Idaho Quilter

Summer

2011-06-20T14:34:00.000-06:00

Summer is here, so the Idaho Quilter is spending more outdoors.

Now that I live in rainy, dreary, cloudy, Portland Ore, I take every opportunity to be out in the sun when it shines.

I may as well include a shot of my Fairy Garden I built for my granddaughter, maybe you can make out the Fairy setting by the pond on the left side.

I'll be back when it rains. Knowing Portland that may be tomorrow.

Happy Quilting!

Loving some Kaffe quilts!

2011-06-01T09:56:00.001-06:00

I have been in love with Kaffe Fassett's quilt style for some time now.

This quilt stole my heart, I just had to give it a try with my fabrics.

The quilt pictured is 80" X 80" I am only going to make the first 2 squares about 48" X 48" so I can use it for a wall hanging.

I am determined to only use fabric from my stash, problem is I love Kaffes' fabrics

My version

I am happy with it so far,
What do you think?

Happy Quilting!

This is what I'll be doing this weekend

2011-05-28T11:22:00.001-06:00

Yes I will be watching the Charlotte 600 Nascar race, and quilting.

This is one of those projects that keeps getting put on the back burner, perhaps this weekend I can do some serious damage.
It has been hanging around for 3 or 4 years, quilting on it off and on. I don't know why it has taken me so long, I think I am dreading the wide border that is going to need quilted and I am not sure what to do yet.

The weather is typical Memorial Day weather here in Portland, rain, the family is planning a BBQ on Monday but will probably be eating indoors.

And on this Memorial Day I want to thank all those that have served our country and those that are serving.

God Bless!

Happy Quilting!

A time span quilt.

2011-05-17T12:02:00.000-06:00

A friend commissioned me to help her get this vintage handmade quilt finished. It needed a back, quilted and the binding done.

The log cabin pieces are very tiny, the center piece measures 1/2" and consist of half square triangles. The overall design of the quilt is amazing. It certainly deserved to be finished. I real can't decide what era it is from.

I had a local long-arm quilter/quilt designer just do simple meandering.

The binding went fairly smoothly until:

There were a couple rough spot I had to deal with, I decided to just straighten out the corner.

It turned out okay. Same corner in the photo below.

The backing seemed to match the quilt perfectly, I love it when that happens.

Finished and ready to be delivered as soon as it had a quick "Cat Scan"

Happy Quilting!

Waiting to sew.

2011-05-12T10:09:00.000-06:00

That is waiting for my back to feel better before I sit at the sewing machine. Because once I sit down I don't want to stop.
So nothing new on the design wall so I'll share a few things I have recently made. Some have been sold on Etsy.
For Sale here $25.00

another recent baby quilt "the story of the 3 little pigs" also For Sale at etsy

My little sewing group was into making rag quilts, I have made a few in the past, so I jumped on the band wagon with this one. I don't care for all that snipping, but I like the finished product, fun and fast.

This was recently SOLD on etsy, this was the first time I had used minky for a backing, needs no batting.

This pink baby quilt was my first sale on etsy, it also has minky on the back and made without batting.

I used up a lot of pink scraps on this, even has a couple orphan blocks in it.

A panel I had on hand, I outlined all the animals when I quilted this one. . I also used minky without batting. I had the border fabric in my stash I loved that it was a perfect match for this quilt. Also for sale at etsy

I have just learned I will have a great grand-baby by Thanksgiving don't know yet if it is a boy or girl.

If it is a girl this will definitely be going to her. Plus a dozen others that will be made as soon as I know.

Another rag quilt I have listed on etsy I only have $29.00 on it, you think it would sell. The fabric to make one would cost that much.

This baby quilt recent sold for $35.00 Another minky backing.

That is my quilt show for the day!

Happy Quilting!

Always Searching

2011-05-05T09:43:00.001-06:00

Yes always searching for a new way to use scraps, I have come to the conclusion they are never going to go away. Making scrap quilts creates more ~~crap~~ scraps!

To tell you the truth I am sick of my scraps! Anyone want to dump scraps me?

This is just a small portion that I will be currently working with.

While looking for something new to do, I ran across the Liberated Wedding Ring
at the Bloomin Workshop.
I'm going to give it a whirl.

Happy Quilting!

Now what?

2011-05-01T10:39:00.000-06:00

I finished this quilt top, the pattern is from American Jane and was so fast and easy. Especially if you use a jelly roll, which I didn't have so I cut 2 1/2 " strips from my scraps basket.
Now it is going to age awhile I can't decide if I want to border or leave as is. The binding may be a challenge, but I love a challenge.

There are no set in blocks to sew it goes together in rows. I worried that I may have trouble matching the rows up and or that the seams were slightly on the bias. But it came together nicely.

I also had the pleasure of baby sitting this little sweet heart over night. You would have thought I had a two year old kid here, the house was in shambles, but the pleasure of her company was worth it.

Happy Quilting!

Moving toward the finish line

2011-04-26T09:46:00.000-06:00

Hopefully with no interuptions the quilt on the design wall will get put together today.

I decided I need one more row for the width it should go fast, as soon as I get started that is.
It only takes 3 wof a strip and a half of each to make 2 blocks it goes very fast.

I ordered a set of rulers from www.americanjane.com (can't seem to make the link work)to cut the triangles with. Hard to believe with all the rulers I have none of them worked as accuretly as this one.

Happy Quilting!

Merry Go Round and scrap basket of projects

2011-04-21T12:15:00.000-06:00

Merry Go Round
is on my design wall now, a current project, scrappy of course.

A recent Majestic Mountain scrap quilt that went to "Quilts for Japan"

Working on hundreds of border pieces for Bonnie Hunters mystery quilt "Cotton Boll"

"Cotton Boll" finished top is at the quilters. I rarely send any out to be quilted but this was just too big for me to tackle.

And a few "Just One Star" ready to mail to Dallas for the soldiers quilt project.

Happy Quilting!

What have I been doing? Scrapping!

2010-09-28T08:42:00.005-06:00

Making scrap quilts, this one is Scrappy Bargello .

The scraps just keep growing, and growing. Thanks goodness for Bonnie at www.quiltville.com and all her great ideas for scrap quilts. The grand kids love them and are not afraid to use them.

No fancy quilting, just straight lines using the walking foot. I recently attended a local quilt show, the quilts are beautiful as usual, but it seems to me that quilting has evolved so it is all about the fancy quilting now instead of the craft. If you can't afford a quilting machine, or send them out to be quilter by a professional you can no longer compete. I'm just saying.

The binding will be on this one tonight ready to stitch while TV viewing.

Happy Quilting!

I'll be back

2010-08-20T09:11:00.002-06:00

Seems like August is a runaway month, it is just zipping on by.
I have been quilting every chance I get, working on UFOs but keep forgetting to take pictures. I know a blog without pictures is boring. I'll line them all up and do a photos shoot soon.
I watch other blogs, bloggers around blogtown seem to be having the same problem with the month of August. But I will be back soon.

Happy Quilting!

I finally finished something!! Yeah!

2010-07-30T09:28:00.003-06:00

Rusty Crop Circles is DONE. It has been over a year since I finished anything. I feel so good. It has been a struggle since I moved away from my quilting group.

I live in a mobile home park with 150 homes and not 1 quilter, We have a beautiful clubhouse we could use to sew in. Anyone in the Gresham/Fairview area interested in getting together?

Of course Cymba had to give it the cat scan.

Pieced back of course.

I finished the binding yesterday morning, threw it in the washer, as soon as it was out of the dryer it was on its way to my Granddaughter. Along with a couple pillow cases I made.

Until next time,

Happy Quilting!

Summer keeps getting in the way

2010-07-28T10:12:00.009-06:00

I have every intention of blogging often, but it seems summer keeps getting in the way. I am not going to complain though because it took so long to get here. Soon the dark winter months will be upon us and there will be plenty of time to catch up.

Last week was the wedding week. My granddaughter Devon was married on Saturday. A beautiful bride, a outdoor wedding, a lot of last minute details to take care of. This also involved making her own bouquets, flower arrangements. She had the flowers deliver to my house on Wed.the shelves came out of the fridge and the flowers went in.

Friday we took over the club house for flower arranging, it was a family affair.

<

Brides bouquet, a toss bouquet, 3 brides maids bouquets, 3 corsages, and 8 boutonnieres were made in 3 hours for a bunch of novices we did OK.

Now back to quilting..

I did get a chance yesterday to do some Crop Circles, http://idahoquilter.blogspot.com/2010/07/rusty-crop-circles.html yesterday. Hopefully I can finish up today with the quilting and get the binding on. I am anxious to say I have accomplished something, a UFO out of the way.

Happy Quilting!

Featured quilt, Where did the quilt go?

2010-07-17T09:51:00.005-06:00

This quilt/cat photo was featured today at http://www.sewpictureperfect.com/ Thanks Jodi.
Jump on over mention that I sent you, she is having a " jelly roll "give away.

Okay now if I could only remember what I did with it or who I gave it to.

I obviously quilted it

I blogged about it January of 09

I know I finished it this photo shows borders and binding.

But where is it, who did I give it to?

Something to be said for keeping a log of your quilts, if for no other reason but for your own sanity.

I did in the past prior to blogging,

I better start again,

I wonder what I did with the log book I used humm.

Happy Quilting!

Rusty Crop Circles

2010-07-13T09:57:00.006-06:00

In between summer chores, I am making Rusty Crop Circles. I am a little rusty at free motion.
As you can see I decided not to use sashing.

Feels good to be back at the sewing machine.

I have been away since I moved from Idaho, with the exception of a couple little commissioned kids quilts at Christmas.

Happy Quilting!

Hot Fudge Pudding Cake yummy

2010-07-06T16:28:00.005-06:00

There must be something wrong with me,lol. So far this is going to be the hottest day of the year and I decide to bake something.
I am so hungry for something chocolate, something yummy and gooey. I was browsing through an old "Taste of Home" magazine and ran across this recipe, I just had to get up and make it right then.

1 cup flour
1 cup sugar divided
3 T plus 1/4 cup cocoa, divided
2 t baking powder
1/4 t salt
1/2 cup fat free milk
1/3 cup prune baby food
(No baby around here so I sauteed few dried prunes)
1 1/2 t vanilla
1/4 cup plus 2 T packed brown sugar
1 1/4 cup boiling water

1.In a large bowl combine flour, 3/4 cup sugar, 3 T cocoa, baking powder & salt
In another bowl combine milk,prunes, & vanilla.
Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened.
Spread into a 8" baking dish sprayed with cooking spray.
2. Combine brown sugar,with remaining sugar& cocoa; sprinkle over the batter.
Carefully pour water over the top (do not stir).
bake at 350 for 28-32 minutes or until top is set and pulls away from side of dish. Serve warm.

1 serving = 196 calories, great for such a yummy dish.

Happy Quilting!

Sewing room disorder and quilting block question

2010-07-05T10:29:00.002-06:00

I have never been happy with my sewing room set up since I moved in. I liked it in front of the window so I could see out, but it all felt cramped.

I have shoved, tugged, and pulled the sewing table and desk all over the room.

My goal was to be able to see out the windows, have the desk up against the sewing table to make more quilting space, while working on larger quilts. I hate it when they slide off the table.

My solution was pull it all out in the center of the room, back to back, and now I can see out both windows and have a large work space.

I now have enough quilt blocks to finish the "mile a minute" quilt top. (I don't have them all on the wall) I had originally thought I would be using sashing.

But after trying it on I'm not sure I like it.

I like it better without, what do think.

I hope everyone had a wonderful 4th.

Happy Quilting!

Have a Fire Cracker of a 4th

2010-07-03T15:02:00.002-06:00

Happy Birthday America!

Happy Quilting!

Before and After

2010-07-01T10:25:00.006-06:00

The picture below is of the previous owners decor on the front porch, or should I say lack of it. Their style was overcrowded Southwest, not my taste at all.

Theirs:

Mine:

My next project is the side yard, I am getting rid of the red rock.

Not much quilting going on this week, I am taking advantage of the sunny days and working outside before the heat hits.

Have a Happy 4th and celebrate our Independence!

Happy Quilting!

Oh quit bitchin, it's sunny in Portland

2010-06-27T08:44:00.005-06:00

At last we have had a full week of sunshine, do I dare hope it is going to stick around awhile?

Yesterday found me on my old stomping grounds. I took a short road trip to Carson Wa. in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge, where I once lived. My former neighbor a dear friend Marilyn, she still lives in her wonderful Victorian cottage. Marilyn was and is my quilting mentor, all I have to do is visit and the quilting bug bites again. Just being in wonderful quilting room with a wall of fabric on one side and a view of the Gorge on another is enough to brighten anyones day.

Next time I visit I will take my camera. the scenery on the way is wonderful.

(I do have a photo of Multnomah Falls from last fall, just a small sample of the scenery.

I dug out a neglected hand quilting project to take with me.

We sat and chatted for hours while I quilted and she cut out binding for her latest project.

We went to lunch at the Bungalow Tavern, a great place for a hamburger and a glass of cold beer. After lunch we toured her beautiful flowers and pulled weeds together for an hour or so.
When her former husband was alive they always had a huge garden, and a berry patch, with raspberries, and blueberries. (Marilyn took out the raspberries after her husband died, they are a lot of work) the blueberries remain and they are loaded with soon to be luscious dark blueberries. I see another visit in my future.. lol

Seems I never leave Marilyns' empty handed, or without a full belly, it may be a fat quarter, a quilt pattern, or the latest book. This time it was frozen blueberries, Walla Walla sweet onions, and a dress made from mud cloth she had purchased while in Africa.
Thanks Marilyn for sharing a wonderful lazy summer day with me.

Until next time,
Happy Quilting!

Where is the sun?

2010-06-22T09:42:00.005-06:00

Well here it is a couple weeks have gone by without blogging.

I am now living in Portland where the wettest spring on record has just ran it's course.

Now we are moving in to more of the same for summer, according to the "National Weather Service".

I read that on-line yesterday and it actually took the wind right out of me.

Depression is setting in fast.

I kept saying this summer I am going to paint the kitchen cabinets, install crown molding, paint the master bath, finish the closet, and sit on the porch and have a cold drink. None of that is happening.

The flowers I planted a month ago are trying hard to bloom, that ain't happening either.

I feel guilty for complaining when so many others have it worse than this, but how does a person survive with out sun? We have had 4 full days of sun since April 1, unbelievable huh.

I have managed to dig out an UFO to work on, a "mile a minute" scrap bag project.

Happy Quilting!

Coming soon

2010-06-08T10:41:00.002-06:00

It has been over a year since I blogged, where does the time go?

I will be updated my new adventures real soon.

I have moved to a new state, I am making new friends and missing the old ones.

Sadly quilting has taken a back seat to redo-ing my new living quarters. I thought maybe if I started blogging again, I could get back in the grove.

Happy Quilting!

Taking a break

2009-04-07T08:28:00.006-06:00

I have had several inquiries about my absence. I am taking a short break from blogging while I prepare to move.

I have decided to move to Portland to be closer to my family, so there is much to do.

The sewing machine has been put away for awhile, I am still following what others are doing and can't wait to get re settled so I can start a new project.

In the mean time I will leave you with a few photos of my lastest quilt.

Rosebud Lane.

And a top topper I recently finished. This is a Thimbleberries pattern.

Quilt of the month and the winner is:

2009-03-14T09:02:00.009-06:00

And the winner is Anne at cottonsnwoolens she has a delightful blog drop by and check it out.

Also check out the quilt of the Month from the International Quilt Study Center & Museum.

You need to visit the site to see the details of this work of art, amazing.

Happy Quilting!

a Artful Blogging giveaway

2009-03-07T07:31:00.005-07:00

I had a wonderful time while in Portland, my family took me to my first Blazer basketball game, what a kick that was, I loved it.
If I lived there I would certainly enjoy doing that every weekend.

I can't quite get back into blogging and sewing yet so I am making this a short post with a giveaway. I have read this cover to cover, I enjoyed every page, I am sure you will too.

The magazine consists of 135 pages of blogs and ideas, winter 2009 edition.
Leave a comment before midnight Friday the 13th.
Add a message to your blog about the giveaway, and I will put your name in twice. Thanks for stopping by.

Quilted bras you have got to see this.

2009-02-24T08:19:00.004-07:00

I am off to Portland for a week, in the meantime enjoy this site.

The Artful Bras Project for breast cancer awareness.

Happy Quilting!

Under Pressure

2009-02-21T07:09:00.009-07:00

Today's horoscope said
You may be under pressure to finish a project that you've delayed again and again. Today, however, you have run out of valid excuses. But this isn't the real reason to jump in and get the job done. Sometimes procrastination does serve a purpose. But now it's quite simple; you'll just feel better once you finally cross this task off your list

It would be nice if I knew which project I was suppose to finish.

think this one will be the one, I am making it for someone else. the houses are all done, I still needs the border and then quilted. I will be quilting this in sections, and then put it together.

Actually this one is done, it just needs the binding sewn down. (I couldn't find the finished photo)

The border fabric has been finally been decided on for this one, this will be my next finish.

Then I must do something with these, they have been hanging around for a couple of years.

.

Happy Quilting!

Still building houses.

2009-02-16T08:13:00.003-07:00

Yes I am still building houses. I was planning to share them with you this morning but my camera does not want to cooperate. So I am just checking in to say I am still here, and busy as ever.
Last week was full of sewing, taking friends to doctors, going to two sewing groups and volunteering for the Pix theater fund raiser.

Oh glory be there was a robin in my front yard yesterday, here in Idaho that means spring is just around the corner, the daffodils will soon be poking their heads through.

I have been missing my kids something awful, so next week I will be flying to Portland for a week, I bet the daffodils will be blooming there.

Happy Quilting!

Building Houses on Rosebud Lane

2009-02-09T07:01:00.005-07:00

I built a house over the weekend, and I have a good start on a second house. I have also completed all the setting blocks. This is so much fun.

I won't be able to work on it today. My friend Marge is having a battery of tests done today so I will be spending my day in the waiting room. I have my Northstar hand quilting to take along today.

Happy Quilting!

Found my new challenge.

2009-02-03T08:52:00.005-07:00

I will be a strolling down Rosebud Lane, a 70 x 70 quilt.
A friend ask me to make this quilt for her, she will be purchasing the fabric and I get to have all the fun.

I have five house to build during these economically slow times. This is going to be fun, each house block is 14 x 14, and entirely different from what I have been doing.

Happy Quilting!

Evolving quilting or should I say revolving

2009-01-29T08:00:00.019-07:00

Life this week has been rather uneventful, waiting for the inversion to go away, finishing up the 16 patch and hourglass determined to finish before I start anther project. As I was working on this I was thinking how much I really love scrappy quilts.

My quilting started with scraps, bits & pieces.

Moving on to a little more difficult challenge at the time.

Then on to planned scraps. Kaleidoscope.

Then on to purchasing fabric intended only for a quilt, my grandmother would not have understood.

Then scrappy again.

Back to a plan.

Then on to a challenge hand quilting, which I still love, but today I find easier designs. My granddaughter Jessie it this photo, holding a pillow she made, she is now 13. This is a quilt I made for her mother.

Went through a period of making bargellos, I still like them and may do another soon.

Ahhhh yes then there was the paper piecing.

Love results but not to fond of paper piecing.

Then back to the scraps I never stray very far from.

This one is nearly finished.See Cymba's tale?

Now I think I need another challenge.

Happy Quilting!

When life gives you scraps, make quilts.

2009-01-22T06:28:00.015-07:00

I have been spending this week cleaning up a bin of scraps. I had a baggy full of 2" strips and 3.5". Cymba likes the results so far, and gives it the usual "cat scan".

I was inspired by a scrap quilt on Bonnie's Quiltville site, Sixteen Patch and Pinwheels.

I changed the pinwheels to hour glass blocks, not quite so busy.

With Valentines Day around the corner, I have found a couple of links you want to check out.
.
Heart Banner follow the link to Freda's Hive for a free pattern.

I think these would be fun hanging in the window, I don't think I will get around to making them, but I like the look. Kinda like stain glass.

Valentine Fun at Martha's Using crayons and wax paper.

Happy Quilting!

Quilt Show and Stripping

2009-01-20T09:51:00.010-07:00

I was so busy during the show I didn't get as many photos as I would have liked to.
Here are a few ribbon winners, all of the ribbons were "Peoples Choice", the show was not judged.

I thought this quilt should of had a ribbon, the applique was perfect.

This one won the applique category. It was gorgeous too.

Hand quilted catagory and antique quilt.

This is my "Christmas Ribbons" bargello and a ribbon winner of the seasonal catagory.

The next quilt I took to the show just because we had a few racks to fill.

I was very surpised that it won a ribbon.

It is hand quilted and I love this quilt but I was still surprised.

Now that I have recovered from the whirlwind weekend, I am doing some mindless strip sewing , while watching the Presidential Inauguration.

Making a pile of 16 patch squares I will put together with hour glass blocks.

Happy Quilting!

Local Quilt Show Tomorrow

2009-01-16T08:54:00.004-07:00

There will be a quilt show held over the week-end the 17th & 18th at Karcher Mall.

Silly me I volunteered to help hang quilts today, I am going to enjoy every minute of it.

If you are local and can make it be sure and drop in, there will be vendors too. The event is for the benefit of the on going restoration project of the Nampa
Pix Theater

Hope we see you there tomorrow.

Happy Quilting!

On with the border

2009-01-13T08:37:00.008-07:00

Yesterday was was filled with plumbing issues, the pipe under the kitchen sink sprung a serious leak. Do you know how many trips it takes to the plumbing store to fix a leak? five trips.

All the while, all I really wanted to do was get on with the border.

Now the border seems to be a problem too!

I may need to visit 5 quilt shops to find the right border.

I would like to be able to use something from my stash.

This one was Cymba's choice, I prefer a darker border.

If I can't find anything else this may be the one. Help! what do you think?

Should I keep searching?

Happy Quilting!

Marching on with Double Delight

2009-01-11T12:26:00.002-07:00

I hate stop when I am so close to having the body of DD sewn together.
But my friend Marge is having pc problems so I need to stop for now and help her. (Like I know what I'm doing, sure I do.)

My body will be happy I am taking a break anyway.

Cymba is delighted so far.

Happy Quilting!

Day 9 of a Mystery, pressing on

2009-01-09T07:53:00.006-07:00

I am pressing on with the Double Delight mystery quilt from Quiltville

Finally the 240 square in a square blocks have been finished, pressed,

and trimmed.

I'm sorry about the blurry photos, I must have been shakey that day, from all that trimming.

Now for the fun part, constructing the 30 Rolling Star Blocks .

I took a little break yesterday from DD to make this Grab Bag, the pattern can be found here

Happy Quilting!

Who knew? Recycled sports shoes!

2009-01-06T12:10:00.010-07:00

I was reading Karen's post over at Journey of a Quilter about a "Going Green Challenge", which inspired me to do a google search about recycling.

While searching this web site caught my eye about recycled sports shoes sponsored by NIKE. They grind them up into what they call Nike grind to make sports surfaces, I just thought it was interesting enough to share. Did you know they recycle shoes? .

I am taking a break from Bonnie's "Double Delight" mystery quilt this afternoon,

there has been a lot of sewing going on.
I do have the 140 nine patch blocks finished but I am still trimming the 240 square in square blocks. I just have to stop for awhile.

Then while waiting for the morning snow fall to melt, (so I can venture out for a much needed Costco trip) I baked

Cranberry Muffins.

This is a Weight Watchers recipe with a point value of 2.

1 1/4 cup flour
1/2 cup old fashion oatmeal
1/4 cup sugar

1 1/4 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1 cup fat free yogurt

1/4 cup fat free milk

2 tbsp egg substitute

1 Tbsp margarine melted

1/2 tsp vanilla

1/2 cup dried cranberries

Combine dry ingredients, make a well in the center.

Whisk remaining ingredients together, fold into dry ingredients stir just til blended.

Fold in cranberries. Spoon batter into prepared muffin tin, filling each 2/3 full.

Bake for 25 minutes at 400.

I stated above the WW point value to be 2, mine will be a little less as I forgot the sugar.

Hey they are still pretty tasty.

Happy Quilting!

There is something about cats & quilts

2009-01-04T08:21:00.009-07:00

Cat scans, if you have a cat, and you quilt,
you understand, all the quilts get a test.

Okay back to sewing I am finishing step 3, of Bonnies, New Years Mystery Double Delight, but I haven't finished step 2. I got tired of sewing a square in square so I jumped ahead to 9 patches. A lot more fun, 90 down only 40 more to go, then back to step 2. Are you doing the mystery?

Happy Quilting!

A UFO Bargello

2009-01-02T06:09:00.005-07:00

Last month while preparing for Thanksgiving company, I needed to clean my sewing room, while doing so I ran across several UFO’s.

Ok, we all have them, I just didn’t realize I still had so many.

I have finished 22 quilts this year, some started from scratch and a few from last years UFO pile. That is not counting various other table runners, placemats, small wall quilts, etc.

And yet here I have 13 unfinished projects, so as this pile will dwindle this year only to be replaced with new UFO’s, and so it goes in the life of a quilting addict.

I have selected a quilt from this pile to work on, now that all my Christmas sewing is finished.

All the hard part has been done, cutting a zillion strips,

one section was completed.

the challenging part was to reorganize and figure out where I left off, the design is put together in sections.

The book “Tradition with a Twist” was published in 1996, by Blanche Young. I remember seeing her as a guest on Simply Quilts, and immediately went out and bought the book.

This is a wonderful book to have in your quilt book collection. A week of sewing and,

Ta da, the quilt top is completed.

Next Bonnie's Double Delight, ready, set, sew, a New Year mystery.

Happy Quilting!

Which Resolution are you going to break first?

2009-01-01T08:16:00.005-07:00

In my 66 years, I don't believe I have ever made a New Years resolution, I would just break them, then feel crummy.

I do make resolutions daily, or weekly, to accomplish more, to do better, to live fuller, to be happier, to be better person, to save more, and to eat healthier .

I have a gadget on my Google homepage, "How to of the Day" today's "How To" is from wikiHow about eating healthy some very good advice there.

For the people that vow to loss weight suddenly all the commercials are about exercise equipment, weight loss programs, a diet pill, or jogging clothes.

The buyers at the stores know that we make resolutions about organizing.
January is the best time to find that perfect organization gadgets, containerss or space savers, I am a sucker for somthing that helps me get organized.

Just a few thoughts this morning from the Idaho Quilter, waiting to feel better so I can begin the new year and shop for that perfect container.

A Happy New Year do all that visit my blog, I am happy that you stopped by.

And Happy Quilting!

A New Years Mystery, and other chatter.

2008-12-30T12:40:00.010-07:00

I am so anxious to feel better, but this, what ever this is, still has a hold on me. I have spent the last few days resting, drinking gallons of liquid, taken every decongestant I had around here. I am getting a new supply today and a humidifier, thanks to a friend going to the store for me later today.
But enough about that.
I am so happy I have a laptop, really comes in handy when you are laying around. I have caught up on visiting blogs, sorting files, and organizing & deleting photos.

This is the time of year everything needs to be re-orginized, re-considered, and donated if not needed. I usually start January by sorting & re folding all my fabric. I find that is a pleasurable chore for me, a good way to start the new year.
I don't think I will be doing that for a few days but it is at the top of my to-list.

Bonnie at Quiltville has a New Year's Eve, mystery quilt I want to start soon. I have pulled some of the fabric in preperation for that. You can find the link here.

I was able to do a little hand quilting yesterday on my Northern Star quilt. It has been sitting in basket by my chair waiting, I hadn't touched it since thanksgiving. I do enjoy the needle in hand and the feel of the quilted texture.

The tempature has warmed, the snow has all melted.

Happy Quilting!

Oh Oh the flu hit me like a ton of bricks.

2008-12-28T10:37:00.005-07:00

At least it waited til after Christmas, But being out in the Christmas crowds probably where I got it. I did have flu shot in Oct, so maybe it won't last as long.
Stuffed up head, very sore throat, chest full of congestion, with periodic chills, I guess that is a form of flu.
At least the tempature wrmed up a little today the eaves are dripping.

Yes I am still quilting here at the Idaho Quilters

2008-12-27T08:32:00.008-07:00

Time for an update on what the Idaho Quilter has been up to. For having a quilting blog I haven't been posting much about quilting the last couple weeks. But the quilting hasn't stopped I just took a blogging break.

Also now that Santa has delivered all the packages I can show what what was in some of those packages I mailed.

The first package went to my Grandson & Great-Grandson in Denver.

Jeremy's flannel quilt.

Julian's fire truck quilt
I sweat ed over the arrival of these two, I mailed them Priority mail, yet they took 6 days to get there. I worried thinking I shouldn't have put both quilts in the same box, at least that way maybe they wouldn't have both been lost. But I worried for nothing, the post office came through and did their job.

Now mailing these packages

to Portland was a different story. Two of them arrived with in a week, but they were having terrible snow storms in Portland causing delays in all mail delivery. the last package arrived in time.
Does any one else worry when they mail quilts.

the next two quilt went to great grand children also
When I was visiting in Portland last summer my granddaughter ask if I would make a TV blanket for her daughter, one that she could use drag around and not have to worry about. One that would launder easily. A couple quick flannels quilts one for Hanna & one for Willie.

I made 15 pair of the fleece sleeping socks, they went to everyone.

While doing this post I have had so much frustration finding the photos I wanted to add, I almost gave up. I have got to find a better way to organize my photos. Any suggestions?
Today the weather is not delightful, 19 degrees with blowing snow. A good day to stay in doors and sew.

Happy Quilting!

Mary Did You Know?

2008-12-21T05:47:00.002-07:00

Merry Christmas

Quilt of the Month

2008-12-19T08:41:00.011-07:00

There hasn't been much quilting going at the Idaho Quilters lately that I can blog about, you know all the secret stuff going on this time of year.

But that doesn't mean I have not been around blog land to see what others have been up to. I have many blogs I read daily with my morning coffee. I read blogs like some read the morning newspaper.

One on my never miss list is Gypsy Quilter . She is feeling a little under the weather right now so stop by and wish her well.
Through Gypsy Quilter I have found the International Quilt Study Center,
Below is thier Quilt of the Month photo compliments of that Quilt Study Center.
This quilt is almost 11 feet square.

Tree of Life
Maker unknown
Probably made in the United States, 1790-1810

Weather man is wrong again, we were suppose to wake up to 3 to 5" of snow this morning, didn't happen. temp is around 20 degrees, now they claim it will be very cold and windy tomorrow with chill factor of below 0. I hope they are wrong again. And if it has to be this cold snow would at least make it pretty, so let it snow.

Happy Quilting & A Very Merry Christmas!

p.s. I love it when you leave a comment.

A Request for Rolls & other goodies

2008-12-16T09:09:00.003-07:00

I recently had a request for my Potato Roll recipe.
I had this on one of my earliest post when I first started blogging, so I thought I would update and share again. Along with a few favorite Holiday recipes.

Potato Refrigerator Rolls
Makes 48 rolls

1 pkg dry yeast

1/3 cup sugar

1 1/2 cups potato water

1 1/2 t Salt

2 eggs at room temp

2/3 cup butter room temp

1 cup lukewarm mashed potatoes

7 cups flour

Mix yeast, sugar, & water in lg bowl. Let stand 5 minutes.

Add salt eggs butter mashed potatoes. Mix well. Add flour gradually, and beat with a electric mixer for about 8 minutes.The dough will be too sticky to knead. cover bowl well and refrigerator for at least 2 hours. shape dough into rolls of desired shape, flour your hands often, Let rise until double. (1 1/2 hours)

Preheat oven to 400

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes.the uncooked dough will keep for up to a week in the refrigerator.

The rolls have never failed, and I always have request for more.

Make Ahead Mash Potatoes

5 lbs potatoes

6 oz cream cheese

1 cup sour cream

2 t onion powder

1 t salt

2 egg whites slightly beaten

2 T butter

Mix all together.

Blend well, spray a casserole with pam. (I use a crockpot). Cover and refrigerate for up to 7 days.

Take out of refrigerator and reheat. If using a crockpot start early to warm thru.

I Always made Lasagna for New Years Eve.

No-Boil Classic Lasagna
preheat oven 350
1 container cottage cheese 16 oz

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 eggs

1 cup grated med or sharp cheese

1 pkg 1 lb lasagna uncooked

1 lb cooked Italian sausage or lean hamburger

Mix with pasta sauce2 (26 oz) Pasta sauce + 1/2 cup water

1 lb shredded mozzarella

Combine first 4 ingredients mix well,

On bottom of 15 X 9" greased baking dish, spread 1 cup meat & sauce mixture.

Top with uncooked noodles, cheese mixture, sauce mixture, a layer of mozzarella..Repeat layering. Cover tightly , bake 1 hr, let stand 15 minutes before serving.

Chile Rellenos Quiche
1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese set aside a 1/2 cup cheese for topping
1 can 4 oz chopped green chilies
3 eggs beaten
3/4 cups sour cream
1 Tb minced cilantro (optional)
2 to 4 drops hot pepper sauce, optional,
I line a pie plate with 8 to 10 corn tortillas over lapping as you go. Pour mixture into pie plate lined with tortillas, top with reserved cheese. bake at 350 for 35 to 40min. or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Oatmeal Pancakes

1/2 cup oatmeal (not instant)
1 1/4 cups milk
1/4 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 cup flour
1/2 T sugar
1/2 T baking powder
1/4 t salt
1/4 cinnamon
1 or 2 egg whites , lightly beaten
1/2 t vanilla or almond extract
Blend together the oats & milk let stand for 10 min.
combine dry ingredients add to oatmeal, mix well.
add egg whites & vanilla
let stand in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

We have temperature of 18 this morning but no snow..
Merry Christmas!

I can't be trusted with chocolate

2008-12-13T08:25:00.006-07:00

I love chocolate, a blanket statement for sure. These are a few of my traditional Christmas recipes. I make these to take to my neighbors, I only dare keep a few for myself. I can't be trusted with chocolate in the house.

Cranberry Chocolates

35 -40 pieces

2 cups dark or chocolate

1 cup dried cranberries

1 cup walnut pieces

Melt chocolate in double boiler.

Fold in cranberries and walnuts until they are coated in chocolate.

Drop teaspoonfuls of mixture onto wax-paper covered baking sheets refrigerator until hardened.

Barkies

1 cup sugar

1 cup white Karo syrup

2 cups peanut butter (chunky)

4 cups corn flakes

Bring sugar and syrup to a boil,(just to a boil)

Remove from heat

add Peanut Butter

Pour over cornflakes

Roll into balls

When set dip in Almond Bark if desired

Chocolate Mounds

1 12 ounce package coconut

16 ounces powder sugar

1/2 cup Hot mash potatoes (instant will work just fine)

Mix together and form into balls, refrigerate, until set.

Remove from refrigerator 10 minutes before dipping.

Cold centers cause chocolate to crack.

For Dipping

Mix 6oz Chocolate chips with 1/2 square Bitter chocolate

Melt over a double boiler or in microwave. Dip.

Merry Christmas

A late night treat for Santa's Elves Mug Cake

2008-12-11T09:49:00.005-07:00

Find yourself stitching well into the early hours to get those projects completed in time for Christmas? Here's a special treat just for you... ice cream optional.

5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE

4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil [I'm going to try it with apple sauce instead]
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
a small splash of vanilla extract
1 large coffee mug

Add dry ingredients to the mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly. Pour in the milk and oil (or applesauce) and mix well. Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again.

Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts (high). The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed! Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.

Compliments of Quilting Gallery newsletter.

Happy Quilting!

My Christmas Village

2008-12-09T08:44:00.005-07:00

I am not going to do much decorating this year, but I can't resist getting out my Christmas Village for display. I will be hanging a few Christmas quilts too, but I will save those for the next post.

And my favorite!
The lights are on, the shop is open.
Don’t you just love the detail that goes into these.
Happy Quilting!

The Happy Dance

2008-12-08T12:07:00.003-07:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Two happy grandkids, aren't they cute?

This was so easy to make, just follow the link at the bottom to make your own elf card.

Going green with napkins, & a few giveaways

2008-12-06T09:00:00.006-07:00

I have just been lolling around the last few days, can't seem to get started on my list of to-do's. I have got to get labels on two quilt today, to get ready for mailing. I also have 2 little flannel throws to finish and mail before Christmas.

I have been in the sewing room, when my daughter was here for Thanksgiving she commented on the every day napkins I use. I haven't used paper napkins in about 10 years, I was green before green was cool.. No need to iron, they just get better and softer with age.

I cut mine each 10" Press a shirt tail hem, (take the time to press the hem) If you have serger or a rolled hem attachment that will work too.

I made 4 dozen napkins, in about 2 hours, used up 2 yards of stash fabric that would have never been used in a quilt, and saved a little space in the landfill.
So DD watch your mail box for a green gift.

Gail Pan Designshas the cutest FREE Christmas redwork pattern, just visit her site.

Pilgrims & Pioneers has a giveaway going on, but hurry it ends tomorrow evening.

Crazy Ladies has a giveaway going on too, A $10.00 gift certificate for Piney Woods Primitives Shop ends Dec 15.

Ok here is one more Cat Nip Primitives, is offering 4 chances to win.
Most of these are Primitive offerings, but quilts and primitives definitely go together, don't you think?

Happy Quilting!

A blogging block

2008-12-04T09:29:00.004-07:00

This is what a blogging block looks like, just like a writers block.

Hopefully it will disappear soon!
In the mean time check out this blog, very cool.

http://janeweston.blogspot.com/

Jump start your Christmas Spirit

2008-12-02T08:31:00.005-07:00

Happy Quilting!

What happened to Boardwalk?

2008-12-01T08:23:00.005-07:00

I had a wonderful time with my family at home for Thanksgiving. They have all gone, the house is empty, the temporary beds have been deflated, the laundry is done, the leftovers have been taken care of. We are left with memories of another Thanksgiving come and gone. This will be the Thanksgiving we remember Sandra trying to make gravy with powdered sugar. OOPS.

We always play games after dinner , Monopoly was this years choice. Before the game was laid out , jokingly I said, I suppose "now a days" they play with credit.

Sure enough, everyone gets a different color credit card to use for purchasing property and paying rent. Jessica was the banker with the eltronic device that keeps track of everyones credit and debits. Boardwalk is gone, then names on the properties have all been changed, the rent now is 500 K , instead of $50.00 the utilities have been chaged to cell phone and cabel co. the railroads have been replaced with airports. Luckily Grandma didn't land on any property worth having and I was able to get out of the game early.

Happy Quilting!

If only I was into appliqué

2008-11-21T07:54:00.004-07:00

If only I was into appliqué, this would be my next project.

Isn’t it interesting?

You can find the pattern here, at the Robert Kaufman Fabrics web site, along with the new lines of fabric.

Check out the web site if you are not familiar with it they awesome patterns and new fabric to preview.

like Empress Bouquet by and

Artisan Batiks: Autumn Splendor

I think I better finish a few UFO’s before I start another.

I just wanted to do a quick post this morning to let you know I am still kicking and to share the site with you.

Now I am off to do Thanksgiving preparations, shopping etc.

The kids are coming, the kids are coming home for Thanksgiving, I am so excited.

Happy Quilting

North Star ready for my winter quilting project

2008-11-17T08:32:00.005-07:00

I can’t think of a better way to get through the cold winter evenings than sitting with a quilt in your lap quilting away the storms outside. This quilt may last through more than one winter, but that is just fine. It is always the journey not the destination that pleases me, when it comes to quilting, that is..

I have to clarify that for my kids, before they fall off the chair laughing.

I found a new way of basting a quilt, new to me I should say. Maybe others do it this way all the time.

I googled "How to baste a quilt" and found this wonderful video on YouTube by Sharon Schamber. It made perfect sense to me. So much better than my old method of basting which involved the pain of crawling around on the floor.

I just happened to have a couple of 1”x2” boards in the shop. I covered them with fabric then I pinned the quilt edge to the fabric before rolling the quilt top on, then doing the same with the quilt back.

The batting lays free in between the top and back.

I was able to baste the whole quilt while sitting comfortably at the table. Unrolling and smoothing it out as you go.

I have always used the tailors basting stitch, to prepare for hand quilting, the same stitch that Sharon used in this video. Basting with pins for machine quilting will work with this method too.

This was the easiest method I have ever used for basting a quilt, and the end product was smooth and ready to mark.

I recommend watching the videos (there are 2) if you are getting a quilt ready for machine quilting or hand quilting.

If you have ever basted or pinned a quilt on the floor or even bending over a table, your knees and back will love you for taking the time to watch the videos I promise.

Happy Quilting!

Thinking about the next one

2008-11-12T08:03:00.004-07:00

Do you start thinking of the next quilt while working on the current one? How many do you have on the design wall in your mind?

I am so close to having this one ready to baste, (this will be my winter hand quilt project) I woke up this morning eager to finish this flimsy, so I can move on.

My next quilt is somewhere in this container of treasured 1930’s fabrics. It is either in this book “Granny Quilt Decor” by Darlene Zimmerman or

perhaps in one of the magazines.

Cymba is always eager to help.

Here she is saying HEY it is time to take a break and pet my belly..

I started this post with the question "How many quilts on the design wall in your mind?"

Happy Quilting!

N. Star progress & a diagonal set tutoial

2008-11-09T07:26:00.008-07:00

I am moving right along on my designing of the North Star quilt. I will soon be making a decision about adding borders, but for now I am working the diagonal setting blocks. I thought I would share with you the math/method I use to figure the blocks for the corners and side sets.
In order to have the straight of grain on the edges of the corner pieces they are cut differently than the side pieces. I cut 2 squares 2" larger than the block.
Then cut these in half diagonally for the corners.
4 corners.
For the side setting blocks I measure the diagonal size of the block, add 3" cut your square using that measurement. Then simply cut into four sections, the outer edge will be straight of grain.

Add the side setting blocks to the end of the rows before sewing the rows together. Simple as that.

Now to come up with a border design.

Happy Quilting!

This day has got to get better & Splenda a zillion $ a lb.

2008-11-04T09:14:00.008-07:00

A dark, gloomy, rainy, windy day here in Idaho gets to a bad off to a bad start for me. My first indications was getting out of bed and stepping on a upchucked hairball. Only to find another in the middle of my dinning room table.

MY Sweet Cymba is never allowed on the table, who knows what else she does while I'm sleeping. Just look at that innocent face.

With that cleaned up I was ready to sit down with my first cup of coffee. Which is always the best cup of the day. I use Splenda in my coffee, (never could break the sugar habit) I quit smoking isn't that enough.

My sugar shaker was empty, I store Splenda in a snap top container on its side on the top shelf.

Evedentally I didn't get it snapped shut tightly when I put it away. Turned my back on it and out it poured. Not the way I had my day planned.

I'm afraid to turn on the news, I don't want to hear how far Obama is ahead,that will really ruin the day.

Squash Soup and quilting

2008-11-02T16:59:00.006-07:00

I have just finished eating this yummy bowl of squash soup, Ok, I know it looks like baby food, but OH my goodness it is gooooood.

I just know you want the recipe, Right?

Simple Winter Squash Soup

2 cups fat free chicken broth
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion diced
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon ginger (oops I didn't have any ginger)
1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
3 cups cooked winter squash
salt & pepper to taste

In a large saucepan or dutch oven, heat the olive oil, on medium until it shimmers. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger, cook for 3 to 5 minutes until just beginning to brown. Stir in the mustard and cook 1 minute.
Add the broth (this can be preheated in the microwave) and stir well. Stir in the squash and stir until completely mixed in with the broth. Cover and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Season to taste. (if you like you can puree soup with an immersion blender.) I did.
If I wasn't watching my weight I would add a dollop of sour cream.

Only 113 calories
WW = 2 points

My friend Marge had to put her 14 year old, white cat named Junior to sleep on Friday. She quit eating and drinking, as her body shut down. It was a very sad day for Marge.

Yesterday I made this little wall hanging for her in memory of Junior. I took it over to her last night, she started crying, her daughter cried, hell pretty soon we were all bawling. We cracked open a couple beers and toasted Junior, yes Junior was a female.After I delivered it I thought I should have put a halo over the cat, or had the cat sitting on cloud instead of the grass. Oh well she was very pleased with it as is.

The free motion quilting is getting easier.

I am trying a lot of different designs, a sample of quilting on a sampler. Why not.

I really liked doing this one, continuous and easy. A good one to use on a 9 patch block.

My first stab at doing (a rose?) Sure need more practice on that one. .

I was quilting away when Cymba my quilting cat, jumped on the quilt as if to say enough for awhile.

She makes it very hard to move the quilt around so I gave up for the day, I will be back at it tomorrow.

As I was working on this today, I had a horrible thought. What if the reds fade? I usually wash all my fabric, especially the reds. But did all these get washed, not sure now,poor time to think about it huh. Waht was I thinking, I'll just have to keep my fingers crossed, as I always wash every quilt as soon as I finish the binding.

Happy Quilting!

Color it Red, top complete

2008-10-31T08:00:00.002-06:00

This is what I have been doing for the past few days, finishing this BOM from Claudia's a year long project, I posted about it back in Jan. a snow day.

I have always planned on making a red & white quilt, this may be as close to red & white as I ever get, but I am pleased with the outcome, my favorite quilts are the scrappy ones.

I am going to be quilting this in four sections, then put it together using the quilt as you go method.
I will have four seams on the back that will need to be stitched down by hand,when finished, but compared to quilting the quilt on my DSM as a whole, sewing by hand is easy.

I have this layed out in the 4 sections with tag on each corner so I know how it goes back together, I also tag the edge so I know where not to quilt.

This is going to be practice piece for free motion quilting, so I'll let you know how that goes. Since this is a sampler quilt I think I will do sample quilting, each set of blocks differently. I'm not very good at free motion, but they tell me practice practice practice. So I am off to give it my best shot.

Happy Halloween Everyone!

Houston

2008-10-30T08:07:00.003-06:00

Stop by the Yellow Farm House to view a few of the Houston quilts, the International Quilt Festival.

And you can click here to read about a $10,000.00 winning quilt. My friend Larry in Houston sent me the link. Thanks Larry.

Patchwork Pottery is having a cute little giveaway. You have until Nov 5 so pop over and join in the fun.

Happy Quilting!

hand piecing over the years & a birthday

2008-10-28T08:30:00.001-06:00

No it is not my birthday, we don't talk about those any more.

But it is my mothers birthday, she would have been 95 today, I can't believe she has been gone for 15 years. There isn't a day goes by that I don't miss her. I always thought she looked like a movie star in this photo, maybe Barbara Stanwick, what do you think?

I needed something to work on at our quilt group yesterday so I dug out this hand piecing, luckily the template was still with it, along with a magazine dated 2001. If I remember correctly that is how long ago I started this. The setting in the magazine is different than mine.
I thought maybe the setting I was using was in this book, Not there either, but while perusing though this book I came across this pattern, it states it is challenging, I say it is crazy.

I thought I would share with you one last look of fall, the next day all these leaves were on the ground.

Happy Quilting!

Julian's quilt a Nine Patch Pizzazz

2008-10-27T08:35:00.001-06:00

I just finished this quilt for my great grandson Julian, whom I have never met, but I hope to someday.

An easy & quilt to do, just pick 4 or 5 coordinating fabrics make a bunch of 9 patch blocks mix them up with a few solid blocks and taaadaaa you have a interesting quilt.

It is also called the potato chip quilt, because you can't make just one.

I always wanted to try the free motion circles, wow they were easy.

I quilted this quilt in two sections then put it together using the quilt as you go method,

then I added the borders and quilt them last, so easy to do that way.

IF YOU LOVE LOOKING AT QUILTS, don't we all, check out the Queensland Quilters quilt show from last week, those "down under" quilters make some spectacular quilts.

Happy Quilting!

Generous bloggers & I'm in the headlines

2008-10-26T08:25:00.007-06:00

Helen is having a very generous give away at Hugs & Kisses.

Gail Pan is having a stitchery giveaway, I love her designs, don't you?

Pop over and throw your name in the hat.

Have you noticed I have entered the BlogHer Network world, I am very excited about this, I submitted my application several months ago.

I have now been accepted. After only advertising a few days, they chose one of my post to feature in their headlines today. "pumpkin bread, it's that time of year" am I famous yet?

Until next time, Happy Quilting!

A Pumkin and a couple give aways

2008-10-24T09:25:00.008-06:00

Just a quick post this morning then I need to get outside and get a few more chores done before our weather turns ugly.

I found this cute pumpkin I want to make, Yes there is still time before Halloween, You can read the tutorial at Pieces of Time.

and a couple of links for give-aways to enter:

If you love homemade soap visit Dayln.
she makes goat milk soap and has the cutest web page too.

And Ang is having a drawing for a whole farm basket full of goodies.

Come back and see me soon.

Happy Quilting!

Quilting acronyms

2008-10-22T06:09:00.008-06:00

I asked Sharyn at Kalama Quilts for permission to borrow her list of acronyms, she stated that I was welcome to them that she had not made them up, they were just aquired over time. If you haven't been to Sharyn's blog you must check it out, she has made some fabulous quilts.

BOM Block Of the Month
DSM Domestic Sewing Machine as in home sewing machine, not longarm
EQ Electric Quilt, marvelous software (also seen as EQ5 or EQ6)
FART Fabric Acquisition Road Trip
FLIMSY Finished top, not quilted
LA LongArmer, professional machine quilter
LQS Local Quilt Shop
PIGs Project In a Grocery Sack
SABLE Stash Accumulation Beyond Life Expectancy
SEX Stash Enhancing experience
STASH Special Treasure, All Secretly Hidden
TGIF Thank Goodness It’s Finished
UFO UnFinished Object
WHIMM Work Hidden In My Mind
WIP Work In Progress
WOMBAT Waste Of Material, Batting, And Time

I am going to add:
401-f Fabric for retirement
and
401-p Patterns for retirement

I am very glad I did both.

Do you have any to add please leave me note in comments.

Heck just leave me a comment even if you don't, I love comments.

Andrea at Welsh Quilter added
PHD Project half done.

Kerry added
WISP work in slow progress

Happy Quilting!

Pumpkin bread, it's that time of year

2008-10-21T08:10:00.001-06:00

This is on my to-do list today, a recipe from eat better America,
I have made this before it is delicious, and a great treat for those of use that are watching those calories. It freezes well too.
Pumpkin Bread
50% less fat • 29% fewer calories • 50% more fiber
Prep Time:20 min
Start to Finish:2 hr 40 min
makes:2 loaves (12 slices each)

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups Gold Medal® whole wheat flour
2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1 can (15 oz) pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)
1 cup fat-free (skim) milk
3/4 cup fat-free egg product
1/2 cup canola oil

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Spray bottoms only of two 9x5-inch loaf pans with cooking spray. In large bowl, mix flours, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and cloves until well blended.
2. In medium bowl, mix pumpkin, milk, egg product and oil until well blended. Stir into flour mixture until well blended. Spoon batter evenly into pans.
3. Bake 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes. Loosen sides of loaves from pans; remove from pans to cooling racks. Cool completely, about 1 hour.
High Altitude (3500-6500 ft): Decrease baking soda to 1 1/2 teaspoons.

Nutritional Information

1 Serving: Calories 190 (Calories from Fat 45); Total Fat 5g (Saturated Fat 0g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 240mg; Total Carbohydrate 32g (Dietary Fiber 2g, Sugars 18g); Protein 3g Percent Daily Value*: Vitamin A 60%; Vitamin C 0%; Calcium 4%; Iron 6% Exchanges: 1 Starch; 1 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Vegetable; 1 Fat Carbohydrate Choices: 2
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
MyPyramid Servings 1 oz-equivalents Grains, 1 tsp Fats & Oils

Happy Quilting!

Making of a kitchen sink

2008-10-18T08:01:00.013-06:00

I've had a couple emails asking if I was ok, I'm still here, I have just been busy finishing up a few projects and running around.

Thursday I went on a local shop hop with Mary visiting 5 shops here in the valley, I forgot my camera, so no photos to share from that.

Mary and I visited 5 shops, I had never been to 3 of them before. Yesterday I went to 3 more with Lucille. Fun stuff.

My kitchen sink is finished, thanks to Gypsy Quilter for the inspiration.

And a big Thanks to Bonnie at Quiltville for her method of using scraps and enders & leaders.

I made all the quilt blocks while I was working on sample quilts for the quilt shop, using the enders & leaders method.
I have had the top finished for awhile but I was dreading the challenge of quilting it on my Bernina. Then I happened to pop in a quilt shop when Sandy Moore was doing a demo on quilting larger quits in sections, then putting them together, kinda like "quilt as you go" only on a larger scale.

I came right home, took mine apart, dividing it in to 3 manageable sections. NOW it was do-able.

this made it easy to use up those smaller pieces of batting.

no large quilt back to make.

quilt as usual, then sew with right sides together, trim one side of the back, stitch the back together with a by hand with a blind stitch.

I love pieced backs, using this method I was able to use 4 different fabrics on the back.

Now I can see many unquilted quilts being finished in my future.

Now that Mary has closed the shop we find that we still want to get together with all the new friends we made there. Our first meeting of the "Sew n'Sews" was last week there was 8 of us there.
We were ask to bring something for show and tell, I was so busy yacking I only took a couple pictures.
Here I have a couple of quilts to show from that meeting.

Can you believe it,this is Betty's first quilt. She said she didn't know how to applique, so she made all the pieces, lined them, then stitch though from the back to tack them to the quilt. What an amazing job she did.

This is Linda's cat applique isn't it cute, I have it on my to do list.

Our weather here as been typical fall, with the leaves in my yard just beginning to turn. Cool mornings & sunny afternoons. I hear that is about to change.
Until next time.

Happy Quilting!

Autumn came to Idaho

2008-10-11T07:51:00.004-06:00

I just finished my porch project in the nic of time. It turned very cold seems like it happened over night, Oh Ya, that's right, it did. One day it was nice with the doors and windows open, the next, brrrr, can't leave the house with out a jacket.

In addition to quilting I have been dealing with furnace issues. Actually not the furnace, it is fine thank goodness, but my thermostat quit working properly, I could set it at 55 as low as it would go, it would not shut off.

My sweet brother Gordon, sent me a very hi tech, programable thermostat to replace mine with. I had Nick come over to install it for me, turns out it was a very complicated install. After spending 4 hours and working until midnight on it we thought we had it figured out. Wrong, I got up the next morning to a very cold house with a temp of 40.. Make a long story short I ran over to Home Depot, bought a little cheap manual operated thermostat had it installed and all is well.

The quilt I have been working on is finished, I put it on my bed last night, it has been awhile since I made a quilt for my bed, it is scrappy and I love it.
I know you are looking for pictures, but I will have to post pictures tomorrow, hopefully.

I need to take my camera to the shop today, when I try to download or view photos it says I need to format my chip. So no new photos today, I will show you a few old ones though.
I took these photos when I was visiting my daughter this summer of a couple of quilts I didn't have pictures of in my album.

I made this signature quilt for my daughters 40th birthday. I had sent her friends a 3" X 5" piece of white fabric and ask them to write a message on it and sign. It was a fun project and a total surprise for her. center

Below is a Rooster applique I did about 10 years ago, dd, always had it hanging in her kitchen. She washed it and the red faded all over the background. so she returned it to me and ask me to fix it, I cut away the background with the intentions of appliqueing it to a new piece of fabric, it is the pile of "need to do" I should put it on top of the pile.

This is the quilt that is now hanging where the rooster belongs,

Happy Quilting!

A little of this and that

2008-10-02T08:26:00.006-06:00

I have been working on a new quilting technique, well, it is new to me anyway. I will be sharing it with you in a few days, I am taking a lot of photos as I go, so I can share with you. Stay tuned.

In the mean time here are a few links you may find interesting, I did.

There is a giveaway going on over at Freda's Hive

And Melissa is have a giveaway party you may want to check out too, you click on the button on my sidebar.

At Quilting Weekly you will find a lot of new ideas, quilting links, and she is looking for guest writers and tutorials.

There is a Sweet Giveaway going on at Fabric. com with over a $1000. in prizes.

Ok enough surfing for me this morning, time to get to work.

Happy Quilting!

A birthday present for Sandra

2008-09-30T08:15:00.008-06:00

Yesterday was my daughters birthday, we won't talk about age, but I don't know when my children's age caught up with mine.
Sandra is a Literary Agent, and works from her home office. She has created this great environment to work in, I don't know how she gets anything done, I would be staring out the window all day.
This is the view from her desk of her front yard,
with the window open you can hear the water bubbling in the stream.

This was a kit I made while working at the quilt shop, when I saw it I knew I had to make it for Sandra's office.
I only had the top done when the shop closed so it has been on the UFO list for awhile.

I woke up one morning last week and realized it was almost Sandra's birthday with the quilt unfinished.

With minimal quilting I was able to finish it in time to get it in the mail so it arrived on her birthday.

She called yesterday after recieving it to tell me she had the perfect place for it in her office. Happy Birthday Sandra.

Happy Quilting!

Ok, lets stop with the plastic bag!

2008-09-26T08:54:00.006-06:00

Yesterday was garbage day in my neighborhood, the bags were everywhere as I drove to the store. I guess the garbage has a way of escaping when the garbage is dumped into the truck. The truck is enclosed so it must be while the can is being dumped, I can't blame these hard working men that pick up the cans and physically dump them in the truck. Yes they still do it by hand in my neighborhood, but I can blame the consumer.
Here is a link for making an free easy tote bag pattern anyone can make.
I especially hope you quilters are not using plastic, lets make our own and make a difference.

Happy Quilting!

Cherries and Crows quilted place mat tutorial

2008-09-23T11:18:00.015-06:00

.

Begin by cutting the backing and batting, I use Therolamb, layer these together, pin in place.

Cut 5 strips the width of your fabric, I cut these 3" wide, sometimes it depends on the design in your fabric, especially if you choose to use a stripe. But no less than 2.5".

before sewing press under 1/4" on the outside edge. Using a 1/4" seam with right sides together, stitch around the edge, much like sewing on binding. Stopping to pivot at each corner.( One 45" strip will not go all the way around, just stop at a corner, backstitch and begin with a new strip butting up against the last strip.) If this is a little confusing, just sew 2 strips together end to end .

Press all the darts to one side, making sure the un sewn edge match evenly.

Stitch the dart on the pressed line, starting at the outer edge, stitch toward the point.

Trim and press open.

Clip outer corners, just to stitching.

Turn right side out, and press.

Measure and cut a piece to fit in the center, pin in place, then top stitch. I like to top stitch a couple times, and also a 1/4" from outer edge.

Whaooooo! you are done.

These make great gifts, wash like a dream and they re reversible.

Below is an example of a set I made for Marge.

Happy Quilting!

Email me or leave a comment if you would like the dimensions.

2008-09-22T08:38:00.003-06:00

I'm sure no one wants to hear more about my porch, except the repairs will be finished up today. We had several down pours on Saturday that brought the repairs to a halt. Now it looks like I need some work done to my gutters. When you own a place "there is always something needin fixin" my hired man said. He is a true Arkansas native, moves very slowly and has to do a lot of pondering, but he works cheap and says he just like to have "somthin a goin on".

Friday porch fix

2008-09-18T09:11:00.014-06:00

Instead of being a fun day working on the mosaic for my front steps, I get to tear apart, the outer part of my porch. While out there yesterday, I discovered the outer edge was about to fall though.
Further discovery led me to the major problem, the outer board that supports the floor is rotten.
I have someone coming to help me today, hard telling what we will discover as we tear into it.

But all is well, remember I like breaking things.

Saturday follow-up.

This task was a bit bigger than I could handle by myself, I had to hired some help.
Of course you never know what you are going to run into when you start demo on a project.

A little more than I anticipated needed repair. After a trip to Home Depot the new lumber is in place, today we will be putting down the new floor.

Thursday

2008-09-18T09:11:00.007-06:00

I haven't posted for a few days because I have been sick at heart. If you have been following Rhonda's story, we received good and bad news,about her cancer.

The doctor received the analysis for the kidney they removed last week. The good news is her cancer was a T-1, on a scale of 1-3. The bad news is it was a progressive cancer on a scale of 1-4 hers was a 3.

As soon as she heals from the surgery she will be seeing a oncologist, to see what her options are for treatment and monitoring.
We are kinda left in the dark until then, so "friends and neighbors" please keep Rhonda and her family in your prayers.

I have been trying to stay busy playing in my little studio breaking dishes. It really is pretty good therapy.

This piece will either be a gnome house or a mushroom, depending on how you look at it. It will need to cure a few days before grouting.

Potted up few "Hen & Chickens" yesterday for my friend Marge.

My next project will be mosaicing on my front steps, just on the risers, this will be a challenge, I'll keep you posted.

Looking for hydrangeas & I hate snakes

2008-09-15T07:06:00.009-06:00

I recently had these nasty shurbs pulled out,
leaving a new planting area. I decided I wanted a few hydrangea bushes along this area. I figured this was the time of year to plant them, so yesterday I went on a quest to find some,(that I could afford).

I stopped at Home Depot first, the gal in the nursery dept. didn't even know what they were. So I broused around and found 2 very sickly looking plants that they wanted $19.00 a piece for. Moving on I went to Lowes, there I found nice big plants full of blooms, but they were $29.00 each and I am sure well worth it, but way over my budget, I wanted at least 3.

So on to Zamzoa's a local pet/garden store. All thier hydrangeas were gone, BUT as I was leaving a man, shuddering just think about it, was entering the store with a 7 foot yellow snake wrapped around his body. Now that I think about I am not sure it was 7foot but it wrapped his body at least twice YUCK.

OH MY GOD, I somehow kept my composer until I got to the car, I think it took a moment or two to sink in. (They shouldn't be allowed out in public, or at least transported in a cage)
As everyone who has ever met me knows I am terrifed of snakes. A phobia I have had since childhood, when some nasty little boys put a bunch of snakes down the back of my blouse.

I was only a few blocks from home luckily, but I was so shook up I ran into the side of my carport, knocking my mirror lose on the pasengers side, I had the car wedged against the side of the carport and everytime I moved it I heard a terrible scraping sound. I had to get a neighbor to come over and help me get it untangled. Fortnuately no damage to the car, and the mirror snaped back in place.

Back to the hydrangeas, I decide I am going to take cuttings from my friend Marges' bushes. Much cheaper and I won't be running into any damn snakes.

how to take a hydrangea cutting

Houston we have a problem and other musing

2008-09-13T09:25:00.012-06:00

I have a dear friend, Larry, living in Houston. He says he is a "old tough marine" and Ike doesn't scare him. If I lived there I would have been very scared. I thought about the people in Ike's path all night.
Larry was going to spend the night at his daughters so they would all be together. I received a email yesterday before the storm hit. I told him to call as soon as he could, but I expect it to be several days.

On a lighter note I have finished a few mosaic pieces, I am anxious to start on this fountain.

Bird FeederAdded the state name just in case the birds are lost on thier way south.

My latest piece finished. Isn't the teapot the cutest, I don't collect teapots, but I couldn't resist this for $2.00 at a recent yard sale.

I also have been thinking of doing the risers on my porch steps. Mosaicing can be as addictive as quilting, but much cheaper, especially when you use yard sale dishes. Hunting for just the right color is as much fun as looking for the right piece of fabric for a quilt.

For those of following Rhonda's surgery, I spoke with her on the phone this morning and she is doing as well as anyone that has had major surgery. As soon as everything starts working again she will be able to go home. That is when the real recovery begins. God Bless you Rhonda.

Drop in on Jacquelynne she is having a fabulous quilting giveaway

Vegetable Soup or my way of losing weight

2008-09-12T15:34:00.010-06:00

While on my recent trip I picked up a few pounds that I want to shed. This soup helped me when I was losing weight, and it is soooo good. I lost 30 lbs last year, now my challenge is to keep it off so I always revert back to this soup when I gain a lb or two.

I make a large pot of this soup, divide it into individual servings and freeze. All the vegetables the recipe recommends are so plentiful and inexpensive right now, I may make two batches it freezes so well..

I ate 2 bowls before I took the photo,yum yum..

2 med cloves garlic minced
1 med onion, diced
2 med carrots sliced
1 med sweet red pepper diced
1 med stalk celery sliced
2 small zucchini
2 cups chopped green cabbage
2 cups Swiss Chard chopped
2 cups cauliflower small florets
2 cups broccoli small florets
2 tsp thyme
6 cups vegetable broth, I use fat free chicken broth
2 Tbsp parsley, & or chives, chopped
salt & pepper to taste
2 tbsp lemon juice optional

Put garlic, vegetables, thyme and broth into a large soup pot. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat. reduce heat to low and simmer, partly covered, about 10 minutes.

Stir in parsley or chives, season to taste with salt pepper and lemon juice.
Makes 12 to 15 cups. 0 points if you follow weight watchers.

Never Forget

2008-09-11T17:23:00.003-06:00

Waiting by the phone

2008-09-10T14:25:00.005-06:00

Today is Rhonda's surgery I am waiting by the phone to hear from my son. Rhonda went to the hospital this morning at 10 am, surgery is to start at 12:30, which means she 1 hour into a five hour surgery at the time I write this. So it will be a long afternoon. Rhonda is 400 miles away from me, but she has her family there for support.

5:16 pm
Update, Rhonda is out of surgery everything went well, thank God!

STAND UP TO CANCER today!!!!

2008-09-05T08:14:00.006-06:00

Today is the day to STAND UP TO CANCER Please visit this site to see how you can help.

Today is the day to blog about cancer, it affects us all sooner or later.

My dear daughter-in-law, Rhonda is going to lose one of her kidneys because of cancer. The surgery is next Wed. Sept 10th. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers, along with all the victims of this nasty disease.

And I am off

2008-09-05T08:07:00.003-06:00

A fast to trip to Spokane, I leave Boise at 2:30 and arrive at Spokane at 2:31, now how is that for fast?

I'll be back on Monday.

Happy Quilting!

Good Morning grab a cup.

2008-09-03T07:14:00.020-06:00

I have a silly little post this morning.

The mornings are colder here all of a sudden, makes me think Halloween, you think pumpkins I think candy corn.

So it is all about candy corn

Do you need a Candy Corn costume you can find one here

Or Candy Corn soy candles you can order them here

Candy corn fabric, I'm sure you can find it a JoAnn's

Jones Candy corn soda, can you imagine!

You can order it on line here.

I thought the candy corn plant was unusual too, I wish I could find one of these.

Have you ever had candy corn Pizza, find the recipe here

Even a candy corn knitted rug pattern.

Can you tell I love candy corn.

And this has nothing to do with candy corn, drop over and visit she is having a blog design give away.
Debbie's English Treasures

Happy Quilting!

Comfort food and I'm a winner

2008-09-01T10:02:00.008-06:00

Yesterday our weather turned cold, it seemed like to perfect day to put on a pot of pinto beans, (wish you were here Sandra) fried potatoes,
and corn bread.
I live alone so I will be having left overs for a few days, then maybe enough to sick some in freezer.
But as Martha says "that is a good thing".

And for dessert nice healthy,Oatmeal-Fruit Muffins. This recipe is from the "Heart Insight" magazine I get and is 0 cholesterol, 126 calories each.

Oatmeal-Fruit Muffins

1 cup flour
3/4 cup old fashion or quick cooking oatmeal
1/3 cup toasted wheat germ * I used flax seed instead
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspon salt
3/4 cup fat free milk1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup egg subsitute
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup snipped dried fruit, * I used dried plums

Preheat oven to 400
Lightly spray a 12 cup muffin tin or use paper liners.
In a medium bowl, stir the dry ingredents together.
Make a well in the center.
In another bowl mis the remaining ingredents together, except the dried fruit.
Stir into the well just until moistened.
The batter should be lumpy, Fold in the dried fruit.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, cool for 5 minutes.

And I'm a winner!

I have entered lots of give aways in the past but this was the first I won, and just in time to take on my trip.

This was from Vintage Indie drop over and pay her a visit she has lots of interesting links and often has give aways from her sponsors.

The bags are from Flip & Tumble

Small enough to play hackysack, if you had a mind to do that, I never did get it, playing hackysack that is. Small enough to stick in your pocket, carry in your purse, will hold 25 lbs.

After Cymba's inspection she gives her approval.

Thanks Gabreial.

Happy Quilting!

A safe landing.

2008-08-31T08:44:00.007-06:00

Next Friday I am taking a little trip to Spokane, via Alaska Airlines. I really dread flying, actually I don't mind flying I just hate taking off and landing. I am always pleased to have my feet back on the ground.

Show and Tell Friday plate rims

2008-08-29T08:06:00.015-06:00

I am still waiting for the quilting bug to return, as it always does.

In the mean time I have been playing with mosaic, and breaking dishes.

Here are a few of my favorites I will never break.

I was inspired to take photos of my plate rims after visiting
Tales from an oc cottage and Cindy's My romantic Home stop by their blogs you will be inspired too.

Enjoy the last big weekend before the end of summer.

Boise fires, mosaic, sewing

2008-08-26T07:12:00.008-06:00

Yesterday evening we lost 17 homes and 1 life in the Boise foothills, from a sudden fire storm. You can read about it here I feel so sad for those families, most had to run from their homes in minutes.

A gentleman they interviewed while he watched his home burn from a distance didn't even have time to put shoes on. Let us all say a prayer for those families. I can not begin to comprehend what it would be like to lose everything.

On the lighter side, it was very hot here yesterday so stayed in and tackled my sewing room.

I make a mess when I sew but I just can't start sewing in a mess. Just like cooking I can't cook in a messy kitchen. Not that I do much cooking anymore.

Now when the mood hits me I can begin sewing again.

While I am waiting for the quilting bug to hit me again, this what I have been playing with.

A bird feeder wip (work in progress).

There is something therapeutic about breaking dishes.

My favorite adhesive.

Happy Quilting!

Avoiding the sewing room

2008-08-22T08:21:00.013-06:00

I would like to start todays post by thanking everyone that takes the time to read my post. I would love it if you would also leave a comment, it makes my day.

I haven't been in here for awhile.

This is the mess I am avoiding tackling.

The shop is much tidier, so I have been hanging out there lately. This is a sink pedestal I have been sorking on, I'm not sure what I am going to do with it yet,

but I am thinking I may use it under this fountain.

One of my favorite books for inspiration is by Kaffe Fassett, most quilters are familiar with the name as he also makes beautiful quilts.

I would love to do this to my concrete floor I showed you in the previous post.

Imagine how much time a person would spend on their knees.

It may be worth it though.

A few more of my favorites from Kaffe Fassett

And I will share a table with you that I did last year.

I recently changed it to white, I like it much better now.

Have a great weekend.

A little of this and that

2008-08-20T11:32:00.012-06:00

I talked with my daughter in Portland this morning, and she ask me send her some photos of where I was using my new bargain chairs that I got at Kmart last week.

So since I haven't anything new to blog about today thought I may as well share them with everyone.

First I will show my sweet potato vine, I often have a micro wave baked sweet potato for lunch, I keep them on a basket on top of the dryer. One day about a month ago I noticed this one had sprouts about 3" long.
So I took it out and lay it in this container, it really took off then. It's been fun watching it grow.

I have been wanting to make this area into a more inviting place to sit.

My neighbor on this side is very close. and a little strange. and I wanted some privacy with out living behind a wall.
So I recently planted some fast growing vines in pots. (grow fast please)
I would like to find a nice round sisal rug for this area to cover the cracks.
Much cooler too.

Final day at the Quilt Shop

2008-08-16T08:30:00.004-06:00

Mary decided to open for a final, final, 3 day sale, she took a weeks vacation then I took a weeks vacation and now we are back for the last big hurrah. She ran an ad for 45% off of everything, and sent emails to everyone on her mailing list. The sale was to run from the 14th to the 16th.

What we didn't know was The State Fair is also happening in Boise and all the quilt shops in Boise are having big sales too. So we haven't drawn much from that area, like we expected.

Thursday we had people waiting at the door when we opened, with about a 2 hour rush, then slow the remained er of the day. Yesterday about the same, in fact I came home at 2. That was fine with me, I am still recovering from my vacation.

I am anxious for the working days to be over so I can finish the plans I have for my house, clean my sewing room AGAIN and start some new projects.

I would love to stay home today and get my porch floor ready to paint.

I stopped by Kmart a couple days ago to restock my Oil of Olay and hair gel that they took away from me at the airport, on my flight home..

They were 4 oz you can only have 3.5 oz. live and learn.

Any way while I was at Kmart I strolled around and out to the garden area, they were discounting all the outdoor furniture, I should say giving it away.

I got the 4 chairs to this set with cushions for $50.00, original price was $220.00
I had to take them home right then in my car, I ask if I could take two at a time I only live about 8 blocks, they said no I had to take all 4 at the same time. I was a struggle and worth the pain of getting them in my car, but I did it.

Rhonda is scheduled for surgery Sep 10 to have her kidney removed. She is on the list for a earlier time if some one cancels.

Happy Quilting!

Cancer Sucks

2008-08-14T09:17:00.004-06:00

While visiting with my son and his wife in Portland, I went with my daughter-in-law to a Dr appt for a follow up on a C-scan. We had a day planned, get the appt behind us, then go to lunch, keep her pedicure appt at the mall then do some shopping. What she expected to hear from the Dr. concerned her gall bladder. She, we did not expect to hear that she has a tumor in her kidney.

We were both in shock as he showed us the images and explained what we were seeing. A mass in her left kidney with a solid center. He said there was no way to biopsy it, surgery and removal of the entire kidney would be the only solution. He ordered a more complete C-scan of the surrounding area to be done the following Monday.

I was scheduled to fly home on Monday, reluctant to leave, I told them I would come back as soon as they wanted or needed me.

I talked with them last night, they will be removing the kidney as soon as she can get on the operating schedule, maybe 2 or 3 weeks.

Please remember Rhonda and her family in your prayers.

I'm home!

2008-08-13T12:08:00.005-06:00

I will be posting again real soon. I have lots to tell you.

North Portland

Mt. Hood

Boise

Happy Quilting!

Relaxing in Portland

2008-08-05T09:32:00.002-06:00

I just want to let everyone know I am having a very relaxed vacation in Portland.

Happy Quilting!

a giveaway link

2008-08-05T07:22:00.001-06:00

Visit Vintage Indie for a give away link to win a great bag.

Happy Quilting!