WIPs...

for the unenlightened, that is Works in Progress....still playing in the stash here at temporary headquarters.  summer rolls on, although so far no stretch of real hot weather.  nights have been mostly cool at 50-60 or so; days around 75 or so with only one that came close to 90 so far.  this is what is under phoebe's needle currently...

the little applique heart block was sent to me and decided to make a small wallhanging from it using scraps (? what else)....it isn't quite finished but will hopefully get to the flimsy stage soon....it seemed a little wonky to me so used the serpentine print to mask any imperfections;  the photo was taken with it on an uneven surface so that doesn't help either.  

had a few selvedges lying around and am using them for some future potholders.  always nice to start in a new place with new potholders.  these 2, plus stars and summer sampler blocks PLUS some little 4-patch solid squares as leader/enders are stacked on the sewing table right now.  so blessed to have a sewing space.....keep calm and quilt on!

it's THAT time again....

course, it seems nearly EVERY day is a scrappy one for me....playing in the scraps keeps me busy and off the 10 most wanted list don't ya know....LOL....so, decided to *TRY* and bust more of my wonderful scrap stash with a cute little handwork project, portable to take along while waiting or whiling away the summery days.   bottom photo is just a tryout layout shot, so might change.  cute little hearts appliqued onto shirting background.  the background squares were in that $2 bundle from the thrift and the hearts were anonymously gifted.  it'll be a cute small quilt when finished.

only 10 days to august; another birthday month has just about rolled around again.  you can probably guess what gift is at the top of my list......my senior apartment!  wouldn't it be spectacular to be able to spend my birthday unpacking and getting settled in my new digs AND celebrating with my daughter and her hub too?  priceless.....we could go to chick-fil-a!   lol.....

a perfect sewing storm!

in the book, 3 weather systems merged to create the perfect storm...a terrific book and yummy movie (george clooney, remember?)....and so sunday was the perfect storm of sewing for me..even phoebe was nearly smoking, i tell ya!  had to give her time to cool down and get out the oil...and here are some photos to prove it. 

first up some little inchie blocks made of solids....solids make me swooooon!  aren't they cute?  i have more in the storage stuff and these will make a nice border at some point i think....

next, more summer sampler blocks...i didn't do all of these on sunday but they look nice together and i am "almost" caught up with this sew along....until today that is...

last but not least, some scrappy 9-patch blocks from a giveaway stash....i love them...not complicated but i have a nice setting planned and they will make a nice repro quilt for me or somebody at some point...also in the top photo you can see more stars blocks cut out, so am slowly getting up to speed with this sew along as well.   **** as a last comment, wish to thank all who have sent me fabric; the top and bottom photos are made from these lovely gifts...cannot tell you how far they have gone to boost my spirit and jump start my quilty mojo.   you can be certain it will get paid forward whenever the need arises.  oh, and i have another project started too, a bonnie hunter pattern called 4-patch and furrows....will post a photo when blocks are well under way...and if you think all i've been doing is sewing, take a look....love to see all the pretty colored umbrellas!

oohh, phoebe's calling....gotta go!

more star fun!

still catching up on stars....here are the woven plaids...ooh i love plaids!  plus 2 more little squares for the summer sampler.  plus have lots more squares cut for the scrappy 9-patches too.  being able to play in the stash has been a real boost to my mood and greatly increased my ability to carry on.  quilting truly is therapy!  that's not to discount the benefits of regular, adequate sleep tho...lol!  and thanks to the generosity of another quilter, will be able to play even more....a surprise package arrived yesterday with a huge scrappy selection for future sewing pleasure.  i'll be sharing some of this with other quilters, of course, and paying it forward whenever possible.  it humbles me to be part of a community of sewists with such varied interests but similar in our regard for one another.  time's a wasting so it's back to playtime!     

scraptastic tuesday!

after a quick laundromat run this morning, got down to important stuff like catching up on blog reading and uploading photos...LOL!   over at mrs sew and sow's blog she features "scraptastic tuesday" which is perfect for this photo, some nice little 9-patch blocks made with some giveaway scraps.  simple but very vintage looking, i think.  had toyed with the idea of tackling a much more complicated project, but with current flux status, thought i should stick to something less intense.  and here is the photo of the rest of the star blocks that got made over the past few days...

these are my first set of chintz blocks....got others in the works.  *** a few household type tasks are on deck for this afternoon, then it's more scrappy sewing watching netflix or acorntv, which has all those british drama/mysteries usually borrowed from the library or seen on pbs.  nice to have reached a plateau of some comfort and anxious for an apartment and unpacking all those boxes...LOL!

trying to catch up

though still lagging behind on both sew-alongs, have made some progress...top photo are little blocks for the summer sampler sew-along and bottom photo is a stack of stars for the barbara brackman sew-along...i have one more photo to tweak the color on and then i can post.  having so much fun with both of these, though i must say the little blocks are getting sewn up quite quickly once pieces are cut.  it's also the easier as the fabrics are on hand whereas barbara brackman chooses fabrics that are not always in my stash and have to hunt for them.  both are providing some diversion and enjoyment and that's all that matters i guess....of course, stash is getting used albeit not too much.   tonight after work started on another project using some giveaway stash recently acquired.  it's mostly civil war stuff and will make a fun project that isn't requiring any taxing math on my part.  ***  appreciate all the kind comments on recent posts about my new digs.  they are appreciated a whole lot; some of you who comment i know personally, but all kind words are equally welcome.  *** was up early this AM as it was a work day so eyelids are beginning to droop a bit.  as scarlett said, "tomorrow is another day"  and i'll add "to play in the stash"!

sunday morning shopping

here in my temporary quarters there is a shelf unit and so all the stash from the car was neatly piled here for easy selection.   it's sooo fun shopping from my own stash now that i can actually see it all.  it'll be totally awesome when all of it is in the same place, once "the call" comes for housing.  then, of course, it'll be sorted by color, designer and type.  and the plaid in the left corner?  it was a freebie pair of shorts at a leftovers yard sale that got scooped up, washed and deconstructed.  *** this morning sitting in front of an open window with a gentle, warm breeze listening to soothing sacred music with birds chirping happily in the background.  it's bonding time with phoebe working on summer sampler blocks, of which are nearly current.  actually found myself singing along with the music and realized that awful weariness had dissipated, thanks to having an actual place to sleep, a handy bathroom etc., even if only short term.  it makes me ever mindful of those who are still without such riches.  not having to daily dive into various bags for clean underwear is priceless...really.   thanks be to God for blessings in my life today; may He bestow the same wherever you are today.  

yep it works...

now that i'm in a space of my own, no iron at hand so had to invest in this little travel iron and inadvertently placed it on my mat while it was turned ON and pleased to find it works....not too happy about the mat tho....good thing a joann's sale is coming up.  this one is about 5 years old, so it doesn't owe me anything at all.  *** delightful summer day here, mom and i took a drive to the coast and ran into a few row by row shops like mariner's compass in bath, alewives in damariscotta and on board fabrics in edgecomb....all very nice shops with loads of lovely fabric.  alewives is strictly mod and batiks pretty much; on board has some gorgeous decorator fabrics and quilting cottons and mariner's compass has some of everything....all 3 carry plenty of maine/ocean theme fabrics. ****  it has been a busy week of getting moved in to a temporary space and setting up phoebe, not to mention shelves for the fabric that is with me for easy selection.  hope your week has given you some joy and happy times.....

a new day

have FINALLY found a temporary place to crash until my apartment comes thru, and a good night's sleep, a hot shower, my own bathroom and a place to sew....how good is that?  was in goodwill cruising for some sheets and this little packet of scraps jumped right into my cart, can you believe it?  me either...but when i saw the shirtings and plaids, it had to stay.  way cheaper than shirts and a good assortment too....a fabulous find!

  
so busy unpacking the car so it can get a thorough cleaning until it has to be repacked is on the agenda, that and some serious sewing too...oooh giddy as a schoolgirl!  hope your day is as good as i feel right now....

civil war fabric buff?

went to my local reproduction shop for my row by row pattern and guess what?  she is having a SALE!  that is right...if you are in new england any time in july, you MUST stop in for your fabric fix.  yes, it'll be a scenic drive out in the country but well worth the trip.  it's bolt fabrics only and you must purchase a yard minimum and, oh yes, the new jo mortons are in too....and the name?  why BUSY THIMBLE, of course, in Litchfield, Maine...no, she doesn't pay me for this notification, just a fan of civil war fabrics is all.   you will thank me, i'm sure!

crown thy good....

wishing all a very happy independence day....may God continue to bless America and we continue to enjoy the freedoms which were so hardly fought for by so many brave individuals....please don't let their sacrifice be in vain....

ready to sew...

this tiny stack represents 6 of the "stars" blocks and a few pieces for the summer sampler.  also have some darker background chintzes to cut up for star blocks too.  better than the postal service, neither sun nor sleet, homelessness or storm can infringe on quilty time.  holidays are nonexistent for the homeless population, including me.  celebrations seem foreign at a time when there is no place to be home, to do what i want when i want, to sew, to sleep, to relax, to read or anything else.  last time i was homeless, it lasted a year but this time around, i know i won't be able to hang on that long.   in the meantime, will persevere and concentrate on gratitudes, which today are some time to sew, a place out of the rain (again!), a call from my precious daughter, relative health and another day closer to my own apartment....home

sun is shining.....

even tho fatigue and moments of panic overwhelm at times, but it is almost always only temporary.  was sitting at a gas station the other day and came across this photo and thought there might be some who would find it interesting....if you don't live in maine and you do have maine lobster in your restaurants, this might be how they arrived.  fish also get shipped this way..... these unobtrusive green PVC containers hold riches of the sea....

and this got tucked away in a bag before i could show it....the little tabletopper made for my mum's new place....yeah, needs ironing but it isn't wonky as the photo seems to show and it'll get quilted at some point...this is from the latest American Patchwork and Quilting, a mini version of one of their bed-size patterns.   the book isn't right at hand so i apologize for not naming the designer, but it definitely wasn't me.  nice little pattern.....

and last but not least, the methodist church in a little village had their yearly yard sale and it is always a terrific collection of good stuff cheap.  mom got a TV stand for $2 and a terrific toaster for 25 cents. that's right 25 CENTS!   this little creamer called my name and i think it's simply adorable.....working at NOT accumulating any more stuff that'll need to be transported but this was so small and at 25 cents, just had to come with me. 

the glass is STILL more than half full on a day that holds many blessings....hope you can say that as well.....

tough day

it started out fine...nice weather, sunshine after a fairly good sleep.  but now sitting in mcdonald's parking lot at midnight bawling like a baby after yet another unpleasant bathroom incident, unable to sleep due to mosquitoes and sundry flying things...too warm with windows closed.  another day of searching for housing, talking with more housing people who give me no hope.  have already called the places where i'm already on lists, crying, begging for an apartment.  it's late and i am tired, beyond weary, feeling hopeless.  i can't do this anymore.  i just can't.....it is well with my soul, but the rest of me cannot go on like this.......no comments please....

a thoughtful gift

a very kind internet quilter sent this to me recently.   it has oodles of nice blocks to make and although these are done with 30s fabrics, my voluminous civil war stash will probably be used to make these.   there are 99 blocks and not sure if i'll make all, but definitely some, and who knows, maybe all.   the blocks are 8" finished and could make several smallish quilts instead of one large one. thank you, quilty friend.....the best part is the encouraging stories that accompany each block.  it makes me feel not alone at all in my current challenges and often fortunate that mine are not worse than they are.  ***  holy cats and dogs batman! another day of nearly continuous downpours; and speaking of farmers, they should all be happy.  our one good day yesterday allowed for some strawberry picking and so today delish shortcake was on the menu.  *** not sure when i'll get any more sewing done, which makes me sad indeed.  but maybe can get more bow ties done from the busy box....we'll see!

bumper crop!

the gardens are starting to explode with early crops like lettuce, radishes and soon peas, helped along by yesterday's soaking rain.  my garden is growing bow ties!   one of the two hand stitching projects that didn't get sent to storage was this busy box of blocks to be sewn.  this project was originally started to use up some tiny scraps left from some cherrywood solid scrap bags but....you know the rest....more solids joined the stash and so more pieces were cut.  the good news is that "most" of the cherrywood scraps are in these little blocks; the bad news is there are now more solid scraps in my stash...aaarrrrrgh!   not sure how big the final project of these will be; one large quilt or a few smaller ones. either way, they are so fun and quick to sew and a good pick-me-up project.   ***   on today's agenda is to clean/vacuum the car, long overdue!  the skies cleared yesterday afternoon but showers again this morning, so hoping for clearing again....

some progress

in the two-week hiatus, have managed to get more star blocks done and with the

summer sampler sew along.  for this project, i'm using a dark blue sashing/background, so limiting blocks to reds/golds....have also sewn up a table topper for my mum's new place that goes with her valance and a wallhanging i had also given her.  aside from that, am keeping mostly occupied despite still no housing.  ***  the days are simply june perfect, which i am enjoying to the fullest knowing there are southern hot and humid temps ahead of me.  ***  to say i am weary is an understatement, but i know my struggles pale in comparison to so many others.  can still be thankful for relatively good health, family, beautiful days and sewing time.  whenever i do get moved and have time to be with my beautiful daughter and her hub, it will be all that more precious.   in the meantime....

a winner!

here it is in print, wendy reed's "no bake applique" that took a 2nd place ribbon in the road 2ca show. done potholder method, it's traditional applique to the max.   a real honor and so deserved, too.  ***  quiet day in lobsterville....waiting for sun to emerge from heavy cloud cover but thankfully no rain.  no plans at all, a free day, maybe some sewing, maybe a nap....even so, a good day all around!

finished!

ok so this is the latest batch of stars that i am able to make with what's on hand....top photo is printed plaids and ombres, bottom photo is purples and foulards.   not counting today's post, still have 8 weeks' worth of stars to catch up on making.  they don't take too much time or fabric to make, and once my full stash is at hand again, can whip them up.  ***  the summer sampler sew along at temecula quilt company starts next week.  those are little blocks and all fabric is on hand for those.   ***  today, though, it's a quick trip to my favorite repro gathering place to pick up the newest  "quiltmania" magazine featuring a quilt by a maine quilter of some renown in these parts, wendy reed.  she has won many ribbons and rightly so.....her quilting is perfect!  *** and at last, mr. sun is back, just in time for laundry to be dried and to quell the dreariness that has been hanging around.  gonna be a terrific day, i can feel it!  hope it's the same in your neighborhood.....

another winner!

that would be jo morton's new line due to arrive this month.  do you see those paisleys?  how about those petite prints? how about that itty, bitty cheddar?  oh, i do love this collection!  no, i don't get paid to promote her fabric, just a devotee is all.  as i've often said, my admiration started with a workshop at Maine Quilts 3-4 years ago (or longer?) and ever since, my collection has ballooned.  but not just a collector, i use them often and for good reason.  some of these will definitely be coming to live with me.....can't wait!   ****   unlike texas, maine's rain has been continual for 3 days now but nowhere near as destructive.  it was needed and the farmers are relieved, but it's been cool again...time for mr. sun and summer to return.  and hoping today will get back to the machine for some sewing fun. 

sneak peek

the pattern is an ann hermes design featured in the latest issue of American Patchwork and Quilting that arrived yesterday.  there was also a large quilt.  in this issue they have included directions for table toppers on a few of the projects, which is a good idea.  not sure about you but my math can definitely be fuzzy. at times!  can't recall if they had done this in previous issues or not but i give the idea a thumbs up.  am going sorta repro on this project with a real red, a brown and a cheddar print ***  another perfectly, astoundingly beautiful day....warm sun, gentle breezes, lush vistas. ***and don't forget, tomorrow summer sampler starts!

a seaside sojourn

it was a perfect june day in may, so a trip to the water seemed right.  a quick picnic was packed and eaten here at the fisherman's memorial in boothbay harbor.   directly across from the memorial was this church with a carillon that played a few hymns while communing with sun and seabreeze.   idyllic and picturesque and thoroughly peaceful!  back at the mailbox a new quilt mag arrived with a cute tabletopper idea, so fabrics were once again pulled from the box and plans swirled around the gray matter.  so blessed to have been given this gift of a wonderful day that started by putting my mind at ease about some financial stuff.   hoping you found joy in your day today as well.....

it's that time...

first, it's that time when your thighs stick to the (wooden) chair, especially if they are a bit....let's say generous....like mine!   having some hot and humid weather for a few days. second, it's time to get some of the stars done as in playing catch up.  here you see the foulards, a printed plaid and an ombre.  others are in process on the sewing machine and will get finished soon.  once these are all done, will still be a scandalous 8 weeks behind on this sew along.  but does that stop me from joining in on another sew along?   but, nooooo!  over at temecula quilt company they are starting a summer sampler of little blocks and i am in!  thanks to my christmas box, will be able to do this one without difficulty, i hope.  i do so miss the rest of my stash and stuff a LOT, not to mention my summer clothing and swimsuit too.  and i certainly won't dwell on the fact that i was SUPPOSED to be in my apartment in maryland long before this. it's just too nice a day for any of that.  instead, will count my blessings, focus on gratitudes that include enough sleep for a change, a chance to sew, a place to hang out from the heat, a haircut, good health of course, and ever mindful of those without such blessings.  so many across every economic strata are much worse off than me today.  life is still good!

a civil war christmas

about a week ago mr. mailman brought this to me.  a nearby quilter that i've only met on the 'net asked me if i would like some civil war fabrics as she was downsizing.  she wanted to share with me and vic in NH, also a reproduction fabric devotee.  a box arrived with these....omigosh!  have no idea exactly how much is here but plenty to keep me in scraps for a while.  most pieces are 1 yard or less but there are a few of considerably more.  she wanted nothing in return but i have ways of reciprocating that will hardly be as generous, but hoping she will know how thankful i am for this stash of wonderful, quilt shop quality fabrics.  and yes, i intend to pay it forward in several ways.  vic posted photos of her share earlier this week.  i do hope this was prompted by a happy, not sad event, but feel blessed to be one of the lucky recipients.  *** it's a cool, sunny and wildly windy saturday here.  but just in time, summer starts tomorrow with hot weather.  am slowly working on some stars that i'll post in a day or two.   and in case you are in need of some eye candy, hop on over to cyndi's blog for a peek at some new fabrics she just got.  ooooh those 1892 prints.....love 'em!  *** and today's gratitudes are good health, catching up on sleep, summer arriving, family....and fabric of course!

sewin' on summer!

while my girls--old viking, phoebe and trudy--are temporarily on hiatus, been sewing on mom's vintage 1961 singer 328k whom i have named summer....it seemed like a 60s kind of name...remember those days?  hard to believe my sewing days started in the 1950s....it was just yesterday i do believe.  mom bought this as a repo portable; when taken back by singer, the original cabinet was badly damaged.  mom used it as a portable for many years and then got this cabinet.  got some stars from barbara brackman's sew along all cut and ready to put together.  i'm only 10 weeks behind (oh the horror!) and tomorrow is another chapter.  the limited stash i have on hand isn't enough for all those i need to make but will do what i can.  since the move can come any day, whatever i get done is a bonus.  and today's gratitudes?   nice early summer weather, a rhubarb pie in the works, a good night's sleep, lilacs filling the air and the promise of moving any day.....

bit of sunday sewing

mum has moved into senior housing and she needed a tiny window treatment.  got this nice little valance sewn up for her.  the fabric came from a rather large box of civil war fabric received this week from an internet quilter whom i've never met in person.  wanted to make the valance without spending any money.  found this lovely henry glass shirting and some red print for an accent stripe and managed to have just enough of the shirting for the job.  maintenance will come and move it up to the proper place but for now we get to make sure it fits, which it does.  i am not a drapery seamstress by any stretch but can manage the few straight seams this project required.  *** my situation has not improved; in fact, worsened a bit but will only focus on gratitudes today--pretty good health, a place to hang out during the day,  place to catch up on sleep and fix/eat meals and shower, extra time with family and sporadic moments of what seems as normalcy in an otherwise chaotic maelstrom of days.  not perfect or ideal, but life is still good........by the way, have just about weaned off facebook for various reasons; please do not take offense as i have "unfriended" everyone, no exceptions, for the foreseeable future.

on hiatus...

holding off blogging until life levels out a bit....

not just today.....

but every day is mother's day to me....so blessed my mom is hale and hearty; her four children, now nearly all senior citizens, still need her!  she grew up without her own mother, and it breaks my heart to know she didn't have the nurturing and love i have had all these years....can you imagine this adorable little girl without a mom to snuggle and kiss her?  me either.....

probably my mom's best mother's day gift was brother #1....yep, he was born on her special day...how cool is that?   and  this mom was hoping to spend the day with her daughter but alas, no housing yet.  soo very discouraging, surely it must come soon....it just HAS to.....say a prayer, won't you?

another header photo

a cute little spool wallhanging devoted to my love of sewing.  the spools were hand pieced and, of course, the machine and its details hand appliqued. still on sewing hiatus but not for long i hope....

tart wannabe?

my throwback thursday photo is a summer one....ideal for an early summer day like today....me in a sundress, off the shoulder no less, and posing for dad probably, age 4 or 5....except for my sister, we 3 started out with platinum blonde hair that has darkened through the years.  my youngest brother had nearly white hair and it is now brown.....course, mom's hair is still nearly gray/white less with her dirty blonde locks, unbelievable at age 88....but it's genetic.  we think it's from the blueberries down east as my grandfather had salt/pepper hair until he died, even after chemo treatment for severe psoriasis when it fell out, came back white fluff, then back to its natural color.  ***  trying to keep busy and my mind occupied while continue to wait for an apartment....vacillate between resignation and rage, neither of which are productive, and fortunately don't last long. so thankful for health, my family, mobility and an income....life is good!

RIP little herb....

some time between 8-11 am yesterday morning, little herb went to that big sheep pen in the sky...no visible trauma or injury, seemed fine at 8 am....state vet will inspect and see if can determine cause....he is missed....

say hello to.....

peaches and herb! these are my brother's brand new lambs, boy and a girl (left to right), and they are sooo darn cute!  they are now scampering around the pen and playing like little toddlers....leap frog too! course, they are never far from mom katie  (aka the feedbag) but they are just so fun to watch.  not nearly as much fun as sewing or quilting but a different kind of fun.  *** thankfully, it seems spring HAS arrived with flowers now blooming and temps far above freezing.  course i am still living the vagabond life but there are perks and have settled into a routine of sorts.  still very thankful for all the blessings in my life and praying for those who face trials and discouragements.....life is good!

throwback thursday

without any quilty photos of mine to show YET.....decided to post this photo of my paternal great-grandfather, joseph, with his wife, annette, and baby son charles f, my paternal grandfather.  joseph is the civil war vet on my father's side of the family, was at Appomattox when lee surrendered.  easy to see where the good looks come from...he was quite dashing for his day i would think.  so very proud of all those who served on both sides of my family.  ***  another nice early spring day, still on the cool side and occasional gray skies.  good day to do just about anything.   ***  lamenting being so far behind in my "stars in a time warp" sewalong but pretty sure can catch up quick once all accoutrements are at hand.  this week is paisley and i absolutely LOVE paisley fabrics, have a collection of them so no problem getting these done.  *** even tho currently without my own housing, acutely aware of how fortunate i am and how much worse things could be.  like snow, for instance, and a host of other complications.  so whatever your situation, try and stay positive.  yeah, i know, it's a job all by itself.....

diversion therapy

woefully behind on my stars sew-along, mostly due to fabric packed and in storage, but also as i had no ombres or printed plaids (? not sure) in a box someplace.  anyway, decided to make a quick and necessary (aren't they all?) visit to cyndi's shop chock full of all things reproduction.  she generously shared some printed plaid scraps with me and i picked up 2 ombre prints.  and delightfully found some jo mortons on sale that got added to my collection.  now to find space/place to sew after assembling the necessary notions etc.  did find that the rotary cutter and some rulers are with me and of course, phoebe is along too.  not sure if there is a mat in phoebe's case or not....will have to search.   apparently for some mysterious reason i am not allowed to move where i want when i want like so many others do (she says very sarcastically).  happily, tho, can sew anywhere if space and tools are at hand even without having reached contentment  (sorry st. paul...).   *** special prayer today for myra who so gallantly returned a lost wallet with all items intact.  i promised her i would say a prayer for her every day that she may find a blessing and feel the hand of God in her life somehow.  it's the very most i can do to repay her.....

a bonnie quilt

this is orca bay by bonnie hunter, our scrappy pattern guru....this top got donated as well...for purely selfish reasons....it was too big for my usual needs and with so many seams, tough to hand quilt.  i love the pattern and the colors i chose but somebody else is enjoying its warmth, which is fine by me.  *** brief pity party before cruising blogs and finding cancer, MS, a disabled husband and other situations much worse than mine.  snapped me back to reality and how fortunate i am even with current life glitches.  a quick "thank you" to God for a safe stop on my way even tho missing my sewing but hoping can remedy that soon.  ***  remnants of winter linger in nippy breezes and overcast skies.   can't last as summer must come eventually, which will be thoroughly enjoyed by all.  now where ARE those shorts and swimsuit????

new header photo

back in 2012 i was in a small quilt swap and the recipient requested "something geometric in black and white"....so this is what i made and sent along.  i never heard a word from the recipient whether she liked or disliked the piece, but i thought it fit her request.  one of the few times i've had a less than good result from a swap.  the other was when i never received any swap blocks back after sending mine along.  that's a pretty good track record i think....i don't do a lot of swaps now because of postage costs, but i think they are fun.  ***  brrr....temps stuck in the 50s with gray skies and intermittent sun/showers...not quite warm enough for my liking yet.  *** not yet back to sewing which is distressing but can't come soon enough...it's my respite and relaxing place and i do miss it every day.

and the winner is.....

dondi murdock!   please send me your snail addy and i'll get the scissors out to you right away (probably friday).....and thanks to all for your kind comments over the past 1000 or so posts....hopefully soon will have more quilty stuff for you to read.......

one of my faves....

if you have read my blog for awhile, you might remember this beauty....it's a pattern by marsha mccloskey from her book "quick and easy quilts"...called north wind and done very scrappily....controlled but still scrappy.   i love this top.  it got donated to a vermont group making quilts following a horrendous winter for those who were displaced.  was happy to send it along to make somebody warm but i just might make another when my machines are back in action.  ***  snow is finally gone and we've had a mini-monsoon the past 2 days.  temps are moderating and no doubt when mr sunshine comes back, will be definitely spring. 

blasts from the past....

if you check out mrs. goodneedle's post today, you can blame her for mine.  in addition to packing up all my stuff, i've collected photos from my mom to save.  lots of memories of days gone by of me and my siblings and relatives no longer with us are now in my collection.  check these out....

this is me posing in my hopalong cassidy cowboy pants....the shirt, by this time, had been passed on (very reluctantly) to my brother and the boots had been lost during playtime in a haymow, never to be seen again.  they must have turned up at some point. 

this is me and brother #1 helping my aunt plant her garden in early spring.  everyone had pitched in after supper to get those peas in the ground early.  we worked until dark, which explains the dark background, dreaming of sweet bowls to come. 

and the day that started our family.....handsome groom and beautiful bride in 1946....

the giveaway....

a bit late but it's a goodie i think.....a pair of karen kay buckley's scissors with the serrated blades...these are medium, i have the larger ones and LOVE them!  the drawing will be wednesday april 22nd by noon so be sure and include your email contact.  and by the way, get well wishes for karen kay buckley who recently underwent cardiac valve replacement surgery....

the scissors measure about 6" total length, have those flexible handles and will be perfect for any sewing task.  *** otherwise no news in this lake woebegone.  it's a very difficult situation too complicated to even think about, let alone relay to anyone else.  ***  sending get well kisses to my daughter down with strep throat...i know her hubby will give her the TLC she needs for a quick recovery....now to find some pleasant diversion from the current distress....

since you asked....

this is what i have been keeping occupied with (some of the time) while marooned here on homeless island.   this is my counted cross-stitch christmas stocking. had been wanting to do a sampler AND a christmas stocking, so combined the two with this project.  no deadline; it gets done when it gets done.  also have my little busy box of solid little bow ties.  thought i had packed these items in a box but actually tucked them away in my suitcase, so do have a couple of handwork options (found them, denise!) while the quilty stuff is in storage (AGAIN!!!!)....i do have the girls here with me but useless without the stash and notions.  while grateful to have a safe place to crash, it is way far from ideal or even where i should be right now....which is in my own apartment....but in between venting and being angry, am enjoying a few creature comforts.  *** and the giveaway IS coming....should be in a day or two so keep watch!   meanwhile, pray for me that my situation gets fixed immediately if not sooner...am way beyond weary of what many enjoy, a place of my own to live and to be safe and cozy.

watch this space!

1000 posts....giveaway coming!