spooling around

now this is an official UFO from my list.  it is in homage to the old viking, the machine that has served me so well for over 30 years now.  yes, the paint is a little nicked here and there and it's had more than a few tuneups and repairs, but it's still going strong showing no signs of getting retired.  my only issue with this machine is that it weighs a TON; it's a fully steel, swedish-made machine with way more bells and whistles than i'll ever use at this point in my sewing career.  sure, i used the fancy stitches--ducks, flowers, hearts, diamonds and zigzags, but not for quite a while now.  do i drool a bit over those newer, much snazzier machines?  a little, but until the old viking goes to the old machine folks home, we'll remain a daunting duo, giving the energizer bunny a run for its money.  like, why not?

a birthday remembrance

today would have been my dad's 88th birthday.  my mom would have made his favorite dinner, like she did for all birthday celebrants.  it could have been most anything as he was not a fussy eater, but no canned tomatoes and no chocolate.  dessert was often the same thing:  a plain cake in layers with fresh strawberries, topped with whipped cream and more strawberries or maybe a strawberry shortcake.  we're pretty certain his new residence is way better than maine, but we don't think there is any cake, though there is also no pain, sadness or tears.  can't say that for this residence, especially today. 

this and that weekend

this photo shows a smattering of things i accomplished this weekend.  i printed 2 quilt labels and sewed them on.  i made a huge stack of units for the christmas scrappy.  i worked on a small applique UFO.  i printed some foundation papers for an upcoming scrappy batik project.  i basted the patriotic wall piece.  i sewed some small dresden plates for another project.  not pictured?  i cleaned the lint out of the old viking and also worked on the red/white schoolhouse piece, plus worked on the hawaiian. ***** today the maine quilts piece needs a sleeve.  the pinks needs packing for mailing. more christmas scrappy tasks and maybe more on the applique UFO.  i also have a UFO quilt that needs to be tied, which will give me 2 finishes this month if i get industrious.   i also hope to get the lovers' links basted this week as that is an autumnal gift.  i think i'm going to need 2 cans of diet pepsi for this day....

see what i mean?

here is a photo of my progress so far.  i rechecked the 3/16 inch turn under, i checked the pattern and the other sections.  the majority of this quilt has only slits inbetween these fronds and some of the "fingers" are quite narrow as well.  i'll just have to wait until more "clusters" are done and compare, but i don't know what i can do differently,  i'm following the pattern, i'm following the DVD instructions and have an accurate turn under, so this is it i guess.  the back looks exactly like the teacher's stitches as well.  the basted-only version is misleading because it doesn't show the size variables in the individual "fingers" either.  **** rainy/cool again today so will undoubtedly make more progress, albeit slow.  this is a HUGE project and won't be done this year for absolute certain. 

food for thought

i saw this on susan branch's website and she kindly gave me permission to display here.  what you don't see is the lovely watercolor it accompanies.  her webpages are overflowing with beautiful art she creates, delicate watercolor graphics that make me green with envy....i simply cannot draw anything without a ruler, and even then it can be problematic.  when you have time, be sure and look at all her lovely pages. **** today i've spent a lot of time doing applique on the hawaiian.  it's coming out pretty well, i think; i watched the DVD 3-4 times and even went back for a refresher and my stitches look like those pictured.  my pattern has TONS of fronds which are all different shapes.  i think they look awkward, but i did cut out the pattern carefully so i'm hoping once the entire thing is completed, it will all make sense.  ***** we spent a lot of time at the beach this week; good thing as the weather is rainy today and tomorrow and cool all next week.  it is early in the season but we have been able to take advantage of the good days we have had so far. 

ideas aplenty

thanks to an email coupon, this book was 50% off!  i love lori smith's patterns and thought this would be ideal....lots of small projects rather than bed size quilts.  i think i had mentioned this previously.  i highly recommend this book, even at full price.  in addition to the designs in the book, i came up with some ideas of my own for small pieces to use up stash and satisfy my creative muse. ****  despite horrendous storms all around, we managed to mostly dodge the worst of them.  some rain, some thunder, some lightning, but no power outs or flying steeples that i have seen yet.  and the air is soooo much drier now, too.  the local TV station had an informal poll....heat or snow?  me, i think i'd take heat any day over snow.  winter jackets, boots, scarves and clothes take up soooo much room!  that is, as long as i can be on or near the ocean, especially in maine new england where the water can be icy.

pinks finish

yesterday i finished this commission piece.  though it isn't on my official UFO list for the year, it's another thing crossed off my "quilt to do" list.  last night i started on the hawaiian applique for a handwork project, you know, while listening to TV.  i'll do that as long as the weather allows, then switch over to smaller things.  for a machine project, i'm working on the christmas scrappy which won't be done (the top) right away.  still lots of pieces to cut out yet. 

thrifting again

sauntered into the local thrift for a look-see and found these 2 shirts half price.  i wouldn't have paid full price for them, but at half they were a good deal.  the darker shirt is an XL tall, so probably at least a yard of fabric.  the lighter plaid will go into my light stash.  ***** the pinks is DONE, will post a photo later.  now i get to applique on the hawaiian, yippee!

happy birthday mrs. b!

if you see this little cutie today, be sure and wish her happy birthday!  this is DD at about age 2, now all grown up and married....can you believe it?  she was then and is now the most beautiful girl!  can you tell, she inherited my straight hair gene (sigh)?  i wish her the happiest of birthdays with her DH and wish i could give her a big hug and kiss.  enjoy your day, dearest, and know that i am with you in spirit......

half done

the small stack is now half gone, which yielded about 200 of the christmas print pieces for the quilt.  i traced them early yesterday morning and then took them to the beach where i cut them up.  i'll do the same today.  that'll give me nearly 400 pieces, so still a ways to go.  then i have to cut the background (whites), same amount of nearly 900 needed.  i know, time consuming, but no matter, right now i do have the time and this UFO needs to get moving.  ***** another gorgeous day here, not too hot but it was beautiful at the beach yesterday.  with my over-size sunglasses and visor, i have a raccoon-look sunburn on my face.  being able to go every good day is not quite as good as actually living there but still very enjoyable.