Good news

Great news from here! We sold our house, bought a house, had an immense yard sale and are now in the process of frantically packing up for the move!

Stay tuned for further updates after July 8th. I'll most likely have my head in a box until then!

Shirts and Veggie Tales

I've been working on these shirt quilt blocks for what seems forever.  I really, really, really don't like working on paper, but I love the results.  (For those of you who don't know what I mean, you sew the strips onto a paper printed with the lines that gives you the pattern.)  Ever since Bonnie Hunter offered this pattern made with shirts (she called hers Virginia Bound), I just knew I had to make it with K's outgrown shirts from over the years.  That's a lot of shirts, to be sure - he's gone from 240 lbs to 99 lbs (now 155 lbs).  This particular quilt is 65" X 72" and will go to one of our favorite doctors at Mayo Clinic, Dr. Monico.  She is so thoughtful and keeps in touch with us even if it isn't concerning his medical issues.

Shirt Tales for Dr. Monico

I love the yin and yang look of secondary and tertiary patterns

Adding feather quilting makes it less "masculine", I think

I've been on Weight Watcher's since the end of February, and I am loving it.  When I was on the program before, I lost 80 lbs, but it was so hard, and even more difficult to maintain!  Now, the newest points systems is a piece of cake, so to speak.  I don't feel deprived and even K is eating healthier now with the addition of more vegetables and fruit to our main meals.  I try something new each week - either a new recipe or a different food I haven't eaten before, or I've eaten before and didn't like.  Most have been winners, and there's been a few "wouldn't fix that again" meals, but so far nothing that we wouldn't finish eating.

This week's grand experiment was with kohlrabi.  I'd had it before, raw, and I just didn't like it.  It seemed really sharp and bitter at the same time.  When I went to my favorite garden vendor, Pendleton's in Lawrence, KS, she convinced me that I should try it again - HER way.  So some came home with me.

Weird looking veggie, isn't it?

She told me to clean the leaves, and remove all the hard veins.  Peel the bulbs and slice them very thin.

Cleaned leaves and unpeeled bulbs

One tablespoon of oil and the leaves and the bulb slices go into a baggie and cover them all with the oil.

Olive oil, leaves and 1/4" slices of bulb

Bake on parchment paper, not overlapping each other,  in a 375 degree oven.

Baked leaves with kosher salt

Oh yes, I forgot to mention I also brought home fresh beets and they got roasted too.

Baked kohlrabi chips and beets

Um yum! The leaves are just "OK", and would be good as a garnish on soup perhaps, but I am not that crazy about them. They are still just a bit bitter for my taste. But, the kohlrabi chips are fantastic! Surprisingly, they are just a little sweet. I added kosher salt, McCormick's Pinch of Herbs (garlic and herb) and some garlic salt with parsley before baking. Next time, I'll skip the leaves, and put the oven up to 425 degrees and I think they will crisp better. Either way, they are a winner at our house.

Oh, and yes, I just know I am going to hit my 25 pound weight loss target this week. Still a lot to go, but inch pebbles make for mile stones.

Now, off to get the binding on Dr. Monico's quilt and finish up a "secret" Round Robin quilt border before Monday. It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood, and we'll be off to have a taco picnic with our neighbors down the street. What's not to like about today? Quilting, good foods and good neighbors too!

A bad case

Well, I've done it to myself again! I went and looked at something I knew I would want if all the answers were correct for the questions I had. Well, they were, and now, I have a really bad case of the "I want".  The back story to this is my David Taylor workshop from last year. Remember that? That is when I learned how to do pictorial applique, and I began the one of my dog, Mayo.

The beginning, April 2010

After my return from retreat at Cambria CA, March 2011

Mayo the Wonder Dog, May 2011

The actual picture I am working from

David returned this year for another workshop with our small group, and I put the last stitch in her face about an hour before he got to my house. I still have the body to go, but I really wanted to have this part done so I could get ideas and tips on how to quilt it.

Me and David at breakfast

Last year, I marveled at how his quilting is so beautiful. He told us he did most of the quilting on his domestic Bernina, but he had changed to a Handiquilter for the last two that he had done, and he loved it. I thought to myself, "But, you are DAVID TAYLOR, that's why you can quilt so beautifully. Not me." As the week went by we had many conversations about how to quilt, and we invited him back this year for a small class on machine quilting on our home machines. I thought, "You'll never get ME to quilt like that! NEVER! No one else has been able to teach me." But, I stuck with the idea that maybe he could and I signed up for the class. And guess what? HE DID!!!! He quilts slowly and deliberately, and I must tell you that makes all the difference in the world. He also talked about his Handiquilter Sweet Sixteen sit down machine.

I went to the Machine Quilters Showcase here in Kansas City yesterday. After I saw all the wonderful quilts and visited the Sulky thread vendor I headed over to the Handiquilter Headquarters in the center of the show. I sat down and played with the Sweet Sixteen, and I must tell you that I didn't want to leave!

But alas, this is not in our budget. Not when we still have a house on the market to sell, and we took a bath on the other one we just sold. So, for now, I will quilt smaller quilts on my Pfaff (which I love too) and dream of the Sweet Sixteen. It makes more sense for me to practice, practice, practice on my own machine and save the money for a purchase in the future. (I'll post more about the quilt show next time.)

Sit down and quilt!

And again....

And here I am again, another month in the making of yet another blog post. Do you find yourself running here, running there, turning in circles and having to take deep, big breaths at this time of the year? I sure do! Here some highlights of what I've missed posting....

Carol, Shirlee, Vicky, Sharon (standing), Ibby

Frog on the thorns

When we have a lot of rain, the toad come out to play.  I was trimming our bed of roses, when this little fellow became apparent.  Pretty tricky sitting, if you ask me!

Frog in the fountain

Then, on the other side of the steps, we have a recirculating fountain, and this guy came out to see me, too. Lovely day, even though toads aren't my favorite - they are good for the garden bugs!

I've been on Weight Watchers now since the end of February and I've made a promise to try new foods. Here's something that is ZERO points! Yes, it's free to eat! It's called Shiratake noodles, made from something and tofu is used to bind it. I added Laughing Cow Cheese, and a about 2 oz of chicken, and voila! A BIG lunch that is only 4 pts total! Thanks to my friend Joan who turned me on to these noodles. So far I've lost about 18 lbs.

Spinach fettucine

David Taylor has been visiting since last Wednesday, staying with hubby and I. I took a two day machine quilting class with him, and I think I finally have it! He's at my guild today and tomorrow teaching applique and machine stippling (a la David Taylor). I'd like to use that excuse as to why I haven't blogged recently, but it's not. I've just enjoying the lovely spring we've been having. Keep quilting!

May sunset in Missouri

Cambria tales

Last year, when the Sea Side Stitchers were at our home by the sea, we met some really nice friends we didn't even know we had! THIS year, we didn't see Loris on the first or second day, so we put a note out for her. You should always look around you for invitations, right?

Loris and the "invitation"

It seemed that everywhere we went, we saw art and beautiful things.  I think the ocean must be the inspiration to be so artful, don't you?

A pink door in the woods as in invitation to the woods?

Wouldn't this be a beautiful applique piece?

This is Wendy, the "camp director".  Here, she's working on a kit that she thought someone was really nice and had gotten all the pieces cut, and some of them even basted to the backing.  Hmmmmm, after a few minutes, she remembered that SHE had actually done that several years ago - LOL!  Time to get that UFO finished I think!

Wendy, Camp Director

Here are all the Sea Side Stitchers (and Harriet the Hedgehog).  We are reaping the rewards of Wendy's hard work from all week - aren't these soft cover books the "bomb"?

Sherri, Sharon, Harriet, Wendy, Margaret, Marj, Carol (in front)

We had marvelous weather for most of the week, but it did rain towards the end.  That didn't stop us!

Wendy and Sharon enjoying the hot tub

The surf was higher than in any years previous, and Carol was just fascinated with it - no matter how cold or windy it was.  This is the last morning, when the surf was almost up to our deck!

Carol's looking for the otter who visited every day

 Sherri and Marj were working on blocks for a block exchange.  I have to say that I really admire them that they would make 42!!! of these paper pieced blocks and the GIVE them away!

Marj, and some of her many, many paper pieced blocks

Carol worked on several projects this week, but this one really took off.  (The books on the top shelf are not part of the quilt!)

Caro, and the blended quilt

 Sharon worked on Mayo the Wonderdog, and completed the rest of the Star Whimsey blocks from her birthday quilt from the Amazing Quilt Babes.

Sharon and the Star Whimsey blocks (Mayo behind)

Sherri worked diligently day and night to complete her blocks.  Aren't they just gorgeous?  What you can't see, is that she fussy cut a little snowflake for the center of each of these blocks.

Sherri with her 42!!!! paper pieced blocks for an exchange

Margaret designed her own spheres and worked all week on this quilt.  Of course, even though she brought 1,523 yards of fabric, she didn't really have the right colors and had to go shopping at least 3 different times for just the right ones.  I think she added another 2,843 yards to carry home in her suitcase!  LOL!

Margaret with the fabulous quilt she made

And so, with all good things, the week had to end.  Until next year, Cambria!

 

So, here I am again - back from the missing. Can it have been almost two months since I last posted and had hopes of being back here regularly? Answer - yes, indeed it has!

There are times in all our lives, when either the days or weeks or months get so full of things for everyone else, there is no time for yourself. I think that's how it's been for me. Letting go of the stress is as hard on your mind and body as actually going through the actual stress itself. And that is where I've landed. After having taken care of hubby, the house (for sale), selling the other house (now done), and just general nonsense of living, I am now ready for more action. I think my frame of mind is a bit better - or so I hope.

Tiny planes do not make me happy, but I boarded it anyway!

I managed to make it to my annual Cambria, CA girlfriend retreat which was a pleasant respite from it all. 2 days before leaving, Hubby went back in the hospital to deal with an infection. You've heard "come h..ll or high water?" That was me! I left him at the hospital (no danger except loneliness) and braved the tsunami warnings on the west coast. So, now you understand just how serious I am about my quilting retreat, eh? Since Daylight Savings Time was the same night/morning as my departure (as well as the NCAA Championship finals) I had to leave at a really early dark time in the morning. Literally, I went to bed after I got up to go to the airport LOL!

I'll post more pictures of the trip in a couple of days, but here's the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve walking trails that we were on most every day. Notice the gloves? It was a bit nippy for some! This trail is just down the street from "our" house on the beach.

Margaret, Sherri, Wendy, Carol all ready to boogie down the lane.

We spent the week laughing and sewing, and of course, it ended all too soon. The weather surprised us, but ended with a lot of wind and rain as we prepared to leave. Fitting, I'd say, wouldn't you?

Little Quiltgranny on a BIG bench along the ocean boardwalk.

And what have I been working on since I've been home?

Mayo the Wonder Dog

David Taylor was here last year, and he is such a great teacher and friend. He'll be back for another private session with my friends and I on how to machine quilt naturally (not meandering, feathers etc.) So, I thought it might be nice to actually finish the piece I started when he was here last May. LOL!

I have lots more to share, and I PROMISE that I'll be back in a few days to get it all caught up.

Stitch Stitch Stitch!

So, here we are again, back to the hopes of Spring! The last couple of days have surprised us all, and I've even had the windows open! It rained a bit last night, and I see sprouts of green in the grass, even! So it won't be long, I think.

I've passed off my Round Robin starter block, and now I have my round sitting patiently on the design wall for ideas. This will be the last time I am able to post anything about the Round Robins, though, as we are keeping them secret until the final reveal. Our group has decided that "anything goes". My Round Robin is going to be a traditional center block that they add borders to....or not. I told them they could add 2 sides or 3 sides, or whatever they felt it needed. The one I have now (Nancy's) is based on the grid method. Each of us will complete the equivalent of 10 (6") blocks. They may be separate, or they could be any combination of 6" blocks such as a 12" block which would be equal to 4. I have an idea simmering, but I am going to wait another couple of days before beginning.

What's in My Garden?

This past Saturday was the first 2011 birthday stitch day with the Amazing Quilt Babes. We give each other a day of stitching for a birthday gift, with the Birthday girl preparing the blocks to be sewn, and serving birthday dessert. We divide up the year with those special stitch days, and even though it might not be your birthday or even your month, we celebrate the day as if it was. It was my day to celebrate, and celebrate we did.  

It helps to have a rosy outlook on life!
Vicky, Ibby, Sharon, Shirlee and Carol

We worked on Star Whimsey, and I think I am going to love . love . love . this quilt when it's completed! I pilfered used Ibby's leftovers from last fall for some of the blocks. She works in Colonial colors which are difficult for me to choose on my own, so shopping in her scraps made this quite perfect!

Star Whimsey

One of the things I love about working with a group of quilters is that I always learn something. This Saturday I learned an easy way to mark half square triangles. I've used Thangles, and I've used Fons and Porter's methods and just about every other technique there is. The most perfect HSTs for me are when I mark the diagonal, then sew about a thread's width away from the line, then press it back and trim off the background and the extra triangle. If I make larger HSTs, I save those trimmings and make smaller HSTs to store away for a rainy another day. Amazing Quilt Babe Carol, helped mark the squares for this project, and here's what she did:

An emery board has multiple uses!

She pulled out an emery board and marked those squares lickety split! I have a sandpaper board, but it's always lost in another place where I can't find it readily. With this method, the square stays put, you have a straight edge, and it's small enough to store in your machine tray along with your seam ripper. Too cool! Thanks Carol for sharing this little tip!

Life is getting back to normal, or what will be the new normal here at Quiltgranny's Shoe. And life is good. All I need is a quilt, a cat and a dog to make me smile!

Mayo and Clyde sharing a warm spot on "Stars over Cambria"

Newsy applique

Today is the big day for football lovers. Me? Not so much, but it's nice to spend it with hubby: he watches the game and I sew and watch the commercials. Our chili was made yesterday and is heating up nicely for dinner later tonight. This afternoon, we'll take in a bit of culture by attending a Mozart and Smetna symphony as a belated birthday present for Hubby.

Our 13" snow waves

Thanks to all of you who sent emails wishing us well while we were at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. We were able to get everything taken care of nicely, and Hubby is doing ever so much better now. We have a short term and a long term plan in place to keep him going, and he is already feeling tons better. We went up a day earlier than necessary to miss a storm that moved in, and then we came home the Friday before the big storm hit Monday night and Tuesday. Even with the bad weather, Hubby's meds arrived via UPS air, and we were grateful for that. We'll get a shipment each week, as this new plan is being administered out of Mendota Heights, MN. What a wonder the age of technology is!

Mayo the Wonder Dog testing how deep it might be!

While we were on the road, I found two products that I have absolutely fallen in love with. When I travel, I like to pack light and then do laundry if I need to. The only problem with that is taking laundry soap can be a real problem. I generally use liquid soap at home, so that's out of the question. This is what I found at the store in Rochester, and not only is it convenient to travel with, but it's also a great product.  

Purex 3-in-1

The second product I just happened to find when I was looking for a small bottle of dish soap to use in the hotel suite. These are soap impregnated sheets that suds up when you wet them. We were there one week, and I only used one. I kept it in a plastic baggie between uses. Now, of course, all I washed was my popcorn bowl, a knife and fork, my drinking glass and Mayo's food bowl. But, I think I would like to have these on hand for all my travels!

If you stayed with me this long, NOW we can talk about my applique. In my last post, I showed you the different ways I like to do applique. Since then, I've had a few emails asking me what kind of thread do I like to use. Now, this subject can be as touchy as whether to pre-wash your fabric or not (I don't). Let me first say that I have no affiliation to any product or brand of anything I talk about on my blog. If I ever do, I will be sure to tell you about it. Wouldn't it be nice if some thread company wanted to give me free thread so I could talk about it? LOL! So back to business. I say use what works for you, just as you should use whatever applique technique works for you, and this is only my opinion.

My version of a folk art design (18/5" square) with Karen Kay Buckley circles, freezer paper birds and back basted pot.

My favorite thread for hand applique is DMC machine embroidery thread. It comes in luscious colors, and I can always find one that is just right for my work. I actually like the special DMC packs that I can only find one time a year, which happens to be now. Otherwise, I use the smaller, shorter spools. The flash makes it look shiny, but it really has a matte finish.

Two version of DMC machine embroidery thread

So you might be asking, "Why don't you use silk thread?" About 10 years ago, I happened onto the silk thread for applique thread (no pun intended) on-line and promptly bought some and started using it. I didn't like how slippery it was, but I have to tell you that I DID love how it melted into the fabric. AND, everyone seemed to be saying that it WAS the applique thread to use! About a year later, I took several classes with Nancy Pearson and she showed us how silk thread stretches, and then breaks. She said she would never use it for that reason. Made sense to me, so I gave away my silk thread and started using Mettler cotton thread. That was nice, but I happened across the DMC and have been a fan ever since. In a pinch, though, I will use Coats and Clark and Auriful.


And of course, the most important thing to help you applique is a 17 lb. cat named Clyde.  All you have to do is sit down, and there he will be, giving you hugs while Mayo the Wonder Dog supervises!