Valentine's Day 2012

Binding is complete on My Heart to Hands Garden Quilt.  It's a little early for Gardening, but the block makes a nice break from the Winter snow.

We had friends over Friday for dinner. While the company was great... After working all week the best part was leftovers for the weekend and all the housework was done so We could play all weekend.  Laughter of ten people fill the house, ate from my dishes, loved Don's Lasagna and these napkins....

Working on another garden piece-- I pull out more pieces from the Fabric cupboard....

While it does look like much sewing.  There are seventeen sets -- Thimbleberries, Jo Morton, and a pieces of Tea dyed piece by Brenda Riddle... I never have the right shade of pink-- what is that??? There was not much strip piecing as I pressed really carefully not wanting to stretch the rectangles.  I found myself wanting to hurry-- but kept pulling the reins in, "You're having fun-- don't rush....."

Maybe by this weekend, I'll have the borders complete.....

My Valentines Went in the mail----Yesterday....

They may arrive at their destination late....I just put a note..."Everyday is Valentine's Day when Somebody Loves you..."

I'm Covered....

Have a good day......

Dyed Threads---

Coffee is serious business in our house. It's not just the coffee taste...It's the quantity(we have a 14 cup pot that gets used mulitple time in a day) it's the flavored creme---- and it's the fact that it's our time together...
I was home alone and had a half a pot left.  I had forgotten and made a full pot last Friday.  Sitting there staring at the pot...not too impressed about wasting it I decided to try it.  I pulled some DMC floss colors I didn't think I would  use. I made sure I could show you before and after. I let the threads soak for about an hour. I left the paper on the skeins.  I don't know that I would use these threads on something that will get washed over and over again, but I love the look.  I even tested the threads as for as threading needles and gliding in fabric.  The threads passed with flying colors.

So for those girls that can't make it to the store every time you need a color---get creative.

I try to get this finished for Christmas.  Fail.  I tried to finish it for out of town company the third week in January. Fail.  The moral is that sometimes you just need to finish things for the love of finishing them.  Do it for yourself and no one else.... Here's my finish.  A free pattern to be framed.

In the Pink…..

 

I’ve never posted a photo on my blog.  It kind of ‘geeked’ me out….Pinterest really shot that down, posting my picture out there.  Because today’s post is about my daughter and her 22nd birthday--- This is us…. A photo of us at my first ice fishing expedition two weeks ago.

This is us sledding the night before It was 9 degrees--- Sledding when you are over 30 should be considered an ’extreme sport’. All I kept thinking is, “I have to do this--- I may be too old to do it next time I have a chance!!!!” Yes—Chelsey is way too cool for a snow hat….

I finished her quilt.  I did not have binding fabric.  I considered ordering more and remembered my commitment to cut down on the ordering. I blundered through the quilt cabinet and found a leftover piece of Jo Morton fabric that works perfectly----

  I’m calling it, “In the Pink…”.  It got it’s name because I’ve quilted in words on the horizontal pink blocks of the quilt.

Smile
Have Faith
Love
Care
Have Hope
Share
Laugh
Be Kind
Believe
Be  Brave
Effort
Courage
Wisdom
Honesty
Strength
Compassion
Happy Birthday
Chelsey

These are the words doodled somewhere among the stitches of the quilt for my daughter’s 22nd birthday.

I’ve always said the great part of quilting is making something that comforts someone and hangs around long after you’re gone….

Death and dying don’t really bother me any more—I’m at that point in my life and I have every intention on going to heaven for bigger and better things—I just really don’t want to hurt.  I think my biggest fear is being forgotten--- I want to be remembered and leave a mark after I’m gone…..

Here’s a mark for Chelsey to remember--- the words written---

“In the Pink….”

Happy Birthday Chelsey…..

An Inspiration....

It started with this post....I couldn't get it out of my head .... The wheels in my brain were just turning....for my Sunday school kids I made these--

I send them a letter every other week.  They were easy and fun.  The night before I left for Nebraska-- I pulled out my tea-dyed Walmart fabric

and cut out postcards---4 x 6.  I pulled out those wool scraps I'm always preaching about saving and this is what I came up with.....Valentines....

I stitched all the way to Nebraska and back on the airplane.  I got a hug from every stewardess.  My Mom is getting the first one.  She's having cataract surgery on February 8th.  I know her sight will be better and all the pluses for her having it--- I just don't want her to be scared.  Wish I was there-- she said positively not...Your prayers will be treasured.

My rubber stamp will hold the address- an old and well loved gift from my sister-in- law.

I've got to decide if I'm going to put a bead stitched in for the eye....I still see another snow bird project.  A couple of journal covers with the little chickadee in the corner--- can you picture it....?



Hop to it Block Eleven----

My humility block..... I don't know what I was thinking.  I cut it out right after Christmas-- a little tired of the whole green/red thing I guess.  I tried dressing it up with alternating thread colors(which were tough to find!!!)  the light green leaves were supposed to be on top of the vine-- I realized after the fact.  Well, no one ever accused me of being perfect I tromped out in deep snow for this picture.  Oh-- and the block is going in the quilt regardless.  It reminds me of all the above.  Sometimes great colors just don't go together.  Most of my quilts are displayed from a rack or my quilt ladder.  I've been contemplating rearranging the blocks of this quilt that I'm doing with Sue and Mary--- This pretty much seals the deal.  It's OK if everyone doesn't see this block.

I can still laugh at the snow in this photo...an this quilt block.....

Happy Monday Everyone....

My Weekend....

I had a completely quilting weekend.  Don was off on Friday and did the weekend chores.  We slept in and did pretty much what ever we wanted. I went snowshoeing with the pups in the morning and evening. I finished my tablerunner.

 It kind of looks like Valentine's Day only not so much. It's a closeout pattern I found at the quilt shop.  I though the snowman was cute---maybe another year.

 So I changed the stichery in the middle.   I wanted an "anytime" table runner.  It was fun and easy.  I am no good with the triangle edges, so I made squares and then got my ruler and cut them to make the straight edge.

I smile because I pulled from the fabric cabinet.  The solid squares are an old Thimbleberries print. The beige in the nine-patches are an old piece of Walmart fabric that I tea dyed last Saturday.  Yes Folks--- My name is Melanie and I have been known to purchase pieces of fabric from Walmart.  When you live in a small town and until a few years ago the nearest fabric store was 50 miles away-- you try to plan, but when you don't...there's walmart.

I've got a trip to Omaha this week, so I have two wool blocks cut out for airplane stitching. It should be a great week.

Binding--

Almost a year after I started it---I have made and started binding the edges.

I'm going to have a Spring quilt to display before you know it....

Kicking around making a few lists-- Works in progress.  Dreams in progress.  Plans for spending,  Plans for  NOT spending...Truthfully it's a little intimidating...still just kicking it around.....

I do know that I want complete projects this year instead of having several things so close to being done that I could just taste it. I want to start a project and see it all the way to the end....

I stayed awayed from Pinterest for as long as I could---probably about six weeks--- but I am slowly building boards. It's inspiring.

There truly isn't enough hours in the day....

Keep stitching....

Project Pieces....

I had planned on sewing tons tonight-- but my pups decided it wasn't in the game plan.   So maybe we'll just write about it instead.  Here is the project I'm working on :

Hopefully by this weekend it will be a table runner for my kitchen.  Nine patches are relaxing.  There's nothing new in this project-- I just pulled fabrics from the cabinet.

Well-- why haven't I been sewing-- aside from the usual, work, laundry,exercise rituals that we do for life... I went to the Packer playoff game ten days ago.  You know you are having fun when they lose and you still consider it fun.  My college kids brought friends home for the annual chinese family cooking one weekend.  We had so much fun.

Last weekend we had Don's cousin from Florida-- who had never crossed the Mason Dixon Line--- Visited for 4 days.  We gave him the Ultimate U.P. Experience--- hiking, snowshoeing, sledding, icefishing  plus all the local foods.... Oh how we had fun.   Sometimes you have to see your home through others eyes to renew your appreciation for it....

My First Finish--- Almost....

For Chelsey... wishes for a Christmas gift....it's looking more like her birthday present.  Not my colors or even my style--- but I just smile when I look at it because it is ---so----Chelsey.  Made with a fabric line called 'Harmony', it fits my daughter's life for this brief window in time. 

 She dating a nice guy (I probably just jinxed it), her job is going great, her newspaper wants to pay her for writing, school is chugging along... Harmony....It may not last, but we have to bask in the moments.

It hasn't snowed all week.  But if I grab my clothes pins and camera and sure enough it starts peppering down.  You can see the tiny flakes...

We had my office Christmas party last night.  I won a television for my sewing room... I was thrilled. I told  everyone I planned on winning it--- they just didn't believe it...

Lesson to the story--- You have to believe........

Enjoy the football playoffs this weekend....

New Year's Day

We were home before midnight-- as predicted. There was just something comforting about laying in bed listening to fireworks go off down the road.  We went to church this morning. The afternoon was based on an afternoon nap, snowshoeing the pups, and football.

Yesterday we took the Christmas tree down and put away the decorations.  Don always laughs and says we'll be sweeping  evergreen needles until it's time to bring out the Easter grass.

I cut out my block of the month for January.  Ready for a change--- there's no red or pinegreen in this one.

Fresh snow made snowshoeing fun.  The winds are howling tonight. The electricity has even blinked a couple of times.  Makes you feel glad you are tucked in at home.  I've got the day off tomorrow.  I'm knocking out the chores early so I can spend time in my sewing room.

A new year is a chance for new starts--- realizing however-- we truly get a new start every day.  Believe in yourself.  Mark today as the time you stop comparing yourself to others.  There's no one quite like you...

Am I trying to convince you -- or myself.... maybe a little of both... Happy New Year.....

New Year's Eve 2011....

Here is my December block for my Hop to it Quilt. It reminds me of Poinsettias. It was a tough block. With the holidays ---I count myself lucky to get it completed. I found clearance fabric to use on the borders. I can’t wait to get them started. We have two more blocks in this BOM project with Mary and Sue. I have gotten tons better at appliqué working through it. I have grown at choosing my own fabrics and colors. The biggest bonus is the friendship I have built with two great quilters.


I completed the binding on a piece last night. I have a quilt on my frame. I have blocks on the side of my sewing machine. So whether it’s handwork, piecing, or machine quilting, I’m set. With family close by for the holidays, I have done very little quilting. There will always be quilting--- having family close is a luxury.

We played this game with family over the Holidays.  The more people the better--- I highly recommend it for laughter....
My Mom and Mother-in-law hooked with special quilting stuff for Christmas. I want to make every project in this book.

The tree is coming down today. We have an evening with friends planned for tonight, but I guarantee we will be home before midnight. In my book---there’s nothing better than being home at the stroke of midnight at the beginning of a brand new year.

We’re getting all settled in for winter--- but remembering we are gaining about one minute of daylight a day at this point in the season. Soups for supper, Mittens in your coat pockets, that blanket and flashlight stashed in the Jeep for emergencies (a couple of quilt patterns in your purse in case you get held up somewhere). Life is about living—it’s what you make it. Not everyone lives in sunny 70 degree weather… but that doesn’t mean you stop living.

Resolutions for the new year--- Keeping it simple. Hoping for Lifestyle changes, not trendy ones. Daily exercise, eating balanced, reading more—less computer time and television, and of course Quilting….

Here’s hoping everyone in the New year can find ways to be grateful in all things…..



Happy New Year---From My Covered Porch…..

Merry Christmas 2011

Merry Christmas from our family to yours.....

Christmas Eve 2011

Both of my kids are home-- bliss.... We've been cramming 6 months' worth of fun in the past 48 hours.
Here's a snapshot of them coming in from ice fishing.....

Last minute sewing is complete.  I didn't get half the projects complete that I dreamed over...but does a quilter ever really finish "it all"...

Sue sent me a surprise package-- a quilter's Christmas ornament.

That's a bird nest next to it.  I have about a dozen of them on my tree.
Michigan Christmas' are definitely filled with the Snowmen from her as well:

Here is s snapshot of our Mantle this year.  I made the wreath to fit on the window frame:

Mary knows the luxury of DMC floss and sent me a pin cushion and thread with the tiniest of stitches:

We're having our big Christmas dinner today -- Steak and Shrimp-- We're sharing the kids with Chelsey's boyfriend's family tomorrow  (a growth moment for me)We've have church and and presents to open tonight...

Gratitudes:
Safe travel for Family
Having those I love close
Health and a Home with a warm fire
Snow falling for Christmas

College Christmas Gifts....

It all started with this apron.. Chelsey is running with a group of girls that do Pinterest.  When I saw the apron I decided to make them for Chelsey and three of her friends.  I pictured a cute hawaiian print or a plaid--- Walmart was my first thought.  At walmart the shirts were still $16.00  each--- for something I didn't even know that would turn out. So off to Good Will I marched. Not a ton of options, but I found these

Think about it.. a man's dress shirt really doesn't get worn out. They get rid of them most of the time.

Each shirt became an apron:

Then I added a cookie mix.  Next trip to the store I found cookie cutters.  Then I found a spatuala for each-- the same color as their aprons.  Oh and recipe cards.... I had to get these wrapped and in the mail because I kept adding and adding... So much fun.

I did a sunday school craft that required mittens.  I don't knit and couldn't find any mittens so I found a $3.00 American Eagle Sweater at Good Will .

I cutt out pieces.

And created mittens for little kids:

Our office has an all girl Christmas supper.  You have to bring a ten dollar gift exchange.  No chance to sew, but I stumbled across some great dishes.

They were INCREDIBLY hard to part with... But they went to someone that would appreciate them with a note : Share Christmas with a friend....

My College kids will be home on Thursday. The tree is up.  The packages are wrapped and the stockings are full.

Bring on Christmas.....

Lesson for Quilters.....

Ransom and Bruno posing for the Christmas card photo opp.  We almost lost Bruno this fall. I look at this photo and think-- wow, he might not have been in this photo.  Bruno is the pup Chelsey brought home.  She was going through alot-- our whole family was and it was a "coping" thing for her-- for all of us.  We nicknamed him "therapy" because he truly is just  that.  We laugh and say-- She could have brought home a baby-- it was just a pup...life goes on.

I was getting ready to go to my third class.  I brought my suitcase up and Bruno  tucked his tail and went and sat in his box.  Ransom and he were going to the kennel-- doggie camp we call it.  Ransom loves it so I know it's a good place.  Bruno just doesn't like change.  I called Chelsey and told her  that her pup was spoiled just like she was.  I laughed and continued packing.

Chelsey said, " No Mom, something is wrong -- I just know it.  I'm coming home and I'll taking them to the kennel."

"Suit yourself.  I have to go to class. Don's out of town. You can't have pups in your  apartment."

I finished packing and headed to church.

When I got home, Chels was there.  laughing--- saying , "Mom, maybe he is a little spoiled."  We had lunch and I headed to Madison.

Two hours into the trip, Chelsey called, Hysterical.." Mom, there's something wrong with Bruno you have to come home. Bruno is crying when he has to poop..."

Great -- a constipated Chiwawa/terrier. 

"Chelsey-- call the vet.  It's Sunday.  You'll have to leave an emergency message and they will call you back.You can do this."

"Mom, I hate you right now."

She called the vet. They thought she was as ridiculous as me, but agreed to meet her at the office.

They examined him and realized he had swallowed a thread and needle and it had gotten lodged in his rectum.  Yep....They apologized to Chelsey for labelling her as overprotective and removed it and gave him antibiotics and paid meds.  He could have died. It could have punctured his insides. She took Ransom to the kennel and smuggled Bruno to her apartment for 3 days until I got home.

I felt horrible.  But honestly, I probably would not have reacted as quickly as she did.

Lessons for quilters:  Count your needles - wow...

I had been doing the cellphone thing letting Don know what was going on.

"Mel, she knows not to spend 2000 dollars on the pup.  I mean, we love Bruno and all, but there are limits, you know."

"Don, don't go there right now.  Let me deal with it.  It's not the time for that right now."

After everyone's blood pressure went down.  I quietly asked Chelsey about the bill.  I had told her to put it on the credit card.  She said it was $262.00.

I decided texting it to Don was the best way to ease the "ouch" of the bill.

His response texted back to me:

" H e ' s    c o m p l e t e l y    w o r t h    i t. . . "

I smiled.

Catch Up....

Tucking away the fall decorations is complete.  I always laugh.  The table starts out with the quilt and candles.  It seems like everytime I take the pups for a run I bring leaves back.  Those aren't plastic. They're the real deal.  By Thanksgiving you just about have to rake the table it's so full of leaves...but they are beautiful.

I've been out of pocket-- But I completed the last of my four classes in Madison.  I am now certified in Supply Management and Procurement. Yeah, OK.. So what. But It's done and in my book, I had a blast touring quilt shops along the way. I met some great people--- I feel smarter just sitting at the table with some of them. And while I'm not a joiner or outgoing in any sense of the word--- I traveled and walked into those classrooms and didn't crumble...huge for me.

The pumpkin quilts are folded away until next year. I try not to wish time away, but I already look forward to harvest season next year.

Gratitudes:

1. My quilt cabinet

2. My glass of Iced Tea-- always in season, I'm from Louisiana.

3.  Email photos from my kids.