A little of this and that!

I'm still working on those borders for Rolling Through the Hard Times. I haven't been able to spend much time on them, but they are still on the table! Instead, I've been cleaning out the stewdio. Putting fabric away where it belongs, getting projects and supplies together for upcoming classes and retreats wears me out!

So that I could do a LITTLE sewing, I've been working on some blocks for our Babes Birthday stitch day this Saturday. We have 80 blocks to do, and each of them have 16 half square triangles. I thought it would be nice if we could have some made ahead to get us going. I'll post pictures on Saturday of our work.

It wouldn't be a Quiltgranny post without pictures, now would it? I've wanted to learn how to knit socks for ever so long! Last year I learned to knit, and I've now I've gotten all my supplies for the socks. I even went so far as to BUY "Knitting for Dummies" which is a great reasource, btw. Now I have to get my courage to just start! I think this weekend might be the time.

When I went to Gwen Marston's retreat last fall, I met Melissa who was knitting socks. We talked a lot about them, and I commissioned her to make some for me. Here they are:

These are from Kaffe Fasset self striping yarn:

These have the design up the back:

And these cranberry ones are the socks I seem to be wearing all the time these days:

Here's my guild friend Peggy and I, showing off our hand knit socks at a guild meeting. Do you think the others thought we were nuts?I also got side tracked from working on my borders when Hubby brought home 15 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken that he found on sale. I can it, and it is so much healthier than processed canned chicken - much lower in sodium and fat. 15 lbs of chicken, once cleaned up makes about 9 pints of canned chicken, plus dinner for 2 two times.

That's it from here in the Midwest, on the edge of the prairies where it has been gloomy for over a week. It feels like we are in northern Europe right now with the fog, temperature inversions and high humidity. Where is the sun? I could use some right now to keep me going.

I hope your days are sunny and you are quilting, sewing or knitting up a storm!

As many of you know, we moved a little over a year ago from a HUGE house to a much more moderately sized one. In doing, so I gave up a few things that I still miss, like the pool and a HUGE stewdio, but overall, those are just minor things. I still have a nice stewdio, and I don't miss the pool maintenance, so this is OK. I truly love the new house, and the 3 acres we have as well.

I HAVE missed, though, a large quilt display wall. At the other house, when we remodeled the hearth room, we took cabinets off a wall, and used it for my large quilt displays. Here, at this house, we have a more open floor plan, and very few walls for pictures or quilts. I was bemoaning this fact in November, as well as wondering where we would put our very large Christmas tree. My son had the solution. He said, "Mom! Move this over there, move that over here, and take that downstairs! Then you have a place for the tree and when the tree comes down, you can use that entire wall." So we did. And I contemplated life with a display wall again during the Christmas season.

When the tree came down, I discovered that the 94" custom made wall hanging system was about 2" too long, and it looked strange with the top of the adjoining door met it. I called our builder (who just happens to live down the way) to look at it. He got it all fixed up for me by customising the doorway header, and extending the molding all the way on the other wall.

He then added the bottom of my hanging system to the molding, repainted everything, and I'm back in business! YAYAYAYAYAY!!!! I am so happy!!! It feels like my house again! I still need to work with the lamp cords, but that is easy in comparison!

Now, on to the quilting. I'm finished with the borders as far as I can take them until more fabric arrives from Equilter. I know it's been shipped, so I'll take a break from them and work on some of the little exchanges that I've got going on. I'm really liking how this border is turning out! AND, it's using a lot from my stash, too.

Several of you have asked for the "recipe" on how this border is made, so here it is!

These make the units, and then you flip one upside down on either side of how this one sits.

I also got this nifty tool the other day, and it's great! There are a few tools that I've found over the years that really help, and this is one of them. I've used stilettos, and bamboo sticks and even my seam ripper point. BUT, because this one is a thin plastic, if I should happen to run over it with the needle, it doesn't hurt my machine (or me!).

Here's Hubby and Mayo taking their late afternoon nap together. Aren't they sweet? Guess they were tired from all the builder's work! And he's wrapped up in his flannel quilt that really needs to be replaced, but he loves it all the same.

Trash or stash?

I've been working steadily on the borders for the oriental fabric quilt. So far the name is Rolling Through the Hard Times. It's rather tedious to cut the squares for the flying geese, and the squares for the joinings, and the rectangles for the finishing edges just a little at a time. I've been trying to stretch the last of the black fabric so I don't have to add to the stash. BUT, after all that careful cutting, I am short by about 1/4 yard. I've ordered it from Equilter, and I will dutifully add it to the stash counter. But golly! I only made it 8 days into the year without buying anything! Of course, I think this is different don't you?

Now, to my original question. My stitch group, The Amazing Quilt Babes, come together a couple of times a month to sew, laugh and talk. Last time we were together, Carol, was working on some applique butterflies and when she was ready to go, this piece of fabric was going in the trash.


Can you believe that?!!!!! She was going to throw it away! I just couldn't let her do that, so now it's on my cutting table to make some flying geese. Do you think I have to count it as part of my stash? Or can I just say it was trash? LOL!

Oh! By the way....see that little piece of black fabric laying there? That's all I have left of the black fabric I used. I AM feeling pretty good about using it up!

The new plan

So after much consternation, contemplation, procrastination and a few head aches along the way, here is the new plan for the border. Yes, you see it correctly - the bottom center is sewn upside down. And you know what? It's going to stay that way!


We are all tucked in, waiting for the snowstorm to hit here anytime. By tonight they say it will be blizzard conditions with a windchill of 26 below. It's a good day to sew borders, doncha think?

Here's a view of the south side of our yard BEFORE this next snow arrives:
Mayo has to wear her booties outside now, because it so darned cold with subzero wind chills, her pads freeze!

She seems to appreciate them, too!

But only for a short while, and then it's time to get back inside!
And a final laugh for the day!

Measure once, twice....

It looks like the mis-measurement elves are back in full force this year, aggravating me already! LOL! Or maybe this was left over from last year, since I actually started this top last September when I was in Elk Rapids at Gwen Marston's retreat. I now have all the applique done, and I really, really, really like this top.

However! It isn't done yet, and I think I was so excited about the design of it I just wasn't thinking - which is not so unusual for me! As you know, I make my quilts to fit my giant king bed that has a 20" deep mattress on it. That means a giant size quilt! So, instead of the usual long and narrow type quilt, I make mine wide to fit the drop (about 100"-105") and short (at least 86") and then make pillow cases to match. In this instance, before I am finished with it, it now measures 74" wide by 92" long. Hmmmm, a little backwards (or sidewards). I still need to get it wide enough to cover the bed, side to side, so I've been trying to figure out what to do, and where to do it.

Of course, I have my quality control monitor to help!

I think I am going to play with a flying geese border similar to the one shown on Lessons from Mama by Terry Atkinson. Of course, you know what that means, don't you? Math! Measurements! Let's see if I can get this right this time!

I hope you are having a wonderful start to the New Year, and you are happily measuring quilting away!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to one and all!

This morning when I took the puppy outside, I saw the last of this year's Blue Moon. We won't see another one, you know until 2012, so I felt especially blessed to see it shining so beautifully through the wispy clouds when I went out in the cold, crisp air.

On Wednesday, I was contacted by Duschene Clinic (part of Caritas Clinics) to ask about a quilt for their fundraiser in January. A little short notice ... but ... I was happy to have this quilt on hand to offer. This quilt is a bit lighter than the picture shows, and it's more of a shabby chic colorway. A sampler is always fun to make, and I really like the garden path sashing. Their pancake breakfast is going to be held on January 31 in Leavenworth, KS so if you are anywhere near, check it out, so you can help!

You may have noticed that I've added something new to my sidebar. I am going to try very hard this year to work primarily from my stash. I've done pretty good at this over the last few years, but I never tracked it. Now, I can do that easily with the ticker located on the right side of this blog. You'll see I'm in the "weeds" at the moment, but very, very soon, I hope to be able to make a good report to start out the new year right!

I don't make resolutions for the New Year, but this year, I am promising myself to keep smiling, keep quilting, and keep blogging. I think I can do all those! How about you?

Getting ready to ring in the New Year!

Can it possibly be that we have already used up an entire decade of the new Millennium? It's hard to believe that ten years ago we were worried that computers would crash, airlines couldn't fly, and we wouldn't be able to buy the necessities of life, isn't it? LOL!

Well, today I am thinking of the old year past as well as what 2010 might bring for us. Our Christmas day was quite white and cold, but delightful all the same. Our area was under blizzard conditions and warnings for two days straight, and we weren't sure if the kids could even get here from across town. But after several tries and many dig outs from the driveway they made it!

We had a huge pot of creamy potato soup on, along with shrimp, ham and turkey sandwiches, and of course all kinds of munchies. We trimmed way down this year on gifts and the kids all seemed to love their presents all the same. Book gift cards and mall shopping certificates made it easy for me to shop, too.

We have a tradition for the person who is passing out presents to wear a Santa hat. Well, I couldn't find our Santa hat this year, so Julia (age 14) is doing the honors as Jester instead! (And no, she is not as tall as the door! I was sitting on the floor when I took her picture!)

The second and last quilt that my mom embroidered and I made into a quilt was gifted to daughter Marcella. And she loves it, too! She almost cried.

So what does next year bring?

I plan on making a serious commitment to reducing my stash, and keeping track of it. I've thought about doing this for several years now, and I've done pretty good on reducing the stash, but not the "keeping track" part. Judy Laquidara over at Patchwork Times does such a good job of this, and even has you check in periodically. So each month, I am going to do a stash report here on my blog as well as at Judy's. If I start using it up faster, it might even be more than once a month. If I can figure out how to do a "ticker" I will add it to the sidebar and that would make it pretty easy.

That's about all I have plans for right now, besides my annual Cambria CA and Beaver Island MI retreats. Of course, we make the annual trek to MN in the summer for hubby, but other than that, maybe it will be a nice year of staying home, gardening, canning, quilting and knitting in 2010. How about you?

Mojo Christmas to You!

I found it! I found it! All I needed to do was start baking and it showed up!

(Recipes are at the end of this posting as well as a quilt!)

I made 7 dozen One Cup Cookies and
4 dozen candy canes or peppermint patty cookies
and
1 pan of Cherry Bliss bars
They were all wrapped and delivered that evening for a little cheer to my neighbors before all their frazzled events began.

Then Hubby and I finished the decorations on the outside of the house, so we would be ready for my niece Carol and her family to arrive. (Stick with me - there IS a quilt!) In addition to the 24 wreaths with red bows hanging on the fencing around the house:

See the reindeer antlers? Do you remember the Locust thorn in my foot last year? At least I've found a use for them!

Then there is Hubby's childhood sled is at the front door:

The tree is decorated along with the stair garland in place.And at last we are ready for Christmas! Let the fun and quilts games begin!

My niece Carol and her family arrived Sunday for snacks between their bell ringing and scout activities. She was very close to my mother, and I thought she and her hubby would enjoy a quilt made from the embroidered squares my mom made before she passed away. Carol and Tom received a quilt from me as a wedding present, oh so many years ago, and it has worn out. So, it's time they have another, don't you think? Mayo the dog is pretty goofy with friends, but Carol's eyes lit up when she saw the quilt!

Merry Christmas!



Recipe: One Cup Cookies

Ingredients:
1 c. white sugar
q c. brown sugar
1 c. butter
1 c. oil
1 egg
1 c. Rice Krispies
1 c. Oatmeal
1 c. Choc chips
1 c. pecans
1 tsp salt
1 tsp soda
1 tsp cream of tartar
3.5 c. flour
1 tsp vanilla


Method:
Mix well, and drop by small spoonfuls (about the size of a walnut) on
a greased cookie sheet. Pat down to make a little flatter.

350 degrees about 8-10 minutes (mine took about 15).

Optional to add butterscotch or Peanut Butter chips.

Ingredients:
1/2 c. butter, softened
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon red food color
1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy
1/2 cup granulated sugar


Method:
Heat oven to 375. Mix thoroughly butter, shortening, confectioners'
sugar, egg and flavorings. Blend in flour and salt. Divide dough in
half: blend food color into one half.

Shape 1 teaspoon dough form each half into 4 inch rope. For smooth,
even ropes, roll them back and forth on lightly floured board. Place
ropes side by side; press together lightly and twist. Complete cookies
one at a time. Place on ungreased baking sheet. Curve top down to form
handle of cane.

Bake about 9 min or until set and very light brown. Mix candy and
granulated sugar. Immediately sprinkle cookies with candy mixture;
remove from baking sheet.

About 4 dozen cookies.

I finally got tired of making the twists, so I just made patties
instead, put the peppermint pieces on top and baked them that way.

And the Cherry Bliss bars are from http://mennonitegirlscancook.blogspot.com/search?q=cranberry+bliss I changed the cranberries to dried cherries.

Who's Got my Mojo?

Each year, I really seem to overdo the decorating for Christmas. A huge snow village here, garland everywhere, snowmen all over the tops of my cabinets and shelves in the kitchen, angels in the living room, nativities in the dining room, a huge tree in the living room, and at least one more tree downstairs in the family room. You see, I absolutely LOVE Christmas! This year? Not so much. I've struggled with even getting the tree decorated. Yes, it's done, and I do love it ever so much....but nothing else is done. No garland, no snowmen, no angels are even out of the boxes, and they are even still downstairs! Where has my Christmas mojo gone? I've gotten the shopping done, and all the wrapping is out of the way. I SHOULD be able to enjoy the season, but it sort of seems flat to me this year. I don't know why.

In the meantime, on Sunday, we have a birthday to celebrate first. Our Kaitlyn is getting grown up now, and will be 11! It's hard to believe my youngest grand daughter is a "tween"!!!

My friends, the Amazing Quilt Babes have had their annual Christmas party. We always have it on the first Saturday of December, and I so enjoy their company. We decided to meet at Carol's house this year. She made soup, and the others brought salad, home made bread, cheese and crackers and yummy chocolate trifle. We played Left, Right, Center with Fat Quarters, and then talked and laughed a lot more. We truly intended on playing some games, but we ran out of time. Imagine that!

We think this is our 18th year together! BFFs for sure - too many secrets shared!

Here's Carol's Christmas quilt hanging from her balcony over the living room. Isn't it just beautiful?

Our group also makes a baby quilt for the first time Grandma. Carol is the LAST one, now, expecting her first grandchild. This quilt was made by us as a surprise for her soon-t0-be Lydia Louise (spinner of purple cloth in the Bible). The embroidery was a bear for me, but we all knuckled down and got it completed in time for the surprise! Lydia still hasn't arrived yet - we are all still waiting!

The quilt has to be quilted yet in this picture.

SURPRISE!!!

Hopefully, the Christmas mojo will be back after lunch tomorrow, and I can get the rest of the house Holiday Happy! If I wait too much longer, it will be time to take it all down, won't it?