My list of 2015 goals in no particular order:
1) Eat more veggies and fruits
2) Cut more sugar out of my diet
3)Yoga - at least once a week
4) Re dedicate myself to eating Gluten Free (I feel so much better when I eat GF)
5) Push Ups
6) 5K's under 33:00
7) Half Marathon - Already accepted into The Avenue of the Giants!
8) There may be more!
Happy New Years to all my blog followers. May you find happiness, peace and health in the new year.
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Thursday, December 11, 2014
ELVIS
If you read my facebook page yesterday, you knew I was having a problem with a quilt. Not too often does something stump me, but this one did. The client sent fleece to use as the backing, but when I tried to quilt through the white section of the quilt the black backing fabric came up through.
I called the client and a few options were discussed. None of those worked. I thought maybe using black thread on the white might be OK, but it wasn't.
You know how you know there is a solution but can't quite put your finger on it? That is how I felt. I then wondered if I loaded it with the back facing me if that would eliminate the problem. It did, but then there was a severe tension issue. Finally I gave up for the night at 9:00 p.m.
Come morning after a great night's rest I KNEW I would be able to finish this quilt. Sure enough, tightening the tension fixed the issue, no more pokies through the white fabric and I was able to get it shipped today.
I am so honored to quilt for some amazing artists. Lynda is one such artist. This quilt was made from a photo of one of their dogs.
Thank You Lynda for trusting me with such a beautiful piece of artwork!
I called the client and a few options were discussed. None of those worked. I thought maybe using black thread on the white might be OK, but it wasn't.
You know how you know there is a solution but can't quite put your finger on it? That is how I felt. I then wondered if I loaded it with the back facing me if that would eliminate the problem. It did, but then there was a severe tension issue. Finally I gave up for the night at 9:00 p.m.
Come morning after a great night's rest I KNEW I would be able to finish this quilt. Sure enough, tightening the tension fixed the issue, no more pokies through the white fabric and I was able to get it shipped today.
I am so honored to quilt for some amazing artists. Lynda is one such artist. This quilt was made from a photo of one of their dogs.
Thank You Lynda for trusting me with such a beautiful piece of artwork!
Thursday, December 4, 2014
A Texas Thanksgiving
This Thanksgiving Day we were up way to early to catch our 6:00 a.m. flight to TX to visit our son, Joshua and daughter in law, Alessa. Many of you know I am not a morning person so this is a big accomplishment for me to get to the airport by 5:00! OK, I will admit, I was so excited to see my children I found it very easy to get up and out of the house.
Our flights went from CAK to ATL to SAN and I made sure I thanked every employee I came in contact with for working on Thanksgiving Day so I could get to where I wanted to be. Some were shocked to be thanked, others just nodded. We were met at the airport by Joshua and off to San Marcos we went. It was a nice drive, not too much traffic.
Stepping into the apartment, we were greeted by Alessa and the wonderful aroma of a Thanksgiving dinner! It was a total surprise that they had fixed dinner for us to share together. I was deeply touched by this sweet gesture. It was delicious!
On Friday we took off for Bastrop State Park, about an hour away. This is a beautiful State Park that offers camping, cabins, fishing and a golf course.
Three years ago a devastating fire swept this area. Even though you are wakling through charred remains of a once great forest, you can see the regrowth that is making it a lovely place to wander. Many historical building were saved from destruction.
The roof did have to be replaced on this shelter, and you can see the burnt stones. The view from that bench was amazing!
"Let's go to Luckenbach Texas Willie and Waylon and the boys." Yep, there is such a place and I was there! Willie and Waylon weren't.
This is just a burp in the road and if you were not looking for it, you would pass it right up. This is was made famous by the song and they had live music on Saturday. We listened to Rosie Flores. She was really good and I have never seen or heard any female play a guitar like she could. Amazing!
The above photo is of the outdoor stage.
This is the Dance Hall were the evening shows are held.
I found this to be very interesting also. I cannot imagine all those pickers gathered together in one place. I think Jeff's Dad would have loved it!
This was a fun day and the ride to Luckenbach reminded me of the roads back here in Ohio! Next stop, The Salt Lick BBQ!
I come to Texas for two things, one is to visit my children, the second is to eat at The Salt Lick BBQ!
This place seems to be in the middle of nowhere, but it has the most delicious BBQ I have ever eaten. It has a beautiful outdoor seating area that was packed when we arrived. We waited 1 1/2 hours for a table....yes, it is THAT good!
When you walk inside the Salt Lick, you pass by the open BBQ pit. Everything looks delicious!
I always get the brisket, and it is served with German potato salad, baked beans and slaw. This slaw is made with a vinegar dressing that when mixed with the potato salad is delicious!!
Another photo from inside the Salt Lick BBQ.
If you are ever anywhere near Austin, you have got to try this place. It is amazing and my favorite BBQ place ever!!!!!!! Well worth the trip and the wait :)
We did eat at some great places in San Marcos too. Have you ever had a breakfast taco? Who knew you could put all your breakfast foods in a taco? We ate at The Rodeo for breakfast two mornings. Just trying this new concept in eating was fun. I also found I like Migas. Eggs, peppers, tomatoes with corn tortillas in it, served with beans and potatoes. Eating in different parts of our country makes me realize how boring Midwestern (ie: Ohio) food is. Spice it up baby!
I was able to pick up some more coffee beans from one of my favorite coffee roasters. Redbud Roasters is a local roaster and I really like their Guatemalan and Honduras coffee.
You can order from them at: www.redbudroasters.com
Another stop on our food adventure was 2 Tarts Bakery in New Braunfels, TX. A nice quaint place with a delicious selection of every pastry you can think of as well as a quiche or frittata of the day! I enjoyed a lovely cup of Austin Breakfast Tea here with my breakfast of a spinach frittata, then Joshua and I shared a blackberry scone that was delicious. Jeff enjoyed a cinnamon roll after eating a pig in a poncho. That is a smoked sausage wrapped in a sweet bread.
In New Braunfels there is a great quilt shop. The Quilt Haus! www.quilthaus.com It made me happy my son knew where it was :) When I walked in the first thing I noticed was the great samples they had hanging everywhere. They were quick to greet me and offer any assistance. After meandering around for a while I decided on a pattern by Creative Solutions called Dupont Circles. The designer of these patterns is also the owner of this quilt shop. I did not like the fabric of the samples, but fell in love with other fabrics in another sample. With the help from this awesome staff, we found most of them and even added a few we liked better. The Quilt Haus has a Facebook page too! I am anxious to try this pattern as there were quite a few choices. I'll keep you posted on the progress of that quilt. It will be for my son in law, Keegan.
On the morning we were heading to Luckenbach, Alessa got a macaroon that was half dipped in chocolate and I got a gluten free lemon bar at The Root Cellar. Yummy!
It does look like all we did was eat, but I can tell you for sure we spent quality time visiting with each other. It was so nice to relax in their apartment and knit. Yes, there was knitting going on as well. Alessa is an accomplished knitter. She finished a hat for her nephew and I showed her how to make the pompom! I knitted a Spa Cloth for Joshua while visiting. I also got to enjoy my newest Grand Kitten. His name is Lieutenant! He is such a people cat and loved all the attention we gave him. I am sure it will be a week before he is back to his regular self! Isn't that what Grandparents are for?
I don't know when I will get to visit my children again and that makes leaving very difficult and very teary. I have a saying on my fridge that reads: "The greatest gifts you can give your children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence." I feel I have done that, but it still doesn't make leaving any easier.
Thank you Joshua and Alessa for a wonderful visit! I love you both with all my heart! Lieu too!
Our flights went from CAK to ATL to SAN and I made sure I thanked every employee I came in contact with for working on Thanksgiving Day so I could get to where I wanted to be. Some were shocked to be thanked, others just nodded. We were met at the airport by Joshua and off to San Marcos we went. It was a nice drive, not too much traffic.
Stepping into the apartment, we were greeted by Alessa and the wonderful aroma of a Thanksgiving dinner! It was a total surprise that they had fixed dinner for us to share together. I was deeply touched by this sweet gesture. It was delicious!
On Friday we took off for Bastrop State Park, about an hour away. This is a beautiful State Park that offers camping, cabins, fishing and a golf course.
Three years ago a devastating fire swept this area. Even though you are wakling through charred remains of a once great forest, you can see the regrowth that is making it a lovely place to wander. Many historical building were saved from destruction.
The roof did have to be replaced on this shelter, and you can see the burnt stones. The view from that bench was amazing!
"Let's go to Luckenbach Texas Willie and Waylon and the boys." Yep, there is such a place and I was there! Willie and Waylon weren't.
This is just a burp in the road and if you were not looking for it, you would pass it right up. This is was made famous by the song and they had live music on Saturday. We listened to Rosie Flores. She was really good and I have never seen or heard any female play a guitar like she could. Amazing!
Most visitors get their photo taken in front of the post office.
Or sitting on the longhorn steer. It is a live steer too!
This is the Dance Hall were the evening shows are held.
This is the restroom. There are license plates from all over the country and some from other countries! It was very interesting to look at!
This was a fun day and the ride to Luckenbach reminded me of the roads back here in Ohio! Next stop, The Salt Lick BBQ!
I come to Texas for two things, one is to visit my children, the second is to eat at The Salt Lick BBQ!
This place seems to be in the middle of nowhere, but it has the most delicious BBQ I have ever eaten. It has a beautiful outdoor seating area that was packed when we arrived. We waited 1 1/2 hours for a table....yes, it is THAT good!
When you walk inside the Salt Lick, you pass by the open BBQ pit. Everything looks delicious!
I always get the brisket, and it is served with German potato salad, baked beans and slaw. This slaw is made with a vinegar dressing that when mixed with the potato salad is delicious!!
Another photo from inside the Salt Lick BBQ.
If you are ever anywhere near Austin, you have got to try this place. It is amazing and my favorite BBQ place ever!!!!!!! Well worth the trip and the wait :)
We did eat at some great places in San Marcos too. Have you ever had a breakfast taco? Who knew you could put all your breakfast foods in a taco? We ate at The Rodeo for breakfast two mornings. Just trying this new concept in eating was fun. I also found I like Migas. Eggs, peppers, tomatoes with corn tortillas in it, served with beans and potatoes. Eating in different parts of our country makes me realize how boring Midwestern (ie: Ohio) food is. Spice it up baby!
I was able to pick up some more coffee beans from one of my favorite coffee roasters. Redbud Roasters is a local roaster and I really like their Guatemalan and Honduras coffee.
You can order from them at: www.redbudroasters.com
Another stop on our food adventure was 2 Tarts Bakery in New Braunfels, TX. A nice quaint place with a delicious selection of every pastry you can think of as well as a quiche or frittata of the day! I enjoyed a lovely cup of Austin Breakfast Tea here with my breakfast of a spinach frittata, then Joshua and I shared a blackberry scone that was delicious. Jeff enjoyed a cinnamon roll after eating a pig in a poncho. That is a smoked sausage wrapped in a sweet bread.
In New Braunfels there is a great quilt shop. The Quilt Haus! www.quilthaus.com It made me happy my son knew where it was :) When I walked in the first thing I noticed was the great samples they had hanging everywhere. They were quick to greet me and offer any assistance. After meandering around for a while I decided on a pattern by Creative Solutions called Dupont Circles. The designer of these patterns is also the owner of this quilt shop. I did not like the fabric of the samples, but fell in love with other fabrics in another sample. With the help from this awesome staff, we found most of them and even added a few we liked better. The Quilt Haus has a Facebook page too! I am anxious to try this pattern as there were quite a few choices. I'll keep you posted on the progress of that quilt. It will be for my son in law, Keegan.
On the morning we were heading to Luckenbach, Alessa got a macaroon that was half dipped in chocolate and I got a gluten free lemon bar at The Root Cellar. Yummy!
It does look like all we did was eat, but I can tell you for sure we spent quality time visiting with each other. It was so nice to relax in their apartment and knit. Yes, there was knitting going on as well. Alessa is an accomplished knitter. She finished a hat for her nephew and I showed her how to make the pompom! I knitted a Spa Cloth for Joshua while visiting. I also got to enjoy my newest Grand Kitten. His name is Lieutenant! He is such a people cat and loved all the attention we gave him. I am sure it will be a week before he is back to his regular self! Isn't that what Grandparents are for?
I don't know when I will get to visit my children again and that makes leaving very difficult and very teary. I have a saying on my fridge that reads: "The greatest gifts you can give your children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence." I feel I have done that, but it still doesn't make leaving any easier.
Thank you Joshua and Alessa for a wonderful visit! I love you both with all my heart! Lieu too!
Monday, November 24, 2014
FINALLY!!
OK, I have got to decide if I am going to keep this blog going or if I should put it to rest. How can it be that I have not written anything since June? I was happy June was here, school was out and my daughter and son-in-laws had just returned to San Francisco after being here for 4 months. I was not happy about the kids moving back, but I knew it was time for them to move forward and San Fran is their home.
So much has gone on in my life since the last post, but I will blog about those things later.
Here is what I did this weekend and I wanted to share it with you!
Fall Getaway at Mrs. Miller's Cabin
Every November for about the past 4 years a group of us have gotten together at MMC for a Fall getaway. It is a nice time to do this before the hectic holiday season. Although some new faces have joined our group, the same core group is still here. This year, Jackie, Barbara R., Gladys, Michelle, Barb B. and myself enjoyed the weekend sewing, laughing, not sleeping and eating!
Jackie and I were the first to arrive and as is the protocol, we moved the furniture to make way for tables. We got set up and were ready to help the others as they arrived.
It didn't take long for us to get set up.
Sometimes it's about getting away from your routine and no sewing is necessary.
Barb B. needed a nap before she got to working on the Disappearing Pinwheel Quilt. She is covered up in a quilt she brought to hand turn the binding.
You have to be careful, Gladys was always there ready to take a picture :)
Michelle worked on two different projects. One is a wedding gift and one is a jelly roll quilt she made that will be raffled off.
Michelle counting the blocks of the wedding quilt. Yep, she needed 8 more!
Here is the layout after the blocks were done.
Instead of using blocks in her Jelly Roll Quilt, Michelle chose to sew a tumbler in as a connecting block. I am glad she thought of that, because it makes the quilt interesting.
This quilt will be raffled off to raise money for her daughter's trip to Haiti.
Gladys worked on this quilt at our February getaway. It is finished and she even used it on her bed at night. The quilting design is snowflakes.
Darn! I don't have a photo of the other snowman quilt Gladys was working on. I am sure if you go to her blog: www.gladysgab.blogspot.com you will be able to see it. Sorry Gladys.
Barb B. finished the Disappearing Pinwheel blocks and get them laid out in a very pleasing arrangement.
Even the "quilt police" approve!
Barb B. also made this adorable baby quilt. I like how she used every bit of the panel in the outer border.
Barbara R. (who is Barb B's Mom) worked on this quilt using the Kansas Trouble fabrics. I don't know the name of the pattern, but the quilt is stunning! Barb R. is deciding whether to put borders on or just bind it.
Barb R. finished attaching the binding to this, the last of the 6 snowman quilts she made as gifts for her grandchildren.
I just realized I did not take any photos of the project that Jackie was working on. It was a lovely batik quilt that looked like interlocking chains. Once again, I am sure you can find a picture on Gladys' blog. So sorry Jackie.
I had 4 projects I wanted to get done to the next stage of completion. All the blocks were made and they needed sewn into rows then the rows into the quilt top.
First, Disappearing Hourglass. This fabric was given to me by my friend Mary and I thought this would be a great pattern for it. I am not going to put a border on, but just get it quilted and bound. It is rather small, but will make a great baby quilt.
Another quilt that had it's blocks ready to go was Oklahoma Backroads. This is a Bonnie Hunter aka Quiltville pattern. A few quilters have asked me to teach this so I had to get a sample made. I do have Bonnie's permission to use her pattern to teach this class. I am going to add a 2.5" inner border and then a 5.5" outer border.
Boxy Stars has been one of my favorite quilts from Bonnie's Free Quilt Pattern Page. I am going to add a 5.5" outer border.
If you follow Bonnie's blog, you know she does quilt cam every now and then. One day she was working on a quilt called Carolina Chains. I found the pattern in Quiltmaker magazine and proceeded to get mine started. I use a lot of the very bright fabrics I had ready but chose to keep the background fabric a constant. I had that is my stash too! I am not adding any borders, and an debating whether I should bind it in a color or use the background fabric. Input is appreciated!
The next one I make is going t be pastel and set on point.
I have needed a tree skirt for more years than I want to count. Jackie had this adorable pattern so I just whipped one up. Now, staying at MMC is great because the quilt shop is just across the bridge. I when shopping for the fabrics need for this project and finished it on Sunday morning.
I was impressed at how easy this went together and I think this will be a table topper instead of a tree skirt. I love how my middle came together!
All the projects packed up and ready to go home.
Happy Thanksgiving !
So much has gone on in my life since the last post, but I will blog about those things later.
Here is what I did this weekend and I wanted to share it with you!
Fall Getaway at Mrs. Miller's Cabin
Every November for about the past 4 years a group of us have gotten together at MMC for a Fall getaway. It is a nice time to do this before the hectic holiday season. Although some new faces have joined our group, the same core group is still here. This year, Jackie, Barbara R., Gladys, Michelle, Barb B. and myself enjoyed the weekend sewing, laughing, not sleeping and eating!
Jackie and I were the first to arrive and as is the protocol, we moved the furniture to make way for tables. We got set up and were ready to help the others as they arrived.
It didn't take long for us to get set up.
Sometimes it's about getting away from your routine and no sewing is necessary.
You have to be careful, Gladys was always there ready to take a picture :)
Michelle worked on two different projects. One is a wedding gift and one is a jelly roll quilt she made that will be raffled off.
Michelle counting the blocks of the wedding quilt. Yep, she needed 8 more!
Here is the layout after the blocks were done.
Instead of using blocks in her Jelly Roll Quilt, Michelle chose to sew a tumbler in as a connecting block. I am glad she thought of that, because it makes the quilt interesting.
This quilt will be raffled off to raise money for her daughter's trip to Haiti.
Gladys worked on this quilt at our February getaway. It is finished and she even used it on her bed at night. The quilting design is snowflakes.
Darn! I don't have a photo of the other snowman quilt Gladys was working on. I am sure if you go to her blog: www.gladysgab.blogspot.com you will be able to see it. Sorry Gladys.
Barb B. finished the Disappearing Pinwheel blocks and get them laid out in a very pleasing arrangement.
Even the "quilt police" approve!
Barb B. also made this adorable baby quilt. I like how she used every bit of the panel in the outer border.
Barbara R. (who is Barb B's Mom) worked on this quilt using the Kansas Trouble fabrics. I don't know the name of the pattern, but the quilt is stunning! Barb R. is deciding whether to put borders on or just bind it.
Barb R. finished attaching the binding to this, the last of the 6 snowman quilts she made as gifts for her grandchildren.
I just realized I did not take any photos of the project that Jackie was working on. It was a lovely batik quilt that looked like interlocking chains. Once again, I am sure you can find a picture on Gladys' blog. So sorry Jackie.
I had 4 projects I wanted to get done to the next stage of completion. All the blocks were made and they needed sewn into rows then the rows into the quilt top.
First, Disappearing Hourglass. This fabric was given to me by my friend Mary and I thought this would be a great pattern for it. I am not going to put a border on, but just get it quilted and bound. It is rather small, but will make a great baby quilt.
Another quilt that had it's blocks ready to go was Oklahoma Backroads. This is a Bonnie Hunter aka Quiltville pattern. A few quilters have asked me to teach this so I had to get a sample made. I do have Bonnie's permission to use her pattern to teach this class. I am going to add a 2.5" inner border and then a 5.5" outer border.
Boxy Stars has been one of my favorite quilts from Bonnie's Free Quilt Pattern Page. I am going to add a 5.5" outer border.
If you follow Bonnie's blog, you know she does quilt cam every now and then. One day she was working on a quilt called Carolina Chains. I found the pattern in Quiltmaker magazine and proceeded to get mine started. I use a lot of the very bright fabrics I had ready but chose to keep the background fabric a constant. I had that is my stash too! I am not adding any borders, and an debating whether I should bind it in a color or use the background fabric. Input is appreciated!
The next one I make is going t be pastel and set on point.
I have needed a tree skirt for more years than I want to count. Jackie had this adorable pattern so I just whipped one up. Now, staying at MMC is great because the quilt shop is just across the bridge. I when shopping for the fabrics need for this project and finished it on Sunday morning.
I was impressed at how easy this went together and I think this will be a table topper instead of a tree skirt. I love how my middle came together!
Happy Thanksgiving !
Monday, June 9, 2014
Recent Quilts
Here it is, the middle of June, school is out and I am wondering where the time has gone. Am I the only one who feels like time slips away?
Anyway, I have been busy quilting for clients and I even quilted one of my quilts!
I think the name of this quilt is Mountain Trails. Barb made this for her grandson Randy and Ally.
I just love the way the quilting looks on the backing!
My leader and enders project is making the Maverick Stars from Bonnie Hunter's website. Just today I figured out what I am using them for. They will be the outer border of the postage stamp quilt I am making for two dear friends. Perfect!
These are really fun to make!
Jeff (and Gus) stop by to check out what we are doing! He always approves!
I love how the last spool is tipped over and unwinding!
Linda pieces her Mariner Compass's by hand! Beautiful!
I have done a few of these "Over the river" quilts and every one has been different and just as beautiful .
Anyway, I have been busy quilting for clients and I even quilted one of my quilts!
I think the name of this quilt is Mountain Trails. Barb made this for her grandson Randy and Ally.
I used the Clover Meadow Pantograph and Neutral colored thread.
Quiltville.com does a mystery quilt every year. This is Easy Street and it was pieced by Gladys.
I just love the way the quilting looks on the backing!
Quilted using the Cascade Pantograph and Pearl colored thread.
Both Gladys and I are working on the most recent quilt......sorta !
Barb has been working on this patchwork snowflake quilt. After piecing the background, she learned the raw edge applique technique. This is one panel of the quilt which is now complete and will be quilted soon.
My leader and enders project is making the Maverick Stars from Bonnie Hunter's website. Just today I figured out what I am using them for. They will be the outer border of the postage stamp quilt I am making for two dear friends. Perfect!
These are really fun to make!
Jeff (and Gus) stop by to check out what we are doing! He always approves!
I finished the following quilts for a client in Columbus. I fell in love with this quilt the minute I saw it. Isn't it fun? I think it may be on my "to do" list.
I love how the last spool is tipped over and unwinding!
Linda pieces her Mariner Compass's by hand! Beautiful!
I have done a few of these "Over the river" quilts and every one has been different and just as beautiful .
All of Linda's quilts were Meandered using either white or parchment colored thread.
This quilt traveled all the way from Florida! Celeste has a beautiful sense of color. Very nice for a spring/summer quilt!
I Meandered this quilt with a larger meander using white thread.
Last but not least, here is the quilt I made for Quilt of Valor. I participated in the Mystery4Military online group to make this. I did change the layout because I thought it flowed better.
It is quilted, bound, washed and ready to go. Of course, I made a pillowcase too!
This week I am working on more client quilts and will post those soon.
Hope you all enjoy your week!
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