Finally did it!!!

The last few months I have had trouble with the truck I drive. Fuel pump, water pump, flat tires, etc. My DH and I have went back and forth on whether to buy a new vehicle. It has been 4 years since we have had to make a car payment and really don't want to do that again. But the time finally came last week when the starter began to have problems. So to finish off 2007 with a bang, this is what we purchased this past week.



This is our new 2008 Dodge Caliber. I think I am going to like it, all except that payment each month. lol

Some things that have been going on!

It has been a while since I posted but I have a good excuse. I have been working so much!!! Actually between 60 and 70 hours a week. This is the first weekend I have had off since October and I really needed it. I was suppose to go with my DH to his family Christmas dinner tonight, but decided I just wanted to stay at home. It has been so long since I was able to just sit and relax at home. He didn't mind.

I have some really neat things to share (I think, anyway!).

I have been working so much that I didn't even decorate for the holidays. My son kept telling me I needed to put up a tree but I just didn't find time. So Christmas morning, when I came home from work, I was so surprised to find a tree sitting on my dining room table. I had to take a photo of it. My son is always coming up with something like this. He keeps me laughing! Don't you just love it! lol



Charlie Brown would have been proud of him!!!!!!!!!!!!!


I also received a wonderful gift from my Secret Sister in our Quilting In Indiana group. I really love the apron. I have been looking at patterns for aprons but just haven't had the time to make one. She must have had an inside connection with Santa on this gift. I love it!!!!


The wonderful apron-------------

Sharon, thank you so much for a wonderful gift!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hopefully tomorrow I can post more photos!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!!!

I just want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas! May the Love of God be with you through out the holidays and the coming New Year!

Santa Arrived!!

My Secret Santa anyway! lol
I got a wonderful gift from my Secret Santa in the Quilting in Indiana Yahoo group. Joni Tracey sent me such an awesome gift! The FQ's are just spectacular! Thought I would take a photo of her gift and let everyone see (rather be jealous)!

The picture doesn't do the FQ's justice! They are absolutely gorgeous! What a wonderful Secret Santa I have this year!!!!!
Happy Holidays!

Round Robin Blocks

These are blocks that I did this week to add to a Round Robin quilt. The quilt is now heading back to the owner in Wisconsin. I hope she likes them! I would show you the rest of the blocks for the quilt but I don't think that would be right since they are other quilters work.
The patterns for these blocks are done by the Quilt Mavens.

Fabric Addiction

I will tell you I have a fabric addiction! No, I don't want any help with it! lol
The job I have leaves a lot of time at work that my co-worker and I don't have a lot to do. So we take in our sewing, knitting, cross stitch or whatever to work on. Melanie was a cross stitcher until recently. I taught her how to do fusible web applique the other night. She is totally addicted! lol
It is so wonderful when you can teach someone a new craft and they instantly become addicted. The night after I taught her how, she brought in fabric, fusible web and started her daughter a Sunbonnet Sue quilt. How awesome is that! She has even asked her husband for a new sewing machine for Christmas! Yes, I feel that I have done my job! lol
I decided a couple of months ago I needed to cut back on my spending for my hobby. I did really good until last Friday. Yes, I fell off the wagon! I purchased a Janome Jem Platinum 760. I love it! I take it to work with me. It is so light weight and does everything my Viking Lily does. This was my Christmas gift for the year. I bought it at Sharynn's in North Vernon, IN. The ladies that work there are so wonderful (Sharynn, Sue and Rose). Sharynn's is my favorite quilt shop by far. Not because of their huge fabric inventory but because the ladies are so great! If you ever have a chance to stop in there, tell them Rhonda sent you!

Some very interesting things!

I really have to tell you about some interesting things I have found out in the last few days.

The first is, my friend Debi has started her own blog. Debi does some awesome work in Altered Arts. Check out her blog. I am sure you will find some wonderful things!

The second interesting thing is the 2007 Angel Card project. This is a great way to give of yourself to someone in need at Christmas. It is all about sending cards to those that are in need of some extra cheer for the holidays. You can find out all about it and sign up to participate at The 2007 Angel Card Project Website.
Hope you will join me there!

With the holidays right around the corner, I have been rather busy finishing up some quilts for Christmas gifts. I have one with the binding almost finished, one needing the binding just sewn to the backing, and 3 more ready to quilt. I really need to get busy and get those done.

I also made a few Christmas cards over the weekend. It has been quite a while since I had done any rubber stamping.
I thought I would share a couple of my creations from the weekend. Hope you like them!





Have a great day!!!!!!!

What are you doing?

I am so far behind I can't see daylight any longer. lol

I started a part time job about a month ago working 12 hour shifts on Saturday and Sunday nights. So things have been a little crazy around here lately. Things I usually did those two days now get put off to another day.

I am trying really hard to get some quilting done on the frame. I have one loaded right now. Only about 5 more to go. Hopefully, they will be done by Christmas.

I want to start a new project so badly so I have come up with an excuse to do so. We are having a group sewing day on Saturday and I don't have a project I can take to work on. I think that is a good enough excuse!!!

Our Yahoo group gets together occasionally to have sewing days. These are in Indiana so if you are in the neighborhood think about joining us. We have also set up a Weekend Retreat at the Leavenworth Inn during March. I just made my reservations yesterday. This is our first year doing this and I think it will be so much fun. I just hope we have a good turn out!

Have a great week!

Where has time gone!

I didn't realize how long it had been since I posted to my blog. It is hard to realize it is November and Christmas is just around the corner. This year is quickly disappearing!
I finally have all my swaps caught up and ready to be mailed. I have one last set of Round Robin blocks to make when they get here. I have decided to try and quit signing up for so many swaps. The cost of buying fabric each time one comes is getting too much. Not that any swap takes that much fabric but rather going to the quilt shop and buying way too much while I am there. I guess I have no self-control! How many quilters do though? lol
I have so many projects that just need quilted. I need to start working on those and getting them finished as several of them are going to be Christmas gifts. I hope to get the frame loaded with one of those projects today.
It hasn't helped that I started working again. Just part time but that part time really eats into the sewing time. It seems like lately I have something that I have to do every day. Doctor appts, banking, groceries, etc. I am sure you know what that is like.
Have a great weekend!!!

Sweet Corn

I know. It isn't a good picture. I don't know if it is me or the camera. It seems like all my pics are a little on the blurry side. The camera is at least 6 years old so maybe it is time for a new digital.
Anyway, this is the October BOM for Pat Sloan's group. The block is called sweet corn. I thought it turned out pretty good. I know though, how can you tell from the blurry photo. lol

Swaps

This is a photo of 3 blocks I got done over the weekend. These are for a swap I am doing in Deb Karasik's Quilt Mavens Yahoo group. It took me most of the weekend to get these 3 done. The larger one is 12" and the two smaller ones are 6". I am really anxious to see my blocks that are being done for me. I asked for nothing but red, white and black.
I have one more set of blocks to do for this swap and I will be done. I am also expecting a row swap any day from Mary L. Once that row is done for that quilt I will be done with that swap.
I have a grid swap to add a block to tomorrow. I like to get my obligations done and out the door as soon as I possibly can.
I also signed up for a Signature Block swap in out Quilting In Indiana group. Don't let the name fool you, we are not all from Indiana. We welcome everyone to the group, and it is a great group! I started on my signature blocks last week at Moms. I decided to use her embroidery machine and do mine. I only got about half of them done so she is finishing them up for me. I still want to add some embellishment to them.

Spirals!

This is my version of Rolling Spirals from the Quilt Mavens book. I used a different layout. I have had the middle of the quilt done for quite a while. I just couldn't find a fabric that I thought would look good as a border. That is, not until yesterday. With some fussy cutting and mitered corners I was able to finally add borders to it. I think it turned out nicely! What do you think?

It has been a little while!

I just realized how long it had been since I posted to my blog. Shame on me for being so behind!
I have been so busy that things fall behind quickly.
We spent a few days in South Carolina at Fort Jackson. Jessica (DS's girlfriend) finally graduated from Basic Training. It was so great to see her! She left Indiana in July, so it has been a while.
Over 800 soldiers graduated that day. Jessica can really be proud of herself, I know we were.
While we were there, my wonderful niece Aimee and her precious little boy Zach, came to visit with us. Aimee brought me a wonderful selection of fat quarters from a quilt shop she lives near. Thank you Aimee!!!!!!!! They were great!
It was great spending some time with the two of them. Zach has grown so much! Quite a little guy!
I have managed to get a little sewing in since my last post. I have been working on a batik quilt from the book Stack a New Deck. I just have the borders left to add to it. Then maybe I can take a few pictures of it. That is if I remember to get some new batteries for the camera.

I know you are probably wondering what has happened to the scrap quilt I had been working on. Well, it kind of took a back seat to the batik one. The scrap quilt as well as the Coneflower wall quilt. I really need to get back to those and get them finished.

I had to go to Columbus yesterday so I thought I should use my 50% off coupon from Joann's while I was there. I have several quilts that just need quilted so I thought some batting would be appropriate for the coupon. Since they had a whole roll of the Warm and Natural, I just bought it. Now to get busy and get those quilts quilted.

Lots to do and not enough time in the day!

Wonderful Weekend

I had a great weekend! Most of it was a sewing weekend!
Friday evening I met with a few online friends at Sharynn's in North Vernon. The occasion was the monthly PMS (Pizza, Munchies and Sewing) evening. We had a lot of fun! I got started on a new quilt that evening. I don't see it being done in the real near future though. Just too much going on!
Saturday we held one of our Deputy Sewing days. Members of the Quilting In Indiana group get together to sew for the day at the church here in Deputy. I think we had 10 show up for the day. I had such a wonderful time with my friends!
Yesterday ended up being just a resting day! I did get some more sewing done. Went to church in the morning for a great Sermon.
I hope all of you had a great weekend!

Wall Quilt

I finished this wall quilt yesterday! I thought it turned out really cute. The pattern originally was for a table runner but by turning the blocks to go all one way it was easily made into a wall quilt.
The pattern came from the book Stacking a New Deck by Karla Alexander.
I think I will put this aside for a Christmas gift. Maybe make a pot holder to go with it.
Tonight I am going to PMS (Pizza, Munchies and Sewing) Friday at Sharynn's in North Vernon. A couple of the other women from our Yahoo group are going also. It will definitely be a fun night!
Tomorrow is our sewing day for the group. Occasionally we get together to sew, eat, etc. We always have a good time doing that!

Hope you have a great weekend!

Been Busy!

I have been so busy the last few days that I haven't had time to post. Not really much to post either.
Friday I had to take my son to Columbus to get his Birth Certificate. He lost his wallet and needed to replace his Driver's License. While there I had to stop at Hobby Lobby and Joann's. I didn't find a thing at Joann's but did get a quilting book from the clearance rack at Hobby Lobby. Also went to the Dollar Tree for some Scribble Pads for paper piecing paper. These are great for that purpose. At $1 for 70 sheets, a lot cheaper than paper piecing paper.
Saturday was my Step Son's 21st Birthday. A group of us went to Belterra to celebrate. Belterra is a gambling boat. No, I didn't win any money! I donated as usual. Between me and hubby, Belterra is $50 ahead. lol
Sunday, of course, was church. We have Fellowship Sunday every fourth Sunday of the month. Everyone brings in homebaked goodies and we eat after church. There was a really good pumpkin pie. It seems like forever since I had Pumpkin Pie. I took my famous Pecan rolls. One of those recipes that looks like you have slaved all day on them. Actually you use Pillsbury Crescent rolls.

I did start on a new project. The pattern is actually a table runner but I thought it would make a great wall quilt. I am hoping to finish assembling it today. Maybe I will have something to share with you tomorrow.

Have a great day!

What would you give up?

Last April I quit my job after having worked all of my life. I guess I really needed a break from working full time. I miss it now but don't regret quitting that job. At that time I knew I would have to cut back a lot on my spending. So I sat down one day and looked at all the bills to see what we could live without. I knew I wouldn't be able to live without buying more fabric. So I cancelled the movie channels that the kids thought they had to have. Called the phone company and got a different package for the DSL, phone and long distance. I knew that wouldn't be enough though. Then it hit me! The Coke, Sprite and Dr. Pepper would have to go. That would be quite a savings! Now, I know that if you know me I don't drink those. The kids do by the cases!

What did I give up for fabric? Nothing yet! But the kids are not happy campers! LOL

Rag Baby Quilt

I spent Sunday afternoon making a Rag Quilt for one of Greg's cousin's. Her baby is due October 5th but they expect her to go anytime. They know it will be a boy if all the tests are correct. Here is a not so good photo of the quilt. (My camera is just not what it used to be.)




These Rag Quilts are so easy and fun to make. No batting and no quilting! Made completely out of flannel (which makes it nice and cuddly!). If you ever need a quick simple gift this is the way to go.

Busy Weekend

Good Morning!!!
I am so ready for a quiet week.
My daughter had her birthday party Friday evening. 20 teenagers from age 16 to 18 invaded our home for 5 hours. I am surprised that I have a mind left to write this with. Times have definitely changed since I was that age.

I didn't get much sewing done this weekend. We ended up closing the pool on Saturday. That is an all day job that I was happy to do. The weather didn't cooperate much this year for keeping the pool warm enough to swim in. Some advice--Don't believe your kids when they say,"Mom, if we get a pool, we promise to take care of it. You won't have to!" I won't miss the weekly trips to the pool shop for chemicals or the cost of those chemicals. This year is the first year since we got the pool that we had an algae problem. I have friends that have said that also. $250 that month for chemicals. More advice--Don't buy a pool!
Can you tell I look forward to next summer? lol

Went shopping!

Yes, I did it again. I went to Crafttown Fabrics in Salem again. I love that place!
I went with a plan and the plan fell through. lol
I was just going to buy some batting and backing for a quilt. I did buy that plus some fat quarters (6), some patterns, a baby quilt kit and some thread. No, it wasn't as bad as last time!
The patterns I purchased were mostly applique. So, can I blame that on my friend Sandy!
We are going on a short trip to South Carolina next month so I had to have some patterns that would include handwork. I don't like being in a car for that long without something to do. What better way to travel 10 hours. I think that justifies it!
I think another think that justifies it is--it is an hour drive to get to Salem so I need to make the most of my gas costs. Good one, huh?
I am going to try and get the rest of the main section of the quilt finished today. Then I will start on the baby quilt. Greg's cousin is having a baby boy really soon so I picked up this rag quilt kit to make for her. I don't have baby fabrics or flannels in my stash so the kit is the way to go. The last three baby quilts I made were from kits. I don't know about you, but picking out fabrics for babies is hard for me to do. The rag quilts go together so fast and easy they are perfect for a baby gift.
That's it for today! Have a great day!