Another Hatchett Job...

We've moved!!!

2011-01-12T07:26:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone! I have had the opportunity to move my blogs over (and consolidate them) onto my very own domain! I sure hope that all of you can visit me in my new digs over at the new home of Another Hatchett Job, www.janhatchett.com.

Please be sure to update your bookmarks, etc.

I am doing this in conjunction with a blogging class that I am taking for work. So, the latest posts are decidedly about my jewelry business. As class ends and as I have more time to make the quilts I have planned, there will be more quilty goodness on there also!

Thanks again to my loyal readers--both of you!

2010 comes to a close...

2010-12-31T11:58:00.000-08:00

and I am ready to see it go! 2010 had lots of good family moments, but more than its fair share of heartaches and issues also. We had some painful transitions to go through and I didn't get nearly as much quilting done as I would have hoped. Sigh.

But, 2011 is a NEW YEAR with new hopes and dreams. I hope and pray that this year will run a bit smoother and have fewer of those nasty (forced) transitions! We are settling in rather well to our homeschooling routine and the boys are thriving, so I am pleased about that. Actually, that is one transition that was painful (the situation the necessitated a total upheaval) but I am gradually letting go of the hurt feelings and gaining a sense of peace and acceptance. I think this was one of those things that just had to happen in order to make me see what my kids weren't getting from our situation at the time. Now, they are beginning to love learning again.

I wish all of my readers a joyous and blessed New Year! Hope to hear from you all really soon!

They were a hit!

2010-12-26T20:55:00.000-08:00

The Christmas quilts, that is! Here are Mom and Dad with their quilts on Christmas Eve. Yes, they live in a log cabin, so the quilts work well there. They both loved theirs and they told me that they have curled up with them after we left on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and this evening. It made me smile.

Christmas--the After Photo....

2010-12-26T19:26:00.000-08:00

The festivities are over.

Even my Mom and Dad's dogs are feeling a bit pooped!

Victory!

2010-12-24T08:22:00.000-08:00

Victory at last! Dad's quilt is completed and ready to be gifted when we see him for dinner tonight! Whew! I am really glad that this one is ready in the nick of time (I have never run so late in my life). It might be awhile before my hands aren't claws, though since I did the big stitch quilting around the outside edge to stabilize it (there were 4 layers of fabric and 4 layers of batting at the edge).

I hope that all of you have a warm and wonderful Christmas with friends and family!

Close, but not complete....

2010-12-22T22:25:00.000-08:00

Okay, I have been making lots of progress with Dad's Christmas quilt, but I keep finding more things that either keep me away from finishing up, or that create extra work for me.

But, here is where we stand...

This little baby is an absolute trooper, but as I don't have a walking foot for it (soon, very soon), I had some trouble with the edge stitching. I used two layers of Warm and Natural batting so that it would be very warm and where the edges all are sewn (yes, I sewed and flipped--don't judge me) there are 4 layers of fabric and 4 layers of batting all crammed up in there together. Can't topstitch without the walking foot because the top layer was getting all puckery. So...

In order to secure that edging and keep it stable, I am hand quilting around the edge, big stitch style with the same crochet cotton that was used in the interior blocks (more on that later). Of course, after 1 and 1/4 edge, my hands turned into claws, so I had to put it down for the evening. But here it is in progress.

This is what my completed corner looks like. It is holding the edge stable and it gives a bit of a rustic touch, which I like for this. My parents live in a log cabin (hence my Mom's log cabin Christmas quilt earlier this year) so rustic and folksy works well for them.

This is the backing fabric that I used. It is part of the extra long, California twin sheet (that my Mom kept for years) that my baby brother took to camp in the summer time. It's a nice plaid and large enough to use a single piece. The plaid is a nice touch.

Normally, I really think that tying a quilt is kind of like cheating. Yes, it works for awhile, but it isn't terribly durable compared to good old fashioned quilting. But, hey, it is December 22nd and I have battled multiple broken sewing machines, bronchitis, and the lack of a walking foot to get this far, so I ain't stopping now!

Actually, I saved a bunch of the buttons that came off of the shirts when I processed them. Of course I used bunches to make my button and twig snowflakes, but still had oodles to tie one button in the center of each square in the quilt. I left the little ends sticking up a bit past my surgeon's knot so that it would add to the rustic flair. The buttons don't match in size or even colors, but that makes it look even scrappier. The more I work with it, the more I just know that it suits Dad perfectly. Tomorrow I will work on it further and with any luck finish it and start cleaning my horribly neglected ~~pig sty~~ house for the festivities to begin.

I hope that everyone who reads this post has the opportunity to celebrate Christmas (or the holiday of your choice) with the ones you love. Can't wait to see what I we can get into quilt-wise for 2011!

Borders and Astronomical Delights

2010-12-21T00:12:00.000-08:00

Okay, I will freely admit that I am a night person and that often the best chance I get to do anything remotely creative is after everyone is in bed and I can enjoy the quiet.

Tonight, I got the quiet AND a really cool lunar eclipse. Between checking the eclipse and cutting and sewing border strips, I feel kind of accomplished tonight (and seriously sleepy).

It's really too wide to show it effectively on my ~~curtain rod~~ design wall. But, the eclipse was lovely and I got to see it really well. Once the clouds came rolling in heavily, I had gotten to see it and I figure it's just backwards from here on out.

The quilt top is completed. Tomorrow, I get to piece the backing (and some batting) and see how this new machine does some simple quilting.

I really liked the piano key border idea, but the more I work with this top, the more I think it suits my Dad. And, I really like that!

I am off to bed. I promise to take a better photo of the top sometime. Yawn!

Finally! Some Progress (and Pictures)!

2010-12-20T21:38:00.000-08:00

Ta-daaa! Here it is, the majority of my Dad's Christmas quilt.

For a quilt that is mostly navy blue and beige, it really is "reading" as green. It's kind of funny, but that will definitely affect what I choose for my borders. I can either play up the green or play it down with navy or red. Choices, choices...

Here it is hanging on my cheater "design wall" as I have been calling it lately. I am looking at it and pondering which of my new thrifted shirts will become the first border. The original pattern calls for a piano key border, which is absolutely gorgeous, but I am running so short on time, it may prove very unpractical!

Readers (both of you!) may remember that I had a very unfortunate situation occur with my first quilt ever made from vintage shirts. It was to be a baby quilt for the new honorary grandson, but it disintegrated in the wash. I disintegrated when I found it. Fortunately, the baby's living great grandmother made him a quilt, so I didn't feel quite so bad. But, I am definitely making him a "big boy" quilt for a twin bed. Anyways....

It was a big step for me to even consider making another quilt out of shirt material after that. But, I have a new sewing machine and my old, second hand machine may have been the culprit, so I am stepping out on faith here!

Hubby who originally hated this pattern when I first showed it to him, really seems to like it now that he sees it in person. He keeps telling me that he really likes the "ring" in each block. It's not really in each block, it is kind of like an optical illusion thing. The "ring" is formed by a secondary pattern when the blocks are butted up against each other. Nonetheless, it does give a lot of interest. Isn't it funny how secondary patterns emerge with some quilts? When I first looked at this one, it almost looked like an exploding star to me, but hubby immediately focused in on the rings.

I cropped this photo to show the actual block unit that is used to create the quilt top. The color placement in my version is not quite the same as in the original version (due to my error) but I really like that it looks extra scrappy this way.

I am very pleased with how this is turning out so far. Now, I am off to dissect a few shirts and start auditioning borders! Can't wait!

More Antibiotics and a Special Delivery!

2010-12-20T21:25:00.000-08:00

Well, hubby started feeling bad yesterday, so this morning he went off to the doctor like a trooper. He NEVER wants to miss work, so it was a little unusual for him to voluntarily go, so I knew he felt really badly. Looks like he has a bad upper respiratory infection. But, he is really good about taking his meds, so he will be quickly on the mend.

Right now, DS12 is the only healthy person in the family. He has finished his antibiotics and is getting rather ill with the rest of us sickos! Today, I took DS14 back into the doctor's office (for the 3rd time, no less) to pitch a fit and finally get him some help. But, after I pitched a fit on the phone and refused to see the doctor in the group that had been so un-helpful, I got to see my favorite doctor and she, of course, came to the rescue and now, I am confident that DS14 will be on the mend shortly.

It's been an ordeal to try and regain some semblance of health around here. Not fun at all!

Of course, I didn't like it that I still had a cough and couldn't go and be at the hospital while my honorary grandson was born. They are worried about infection and I totally understand that with mommies-to-be and babies in such a fragile condition. Even though I am on day 4 of my antibiotics, I figured it best not to scare anyone. So, sadly, I stayed home and got messages by phone and text while I took care of my own brood.

But, I am still a little bit sad about it. I wanted to see him, even if only through the nursery glass. I am told that he has a head full of jet black hair and a perfectly pink complexion. I will do my best to see him tomorrow and welcome him to the world. I will take my mom with me (the honorary Great-grandma). The doctor said he would hook me up with a sample of cough meds if necessary to get me past the nurses once it was certain that I wasn't contagious any more. He totally "got" the baby thing when I explained it to him. It seemed silly at the time, but I just might try it tomorrow!

A little bit of progress

2010-12-17T18:58:00.000-08:00

A few blocks completed and pressed for Dad's lap quilt. The colors are supposed to line up so that it makes a cute, secondary design when the blocks are alternated without sashing. It makes the pattern, but not quite the correct way since I messed up the order of the colors. Oh well.

Life is a little wonky, right? Especially on bronchitis meds! LOL!

Right now, all of the little 9-patch numbers are done and I have done the first 12 of the snowball blocks. 12 more snowballs to go and then we can start assembling and making decisions about borders and backings. I will be very much relieved when this final gift is completed.

My Mom tells me that Dad, "sits around and shivers like a chihuahua!" Great visual. So, I figure that he really needs a quilt. He is diabetic and is feeling the cold more these days. Mom, however, still has hot flashes and thinks that the proverbial "Nanook of the North" is sweating in his igloo! Now, I hope that Dad will get to cuddle under his very own quilt, made of guy fabrics, and stay completely and totally warm!

We can only hope!

The verdict is in...

2010-12-17T17:29:00.000-08:00

Acute bronchitis. Cough. Cough. Wheeze.

For now, I am holed up with quilt, antibiotics, magazines, laptop, inhaler, hot tea, etc.

Sniffle. I am slowly working on my gift quilt. Hope to have some pics to show tomorrow.

Feeling puny

2010-12-16T20:51:00.001-08:00

I am off to the doctor's office first thing in the morning to see if I can get rid of this crud. I have picked up the same, croupy, deep cough that I typically get with bronchitis, so I am anxious to get rid of this.

My honorary grandson will be born no later than the 20th (they induce if the mom hasn't gone into labor on her own). So, I have to get better, because it just won't do that I can't hold that sweet baby that I have been waiting so long to meet.

Sigh.

We got snow for the Snowflake Event...

2010-12-12T20:40:00.000-08:00

Well, kind of. The kids were calling out excitedly, "it's snow, it's snow!" So, I opened the front door to look through our storm door and noticed that the "snow" was bouncing on our wooden steps and small landing.

Snow shouldn't bounce. I have lived all of my life in Georgia, but I was raised by Yankee parents, so I know things like the fact that snow doesn't bounce upon impact.

Hubby thought this was funny and set out with DS12 to determine if this wasn't snow, what it was. Nothing like a teachable moment in this house! They went out and inspected the icy things and determined that the centers are white with a clear outer ring. This indicates that there was a bit of real snow in the center and ice formed around it while it was in descent. In meteorological terms, this is graupel, a German word for snow surrounded by ice. I thought that in honor of the Snowflake Event, that I would make note of this. Those poor little snowflakes tried to come to Georgia, but they got ganged up on by ice crystals. So sad.

However, we weren't depending on Mother Nature for our snow. Here are our homemade snowflakes:

I made this little snowflake (no pattern, just having fun) to hang in the little window that is high up on our front door.

The boys and I made the paper snowflakes that make up our mantle garland this year. It was really fun. They liked it, but didn't have much patience for doing the more intricate designs. These were all done free-form. The quilted mantle scarf was made last year. The "Better Not Pout" sign was made by my mother and given to me to post conspicuously for the boys. The red candles are real wax, but battery operated and really flicker. The small, china cups hold tea lights (when my tea lights are used up, I will get battery operated ones to use). The red candle on the left was a recent gift.

This is our fireplace. I really like the warm, golden glow that the candles cast over the decorations. It just looks warm and cozy to me. The candle lanterns on the hearth were given to us one year full of cookies! We have used them with candles in them every year since. The lanterns help to keep the kitties from playing with the flickering flames (silly cats!).

Here are a close up of my latest decorations. They are snowflakes made up of twigs and buttons, painted white and stuck to the rocks with a (gasp!) glue gun. The glue holds them securely but can be popped off of the rocks fairly easily. I like that they add a bit of a rustic texture that goes well with the rock fireplace surround. I found the tutorial to make these here. I really enjoyed using items that were readily available (buttons from repurposed shirts, glue gun, twigs, white craft paint). It really cost next to nothing, but looks so festive. I think these will stay until spring.

Many special thanks to The Pleasant Times blog for hosting this Snowflake Event. The entries that I have seen so far are stunning and inventive! I hope you have enjoyed seeing my take on snowflakes. Please stop back by anytime!

Whew!

2010-12-12T11:12:00.000-08:00

What a whirlwind week we have had! Two sick kids, doctor's visits, doing math at home to play catch up (yuck) and trying to get things together for the Snowflake Event that starts tomorrow.

The snowflakes were the fun part! Loved that! I am waiting to put the finishing touches on my twig snowflakes so that they can go on display this evening and be blogged about tomorrow.

Pretty much, the week can be summed up with this photo:

Sleeping kids (snoring included) with big ol' size 14 teenage feet sticking out from under the quilt they ~~stole~~ borrowed from their mom.

Snowflake Event!

2010-12-08T08:04:00.000-08:00

Isn't this button adorable? I am so excited about the Snowflake Event that begins next week over at The Pleasant Times blog. For some reason, the entire button isn't showing but just the graphic. That's okay, you can check them all out at the blog.

I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with.

First Project with the New Machine!

2010-12-03T09:16:00.000-08:00

Here it is! It is the first official sewing project on the new machine! You didn't think I would wait long to do a little something, did you???

This is a project that I found on dollarstorecrafts.com. These will go into my gift baskets for family members. I did get the kitchen towel and potholders at Dollar Tree. I am making two of these for a total cost of $1.50 per gift. Woo Hoo!

It's HERE!!!

2010-12-03T07:25:00.000-08:00

Late last night, UPS tracking informed me (finally) that they had a delivery date set. It was to be delivered sometime between 8 am and midnight TODAY. Well, since I live out in the boonies, I assumed that it would be far closer to the midnight estimation than the morning one. I was SO wrong! Around 9 am, UPS showed up with the most amazing little sewing machine, just for ME!

I have sewed a bit just to try her out and welcome her! As you can see from my very messy sewing table in the dining room, no time was wasted getting her up and running.

Okay, now I have to run a couple of errands and I really need to clean this nasty house of mine, but then, I will sew and sew and sew! Of course, tomorrow I work all day at a Christmas bazaar, but after that, I will sew and sew and sew! Oh the gifts we will sew together. Sigh.

Woo Hoo! Oh my new little joy! How I heart you!!!!

This is just too stinkin' cute!

2010-12-02T09:23:00.000-08:00

You just HAVE to check out the quaint, little snowflakes on this blog. She shared a tutorial on how to make them and everything. I can see so many ideas from this basic tutorial. I can't wait to get started! They don't look expensive to make at all, either!

Plus, remember the Snowflake Event beginning the week of December 12th at The Pleasant Times blog! This is just going to be so much fun!

I guess I am going through a bit of the winter doldrums here, but I just haven't been feeling like myself lately. I am not keeping up with things in my life. I just feel icky and want to sleep--like I am fighting off a cold or something. So, since these snowflakes are getting me excited, I am going to go with it and really indulge! Maybe it can help me shake it up a bit and feel a little better. Let's hope so!

Won't You Join Us?

2010-11-30T19:08:00.000-08:00

I ran across something really fun out in blogland! I follow a wonderful little blog called, The Pleasant Times, which has many crafts, edifying articles, and just nice stuff. It's kind of like a blog about Simple Living with an emphasis on appreciating beauty.

Today, I was reading the latest post and they are having a Snowflake Event during the week of December 12th! It's a celebration of all things snowflake! There are beautiful paper snowflakes on their site and some patterns, links to other patterns, etc. You can showcase anything with snowflakes on your blog: sewing, quilts, stencils, rubber stamping, folded paper, embroidery--really just anything at all.

Most of these crafts are really inexpensive, but gorgeous! Imagine snowflakes of all sizes cut from left over winter themed scrapbook papers. The new fine glitter could be great, too.

For those families with loads of kiddos (or nearby friends) how about having the kids lie down on the ground and make the shape of a snowflake all together. What a fun photo that could be!

My boys and I discussed it and we will be cutting out paper snowflakes and talking about crystalline structures during our home school science time. Hmmm. I think I will also sneak in a bit about properties of water (why it expands during freezing) and 60 degree triangles and bonds.

This is not about competition, money, or anything else. It's just a compilation of links from folks who will all be celebrating the season together with snowflake themed crafts, art, etc. No pressure!

But, the best part for me is that reading the blog post reminded me of making paper snowflakes with my science students in public school to go along with atomic and crystalline structures. We decorated my classroom with loads of snowflakes and it was wonderful! It's one of my favorite memories from that time in my life.

So...long story short, won't you please join us in making some snowflake crafts and sharing in a bit of frugal Christmas joy? I'd love to see yours!

A few sentimental things

2010-11-30T12:00:00.000-08:00

In my bedroom, on the small portion of angled wall next to the bathroom door, hangs a sampler that is very, very precious to me. My Nana hand stitched this sampler and it hung over the cribs of all of her babies. My Aunt Edith, my Dad, and my Uncle Phil all slept under this prayer. Nana died when I was 10 months old, so I never really knew her.

I was in High School when my Aunt located the sampler and sent it to me because I was the last child in the family to bear the family's last name. I always loved this piece of hand work.

Above the sampler hangs a dessert plate with roses on it. While I am sure it is rather unconventional to hang plates beside and above the doorway to the master bath, I don't care because I love them. There are a set of six in total. Five are above the doorway and the sixth sits above my prized sampler.

The plates are from my late great-Aunt Mackey. Her given name was Effie Maxine. We have always laughed that the Maxine cartoon character was really about her. She was a hoot! And she definitely spoke what was on her mind!

They are made of china with a distinctive rose pattern that I have learned was very popular in the late 30s and 40s. The design seems to be on some sort of decal or maybe the paint is bubbling up a bit. Either way, they are a bit cloudy in places and not fit to eat on, but a wonderful reminder of my Aunt that I visited with and spent time with into my adulthood.

Neither of these items would be worth anything much financially in the big scheme of things, but they are precious to me. They were gifts full of meaning that I have used to decorate my home. My children are growing up around these items and they are learning about connections and family history. It's a good thing.

Hmmm. Ideas....

2010-11-30T07:44:00.000-08:00

Okay, I am looking for a really good idea for a gift for our wonderful math tutor. She is a retired special education teacher who has taught kids with learning disabilities and autism her entire career. She has been such a blessing in our lives. DS14 (my Aspie) has really grown so much while working with her.

When she started working with us in May of this year, my kiddo was doing marginal 1st grade math. He is now doing basic algebra and geometry. She has to present it in ways that make sense to him (which I just don't know how to do) and he is thriving! She is definitely an answer to prayer.

I'd love to make her something to show appreciation. I am trying to be mindful of both time and money. I am not sure when the sewing machine will be arriving.

In a perfect world, a lap quilt would be in order, but I am not sure I will have time to get that completed this time around. I was thinking of potholders (can't everyone use potholders?) or a candle mat, maybe with one of the new, battery operated candles (love those because of my cats. The tutor has a cat also). Hmmm.

I got this photo from a wonderful tutorial at http://33shadesofgreen.blogspot.com/2010/02/amy-butler-quilted-potholder.html.

Any ideas that you would be willing to share? Please?????

Woo Hoo! Victory!

2010-11-30T07:30:00.000-08:00

My log cabin quilt (Christmas gift for someone special) made it out of the laundry intact. Whew!

I am quite relieved!

575 Posts and a new finish!

2010-11-29T19:19:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe that this is my 575th post! When I started this blog, I wasn't sure if I would have much to say or whether anyone would want to read it. Looks like I have kept on writing and a few folks continue to read, so it's a good thing! It's been a good outlet for me and a way to connect with others with similar interests. So, for you who read this blog, thank you!

I have been kind of restless today, possibly because I am trying to decide what I want to do, gift wise, while waiting on my sewing machine to arrive. I guess it has made me a tad more productive. I managed to get the binding on a quilt that I had quilted as a QAYG and had been waiting for the binding to go on. I had used a friend's machine to do the seaming and was folding it to the back and stitching it down. Right as I got to the final foot or so on the last side, my kitty, Natasha, decided that the quilt looked good enough for her and she just hopped on up!

Yep, my quilts are kitty approved! Now I just have to get brave enough to wash it and pray that it stays together (unlike the shirting quilt). Wish me luck!

I don't think I have ever shared this....

2010-11-29T12:00:00.000-08:00

As I anxiously await the arrival of the new sewing machine, I thought I might share a quilt that I am really fond of. It is my one and only antique quilt. Back in the late, gulp, 1980s (when I was 2--LOL!), hubby and I saw this quilt in a yard sale. They were using it to pack up items to cushion them for transport. I was a very, very new quilter and I knew that it was pretty and old.

That pretty much sums up my quilting knowledge. The edges were tattered and some of the patches of a black fabric had worn down to show mostly foundation muslin. Some brown is very worn also. The batting was just clumps of cotton pressed flat and sewn through. The back was made up of feed sacks that came from a flour mill about 40 miles from here. You can just make out the printing on only one of the sacks.

It was a mess. It really should have been a cutter quilt, but I was young, stupid, and fell in love with that faint printing on the feed sack. The owner thought I was crazy but sold it to me anyway--cheap!

My mom helped me to put a turkey red border around the edge to protect it (yes, I know, a restoration no-no) and it has hung in my home ever since. For a while it was folded over a hanging rail in my bedroom. In another house, it hung in the entryway. Currently, it hangs from spring clips on a display wire behind my couch in the living room. It's beautiful.

It is made up of shirting fabrics and is quilting in an unmarked Baptist fans pattern. At least I hope that the ladies didn't mark this out, otherwise those Baptist gals had been drinking rather heavily! LOL!

I didn't really pay too much attention to the details of this quilt; I just knew that I liked it. But, it does explain why I seem to be fascinated with quilts made from shirting fabrics and the Baptist fan quilt pattern. It's just kind of familiar to me after all the years of living with my quilt.

The tree is up!

2010-11-28T19:37:00.000-08:00

The boys took a much larger part in getting the tree up this year. They stuck with the process for the entire time and worked along side us instead of playing or leaving the room while we parents did the work. Even better, they decorated the entire tree and not just strips at their personal eye levels. We didn't have to go back and move ornaments around after the fact. We listened to Christmas music and talked, reminiscing about ornaments that were sentimental. I really enjoyed it.

That evening, I had completed decorating the mantle and hanging the Christmas quilts up. We lit the candles and dimmed the lights. It was warm and beautiful and full of all of the Christmas-y magic. We were together. It's all that matters.

Blessings!

2010-11-26T20:34:00.000-08:00

This year has been a financial struggle for us. It has been a necessary one as I have left my full time teaching gig in order to homeschool my boys (an unpaid, full time teaching gig). But, for all of struggles, I have loved being with my boys more and helping them to learn. In many ways, life has improved.

I started my home business and it is growing. It is slowly growing and getting stronger by the day. I have no doubt that it will eventually be able to replace my earlier income.

But, I have to admit horrendous frustration when my sewing machine died. I inherited a couple of older ones that died soon after also. Hubby is great at being able to do minor maintenance on them and he kept me going for months longer than I should have been able to go. But, he can only do so much!

I depend on my sewing machine to do some repairs, make things for around the home, make great gifts without spending loads of cash, quilting, and just general therapy for me. I love to make things. It makes me happy. It saves me money and I enjoy it!

When the shirting baby quilt fell apart because of faulty stitching, I knew that my machine sewing days were nearing a close. My mom and a friend allowed me to finish up a Christmas gift on their machines, but I had to re-think oodles of gifts because I couldn't do the sewing projects that I had planned.

But, Black Friday came and my hubby blessed me tremendously. I had an online coupon to a site and they put a sewing machine on deep markdown. It isn't fancy and it wasn't a pricey machine to begin with, but it will serve my needs well. We were able to pick it up for less than 50% of the original price with free shipping, the coupon, and the sale in progress. It's not my dream machine and I will continue to save a little here and there to eventually get that one, but it is a Consumer Reports Best Buy rated machine.

I am SO grateful for my hubby and this blessing in my life. I can't wait for it to arrive. I am going to take amazing care of this little baby! And yes, the photo above is of the machine that I am getting. Nothing to brag about, perhaps, but it means the world to my little, creative heart!

Thankful!

2010-11-25T04:55:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving Day is probably one of my all time favorite holidays. The older I get, the more I appreciate that it comes with no hype and little drama. It is a day that has remained (more or less) as it was intended, a day to celebrate all that we are thankful for in our lives.

It's not about showing off material possessions or having to mortgage your future to purchase just the "right" gift. It's about family, food, enjoying each other, and gratitude (which is too little expressed IMHO).

Just a few things that I am thankful for this year (certainly not an all inclusive list):

Salvation from sin

Living in a free nation

my parents and brother

my husband and children

the home we live in (our haven in the woods)

my extended family, some we will see today and others we can't be with

that I am able to homeschool my children

that I can legally homeschool my children

my friends, particularly those who have been with me through thick and thin

our pets

the doctors we see and the medicines we take in order to be healthy

my weight loss (getting healthier by the day)

good medical test results a couple of weeks ago (dodged the big "C")

the Boy Scout troop that my boys and hubby are involved in

having a Mom and a friend who will let me borrow their sewing machines when I am in a pinch

shade grown coffee--mmmmmmmm!

Good books

Crochet hooks, knitting needles, quilting tools, fabric

big hugs from my kids!

I wish you and yours a wonderful and fantastic Thanksgiving Day! What are you thankful for this year?

Stash Manicure Post

2010-11-14T15:58:00.000-08:00

Yay! I have been invited to be a guest blogger at Stash Manicure for the second time!
Check my post out on November 18th! Can't wait to see you there....

How Rude!

2010-11-13T21:18:00.000-08:00

Some days never cease to amaze me! Today was one of those days.

I am a small business owner. Much of my work takes me into other people's homes. I love what I do and I really enjoy the other people that I work with. That being said, it really bothers me when people treat my clients unethically, or are just downright rude!

I think that lying is rude, at the very least! It nearly broke my heart to see a hostess and friend who had received 10 definite RSVPs to a get together (just the day before) sit and realize that nobody was coming. Not even her mother. Nobody. Surely, all ten of those people didn't die overnight. They couldn't all have been hospitalized or in car accidents. Some only had to come from a house or two away.

Eventually, we did have a few guests arrive. The first arrived 20 minutes after the stated time (she was at a child's sporting event and it ran late, totally understandable). The next two arrived 45 minutes late (including her mom). I have no idea why. They may have had very good reasons. Now, all of these ladies were delightful and had fun. I am so glad that I got to meet them. But, it bothered me that the whole situation made my hostess sad.

Why couldn't the other 7 or so people call? Is our culture really that okay with being so rude? If you commit to doing something, is it okay to blow it off at the last minute? These weren't acquaintances, either. They were close family members and long time friends.

When I work with a hostess, it is my goal to make her feel like a princess and have a really fun time. It's hard to overcome that kind of disappointment in order to do that. At the end of the event, the hostess was far more relaxed and happy.

But, was it really necessary to put her through that?

Authors Post

2010-11-12T06:46:00.000-08:00

In addition to basking in quilty loveliness, I also like to read. I don't get to very often, but with my machine down for the count, I may sneak a bit in.

I read a challenge (here) where the blogger listed 15 authors that they enjoyed, strictly off the top of their heads, no tweaking allowed. So here they are, fall where they may! Of course, there are many other authors that I have enjoyed! Please post your list!

Shakespeare

T.S. Eliot

F. Scott Fitzgerald

Phillippa Gregory

Margaret Armour (the author that I actually know!)

Alexandra Stoddard

Harper Lee

Christopher Marlowe

William Blake

Edgar Allan Poe

Janise Ray (I think that's her name, Ecology of a Cracker Childhood)

Phyllis Schaeffer

David Bottoms

Madeline L'Engle

the author who wrote A Bridge of Birds, a paperback that I borrowed and LOVED!

Does anyone know of...

2010-11-07T00:39:00.000-07:00

a good sewing machine store in Georgia that does a trade in sale?

Right now, I would love to buy a new machine and if I could trade in the 4, yes 4, machines that I currently have that are certifiable junk, it would help me to afford one. I know that I used to hear of such sales. I guess that they would then repair the old ones to sell?

I don't even know if the ones I have are worth repairing.

My LQS has a sale on BabyLock machines, with the Audrey, in particular, for $359 through December 31st. I would love to be able to swing that. Don't know if I can, with Christmas and all, but a girl can dream.

A local private school is having an even to purchase old gold/silver jewelry. They are paying going rate and the dealer is donating their portion to the school. I certainly don't have much jewelry that I could sell, but I am seriously thinking of getting together all that I have and seeing what I could get for it. Every little bit would help, right?

I have toyed with the idea of taking one of my clunkers in to be repaired, but they are all such cheap-o machines that I wonder if I would do better by saving my pennies and buying up a little bit in quality. The LQS is a BabyLock dealer. I have checked out (and drooled) over their machines on more than one occasion. One of the owners even went to school at the BabyLock factory to become certified to repair their machines. He does all of the repairs in the shop and I really like that they don't have to send the machines out and he does it right there in his workroom.

I guess time will tell.

Insert Picture Here

2010-11-06T17:10:00.000-07:00

of the beautiful, sawtooth star quilt that I finished just in time for the baby shower for a dear friend.

For those of you who have followed this blog lately, it is a quilt that I have had hanging up, looking at it, being very deliberate in making every decision because I wanted it to be just right.

When my second hand machine quit working, I took it to my mom's house to finish the quilting and put on the binding. Then, we threw it in the washer.

That was the end of my quilt. It, literally, fell apart in the wash. I have had a seam pop once in a great while, but have never made a quilt and had it shred in the washing machine. I made my first quilt in 1988 and have made every mistake in the book, but my work has held together. Until now.

I don't know if the fabric gave way. Large parts of the stitching seemed to come out. Could this have been from using a crappy machine? I use good seam allowance; nothing should have pulled out. I probably make too large a seam allowance to make sure everything is very, very secure.

I had to go to this very special shower (which I was one of the ladies who threw it) with no gift. I was embarassed and mortified. I could have sat and had a good cry if I had a quiet moment.

So.... I don't know if I shouldn't have used the vintage shirts. I don' t know if it was the machine. I just know that I am not happy about it right now.

Women Helping Women

2010-11-01T16:52:00.000-07:00

I just learned about a new company that is allowing women from wealthier countries to help women from more poverty stricken areas in a really meaningful way.

That company is Seeds of Blessing. They are an offshoot of the group The Blessing Basket which bought woven baskets and other products from women in poverty and sold them. The ladies who made the baskets benefitted tremendously by bringing in a good and fair income, having a ready market for their goods, and learning solid business skills. It is a great opportunity for them and a great opportunity for ladies in wealthier nations to be able to help these women by purchasing their products, but also by receiving gorgeous, handmade items of great quality!

In order to spread the word, Seeds of Blessing is bringing their products into the Party Plan format. You can also purchase from their website.

I learned about this from a fabulous blog. This blog is part of Party Plan Divas, another example of women helping women to succeed.

I think it is high time that we women stick together and help others to make their dreams come true!

Some progress

2010-10-31T19:00:00.000-07:00

Well, I was finally forced to make a decision regarding the baby quilt that I am making. Mostly, the decisions were made by realizing that while I had started in plenty of time to leisurely work on this quilt, I had gotten busy with other things and didn't realize that the shower is NEXT SATURDAY!!!

So, with time short and money shorter, I had to just go with a plan that would allow me to use fabrics that I already had and that I could sew up in very little time.

The photo doesn't really show it well, but the red outer border is the exact same fabric as the red star points. It should finish up to a 40 inch square. I think I might have enough of the blue check from the star points for the binding. But, at this point, it is going to be bound with whatever I have that will work. I am not against a scrappy binding.

As for the backing, I will have to start working on it tomorrow evening. I will be using various shirting materials I have. The mom-to-be had a color scheme in mind for the top (she has no idea what I did with her color choices, though), but the backing may add in other colors out of necessity. I plan to piece together scraps from my shirting fabrics to make a scrappy back. I do have a vintage sheet that is a red, white, and blue plaid that I could use for a single fabric back.

I kind of had it in my head that since this was my first quilt from shirt fabrics that it would be entirely out of shirt fabrics. I am not sure why it matters, but....

After that, I will be seeing what I have in the batting department. I may be piecing some batting together to get a piece big enough to work with. At least I feel like I haven't been wasteful at all with this quilt.

I did plan on making my dad a quilt for Christmas out of the shirt fabrics, and if I am going to do that, I will have to get started pretty darn quick! Otherwise, I won't get it finished in time.

Sniff, sniff...

2010-10-30T12:17:00.000-07:00

Nothing smells better than apples and pears cooking with a little cinnamon and cloves. It's heavenly!

This week, I went over and got the last of the pears that weren't rotten on my parents' pear trees. They are organic, which really means that we have never pruned them, taken care of them, watered them, or fertilized them. But, no chemicals, so that is a good thing!

These are not pretty, grocery store pears with a buttery, smooth texture. These are old fashioned pears with peels like leather and a slightly grainy texture, but the taste is sweet and wonderful. They cook up well, but will make your hands sore when you peel and core lots of them at a time!

Today, I prepared two large bags of pears and some Fuji apples that we got at a farm stand (off the trees that morning!). Now, I have both crockpots running on high. The largest one is full of pears, cinnamon, splenda, and ground cloves. It is filled to the brim, just waiting to cook down into pear butter. Mmmmmm.

My smaller crock pot is filled half way with the remaining pears and topped off with the Fuji apples. They are starting to smell SO good. I will water bath can both batches when they are done. But, they have to cook a long time and they will cook down a lot, so two crock pots is a good amount to deal with.

Some of these will likely be put in Christmas baskets with maybe a decorated hand towel and/or homemade dishcloth or two. I love that the bulk of this gift is done way before Christmas.

I still have about 2/3 of the apples we bought, so some plain ol' apple butter will be next, maybe followed by some home canned applesauce!

Frugal, by necessity or choice!

2010-10-30T12:07:00.000-07:00

Although the politicians say otherwise, I know different. At least in my area of the country (the deep South, specifically, Georgia) we are still being hard hit by this economy. Georgia has lost tons of jobs and I know lots of people who are under-employed or going through a prolonged job search. Raises are non existent for most folks and pay cuts are the norm.

That being said, just about everyone I know is hunkering down and trying to figure out how they can hold it together through Christmas. I am certainly no exception.

Here are some of the things that I do to try and stretch my money a little bit farther.

1. Hang clothes to dry. Our dryer is on its last leg and I only use it for things that really need to be dried. Things that have to be ironed, for example. I couldn't care less if my towels are a little scratchy. Dermatologists tell us to exfoliate, don't they?

2. Home hair cuts. I do the haircuts for both of our boys and get compliments on how nice and neat they look. Hubby isn't brave enough, yet, but someone told him that he should do his hair like my son's hair. Loved that! I use a good set of clippers that hubby found with guide combs (more than paid for itsself, by the way). Even in the beginning, the kids didn't look bad. Now, I am getting good at it. I even cut my own hair. Yes, it sounds like I am super-talented. 8 or 9 years ago, I had unexplained hair loss until I started wearing wigs. I get them on sale and look for trendy/modern cuts. They look great. I buzz cut what is left of my own hair. Otherwise, I would have a stringy comb over thing happening.

3. Cook at home. This is not an easy one for me. I am not a good cook. I am best preparing candies and baking things that would make your cardiologist's head spin. But, as my doctor put me on a diet where I have lost 50 lbs., I can't eat like that. My menus are uninspired, but nutritious. Hubby is a better cook, but he isn't here to do the cooking, except on weekends. I love weekends.

4. Canning or Freezing. You can save a lot of money putting food up. I get windfall pears every year from my trees at my parent's house. They really don't use them for anything, they like that they attract deer. I will cook and can them. Yes, it's work, but that work will keep us full and happy through the winter. Canned goods in a nice basket make a great gift that I have used for many a Christmas! Family packs of meat or surplus of veggies in season can be put away inexpensively. Think sweet potatoes cooked and canned in November. Think green beans in July. Think pumpkins--NOW! If you like the seeds, dry and roast them.

5. Learn to sew. Even if you make crafty gifts or simple curtains and repairs, you can save a bundle and add a little bit of self-sufficiency to your skill list.

6. Crochet or knit. Make scarves for gifts or hats for the homeless shelter. Yarn can be found at thrift stores or even cheaply at Wal Mart. You can make things more special than you can buy them. Make your own dish cloths. If you take good care of them, they will last absolutely forever. They also make a cute gift.

7. Turn off the cable or satellite dish. We did (out of necessity) and until the new season of Dr. Who starts, I won't actually care. The kids watch shows on hulu.com and my oldest has discovered the old Superman movies and Alf! I really did miss two short PBS specials on Sapelo Island and the Okefenokee swamp that I would have liked to have seen, but I am not all that heartbroken about it.

8. Entertain yourselves at home. Rent redbox movies or trade movies that you own with a friend to see something new. Hubby salvedged the bottom bowl from an old smoker that had died and put it up on some rocks and made an impromptu fire pit. We have had numerous marshmallow and wienie roasts and they are fun! We even did this with guests who were visiting and they had a great time. We burned deadfall wood from our property. Yes, we did spring for marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate (and hot dogs) but it's still cheap fun!

Anyway, if you are being hard hit by the economy, you are not alone. Just use this time to build up some frugal skills.

Work in Progress

2010-10-19T18:06:00.000-07:00

Well, I haven't made as much progress as I would have like to have made, but here is where we are. I put sashings between the blocks out of a fabric that I haven't used before, but since it is blue, it works. I love that I am able to rummage through my vintage shirts and find what I need. This is turning out to be a very inexpensive little project so far.

I just have to decide how I want to finish this out. I know that I will have borders around the edges, but I am not sure how many and of which fabrics. I am currently wondering if an nice red border surrounded by pieced scrappy bits of red, tan, and blue fabrics, surrounded by another dark navy border would look.

Hmmm. Maybe I should leave the scrappy to the binding. I'd love it if YOU, my wonderful and glorious readers would chime in with an opinion or two.....or thirty! I know that folks do occasionally check out my blog, so I want to know what everyone thinks would look best.

Oh, How I Love it When the Kids Share with Me...

2010-10-19T09:50:00.000-07:00

NOT! Well, not this time, at any rate.

What started as seasonal allergies (ragweed, yuck!) has slowly turned into sinus infections for all of us, one by one. DS12 had it first, then DS14 (very mild case) and now lucky me! The doctor did set me up with 2 weeks worth of antibiotics and an antihistamine spray for my nose (which works so fast that I am coughing and sneezing just moments after I take it). The only bad thing is that the spray either runs down my throat tasting horrible or it's the drainage. Not pleasant at all.

But, I am taking the new meds and am sure to be on the mend very soon.

Which is good, because I have quilts and lots of Christmas gifty love to work on!

Off to the doctor I go.....

2010-10-18T08:06:00.000-07:00

Sniff. I give up. Really.

Two weeks with a sinus headache is just too much. Hubby suggested I take some benadryl last night so I could sleep and help it ease up if it was allergies. It helped (sleep is always a wonderful thing), but I woke up still hurting.

So, after school today, I am going to the doctor to see what help he offers.

Sigh.

Baby steps...baby steps

2010-10-12T21:04:00.000-07:00

Well, in between out of town guests (love them!) and sick kids (allergies backed up sinuses and now kiddos have infections and ear infections, too), I managed to get a little bit of quilting in.

Thanks to a friend who gave me an older sewing machine that has an awesome straight stitch (but no zig-zag), I am back in business. The star on the left is machine pieced this evening. The one on the right is hand pieced. I love them both. Right now, I am thinking of keeping the hand pieced block and making a wall hanging out of it. I love the hand pieced block, but I am afraid that the machine pieced one might stand up to various washings for a baby's use a little better.

But, I absolutely love having both blocks hanging up to view them. I am using ~~old, discarded~~, I mean vintage shirting fabrics for these. It's soft and masculine. It is the kind of thing that I would have hung up in my kiddo's rooms for years since it isn't kiddie type fabrics

Now, I have to machine piece three more blocks and borders. We are taking a break from school right now, so it's a good thing that I have suddenly been gifted with a machine. God is SO good to me!

Port-a-bil-ity!

2010-10-06T20:13:00.000-07:00

I am fortunate to own a copy of Jinny Beyer's book, Quiltmaking By Hand. I had purchased it quite a while back when I was looking for ideas on hand quilting designs. I never really anticipated needing to learn to sew by hand. But, I digress...

When I looked at the information in the book on hand piecing (great photos, by the way), I realized that I would need to keep a few supplies together so that I could work anywhere. Here are the contents of my new portable sewing kit that I made up. It includes, a mini tape measure, sharp scissors, a rubber coated thimble, YLI Select hand quilting thread in white (needle stuck in top for photo), needle compact (that I will refill), needle threader, and about 8 straight pins. Now, I just needed a way to keep it all together.

This is what I came up with (after a little research and trial and error). It is a Tupperware Sandwich Keeper. It has a strong closure (so I won't lose my stuff) and the lid is hinged (so I can't lose it either). There is a rather large image of the Pokemon named Jigglypuff on the front. I pulled this out of the back of my cabinet. Hey, if I had something that worked, I surely wasn't going to spend money on it. Yes, I know that I am weird. But, no one will accidentally confuse their kit with mine, I am certain of that!

Here it is, all set up in working order. There are two strong magnets hot glued to the lid. One holds my needle that I am currently using so that it won't get lost in the contents. The other holds my few straight pins. Hubby kept the magnets out of an old cell phone case. They are really strong to be so small. Hubby scratched up the lid a bit so that my glue would make a good bond with the magnets.

It is the size of a, well, a sandwich actually to carry around. I keep my current block in progress in a ziplock type (but cheaper) plastic bag to keep all of my pieces together. I can throw it in my purse, or a tote bag.

It's pretty convenient. Today, I sewed two seams while waiting for DS14 in the orthodontist's office. He popped a bracket off and we needed to get it fixed. I also stitched a bit while the kids were working during homeschool time. I imagine that if I get a used to carrying this around, I will find lots of small amounts of time where I can do a bit. Sounds like it could add up to some serious progress to me!

A Small Victory....

2010-10-06T19:25:00.000-07:00

Yep. Here she is. The official, first ever, hand pieced block by moi! It wasn't pressed, just completed while we were homeschooling today. I took it outside (we homeschool with a friend's son and we use their basement) and took this photo while the sun was shining. I used thrifted, er, I mean vintage men's shirting fabrics. Let's just say that the new local Goodwill has been very good to me. So has my hubby, my sons, and various family members who gave me their worn out shirts. But, I have still had to purchase a couple on half price sale (a whopping $2.20) to get the colors that I need for various and sundry projects.

The center blue is a tiny blue and white check, the star points are navy with various blue stripes, and the back ground is a pale blue and yellow windowpane on white. This is the first block in the baby quilt that I am beginning for a very dear friend. I am so excited for her as I know that she will be an awesome mom!

Here is the truth of the situation.....the back of the block. This is where all mistakes will show up. If you look closely you will discover that I am NOT a very good seamstress by hand. But, that part will be hidden and more importantly, this star has POINTS, yes, real points.

I have impressed myself to no end! LOL!

Ragweed, ACK!!!

2010-10-06T19:17:00.000-07:00

Apparently, from the stands of yellow flowers I see growing everywhere, ragweed is in full bloom around here.

Lucky me.

Judging from the fact that my entire brood (self included) is coughing, hacking, sinus headache-y, and tremendous mucous making machines, that we are officially allergic.

Yay.

A block to remember

2010-10-04T21:03:00.000-07:00

Well, it will be when I get it sewed together! I have cut out the first of the four Sawtooth Star blocks for the baby quilt in progress. I have put together a little, portable sewing kit to take this project on the road. Lately, I find that I may get more done if I can do a seam here or there while the kids are working on school work or while waiting for kiddos at the orthodontist, etc.

It's four blocks, so I don't see this as being an astronomical time hog. Now, if I were doing a couple of hundred Drunkard's Path blocks or something, I can see hand piecing as really slowing things down, but just four blocks doesn't seem to be so daunting.

I will try to take a few pics tomorrow (when the light is better) of my little sewing kit and (with luck) my block. Then I will have to cut out another one! I am afraid that I will have to purchase another tan shirt or two in order to make this work. I hate to buy more, but I want this to be really super-cute!

I have never really done many star blocks before and I always have a hard time lining up the star points. I am hoping that hand piecing will allow me to make it look really nice.

A little bit of progress

2010-09-28T11:17:00.000-07:00

Well, if my computer and blogger could agree how to proceed with a photo, this is where I would show you some vintage sheet charm squares (from my swap) that I hand pieced into pairs last night.

I have to admit that it went better than expected. I am still trying to figure out which of my thimbles work best for this. My good thimble (Roxanne) doesn't seem to work well for this, but it is a dream when I am hand quilting.

I pinned up a bunch more squares to practice on. I will start joining them into 4 patches when I get them all done. I figure that I can't do much of anything yet on a "real" project until a) payday comes (I need straw needles and maybe some 1/4 inch tape) and b) I know if I can pull this off well enough to even bother with something that is for a gift.

So, I will keep on with it. It isn't difficult so far and I enjoy having some hand work to do when I am just sitting. At best, I will eventually have a vintage sheet quilt for summertime. Love that idea. At worst, I will have a wall hanging for spring and summer for view when you enter my front door.

If I can get photos to post later, I will.

I see stars....

2010-09-27T15:31:00.000-07:00

Sawtooth stars, actually. Somewhere, I have seen a tutorial or pattern for a Sawtooth Star pattern in around 14 to 15 inches square. I think that 4 of these blocks would be lovely for my baby quilt that I am working on. The mom-to-be wanted navy blue, primarily, but said I could add lighter blues and beige/cream/tan. So...

After much searching and gnashing of teeth, I decided that I could do a Sawtooth Star quilt that would look very planned and nice using a nice, light tan for the block background, light blue for the block centers and navy for the star points, and borders. Maybe a thin, tan background around the blocks before the navy. I wouldn't want the star points to get lost. I also have enough fabric from thrifted shirts to make this an economical project, even if I did have to pick up another shirt or two in the right colors. Right now, economics is playing a very heavy handed role in my decision making. Since we turned the satellite dish off, we are watching movies of an evening (we watched Henry V with Kenneth Brannaugh last night) or listening to the radio. Either way, some handwork makes me happy while I watch or listen.

Anyway, I figure that the whole thing could finish out at round 36 inches square, which isn't a bad baby size quilt.

I am also planning to make a real quilt label this time and not just write on the backing with a permanent pigma pen! Ha! I am so fancy--he! This baby will come into the world in style. I don't know that this baby has any members of his family with "Granny" skills, so I came to the rescue.

Actually, the mom-to-be is a former student who I dearly love! Even if she would have received quilts from every person in her family, I still would have made one.

Gotta finish up the logistics, since I may be piecing this one by hand--yikes! Not my first choice, but I think I can pull it off. Wednesday (payday) I am off to The Gardener's Quilts in Jackson to get some 1/4 inch quilters tape and some straw needles so that I can begin.

I love having a project that is ongoing, so I am pleased to have made a decision on this one. Of course, I still have my brown log cabin to hand quilt and I will start that one right after.

But, first priority is that I really can't wait to get my hands on that baby! How am I ever going to wait until late December??? Good grief. If I can't wait, how must she and her Mom feel?

Off the Deep End?

2010-09-23T20:16:00.000-07:00

Maybe. This idea just might be totally off the deep end...

When my mom had surgery recently, she asked family members to be my FaceBook friends so that I could update them from my phone and get information out quickly without making a bazillion phone calls. So, many of them did. And they were updated.

Today, I mentioned quilting in a message and I got a reply from a family member. Not anyone I am close to, but a great aunt that I have met one or two times. She is a quilter.

Who knew??? Well, actually my mom knew but forgot to mention it. But, I love that! She and her hubby travel lots in a motor home and she takes projects along to work on. Love that, too!

By hand. Now, I like to quilt by hand. I am still a beginner but the process is awesome and relaxing. But, piecing by hand? I don't know about that one! I don't have great manual dexterity at all. Mom was thrilled when I learned to type and quilt by hand--I never could embroider or anything else. But, a rocking stitch slowly came to me. Somehow.

So, now I am almost tempted to hand piece a little something. You know, just to see if I could. Maybe my hand stitching would be less cantankerous than my slowly dying machine. It would be frugal. It would be slow. It might be fun. It might be harder than it looks. It might fall apart the first time I wash it.

Hubby thinks it is a swell idea.

Of course, I think that he wants off the hook to buy a new machine-LOL! Truth be told, he really isn't, but money is surely tight around here lately and we have other things that need to be replaced also.

Things are a bit better today...

2010-09-23T10:52:00.000-07:00

Homeschool is running much more smoothly today. Whatever abducted my kid and left me to deal with a horrible mess seems to have returned to the mother ship.

I even got him to write his first 5 paragraph essay and it ain't half bad! I typed it for him, but it is all his work.

Maybe venting about it made the worst of it go away. I sure hope so.

You might not, because that likely means far more venting in my future-LOL!

After school, I have to make a few work phone calls and then I hope to sew for an hour or so. I decided to start sewing on the quilt that I am giving my Dad for Christmas (glad he doesn't read the blog). The top is all cut out and it will feel productive to get it pulled together. My Mom's Christmas quilt is all done except for binding, so I am ahead of the game on that one (glad she isn't a blog reader, too). Still mulling over a nice (frugal) crafty gift idea (matching hand towels and dish cloths maybe?)for others this Christmas. But, I have time. I have to get the baby quilt together first.

Amanda Jean's filmstrip quilt on crazymomquilts.blogspot.com is looking pretty good too. I could just alternate shirting fabbies with some white or unbleached muslin. Hmmm. Too many choices. But, it is fun to ponder!

No Fair!

2010-09-22T21:33:00.000-07:00

Between helping to take care of my Mom, homeschool for 3 boys, and starting a new business venture (slowly....s l o w l y....), I feel like I am hardly able to get anything done (including laundry) well or even at all, sometimes.

You would think that with the economy and how tight money is for us, that since we are home more that we would be able to get so much more done!

Lately, I am so spent from our homeschool time that I take a nap when I get home. I need the break--dealing with my oldest is totally emotional! But, it eats into my productive time, if you could even call it that.

I guess I need to be more regimented. I am expecting the boys to help more around the house with chores, etc. I think that maybe this place will look relatively presentable in the near future. Hey, a girl can dream, can't she?

But, I am absolutely itching to quilt. Something fabulous. Really fabulous. Now!

I need to make a baby quilt for a friend who is having her first baby. She wants navy blue. She liked my suggestion to add lighter blues, and maybe some white or cream. But, even though I have pored over the internet looking for ideas, I can't settle on anything. My mind is just so addled lately that I am taking way too long to just focus.

I am thinking with that color scheme, that thrifted men's shirts could look fun and very "little man" for the quilt. I've even got a few shirts, just no inspiration that I can claim. My stash fabrics look a little too floral and cutesy for this quilt. The mom is not wanting anything feminine at all, so my swirly little scraps are out this time. I do love the idea of creating an heirloom for my friend's new baby without breaking the bank! This economy does keep us being creative, doesn't it?

It's crazy. I even have a bed sized quilt basted and ready for hand quilting and I just can't seem to get started. It's like I am too tired to pick it up, even though I love to sit and quilt of an evening while the kids and hubby watch a movie, etc.

I have got to get past this little slump I am in so I don't lose my mind. I need my quilt therapy (I can't afford the other kind--LOL)!

Whew! It's a Wild Ride...

2010-09-22T21:21:00.000-07:00

Life, it seems, has me over a barrel right now. At least it seems like it. Returning to homeschooling with my two boys (one gifted, one Aspie that is LD math) and a hearing impaired child of a friend (with cochlear implants, amazing technology) is keeping me busy and worried. I feel like I have been on a roller coaster until I am ready to lose the proverbial lunch!

My oldest (the Aspie) just turned 14 (how did that happen???) and suddenly his behavior and attitudes have taken a turn for the worse. He has never liked to be pushed academically (or physically, for that matter) but he will comply if pressed. Now, it is getting much more difficult to direct him and he is balking at doing even the things he is very good at. I know that it may be just part of the "teenage" thing, but it has pushed me way beyond my limits for the last two weeks (let's just say that I am not going to be eligible for "mommy of the year" any time soon). I can honestly say that I don't anticipate surviving 4 more years of this.

It's heartbreaking that just overnight, I can't seem to reach him. I'm really bummed about this.

My mom had a huge cancer scare and had major surgery. Turns out that she did have a growth in her abdomen, but it was benign (praise God!). We've been checking on her and helping out where we can, but that has messed with our schedules--and my oldest loves counting on the schedule.

Actually, Mom's surgery coincides with the beginning of this two week period where my Aspie began losing all control (minor exaggeration). It also was just before the 14th birthday. I wonder if he is upset and more volatile than usual because of him being aware that Granny is not 100% just yet and he hasn't been going over for his usual sleep overs with Granny and Grandpa.

Sure wish I could figure this one out.

Younger son is doing well. He loves the curriculum we are using (Sonlight), especially the historical fiction. This curriculum is full of amazing books! He wrote his first essay draft today and I am pretty impressed. He doesn't need me as much for a teacher, but just to keep him focused on getting the work done. He likes to learn.

Any homeschool Moms out there who can share some insight? I'm open to suggestions!

Out of Sorts

2010-08-09T04:40:00.000-07:00

It sure seems odd that I am not posting quilty things lately. I am kind of at a standstill for a few reasons. We are just starting our second week of homeschooling and that's a little involved from a planning standpoint. I am starting a new business and my kick off event is this Saturday, so I am frantically cleaning house, attending training, watching training online, etc. Worst of all, until I can earn the money to purchase the new sewing machine, it is unlikely that I can get anything done at all. Sigh.

I did find out that a young friend of mine wants red, white, and black for her baby quilt, so that is another project on the back burner. Her baby is due just before Christmas.

So, I feel like I am in a quilty fog. Lots of projects adding up, but not working on any for now. Ick.

What is with the comments?

2010-08-01T23:02:00.001-07:00

I like it when people comment on my site. I really do. It is a neat way to have some kind of contact with my readers.

But, lately I have been getting some really sleazy comments in a foreign language. I don't post about quilting, homeschooling, frugal living, and being a mom to have comments that are essentially links to overseas porn sites floating around. Yuck!

I have gone through and deleted several, but now I am wondering if I will have to turn on comment moderation to avoid some of this disgusting stuff.

Any thoughts? Legitimate comments are always welcomed!

Okay, Blogger--What Gives?

2010-07-31T21:32:00.001-07:00

Okay, I ranted about the blogs that I follow being erased from my list. Well, Blogger must have been listening, because just a few minutes later, they were returned.

Thank you, Blogger! Can we be friends again???

A New Adventure

2010-07-31T21:22:00.000-07:00

Well, after a summer of not being able to make the bills, the need to homeschool my children (one gifted; one mildly autistic)wins out over returning to my teaching gig. But, we still needed to get some money coming into the household for any "extras" or "fun" that we could even begin to imagine.

Not to mention that my sewing machine is dying and hubby has to work on it each and every time I try to sew for more than 10 minutes or so. Our couch has succumbed to the daily wear and tear (and general disrespect) that my two sons have generously heaped upon it. Add to that the porch and deck that never got built on our house when it was built 5 years ago, and the fact that I haven't had new eyeglasses in 5 years and am starting to have some vision issues. Oh, yeah, don't forget that I have lost 47 lbs. (as of this morning) and I don't have many clothes left that fit.

So, in a moment of pure serendipity, I stumbled across an incredible opportunity. I was invited to a Premier Designs Jewelry party. Needless to say, I am broke, so I made a minimal purchase of small, silver plated earrings. But, the more I looked at the jewelry, the more I was simply impressed with it. I scheduled a party to help my friend out, but eventually, I thought that I could be the Jewelry Lady.

Long story short, this company is amazing, debt free, and based on Biblical principals. So, now I am a Jewelry Lady. I am starting to schedule shows and my kick-off event is on August 14th! I am so excited! I have even been invited to have a booth at a craft show kind of venue. It is all so amazing!!!

If you are in Georgia and would like to know more information, let me know and I will get back with you!

EXPLAIN, please!

2010-07-31T21:21:00.001-07:00

I would like to know exactly WHY Blogger just decided to erase all of the blogs that I am following. There were around 100. Now, I will have to take time to try and track them all down again. That makes me so mad!

Technology is supposed to make my life a little easier, not more difficult. UGH!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

2010-07-25T19:39:00.001-07:00

well, not exactly in the deep South, but you know what I mean. We are, gulp, 5 months out from Christmas! So, my dining room is looking a little rough with all kinds of Christmas goodness coming together.

Right now, I have cut out pieces to make a certain someone a lap quilt.

And now I am in the middle of cutting up thrifted shirts for a Smokey Mountain Stars Quilt from the Quiltville site. This will be a generous couch quilt for someone special.

Beyond that, I have a log cabin lap quilt ready to go (minus binding) for Christmas day.

So, I am making progress toward all of the gifty goodness! But, there is so much to do and so many secrets to keep--hehehe! Good thing I picked up more shirts at the thrift store today. Got some good colors, even some cool greens!

It's Hard to Keep a Secret!

2010-07-25T19:29:00.000-07:00

But, unfortunately, it is very necessary sometimes, especially when the secret involves two matching gift items for nieces' birthdays! I have been dying to post more about them, but I knew that my tech savvy nieces might see them. So....

Without further ado!

This is a purse with two interior pockets made for my 9 year old niece. She seemed to think that it was cool!

This purse is for her big sister who is turning 14! Yikes! She seemed to love that hers was scaled up with a few extra details to differentiate it.

So, I have made two gifts this week. Unfortunately, neither one was a Christmas gift. So, I have to get cracking on that front!

Ruby Blue Quilting Studio: Pillowcases anyone?

2010-07-21T20:32:00.000-07:00

Ruby Blue Quilting Studio: Pillowcases anyone?

Tutorial for pillowcase

2010-07-21T20:29:00.000-07:00

This is not your ordinary pillowcase method, but a "hot dog" method which leave no unfinished ends to wear out prematurely. I have heard of this method, but didn't know how to do it.

This tutorial is fabulous and makes perfect sense! Check it out for yourself! I know that I will! I'd also love to see pillowcases that YOU have made.

Ruby Blue Quilting Studio: Pillowcases anyone?

Current project

2010-07-21T20:02:00.001-07:00

Today, I feel a little like a quilter from during the great depression, cutting buttons off of shirts that are being dissembled for quilt making. Jack, the (seam) ripper makes quick work of this.

Lately, I have been gathering together some older shirts that hubby no longer wears or doesn't like, some homespun looking shirt fabrics from my Mom's stash that was intended to make shirts at one time, and a few shirts I got cheap at GoodWill in order to make a guy quilt for a Christmas gift. Here are some of the shirts.

Here are the other shirts that wouldn't fit into the picture and the homespun fabrics.

I really am getting inspired by some of the quilts that I am finding online that showcase this type of fabric. Some of my favorites are here, here, here, here, and here.

I have some Christmas gift ideas in mind and a few I would like to donate. I keep reading how there are seldom quits donated that are suitable for a man or older boy. These look like they would fit the bill nicely.

Of course, now that my boys are older, I might could make them each a bed quilt that is more "guy" friendly. Oh, so many projects and so little time! But, at least I can shop the GoodWill sales and get cheap fabric!

Life is good!

Check this out!

2010-07-19T21:06:00.000-07:00

Tonight, just after midnight, I submitted my first submission to the Stash Manicure blog. So, hop on over HERE and look for my post. I am the one who is not a well known quilter, hasn't written a tutorial or quilt book, and who doesn't have a pattern design company! Hooray for us little gals!

While you are there, send Rae Ann some bloggy love for letting me run with the big (feed?) dogs today!

Whew!

2010-07-17T18:30:00.000-07:00

I've been working on some gifty type things lately and while I can't be too forthright about specifics, I am excited about them. DS12 is helping me to pick layouts, colors, etc. and seems to be tolerant of his mom doing continual projects.

For the latest one, I have been using a new (to me) way of connecting quilt as you go blocks together with sashings only on the back. I think it will look very nice, but my machine isn't crazy about sewing through all of the layers at once.

This is pretty much a stash project. I had stashed some completed blocks years ago when my skill set wasn't advanced enough to know how to finish them. They are wonky and show loads of beginner enthusiasm, but not a lot of precision. I love that about them. It reminds me of all of the things I have learned as a quilter and how far I have come. Great gift. Scrappy fabrics with memories attached. No cost. Frugal quilting at it's best!

I can't show you the entire project because of the gifty nature, but I can give you a little hint....

Great News!

2010-07-16T09:13:00.000-07:00

I got an email this morning that absolutely blew me away! Rae Ann of the Stash Manicure blog asked me to be a contributor. I will post on July 20th about the purse I just finished.

This is a blog that I frequent for inspiration and the contributors are amazing quilters, designers, organizers--I am completely out of my league, but am loving it!

Look for me here on July 20th!

Finally, a quilty (kind of) project!

2010-07-15T22:08:00.001-07:00

The other day, when I took my Mom with me to The Gardener's Quilts in Jackson, I saw this really great purse on display. I checked it out carefully and came home and made my own version of it (sans pattern--can you believe it?).

Here is the interior of the bag. It has 4 pockets, 2 narrow pen/pencil slots, and a look of fabric to hook my keys on. Love it!

The fabric is Nautical and Nice by Sandy Gervais for Moda. I bought a jelly roll to participate in the Jelly Roll Quilt Along. Since my job and family life went haywire, I never did more than a wall hanging with the blocks, so I decided to use the rest in a way that I would enjoy every day.

Ooh! I just bought more Sandy Gervais fabric today! It's a Frolic Jelly Roll and I will be making birthday gifts out of it soon!

Another FAB giveaway!

2010-07-14T09:09:00.000-07:00

Check this out. I would love an AccuQuilt Go! cutter, but I know that it's not something I can budget for right now, so these giveaways are wonderful!

A Dream of a Man

2010-07-13T19:54:00.001-07:00

My hubby did the most wonderful thing for me tonight. He found a book on our bookshelves about fixing sewing machines. I am sure that I bought it at one point, but I am not mechanical at all.

Well, long story short, he fixed my sewing machine! He hasn't tackled the one that is horribly out of time, but maybe he will. He took my very simple straight stitch machine that wasn't making a reliable seam. I had tried every tension trick that I had ever learned (and made up a couple). He took it apart, found and solved the problem and it now works better (and much more quietly) than when it was new, even.

I pray that there is a new machine in my future so that I can continue to make my Crazy Shortcut Quilts which need some fancy stitches, but I am thrilled that I am not permanently sidelined without any machine.

What a wonderful man!

Fun!

2010-07-13T15:06:00.000-07:00

Lately, we have been having some issues. It has been really hard as a family to deal with my lack of an income. Since I am home schooling this year, there is no income to look forard to. It's been a bit of a bummer as we adjust. I was deeply in need of some fun....

Yesterday, I took my Mom to the Gardener's Quilts in Jackson. For her birthday, she wanted to pick out materials to make a friend a quilt for her first grandbaby. So, I took her to their new location.

What a cute little store! It was brightly lit and well organized and Mrs. Jan, the owner, is always wonderful to see. Can't wait to go back when I can buy a bit for me.

They will be offerring a scrap quilting class soon which ultimately ends up with a star quilt. I am really excited because I know of someone who would just LOVE a quilt for Christmas.

They also had an adorable little purse on display, made from jelly roll strips. I really liked it and came home and sorted through jelly roll strips that I already have. I found some of Nautical and Nice by Sandy Gervais in red, white, and blue that fit the bill! I had originally purchased it to do a quilt along, but after doing a few blocks, I couldn't fit it in my schedule. So, instead of feeling really bad about it, I will make my blocks into an adorable wall hanging and use the rest of the strips for my purse. I am so excited!

Can't wait to finish and show pictures!

Not much going on around here

2010-07-08T09:54:00.000-07:00

Summertime, and the living's easy! That song keeps rolling through my mind lately. It has seemed both quiet and hectic around here.

While DS13 working with the math tutor has been a rousing success, I had to move all of my sewing and quilting stuff out of the dining room in order to make room for the new home school. I must admit that it looks fantastic without all of my clutter visible, but I have had to pile it up in my bedroom (bleck)!

So, now I am slowly working on the big dig to get my bedroom and bath under control. It started as horrendous on Monday when hubby and I first started tackling it. I have figured out how to make a sewing space, but, good grief, it isn't going to look very nice until I can invest in a nice sewing cabinet that will double as a night stand. Oh well.

Soon, I can resume my creative projects (I hope). I am definitely going to be trying to use up more and more of my stash to help the storage issues that are rampant when it comes to my hobby. Sigh.

Today, it is only moderately horrendous, being about half dug out or so. I will continue plugging along and hope that I can do enough to make a visible difference soon. That helps me to keep plugging along.

That's all for now. Hope to post more interesting stuff soon!

Vacation

2010-06-28T10:13:00.000-07:00

Okay, it has taken me just over a week to get my photos onto my computer and share a bit of our wonderful bit of respite at Jekyll Island off the coast of Georgia.

It's my favorite place in the whole world.

We met a dear friend, her oldest daughter, and nephew and got to have a wonderful, if whirlwind visit. They were only there for 2 days, but we enjoyed every moment of them.

As you can see, the kiddos love to play in the low surf and tidepools. With jellyfish in the deeper waters, the kids have learned to be kind of careful and stay in the shallows. We swim in pools, we wade and body surf a bit in the ocean.

DS 13 got a little excited when we arrived. He seems a bit happy to be back on island time!

DS 12 and my friend's lovely daughter had a great time!

Putt putt was a blast! What handsome putt-putters I have!!!

A parting shot of my friend and her younguns trying to figure out strategy!

One part of our vacation that I don't have any pictures of is our turtle walk. Years ago, we took a class with the kids on how to go on the beach and night and look for endangered loggerhead sea turtles. We have been roaming the beach late at night with red lights (turtles aren't disturbed by the red light, but a regular flashlight can disorient them) ever since.

The one night that I was able to go (no exhausted kids to watch over so others could go) we met a really nice fella and his daughter who were newbies. We actually saw a turtle finish her nest and return to the ocean. It was so great to see this through the eyes of folks who hadn't seen it before. It awakened all of my teacher instincts.

Love that!

I have been remiss

2010-06-28T09:44:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted in awhile. It's been odd, but I haven't been terribly sure what to say lately.

That is definitely not like me.

So, here is an update of life lately:

I haven't blogged about it much (if at all), but I got horrible blood test results back in February and March. The doctor really scared me. I knew that I was overweight, but I didn't realize that my health had gotten quite so bad. I wasn't just "fluffy." I was a ticking time bomb.

So on March 28, 2010, the doctor's blood tests confirmed that my efforts (and they had truly been genuine) to make improvements through diet weren't working, so he put me on a diet which he had found to be truly helpful. It involved buying my foods, drinks, shakes, etc. from a particular company. It was a "moderately low carb" plan.

I was (and am) seriously averse to "frankenfoods." I had begun eating clean and following a good plan on Sparkpeople.com that follows the USDA guidelines, so I had already been cutting out a lot of processed foods from my diet. That left me in a quandry.

The program that the doctor uses has a great history of success, but it is also expensive. I realize that I probably spend close to this for food for myself each month, but certainly not in a single payment! I just don't have that kind of cash to throw around, so I did lots of research and asked my doctor lots of questions and came up with a way to do this myself.

I went back to check a lot of the original research that was done on low carb diets. I know, I am a nerd, but I really wanted to understand how to make this work without the fake foods. Eventually, I settled on a more moderate version of the Atkins plan. Dr. Atkins had done all of the original research, but I took my doctor's advice and went fairly moderate. I never went into Induction at all, but went straight to the On-going Weight Loss phase (OWL).

So far, from March 29th through today, I have lost 38 lbs. and am feeling better than I have felt in years. I am walking every evening with my family and it feels pretty good (even if it is HOT!). I seem to have lost my taste for, and cravings for, intensely sugary foods. I don't even really want them. Believe me when I tell you that this has never been true for me in the past, no matter what diet I tried.

My goal was always to lose enough to be in a healthy BMI with about 5 lbs. of wiggle room for maintenance. That is a goal of 120 lbs. It seems unbelievable that I could ever be that weight. The last time I weighed that was probably in 7th grade (1979 or so). To reach that weight will entail a loss of 118 lbs or so. Literally, half of me. It's a daunting goal.

As far as mini-goals, I had hoped to lose 50 lbs. by my birthday in early October. I really think that I might be able to pull that off now. It's amazing. I have tried so many times and not experienced any success. It seems foreign to me that I could actually pull this off, but I really seem to be doing it.

My doctor says that my metabolism has been so damaged over the years (not so much from yo-yo dieting, because I was never very successful with dieting) from a slow, continual climb in weight that this program is just about the only way for me to lose. I don't know that it would be right for everyone, but it is certainly a healthy option for me.

Oddly, I was so focused on improving my health that I didn't really realize how much that my quality of life would improve. Or, how much I would enjoy going blueberry picking, or for a brisk walk on the beach during vacation or just our little walks on the track every evening.

I think I haven't blogged about this until now because I was very ashamed of how unhealthy I had become. I also don't think that I ever really believed that I could do this successfully.

It's taken me 38 lbs and almost being out of the dreaded "200s" to feel like maybe, just maybe, I was wrong. Maybe I can make this happen. Maybe I can shop in regular size stores. Maybe I can feel young again.

Just maybe.

Cool Giveaway!

2010-06-25T20:24:00.001-07:00

Check out the giveaway for a vintage sheet quilt on this blog. The quilt is adorable and I know everyone will want in on this one. Tell them I sent you!

A Birthday Finish!

2010-06-06T11:58:00.001-07:00

I may not have been really up to date with my blogging, but I do have a wonderful new finish to report. My Aunt, who we affectionately call Dee (not her real name) is having a birthday today. Fortunately, I don't think she reads my blog, so I can post a sneak peek here.

It all started with these....

I won all 3 patterns earlier this year from Janice and Marcea at Abbey Lane Quilts. I was completely smitten by the Abbey Bag pattern. Don't get me wrong, I adore them all, but the Abbey Bag seemed just the thing to make for my quilting Aunt.

I have been collecting a bit of Vintage Sheets in order to make an old fashioned looking summer quilt for hubby and I. We love that shabby chic meets cottage meets grandma's farmhouse look, especially in our bedroom. It just so happened as I was searching for a magnificent gift idea that I got my package back from the Vintage Sheet Charm Square Swap that I participated in!

Hmmm.... Great pattern. Lovely Vintage Fabbies. I love it when a plan comes together!

Here is the completed Abbey Bag laying flat while the glue dries.

Here is what it looks like in use, the snippets bag hanging off of the edge.
Love that lining fabric and pocket!

Here is the closeup of the flower portion. My machine is getting really clunky/weird, so my flower petals are kind of wonky. But, hey, wonky works for me!

All in all, I adore this little pincushion/snippets bag combo. It even has a double pocket for scissors, seam ripper, etc. Plus, it's pretty and could be made easily out of my stash VS, which saves me money as well.

Can't beat that!

An Amazing Giveaway!

2010-06-02T11:57:00.000-07:00

I love giveaways. It's a fun part of the blogging community. It's a great way to encourage readership and to get a chance to see new blogs and make new bloggy friends, even if you don't win a prize. And who couldn't use a little fun?

And what quilter couldn't use an Accuquilt Go! cutter???

This is an amazing giveaway. Rush over to this blog to learn more and sign up. Tell them I sent you. No, really, stop what you are doing and click HERE!!! You don't want to miss out on this.

Personally, if I didn't already have a blog, I would start one for this!

Memorial Day

2010-05-31T09:20:00.000-07:00

Happy Memorial Day! I hope that your family is enjoying the holiday and remembering the meaning of this day. I bought a new flag to hang outside our home to mark the occasion (and replace our previous flag which bit the dust).

I hope that while you and yours are celebrating, you take a moment to remember the valor and dedication of our men and women in the Armed Forces, especially those who paid the ultimate sacrifice so that we may live free.

Long may our flag wave, representing freedom to all the world!

Well Lookie Here!

2010-05-26T20:25:00.001-07:00

Isn't this little fellow adorable? He is a work friend of mine's first grandson, laying on the quilt I made him. The back side is facing up.

Remember this quilt? I think he likes it!

Wow! I want one!

2010-05-26T18:00:00.000-07:00

This is a cool giveaway. Click here to check it out! The ever amazing AccuQuilt cutting tool is now on Facebook and they have been giving away the AccuQuilt Go! to some folks who befriended them on Facebook. Well, Joanne has won one and she is giving away a pre-cut tumbler quilt kit in red, white, and black.

Go check it out and enter!

Frugal Mindset

2010-05-25T20:32:00.000-07:00

I've always been a little bit, well, cheap. I've more or less had to be. Now, having resigned, I am looking at bringing in no income, at least temporarily. So, I have been rethinking lots of things that we can do to help bring our expenses into line with our downsize budget. Of course, even if I hadn't resigned, I wouldn't have gotten paid in the summer, so it was time to pare back a bit regardless.

1. Eat at home. We have gotten way too comfortable with the convenience of eating out, usually fast foods that are terrible for our health. Cooking at home is somewhat complicated with my doctor having put me on a special diet that no one else in the family is following. Hmmm. That will take some thought.

2. Haircuts at home. Keep cutting the boys' hair at home. Only rarely do I get a professional cut to help with thinning out hair. Maybe I will invest in some thinning shears. At $10 per haircut for the boys, it can add up quickly as we don't let the boys have long hair.

3. Repurpose. We are working on a few projects that involve this principle. When DS13 outgrew his captain's bed, hubby kept the pieces. We needed a chest of drawers for him because we had used the one under the bed. Since none materialized, he took the dresser part from the old bed, added sides and a top out of MDF and stained it all to match. As soon as it is dry, it will replace the repurposed coffee table that holds his video game system, etc. Now, it will be both a video system and a dresser for very little cost! I need a desk now that I will be at home. Hubby is making me one with a piece of the left over MDF that will anchor between two bookshelves. All it will cost is the angle irons to attach it and maybe some paint to decorate it.

4. Frugal gifts. I have always loved to make things, crafts, crochet, knit, quilt, even scrapbook using computer software. Now, I have time to make more things, but less money to invest in materials. I am collecting Vintage Sheets from thrift stores for quilting and other things, as it is very cheap yardage. Old jeans can be made into nifty, strong shopping bags and other things. Lots of projects can be made from my stash of fabrics and scraps. If I don't have something suitable, I'd bet my mom does and she is trying to reduce her stash and save money also.

5. Basic sewing. I am no seamstress, but as a quilter, I know my way around my cheap-o sewing machine! Simple repairs, alterations, simple valences, bed coverings, pillows, etc. are all within my grasp. I have some capri pants that I will dart in to make sure they continue to fit for the summer. I can cut off the boys' too short pants into durable shorts. Any purchased materials will need to be on super special sale or with a mega-coupon (or thrift store finds).

6. Freecycle. I really could use a new sewing machine. I really can't afford to buy one, but I would consider using one that I found on Freecycle.

7. Thrift Stores, Yard Sales, Estate Sales. I generally look for vintage linens for sewing, but I am not above looking for other inexpensive, usable items if it is something we REALLY need.

8. Minimize Car Usage. Combine trips, etc. Just plain stay home more.

9. Canning. I love to can fruits and veggies. When I get windfall foods this year (like pears off of my parent's trees) I can can them for later and even give them as gifts. I used to make baskets of home canned foods and jams. They always went over quite well.

10. Free or Reduced Admission Days. Many local attractions have one day during the week that has a reduced admission rate or is free. I will take my kids on those days. That way, we can have a "stay-cation" and the kids won't feel deprived--and neither will I! This includes our annual parking pass for all Georgia State Parks. Since there are so many parks in this state, we more than get our money's worth on this one.

Proud Mama

2010-05-25T20:10:00.000-07:00

This has been a really tough year for me, both personally and professionally. I found myself making choices that I wasn't prepared to make, sometimes painful ones.

Monday, I resigned my job as high school teacher in order to make sure that my kid's needs are being better met (particularly DS13, my aspie). I am trusting that I am keeping my steps in accordance with God's plan, but it's hard to step out into the unknown.

I've been approached about a couple of other schools, but I don't think they can meet our needs, either. Besides, I don't know that I am ready to merge in with another high school as a staff member anyway.

Tonight, we went to our (former) school's Awards Program and got to see lots of kids and parents. It was good.

It was even better when DS12 won the Christian character award, highest GPA in his class, the Spanish award, "A" Honor Roll, and 1 silver and 6 gold awards for his grades!

DS13 won awards, too, but I don't know what they are yet because he didn't attend the program (on the advice of his doctor--we had some issues toward the end of the year).

I am so very proud of my boys as we step out in faith to see what the next chapter of our lives will be!

Latest vintage sheet foray!

2010-05-22T09:36:00.001-07:00

On my latest trip into the new Goodwill store, I scored even more beautiful vintage sheets! Where other stores in my area rarely get new linens, this store is turning over new items frequently.

Bright yellow with orange flowers. Pow!

The photos don't do this one any justice at all.
Stripes! Stripes! Stripes!
in beige, periwinkle, orange, and mint green. It's MOD!

Lovely lavender and purple violets with a blue watercolor stripe.

The sweetest windowpane pattern with little rose colored flowers.

Gotta love it!

Got all of this (one twin, two doubles, and a queen flat sheet) and the original Lon Cheney version of The Hunchback of Notre Dame on VHS for my son for only $13.30! I scored!

New Goodwill Store

2010-05-22T09:25:00.000-07:00

A brand new Goodwill store has opened in our area. I was able to go by on their opening day for a moment to check out the selection of vintage sheets. It was on May 13th, so I am very delayed in getting this posted.

Overall, I really liked the store. It was clean, roomy, well laid out and pleasant to shop in. It didn't have that funky "thrift store smell" yet. Love that.

This is my haul for the first day. The prices were a tad higher here, but the selection was great!

This looks like little blue hankies stitched together on the diagonal. Love it!
These pop art flowers in yellow, blue, and purple are terribly spring-timey!

This is my favorite. Lttle pink rosettes on a crisp, white background! It brings out all of the girly instincts in me. I don't get those often with two boys and hubby around!

For me the best part is knowing that I have loads of yardage for a small price and it's all so adorable! I will definitely make a summer quilt for our bed and maybe a gift for someone special!

As the school year starts grinding down...

2010-05-17T15:00:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lack of recent posts. I haven't been doing anything much on the quilting front. I did fix (with help from my mom) the baby quilt for the colleague and I am much relieved! The mom to be is going to the hospital tomorrow to be induced. She has had such a hard time with this pregnancy, I know she is glad it is almost over!

Lately, all my attention has gone toward the final school field trips and getting ready for final exams. We start administering them tomorrow! They should all be over by Thursday afternoon. Whew! No matter how well I plan or try to get work done ahead of time, the end of the year is always hectic.

Add to that the drama that comes from working with other people and it's been crazy lately. But, we are almost there!

I am going to do some serious quilting this summer!

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-08T20:17:00.000-07:00

Best wishes to all of the Moms out there! There is no doubt that we are all influenced by our own Mom and also by other Moms that we meet along the way.

I will be doing a bit of hand quilting today. I started machine quilting a baby quilt and my machine is doing a horrible job. I got it roughed in with straight lines and I will put the little flowers in the open spaces by hand.

Oh well! At least it is nice, meditative work.

A Dilemma

2010-05-05T18:30:00.000-07:00

Okay, I was so excited to give my friend at work a quilt for her first grandson who will be born any time. I had washed and dried it and checked it thoroughly before I gave it to them.

Today, my friend brings it back to me and it has large holes in the seams. Could I have missed them when I checked it? Are my seams falling apart?

I did this as a quilt as you go with long seams that run horizontally across it that are both the piecing seams and the quilting. I had a couple of small places that came apart earlier, but was able to close them up by hand and cover them with appliques.

I used a larger than 1/4 inch seam allowance and was extremely careful when I sewed it together. I can't imagine why it is falling apart. The fabric is good quality that I got in a bundle at the Scarlet Thread Quilt Shop, so that shouldn't be it.

The only thing that I can imagine that could have caused this is that my sewing machine might not have been sewing a truly strong seam in the few hours before the timing went out. The seams looked okay, but maybe they are letting go now.

I will try to fix it, but I might just feel better if I just make her a new one on the other machine (the one I fixed).

Yeah, BABY!

2010-05-05T08:18:00.000-07:00

After much consternation and internet hunting, I found a few websites about simple sewing machine repairs that I was able to glean some information from. No one site had all that I needed. I had to read for quite a while to wrap my non-mechanical mind around.

But, I was able to fix one of my sewing machines, my Euro-Pro. It is my spare, but I am so glad to have anything working right now, I can't even see straight. Plus, since I don't have any spare money to have either machine worked on, it's even better that I learned to do it myself.

I basted an earlier quilt top for quilting and I am going to try and begin quilting it tonight with the techniques that my Aunt shared with me. It will be divided into large blocks with large flowers quilted into the blocks. Perfect for a baby girl's quilt, don't you think?

I am so excited! I am quilter, hear me roar!

Finally!

2010-05-03T19:39:00.001-07:00

Okay, it's not a great photo, but this is what the blue flannel baby quilt looks like after being finished, bound, washed, and dried. It didn't get as crinkly as I generally like, but that is okay, too.

I borrowed Mom's machine to finish the appliqued circles and she put the binding on today for me when I emailed her that the mom to be is in labor (3 weeks early) and I needed to finish it tonight. She was such a doll to do that.

Now, I have another one to finish up for a girl at church and one for a work colleague's first grandbaby. No pressure, right? HA!

It's killing me not to have a working machine right now, but I can use Mom's when I need to. I guess I just didn't realize how much I got accomplished with just a few minutes here or there when I am home. It's going to get tougher when I have to plan for time to go to Mom's and stay and work on projects. Which is, well, right now if I am ever to get finished with these baby quilts!

Not one, but two....

2010-04-27T09:37:00.000-07:00

Sewing machines that are down at my house now. My main machine is out of timing so that every time the needle goes down, it smashes into the bobbin assembly and breaks the needle. This is not conducive to good quilting. Sigh.

So, on I go to return to my old reliable standby sewing machine. It worked along just lovely for about 10 minutes and then began making the most horrendous bird's nests on the back. I have rethreaded and changed bobbins and changed adjustments, etc. and nothing corrects the problem.

My main frustration is that I am in the middle of a baby quilt that is just starting to come together beautifully and I am so excited to get it finished and now I am stuck. I can use my Mom's sewing machine later in the week, but I won't be able to do it at home when I can catch a few spare minutes here and there. Sigh.

I could take them in and drop them off for a little check up with the tech at my LQS, but one session will cost half of the original price of the machine (both of them). I know, I know, cheap, crappy machines, but they served their purpose for the time. They allowed me to sew when I would normally not have been able to afford a machine to sew on.

So, again I find myself in a situation with very little spare cash in the budget and needing a good machine. Maybe I will look for a used one with a little better quality level.

Something to think about!

Raffle Tickets

2010-04-26T16:50:00.000-07:00

I teach at, and my kids attend, a local Christian school. We work for very low wages because we truly believe in the mission that this school has set out to accomplish for Christ.

My kids are thriving there, especially DS13, my aspie. It takes a special blend of compassion and acceptance to work with a kid like him and this school does so very well at making him feel like he is part of something bigger and that he is accepted by all staff and students alike. And he truly is accepted. That is a rare thing for an aspie. With bullying on the rise, many kids could use some acceptance at school. We don't tolerate bullying at all. We're proactive about that and it helps keep our kids and students safe.

We have no debt as a school. But, we got into a lease agreement to use a school building with a strong possibility that we could purchase the building in time. Unfortunately, due to changes in the economy, the building will come off of the market and won't be sold to anyone. Next year is our final year in "our" building.

We have located property that is wonderful and have put money down on it. We are desperately trying to raise money to pay off the land and build the building without inurring debt. Debt would make tuitions rise sharply and we are trying to keep tuition low for families that really need our school.

So, we are having an amazing raffle! Tickets are $10 each and there are numerous prizes (with more being added daily) including a week in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, a week at a Lake House; free tuition for a year, jewelry, and more! We are waiting confirmation on some airline tickets and possibly a car to add to the list. For a complete list (updated daily) check out our school's website here.

All that to say that if you would like to support our efforts to bring Christian education to lots of families or if you would just like to win cool prizes, let me know in a comment and I can get with you to get your ticket to you. Thanks!

Either way, we would love to have you praying for our success! Thanks!

News Release on Youth Birding Competition

2010-04-24T22:20:00.000-07:00

This is the official press release from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources:

http://www.gofishgeorgia.com/node/2136

I can't stand myself; I am so proud of my kiddo and his friends!!!

Chaotic Kestrels Win!!!

2010-04-24T22:17:00.001-07:00

Tonight, we are celebrating! DS12s birding team won 1st place in the Georgia State Youth Birding Competition, locating and identifying 100 species in 24 hours. I am one very proud mama!

From left to right: Gif Beaton (author and event judge), Ethan Hatchett, Daven Hayes, Tim Keyes (Event Coordinator), and C.J. Armour. Not pictured is my hubby, the exhausted, but very proud couch who is currently snoring on the couch!

Time to stop?

2010-04-24T22:12:00.000-07:00

Have you ever sewn or quilted late into the night and didn't stop until you heard that small, nagging something that convinced you that you might be better off with a little sleep.

Tonight, it was the machine needle breaking and leaping into my left index finger. For some reason that made me think to call it quits for tonight.

One small part of a seam came apart. I tacked it back together by hand, but I am worried about it. The flannel fabric will tend to ravel and baby quilts are laundered alot.

I am going to have to ponder this one. Funny how I thought I was done with this one, but like it so much better now with the extra stitching.

Afternoon at Dee's

2010-04-24T20:29:00.000-07:00

Okay, I will take credit that I kind of got my Aunt into quilting. No, it's not that she was unaware of quilts or even had thought of making one, but she doesn't want to take on a huge hand quilting project, so she never had really pursued much of it.

After she admired my Crazy Shortcut Quilt, I bought her a copy of the book and answered a few questions and shared some websites that I like. Well, she has taken off and run with it, that is for sure.

Ahem. Today she rocked my socks off. Not only has she been amazingly prolific with her quilting, she was teaching me more than one thing that I didn't know and recommending some new websites!

Yikes! I have created a monster (a good one, a quilt monster)!

So, now that Dr. Who is over, I am adding extra quilting on the baby boy quilt I did recently, using the technique that she showed me. I am adding circles of quilting to add interest to an otherwise okay but not terribly inspired looking baby quilt. Glad I hadn't bound it yet!

Can't wait to finish it and see how it works out. Photos soon, I promise!

A good find!

2010-04-24T04:28:00.000-07:00

Since this is the weekend of the Georgia Youth Birding Competition, DS13 and I have had some quality time together as hubby and DS12 participate.

So, in and among my other errands, we stopped in to check out a small thrift shop that I had never really noticed before. It wasn't associated with a charity like most in this area. When I was a kid, we called these places "junk shops." I like junk shops!

Anyway, I scored some remarkable sheets. See?

The center one is a blue, teal, green, and white fitted sheet that the elastic is shot. The one on the left is a queen flat with blue, yellow, and purple flowers on it. The one on the right is a queen flat that is perfect! I am keeping a large section of it for a baby quilt backing. How perfect is that?

The baby quilt I am planning will be my first foray into using this gorgeous fabric. I can't wait!

I washed them up last night and hope to get them cut today for my swap (and some will be kept of course). I just love that they are soft and pretty. I love that hubby loves these types of colors for our bedding and that in patchwork he kind of digs that "grandmother's bedroom" shabby chic look. But, the best part is that I get to keep on quilting and don't have to spend oodles of money to get a look that I really, really adore!

Such fun!

Not shabby for a school night...

2010-04-20T18:40:00.001-07:00

Ever since Shop Hop, I have had this yummy flannel fabric ready to make a quilt for the first grandson of a work colleague. It's the sweetest fabric, but I have been trying to do so many things lately, that I haven't had time to work on it.

The baby is due in May! Time to get crackin'!

This is the detail of one of the fabrics. Isn't it cute?

Don't you just love the baby things hanging on the line?

This is the quilt without binding. I don't have any brilliant ideas for binding, so I will likely make a scrappy one from the leftover fabrics on the front. I did this as a quilt as you go project and was able to finish it in about 2.5 hours. I will bind it tomorrow evening. I am already up past my bedtime, as is!

This is the backing fabric with little shoes!

All in all, I think that while it is simple, the fabrics are adorable and it was a good use of a weekday evening! Not too shabby if I say so myself.

Next up is to finish a baby girl quilt for the coming great granddaughter of a lady at church. The top is finished, but not quilted yet. Then, I am making one for DS12s teacher's first grandbaby--another girl! I love making the frou frou stuff.

It's also a good use of material I got on sale. I love turning something small into something much nicer!

500th post!

2010-04-19T13:55:00.003-07:00

Wow! 500 posts. A milestone. Too much pressure.

Anyway, I figured that the best thing to celebrate with would be beauty.

So, here it is, the first yellow rose from the bush that sits right outside my back door. Gorgeous, even if I do say so myself. It was definitely worth hauling the composted bunny poop by the shovelful to keep her happy.

But, if, as the philosopher's say, "Truth is beauty, and beauty truth," I must add something of truth.

Hmmm. Tough one!

Today, on my first search for Vintage Sheets to use in the swap I joined, I scored this beauty: a pillowcase with hula girls for $.59. That's nearly a yard of fabric for less than the price of a can of Diet Coke. I mean, can you dig it? It's hula girls, for goodness sake! The are beautiful and kitchy and retro and COOL!!! And that's the truth!

Vintage Sheets

2010-04-18T09:11:00.000-07:00

Do you remember what sheets felt like when you were a kid? When they were buttery smooth and soft and all broken in? When they were a little bit cool when you slipped into them after playing all day and evening catching lightning bugs? Newer sheets don't feel like that.

My friend, Bev, and I were discussing that earlier this week. Maybe it is all of the chemical treatments and sizings that are put on newer sheet, but they are not as soft, even if you spend way TOO much money on them. Maybe it is the "don't need to iron" qualities of newer sheets. I don't know. We never ironed sheets. Who has time for that? We hung them on the line (usually), took them down, gave them a good shake before putting them on the bed. Neither Bev nor I come from fancy folks. But, the sheets felt so good.

Ironically, while I was reading blogs today, I checked out Amy at A Quilting Sheep as I usually do and she turned me on to a blog about Vintage Sheets. They were having a give away, so I popped over to check it out. Okay, the give away stuff can seem lame, but it is a good way to spread the word about your blog and add to its readership. Besides, I am on a roll since being a winner in the Abbey Lane giveaway!

But, it wasn't just about the sheets. They are using them to make beautiful items and repurpose them in a meaningful way when their original form might not be appealing anymore. Doubly cool!

Then the site directed me to Whimsie Dots blog and etsy shop. Too cute! It's retro fun!

Anyway, head over to Vintage Sheets and check out the giveaway for a bundle of sheet prints. How amazing would a summer time quilt be in that? I guess I didn't think quilting with Vintage Sheets, but maybe table cloths and curtains. Silly me! I think about quilting when it comes to everything else, so why not? Those soft little gems would make me smile and what could be cooler than that?

Jelly Roll Sampler Quilt Along Block #4

2010-04-17T21:29:00.000-07:00

Okay, it's block 4 of the Jelly Roll Sampler Quilt Along sitting on my ratty ironing board. I actually didn't notice how truly ratty my ironing board cover looked until I saw this photo enlarged a bit--Yuck!

I have enjoyed working on this. A single block at a time doesn't seem too very difficult, even if it is a tough block. I am debating on trying to pull enough stash fabrics together to make another one. I do have a jelly roll sitting around, but I am not really sure if I am ready to cut into it yet.

There is also a pinwheel quilt along at the blog P.S., I Quilt. I might start piddling on one of those just to see what happens.

Having quilts coming together (especially out of stash) can be very helpful at gift giving times! I can give great gifts without spending loads on overpriced consumer junk. I much prefer the handmade!

I also have my log cabin quilt in the frame (for over a week now) and I haven't had a chance or energy to put a single stitch into it. I hate when that happens, but the pollen has kicked my fanny this week.

Photos, photos, photos

2010-04-17T21:24:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love it when we are doing photo work. Hubby has a photography business on the side, and while we are still small, he does excellent work.

This last Tuesday, we took cap and gown photos for our senior class at school. It was exciting. They got to see who would wear honor cords, etc. and they were so excited.

Today, we spent all day taking prom photos, both on location and in our makeshift studio (my classroom). All the kids were all dressed up and looked wonderful and so grown up! I love seeing them.

But, now I am exhausted!

Out of Touch

2010-04-17T21:20:00.001-07:00

We were happy on the way to Jekyll Island before the accident.... (actually I took this photo while we were waiting for the cop to write up the accident report)

Here is the driver's side of my car. Well, technically truck.

This is the close up. Poor baby, even the metal ripped. But, we definitely are in better shape than the other guy. Luckily nobody got hurt at all in either vehicle, but it puts a damper on a litle vacation/birding trip with the kids.

Basting Update

2010-04-06T13:11:00.000-07:00

Well, here I am, back from Mom and Dad's house for basting. Why am I back so soon, you ask???

Well, it's all Susan Schamber's fault! Look here and see what I mean....

I saw this video about a month ago. I mulled it over. I decided that even though I didn't have the rails to secure the backing and top to, I wanted to use the 'herringbone' basting stitch that she describes. It looks easier to me than the traditional way of basting.

The last time I remember hand basting a quilt top was my friend, Bev's, scrappy stars quilt. That was ages ago. Since then, I have played around with glue basting and safety pins to avoid that kind of basting.

Anyway, Mom and I decided to try it out and we completely basted a double bed sized quilt in 1 hour and 40 minutes! Last time we did it, it took a huge chunk out of a Saturday. This was quick, simple, and easy. More importantly, I can do it! I can do it easily! I dig being finished in a reasonable amount of time.

I will post photos of the basting when I get my frame put together and what not. This is way exciting for me! I love bringing some efficiency to the project!

Woo Hoo--it's here!

2010-04-06T09:59:00.000-07:00

Janice and Marcea at Abbey Lane Quilts sent me my prize from their blog drawing. I am so excited. They even included a little note. How sweet.

I have drooled over these patterns for some time, but money is tight right now. What could be better than free? What could be better than gifts made from free patterns? I know 4 folks right now that would love an Abbey Bag and a couple who would dig the purse. Everyone I know would love My Dear Prudence, well, maybe not the guys, but you get the idea.

Hmmm. More projects. I can't wait to get started!