civil war coup

it was a battle of sorts but finally won and got this little block finished finally.  part of the reason was when i printed the foundation, i didn't do reverse and so when it was first sewn, was totally opposite from the original block.  i took it apart and tried to tweak it but had to start over with a new foundation, not to mention some dedicated time to have the book open in front of me while sewing it together.   no, haven't picked this project up again but the block was languishing on the sewing table and had to be corrected before the table could get cleared.  have been working my way to seeing the top of the table all week and getting this done is progress.  ***  today is miscellaneous sewing stuff day to get the table top cleared first, then focus on the borders for shenandoah.  later on will get back to the hawaiian as well.  planning to use up some tiny amish 9-patch blocks put together with scraps into a small wall piece which will get the blocks off the table as well.  so all of today's minutes are planned and will be used up for sewing and relaxing fun....all in all a delish day off!

scrappy alphabet

this sew along is nearing its end, so thought i would show my progress to date.  this is being done completely out of my scrap basket.  the great thing about taking photos is that i can see the letter "O" must be replaced as the fabric used isn't that defined.  have no destination for this little wallhanging but no doubt an occasion will arise at some point and make a nice gift. ***  it's my friday today and it's been a challenging short week trying to stave off a serious cold/respiratory illness.  in addition to sewing progress, my christmas gift list got finalized.  no big plans for any of the upcoming holidays, just relax and enjoy.  with plenty of sewing projects and more than enough fabric on hand, that should be easy peasy.....

to paraphrase....

the journey of 1000+ patches begins with a little stack.....yes, i AM cutting them individually for that scrappy look, and no, i do not have any kind of timetable for this beautiful antique quilt project.   it's just one of those things i could not resist and will be done at some point in the future.  since the hawaiian applique is nearly done, bold adventurousness took over and decided to take this on.  i simply love it, and the pink was already purchased while on retreat.  am also up to date and a bit ahead on the little alphabet blocks; starting to put the rows together for what's done and it is pretty cute.  also got a stack of units cut out for more solid bow tie blocks.  *** in the process of trying to eke out more space in the sewing corner of my room.  a tall bookcase was selected with (hopefully) enough shelf space for the stash to sort by color, not yet assembled as the floor space has not quite been found.  the boxes have to be shifted to unblock the heating baseboard since winter will inevitably arrive at some point.  *** one border is finished and applied to the scrappy shenandoah cabin.  lots of things in progress, which is how i usually sew, and often results in many finishes in a short period of time.  i'm shooting for  2 more bed size finishes before year's end, so gotta go....time's fleeting!

inchie sewing

it started simply enough by trying to clear off the sewing table....i came across a baggie of inchies given to me at retreat by michele...wondering how long it might take to sew them up into little strips, less than an hour later they are sewn into pairs and some into foursies...but chain piecing can get boring and besides, the sewing table is STILL in need of a clear off, so i'll put these aside with other inchies for another time or maybe later today.  the main project is borders for the shenandoah log cabin PLUS a little quilt project that has been percolating.  and yes, the hawaiian is coming along.  i've just about finished the last large cluster of fronds and heading into a short section that will finish the applique part.  and some time today, will get another alphabet letter done...today is "S" so it's a serendipity sewing day, cloudy and cold outside but bright and busy inside. 

mission accomplished

so all 16 blocks of the main top are done and together...and wow, the pattern shows up really well....i like it a lot.  now to start the 4 borders, also done with 1.5" strips and scrappy style.  the 4 corner squares are all done and waiting for the border sections.  ***  cruised over to marcia's site quilterscache and found a nice pattern for my solid yellow, which will be the background.  yellow is a color i hardly use and had seen some quilts using yellow and they really pop.  don't think i'll be starting that right away, though.  wish i hadn't packed away the orange scraps and pattern book for my modern quilt as i'd really like to do that next, but will have to wait.  ***  worked on the hawaiian last night and am thinking this might be finished sooner than originally thought.  fortunately there are plenty other things in progress to fill that void when it comes.  now back to border construction!

first four blocks....

of the scrappy shenandoah log cabin are done!  thanks to michele, i decided to use only dark value strips and i think that makes the pattern easy to see despite the scrappiness.  the sewing space is a mess with strips and blocks everywhere but hoping to finish up the blocks and have the inner portion of the top all together by week's end....then i can concentrate on the border.  this will be a tied quilt as there are too many seams to hand quilt.  with a bit of luck, i could have 2 more finishes of bed size quilts before year's end, this one and the amish center diamond...these and finish the hawaiian applique part is about all i can manage in the remaining less than 2 months.   next machine project is to finish the ocean waves flimsy.  keeping the stash in plain view is a huge motivating factor, that plus it is so enjoyable to me.  mostly keeps me out of the doldrums from feeling trapped here. 

errata

my trip was actually over 500 miles each WAY, which was still a lot for me to do...i don't mind highway driving but it does get boring after a while.....

too late....

if you quilt, you know what this is....it was waiting for me when i arrived back in maine today.  so sorry hancock's but my fabric budget is blown for the remainder of the year.  in fact, i've deleted several fabric emails just in the last 2 days.  i didn't even look, wasn't even tempted.  am hoping my resolve holds...it HAS to...at least until march when "union blues" is available.  by then i should have busted enough to ease my conscience, well that's the plan anyway.  **** speaking of maine, it's pretty chilly here and yes, there was a bit of snow still left at the periphery of the lawn.  fortunately the most was far north of here but it won't be long before it creeps our way.  **** early to bed (once my fabric is dry) and hoping white line fever is gone in the morning.  the drive is certainly do-able but it's still over 500 miles each day.  even with dry roads and sunshine, it's tiring, but was worth every mile. 

we had cake!

in celebration of marge's 50th retreat, the staff of Amishview sent in this delish cake for all to enjoy....and it certainly was good! half chocolate, half white; it took a few days to polish off most of it....and of course the staff enjoyed some as well.  it was a nice surprise for all of us....*** well, mom tells me there is only a dusting of snow on the ground, so hoping by the time i arrive it will be melted.  had hoped to be relocated south before snow started but not yet.  will continue on until that happens.

so long buggies and bossies....

at least for now...it was a reluctant and somber trip out of lancaster county after a glorious relaxing and fun-filled week of all good things.  with all my stuff loaded into the car plus some local goodies to bring home, i reflected on all that had transpired, not just sewing and shopping, but also a relay fundraiser and reconnection with new, but tried-and-true friends.  it's true i am a city girl and like being close to city diversions, but this time away basking in open spaces and quiet ways invigorated and fed my soul.  ****  the wind is still howling outside and has been all day.  no snow here in CT but in maine there is....glad i brought along my wool winter hat.  it seemed dumb last week but came in handy today.  once i get unpacked i'll show my progress last week, but first gotta find space for "some" new fabric....oh that rue indienne line from moda.  i made a pledge to delete all shop emails from now until march when "union blues" from barbara brackman comes out....and until then, i'm going to be sewing and sewing and sewing.....you get the idea.  say, does anyone know how to attach a sewing machine table to a treadmill? 

scrappy shenandoah

this is retreat project #4....a scrappy version of judy martin's shenandoah log cabin.  i had made one of these previously but my sister-in-law really liked it, so it's hers now.  all 16 squares are in the works at once, which i find seems to go quicker than doing one complete square at a time.  it's another of those done whenever projects to use up scraps and will probably get donated someplace at some point.  **** well, it's the last full day of retreat and i for one am consumed with sadness.  the enjoyment and camaraderie i have found in these women has enriched my life in so many ways, more so than some other quilt groups i've attended in the past.  we all have tough things in our lives, but for the most part, they get set aside for one week and we work at having fun.  it's like the perfect positive storm of everything wonderful---gorgeous venue, shared friendships and quilting--doesn't get any better than this.  ***  and what did i see on the news?  snow?  not in maine, thankfully and not here either, so it can just stay wherever it is until march....if only...

isn't this cute!

several retreat gals are sporting this cute fabric box accessory, so tonight ann showed some of us how to make them.  i volunteered some of my new fabric....a la carte by american jane....and ended up with this little cutie!  endless possibilities for making these with regard to color choices and sizes. 

and this is my little batik project....this pattern is called "hexie stars" and it can be found at quilterscache website run by marcia hohn.  i'm calling mine "aurora borealis" as the batiks are bright jewel tones (mostly) and will be wallhanging size.  only 2 more stars to make then it's on to project #4.   **** a bit cooler here today but no matter, retreat fun isn't contingent on outside temps...and why oh why is it wednesday already?????

my view at amishview

this is the view outside my room at retreat.  a view like this isn't required for retreat fun, but it sure does up the ambiance factor 100 fold.  it was instant relief to finally get off the interstate and spy these pastoral vistas of endless fields and barns.  my reservation for next year is already made! *** got quite a bit of sewing done yesterday.  it was a gorgeous day, temps in the 70s.  i brought 4 sewing projects with me.  the blocks i was working on at the motel are done as far as they can be.  then the amish ocean waves is also done as far as it can be as well....ran out of triangles.  now i am sewing up batik scraps on a new piece i'll show you later.  that leaves one project to do after this and with 3+ days left, should get most of that done as well.  *** yes it was 70s yesterday, today 60s, tomorrow 50s and then in the 40s for the weekend.  i brought shorts, fleece pants, t-shirts and sweatshirts so i am ready for the fluctuation in temps.  now back to sewing....

birthday boy...

if you see this guy today, give him a birthday hug for me....it's brother #2...he was about age 2 or so in this photo...white blonde hair until he got older, constantly in motion and busy and sometimes feisty...but a cutie and special to us.  happy birthday bro!

and since i am on the road, decided to emulate one of my quilty mentors and plus phoebe in for some motel sewing.  got some blocks done for another whenever project....scraps repurposed...while watching PBS.  today the real fun begins when i meet up with the gals at retreat....how good is that?

mailbox surprise

oohh squeal!  these arrived in my mailbox yesterday.....a thank you gift that was totally unnecessary but a very generous gesture.  it was for a deed that anyone would have done; i'm not special by any means.  i have a project planned for kaffe fassett goodies and these will be ideal.  i am very thankful for this over-the-top gift.  ***  the day has arrived and the car is getting packed up today for what i hope will be a perfect vacation.  quilting, friends, fun, family.....can't get much better than that!  

another finish...

so here is "corn maze" all tied and done, ready to give away.  this represents 10+ yards out of my stash and another UFO off my list.  i love this pattern.  while i was making this quilt, was thinking of all the color combos that could be used to make more, equally stunning.  some nickel squares, some 2.5" strips and a whole lot of 1.5" strips and voila!  with the right colors it makes a real statement.  *** departure day tomorrow and just as promised, sun is out and shining bright, albeit cool but normal for late autumn.  the to-do list is nearly history and 2 weeks of fun ahead.   i love vacations!

jackpot!

had a bit of free amazon cash to spend and so i ordered these, what i thought was one yard of each...mod-ish christmas prints from michael miller but guess what!  there was a tag on the trees fabric and an extra 14" added to my yard...it said, jackpot you got the end of the bolt!  i am thinking tree skirt from these and a few others.  the other print is called "nordic christmas" and i just love the bright colors. i have a celery solid fabric that will go nicely i do believe.   **** after a very stormy week, spied a tiny patch of blue sky near the horizon today....could be we will see the sun very soon....tomorrow so the weather guru says.  looks like traveling weather for sunday will be nice as well.  ****  the donation quilt "corn maze" is just about ready for the washer.  the suitcase is out, the sewing space is tidied, laundry is done and most everything is ready.  ***  christmas will be here before can even hardly plan for it...have you started shopping?  i have one gift already and working on my list.  as long as it doesn't snow.....if only (sigh)...

gloria gaynor not!

this amusing little quilt had me humming that 80s disco song with images of a mirror ball and the hustle except this quilter, cyndi zoller, was portraying another kind of night life, one where she likes to go to sleep early.   it was a ribbon winner and rightly so.  victoria has some other photos of this nice show, different than mine, so be sure and check them out.  *** my sewing time is now focused on sewing on the binding of my scrappy donation quilt which i've named "corn maze", hoping for a finish in the next couple of days.  today is a day off for me and it's filled with errands and tasks getting ready for retreat.  it's been rainy and windy all week but looks like the skies will clear in time for departure.   a whole year wait is almost over.  am thinking about maybe doing the spring retreat, since it's an awfully long time between quilty R and R....will see what mr. bank balance says about it....LOL

another show fave....

this one is titled "family tree" and i am guessing these are grandchildren (?).....faces colored with colored pencils looking so life like....climbing in a tree.....stunning effect.  made by betty jo quinn.  *** cool weather is back and here to stay, so the weatherman says.  november is around the corner and it could snow any time, though most years holds off until at least thanksgiving.  many in maine dread the winter but few actually flee, the rest preferring to remain and complain.  as for me, most of my stuff is packed and i'd be happy to leave maine anytime...

another prize winner....

was this blue and white beauty by anna bullard....beautifully machine quilted by linda bevins....what is better than a blue and white?  not a thing, in my book anyway....it was my favorite for people's choice....and no show is complete without

fabric, what else?  i didn't buy these, they were gifted to me by victoria...we are both 12-step flunkies as far as fabric is concerned....a beautiful paisley and a rust AND 2 gorgeous autumn fabric charm packs....i just started a project with the jelly roll she gave me last summer, and as luck would have it, an autumn fabric quilt is swirling around in the gray matter now....it was ESP!

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!