best of show...

went to the cocheco show in rochester, nh today...first thing i saw when entering the room was this....

it's orange!   oooh, the book and scraps for MY orange are packed away, but apparently i am not the only one who loves this color!  the whole quilt and then a block closeup...see those strippy triangles?  a bonnie follower...whaddya think?

but then i saw this....the back!

it's an orange masterpiece! 

nothing finer....

than free fabric!....this was a giveaway in the recent marcus bros sew-along....9 lovely repro FQs and a kit for a vintage change purse....how nice!  it'll take time to decide on a fabric for the purse; meantime, the FQs will get washed/dried and added to the stash.  thank you marcus bros and lisa shepard stewart!  **** it's my weekend and numero uno task is to finish the scrappy quilt; it'll get tied and donated (after washing!) and also be off my UFO list to boot...how good is that?  i've been keeping track of fabric in/out this year and am woefully behind in using it up, not that i haven't seriously tried.  still time before year's end to make a decent showing and avoid feeling like a fabric collector instead of a fabric user...now back to the scrappy!

2 more rows.....

before it's a flimsy....so far it is gorgeous i think.   the last row sewn, bottom of photo, hasn't yet been attached to the others just so you know.  easy peasy to assemble and hardly have to keep track of colors...it'll be a great quilt for somebody.  ****  say what?  october 15th already?  fortunately this is the last thing i have to do before i can start packing for retreat in 10 DAYS!  i haven't blogged as i've been doing some secret sewing that i can show a bit later.  all is on track for departure...haircut done, snacks bought, projects packed, phoebe snug in her carrier and raring to go.  *** by the way, if you are interested in this pattern, marge at delaware quilts has it for a donation to her relay project.  a very worthy cause and the pattern gives you multiple sizes....so hop on over to www.delawarequilts.com and pick up one! 

revolting!

the empty scrap basket was a short-lived event....here is one of them now...the other is still empty but as you can see, some have already accumulated in this one.  it happens before you know it....and there will probably be more until the scrappy donation is a flimsy.  it is a delightful problem, to have an embarrassment of riches such as a fairly good-size stash.  not as large as some but not as small as some either.  what can i say..i just love fabric and working with it.  i think with the retreat trip, i might just reach my saturation point, at least with space.  i am trying to use it up, really i am.  plenty of ideas for projects.....ah what bliss!

swap blocks

got these lovelies in the mail the other day.....aren't they gorgeous!  this is half of the Lady of the Lake Block Swap; the other half will come in January i believe...so the UFO list grows....  no sewing today yet...grocery shopping and a half-day trip to the clipper merchant tea room with mom for some tea, soup and scones....so very good!  and the foliage is definitely peak in my surrounds...with the sun shining on the leaves, it is magical!  ***  2 weeks now to retreat; next week at this time i'll be getting out the suitcase and putting things together.  as anxious as i am to start my quilty vacation, i know it will be over way too soon.  that's how it goes usually....but i know i'll enjoy every moment. 

scrappy alphabet progress

while it is true that i cut up all my scraps, some were set aside to finish this little sew along project...the scrappy alphabet!  like the big scrappy currently in progress, this little one will use the yellow as the sashing to bring it all together.  there are also a few random patchwork blocks to even out the rows...it'll be a cute finish and a nice giveaway to the right person when done.  ***  already working at the machine this sunny autumn morning.  retreat is coming fast and still have a few things to finish before i can start packing.  even though i have time to sew when in maine, getting together with old and new friends for nonstop fun is sooo enjoyable...i can hardly wait!  but first, back to the old viking!

super sewing sunday....

it was one of those days when everything was aligned and spent the ENTIRE day sewing, well most of it.  i did work some on the hawaiian, but the rest of the time was at the machine and look what got done.  first, 2 rows completely done on the scrap quilt, then most of the rest of the squares done and ready to add, plus lots of strips cut out of the yellow PLUS some sewing on another quilt from a jelly roll given to me by victoria.  the scrappy is coming along nicely...i am thinking about that plaid piece that might get changed....but other than that, i am liking this a lot.  the backing and batting are on hand so it will be a fairly quick finish.  *** this morning already at the old viking trying to finish up all the squares so i can then put the top together.  this will have a total of 7 rows and it did make a significant dent in my 2.5" strip stash....now go tackle your list!!!

in progress...

this is a scrappy quilt made from a pattern given to me at last year's retreat.  it was originally done with bali pop batiks and black for the outline, but when i saw it, was thinking of how i could bust some scraps.  dug into my box of 2.5" strips already cut (thank you bonnie!) and picked up a few more yellow/gold pieces and here is my version.  the centers are 5" squares, also on hand.  the whole thing is outlined in the yellow/gold 1.5" strips.  it will be tied and WILL be finished to take with me for Bob's Blankie Brigade.  plus, it'll get another UFO off my list also....it's a win/win! ****  end of another week and retreat is coming up fast.  preparations are in full swing and the to-do list is getting shorter, along with the days.  the summer feel is definitely gone here in southern maine, and winter preparations are seen everywhere.  autumn recipes are re-appearing and soup makings are always on hand now.  our summer was cooler than normal and it almost seems like it was never here.  the beach bag is finally tucked away, waiting on summer's return...... 

final tally....

so here is the newly cut stash.....2.5" strips, 5" squares, 3.5" squares, 2.5" squares, 2" squares, inchies and some 1.5" strips...found some white triangles in the bunch and kept them separate for whenever.  the bottom middle pile is from a wallhanging i made and then took apart...at some point will try and rework the units and put it back together...all in all a job that took nearly 2 full days.  *** took a break and got my first high octane flu shot today.  i always get the flu shot and usually always get a mild form of an upper respiratory illness at some point during the winter, but firmly believe the shot is beneficial from much serious illness.  ****  spent every minute of my day off today and plan to do so again tomorrow.  now that the scraps are done, can get some real sewing accomplished.  now off to finish a book and relax until sleep.....

wednesday's task...

first thing this morning after the usual stuff (breakfast, laundry, dress), plugged in the old iron and tackled the scrap baskets.   these 2 were overflowing to the point of impending disaster with scraps of every kind and size.  and now, look!  all have been ironed and ready to cut up into usable units.  it WAS a chore to be certain, but seeing these makes it all worthwhile.  after the cutting process, will show what the results are....plenty of pieces ready for new projects.  i've already isolated all batik and white-on-white scraps for another project, paper pieced, for which i printed the papers today also.  it's almost like fall cleaning but way more fun! 

almost done

all 9 blocks are done now...just waiting to see the finish next week.  a cute little project done pretty quick, well almost done.  and true to form, i set aside a small stash to make these and most of it is left, so hardly any stash busted.  though i pulled from stash and wasn't entirely thrilled about the fabrics, now that the blocks are all done, they go together pretty well.  i think it will be a nice wallhanging when finished--or a table topper maybe?  **** my last block didn't take much time at all so there is plenty of the day left to enjoy what might be our last gasp of summer weather.  tomorrow it's back to autumn and cooler, crisper air and maybe chowder too?  could be!

countdown begins!

phoebe is all spiffed up, ready and waiting for her road trip in 30 days, that's right, 30 days and we will be on our way!  i've made a list (of course) and check it nearly every day to make sure i am on track to getting everything done that needs it before retreat.  today's tasks?  slice up my green tomatoes for pickles, laundry, sewing on the donation quilt are the biggies...plus the miscellaneous stuff that presents itself in the course of any day....it's my weekend and i've 2 whole days to get some serious sewing done....work first, fun later! 

it's the 4th quarter...

it was giddy excitement last night when i realized i am down to the last quarter on appliquing this design to the background.  this is not the greatest photo of this top, but no matter....after spending august and september TV time, the end is now clearly in view.  at the top of the photo on the extreme right and left are 2 hand-like fronds...they are done!  the center portion is also complete, so all that is left is in the middle of the photo.  this will still take a while, probably into december (due to vaca), but i am hoping that the week between christmas and the new year, it will get basted and ready to quilt by january 1st.  so much work?  yes!  so much time?  definitely!  but the finished project?  priceless!  and why so wrinkled you ask?  well, when working on inside portions, it is necessary to scrunch it up in order to utilize the right hand thumb with the needleturn (i sew left handed)....but it will get ironed before the basting.   the batting is already on hand and will pick up the backing before the applique is complete.  oooohh can hardly wait!  *** in the meantime, another UFO is in process with the old viking; plenty of scrap AND stash busting going on for a finish some time october.   **** retreat readiness continues!

the (quilty) circle of (fabric) life

the lady of the lake swap squares are done and will soon be on their way, only to return in a similar but different form.  this is part 1 of this swap and am looking forward to part 2.  all measured and ironed and up for their debut in somebody else's mailbox....course, in the story of stash, nature also abhors a vacuum, so this little package arrived today....

the layer cake won in the moda love blog tour...this is sandy gervais' newest line called rambling rose...oh so delicate hues of cream, aqua, pink, taupe and chocolate with a decidedly vintage feel.  one of her patterns was also included...with the sun shining, the laundry done, a fabric frolic of sorts...what a perfect day! 

next to last #8

up to date with the marcus bros sew-along project...one more week/block to go.  just in time, too, as retreat prep is in full swing with october just around the corner.  the batik blocks are also just about ready to mail out, so i am right on schedule with my to-do list.  even if i didn't have a calendar, the cool temps would tell me that autumn is in full mode here in southern coastal maine.  it's fair time as well, and just today mom and i ventured out to a local bean supper of good repute.  normally i work all day saturday but took some vacation time so i could take mum.  not knowing how soon i'll be moving prompts me to fill the days with as many good times together as i can.  *** spent some time yesterday playing in the scraps.  some civil war 1.5" strips were prepped, as well as more inchies and some 2.5" squares...all from the scrap baskets, which are more than overflowing.  also pulled out all batik scraps for another little quilt about the same size as made last year at retreat.  i must have a suitable pattern around here someplace....LOL!  ****  well now that this block is done, guess i'll mosey on back to the old viking and finish the other blocks. 

quick change

if you recall, the "B" was previously a yellow print.  that was before i decided i wanted to use this yellow print for the sashing for this little project.  so, the "B" is now orange polka dot.  and now with the "D" finished, i'm up to date on this little sew along.  haven't decided yet if the corner squares will be the same yellow or another color or even the light.....stay tuned!  *** continues to get cooler here in south coastal maine...but we know this is just a tease; beach weather will return at some point.  *** it's the first day of my weekend, sort of, and i've a list to tackle!

pretty sooon.....

i'll be quilting and relaxing in the land of the plain people...farmland vistas, overflowing pumpkin piles, barns and silos, buggies and quilt shops....er quilt shops?  you betcha!  not to mention non-stop laughs, friendship, sewing, sharing, and all that goes with the perfect quilty vacation.  i am in full preparation mode now with just over 30 days until departure date.  just a few more things on the list and i will be ready to go!  *** first up is batik swap squares....this is my weekend to finish those and get them in the mail.  then, finish the donation quilt for bob's, plus a haircut, vehicle tuneup, a day of cutting up strips and triangles for projects, stock up food for mom then it's suitcase to pack!  do i sound anxious?  just a little maybe?  you can have a cruise or the grand european tour....i'll take Lancaster.....now back to your regularly scheduled day!

lucky 7

all caught up with block 7 on the marcus bros sew-along...only 2 more weeks and then a finish week, so this is very good.  i also have all my alphabet blocks done to date also.  what else have i done?  first thing this morning whipped up 2 double batches of corn fritters for the freezer, made lunch ahead of time too, and now i can sew!  **** sunny and cool here, temp 44 around 7 am, and yes, there was a freeze someplace in maine but not where we live near the ocean.  the ocean is our friend many times over when it comes to weather issues.  our veggie stand is overflowing with early autumn produce and it is annoying as we have no freezer space at all really.  next up are some pickles but that will be it, oh and maybe some stuffed peppers for the freezer too.  i love them and they are nice to have on hand.  ***  the week starts again today and retreat is getting closer.  my list is getting shorter and i am soo anxious to see my retreat pals again and have a week of endless fun! 

wouldn't you?

was out on a mini-shop hop yesterday with an internet friend and she took me to 2 new-to-me shops in her area.  both small, both out in the country, both with lovely fabric but that is where similarities stop.  this shop, BOLT, carries an eclectic collection of fabrics--batiks, mods, geometric, solids, blenders, all colorful, and no repros to be seen.  i saw many that i really liked.  the second, ANNIE'S, was chock full of repros, mostly civil war, plus wool, kim diehl colors,  shirtings, batiks and solids too. she also had lots of sale fabrics and these FQs were $1, a good deal in any quilter's book.  the blue print is 1.25 yards and will make a gorgeous border for something.  so, what would you have done here?  i thought so too. and just so this post isn't all about fabric, i've included my "B" alphabet block all done.  **** weekend is over and can list a UFO finish so all is good.  next up is marcus bros sew-along block and sunday brings another alphabet block.  the rest of the month is dedicated to finishing a donation quilt and end of summer chores.  the beach bag is repacked and ready for any beach days to come.  circadian rhythms reluctantly adjusting to shortening daylight and plans for veggie cooking for the freezer in full swing as growing season winds down. everyone is in full pumpkin mode waiting for the official start to autumn and me?  all this plus gearing up for retreat....42 days away!

wallhanging finish

so here is the finish was working on this week....a pattern from the moda "cookbook" using fabrics from my stash.  not sure what will become of it now as we have no wall space for it, but might use it on the back of a chair during holiday season.  i started this about 7 years ago and it has been basted for at least 5 so good to get it completed.  it's a simple pattern and probably wouldn't have caught my eye now, since lately been doing things a bit more challenging.  even so, it is festive.  *** day one of my weekend draws to a close.  worked on the batik swap squares today, and now that the wallhanging is done can get back to the hawaiian.  feeling more and more like fall here in southern maine.  wishing snow would bypass us this year but that is, of course, sheer folly.  good thing cool temps make great sewing weather.  we took advantage of the chill and enjoyed clam chowder for supper today.  my current read is calling, so will close for today. 

this week's project - part 2

actually, this will probably be NEXT week's project, since this week a wallhanging needs a binding but remains to be seen.  my retreat gal pals will or SHOULD recognize this pattern from last year.  yes, i confess, haven't touched it since then but will remedy the situation very soon.  am planning on donating this quilt to bob's blankie brigade so it WILL be finished and riding with me to PA next month.  totally scrappy, the black outlining replaced with the gold, it will keep some deserving somebody warm in the cold days ahead, not to mention busting more stash as it's totally scrappy.  *** in the meantime, today is brought to you by the letter "B", the next little square in the sew-along.  as i look at the scrap baskets, realize i could probably make 3 alphabet quilts--at least--with what is on hand.  *** today is my friday, so ahead is a couple of cool days ideal for sewing and doing most anything.  aside from grocery shopping, hoping to do just that....plus locate those wool socks and fleece pants...yeah, it's gonna be THAT cool. 

scrappy sew along

i know, the marcus bros sew-along isn't finished yet (almost) and here is another!  the temecula quilt company is having an alphabet sew-along.  was going to pass on this one but the scrap baskets are staring me in the face here in the sewing cave and thought this would be an ideal project to bust at lease SOME of them....though i realize, not that many will actually disappear.  these blocks finish at 4" and the entire piece is less than 40" length or width.  so if you have lots of little scraps floating around (yes, i see those hands), then this might be a quick and beneficial sew-along.  mine is going to be super scrappy and might even have some kid-friendly prints.  no destination in mind for this finished wallhanging, but no doubt a situation will arise at some point that will be perfect for a sesame street primer.  ***  another chilly morning here in coastal maine, though the sun is shining brightly and we are eager for more of its warming rays.  household chores are done for at least a few days, so today is devoted to a few errands and some sewing, of course.  am closing in on another finish, a wallhanging that hasn't seen the light of day for eons, but should be off the list by week's end.  in the meantime....keep calm and quilt on!

this week's project...part 1

the deadline is looming to send in these blocks, so now that i've gotten my last blue batik, can sit down and get them all done in one fell swoop.  even though the finished blocks look more green than blue, in person they are a blue.  if you use batiks, you know how tricky it can be to define an actual color sometimes, but they have been approved by the swap hostess so they are good to go.   the green mat isn't helping either.  ***  had a lovely sunday picnicking at a local park where we grilled burgers and dogs and soaked up some sun and surf....a bit cool to swim for me but kids don't care and many were in the water.  i confess to a bad case of picnic envy.  our menu was grilled burgers and dogs, some fresh corn and sliced cukes/tomatoes....healthy and fresh and delish, right?  well, i was happy until a family arrived nearby grilling dogs and burgers, but also sausage, BBQ chicken, steak...the chicken smelled soooo good.  immediately i was green with BBQ envy, i wanted some. they also had salads, fruit, lemonade, some sort of cake...i vowed then and there we would return soon and bring some chicken....LOL!  *** a sunny monday here in maine, coolish but really nice.  now that my blog and yahoo group tasks are done, can go and tackle some household stuff.  then it'll be me and the old viking until early afternoon.  and what's for lunch?  why, leftover grilled burgers and dogs of course! 

over the hump....

with the completion of block 6 in the marcus bros. sew-along, closing in on the finish...only 4 weeks to go and will have completed this short-term project.  when it was started, it slipped my mind that i'd be busy getting ready for retreat but have to muddle along.  the blocks themselves don't take too much time, but doubt will have it quilted since i only hand quilt.  **** have put the hawaiian aside temporarily to finish up a wallhanging trying to bust more stash.  this month will also finish a donation UFO that should help.  between now and end of december, will finish at least one more bed size quilt i think.....the amish center diamond that only needs 3 border sides quilted and then bound.  still hoping to finish the applique on the hawaiian by year's end though. *** on the subject of busting stash, currently have added 132 yards this year and busted just about 53, so that is respectable progress i think.  trouble is, i know i will add to the pile on retreat....part of the fun don't ya know!

non UFO finish...

 

the baby quilt is done and it's large enough for a toddler bed too...which is good.  the polka dot backing left enough for the binding AND enough for binding another quilt too, all cut and ready for whenever.  ***  first on today's list is the next block in the marcus bros sew-along.  our summery weather is leaving today so more time for sewing in the days to come.  next is to finish some swap blocks and a donation quilt.  **** with 49 days to retreat, plenty to do while enjoying early autumn weather before snow flies.  autumn is my favorite season of all, so happy that it's almost here!

secret revealed!

yes, it is project #4 from the "daydreams" scraps....a little quilt made for my "sister swap" package that arrived today in sunny california at vicki's house!  you can hop on over to see a better photo and the other things i sent her from the rocky coast of maine.  across from marden's, which is around the corner from where i live is a specialty cook store, and i found the honey and chocolate bar there.  the postcards i had picked up when mom and i breakfasted in boothbay earlier this summer.  the fabric from marden's of course, and the thread came in the box i had won earlier this year.  the little quilt is a bit wrinkly, but i washed it and hate to put my quilts in the dryer feeling the heat is too harsh for the fibers.  she seems genuinely pleased with all the little gift items, but i liked them too so that is good all around. 

binding day

well, weekend is here once again and today's task is to bind the baby quilt.  it has returned to summer here in maine and the beach has beckoned, but today simply must finish this project.  *** retreat in 51days for me (i leave a day earlier for travel) and i've made my list of what needs to be done to get ready.  once this baby quilt is done, have to finish some swap squares and then a donation quilt is on tap.  i've also been working on the hawaiian still, but may have to put it aside briefly to finish a UFO.  i hope to get the basting done by the end of the year.  *** my portable project is now complete and i can pick up the dargate baskets once again.  that is a whenever project and gets done exactly then.  ***  so surprising that september is here already.  even tho our weather has been summery this week, it's temporary.  the veggie stand run yesterday included squashes galore and little pumpkins.  how did that happen so fast?  a batch of my green tomato pickles is on the september list, plus some corn fritters for the freezer.  they do taste like summer when thawed.  and chopped clams are in the freezer too, along with beef for stew, for upcoming cool days.  hoping frost holds off  to squeeze every moment out of fresh veggie season.  lastly, picked up more lobster yesterday while prices still low....and in celebration of turning 65, i finally tackled a raw oyster...it was good!

tie dye....er day

it's a gray day here, hot and humid too, so no beach but no problem!  baby quilt is ready to tie.  due to space limitations, this is the way it gets done.  start in the middle of course and then work out either side.  the binding fabric is at hand also...the orange polka dot...so should get completed in the next day or two.  then some swap squares and i can move on in UFO land.  the peek of the pinwheel quilt on the right is the end of my bed, yeah it's THAT close.  i have about the same amount of room on the other side of the bed as well, but formulating some plans to generate some additional sewing/sleeping space.  this quilt plus some applique on the hawaiian are on my list today...and who knows what else....call it serendipity!

10 quilting secrets

ok, have seen this around blogland and decided to jump in....confession, they say, is good for the soul and these may or may not be new to those of you who follow and read sort of regularly.

1.  yes, sew over pins and yes, i do occasionally break a needle.
2.  don't believe in using fusibles on my quilts....they are too new and who knows what the long-term result will be
3. not a perfectionist quilter; occasionally points don't match, seam junctions don't match; not worth losing sleep over
4.  don't square up my quilts as a rule, occasionally yes but not regularly
5.  yes,  do have too much fabric and yes i do buy more...have slowed down but not stopped
6.  yes,  do like aurifil best; use others but prefer aurifil for its thinness...all my girly machines love it
7.  no longer trek to many quilts shows; don't have to, internet fills that void nicely
8.  not a big fan of hexies....even tho i am making an amish honeycomb (hexagons) quilt but they are big ones, like 4"....little and teeny tiny ones take too much time for me
9.  would never make a yo-yo anything in my life
10.  no fan of "turning twenty" or similar boring patterns

there you have it....so you can continue to read or not, your choice.   so what is on my quilty plate?  tying the baby quilt....all ready to start first thing sunday...hawaiian progress continues at snail's pace.  then some batik swap squares and i can move on to another UFO.  so are you ready to confess?

"sister" swap goodies

so how great is this...one day after my actual birthday, this lovely package of goodies comes in the mail from kathy over at qreative quilts for the "it's a sister swap" thing.  apparently she has been reading my blog in order to choose these beautiful items so perfect for me.  first, a kaffe fassett pillow that goes in my sewing chair, some nice civil war fabrics, an adorable journal with angel cover and the delish beach bag that is nearly all paper pieced.  this gal is a wizard at paper piecing, i tell ya!  the two photos show back and front and i cannot decide which is better.  course, having my name on it makes it ultra personal and absolutely perfect for just about anything, almost too nice for the beach, know what i mean?  it has a large zipper pocket on one side and 2 open pockets on the other when you peek inside.  check out her blog for other beautiful items she has made....thank you, kathy, for such wonderful surprises!  **** i mailed my package yesterday so once it's revealed, i'll post photos of what i sent, which i hope will be equally well received.  i don't do many swaps now because of prohibitive postage rates, but this is one i'd be happy to do again.  thank you, michele, for being such a super hostess!  *** well reality bites and my 3-day birthday weekend has come to an end. now i get to work for 3 days while others relax, but no matter, i had a terrific "weekend" and it won't always be this way.  i'm grateful to have a job with so many positive aspects.  just hoping i'll be able to find another when i move.  **** and last, it's 57 days to retreat...coming fast now and gonna be busy until departure getting stuff ready to take.  ooohh lancaster at harvest time...how great is that!

the past lives on.....

on a lark, went to google this morning to look up the previous owner of my antique sewing table.  it belonged to my ex-husband's grandmother, lila, and was given to me by my ex-father-in-law on the death of his wife, lila's daughter, maud erminie.  this is what i found.  top photo is lila at age 9 in 1886 and bottom photo is lila and her daughter, willena.  the spooky thing is, the top photo is a close resemblance to my own daughter, miss B.   also of interest, when i was married to miss B's father, his aunt, willena (above left) gifted me with a box of fabric scraps, patterns and patchwork pieces that belonged to lila, most of which i used to fix/create some vintage things.  and no, miss B did NOT inherit the (ahem) large nose, though she thinks hers is too large.  could have been worse, my dear!  anyway, i think lila would be happy to know her sewing table and scraps have been put to use....

shameless promotion

have officially arrived on the cusp of the 3rd act of my life.  hoping all i have experienced and learned thus far will stand me in good stead, and that God will allow me many more days here with my dear family.  it's the big 65, retirement age for some but not me.  i don't feel 65, hoping i don't LOOK 65 either.  when my grandmother was 65 she wore hairnets, had white hair, took daily afternoon naps and wore clunky, laced, thick-heel orthopedic shoes.  the naps i understand as i often don't sleep long enough or get up very early, but the other stuff is totally foreign to me.  and what might a maine girl have to celebrate her birthday?  you guessed it....lobster!

these just came out of the pot and are begging to be tasted, so one must bear up!  LOL...have a wonderful day, even if it isn't YOUR birthday!

you probably don't....

EVER buy fabric that you just love without any idea at all how to use it, but confess that i do.  case in point, this piece....a half yard.  pretty colors, nice jacobean-esque print and outlined in gold....it called to me like a siren song and i caved.  i was playing in the stash the other day and came across it again, still loving it and thinking i should pull some fabics that "go" with it and think of a project, or at least cut off some strips to include in some scrappy projects going on right now.  but time was short and i just left it in the stash for another time.  i felt quite rich indeed with my stash and all the colors and patterns.  much like a fingerprint, it's mine alone, a collection born out of things i chose, others that were gifted....i can't wait to see it all neatly stacked in a cabinet like fine wines to inspire me and bring those project ideas swirling around in my head to life.  making my fingers itch already! 

M is for....

monday and mending too!  exercised my frugal gene and did some much needed repairs on not only some "unmentionables" but also an old drunkard's path quilt i made in the 1980s.  for this i had to fire up the old viking and her super zig-zag stitch.  now, i love phoebe and her perfect little stitch but she does have limitations, first of which is the sheer weight of the machine.  when i sew super fast on phoebe it feels like sometime she might just fly off the table, but not with the old viking.  this ultra-heavy, solid steel plaything is no lightweight at all.  she and trudy were constructed to last a lifetime and it may well be several before either gives up the ghost.   trudy and her treadle trappings were not meant to move around at all, and even though the old viking is considered a portable machine, one wouldn't want to carry her very far at all.  whereas phoebe, the little darling, is able to move anywhere quite easily.   so it seems i have the best of all machine possibilities, doesn't it?  **** summer is BACK!  i predict some beach time this week, at least 2 days and what better way to herald retirement age than lounging in the sand and playing in the surf......now time to check the list!

birthday goodies!

after a long 8 hours at work on saturday, arrived back at the dungeon to find some birthday goodies in the mail.  first, from my dear kiddos these birthstone earrings PLUS a magazine subscription...aren't they lovely?  i think so too and will be wearing them on my birthday for sure.  next up is a squishie from vic in NH....and she made an adorable little repro quilt for me plus some gorgeous fabric to fondle.  we love the same fabrics so it's easy to find ones we both love....these will get popped into the washer today.

as for us in maine, we are still chilly at a brisk 53 degrees here this morning.   i have heard summer is coming back this week for a few days, so hoping there are more beach days in our future before fall arrives permanently.  *** busy making lists for fall retreat and planning which projects to take.  oh, almost forgot, one more birthday surprise to show....

a pair of karen kay buckley serrated scissors for precision fabric cutting....i had a small pair that evaporated somewhere which were super for applique, so i replaced them.  ***  my sunday to-do list is made and hoping to get a few things finished so can continue on busting stash!

up to date!

yep, the block for week #4 is done so i am current with this sew-along.  this is very good indeed.  i've also been doing some secret sewing, which i will be able to share very soon.  plus the hawaiian...despite working on it nearly all month, i am only about half done with the third quarter of getting the top basted.  i may just continue on with it, hoping it's ready to baste by the end of the year....maybe?   ****  we are in a cool spell here, this morning was 59 and has now climbed up to 61.  fans and a/c units are off, and i'm actually wearing sweat pants today.  **** it has been a tough week overall but not so tough it couldn't be tamed.  still suffering negative effects of an unnecessary surgery in 2010, which cannot fix itself.  but finding a provider who will facilitate this here in maine is nearly impossible.  until then will hobble along and be grateful it isn't worse. 

then there were 3....

week 3 of the marcus bros sew-along and voila, 3 blocks done!  have even amazed myself with the way keeping up with this short-term quilty event.  getting plenty of applique done on the hawaiian too, but still a ways to go.  here is a photo of the 3 blocks together...this is gonna be a cute little quilt i think!

a gray and fallishly cool day here in maine....summer will be back later this week but for today the slate is clean and just planning on doing some sewing  and relaxing.   ***  the lexington stash is all washed and dried and ready to use.  think i'm gonna just look at it for a while and enjoy...

throwback thursday

heh, heh, heh, me and the older brother one christmas, circa 1957....my aunt used to love putting angel hair on the christmas tree..i always loved the way the colored lights would shine through it...pure magic!  and curls by tonette too!  another cool summer day here, sooo comfortable and ideal for doing anything.  well, some chores done, now to dress and get sewing! 

B minus 2 weeks

birthday two weeks from today but this early bird gift came today....my lexington prints!  i chose 12 of my favorites but in truth, i love them all.  what's not to like!  pair these with some midwinter reds and zowie.....a simply gorgeous quilt or anything for that matter.  for many years i've been wanting to make a jack's chain quilt and these will be perfect!  and those nice hancock's people put in a color flyer for luscious batiks and kaffe fassett fabrics, so very sweet of them.  oohhh these are truly gorgeous prints and colors.  i might just have to fondle them a while before cutting into them.  let the celebrating begin!

no wonder....

ok, so i made the "cabana daydreams" flimsy, then i made another small project (can't show now) and then i made these 2 potholders, the top one is done and has crazy patches on the back--same fabric scraps--and have i used up the entire 2 layer cakes yet?  no way!  so, no wonder i have a humongous amount of scraps left over from other projects.  once i piece another crazy back for the 2nd potholder, i am going to use the rest to cut inchies and make more of these little 9 patches....aren't they adorable?  this fabric line is sooo pretty, just right for spring and summer.  and the potholders will brighten up the kitchen come winter and much shorter days.  **** bonnie hunter is going to tuscany next spring.  i am toying with the idea of going on this tour.  i have always wanted to see italy.  true, i don't care much for flying long distances, would have to get in better shape for walking and sightseeing and would have to go into mega-scrimping mode, but still am thinking about it.  she flies all over all the time without any serious mishap, so chances are would make it to and from alive, but not sure can muster the courage.  it's a daydream all on its own!  ****  bit chilly in these parts this morning, 58 degrees, which is more like fall but won't last....summer is coming back soon with a vengeance, meaning beach and swim days galore!  now for more playtime with phoebe!

23 to do

first "lady of the lake" block done, only 23 more to go.  yes it DOES measure EXACTLY 8.5" so swap hostess will be happy.  using a variety of blue batiks with a WOW print.  should be a very pretty finished project i'd say.  leisurely sunday morning playing in the stash with phoebe....have 2 more little projects hope to play with today, in addition to tying the baby quilt AND some time on the hawaiian...  is this a great day off or what! aaahhh this is what i had hoped it would be like during this time in my life.  thought i might go on more quilty jaunts, but realizing that time is finite, would rather sew than browse endless shops.  if i didn't work saturdays, i probably would do more quilt shows, but won't always be this way.  for now, playing in the stash whenever i can is just right.  now go on, have a good day!