new routine

the awful truth.....our weekend and beyond...8-12" is whispered....there can't be a soul in maine who isn't sick of this weather by now.  we are in a pattern of sorts of our own....hunker down for a day or two, clean off car and warm up, then take out trash, go get mail, pick up essentials, get videos from library, then hibernate another day or two and then repeat.  driving is a real challenge due to the Himalayan-size snow piles at parking lots, sidewalks, etc.  we are thrilled for lengthening daylight, especially on sunny days, but frigid temps allow for not a smidgen of melting at all.  no global warming here.  have many blessings, though....electricity, warm clothing, warm apartment, plenty of quilting and books to read.  we'll get thru, we are tough stock acclimated to unexpected weather patterns.  jim cantore and on-demand TV are my new BFFs...as long as i don't run out of hot chocolate and low-salt chips i'll be fine!

oldest quilting buddy....

when i started quilting in 1979, immediately bought this magazine and devoured every word like a proverbial sponge.  when funds allowed, got my very own subscription and soon began saving every issue like they were first edition books.  have amassed quite a stack of issues--not every one but several--and now, due to cost, have decided to stop my subscription.  with the explosion of the internet--the death knell of many printed publications--no longer have to rely on this magazine for quilty news, patterns, photos.  it's a decision of mixed emotions.  i love to look back at old issues and pick up info previously missed.  but they do take up a lot of room and the cost has gone up beyond my now fixed income budget.  so long old friend....and thanks for making me a quilter.....

quilt-cam progress....

sometimes technology is great....given our present weather situation and the difficulty of travel, thanks to my computer and TV, can still quilt with friends.  i don't have a big screen laptop but i do have a cable and a regular TV so watch bonnie hunter on TV...isn't that great!  this is what i worked on last night....

it's my current flimsy-in-progress of the antique repro and it's looking good i think.  might get it done today after some errands because there is more *SNOW* in our forecast tonight and tomorrow.  and once this is a done flimsy, can tackle these....

the 2nd part of this swap is now done with the arrival of the last set of blocks.  they are gorgeous...all batiks and white...a perfect combo!  and still the hawaiian progresses along.....these will keep me busy until our weather pattern changes for sure!

on the fence

the latest issue of American Patchwork and Quilting arrived saturday and the details of the 4-patch sew-along were given along with a few different projects.  now, i have plenty of fabric to do this sew-along, plenty of 1.5" strips could whip up into little 4-patch blocks and now plenty of pattern ideas.  question is, should i?  with a hefty plaid stash, itching to use them, thinking some cheddar solid and my plaids would be a nice combo.  it's the perpetual quandary of someone with lots of fabric, lots of ideas and plenty of motivation BUT there is that UFO list and the finite-ness of time.  do i jump in on this?  for now will let the question percolate....can always jump in later, or never if that's the case.  ***  in the throes of another blizzard here, have a short to-do list that includes quilting of course.  plan to stay inside, bundle up, keep busy and quilt! 

3 for 3....

week 3 equals 3 more blocks, shirting stars this time.  so far my little stack is kinda boring but as time goes on, more fabric types will result in more pizzazz....and of course i am limited to fabrics currently accessible, which could change any moment.  always good to be current on a sewalong, though.  **** and yes, it IS snowing here again, today's prediction is for anywhere from 4-12 inches, although i think we've passed the 4"mark already.  mother nature gave us a break yesterday with a sunshiny day, so all errands were completed giving me a task-free sewing day.  of course i could vacuum and do that last load of laundry but no rush at all.  *** now that these blocks are done it's back to the red/cheddar project and the hawaiian too.  having specific projects lined up helps keep the urge to acquire more stash at bay....and looking at the packed boxes of fabric helps too.  that is when you really know how much fabric you have....when it's in boxes staring you in the face.  but i am happy to have and love every scrap....potential for hours and hours of sewing and quilty fun...how good is that?

taking shape....

given a few more snow days and this flimsy could be done....and as it happens, tomorrow and then again monday are predicted to be just that.  there may be evidence of global warming someplace, but definitely not here.  if temps ramp up a few more degrees, we may just get mostly rain tomorrow but the word "noreaster" is being used for monday, though.  but i digress.....as for this flimsy, all the little strippy units are made and most of the red solid squares are cut as well, now working on the hourglass blocks.  i wish i had the photo where i found this vintage quilt; it was from an old photograph in an issue of "quilt life" a couple of years ago.  the photo was black and white, but i wanted to use some repro fabrics and thought the red/cheddar would look nice.  it'll be hand quilted of course and should look nice when done.  *** over half the hawaiian design is now quilted; that's the orange part.  thought it might be all quilted by end of february, but can see now not gonna happen.  perhaps end of march it will be done.  *** took advantage of sunny, dry day to do errands; bank, recycling, gas station, groceries, library...replenishing the larder et al.  though not working is sometimes boring, so very glad don't have to venture out in awful weather.  now back to sewing!

never forget.....

blizzard project

while brief sunshine is gone and it hasn't really started snowing here yet, that only means once it has, won't be over until early wednesday morning.  now that necessaries are stocked, can continue on with this UFO; it's my version of a quilt seen in a vintage photo.  last night printed off some graph paper and mapped it out to get a tally of how many hourglass, strip and solid squares it would require.  yesterday spent time sewing up little strips into little squares; today have to cut squares for side triangles and hourglass squares. in typical fashion, bought fabric without doing the math as to how much it would require, so hoping i have enough.  originally bought 3 yards of red and 3 yards of cheddar, so we'll see.  my go-to quilty math book is packed without considering it might be needed.  ***  being of a certain age, recall vividly the blizzard of 1978; was living in massachusetts and DD was still preschool age.  the ex was home from work for a week, a definite challenge for us both.  at that time they predicted "just a dusting" but revised once the exact pattern of the storm became evident.   it was eerie to see national guard trucks only on the roads; the ex and some neighbors walked about 2 miles to grocery to get what little they could.  later in the week a milkman came down the street selling milk, butter, bread and eggs.  times have changed since then; forecasting is better, information more widely disseminated.  being stranded in my sewing space is no challenge at all, rather enjoyable, though i miss not having DD around.  in many ways, life is better and with any luck, this blizzard will result in a finished flimsy!  

scrappy AND snowy....

weather outside today was frightful so took the opportunity to corral that pile of scraps; fired up the old iron and ended up with these piles of 2.5" squares, inchies, 1.5" strips and 2"strips.  to be fair, many of them were already 2" wide but it did amass quite a few that'll now need a home of their own until they can be used.  seems like have had many "scrappy" days lately, but no doubt due to using up stash, or at least trying to.  **** being just about no-buy since late last year, my resolve has been sorely taxed to have to delete so many email sale notifications and new fabric photos.  the fact is, even if i continued to buy regularly, couldn't begin to get all the fabric i like.....it's a sickness for sure!  ***  and can you believe?  a week from tomorrow is february....month of groundhogs, valentines and ever lengthening days here in lobsterville....all good!

scrappy thursday

while trying to decide on the next project, was confronted with the bin of 2.5" strips which, putting it mildly, was in disarray, not to mention that all weren't even 2.5" wide so.....sat down, dumped it out and proceeded to bring order out of chaos.  found that the most were red and brown, few blues and hardly any yellows or pinks.  quite a stack of neutrals also.  did participate in some swaps last year which explains the findings.  the right side pile is stuff that doesn't belong, so will deal with "later".  the left is the newly organized strip stash, a temporary fix until a better system can be utilized.  hoping organization mojo will hold until can resolve completely.  right side pile includes some very short pieces that will go into 2.5" squares, the rest into usable strips.  playing in scraps is almost as fun as buying new fabrics and way more frugal doncha know!

week 2 - prussian blue!

these fabrics were the closest i could find for this week's challenge.  most of my stash is packed up but i did leave out some civil war fabrics.  pretty sure there are others in a box someplace.  making just these few blocks every week makes it easy to keep up in this year-long project.  hoping that soon all my stash will be accessible and organized.  have had word on the move and could be before spring, which would make me happy indeed.  ***  the hawaiian is coming along and now that sewing commitments are done, can move on to another machine project.  good thing books are packed as well or i'd be tempted to start another new....yeah, my stash is THAT gorgeous!  soooo, which one will it be?  wait and see!

LOTL part deux....done!

weekend task of finishing up these blocks accomplished....gosh, did you ever see a batik fabric that wasn't drop-dead gorgeous?  me either...so first stop today is the post office to send these along.  these 18 plus the 24 from last year will give me a generous twin size quilt top some time later this year.  and thanks to winter weather, have almost half the hawaiian quilted...the orange part; haven't started the white background portion yet.  shameless bragging on how pretty it is and how the quilting really makes the quilt...isn't that always the way? as for the next machine project?  well, next is the 3 star blocks showcasing prussian blue civil war fabrics and then....think the amish style ocean waves flimsy really needs to be finished.  once that top is done thinking a basting day will be in order as there are more than a few that are ready.  **** and are you in for the APQ 4-patch sew along?  not sure if i'll make a full size quilt but maybe a smaller version.  have added the badge to my sidebar.  though have dropped Quilters Newsletter mag due to cost, did pick up the American Patchwork and Quilting mag in its place at half the cost; this plus Quiltmaker are more than enough to keep current on quilty stuff.  ***  been busy since 5 am so taking a short break before continuing on with the day...it's cold and sunshiny and just right to sew!

weekend mission

the blocks from last year's lady of the lake swap were sooo gorgeous, decided to jump in for part 2 this year.  so this weekend will be making 24 more from different blue batiks and send off tuesday.  getting them done in 3 days should be easy.  it's another very cold day today so the old viking will be smokin!  have avoided most swaps due to postage costs but every now and then one is too tempting to miss.  cannot resist blue and white quilts!  *** not much else doing in lobsterville.  quilty events are hard to find this time of year.  more daylight is starting to be noticeable so everyone is more hopeful that spring is getting closer.....including me!

an early finish

barbara brackman has started a star sew-along using a different type of civil war fabric/color each week.  today's first is using turkey red.  rather than making an entire quilt--big or small--each week, have chosen to make 3 blocks per week that will give me a twin size quilt at the end of 49 weeks.  and here they are!  another reason for only 3 blocks is that most of my stash is FQs or half yards only, which should make shopping the stash for all the blocks pretty easy.  this is gonna be fun!  *** with frigid weather here it's ideal for quilting on the hawaiian, not that the apartment isn't warm, but a snuggly quilt is sooo, well...comforting!  amazed at how quickly it is coming along, so hoping for a finish before spring arrives.  so what are you sewing today?

design "wall" monday

not wanting to neglect the old viking while hand quilting the hawaiian, these little blocks got paper pieced this weekend.  though not all done, they do work up fairly quickly and are so darn cute!  bonnie made an entire quilt of these 5" blocks but me, i'm not up to THAT task.... another monday is here and january is almost half over.  in maine january and february are hibernation months, unless one enjoys skiing, hiking, snowmobiling, hunting, ice fishing and boating or any other frigid weather pursuit.  my most strenuous outdoor winter activity is clearing off the car after a storm.  it's nice to have quilting as an all-weather pastime.....

winter weather means quilting time

not that i don't quilt other seasons, but there's something about short days and cold temps that just beg for having a large quilt in your lap.  and, in honor of today's photo, my text has gone orange!  this quilt has been in process for about 5 years now, from choosing the pattern, the fabric, cutting the applique, the basting and actual applique work and now the really fun part, the quilting.  this will definitely be one of my personal heirloom quilts and i am giddy to realize it'll soon be finished.  if you have never tried hawaiian style quilting, i can heartily recommend you do.  as a bonus, applique angst has disappeared!

silly me....

the plan was to use up the rest of my batik scraps making these pineapple blocks, 25 of them, for a wallhanging, a frugal plan.....just couldn't stand to toss or fling these gem-like pieces.  now that the second round is started, i realize that there will be plenty of scraps left over after these blocks are done, a complete miscalculation but no surprise since math is almost foreign to me.  so, now while working on these blocks, will have to devise another project to REALLY use up the rest of the batik scraps.  it's a lemons to lemonade task....using up the scraps, and i will forge ahead with pleasure!   ****  since most of the country is in a deep freeze, we are no exception.  plenty of warm clothes and with days a tad longer, our sunshine might help a bit too.  it's part of winter in maine and no surprise at all to us, despite the frenzy the weather channel perpetuates.  we plan for it, adjust things accordingly and wait for it to abate....it's how things are done in our neck of the woods....

little flimsy

busted almost half of a charm pack on this little piece....the lighter rectangles are from a jo morton fabric.....gorgeous!  today working on some little pineapple squares, paper pieced, batik scraps, an official UFO.  really enjoying quilting on the hawaiian in this deep freeze, although we are warm but not overly so.  the heat got turned up high, but for some reason the inside temp stays the same.  the complex is 70s era and there are no real storm windows; most are drafty and loose.   the sills are covered with rolled-up towels to keep out some of the draft, but with 2 large picture windows, it helps but not totally effective.  not complaining at all, tho....in fact, when weather is extreme like this, makes me more mindful of how blessed i am to have basic comforts to enjoy....

bright flimsy

one charm pack is busted and i've this little flimsy ready to baste.  have started on another little project that will use up half a charm pack.....a nice little reproduction type piece.  more quilting has been done on the hawaiian as well.  waiting on stormy weather here after a long break with balmy temps.  the larder has been filled and so ready for a few days inside with videos and sewing....not the most pleasant aspect but it is a luxury to be able to stay off bad roads.  have been fortunate to get thru holiday season without battling the elements.  now for a late lunch, some errands and back to the old viking.....always a good companion!

new year, new project

the too-short days got to me and i've been ogling those kaffe charm squares for a few weeks now, wondering what i could make from them.  the 30 UFOs are being ignored temporarily while i finish the jelly roll flimsy and play with these bright colors.  with some cheddar strips and the kaffe charms, going to make this little piece--only 40 nickels but a wowza feeling.  the days are starting to lengthen, but until it's daylight at 5 pm (sometime in january), this will chase away the gloom.  *** saw the new year in last night and up early this AM, so a nap is on today's agenda, along with the sewing of course AND the parade too.  ***  the UFO challenge is on and thankfully i am not in the top 10, so i've time to have a finish before my name looms closer to the top.  quilting on the hawaiian is coming along nicely; such a relaxing pastime and anxious to see the design unfold.  am using aurifil white quilting thread  for the first time and it is terrific....the gals--old viking, phoebe and trudy--love it too.  hope you enjoy this first day of 2015!

it's here.....

and i'm sewing out the old and sewing in the new!  excited about the UFO list, patterns that are tempting me and the gorgeous stash at my disposal.  through it all, ever mindful of the blessings in my life, the challenges overcome this past year and all the enjoyable times that came my way.  yes, the big chill is here but expected this time of year.  planning a quiet transition into 2015 with needle and thread.....and hoping you are doing the same.   blessings to all for a healthy, prosperous, fun and quilty new year!

jelly roll progress

coming to the end of my jelly roll so trying a layout here.  i think i have enough to squeak out one more row of 7 squares which will be an okay size for a throw.  not following any particular pattern here, just trying for a pleasing look.  this will be hand quilted at some point, maybe a 2015 finish....we'll see.  for now, though, the jelly roll is history, which is a nearly 3-yard bust in anyone's book.  ****  winter temps are back so it is cold here today, teens this AM and low 20s for the day.  no more going out with only sandals on.....the cold is biting but at least there is no S-N-O-W  or  I-C-E, 2 ugly words in my vocabulary.  *** back to the machine to see if i can get this flimsy together...definitely a sewing day here in lobsterville and perhaps tackle some charm squares as well....

first closeup

quilting on the hawaiian has begun and so far enjoyable and rewarding.  a lot to go of course but it'll keep me busy during the winter and warm as well.  our spring temps are history with the return of normal winter feeling.  have put aside the christmas stocking for now to concentrate on this.  as for machine sewing, yesterday during quilt-cam whipped up some scrappy foursies for a possible project in 2015 and also worked on the jelly roll christmas flimsy.  today hope to get that done and possibly work on a couple of small projects swirling around in the gray matter.  *** it's monday again, and with most of the holidays over, it's back to mundane starting with laundry.  the tree usually comes down new year's day but might do that sooner....not sure.  so enjoy the week after christmas when all is calm and the world seems to take a breather.  it's an organizational, regrouping time for me, someone filled with anticipatory excitement for a new year.  my wishes for a safe, healthy, prosperous and fun new year to you all!

found!

more like unearthed.....this photo of my very first quilt, the ever-popular sampler.  though it has gone to that big quilt exhibit in the sky, it was used to shreds...literally.  it was proudly displayed on my bed during marriage, motherhood, estrangement and divorce and a wide variety of various temporary housing locations.  no matter how discouraging my situation was, the quilt came to signify home, however precarious or unpleasant.  it holds a special place in my quilting life.  since then many other quilts have been made by me and gone on to hopefully equally satisfying homes.   though now gone, this quilt was the beginning of what has been now 36 years of boundless needlework pleasure.  it would be my very good fortune to have 36 more....

end-of-year mission

once again, the scrap basket is overflowing but before it becomes TWO overflowing baskets, going to spend some time this week cutting up the scraps and cleaning it out once again.  not to whine, but this is why i have so much stash....i cannot get to the yardage to sew with because scraps keep me busy all the time.  not complaining either as this is an embarrassment of riches....so glad i have these to sew with PLUS the stash too.  since the hawaiian is all ready for quilting, can do this side job before starting that.  not to mention it is uber-warm here in maine for late december.  high temp records were broken yesterday and even in the morning it was 57 degrees in calais, which is way up on the Canadian border.  now that is unusual....so when cold returns next week, it'll be time to quilt a big quilt again.  ****  quiet holiday here....laundry and some housekeeping on the list.   dirty clothes and trash never take a holiday....LOL

birthday of a king....

to all my followers and my dear family members who aren't here in sopo with me and mom, a blessed christmas and the happiest and healthiest of new years....it's a wet (now) and sunny (later) holiday but loved ones are close in my heart.....

in the hoop!

after 2 busy basting days, the hawaiian is now ready to start quilting.  before i do, must pop in the DVD from pacific rim quilts and refresh my memory on how to start.  originally got the video a few years back and so very glad i did...it's a terrific resource on everything about making hawaiian quilts...pillows, tablerunners, wallhangings too!  *** just about ready for a family celebration...few more cookies to make, a few things to wrap and voila!  very low key as no big dinner is being cooked, rather opting for takeout with a few home cooked tidbits.  funny, years ago when there were 20-30 around my grandmother's table at  holidays, there was no dishwasher and now today with only 5 of us, we have the dishwasher!  ***  with the hawaiian at the quilting stage and a couple of machine projects on the sewing table, ready to start the new sewing year.  enough UFOs to keep me focused and plenty of fabric on hand to start new things.  that's a win/win situation for sure!

final 2014 finish....

it's the scrappy shenandoah log cabin throw, now finished and saved from the 2015 UFO list...how good is that?  it'll hang on the back of my rocking chair for now and probably get donated at some point.  now that i've gotten this pattern out of my system for a while, can play with another....the lucy boston patchwork of the cross.  no doubt you have seen these on blogs and other social media.  recently won a giveaway of some English paper piecing precut pieces of 4 blocks' worth, so i'll do that many anyway BUT might be tempted to morph into a bigger project....we'll see.  *** all set for a low key holiday here in rainy maine, grateful for no snow!  a bit of baking is all that remains and a few presents to wrap.  ***   now that the SLC is done, attention focuses on the hawaiian to baste and start quilting.  perhaps by february or march it will be done.  as for a machine project, the amish ocean waves top needs finishing so that'll probably be next.  ***  anticipating the start of a new year, which always gives me a feeling of excitement of anticipatory possibilities.  no doubt it will be mixed with good things and challenges too....

next year's stocking....

although i gave up every other craft for quilting, i did keep counted cross-stitch stuff on hand and have a few projects i'd like to make.  this is one of those "in progress" things for some time now and have vowed it WILL be done in 2015.  my desire to make a sampler and a stocking morphed into this which is not quite half done.  have had to take out a couple of sections and am thinking about taking out the first row of the verse too...for some reason used 3 strands instead of 2....but will wait until closer done for a decision on that.  it is one of those projects that requires intense, constant concentration and sticky sheets to make sure to follow the chart closely.  of course, it won't be just for Christmas....intend to hang it year round.  *** baking and gifts are done so getting the binding for the shenandoah ready.  the table to tie it goes up this morning and will get done over the next few days no doubt.  then it's the hawaiian's turn and i am so looking forward to get that basted and start the quilting.  *** in the meantime, enjoying cold but not frigid weather and definitely no snow, but rain.  makes it easier for family to get together when roads are navigable.  hoping holiday prep is going well in your home.....and thinking of those who are needy and sick, for those who just manage to survive another day regardless of the season..... 

looking like Christmas...

tree up?   check....lights on?  check....ornaments?  check....and of course out comes my special Spode mug and little heart-shaped dish.  these were gifts from a former roommate about 14 years ago...gosh, seems like only a year or so ago...she collected Spode Christmas dishes and Byers carolers....our apartment was really decked out that year.  i think of that time every Christmas when i see these...all my ornaments and decorations come with their personal memories i love to recall every year.  *** and sewing progress?  not much, really....all the swap strips are cut and packaged AND mailed, so on to the shenandoah log cabin which is next to be tied and finished....then it is definitely the hawaiian's turn to baste and start quilting.  inbetween doing some cross stitch and applique to keep busy.  the sewing space will get a serious re-org come end of the year but until then it is rather disorganized.  *** our holiday plans are just about final and we are planning food for guests....it is really about family, of course, bittersweet because of lost loved ones or those far away, but still plenty of joy at being together.  now back to that tree!

getting there....

so, 4 rows are done!  only one more applique row to do and then a narrow print border and then the wide applique border of more vines, leaves, flowers and baskets.  this UFO must be at least 5-6 years old and has been hibernating far too long.  as mentioned previously, the little flowers had me paralyzed but with a lot of prep work, they are finally done.  *** today's task? finish cutting strips for a swap and pick up some floss to tie the shenandoah log cabin, which is the next item on the december list.  for machine work, still assembling those jelly roll christmasy blocks and by next week at this time, basting the hawaiian will be at the top of the list. *** my UFO list for 2015 is shaping up....glad to say i had 9 finishes and have started only about 7 things, some small, so that is a tiny net gain of sorts.  *** first up today, though is clean off that car (again!) and trek to the fish market.  that is the great thing about this part of the country....every morning the landscape is a surprise!

non UFO finish

it's the scrap basket alphabet sew-along started a while ago.  not quite a perfect shot lying on the bed like this but you get the idea.  this project only busted 1.25 yards but it is all done and won't be on my 2015 list.  ***  it's a frigid morning here but warmup tomorrow.   next task is to cut up some strips due for swapping next week.  and before our tree goes up, must get out the basting table and get some things tied and others ready to quilt, the hawaiian being one of them.  so anxious to get started on this and watch the magic emerge from the echo quilting.  *** thanksgiving is over but can never go wrong being thankful for all the blessings in my life....warm shelter, all the basic needs and plenty of gorgeous fabric for a playground....

sewing sunday

up early this morning and bonding with the old viking sewing machine around 7 am....an early start for sure!  the last border of the shenandoah log cabin was made and then sewn onto the top for a completed flimsy.  next will be to tie, bind and count up the yards busted!  the little scrap basket alphabet is just about done, a bit more of the binding to sew down and it too will be crossed off the to-do list.  so, spent some time sewing up the squares from this christmasy jelly roll.  this is the first row and not sure if it will stay this way or not, will have to wait until all the blocks are done to see how many i have and how they will get set.  just wanted to try this out.  do not intend for every row to have all red strips in the same vertical row, so final plan is in flux.  *** it was a frigid day here with howling winds and nearly ineffective sunshine.  stayed indoors all day without even venturing out for the paper.  no cooking either as plenty of leftovers were on hand.  *** all in all a quite nice day relaxing with some christmas music and sewing fun. 

portable progress....

if you have followed my blog for a while, you might recall this project.  first seen at a NH gathering show, it was love at first sight.  the intense applique design was a bit intimidating but also exhilarating and determination took over.  now that the little trees are done, can focus on this for my portable project, at least for the rows.  the top row is done as are the patchwork leaves.  the house row is nearly done.  these little flower blocks had me nearly paralyzed, but decided if i took them slow and steady, could get them done.  and whaddya know....2 are actually done and the other 4 soon will be.  freezer paper and plenty of fortitude are doing the trick.  and confession time here...i broke one of my hard-and-fast rules and resorted to a teeny, tiny dab of fabric glue.  the pieces are so small and even small applique pins just didn't work.  these blocks were the biggest hurdle to this finish, and now that i've crashed through that barrier, am hoping this might be a finish for 2015.  it is one of my older UFOs and will be fantastic to finish.  ****  and speaking of black friday/small business saturday/cyber monday.....this was my only indiscretion.  it's called "wildwood" and had i not gone overboard in PA, would have bought the entire line.  it's just so pretty and fresh and colorful....

practiced restraint otherwise and deleted about 1000 emails from fabric sites.  *** as for other sewing progress, the alphabet piece is getting basted today.  picked up backings for 3 projects--the hawaiian, the shenandoah log cabin and another so a basting day is in my near future.  as for the shenandoah, 3 borders are done, only 1 to sew and it goes in the basting pile and then gets tied for a quick finish.  now with 2 days off, will see how much progress gets made and if i can squeak out another finish before january arrives!

great start!

terrific way to herald in december is with an almost finish....the quilting is done and have bound one side, so 3 sides to go and this project goes in the done column for 2014.  before i started quilting seriously in 1979, i used to ogle and drool over amish quilts and this pattern in particular.  now one of my own is almost finished and i am over the moon with delight.  the center diamond is quilted with a pattern from pepper cory's quiltmarking book plus some corner designs.  the inner blue border has an elongated feather and some diagonal lines, the brown squares have an embellished shell pattern, the outside blue border has baptist fans and the final turquoise border is a fancy cable from a pepper cory stencil.  hopefully it will be fully bound before our next cold snap sometime this week.  interesting note here....the binding was all cut and prepped and somehow got packed in a box.  so had to go and buy more.  found it at the NH shop visited a couple of weeks ago and it is also a kona cotton like the others and it matches perfectly!  the two fabrics were bought about 4 years apart but it matched!  i call that serious fabric karma....but even spookier, the blue matched too.  i took both scraps with me hoping to find one that would work, but they both would have.  i say well done robert kaufman....

christmas stash busting

victoria gifted me this jelly roll back in august for my birthday.  i almost never buy precuts but i love this fabric line and, in fact, had purchased some yardage of it for myself.  the jelly roll was staring me in the face and was motivated to find a pattern and use it up.  cut a stack of 5" white blocks and started making these.  there'll be room for hand quilting on the white and some sort of design on the printed borders.  hoping to take a day in december to at least get the flimsy done.  *** also on the december list is finish the amish center diamond, cut and mail some swap strips, finish the little alphabet piece, finish the shenandoah log cabin and baste the hawaiian.  not too ambitious you think?  ***  whew got by black friday and small business saturday with hardly a blip.  feel confident about facing cyber monday.  my shopping list is made and the budget pretty much prevents any veering off into the impulse zone.  i did cave on 2.5 yards of mod fabric line that makes me drool; could have passed it up until i saw it in person at a shop recently.  oh well...it'll go nicely with other stuff in the stash and it just means more fun for me!  now off to start the day and enjoy another day that's been allotted to me....

final four

yep, cold outside--26 degrees--but inside the old viking is smokin!  first thing this morning fired up the machine and finished the last 4 blocks of my scrappy alphabet sew-along.  as expected, there is hardly a dent in the scrap basket but no matter, my frugal self is pumped up at making this entirely from stash on hand.  of course the backing will also come from stash and batting too, so it is a freebie of sorts...this will make an ideal gift for somebody someplace at some point, but for now it'll get finished (this year?  maybe) and set aside for the right time.  ***  laundry is going, breakfast is done and i'm working my way into the daily to do list and more quilting time on the amish center diamond.  creeping toward a finish very soon.  no shopping for me today at all.  rather spend time with mom and some delish turkey leftovers and the sewing machines.  hoping to get the wheel on trudy's cabinet at some point.  *** everything christmas is in full swing now; my list has been made and have done some gift acquiring.  it already looks like christmas outside; now to get out the music and enjoy the season! 

what it's about...

not pie or turkey or football or shopping...it's about thankfulness...at surviving the year, for enough to eat, for health and family, for anything in your life that evokes that sigh of relief or overwhelming gratefulness.  my list of thankful things is long, some are serious and important and others not at all.  cannot imagine how difficult life was in 1620, how awful that voyage must have been...no place for the squeamish or laid back types.  it was all about survival, freedom, a journey's end, a new beginning....and of course, quilting!  happy thanksgiving!

tiny slip

while decluttering some stuff that is boxed up, i found the orange stash for the modern quilt....have no idea where the book is, but took these out in case it too materializes...no pun!   last friday the NH jaunt took me to Quilted Threads in Henniker, a lovely shop with 3 floors of goodies.  this gray/white by dear stella was among the sale goodies.  had found a small scrap of this at the keepsake sale last summer and so caved just a tiny bit and got more...i love it!  this plus 2 small pieces of kaffe fassett greens was all i got.  the stash added from my retreat is still holding me back from desiring more, at least until "union blues" hits in march.  by then hope to have used up a chunk of what is already here.   ***  it's monday again of a holiday week.  not much planned and no big family gathering, just me, mom and maybe sis if weather isn't awful.  foregoing the big bird for some fresh turkey parts plus a few sides.  it'll be a nice day even without the norman rockwell version, but the rest of the gang will be sorely missed.  ***  work continues on the amish center diamond and the binding is ready once the quilting is done...and work is the absolute wrong word...it's pure fun!

let's see....

pheasant, venison, geese, ducks, rabbits....100 people, 3 days of feasting....i should be back in time....found this photo in amongst stuff taken by DD eons ago at a school field trip to plimoth plantation.  since i trekked to the grocery this morning for our feast fixins, thought it would be an interesting parallel...and to make this quilty related, here is another beauty from the gerald roy exhibit...

this little quilt is pretty simple but look, the birds are actually storks!  no doubt somebody's choice for a tiny baby quilt...i actually think this might be a doll quilt but either way, it has survived beautifully...perhaps it was made for a baby who didn't survive as those never got used for other children.  hop on over to victoria's blog to see lots more of these beautiful specimens...in the meantime, gotta get ready for quilt cam today, wahoooo!

one of my faves...

isn't this gorgeous!  wonder why the vine border?  perhaps she had a lot of green left over?  we'll never know but this is one of my favorites from the exhibit friday....a kind of low volume quilt, serene and comforting...watch this space for more to come!

anywhere near new hampshire?

if you are then you must go here!!!!  right off route 89 in warner, just west of concord about 15 miles, is the most jaw-dropping exhibit of antique crib and doll quilts you just might ever see.  the building is restored and a perfect venue for these quilts.  lots of vintage thingies on display as well as stenciled floors and walls, plus a wall mural in the entryway.  i didn't know but gerald roy actually LIVES in warner, a quiet little town chock full of federalist style homes and little else.  the few luncheon places close at 2 pm (except one)...there is an independent book store, a general store type place and very few other places, at least that i saw.  and the quilts, oooh the quilts!  all small and most from the 1800s....some well worn and some hardly used.  parking is a breeze.  the building has a sandwich board out front so you can't miss it.  the docents are knowledgeable and uber-friendly.  before old man winter closes us in, an ideal trip to take and breathe in autumn's last.  and we actually did have some flakes that were short lived, thankfully!

secret stitching revealed....

these little pine trees got stitched during some free moments and were gifted to my retreat pals in october, so i can show them now.  have made a lot of them over the years for little momento gifts...i think they are adorable!  can be pin cushions or ornaments, depending on your preference.  i still do some cross stitch occasionally but have had to abandon 18-ct due to "aging eyes"....same reason i have mostly given up quilting on black fabric.  *** it's my weekend and despite a slow start to the day, have every minute mapped out between quilting the amish and finishing borders on shenandoah.  the scrap basket is once again full as i've been cutting out triangles for the "wildest dreams" antique repro, which i am itching to start, but must focus on some finishes.  *** now, tho, have to locate my winter scarf and rev up energy for the day....keep warm and keep sewing!   

up to date

the little alphabet sew-along is up to date as of today when the "V" instructions were posted.  also switched out the middle section of  "O" making it more distinguishable.  only 4 more letters and can finish off this little whimsy flimsy, get it basted and quilted for a someday donation.  *** border #2 is on the shenandoah log cabin so this project is on track for a soon finish.  it'll be tied and also probably donated at some point.  *** lastly, quilting the border of amish center diamond is now going on.  this one should also be a finish before the end of the year.  when done, it's going on my bed as a switch off for the scrappy pinwheel now being used.  the batting is part wool so it should be warm enough for any vicious winter maine can dish out.  *** that's all the quilty news from this lake woebegone.  keeping busy is keeping some family concerns at bay, praying for a soon resolution...but not complaining at all...still so many things for which to be thankful all year round, not just november. 

small sewing

first was to sew up a little amish style piece using up some blocks put together a while back...these are 3" finished and about as small as i make.  i had 13 blocks and used 12, holding the other until more blocks are made someday....maybe.  next is the start of a batik scrappy pineapple piece to see if i can finally use up some batik scraps still on hand after several projects.  i place the inspiration for these solely on bonnie hunter as a few years ago she showed her tiny scrappy pineapple blocks and i was immediately sucked in, smitten and totally over the moon.  she is a serious enabler for sure, but the very best kind.  only planning on 25 of these, providing my scraps hold out that long.  ***  these little projects took my mind off our first snowfall with more in the forecast.  it was inevitable and not the end of the world by any means, but it is a nuisance and one must bear up living here in new england.  and judging by the country's weather map, could be a lot worse.  *** and the very best news is saved for last.....the applique on the hawaiian is completely done, done, done!  this means it will next get basted and hopefully start quilting before the end of the year.  first, though, must rack up a couple more finishes from the 2014 UFO list.  have started more projects to be added to the 2015 list, so doubt it will be any shorter next year but there is progress of sorts.  *** while in pennsylvania touring back roads, saw a sign in front of a church saying "too blessed to complain" and am hoping to keep this in my mind all the time.  despite disappointments and setbacks, my life is rich in so many ways.....