include:

Spend more time with friends. Invite them over for a meal.

And of course, I have lots and lots of projects for 2012:
Read the bible through
Finish the widow quilt I am currently working on
Complete the laundry room re-do
Faux paint the concrete floor of the screened porch
Finish the 2011 Thangles Block of the Month quilt
Plant some tulips (have the bulbs in hibernation in the closet now)
Get more Command Hooks for our closets to further organize them (love those things!)
Finish the shirt/star quilt I started a couple months ago
Make another widow quilt

Out with the old, In with the new

2011-12-30T17:39:00.001-05:00

You just can't imagine how hard it is for me to get rid of these old slippers. My son bought them for me about 10 years ago. They were a couple of sizes too big, so they flopped around on my feet. But I wore them, and wore them, and washed them over and over again (they shrunk!). They were from Old Navy and were pure wool, even the sole, so they didn't make a sound when I padded around on the hardwood. I've never been able to find exact replacements, but my group at work gave me a gift card for Christmas, and I did find some similar wool slippers with wool soles......not exact, and without the sentimental value, but I guess they will do.

Urge to purge - Part 2

2011-12-28T18:03:00.001-05:00

Yes, I know, the picture has nothing to do with purging stuff from our home. But, it was such a beautiful sunset tonight, I had to snap it. No editing either, straight out of the camera.

Back to the purging -- I spent most of the day cleaning out the laundry room. I am going to be adding some more cabinets in there for more canned good/pantry type storage. I am getting tired of the open wire shelving. It looks so messy. And they just don't hold much.

My to-do (done) list for my holiday time off:
~~Clean out linen closet~~
~~Clean out front bedroom closet~~
~~Clean out the laundry room~~
~~Purge some from the kitchen cabinets~~
~~Give things away to someone who can use them~~
~~Take the rest to Goodwill~~

I still have some more things I'd like to get done. Hopefully, I'll get back on the quilt I am making.

Some Interesting Family History

2011-12-26T22:41:00.002-05:00

Today I took my mom to see her sister, who is in a nursing home in a little city an hour or so away. As we were traveling she told me a story I'd never heard. She said my grandfather, my Dad's dad, was commissioned to carve a cemetery marker. I was able to find in on Findagrave.com, a pretty interesting site for those interested in ancestry. If he carved it soon after this person died, he was about 30 years old at the time.

I've heard many stories of this grandfather. He died when I was young, so I don't remember much about him. From what I've heard he was a very unique person, with exceptional intelligence, however, he was also a very difficult and hard man. I think my dad inherited much of his intelligence and creativity, but thank goodness my dad was more like his sweet mother, and he was determined not to be the kind of man his dad was.

Anyway, I thought this was pretty unique, and a bit of family history I'd never heard.

Last lights

2011-12-26T08:32:00.000-05:00

I am one who always likes the Christmas stuff put away by Christmas night. So, as we were taking the tree down, we figured out why that one strand didn't light up, and fixed it! I had to take a few more shots. By this time, it had no snowflakes, only lights.

Had fun playing with the camera on manual mode.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T09:43:00.000-05:00

My family always celebrates on Christmas Eve.

My nephew and brother contemplating.....

Before the bokeh.

I love the blurred look. The hubby just didn't understand why someone would want a blurred picture. Ha...yeah, I know you can't tell who it is, but still, I think it is dreamy.

My personalized fishing rod, the hubs got me.

Yummy. Christmas morning breakfast.

Scenes of the season

2011-12-23T20:03:00.001-05:00

Cinnamon Swirl Bread

2011-12-23T19:56:00.000-05:00

Has anyone out there had Cracker Barrel's yummy seasonal cinnamon french toast? I promised the hubby I would make some for Christmas breakfast. I used Pioneer Woman's recipe for the bread.

I was worried that I had too much cinnamon sugar mixture, but I think I could have used a little more.

Striped Bass

2011-12-23T19:04:00.000-05:00

Jim's catch of the day. These are big fish! Not a great picture, but what do you expect when you ask a stranger to take a picture with your phone.

Christmas light bokeh

2011-12-23T09:42:00.002-05:00

I've been playing with my camera, trying to capture some Christmas Light Bokeh.

I'm a novice at photography, so I am just learning, but it is fun. Wouldn't this be a great shot IF ALL THE LIGHTS ON MY PRE-LIT TREE WORKED!!

Homemade Granola

2011-12-23T09:36:00.000-05:00

We love this stuff! Made two batches this morning. Recipe under the tab.

A Wedding

2011-12-18T20:30:00.000-05:00

My friend and walking buddy got married today! I wish them lots of love and laughter.

Widow's Quilt

2011-12-17T20:07:00.001-05:00

I started another memory quilt today, after much debate regarding which pattern to use. I ended up using the old tried and true strip twist pattern. This is for a lady whose husband passed away last spring. Made from his shirts.

Yellow was his favorite color and he had one solid yellow shirt. I think it adds a nice punch to the plaids. Not bad progress for only about 2 1/2 hours work. (of course that doesn't count the many, many hours cutting up the shirts. ~7??)

On a more Christmasy note.....in my purging today I found this great Christmas afghan. Jim's neighbor made it for him when he was a single man. I love it with our Christmas quilt on the bed.

Urge to purge - part 1

2011-12-17T14:40:00.000-05:00

Around this time of year I feel the need to get rid of stuff or in other words I get an "urge to purge." Christmas time always reminds me of just how much stuff we all have - stuff that we don't need, can't afford, don't have room for, etc. etc. etc.

So this year I decided to start my purging early, before Christmas. Hopefully there will be some folks with little funds for gifts that might find a treasure in my Goodwill donations.

This is what the front bedroom looked like while I was purging.....

I managed to get it all in my trunk, the backseat, and the passenger seat for our ride to the Goodwill store.

And this was just part 1. There will be a part 2 coming up after Christmas. Then I'll try to go through our clothes and shoes.

Texas Hot Cocoa Cakes

2011-12-16T16:02:00.000-05:00

Just finished these two little Texas hot cocoa cakes. One will go in the freezer for Christmas Eve and the other will go with us tonight, with a couple of jars of pickles, to our friends house for dinner.

Fish

2011-12-16T15:29:00.000-05:00

Jim caught this fish a couple of weeks ago. I try to post all the things I want to remember because every year or so I make a blog book. He got a great fish and I think this is a very handsome picture of him too!

Adhesive Capsulitis (frozen shoulder)

2011-12-16T11:01:00.002-05:00

I am going to deviate from my normal posts to talk a little bit about my frozen shoulder. It most often affects women aged 40-60. This is my second time and it is much, much worse than the first. It started about three months ago with intense pain upon moving my left arm to the left and back. The pain was only when I made those moves. Then it gradually got worse. More pain and increasing limitations on my movements. After two doctor visits, 6 weeks of anti-inflammatory meds, and finally a visit to an orthopedic doctor, I was diagnosed with frozen shoulder and given a shot of cortisone. The pain wakes me up in the night, I couldn't pull a shirt over my head and had trouble taking off coats. And finally my stomach decided to revolt against the anti-inflammatory meds. In the image below, the left is the normal shoulder joint and the right is the inflamed one because of adhesive capsulitis.

Just in case any of you experience this, there is hope. It normally proceeds in three stages. The acute pain stage, the frozen stage (where the pain diminishes) and the thawing stage. I am hoping that I am nearing the end of the pain stage. I also just started physical therapy which should help to loosen it and work it out. There is no known cause except sometimes people get it after they've had an injury and have had to keep their arm immobile (not my situation). People with diabetes are more likely to get it (again, not my situation) and there is some thought that it is linked with autoimmune diseases (possibly my case).

I am trying to keep walking to help me stay reasonably fit, and of course that helps with the mental side of the pain. And count my blessings. Today as I walked listening to some good gospel music, I was reminded of all I have to be thankful for - good walking legs, a comfortable home, a husband, ...the list goes on and on.

On a seasonal note......I have finally starting to decorate for Christmas. Unfortunately, a couple of strands of lights on our pre-lit tree are not working. We put it up and I've decorated it with only snowflakes (which I love, love, love). That may be all I do. I like simple anyway.

Christmas Present

2011-12-10T14:25:00.000-05:00

We had our Christmas with the kids while we were in Louisville. Look what they bought me!! Yey! I have been wanting this book. The book is based on the results of "The Famer's Wife" magazine contest of 1922. Inside are the letters from farm wives who answered the question, which was basically "would you want your daughter to marry a farmer", and they are so heartwarming. Each letter has two quilt blocks to go with it. I plan to get started on these blocks to make us a big quilt from all my civil war scraps.

SBTS

2011-12-10T13:49:00.003-05:00

We got home a bit ago from our trip to Louisville, Kentucky to see Elijah graduate from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. I am so very proud of him! He will start on a Masters of Theology in January while his wife is finishing up her Bachelor's. Then they have plans for a Ph.d. He hopes to be a Seminary Professor and Associate Pastor some day. New Testament Greek is his passion.

The chapel was decorated so pretty with wreaths and greenery. It was a beautiful ceremony on a cool, but sunny, day.

Peppermint Kiss Sandwiches

2011-12-02T18:27:00.000-05:00

These are so easy, yet very yummy! Square pretzels, peppermints kisses. Bake on parchment paper at 325 degrees for ONLY two minutes. Let sit for one minute and top with another pretzel.

I am sure they would also be good with regular chocolate kisses.

Jill and her quilt

2011-12-02T16:45:00.000-05:00

I think she was thrilled with her quilt....

In Memory

2011-12-01T19:02:00.001-05:00

My best friend's husband passed away today after a long hard battle with cancer. Only 62 years old. I had the privilege of being with him and his family at that instant when he was "absent from the body" and then "present with the Lord." 2 Corinthians 5:8. A good man. A really good man.

Memory Scrub Quilt

2011-11-26T10:43:00.000-05:00

Memory Quilt

2011-11-25T21:55:00.000-05:00

I finished the quilting tonight. I used the "Feather Me" pantograph. I'll get a better picture of it outside tomorrow. I am thinking of making a scrappy binding out of more of the scrub material.

Who would have thought a pile of nurses scrubs could turn into something so beautiful? I hope my friend has a picture of herself with her twin sister for me to use on the label.

Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T21:57:00.001-05:00

Good evening with the family for Thanksgiving dinner. The hubby's niece got to come eat with us. We enjoyed having her.

This is how I got to chat a little with Katie and Elijah.

My goofy brother and his goofy kids.

My sister and her hubby

My mom

We had a good time playing host and hostess.

Memory Quilt

2011-11-23T21:41:00.000-05:00

It is finished. Just need to decide how to quilt it.

Easy Peasy

2011-11-22T21:33:00.000-05:00

My friend gave me the pattern for these little table runners (thanks Wanda!) Made 5 tonight.

I was able to make good progress on the scrub quilt. Have four rows together, just four more to go.

Healthy Food

2011-11-19T09:20:00.001-05:00

Recently a friend gave me a recipe for homemade granola. I've made it and it's good. Better than others I've tried. The recipe is under the recipe tab. Pair 1/2 cup of this with a cup of vanilla Greek yogurt (at 22 grams of protein per serving) and you have a very healthy breakfast. For those of us needing more calcium, live yogurt cultures, and protein in our diets, this works.

Oops, in my ingredients picture above I left out the rolled oats and salt!

Back on the scrub quilt

2011-11-18T21:24:00.000-05:00

It is coming along....

Sunday Afternoon

2011-11-13T17:06:00.000-05:00

Amazing what only a couple of hours can accomplish. This pattern goes together so quickly. I found myself thinking of the lady that these scrubs belonged to.....and her sister.

Scrub Memory Quilt

2011-11-12T21:48:00.000-05:00

I wasn't sure about the solid colors, but this pattern is going to work perfectly. The only pattern is the light blue stripe. It was from her robe. All the others are from her scrubs. I only used one leg from each set and I have enough to make a pretty large quilt. I think her twin sister will be pleased.

Red Cake Brownies

2011-11-12T19:46:00.000-05:00

With white chocolate buttercream frosting....yummy is all I can say.

Twinkling Stars Finished

2011-11-12T16:06:00.000-05:00

One of the greatest things about quilting is -- you can screw up your star points, you can do a messy job on the quilting and you still end up with something pretty.

Special Fabric

2011-11-12T10:30:00.001-05:00

See this fabric? It isn't just any old fabric. These are scrubs. A nurse's scrubs. A nurse who passed away this year and left a grieving twin sister. These are going to be turned into a quilt for the sister.

On the machine

2011-11-05T21:39:00.000-04:00

Finally got this little beauty on the machine.

Another Fish

2011-11-05T19:45:00.001-04:00

Hubby's catch of the day

2011-11-05T16:59:00.001-04:00

I got a call to come to the dock to make pictures.

I like the way he is relaxing his feet.

Give Thanks Banner

2011-11-05T14:13:00.001-04:00

Made this today out of ribbon, letters printed from the computer, and card stock. I love Thanksgiving. While I was making it, I found myself singing the hymn, "Give Thanks."

Bread Crumbs

2011-11-05T11:45:00.000-04:00

I wanted to make a dish today that uses Italian bread crumbs. And because I am such a hermit, I didn't want to go to the store today to buy some. Very easy to make them homemade.

Take some bread (I used some hamburger buns that weren't too fresh anymore), cut it up in very small pieces. Bake on a cookie sheet at 300 for about 15 minutes, stirring half way through. Done.

For Italian bread crumbs: 1 cup bread crumbs, 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp. dried parsley flakes, 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper, 1/2 tsp. garlic powder, 1/4 tsp. onion powder. Mix well.

Guests

2011-11-04T21:41:00.000-04:00

We had some friends over tonight for dinner. They brought two of their grandsons. Cute, rambunctious boys.

Corny Costume

2011-10-30T20:13:00.000-04:00

I found this from when I was into shirt painting. I made it about 23 years ago.

Twinkling Stars

2011-10-29T21:09:00.001-04:00

I finished the Twinkling Stars quilt tonight. I haven't a clue how to quilt it. Any suggestions?

Homemade Ravioli Review

2011-10-29T18:23:00.001-04:00

It wasn't quite what I was expecting.

The filling seemed yummy. Ricotta, parmesan, egg, salt, pepper, spinach, a bit of chicken. But the wonton wrappers cooked up a bit larger than what I was expecting.

And it was a bit of trouble to lay them out, brush with egg wash, and seal/

Only took them about 3 minutes to cook, but I was supposed to only cook 4 at a time. I did more like 6-8 at a time.

However, with the marinara sauce on them, they were pretty good. Will the hubby like them? My guess is no, because they don't have enough meat in them. Will I make them again? I am thinking not. I would rather go to the trouble of using my own pasta recipe with the ravioli maker, that I've never used. They should end up smaller and look like real ravioli if I use it. But, this was great practice.

Turkeys are back

2011-10-29T11:05:00.000-04:00

Our neighborhood turkeys were back for a visit this morning. I think their feathers are amazing.

Friday Fall Cooking

2011-10-28T17:01:00.001-04:00

I love living in Tennessee where we have four great seasons. I've enjoyed staying inside most of the day cooking. Maybe there will be time for sewing later on this evening. I made some marinara sauce (recipe under the tab). Tomato based pasta has never been my favorite, however, this stuff is really good! My plan is to make some homemade ravioli tomorrow using won ton wrappers to go with it. (found the recipes on The Pioneer Woman's blog)

This week is going to be very busy and will probably include several nights of overtime at work, so I've made a big pot of Minnesota wild rice chicken soup, a couple of loaves of homemade bread, an almond pound cake, and rather than throwing a couple of overripe bananas away, I made some banana bread.

Rebecca's Hope

2011-10-23T17:02:00.000-04:00

A very worthwhile cause. Please take a few minutes to view this video and if you can help, please do so.

http://youtu.be/VbcWixjx3jg

Chose to sew

2011-10-22T21:18:00.000-04:00

I could have done more for my physical health by walking in the beautiful sunshine today, .....but I chose to improve my mental health by sewing! I haven't done many of these template long star points. And it took me 9 to figure out what they were supposed to look like. Duh. Nine. Oh well, here is a picture of what they are NOT supposed to look like versus what they ARE supposed to look like. And no, I didn't redo the bad ones. I rarely take anything out. I am one of those who say, "oh, it will quilt out." I prefer to look at the big picture rather than the intimate details. I guess that is why I'll never do this for a business.

It is coming along nicely. I always like to lay the blocks out as I go. I still have a few more to make and then to put them all together. This is a large hexagon shape.

Christmas Table Quilt

2011-10-22T09:51:00.000-04:00

I broke my own cardinal rule. I started a project without having the prior one finished.

I want to be sure I have this one done to go on our table for Christmas. The other shirt scrap quilt might end up taking me weeks to finish. And, I must admit, this one is a little different for me, and I was wanting to learn how to make these long pointed template stars.

Twinkling Stars

2011-10-15T17:48:00.000-04:00

Yay! The fabric for Twinkling Stars came today! It is a table quilt featured in the latest Quilt magazine.

Husband/Wife Fishing Tournament

2011-10-15T14:56:00.001-04:00

Caught my first large mouth bass!

We came in fourth out of eleven boats. Had a blast.

Some of the "better halves" of the husband/wife teams.

I love this one. Jim looks so tired. Probably tired of having to get my hooks and line untangled so many times. No, really, I didn't do too bad. And had a great time. He may have found a new fishing buddy.

Back to the things I love....

2011-10-13T13:11:00.000-04:00

Makin' honey wheat bread

Making Katie's pumpkin muffins. Recipe under the Recipe tab.

Now, if I can manage to get everything else done today, I can get back to some sewing.....

Back home

2011-10-13T11:31:00.001-04:00

Home, sweet home. I think I must have lost my sense of adventure. I just really don't like to travel anymore. I've been to some fantastic places, but at this season of my life, I am very content to be at home, with my quilting, crafts, cat, and computer. Below are some of my favorite pictures from our trip to Savannah.

This was our room at the President's Quarters B&B

The outdoor dining area at the B&B

In one of the squares.

We had another tourist take this shot outside the candy shop in the City Market

Jim next to the horse and buggy ride.

The coffee area at our B&B

The fabulous St. John the Baptist cathedral

Savannah

2011-10-09T15:27:00.000-04:00

We are enjoying a few days in Savannah. The hubs has a conference here this week so we came a couple of days early. Lots of pictures to come. It is cloudy and windy, but we consider that perfect weather; keeps the temps cool and good for photos.

Reposting from Facebook:
"In every circumstance, we can respond in one of two ways--I can whine or I can worship!" Choosing Gratitude by Nancy Leigh DeMoss.

Present from Jesse

2011-10-07T10:55:00.003-04:00

We are having friends over tonight for dinner so I thought I'd do some straightening up. This is what I found in the chair on the screened porch. Jesse, so thoughtful, brought me a present.

Bag

2011-10-05T19:21:00.000-04:00

What is in the box?

Yay! My new bag

One of my favorite photographers reviewed this bag on her blog. Yes, I am just a amateur photographer but I still need something to transport and protect my camera. These are beautifully hand made with lots of padding and pockets, yet it looks just like a large boxy hand bag. It is big enough for my camera and accessories but also my wallet, phone, and other items from my purse. The quality is awesome. Just in time for our trip to Savannah. I managed to get my order in just before the designer quit taking orders. She is having surgery soon. Her name is Judy. Please say a prayer for her.

Fall Decor

2011-10-02T16:37:00.000-04:00

There are so many great ideas on the internet for fall decor. Purchased the pumpkins for 78 cents a pound and just sat them on the candle sticks. I already had the leaves and jar of apples.

Supper

2011-10-02T16:34:00.000-04:00

We had tomato bisque soup and grilled cheese sandwiches last night for supper. Yummy and perfect for a cold evening. Then today I fixed Jim's chili. It is a great, simple recipe. Also good for a cool, fall day.

Jim's Chili:
1 lb lean hamburger
1/3 to 1/2 chopped onion
1/2 chopped green pepper
Brown in skillet, then add 1 can diced tomatoes 2 small cans tomato sauce, and 1 can mild chili beans. Season with chili powder to taste. Cook in crock pot on low for several hours. It doesn't make a whole lot, which is good for us. I'd say about 4-5 servings.

No Sewing Today

2011-10-01T17:49:00.000-04:00

At least not yet. Spent some time today chasing four active kids around with a camera. It was a ton of fun. Here are a few of my favorites.

Trip down Memory Lane

2011-09-30T20:36:00.002-04:00

My trip in the country today also took me down memory lane. This little run down shack is where I lived as a 19 year old newly married girl. Back then, 33 years ago, it was a cute little box of a house, with a freshly painted exterior, a very neat yard, and a little wooden deck, built around the tree, for a porch. It was probably less than 400 square feet of living space, but it had all a young couple needed - a tiny bathroom, kitchen, living room, and bedroom. I don't think anyone has lived there in about 30 years.

I spent many a day in this yard. We used to put walnuts in the driveway and run over them to hull them. Then my Mother-in-law would sit on her steps and pick the "goodies" out of the shells. Such a beautiful view.

Quilt Blocks on Barns

2011-09-30T20:04:00.000-04:00

I spent part of this beautiful East Tennessee day taking my son's Grandmother to see her sister in Sweetwater. We passed by these barns with the quilt blocks. It was a perfect day for a drive in the country.

Exciting News

2011-09-28T19:33:00.000-04:00

I maybe having my first blog giveaway soon!! I am so excited. More info to come. Stay tuned.

Cooking Shows

2011-09-24T12:42:00.001-04:00

After watching The Pioneer Woman cooking show today, I decided to do a little pot roast for us tonight. I found a small half roast in the freezer. Hers only had carrots and onions for the veggies. I added celery, mushrooms, and a little minced garlic. Looks good! we will have this with mashed potatoes and green beans. A hearty meal for my hubby after a long day of fishing (yeah, that is such hard work!)

Pumpkin Muffins

2011-09-24T12:14:00.000-04:00

This recipe comes from my DIL, Katie. These are wonderfully heavy and taste very yummy.

Recipe:
I moist yellow cake mix
1 15oz. can pumpkin
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp cloves
(I didn't have the nutmeg and cloves, so I added all spice and some vanilla)

Mix together (batter will be very thick); pour in muffin cups or tins and bake about 20 minutes at 350. You can top them with cream cheese frosting, but they are yummy even without it.

Scrappy Stars

2011-09-23T21:55:00.000-04:00

I found this pattern ages ago and really love the traditional look of it. I am using shirt plaids (still have many leftovers from my other shirt projects). I've been putting off starting it because I know it is going to be a booger. So many tiny pieces and I am not a precision cutter or piecer. Over 1200 1 1/2" squares if I make it the size shown. Nah. I am going to make a lap size. The hub has been wanting a new lap quilt.

Here is tonight's progress.

Can you see the little "Polo" emblem? That shirt was one of my $1 thrift store finds.

Another picture

2011-09-23T09:15:00.000-04:00

This is probably my favorite of the ones I took of Elijah and Katie last weekend.

Visit to Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

2011-09-19T20:28:00.000-04:00

This is where Elijah and Katie live. I had a great visit with them!

They took me geocaching while I was there. It was fun.

Turkeys in the Yard

2011-09-14T19:19:00.000-04:00

These guys/gals live in the woods around our house. There is a flock of them! They were having a heyday digging underneath our neighbors bird feeder.

The Lake

2011-09-11T20:37:00.000-04:00

We were supposed to go to our church picnic this evening but we backed out at the last minute. I went walking and hubby went fishing. Then later, he picked me up for a ride. It was nice.