a good day

when asked for his idea of a good day, a former POW replied, "any day there is a doorknob on the inside is a good day."  so by that criteria it is a good day here.  there are doorknobs on the inside, a car with gas and i have a key, a comfy bed and quilts under which to snuggle, a full refrigerator and plenty of electricity, endless cable channels and my trusty old viking.  i am keenly aware so many can't say the same and i'm thankful and happy to share when i can.  i am also ashamed to say i am devastatingly morose in spite of these visible comforts.  years ago i knowingly married an active, infantile, destructive alcoholic totally oblivious of the real life ramifications.  i was fortunate to escape after 11 years with divorce and my precious child.  i've been in maine nearly 11 years now and it's the same, albeit different misery.  despite glossy postcards of pristine beaches, reflective lakes and lush pines, my life here is anything but idyllic.  it's been 11 years of substandard healthcare, ignorant and denigrating employers resulting in chronic joblessness, isolation, endless winters and sporadic financial destitution with hardly any change in all this time.  i drown myself in quilting and online chats, but they are only temporary.  i sporadically hit the local pool to boost my endorphins and energy when weather permits.  sometimes i elope for a day or two to experience freedom from monotony.  i'm content to never marry again.  i only hope i'll be able to reclaim a content and meaningful lifestyle...and soon. 

recycling perk

went to dispose of recycling the other day and found this....a clear tote.  no lid, but no matter.  fortunately i was able to hoist myself up to reach.  i brought it home, washed and dried and use it for completed projects.  now they won't topple over when piled too high.  the finished quilt on the left is to be sent along to its recipient.  the basted pineapple blossom on the left is to be quilted.  the yellow and green flannel is the batt for the antique quilt top, once it is mended.  there's a skinny bolt of muslin there and the pillow.  oh yeah, the boston commons top is there too.  the white batt on top of the tote is for that.  good thing i don't work, plenty still to do. 

good and bad

but certainly not ugly!  the good part is obvious; the bad part is there are 4 pesky purple triangles facing the wrong way!  like how did that happen?  probably watching TV while sewing is how.  anyway, i've got these 3 rows done here with 4 more to go.  fat tuesday is february 21st and i am hoping this top will be done way before then, maybe even tied....now wouldn't that be great!  **** also while working on this flimsy, i've been doing a cross-stitch piece, plus sewing on 4 other quilt projects, probably why it isn't done yet.  i am anxious to see it all together though and get all those pieces off the sewing table. 

just like new!

so, the old viking is back in its spot and the "new" chair is ready to be called into service.  a visit to the thrift found this sturdy solid wood desk chair for the outrageous sum of $5.  with a bit of TLC it'll be in tip top shape...re-gluing, sanding, painting and a cushion.  the little brother goes back into the traveling tote and i can get back to orca bay.

orphan no more

just another quick project in between orca bay.  took this orphan block and turned it into a pillow.  then i realized how well it goes with my hawaiian pillow.  must be my favorite colors, eh?  *****  good news!  the old viking is well again, will pick her up tomorrow and see if i can finally get this orca bay flimsy done.  i also ordered a supply of Organ machine needles.  long ago when i got the viking, Schmetz was the recommended needle and i've used them faithfully and successfully all these years.  at maine quilts picked up a small packet of Organ needles and find i like them better than Schmetz and they work in the little brother too, so decided to get in a supply of them, which should last the next 30 years or so. 

a whole row!

after much ripping and re-sewing, i finally have one entire vertical row done!  it wasn't without a bit of drama...the little brother machine HATES all those seams and i broke 3 needles just trying to get one seam done.  it still doesn't line up perfectly but i am not taking it out a 4th time.  if i get the old viking back before the flimsy is tied, i will probably fix.  so, today (wednesday) i am going to tackle more rows; perhaps i can get 2-3 more done?  that would be terrific.  **** after i got this row done, i worked some on a little challenge piece.  i have to get back to the browns/muslin project also, which i know the little machine wouldn't fight.  even so, my color appetite is whetted now that i've seen one row done and excited to see it all together. 

tune-up time

though still "young" looking, the old viking needed a tweak.  seems SOMEBODY ran over some pins, the cad!  she's only 34 but unlike humans, she was working from day one.  except for that year in storage, she's been hard at work all that time.  poor thing doesn't even have a proper name, and i never did call her the young viking.  it was orca bay that put her over the edge, and i'm not even done with that flimsy.  a few bloggers noticed i've got it wrong, so back to check the finished photo posted by bonnie.  in the meantime, i have the little brother that runs pretty good too except it would rather not sew over all those seams in the strippie units, but we're managing.  have to get the pattern right before i do anymore, though.  thank you bloggers!  i shouldn't have tried to put it together while watching "Downton Abbey".....LOL

start of the finish

here is my design wall this last monday in january.  i am finally starting to put together the orca bay rows and am i glad!  seems like i've been stripping and sewing and trimming and cutting for ages now but as you can see, it is well worth the effort.  i am anxious now to get the whole flimsy together and i think i am going to bind it in the cheddar, only because it might just seem to fade out if i don't.  oh, this is going to be a beauty i think. maybe then i can get that feathered star top finished.  **** we are still enjoying spurts of spring here with temps over 40 yesterday and a few days this week as well.  more rain in our future but only the skiers are moaning....i'll take the liquid precip over the frozen kind any time. 

on my ironing board

bonnie asked, "what's on your ironing board,?" and so here it is.....bloody orca bay....still!  i'm working on it today and making progress but nowhere near fast enough for me.  i want to get this flimsy assembled so it can be tied and done!  these have BEEN on my ironing board for some weeks now.  i am also working on other things inbetween but it's difficult when these pieces have taken over.  as you can see, i need to set the date on my camera.

organizing idea

 i needed something smallish to store my applique threads and the few embellishments i've accumulated.  one day last fall i was in joann's and saw this.  it was on sale half price, plus i had a $3 coupon, so it was just about free....and it's perfect!  not only are they all safely tucked away, i can find them super easy plus it has a small foot print.  once in a while karma is with me.  ***** been busy today working on orca bay but not really motivated.  it's one of those boring days that i feel like going places but don't really know where, know what i mean?  the quilting mojo will return or i'll just keep going in spite of the yucky mood.  things could certainly be so much worse.