fall freebie

yesterday at guild meeting the free table was piled high with some fine and funky offerings....i found this autumn panel just begging for a nice pieced border...again, panels are not my "thing" but sometimes they are just too cute to be left behind....

then i found these.....

and lastly one with my name clearly printed on it, so it was meant for me obviously...

many people tell me how much they love my name and sometimes i have to cringe as there are times when i am none too graceful or grace-like....but other times i just smile and think of the grandmother i never knew who was deeply loved by her family.  ***  so it's been a week of adding to the stash, an exception rather than a norm.  i could tell you it is shaking me out of the winter doldrums, but winter has hardly been here....just the other day i spied this at the local post office.....and our daffodils are up about 6" too...

lastly a teeny tiny confession, hoping cardioman and/or food police aren't reading....i spent 140 of my precious 1200mg of sodium on these...the smallest bag of chips that Utz offers...way less sodium than anything frito-lay puts on the shelf....and just enough to squelch the craving....

try 'em! i am pretty sure there are potato chips in heaven....there HAS to be!

spring but no fling

today was a serious spring teaser day--sunny, high 60s, light breeze--wishing it would stay this way....perfect day for a road trip.  dear daughter and i trekked north to lancaster for a bit of shopping and sightseeing.  first stop was old country store and 2 surprises!  met up with a quilty pal from my retreat days and while we were chatting, a guild friend walked by.......i had preordered a few things for pickup...then it was on to zook's across the street where a sale was in progress and cheryl (retreat pal) was there too!   we took a selfie to mark the occasion...

even tho it was a bad hair day for me, it was delightful with signs (and smells) of spring all around....quick stops at the meat market and produce market rounded out the day.    my total acquisition wasn't too bad....a few things to fill a stash void and some repros for projects in progress....the 2 blue pieces are mary koval prints and the pink is a di ford-hall...and of course a kaffe print just because....

the fields are starting to green up and we--DD and i--had to keep telling ourselves that yes, this was february!  not like a new england february at all...   ***  after exercise friday morning stopped in to the senior center where 3 boxes (copy paper size) of fabric were donated recently.  the boxes were chock full and it was all lovely fabric.  some pieces were large enough for backings and others were just, well, calling to me.  some solids, a cute pink print enough for shortie pj bottoms, a few nice solids. 

i don't know if the donor reads my blog, but thanks to their generosity and that of other quilty pals,  have plenty of stash for sewing fun, not to mention it being a huge budget savings.  we'll enjoy one more spring day and back to maryland winter, which isn't so bad either.....

sew along progress

nearly time to enter month #2 in cecile's star sew along....may is the finish deadline and i've a good head start....i had this pinned to my design wall yesterday morning and then went off to exercise...when i returned, 6 of the sashing pieces had vanished!  cannot imagine the IQ of anyone who would take them, but he/she with the key to my apartment is a repeat offender serial thief.  or could likely be a designee, which might be the same person who sprays my apartment with some heinous air freshener when i'm out...not many here follow the golden rule.  so pathetic for seniors to act like kindergarteners but you'd be surprised at how many here do.  if you are looking for lousy housing and/or rotten roommates, give me a call.  i seem to have found more than my share.  anyway, i recut the missing pieces and have started assembling.  it'll be hand quilted with an indigo binding.  thanks jo morton for your inspiration!

inspiration satisfied

this was the original article torn out of a magazine for this project....designed by darlene zimmerman who used flannels and wool (for centers) from october 2015...yikes, nearly 5 years ago???

and just this morning got all my rows sewn together....

it isn't really bed size, only 60x68, but will work for my mom who'll be the lucky recipient....just applique circles, then baste and quilt.  not bad for a project i couldn't give away....and now i'm glad it stayed.   ***  it's a lovely early spring day here, great weather for january....this kind of day doesn't arrive in new england until march.  the medication demons were mostly quiet this morning so got out to exercise early and back before lunch.  since working out at this new place that is fully paid by my supplement insurance, have made pretty good progress.  today i was able to last 10 minutes on the treadmill and then 20 more on the recumbent elliptical.  most days strengthening is included, but the 30 keeps cardioman happy.   it's so enjoyable that have to watch not to overdo that requires afternoon napping.  this gal has sewing to do!

almost....

done with row #5, which is the last row to sew for this top...

each row calls for 9 applique circles and with 7 spots done, a bit more time will wrap it up...next is to sew the rows together and applique the centers....the circles are all cut and basted and are all a cheddar print.   a january flimsy?  probably not but not long after.   meanwhile, quilting on the blue/white is coming along equally fine...

i'd estimate the top is over half quilted...the narrow blue border is going to get 2 rounds of quilting and then there are all those geese....binding with an indigo of course.....this quilt is staying right here so whenever it's done doesn't matter...no anguish because neither of the january goals were met, after all..i do this for fun!  the other UFOs are used to patiently waiting for attention....

bad weather = great sewing

the snow queen passed us by, but cold rain and slippery spots made for a weekend of great sewing!

finished another 1.5 rows for this project....with 11 days left in january and only 1.5 rows to make, it just might get to the flimsy stage.  the rows need to be sewn together and the circles appliqued so it'll be close...am truly liking this more and more....it'll be hand quilted of course and will be a nice scrappy when finished....first, tho, have to go and cut more pieces.   it's a bad habit of mine, i confess, to start things without calculating the exact number of pieces needed.  i've reformed somewhat in that area but not entirely....

no snow sew day

even tho 1-3" was predicted, then downgraded to 1", aside from very few morning flakes we are getting "thick rain"...sort of a rain/slush precip...a bit sticks to the windows but otherwise the ground is wet.   no plans were on the agenda today aside from the usual (meals, dress, make bed) but plenty of sewing plans were made...first up was to finish all 18 sew along blocks, and now they are done!

they'll stay on the design wall until the construction phase, probably february or whenever joseph's coat flimsy is done.  these gave me a chance to cut into some 'stash on the shelf' fabrics for the first time, one of which was clearly marked 2013....seven years ago.  it was a half-yard piece but even so, just reinforces the wake-up call of shopping stash first and ALWAYS from here on....

4 done, 14 to go

my little stars for the cecile sew-along....

though i had no intention of doing a sew-along, inspiration from a jo morton little quilt had been percolating in my mind for some time...thought the sew-along would give me the push needed to finally make it...here is jo's version...

i love the colors....mine won't be exactly like this, of course....but same colors and those cute little stars....i used a pattern from the 2017 JLWC that i've only glanced thru since purchasing 3 years ago...makes the stars easy peasy!  they work up very fast now that all the pieces have been cut....otherwise my sewing time has been spent on the joseph's coat repro scrappy (machine) and the blue/white (hand quilting)....with january half over, no time to waste on working toward some sort of finish.  *****   and here is an unsolicited recommendation.....

a new quilters' select ruler received in a give-away.....if you have a green mat and have been using omnigrid rulers with those bright yellow lines, you will find this a treat!   switching from the omnigrid to this felt immediate resolution of glare.....the subdued yellow background with black lines are so much easier on the eyes with this green mat.   though my budget won't permit replacing all my rulers--not all are omnigrid--i might consider investing in a larger size that is used often; yes, it's THAT good.   just my humble opinion of course, but if you have a chance to compare, by all means do. 

sunday wrap up

nearly the entire of this beautiful near 70-degree day was spent with betty bernina and a UFO/challenge project. my online group is running an "inspiration" challenge.  choose some project--from book, magazine, internet--that inspired me to make.  pulled out a UFO that was up for adoption but alas, no takers.  since it was mine permanently, decided to get re-acquainted and ramp up the mojo....

you might have seen part of 2 rows on my design wall, but today sat down and got the 2 rows done and started on a 3rd.   in all there are 5 rows so almost half done!   some of the circles have been appliqued but not all.   even so, pretty satisfied with how smooth the going has been.  was hoping to have a flimsy by the end of january and can see it is entirely possible...thinking now it will be hand quilted.   all in all, a very good day!   ***  and while today was machine day, yesterday was hand quilting day.  a nagging low-grade respiratory illness finally progressed and got some treatment, but that made saturday a recuperative day.   finally, a good report from cardioman on all the testing started the weekend off in fine form.  there was improvement in some areas and status quo in others, a huge relief, thanks to the cardiac rehab team and many praises to God for protection in my toxic environment.  now bring on Monday!

a finish and a start

today finished sewing the binding on this small piece, first finish of 2020, that used up only 1.5 yards...it's "union star" from the book "the blue and the gray" by etherington and tesene....

the colors are faves.....used up scraps and that is always good....and my friend wendy enticed me into signing on for a sew along by cecile....it's something that has been on my want list for some time, a jo morton design, again using the indigo prints i love....

 

the sew-along is for minimum 16 blocks....mine will be 4" finished....and then used in a project.   it isn't going on an official "2020 start" list as it will be done before year's end...just one of those things i've wanted to make for some time, kept looking at it but never got further than that--until now.  i have enough sewing time to do this and continue with my other UFOs as well....and just for fun, another panel that was donated to the senior center....

so cute and just perfect for spring or easter (bunnies!) to which i added a delicate print--a gift--with bunnies as well...thinking of another border, spring green maybe? with some pink scallops added....it'll be gifted when done....not a lot of work involved but a nice seasonal decoration....blogger is acting up so not sure how this post will actually look once published....

utility sewing

there are times in the life of every quilter that utility sewing is a must.....before christmas realized my potholder situation was dire...oh i could have gone to the dollar store and spent $2 on a couple of imported potholders but nooooo! 

saw this pattern on the web someplace and figured would be easy to zip up a couple--or more.   fast forward, after 6+ hours of sewing time and the $1.50 for the silver cloth (on sale 1/4 yard), they are done. thought i might possibly make some to sell but would have to charge $10 each at least for all the work and materials...LOL!  no matter, i now have 2 very chic and classy potholders....now to think up projects for the rest of those selvedges....

so soon?

meaning, have already caved and started a new project....actually it was started before the new year....while flipping thru the old quilters' newsletter magazines, cut out some photos that made my fingers itch....

the colors were wow!  and just happened to have some green apple solid on hand for a wall quilt...but the sample block was ho-hum and fussier than i was in the mood to deal with....so rummaged thru and founds lots of little amish 9-patches that were quickly turned into 16-patches.....next pulled out my trusty math resource to see if the green i had would be enough...

this was published by quilters' newsletter back in the early 1980s and is a MUST for any quilter, but especially this math flunky quilter....was glad to find some updated references pages in the old mags that i pulled out and filed away in this book--for rotary cutting since there were NO rotary cutters when it was published--yes that's how old it is!  so, enough green solid on hand....fired up betty bernina and in no time had 20 of the 16-patch solid blocks.   today after very careful cutting and sewing, ended up with this colorful flimsy...

much brighter in person of course, but really happy with the result.  no name yet but just tickled that it came out so well and all my measuring was perfect.  even though it was soon enough for a new project, not quite soon enough for the green as there is a faint fade line that i mostly cut around...only visible really on close inspection, but it doesn't detract from the piece.   ***  under the weather 3 days due to druggie and smoker neighbors who have made this week miserable.   i am simply furious that management lied to me about the smoking before i even moved and has done practically nothing to stop it.  the offenders are selfish, nasty, rude and adamant in their complete disregard for other tenants and completely ignore their lease.  in any given month, always a few debilitating days because of these reprehensible and repulsive individuals.  extremely disappointed with the entire place--no regular entertainment to speak of i.e. no FUN, many tenants quite infirmed so closer to nursing home environment than senior housing resulting in lack of upbeat attitude of many, management staff who are indifferent and uninterested in residents' safety.  i don't feel old or think of myself as old and this is totally the wrong environment for me.  i plan to live until i die, not waste away by inches mired in gloom and in jeopardy from selfish behavior of others.  their idea of entertainment is some has-been elvis impersonator telling raunchy jokes....the attitude of most is gimme gimme gimme and if you don't, i'll just take because i'm entitled....huh??   no, this definitely is NOT the right place for me at all!

2020 roaring in!

always get excited about a new year....it's a clean slate, an air of expectancy about what's ahead.  the melancholia of late summer/fall has lifted and feel energized, going full throttle!   this year had its challenges and found i had to step back from some fun things that became less so...a season without commitments was a healing potion and am now more cautious about saying "yes" that involves my time and efforts as annoying medical issues occasionally erupt.  cardioman told me it was a "new normal" and now 2+ years out, have a clear picture of what that "normal" is....anyway, wagons ho!...

once again this year, i'll be coordinating my daily schedule with the crawleys....LOL...my daughter gifted me this so i won't miss any luncheons, dinner parties or fox hunts and perhaps another downton wedding?  mustn't forget edith and bertie's christening party either!

the UFO list and stash are healthy and the 2020 fun begins today.....i'll take a cup of kindness (iced tea) with thanksgiving, gratefulness and cheer for another year.....for auld lang syne!  

december list done!

it's a rainy and dreary day here, but had a number of things wanted to finish in december so plodded on....today was able to cross off everything on that list....first up a lap robe for the guild, not due until early in the new year, but it's done with a soft flannel backing....

next up were a few zipper purses that have been sitting around for far too long, now done and with destinations in mind....except the blue one that i'm keeping....

last is another UFO that used up nearly the last of the cheddar/indigo FQ bundle by penny rose that purchased long ago....the remaining very small scraps were sent to janet for her mini quilts. 

this finish leaves me with 35 official UFOs for 2020 without starting anything new--how likely is that?  not very i'd say....for the next two days can focus on my blue/white and prepping for new year arrival...signing up at my new fitness center, some household stuff, one more laundry run...it just isn't the same without guy lombardo!

in the hoop

just finished quilting a small quilt that is waiting for binding, so pulled out next in line to get started....a nap yesterday afternoon tempted me to pull an all-nighter to get a serious head start, but finally caved around midnight.

it's a blue and white, mostly indigo prints, just right for winter quilting....i love blue and blue/white quilts....antique ones especially....but even the crispness of stark white makes me swoon every time...this is a bed size with a poly batt, so easy to quilt with no special design, just quarter inch inside seams free form....a perfect cold weather project to start off 2020....the official UFO list is at 35 with almost half wall quilts, so hoping to make a serious dent in projects waiting for quilting.   ***  last year our guild presented a Quilt of Valor to a WWII vet in his early 90s....he was frail but able to come and receive his award in person....a couple of weeks ago he passed away, a distinguished veteran and true patriot....i am so thankful we chose him for an award...well deserved.

addendum....

now i can show this placemat that was gifted to my mother....pattern came from quiltmaker last year....a bit more fussy to make than some of my small quilts but the end result was good and she loves it, of course!

and the box at my door?   it was this handy and adorable tote from a quilty pal!

it's over??

yes...just like that, christmas 2019 is history...hope your celebration was as wonderful as mine...my son-in-law had to work--he's healthcare support--but daughter and i winged it all day with chat, a scrumptious dinner, gifts and catching up with the crawleys....LOL...we re-watched the 'downton abbey' movie (we are a serious fans).   the dinner was flawless and the 2-year wait for some juicy rib roast did not disappoint.  before the DAY, another UFO bit the dust....

had sewn this up with some scraps and have to say didn't like it until the binding was on....really pulled it all together....and it's my habit to cut binding by sight....sometimes i do actually measure but often not....and this was my early christmas present...

yes this was the leftover after pinning the binding on....i just cut a bunch of strips and hoped for the best....is that spooky or what????   anyway, it's off the 2020 UFO list and another, smaller wall quilt is nearing completion....*** arrived back at the village only to be suffocated when opening apartment door by disgusting perfume cloud....somebody is always screaming about "their rights" and "no respect"...i've experienced time after time that too many of the other residents are uber-selfish and have total disregard and respect for other tenants while demanding it for themselves.  receiving some of the respect and rights they demand would make my life less miserable, but their selfishness trumps any degree of courtesy.   after 4 years of fighting with management this is unlikely to change i'm afraid, since their attitude has trickled down to longtime residents who feel entitled to do as they please.  hoping for positive changes that would make all our lives here better. 

'tis the season.....

Hark the herald angels sing!!!  

it's the day before Christmas Eve and my heart--the new and improved one--is overflowing with joy and thankfulness.  at this stage of my life, it isn't about a pile of presents under the tree, but rather the gifts that come my way so many times throughout any year....the love of my family, expert medical care, the kindness of friends, the warmth and coziness of a handmade quilt, the service and sacrifice of American heroes, a full cupboard and the long ago gift of a Savior.   Wishing you the same and a blessed Christmas....

edyta the temptress...

that would be edyta sitar of course....and she has beguiled me with this beautiful and awesome and BLUE quilt...

it's titled "alaska" and would make a very enjoyable winter quilt or spring or anytime really....it's obviously an intermediate quilter project, but i did make a hawaiian and the 365 and this is much smaller and it's all straight seams, right?  would have to be uber-vigilant matching seams on this.... i might make the borders a tad narrower.... it's 71.5" square so would work ok for a shorty like me....something to seriously ponder....and i've got the fabric of course!  ***  during laundry time, rrrripped off the upside down row and reattached right side up so all is now calm and bright with this flimsy....

i'm keeping this one....i just love all the colors and a serious snuggling quilt.   ***  now that the traveling busy box is empty, there are a few candidates next in line....the always popular new england sampler, coming along at a drugged snail's pace....

the perennial 'dargate baskets'....i love the fabrics but i must have been high from inhaling pine sap some winter maine day by cutting out the ENTIRE fat quarter bundle into these applique baskets....yes, i love them and yes, i want to make them but i have made my daughter promise me that when i go, these go too....and not with me!

last is this small wall piece, a pattern by betsy chutchian....hers was done in repros, but i had this bitty piece of striking paisley (love paisleys!) fabric with another piece of coordinating borders.   it has been started and had to pin it on this flannel to make sure got sewn together right....the black diamonds will be trimmed and the borders from the coordinating print will be added, then bound in black probably....

the color is a bit washed out in the photo but it's very striking and bold....this is probably the next up as it's small and can be a fairly fast finish....it's a very cold and leisurely friday for me...usual tasks and serious time quilting on the current project.   tidying up and putting away and a bit of holiday cooking round out the day....for years my life was complete chaos so these low key days suit me just fine....

snow day...ROFL!

yes it WAS a snow day yesterday here in mid-maryland...and that means a whopping 2" of snow....plus some ice, which is the real problem....as a transplant from new england i just roll my eyes at southern snow emergencies... it is a luxury indeed to be able to avoid messy weather as in new england NOTHING stops for 2".....and here is the first look at the 2020 design wall project...

it's joseph's coat in reproductions....earlier this year tried to adopt this UFO out but no takers, so we have bonded and actually it's appealing to me more and more....i've got a head start on january's goal to get this to a flimsy...and one of santa's elves just couldn't wait and this arrived in my mailbox yesterday....

a handy resource and history book for anyone with a featherweight.   *** and with lots of calendars floating around this time of year, i've got 2 of my favorites ready; one is already hanging up!   if you look real close, you might see 1997 on this one.   for several christmases i was gifted quilt calendars and just couldn't bear to throw them out.  so it seems the 1997 and the 2020 are alike, so unearthed and plan to reuse, more so for the photos but won't be confused by the dates.   this cracker pattern is on my someday list....maybe this year?

over the years have had lots of quilt calendars,  the 365 days in italy calendar, the new england scenic calendars--my current fave is this one by susan branch, an uber-talented watercolor artist who lives on martha's vineyard and california.  her beautiful art is displayed on scads of items from free bookmarks and stationery to english porcelain mugs, cookbooks, travel journals etc...every year i print out her moons bookmark for my mom and me...the calendar comes in many sizes from desktop to pocket....hop on over and check out her delightful and whimsical products....

i can barely draw a straight line with a ruler so people who have this kind of artistic gift astonish me....now back to quilting!

lucky day?

janet over at rogue quilter had a little giveaway and the lucky winner was me!!

what a terrific collection of useful and beautiful items....and best of all is this little quilt...janet makes stunning little, and i do mean LITTLE, quilts.....it has already found a home here in the village....***  nine days to santa, 16 days to january.....days are flying by!  have a blessed day.....

a flimsy!

ADDENDUM:    just noticed the last row was put on wrong....waaaaaaah!   so must rrrrrip and resew.....thankful for photos!     whew, finally got this project to the flimsy stage and another december goal met. 

this got started about 6 years ago and why?  to use up the plum solid in the sashing...talk about fuzzy math!   had a lot--like 2+ yards--left over from a couple of small things and erroneously thought would use it up on sashing....which i didn't of course....still about 3/4 yard left in the solid stash....i love this with all the colors and solids....will get to the quilting next year maybe (meaning 2021)....

and finished up this UFO, the antebellum album blocks, a barbara brackman sew-along from 2018 (i think)....

this will be a donation and the first of (hopefully) 2 finishes (and maybe 3) before 2020 arrives....