Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Stash Report Time

Hi everyone!  Where did this week go?  it zoomed.  I did finish a tag a long bag.  I picked up my mom's first quilt and I am binding it for her.  I worked a lot in my sewing room trying to get it clean and pretty.  My Father had some Skin cancer removed, and a Granddaughter's birthday.  It's been pretty busy!  

so here it goes.......

bobbins used this week: 1
bobbins used year to date: 27
Fabric used this week: 1 1/2 yards
Fabric used year to date: 47
Fabric added this week: 43 7/8
Fabric added year to date: 78 1/2 yards

Net fabric add for 2013:  34 1/2 yards

UFOs finished this week: 0
UFOs finished year to date: 26

Update of fab 4:  I pick new ones for April
BOM Queen and her court - haven't worked on it yet

Triple Irish chain - found flowers for the border.  tracing flowers
Sock quilt with Vicki and TB - ready to put the top together
Penguin Qlt with Vicki - sewn together with sashing.  1 border sewn.  white border cut and ready to sew. 

 
New projects started:  nothing new started this week.

 

Postcard cuties for winter:  all twelve blocks are done
Transition quilt:  started with Vicki.  all the blocks are done, sashings partially done
Hexie project with Vicki.  3 done 
Lady bug Twister - everything cut and sewn together.  now I need to cut apart and resew.  
Started a new this and that pattern - Tag Along.  3/4 done. Finished for a Christmas gift.  

My friend Vicki comes this week to sew!  Yeah!!!  so there will be lots of sewing for the next few days.  Hopefully some finishes too!  we are planning on quilting a couple of quilts too!  Wish us luck.  we want to be very productive. 


hugs.....


Monday, April 29, 2013

Happy Birthday Zoe!

Saturday we celebrated our grand daughter's 7th birthday at the park by our home.  Today is her actual birthday.  Happy birthday sweetie!  



First off there was a bounce house.  I forgot to get a picture of the whole house.  it was a castle.  this is Zoe and Lexi.  

Lee grilled hamburgers and hot dogs.  Yum!  We had a hard time lighting the candles.  then all of a sudden,  the stayed lit.  Then Zoe couldn't blow them out.  Grandpa looked on the package, and Lee had bought the kind of candles that you can't blow out.  It was pretty funny!


Zoe received lots of fun presents!  Cool sun glasses.  lots of art and craft type of gifts.  some very pretty things.  all to make a 7 year old girl very happy.  

 Then there was a Justin Beiber pinata.  You know little kids can swing pretty hard? 

Jackson was the last one to swing.  And swing he did.  He beat that pinata to death and then some!  


And here is Hudson.  Once we started eating, Hudson wanted to try everything.  He loved potato salad.  He loved cheese.  Melissa was eating a pickle and he kept grabbing at it.  So she let him try it.  We were laughing so hard.  He would make a face, then grab for the pickle again and again.  

So Zoe,  hope you had a wonderful birthday party.  We love you very much!

hugs

Grandma.....



Sunday, April 28, 2013

Happy Dancing here!

Hi everyone!  do you read Pioneer Woman?  I do.  Do you watch her show on the food channel?  I  do!  Do you know what type of knives she uses?  I do!  She uses Wusthof knives.  Hubby and I have been researching knives for a while now.  I admit he knows much more about the subject than I do.  All I really know is that I want a Wusthof Knife!  Bruce found out they were having a sale at Sur La Table.  Have you been there?  Not me.  

Yesterday we went to check out my knife.  Oh boy oh boy!  I would love to spend hours there just looking at everything they have.  

Bruce had been to the one in Scottsdale. I looked online and found one in Chandler.  Much closer!  

I checked out all the knives!  I even got to cut with them.  OH MY GOSH!!!  It is amazing to cut with sharp knives.  I had no idea!  LOL......  


This is what I got.  starting with the top knife.  This one is a Zwilling pro Santoku.  I decided to go with the Zwilling because it was heavier.  I liked the way it fit in my hand.  Next is a serrated bread knife.  it came with a small bread/cutting board. it is a Wusthof.  and last 3.5" Classic paring knife.  Also a Wusthof. I also bought a teak cutting board.  

Everything was sale price.  I understand this happens once or twice a year.  

I like watching several food shows.  I love reading food blogs.  In the past couple of years my interest in cooking has renewed.  I have been acquiring some cool stuff for my kitchen.  Sharp knives were on my list and I now have them in my hands.  

A funny thing happened on the way home.  Our son called and asked if he could come over to get some help in prepping for the BBQ/birthday party for his daughter.  He needed onions, tomatoes, lettuce all cut up.  I laughed and said I would love to do that for him!  So I got to try out my knives as soon as I got home.  lovely, very lovely.  sigh.....   life is good!

Thanks sweetie for taking me down to get my knives.   You are a keeper!

hugs.....




Wednesday, April 24, 2013

A Christmas Present!


Hi everyone!  today I finished a new project.  Tag along bag.  It's a Christmas present!  finished!  boy does that feel good.  Usually I am working like a crazy person trying to get everything done.  I probably still will be come Christmas time, but not for this particular person.  

She love to do handwork.  so this is a carrier to put stuff in.  I have added my favorite needles - Jeanna Kimball's embroidery #8.  Love those needles!  a pair of scissors and a 1" x 6" ruler.  I think I will add some thread heaven and a frixzion pen.  

I would like to add a few more things.  any suggestions?  

inside of bag


 outside of bag
this is the 2nd tag along I have made.  it's pretty quick to make.  It's from This and That.  

hugs.....

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Goodies in the mail!

It's always so nice to get goodies in the mail.  A few weeks ago I liked Mettler thread on Facebook.  They were giving  away their new Web Bond adhesive.  I won!  Well yesterday I received my package.  

oh boy!  

I received the web bond - so excited to try this!!!!  Thread!  Yeah!!!  who doesn't love thread.  there is a variety - poly, cotton, variegated.  and thread charts.  

Mettler, thank you so very much!!!  I am a happy quilter.  



Monday, April 22, 2013

Stash report time

Oh boy, I have been a very bad girl!  I can explain, really I can!  promise!

bobbins used this week:  4
bobbins used year to date: 26
Fabric used this week: 1 2/3 yards
Fabric used year to date: 45 1/2
Fabric added this week: 42 3/8
Fabric added year to date: 77 yards

Net fabric add for 2013:  33 yards

UFOs finished this week: 1 - scalloped embroidery
UFOs finished year to date: 26

Update of fab 4:  I pick new ones for April
BOM Queen and her court - haven't worked on it yet

Triple Irish chain - found flowers for the border.  tracing flowers
Sock quilt with Vicki and TB - ready to put the top together
Penguin Qlt with Vicki - sewn together with sashing.  1 border sewn.  white border cut and ready to sew. 

 
New projects started:  nothings new started this week, but I did work on them. 

 

Postcard cuties for winter:  all twelve blocks are done
Transition quilt:  started with Vicki.  all the blocks are done, sashings partially done
Hexie project with Vicki.  3 done 
Lady bug Twister - everything cut and sewn together.  now I need to cut apart and resew.  
Started a new this and that pattern - Tag Along.  3/4 done.  for a Christmas gift.  


the reason I was so bad this week?  Vicki and I are going to start the Just takes 2 red and white quilt.  I bought the red fabric for both of us, the white fabric I am using, and I bought the background for the vintage tin quilt I am starting.  hopefully I won't be buying any more fabric for a while AND I will be getting lots more UFOs done to bring this # down.  wish me luck!  yikes!!!  

 

Sunday, April 21, 2013

We have Royalty in the family!

Hi Everyone!  this weekend we - hubby, my mom and I - made a quick trip to CA.  Our 15 yr old granddaughter - Julia - was participating in the Miss Teen Acton pageant.  

this is exciting stuff!  We are so proud of Julia for wanting to do this.  She is so much braver than her mom or grandma was at the same age!!!  

I had to take a picture of her hair!  oh my goodness.  I wish I had half the thickness she has! 

This is Belle.  Julia's little sister.  She was so excited  for Julia!  

There were table with displays of all the girls.  
 
the theme was old Hollywood!  She was #3 of 10.


Julia had to give a speech about her and a movie.  she compared her life to Indiana Jones!  She did great!

Now announcing the new Miss Teen Acton!  Julia!
And here is a 4 generation picture.  My daughter Katrina, Julia, my Mother Gwen and Me!  


One of Julia's 1st responsibilities?  to reign with the other Queens at the Antelope Valley Poppy Festival.  what an exciting year these girls will have.  Go Queen Julia!  

We love you sweetie!

hugs
 
 

Friday, April 19, 2013

Another UFO done!

Hey everyone.  I now have #26 UFO done, finished, completed!  My goodness, that does feel good to say that.  

This was a class sample that was partially done, so I could demo on it.  The embroidery pattern is a Alex Anderson pattern.  Sorry I do not remember the name of it.  I do remember it was from a book of hers.  All the patterns in the book had hidden words.  



In the background the words say:  

somethings
have to be
believed 
to be
seen

I love those words.  For me,  it talks of faith.  Faith can get you through lots of things.  Now I have to decide where to hang it.  

Thanks for looking!  

hugs.....


Thursday, April 18, 2013

Make it healthy

Last night we got to go to Zoe's 1st grade music program.  "Make it healthy".  I love going to my grand children's program.  they are so sweet and so very excited to perform!  thank you Zoe for inviting us.  We loved every minute!

 
I don't know about where you might live, but here the weather has been..... well, inconsistent.  very warm - into the high 80's, low 90s.  and then it cools down to the low 70's.  Which is very nice.  Not complaining at all - about the cooler temps.  Anyway, last week we had wind.  I mean LOTS of wind.  and a little rain.  I haven't driven my car since then.  I picked up my granddaughters today and when we got home, Zoe was the first one out of the car.  When I came around, I found this!


 Thank you Zoe! and Lexi too.  I love you girls too.......  Tomorrow the car gets washed!  Oh by the way, I washed the car one day before we had the rain, sigh....... 

Monday, April 15, 2013

Stash Report and I am a WINNER!!!

Hi everyone!  time to be accountable!  

bobbins used this week:3
bobbins used year to date: 22
Fabric used this week: 2 1/2 yards
Fabric used year to date: 43 7/8
Fabric added this week: 5 1/2
Fabric added year to date: 34 5/8

Net fabric add for 2013:  -7 3/4 yards Yeah!!! 

UFOs finished this week: 3 - finished June, July and August BOM for Redwork
UFOs finished year to date: 25

Update of fab 4:  I pick new ones for April
BOM Queen and her court - haven't worked on it yet

Triple Irish chain - found flowers for the border.  tracing flowers
Sock quilt with Vicki and TB - all the small socks are appliqued, still working on the large socks
Penguin Qlt with Vicki - sewn together with sashing.  1 border sewn.  white border cut and ready to sew. 

 
New projects started: 

 

Postcard cuties for winter:  just finished blocks #8 and 9.  
Transition quilt:  started with Vicki.  all the blocks are done, now to do the sashing! sashing is cut. i have started sewing on the sashings. 
Hexie project with Vicki.  3 done 
Lady bug Twister - everything cut and sewn together.  now I need to cut apart and resew.  
Started a new this and that pattern - Tag Along.  3/4 done.  for a Christmas gift.  

when I opened up my email this morning, I found this:

Dear Lorene,

You're a winner!  Your name has been chosen to receive a FREE can of Mettler WEB BOND.


Yeah!!  I like winning.  it feels so good!  LOL....  

 August
 July
June

 block 8
Block 9 - 3 more to go!  

I think I had a good week!  

hugs......

Saturday, April 13, 2013

My friends know me so well......

Hi everyone!  I appreciate my friends, I really do.  They are always surprising me.  

The other day I received a package in the mail.  It was from Charlene.  she had been in my Redwork group, in a quilt group, we have done swaps together.  Recently i cut out a kit for her - Postcard cuties for winter.  

So this particular day I needed some cheering up big time.  And here came the package!  

 A beautiful thoughtful quilted note card.  A rusted mason jar lid to make into a pin cushion, Halloween note cards!!!  a pink doted little book for writing special things in AND ceramic measuring spoons!!  oh my heart be still!  Wait, there is one more spoon, I forgot to add that.  Sorry Charlene....  And a pin - You sew girl!  that makes me smile.

Charlene's  thoughtfulness was sooooo appreciated.  She is a sweetie for sure...

Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Friday, April 12, 2013

Something scary, this way comes

Hi everyone!  do you like scary things?  I do, well most of the time.  LOL.....  

I love old scary movies, not the new blood and gore.  Except Walking Dead, I do like that.  

Give me a good ole Frankenstein or Dracula, or Werewolf.  and I am hooked.  in fact, I record all the old movies at Halloween time, so I can get my fill of old scary movies.  

Scariest movie? Psycho.  That one scared my brother and I - a lot!  I mean A LOT!

OK, to get to the point.  the other night I had gone to bed.  slept several hours and then woke up.  You know, you have to go and you walk to the bathroom half asleep.  I left the door open and I am sitting there and look up and see this:

Sorry this is such a bad picture.  click on it and hopefully you will see what I saw.  A man's arm and shoulder.  SCARED ME TO DEATH!!!!  How do I call out to my husband?  my protector?  My hero?  My heart started to race.  My eyes are BIG!  The shadow doesn't move.......

OK, Lorene get a grip.....  then I start thinking.  Where is this guy standing?  on the other side is the sink, mirror and a hand towel holder.  OH MY GOSH!!  It's the towel holder!  LOL.....  so I calm down and sneak back into bed.  Not telling my hubby about this one till the morning.  

So, now every night I see the shadow.  He doesn't make my heart skip a beat anymore.  Maybe a comfort, not sure about that one yet.  maybe no more scary movies - at night.  
 


Sunday, April 7, 2013

Stash Report Time

Hi everyone!  time to report on my stash!  my goodness the week goes by fast.  I did buy fabric this week.  sigh....  But I needed border fabric and a background for a new project.  sorry, but this is something special so no pics.  Because someone I love - who will be the recipient reads this blog!  so that's it for now.  


bobbins used this week:2
bobbins used year to date: 19
Fabric used this week: 0
Fabric used year to date: 41 3/8
Fabric added this week: 4 3/4
Fabric added year to date: 29 1/8

Net fabric add for 2013:  - 11  yards Yeah!!! 

UFOs finished this week:  0
UFOs finished year to date: 22

Update of fab 4:  I pick new ones for April
BOM Queen and her court - haven't worked on it yet

Triple Irish chain - found flowers for the border.  tracing flowers
Sock quilt with Vicki and TB - all the small socks are appliqued
Penguin Qlt with Vicki - sewn together with sashing.  1 border sewn.  need one more border. 

 
New projects started: 

 

Transition quilt:  started with Vicki.  all the blocks are done, now to do the sashing! sashing is cut. 
Hexie project with Vicki.  3 done 
Lady bug Twister - everything cut and sewn together.  now I need to cut apart and resew.  this is a sample for a class I will teach this summer.  

Still plan on sewing tonight. I am hoping to get some more things done!  

hugs.......

Saturday, April 6, 2013

Shopping With a Friend!

Hi everyone!  Yesterday, i met up with my friend Cyndi.  Mardi and Toni suppose to come with us, but weren't able to meet up.  We missed you girls!!!  

We have been hearing that the Goodwill in Scottsdale was pretty cool.  Not sure.  I always find wool at any Goodwill I go to.  Did find some higher quality clothing, which is always fun.  
We did find a few things.  We bought wool skirts and jackets, some holders for our unmounted stamps.  I bought a couple of 8 x 10 frames, something special to make into a pin cushion.  some plaid fabric - a couple of yards!  
And this leather skirt.  A long leather skirt!  A long leather skirt with the tags still on!  it happen to have a blue tag on it. Blue was the color of the day.  anything with a blue tag would be half off.  so my never worn, long leather skirt was $2.50!  Oh yeah!!!!  

 
what am I going to do with a long leather, never worn skirt?  share!  sometimes I like to add a texture to my quilts.  That's why I love wool.  just a little something.  the leather skirt will go for that.  And sharing with friends!  

This was just our first stop!  too fun!  

Next stop:


  do you know about Penzey's?  oh my!  all dry herbs, all kind of salts, blends, different peppers for your grinder.  Oh and they have wooden salt and pepper shakers - beautiful!  they have the BEST cinnamon!  i use the Vietnamese cinnamon.  it's strong, but so yummy.  double strength vanilla.  ahhhhh heaven.....  whole nutmeg - boy howdy!  and the list goes on.  you can sign up for the catalog/magazine HERE    It is free.  and they usually send a coupon for one of their spices.  FREE!  best deal ever.  the magazine is chockful of recipes.  I highly recommend!  

 By this time we were pretty hungry.  So to Rubios for fish tacos and carnitas street tacos.  YUMM!  

Then off to Joann's.  found a few things.  I even bought a couple of Easter things that were 70% off.  

Then on the way home we stopped at Cabbage Rose.  Haven't been there before.  Lots of girly girl fabric.  So pretty!  found some small cherry fabric I have been looking for.  

All in all, a very fun productive day.  We missed you Mardi and Toni!  Can't wait till we do this again!  

hugs.....