Thanksgiving Part 2

For our family of three this is a lot of food. We were thankful for our health and happiness. Also, for having our daughter, Angela, home on the actual day. She is a pharmacy tech at a hospital and she usually works all the holidays so other employees with children could be home. This was a treat!

I was off for six days and got three tops finished. I was happy. The two below a flannel baby quilts. A friend of mine gave me all her flannel; with lots of blocks already cut. The green one is going to my daughter's friend and the other to the guild charity quilts. I experimented with a different way to do the sashing. It looks pretty good.

This is an Atkinson design for Friendship Crossing. It is set on the diagonal and I put it together with no problems. This was the first time for me.

So, off I go to quilt some more. Pugs and kisses.

Thanksgiving Part 1

It is time to put away my fall quilts and take out the Christmas ones. I have been busy quilting and not thinking about my pictures for my blog. That means I don't post at all.

The glow on this quilt is really pretty. I don't know how I did it, but I'm glad I did. Time to work and get ready for Part 2. Pugs and kisses.

Worst fears

Time to stop procrastinating and face the facts. I have my photos stored in Picasa and Adobe (somewhere) and can't figure out how to upload to my mac. I guess it is time to take a class so I won't be so frustrated.

I'll take photos again and store them where I can reach them. More to follow. No pugs and kisses.

Sickness

Sickness has three meanings. I'll be brief because I don't feel well.

1. My baby Bianca was really ill. She was shivering, vomiting and diarrhea for 3 days. We were at the vet twice and I was doing 4 loads of laundry every day. It could have been a cold; no. It could have been something she ate in the backyard; no. It was a reaction from the phenobarbitol we were giving her for her seizures. How did we know? When we resumed giving it to her she was sick again. It is wait and see for awhile. She is allergic to her dog shots, grass, and other things.

2. As I alluded earlier, I'm not feeling good. No migraines! but extreme fatigue. I caught it from my husband who got it from his friend. Thanks! That means no sewing tonight. It was all I could do to work my 10 hours.

3. We had to buy a new computer since a virus did us in. I think I mentioned that we bought a MAC and it is nice. The ill part is trying to find my pictures I had in my old one. You know that saga. So, I know it saved in photoshop somewhere. I never registered for the full one. I know there are some pictures in Picasa, but I have to find them too. I'll take more pictures to show on my blog and hope for the best.

Pugs and Kisses

Epilepsy and a dead computer

Last weekend, my pug, Bianca, had three seizures in a row. She goes stiff and has no control of her bladder. Two years ago we thought it was her leg, but now the seizures are more pronounced and closer together. So the vet prescribed phenobarbitol. She will sleep alot for two weeks until her body adjusts to the medicine. She is more hungry and thirsty as the vet said. Just when she lost two pounds, now this. It makes our family very sad.

Then yesterday, our computer went wacky. It turns out to be a malware virus. This isn't the first time we've had a virus and spent hours on the phone. Once the Dell tech talked me though lots of things, we had to do a system restore. The computer tried to start with Windows 95 in stead of XP. I told Dell I didn't get a restore disc, I have a piece of paper that said so. I said yes to buy another disc and Norton AntiVirus. Well,we are tired of all the headaches we have been having.

So my daughter, Angela, went on line on her Notebook and ordered us a MAC. Years ago we had a Mac and I was very happy with it. My husband only understood Windows. Now we can use a window version on the mac and we ordered one. It is a good thing we have a lap top.

I was paniced for moment fearing I lost all my pictures, but they are saved in Photoshop and Picasso. Yeah!

Back to sewing. I made two Wheels of Chance, one for me and one for the Block Party. I put on a binding and now I'll do my Thimbleberries block of the month.

I'm off work until Thursday and looking forward to exercise, blogging, and quilting. I hope my migraine goes away. Pugs and kisses,

My Quadrant Quilt

Here are the four quadrants I made for a scrap quilt. I have been working on this quilt for two months. 144 half square triangles per quadrant. Add those to my pinwheel quilt, I don't want to see another half square triangle for awhile.

I'm going to put this away while I ponder upon how to put it together. I know I will not use sashing between the quadrants. Do I need a unifying border? In a cream color? What color binding to use. I'll use scraps, but do I match the color? I bought 3 yards of backing on sale, but since I didn't measure and think about the size before buying, I need 2 more yards. Do I buy something or look in my stash. (That is probably what I'll do.)

Tonight is my Monday quilt group. I'll work on the backing for the wedding quilt and get help on putting together my shop hop quilt. Pugs and kisses.

A new quilt and a dead iron

Wednesday I took a day off of work and attended a class from Linda Ballard, "Canine Stars." I did not even make one block! I knew going in that paper piecing was going to be involved. My last three tries did not go so well. I was thinking positive thoughts all week.

Linda gave us a choice of three ways to paper piece. I listened and tried not to block it out of mind or leave class early. Linda thought I would. I practiced on two and managed to make one perfect one. The way I chose was with freezer paper; not the kind on a roll from the store, but "JC" (?) brand. Once we traced the pattern on the paper, we creased the lines and sewed. All the creases made it more concrete for me.

I knew from the start I was only going to make two squares for a table runner. I could not see making a wall hanging or making it bigger. In Friday class at the end of the month, I will finish it with some help of my friends.

My iron is ready to go to heaven. I've had this Rowenta for ten years and has served me faithfully. It quit producing steam and the water level never changed. I used a dry iron for two weeks, and just could not continue that way.

Off to Costco I went this morning and bought the $70 Rowenta. It looks like my old one, but it has a few more bells and whistles. When I ironed this morning, it was like night and day. I didn't realize my old one was so bad. I'm a happy camper now. Pugs and kisses.

Two quilts finished and three in progress

Here is Jacqueline's wedding quilt, minus 3 borders (one brown, one green and white flying geese and another brown one). I didn't get a picture before I folded it. I ordered the backing fabric and will get it to the quilters in about 3 weeks.

I have made the 12 blocks for this Linda Ballards quilt. I will take it to my preferred quilter. When I keep a quilt and really like it, I will pay the extra money for custom work.

My design wall holds two of the three quilts I have in progress. The propeller block is for the block party at the quilt store. I turn one in and keep on for myself. Maybe I'll win the lottery and get alot of Halloween blocks.

The neutral blocks are some of the ones I have finished from the last shop hop. I have had to add my fabric to finish the block. The next hop I will get the free pattern and not buy the fabric.

The blue half square triangles and part of my scrap "quadrant" quilt. My quilt will have pink, purple, green, and blue fabric with the same cream/beige light color. I'm anxious to see how this turns out.

The one you don't see are pinwheels made from scraps from the wedding quilt. I really like the colors, so I was pleased I can make a quilt for me. Pugs and Kisses.

PIQF

It was a busy two days at the quilt festival. Once again, no pictures, but I don't want to put the quilts on my blog without permission.

Friday we shopped the vendors and made some purchases. I didn't buy a lot because I have so much to do (and finish) at home. That was a 10 hour day, plus one hour more because of commute time.

Yesterday Pat, Barbara, and I were there for 13 hours. We re-visited several booths and looked at the quilts. To me, they were an inspirational and self doubt. I like to make traditional quilts, but the industry is going art quilts and they do not interest me at all. I guess, like fashion, the traditional quilts will make a comeback in ten years. Until then I will work on my piecing and pressing and explore the use of color more.

More to follow about our Saturday night. Pugs and Kisses

PIQF

One more day to work and then off to PIQF in Santa Clara. I'm going with two friends and we'll be there Friday and Saturday. It's a good thing I can rest on Sunday and Monday. I'll have reports and pictures when I'm there. Pugs and kisses.

One of my blocks

Isn't it pretty. I'm using the Harvest Home line from Connecting Thread and a Thimbleberries pattern.

I've had a migraine for the past 2 weeks and finally went to the doctor and had my pain shot. I'm still not feeling up to par.

I've been working on my niece's wedding quilt. I even sent a picture to my sister. But... do you think I could find it to show you. No. I'll post it soon.

Off to clean house, quilt and to the quild meeting. Pugs and Kisses

Quilting In The Garden II

This is my quilt, "Coming Home to 887". My friend and I took Alex's class "Coming Home" in 2006 at Quilting In The Garden. We made one house, star, and maple leaf and put it in our closet. We decided to challenge each other in 2008 to finish the quilt. We took turns going over to each other's house and cut all the houses one month, etc. We had completed all the blocks. Next was to put the center together and the borders. Isn't it beautiful. I put my house numbers on one of the houses, thus the title. This quilt would look good in Summer colors too.

My next blog project is get more photos in the slide show. Wish me luck. Pugs and Kisses

Quilting In The Garden

To look at this picture, you would never know what it is. It is the room where AVQ and food vendors were during Quilting In The Garden. My task, which I accepted, was to help people sew a four patch and a frame around it. A lot children just picked a figure (whale) and watched while someone fused it on. They had the choice to sew it on, but most were content to have a souvenir. Thank heaven it was semi air conditioned and had fans.

It was hot, but I had fun. Pugs and Kisses

Here is my niece, Jaqueline, and her father, Jeff. Isn't she pretty? She was married in Reno on 9/19/09. It was a beautiful wedding.

Both my sisters and my brother live in Reno (I grew up there). I go and visit quite often. I did not step a foot in a casino last weekend. So much to do and too little energy.

This week is quilting in the garden. My 2006 Coming Home to 887 is hanging there in the tall trees. It just so happened that Alex Anderson had a booth right by my quilt and I was pleased to show it to her. She even remembered me from past conversations. It is hard to forget the lady who broke her arm in France while on vacation. More about that later. I'll have pictures tomorrow. Pugs and Kisses

Pumpkin House

Here is a picture of a miniature from Thimbleberry, Pumpkin House. I did all the work, even the quilting. Little quilts I am starting to enjoy and getting better at the quilting.

I have two more to do and then I'll do something else. I have about three projects going at any one time. I get bored and it is good to having another one to do so I don't rush and mess up or turn it into a UFO. How many projects do you have going at once?

Pugs and Kisses

Thunder and Lightening

What a spectular show we had here four to seven a.m. It was like the lightening of the midwest. Here in Northern CA we rarely get to see it. But it is very humid and big drops of rain. Should be like this all morning.

Off to do a little housework, sew, and then to the quilt quild meeting.

Pugs and kisses

Happy Labor Day

Here is Bianca doing what she does best - sleep. She is only 3, but already she is going gray.

I have a few chores to do today and quilt. Then I may take a cue from Bianca and take a nap.

Pugs and kisses.

Picture Test

This is the silent auction quilt that I have been talking about. The quilter got it back to me in one day. I have already put the binding on and have to the 12th to bind it. Yeah

Pugs and kisses

Picture Time - Not

I have to retake pictures of my quilts, I knew that. Now my disc won't download to my computer. If I can't get it to work, I'll take the disc to Walmart and put on a cd and down load that way.

Smile for the camera. Pugs and kisses.

Still Struggling

As you saw there are no new pictures. I tried and tried to no avail. I am very frustrated. I'll try again this long weekend.

My friend Diana and I finished her grandson's quilt in one afternoon. It is quite cute with lizards and some bugs. She has a history of allergies, and she found one more: Sizing. She did not wash her fabric and we used sizing to get a crisp block. So now when the quilt comes back from the quilter, I will put the binding on and then wash it. Hopefully, she will be able to bind it with no hives.

I have a busy weekend with quilting. Pugs and kisses.

Pictures

Today is the day I take more pictures. Today is the day I try to insert a picture. Today is the day I quilt with my friend Diana to make a quilt for her grandson.

Here is a picture of a quilt I made for a silent auction.

Morning,

It hasn't been a fun few days. The heat and the sewing machine needle in the tip of my middle finger. It is okay and doesn't hurt any more.

Today is more sewing; I did the house work yesterday. It is time to sew and take pictures.

Pugs and kisses. (Do you like it?)

I've spent about 40 minutes trying to update my slide show to no avail. I even lost some pictures. I can re-take them, but it is frustrating doing the same thing over. Maybe later. I had to wait an hour before I could write this.

Right now I'm working on quilting the miniture of Thimbleberris Pumpkin House. I got my index finger caught in the needle, Ouch! Time to make the beds and continue on.

I'm trying to think of an ending for my posts. Any suggestions?

New Resolve

It has been awhile since I have written. Mostly, I don't know what to write about. Will it be fun? So, my resolve is to take pictures and talk about my day.

Like today. I went over to a friend's house with two other friends and quilted all day. We were supposed to take a class from Linda Ballard, but it was cancelled. So we bought Linda's pattern and we all worked on the "Blooming Flowers."

It is interesting to see the same pattern, but in different fabrics. I had my camera, but forgot to use it!! I am doing mine in red and white. L is doing hers in sunflower fabric from Maywood. (Boy am I jealous.) P is doing hers in three fabric lines from different projects, (one is Prarie Paisley) but all is is light blue and red. C is using her favorite polka dots in green and burgundy. (No not Christmas colors.)

I'm off this week, so I will have time to upload some more photos.

Tomorrow is about my visit with my sisters and the quest for a pattern and fabric for a niece's wedding.

Take care, Rhonda

Sunflower

Yeah, I figured out how to put Buster and Bianca's picture on my heading and a sunflower for my profile. I love sunflowers. Sunflowers brighten my day.

A small sample of my quilts

Yes, after two days of trying to get a slideshow of my quilts, I was successful. I'll be loading more as I get a chance to take more photos.

One quilt I would like to tell you about is the "Alex Andersons Coming Home." It is the one with the houses, stars and leaves. My friend Linda and I took the class at Alden Lane "Quilting In The Garden" in 2006. We promptly did one block of each block and then put it away.

January 2008 we decided to challenge ourselves by going over to each others house to cut out the stars one month and so on. By month five, we had the blocks finished and put the quilt together. We each put our house number on one of the houses. It is amazing how different each quilt is because of the fabric choices we chose.

This year at "Quilting In The Garden" I am going to have it displayed hanging from the trees. I can't wait to see it.

Hot Days of Summer

I usually don't mind the heat, but when you have 7 days of 95 degrees plus, it makes you cranky. Somedays, I don't have the energy to quilt and that is sad. I have to walk Buster and Bianca at 5:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. Plus, I have to put them in the sink and run cold water over them. With their smashed pug nose, they have a hard time cooling off in the heat.

I am trying to get the hang of blogging and will have more pictures soon. Until then, have a "cool weekend." Rhonda

Just trying this out.