old viking fun

on friday, the old viking and i spent some quality time together and i rustled up these little dresden plates for a small quilt.  many thanks to donna who swapped with me so i get a lavendar and a yellow 30s piece as i had none.   today i'm working on the christmas scrappy again and also planning to (shamelessly) start another small piece.  ah, tis a sickness you know, but with all this fabric, it's impossible not to want to play!  the apartment next to my bedroom is now vacant, which means i can sew in the early AM.  i used to wait until about 9 am before cranking up the old viking.  now if i could just have that space too....

post script

the beach was sooooo gorgeous today; perfect in every way.  this is the best vacationland has to offer.  the weather was perfect...warm in the sun, cool in the shade.  the view was spectacular.  this park was established from land given to the state in 1946 (not the 30s).  it is as natural as can be for a place that welcomes the public.  there is open surf with high waves, a calm lagoon for children, plenty of facilities, tables and grills,  it's quite rustic in most of the areas.  aside from way too many mosquitoes and biting insects, it was perfect.  ***** on another note, the eagle chicks i've been watching since their hatching in february will be released into the wild on july 27th.  as a surrogate mom, this is a weepy but expected occasion.  another empty nest....

by the sea, by the sea

this is where i will be today!  this is reid state park, georgetown, maine.  as untouched today as when it was given to the state by John Reid back in the 30s (i think).  and what a gift it was and still is.  we used to go every july 4th with the whole family crowd and stay from open to close, inhaling its beauty and salt air, but our family has dwindled down and the aunts who loved to go are only now 2 and quite elderly, so our own family remnants make the trip only occasionally.  i'm taking my amish scrappy shoebox, of course!

two more weeks...

that's right, two more weeks to our yearly quilt event.  i got my wallhanging sent yesterday and my lunch reservation too, which was late (thank you ruth!).  the MQ venue is the civic center in Augusta, not quite midpoint of the state, air conditioned too!  i bet a lot of the gals from down east and the county (aroostook) stay overnight.  my class is on sunday only this year.  my quilt event budget is skimpy, so i like to spread it out as much as possible.  i took the trip to NY in april for bonnie's workshop, now this workshop and another in nashua in november, also a day trip.  after nashua, events here in new england pretty much quiet down until winter is over, with few exceptions of course.  with my life here in maine way below my liking, not sure what my plans are after november. 

back in harness

spent most of the day recovering from the temporary interruption in the norm.  the old viking is back on the table and works fine.  she spent the two weeks on vaca in her nordic homeland canoodling with old school chum sven....at least that's HER story....and don't you love these little bow ties?  wow, a 3" block a la bonnie who posted her challenge today to make these as leaders/enders for a year and see the end result.  i already have a L/E project but i caved and tried one and it is adorable!  i was going to do mine with cheddar and vintage indigoes, but i'm just going to try and use up more blue scraps...whaddaya think about "blue cheese" for a title?  i only have a yard of cheddar solid, so not sure at this point if i'll use it all up or just make a small wall piece...

look....all fixed!

no one would ever know that for two weeks there was a hole in the wall showing daylight!  despite the hot, humid weather, the repair has been completed today, not a moment too soon before thundershowers either.  this is the new little window fan in place already.  now to iron curtains, dust and put the rest of the stuff in order.  many thanks to our complex's fine maintenance crew who have always responded promptly and completed the task at hand.  not all tenants can say that, i'm sure.  did i whine and vent a little?  was i a tad impatient?  afraid so...whew, now back to the old viking....

thank you walgreen's!

found this little item in stock AND on sale!  the fan that died was from 2003 (i think) and was 10" and cost $8; this fan is 9" and cost $10.  close enough.  it's quiet, fits in the window and on a normal hot day (not like today), it works great in my not-so-big room.  though the fan did officially die from the crash, it was quite old and i didn't mind replacing it myself.  

postal present

about a month ago, bonnie announced she would be featured in an upcoming issue of Australian Homespun and debuting a new scrappy pattern.  well, once i heard the word "pattern," i scoured the web to find a store and the issue.  Erica's in Indiana was taking preorders, so i put in my order and today it finally arrived!  once again, bonnie has not disappointed at all!  in addition to bonnie's pattern, there are some other goodies in this issue too.  to subscribe to this magazine is prohibitively expensive, but i am enjoying looking at the ads and new pattern ideas.  today was the perfect day to receive it; the weather is nearly unbearably hot and humid, very oppressive, good to laze around and flip through.  we did go to the beach this morning but it was too hot to stay, no cool breeze at all.  **** the room repair is one day away from completion, not sure WHICH day it will be though.  i am getting ready to scour and dust once it is finished; i washed my new curtains today getting ready to iron and rehang.  in the interim, i've got 33 amish pinwheel blocks done, exactly half of what i need for the quilt top.  i'm using some of my cherrywood hand dyes, lusciously soft and colorful fabrics.  mmm, mmm, good!



applique envy

if you hop on over to http://www.gloriouscolor.com/ you will see kim mclean's stunning applique patterns.  i'm currently drooling over this one, but not enough to consider starting it just yet.  i've a few applique quilts in the works and i'd only be dreaming at this point, but such a lovely dream don't you think?  **** tomorrow i have to put a sleeve on my maine quilts piece to send it off next week.  hard to believe it's only 3 weeks away, which will signal the end of july and  the beginning of august.  summer goes way too fast, i think.  we are just now starting to get a good selection of fresh veggies, yum-my! **** thanks to those who commented on miss paige's baby quilt.  it really came out beautiful.  the fabrics were very good quality and the batt was just right for the quilting, made the designs puff out just enough to be noticed but not too thick.  it was one of those projects that just went together easily, quilted wonderfully and looks pretty perfect.  i've often said my goal is not blue ribbons so most of my things are not perfect, but this was one project that just got done without any glitches at all.  since it was a special gift, that made it a delight!

pinks quilt update

remember this quilt?  i had originally stated it was a commission piece but actually it was for a friend of DD's who was having her first baby.  this beauty now belongs to one miss paige elizabeth who arrived yesterday, finally, eagerly greeted by her impatient parents.  i was thinking about her mom holding her for the first time and checking her all over and it brought back memories of when i first held DD and did the same.  it was a supremely joyous day that still gives me a warm, wistful feeling all over even now.  **** the room repair progresses!  this is very good news.  could be that by tuesday all my doo-dads will be back in their nooks and crannies.  in the meantime, i've been cutting pieces for the christmas scrappy and working on the amish pinwheel.  idle hands, you know....

R.I.P.

i have a 10" square window fan i bought eons ago, like 10 years maybe?  it's quieter than a large box fan and does a pretty good job in a small space.  well, last night i went to plug it in and i believe it has succumbed to the crash.  it still runs BUT the plastic case has split along the seam line, causing it to rattle.  i paid $8 for the thing and it has worked for all this time; i don't believe it owes me a penny.  ***** another hot (for maine) day here on the coast and that is exactly where we are going today, in about 40 minutes or so.  as i mentioned, not all maine beaches are free and this one is no exception.  the cost kept us from going too many times last year, so this year we purchased a seasonal pass and already we are way over the original cost, so it was a good deal.  without further adeiu......

Plan B

you might wonder what i'm doing with the old viking AND little brother on hiatus (or maybe not) and this is it!  pulled out this shoebox full of gray and color solid triangles.  these are for the hand pieced, scrappy amish pinwheel quilt that is a someday finish (no deadline).  the christmas scrappy is machine pieced and quilting on the lovers' links is out of the question in 80-degree weather, so decided to make more of these squares.  ***** the repair persons came today and measured for materials to finish the wall job.  while they were here, they put the AC in the window.  my stuff is spread out all over the apartment, in addition to the aforementioned machines being packed away, and it will be terrific once things are organized again.  since we can do nothing to aid and abet in this situation, we are heading to the beach later on to enjoy cool breezes and cold water. 

A Happy Independence Day!

despite a gnawing unease from THIS, we kicked off the holiday with a wonderful band concert outdoors under cool but summery conditions.  If you are an American, natural born or naturalized, things like this should upset you.  i urge you to read "the federalist papers," a literary chronicle on the perils faced when forming a new, independent government, not the least of which was freedom from tyranny from outside forces.  the founders could not have foreseen the growing economic tyranny we now face that, if not stemmed and obliterated, will (i believe) destroy the America and its unmatched freedoms as we know it, or as it should be.  enjoy your celebration...our descendants may have only memories of such if things don't change. 

A True Legend

Sally Palmer Field of Chelmsford, Massachusetts, has died.  she was a renown quilter here in New England.  when i first got into quilting in the 1970s, i heard about a new england guild that was having a meeting in a nearby town.  i decided to go and see what it was about.  when i got there, i realized that one had to pre-register to attend the meeting and so i went about getting information to register for the next meeting, held biannually.  little did i know i was on the cusp of a huge groundswell in quilting.  the guild grew so large in a 10-year span that it was a logistical nightmare to arrange meetings.  smaller guilds and groups sprung up all over new england as a result.  a museum was planned and became an eventual reality (much to my surprise).  the guild was finally disbanded after its original goal, and many more, had been attained.  Sally was at the forefront of the guild's formation as well as being a teacher, artist and promoter.  she was one of those people who was almost bigger than life.  when she came into a room, she brought vitality, inspiration and ideas.  she could have been a reader's digest "most unforgettable character" to most anyone.  i can't imagine anyone who was quilting in the 1970s or 1980s won't be saddened by this news. 

wall progress

as you can see, my cute curtains are down, replaced with this drop cloth for the weekend until the repair can be completed.  even so, i am thrilled with the progress this morning.  looking at the wall cracks and chunks of wallboard falling off, not to mention the wall being pushed in, made me a tad nervous.  i did sleep in the room last night and awoke alive and in one piece, which is good.  as i mentioned, the maintenance crew at this complex is top notch, and their probably underpaid work has nothing to do with my unhappiness here.  i don't like maine.  i would like a patio to grill on and for container plants.  not to mention a job, my own place and a life.  pity party over, need a nap big time.

here it is

whew, just under the quarterly wire.  i still have to dunk it in cold water to get all the quilting lines off, but it's all quilted and bound, ready to hang.  problem is, there is no wall space for it at all.  i truly do need a bigger sewing space with more wall space, more floor space, no carpets and plenty of natural light.  ah, if wishes were horses so they say.  *** insurance adjuster here today to check on the damage to the wall and window in my room.  won't be fixed until next week it seems, which is a HUGE inconvenience as my room stuff is now in other places in the already full apartment.  maintenance is very good at this complex, but this job is much bigger than usual.  that means the old viking and i won't be able to play at all until all the work is done (sniff, sniff).  even worse, there is no place to set up little brother either.  plus the weather is turning hot, so quilting on the lovers' links is not an option either.  this is a predicament of sorts it seams seems....

a smashing finish...

to a busy day.  last night sometime after 9:30, a woman was parking her car in the lot in front of my window.  she lost control and slammed into the building wall, which then caused my interior wall to collapse somewhat.  it sounded like a jet crash (we live near the airport) and the building shook just a bit.  this was in front of my antique sewing table, which came out unscathed.  the old viking was on the table and didn't budge a centimeter and my laptop also came through safely.  so, today the maintenance people will be here to make repairs.  i offered that this would be a good time to make my room larger and add a much-wanted patio....if only, right?  i slept on my futon in the living room last night just to be safe, although they didn't feel the structure was compromised.  ***** tune in later today and see my little sewing machine wallhanging finished!  i've only one more side of the binding to sew down for completion.  most of the sewing i did yesterday was on this piece.  i also did some machine piecing of christmas scrappy pieces as well.  the studio is off limits today for the wall repairs.  the window frame is broken as well.

closing in

on another finish as the little spools wallhanging, homage to the old viking, is ready to quilt.  it needs basting and quilting and binding and then i can cross it off my list, fantastic!  after i finished college i was also unemployed for nearly 2 years (i told you, vacationland) and i borrowed zillions of quilt books from the library and found this sewing machine pattern in a very old (meaning 1970s) quilt book.  who knew i'd be unemployed AGAIN for such a long time so soon!  anyway, i hope to get this done before friday so i can have another june finish.  ***** being so upset with the state of my life in general for so many years, i struggle at not being angry all the time.  today it's easy, though, because it's the birth anniversary of HELEN KELLER.  if anyone had a reason to act piteous, she did; instead, she accomplished much in her dark, silent world.   she is a true american hero and one of mine in particular.  if you ever find yourself in tuscumbia, alabama, don't miss her childhood home....ivy green.

two oldies but goodies....

that deserve another look.  if you were around quilting in the 1980s, especially here in new england, the names of these two were on everyone's lips.  top quilt is 12 dancing princesses by ruth mcdowell and bottom is ray of light by jinny beyer.  not long after i started quilting, i had the opportunity to see these two magnificent beauties.  there were plenty of other fabulous quilters at that time, but these two works i actually saw in person.  the photos have darkened over time and neither does the original work justice at all.  nice to know these artists are still inspiring quilters everywhere.  ms. mcdowell has made many pieces that i admire, and i do mean "piece" as she pieces all her figures, not applique.  and ms. beyer has made several gorgeous pieces influenced by her sojourns in the far east, and still does i might add. 

friday's fun

this is my jacob's ladder block that bonnie showed on her blog the other day.  the quick cutting and sewing method was indeed that.  i thought i might make a wallhanging with some of my florals, but for now it'll be an orphan-in-waiting. 

all these little strips and squares got cut from scraps.  the scraps do accumulate and every so often i have to take some time and repurpose them into usable shapes....squares and strips.  the plaids are actually going into another project, but the rest just go into their respective shoeboxes for whatever.  the pinks will get used in a baby quilt top, again for whatever.

the stash truth

on a whim this morning, i pulled out ALL my fabric stash and put it on my bed to see exactly (well, close enough) how much fabric i had. photos are from both sides of bed.  i was pleased to see it does all fit on top of the bed, albeit quite snugly.  also on far left against wall (top photo) is what's left of a bolt of muslin and 5 yards of kona white folded.  my plan and hope is to use up most of this, if not all, in my lifetime or at least before i end up in a subsidized shoebox of my own.  what this picture doesn't include are those quilts or flimsies waiting to be basted or quilted.  those are on top of the shelving unit along with the finished items.  *** raining heavily here this morning, so good day to retreat along with the stashbusters.  i probably won't finish anything but could get close.  plus, more quilting on lovers' links will be accomplished.  **** oh, and the red/white schoolhouse piece?  there are no windows and not sure if i'll add them.  i kind of like it minimalist the way it is, but i will try the windows to make sure. 

a perfect day

a seafood shack lunch?  $15
gas for the car?  $25
a lazy drive through flowery glades, the green/blue ocean, boats to gaze at, time spent with relatives....priceless!

ready to baste

this little piece is now ready to baste and quilt.  i took this photo from an angle, which explains the wonkiness of the photo.  after viewing all the red and white quilts displayed in new york earlier this year, i was compelled to make one of my own.  in my new sense of frugality of time, i made a wallhanging instead of a larger piece.  the binding will be more of the red.  my desire to make the schoolhouse block has been quenched, even though i'd really like to have a big quilt in this pattern. ***** just this morning started quilting the lovers' links quilt.  now that summer is officially here, and with temps climbing to 80s today, i'm not sure how long it will take to quilt this bed quilt, but pretty sure it will be done by the time autumn rolls around.  first up, though, is to finish the spools piece to cross off another UFO from the list. 

saturday squishie

these little gals arrived in saturday's mail....how cute!  they are all fused, ready to get put into some adorable projects.  i have a few in mind already!  i'll add them to my list, of course.  this weekend i did get the lovers' links quilt all basted, a dicey task in my very small space.  but it's done and i've got my quilting patterns ready to start the quilting.  with the weather warming up, this quilt and the hawaiian will be worked on as temperatures allow.  ***** this coming weekend is an official stashbuster retreat to work on small stuff.  there's a stack of odd pieces that need to morph into strips and squares, plus i have 3 small pieces ready to baste--the red/white schoolhouse, a christmas tablerunner and the moda wreath.  course, i still have 4 days before the retreat starts, so those could be done before then.  ***** a sunny, beautiful monday and i've got my week's tasks outlined and ready to start!

the design wall, start of the grand tour (9 photos in all)

well, today the curtains finally got hung so the redo started late last winter is complete.  first on your left is the design wall, a little shaky at times but it works.  it's the door to the room and really the only space for the design wall, a piece of flannel on a rod.  i've put these 9 photos in separate posts to keep the descriptions close to the actual photos.  the room is about 11x12 and i think i've pretty much maxed out every possible square inch.  in my dreams, of course, it's much larger without carpet on the floor and more shelving and a larger cutting space (plus more storage), but it works pretty well for what i need to do AND it keeps me from accumulating too much stuff, which is far to easy to do.  some time in the next week or so, i'm going to pull out all my fabric and take photos of that as well, just to see how much there really is.  so, feel free to take this virtual tour if you like. 

closet door aka memo board

here is where the wallhanging of the month gets posted, as well as miscellaneous cards, magnetic poetry and other stuff.  the basket on the door has quilty/sewing tools and the tote was received in a swap. 

the stash and entertainment corner

most of my stash is in these drawers.  the 2 batts are in a bag off to be basted (tops in bottom of bag).  the polyfil needs to go in the bottom drawer, just can't get to it at the moment.  my stencils, templates and rulers hang on the side of the drawers.  that's a collection of wooden spools you see hanging there.  

the old viking aka sewing space

see the new curtains!  they give me privacy from the nosy nellies in the parking lot.  as you can see there is just barely room for the sewing chair in front of the 2 sewing tables, not ideal but it works.  though things are a bit cluttered at the moment, this setup forces me to put things away after they're used.  i am looking around for something with a small footprint for the laptop, which i use with totes underneath; otherwise it's too low.  when i'm sewing, i move it off the table to a safer place.  this setup also lets me pull the blinds all the way up and keep them open for plenty of natural light. 

the "new" ironing/cutting space

we had this table but it was a bit concave in the middle, so i purchased a board, covered it with batting and ironing board fabric to give me more ironing and cutting space.  i can leave the iron up all the time (as you can see) plus there is storage room underneath.  the tote has finished quilted items as well and you can just barely see the bulletin board in the corner on the right.  only 4 more pics!

clothes storage

this chest was found on the roadside with a "free" sign on it, so home it came.  it isn't my choice really, but it works until i can find a tall chest of drawers that will free up some floor space.  the wallhanging matches the fabrics in the double irish chain, it just needs to be moved. 

the quilty shelves

here are the UFOs in shoeboxes, plus some stash and kits as well.  the bottom shelf currently has CDs and LP albums and my tape deck/tuner.  on the right is my stack of quilters' newsletter mags that i like to look through now and then for inspiration.  the top shelf is now piled high with finished projects and some projects basted waiting for quilting.  there simply isn't any other place to store them.  

the bedroom part

the wall piece is one i made a long time ago with mostly repros but a few real vintage fabrics.  right now i've the double irish chain quilt and pillowcases on the bed. 

end of the grand tour

this is the last photo of my sewing space/bedroom/TV room, etc.  the antique photo is my grandmother.  i never knew her as she died when my mother was a toddler. 

friday night success

here is the friday night finish!  i know, it's tied and not quilted but it's done.  this was the first time i tried a buck-a-block from the quilt shop and it came out ok.  i did it because i loved the fabrics, not my usual color choices.  it'll get donated at some point with another quilt i have on hand.  so, now i'm going to work on the next UFO, the sewing machine applique with spools, another official UFO.  after a few household chores this morning, i might baste the lovers' links as that is to be hand quilted, a gift, and get started.  ideally i'd like to finish the links and another hand quilted piece before the end of the year.  that might be a modest goal, will have to wait and see. 

it's friday and that means.....

well, it could mean a lot of things, like payday or shopping day or fish day, but for a certain group of quilters it's FRIDAY NIGHT SEW IN!  yes, this very night i will be at home sewing for a change (NOT) since i sew most every day and evening too.  if it isn't done by then, i'll be finishing the binding on my buck-a-block quilt, but it might be done by then.  if it is, then it could be the hawaiian or the christmas scrappy or the spools or some other lucky project that gets chosen for this hallowed evening.  until tonight, i've got a few things to do of the household variety and, of course, more sewing.  i might even be inspired to get out the vacuum and suck up all the little threads on the floor!  did i say i hated carpet in the sewing room?  i believe i did but i'll say it once more!!!

binding day

today is the day this UFO gets bound and put in the done pile.  it's a buck-a-block quilt through a local quilt shop.  i chose to participate because of the colors, not my usual palette.  this quilt, along with another i have that is also tied, will get donated to someone/something at some point. **** thursday all ready?  it's amazing how the time goes when one does nearly nothing every day.  sure, we do hit the beach now that the weather is good (yesterday and today), but as for doing anything of consequence or importance, just don't.  the sewing stuff is fun to a point; sometimes it does get tedious and my life is cavernously empty of anything that feeds my work passion.  if all work and no play makes one dull, all play and no work makes one completely worthless.  i never was a workaholic, but i loved my medical secretary work.  it grieves me immensely and leaves a huge void in my life.  back to playing, i guess.....

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. 

monday plans

maybe today i'll finish off this little pile of scraps, cutting them into pieces for the christmas scrappy.  after these are gone, it's cutting into FQs and yardage for the pieces.  i am pretty sure i have adequate christmas fabric stash for this top.  since i am slowly veering away from bed-size quilts to smaller pieces, every one that gets done gets me closer to that goal.  ***** the pinks is ready for the binding, so that should be a finish this week.  **** and since it's monday, i'll do a bit of laundry to satisfy tradition.

placemats out, wallhanging in

the patriotic nickels in my stash are no more!  i decided against placemats (2 things to quilt/bind) and opted for this.  could be used as a tabletopper as well, i suppose.  gave me the opportunity to use some pizzazz-y plaids too!  it'll get bound with either the blue plaid or maybe a solid navy, need to audition both.  today i have some drunkard's path leftovers that'll get put into an orphan block and THEN i can get back to the christmas scrappy.  i hope to finish quilting the pinks today as well, then binding and voila, it's done!  this is basting week as well.  the boston commons and lovers' links quilts will (hopefully) be basted by week's end and the lovers' links will be my next quilting task until it gets too warm; then i have some small pieces, like this one, that need finishing. 

scraps to squares

there weren't many of these little black strips leftover from a previous project, but my conscience wouldn't let me throw them away.  i saw this block on the calendar and thought about them.  instead, i made these little 9-patch blocks that will probably go in a border of a small amish quilt at some point.  i might even have to make a few more with a different black but no matter; this is stashbusting and that will work just fine.  every little square helps to use it up! ***** it's a beautiful, sunny, breezy early summer morning here in coastal maine.  good day for the beach you think?  always!

secret project revealed

many years ago, a creative mom made a set of these for her precious baby daughter.  however, life was sometimes unpleasant in the little kingdom and the mother sold the dolls to earn some money.  the mother promised herself that one day they would be replaced.  that day has come and the dolls have been sent to the daughter, now grown and married, the promise fulfilled.