Linda's BLOG

Found My Camera

2010-05-16T11:19:00.000-07:00

I have been having a difficult time making myself come in and post on the BLOG and for that I am sorry. However, I do have a fairly good excuse... I always carry with me my little camera tucked into my purse and it goes everywhere with me so it is easy to just pull it out and take a photo. Well the end of April I lost it. For 2 weeks I have turned the house upside down and looked in every place I could imagine. It bugged me to death that I could not find it. Well on Friday night I got out of the car at the restaurant for our "Friday-Night" dinner and decided I would search my car real good. Guess what?? Tucked behind the driver seat in the pocket I found it. And then when I looked at the last picture that was taken I realized that my granddaughter had been riding in the back seat and I had handed her the camera to snap a photo. And naturally she put it somewhere safe and that happened to be behind the drivers seat. So now I have my camera back and I have snapped several photos just so you can see what I have been working on... I promise to do better!!!

First off - my quilt shop "Quilt Works" has had several wonderful sales on everything in the store with a whopping 25% off. I could not resist so now have enough fabric to work on several new projects. I am so tired of getting up to go to one of my "quilting bees" and not having something at hand to grab and have to work on so decided to organize myself and have put my projects in plastic bins with a copy of the pattern inside. Now all I have to do is grab one and off I can go and everything for that project is inside the bin. This should make life a little easier.

I have started a wonderful quilt with some colorful Batik Fabric... Have a look!! The strips laying on the bed are not joined yet but you can at least get the ideal of what it is going to look like.

Next -- our "Tri-County Quilt Guide" is already hard at work for the next Quilt Show 2012. YES, I said 2012... So we are meeting once a month to work on things to have in the Boutique which we will sell as a fund-raiser. The first meeting we were into making a "Ruler Bag". Something to carry your tall rulers in when going to one of your Bee's. We used donated scraps so it didn't cost us anything and I really think mine turned out so well that I have now made me one personally that I can put my rulers and mat in. Fits perfectly and I love it. Sometimes when carrying everything to a Quilting Bee there just aren't enough hands to carry everything so this will certainly help out. Let me know what you think...

Well the sun is shining and I have a pool that is calling my name. May just lay on the air mattress and dream about fabric... See you soon!! Linda

Buying New Plants for Patio...

2010-04-23T14:47:00.001-07:00

I have been busy planting new plants and working on trying to get my patio back in order since I lost everything to all of the very cold weather we had here in the Houston area. Wanted to take the time to share a couple of plants that are truly some of my favorites.

I have some wonderful neighbors next door and Anh was gracious enough to pick up a plant for me at her grocery store and it is called "Desert Rose"... Isn't it lovely?? I am still searching for a new pot/saucer to compliment the plant so in the mean time it is in the original pot.

First of all I am a big succulent lover... I love pencil cactus, hens & chicks and numerous other type plants. I lost my 5 foot pencil cactus and have been everywhere trying to replace it and that is turning into an impossible task. So I bought a small one and will continue the search for a larger one. Here is a picture of it...

While looking for the pencil cactus I came across something called "Firesticks" and it is from Africa and basically looks like the pencil cactus except it has red tips. Should be pretty but it is a very small start... here is picture

Now I wanted to mention a plant that I bought last summer along with my cousin and we both really like this plant. It is called ZZ Plant or another name is Aroid Palm. You cannot kill this plant and mine has been sitting in my entry way and you only need to water about once a month. Lovely plant...

Another favorite of mine is a plant that I have in the entry and it is "Grape Ivy" or at least that is what I call it. It loves this spot and gets plenty of light from my front windows. Is it not grand???

So you see I have been busy working around the house. This weekend I will post about my new fabrics and the new quilt projects that I have planned. So keep tuning in and I promise to write more often...
Hugs,
Linda

James Headstone

2010-04-14T08:30:00.001-07:00

I know that I have been terribly bad lately and not writing on my blog. Let me just say that every April I go thru a very depressed state as that is the month that my husband James passed away. This year seemed harder because I am also dealing with the installation of his headstone which I ordered 2 years ago. YES, I said 2 years!!! I actually ordered from outside of my area because I felt this company had some beautiful headstones and the price was more than reasonable. So Saturday, April 10th was the 4 year anniversary so the headstone was installed on Sunday, April 11th. I had to go to East Texas for this and I have to say that the headstone is truly PERFECT!! I think we had everything he would have wanted put on the headstone and when you drive up to the cemetery it is what you see standing. He wanted a tall monument and that is exactly what he got... I know he has looked down from heaven and he is smiling on this. Take a look at the picture...

Today I have to spend my time re-stocking my refrigerator as the blasted thing went out on Saturday and I lost everything I had in there and it was yesterday before they got the part in and could finally finish the repair. So in a bit I will head out and buy groceries and get it restocked. I hate to think what this grocery bill is going to be. Might be a good time to start a diet and only stock it with green lettuce and yogurt. LOL!!!!! I don't think so...

I had my yard crew here yesterday so the lawn has been mulched and all the shrubs trimmed. Now it is time to think about the pots on the patio where I lost all of my plants because of the extremely cold weather we had. My 5' pencil cactus is gone and I especially want to replace it but can't seem to find one yet in the nurseries. Will have to keep looking for that as I keep one in honor of my husband who always loved that plant.

Got to get up and get ready to head to the store. Have a wonderful day everyone and I promise to get back into the swing of things real soon!! Hugs, Linda

Visit to Emergency Room

2010-03-31T09:44:00.000-07:00

Well I cannot end March without talking about my trip to the emergency room via "Ambulance". This was my first and hopefully LAST time that I will have to ride in one. You see -- you never should mess with Chroline Tablets and Water... I went out to the pool area after my cruise and was going to add tablets. When I took the lid off well water was in the bucket and water + chlorine = Chroline GAS. I had myself a big ole whiff and immediately it was in my eyes, nose and throat. Within about 10 minutes I was having a hard time breathing so after discussing with my son (who happened to be working at the fire station himself) he warned me to call an ambulance. So I did and the rest is history. Scared my neighbors, myself and the family. X-rays showed that I did indeed have signs of it in my lungs so after some strong meds and 2 breathing treatments I was finally allowed to return home. Thank goodness my sister came to my rescue and arrived at the hospital right after I did. So the warning is -- Never Mess With WET Chroline Tablets...

I also had a trip this week to the dentist and she is really a delight. Here she is looking on the internet to show me her own BLOG... We had to compare notes!! I chose her because #1 - she is a woman with small hands. Believe it or not I have a small mouth and it is just a better fit. Thanks, Dr. Simpson!!

Many of my friends already have heard me say it on facebook -- but I have become "addicted" to playing FARKLE on facebook. I just love rolling that cup of 6 dice. If you have never tried it then I highly recommend it. See that high score of mine???? Well it is an accident. I thought I was playing on the $50K dollar table when it was really $500K. I got lucky and won so I won a Million Dollar Pot. My lucky day... of course I am working on trying to keep that money. Anyway, it is fun and keeps me occupied when I am bored.

Guess I had better run along. Have plans in the sewing room today as I am working on 2 different projects. I rotate from the sewing machine to the Farkle game... LOL!!! Hey, it keeps an old lady occupied and I am not out shopping and spending money... See you soon!!

Linda

Cruise to Bahamas...

2010-03-25T10:36:00.000-07:00

I know... it has been over 3 weeks since I last wrote on the blog. Just got busy getting ready for vacation and did not get it done. So sorry!! I had the pleasure of going on a 7-day cruise to the Bahamas with 19 family members and we had a ball. We flew to Ft. Lauderdale and then set sail on the Emerald Princess. Here is a picture of Tiff and I at the airport...

My granddaughter Kaila had a blast on the cruise spending time with her cousins and enjoying the beautiful blue waters of the caribbean. Her first time and one she want forget.

Now everyone knows that I am not a "big" drinker... one margarita on Friday night is about my limit but let me tell you that the drinks on this cruise were to die for. Don't know what made them so "grand" but they were. My whole family spent time laughing at me as I did indulge in one every single day. See it in the bottom corner of this picture...

We spent most of our cruise in St. Maarten, St. Thomas and Grand Turk. There is not much to Grand Turk but I understand that Columbus once sailed there! We did sight seeing, shopping and just enjoyed mixing with the island residents.

The last island to visit was "Grand Turk" which is one very small island. Here is a picture of the 2 ships in port that day. And just look at that beautiful blue water...

So now I am back at home and getting ready to settle in and do some yard work. Have another story to tell later... Missed ya'll!!! Linda

2010-03-25T10:28:00.000-07:00

I know... I know... It has been over 3 weeks since I last wrote on my blog so will try to catch everyone up with what is going on. I went on a 7-night cruise with my daughter-in-law and granddaughter plus 17 other family members and we had a blast. I thought about taking the laptop and keeping up with the blog but simply did not have enough arms to carry everything. So I am back now and will catch everyone up as to what has happened.

We flew to Ft. Lauderdale on March 14th (a total of 19 of us) and set sail on the Emerald Princess. I had been on this ship last year with almost the same itinerary but this was a first for my granddaughter. She had a blast on the cruise running around with her cousins and swimming in the beautiful blue waters of the caribbean. Here is a quick picture of me in front of the ship in St. Maarten.

Just in time...

2010-03-01T20:04:00.000-08:00

I just had to post tonight and let you know that yesterday I was able to finish a project. Yea!!! It is small but at least it is a finished project for February. I saw this in a book and went about making one myself. I used 2 patterns found on the internet and proceeded to string with beads my little red birds. Since I am a bird lover this was perfect and will make a nice hanging in my sewing room.

In between watching the hockey game with USA & Canada I was also able to work on my Freddy Moran quilt some more. It is taking shape and here is the dark hallway where I plan on hanging it. Don't you think this hallway could use some color????

Okay, it is time to close as I need to get ready to watch Jay Leno make his reappearance on The Tonight Show!!!!! Till next time...

Linda

Last Day of Olympics...

2010-02-28T06:37:00.000-08:00

I don't know about everyone else but I am glad the Olympics will end today. I have spent way too much time watching TV when I should be in the sewing room (need a TV in there.) So I will get my blog posted early today because I do have to schedule time to watch the final hockey game with USA vs Canada -
GO USA!!!

I have had a real slow week with sewing but have managed to sew a few sections of my "Freddy Moran" quilt. It has been a struggle for me because I had to buy so much of this "funky" fabric to sew with but I am liking it as it starts to fall together. This is meant to be a wall hanging and hoping it will give some color to a dark hallway I have. Here is a picture of some small pieces laid out on the bed...

I have spent a lot of time cutting strips and so to keep it organized I have sorted them into bins by strip size. Now if I can just make myself sit down and sew the pieces together... Maybe I will start work on cutting some of the black/white pieces while I watch the game. Nothing says I can't have a portable cutting table in front of the TV this afternoon. LOL!!!!

Here is my fabric stash for this project so you can see what fabrics I have accumulated for this project. I am loving some of these bright colors!!!

Well it is time to get up from the computer and get started with some chores. Have to be free to watch the USA beat up on Canada (I hope)!!! Congrats to all of the athletes who participated in the Olympics!!!

Until next time -- Linda

New Purse Inserts...

2010-02-22T08:19:00.000-08:00

I just have to comment about my new purse inserts that I bought online... Since I started sewing a few months ago I have fallen in love with sewing purses. I love quick projects and so this fits me to a T. Anyway -- I am picky about what I want in a purse. The fabric purses are lighter and I can make the lining the color I want. I hate a purse with black lining where you look into the purse and only see a "black" hole. Well I found these inserts online and they are perfect for changing out a purse. No more dumping the purse out on the bed. Take a look at the pictures and you will see what I am talking about. And I found these online at www.chameleoninserts.com. She ships out immediately and I had mine in just 3 days. I paid $20 for this and feel that it was worth every penny.

I like the lime green because it allows me to see everything inside... I kid you not -- there are lots of zipper pockets, slots for lipstick, pens and cell phone is right where I can see it (in pick case).

When you BLOG you have to always have a camera in hand... my fits perfectly in the slot indicated...

There are two little loops that you use to lift the insert in and out of the purse. This lime one is actually the smallest they make so there are several that are larger and I sure plan on ordering them for those occasions when I travel and happen to carry a bigger purse.

I have to confess that my weekend was a bust as far as any sewing. Saturday night I spent at a "Sleep Clinic" where I am being tested for sleep apnea and my snoring issue. My sister encouraged me to do this and I have to tell you that it was the worse night of sleep. At 12:15 I actually told the clinic that I just could not do this. Hard to fall asleep when you have a hundred wires running everywhere and glue in your hair holding all of the electrodes. They finally agreed to let me try sleeping in a recliner and I did that for a couple of hours and then back to the bed. At 6am when I had finally gone to sleep they woke me up to get ready to go home. (I had just gone to sleep)!!!!!! So on Sunday I took a dozen naps and was really dragging my butt. Last night I went to bed early and slept like a baby in my own bed. Now I have to wait for the results and see what happens next.

So I hope everyone else had a wonderful weekend. I have been doing some sewing this morning and plan to do more in the afternoon. I have purses to make for my granddaughter for the upcoming cruise so I have lots to do. So till next time -- Have a good week!!! Linda

Someone slap my hand...

2010-02-17T16:55:00.000-08:00

Am I the only one who has a problem saying "No" to buying more fabric?? I sure hope not because I tell you my stash is just not that much. I know that I am new to quilting and so it does require me buying just to be able to make projects. Guess I am going to have to put myself on a budget and stick with it... LOL!!!!!!

I went to my sewing bee yesterday and finally started work on my new project which is the Freddy Moran way to quilt -- Colorful and Loud Colors will make the quilt perfect for hanging in my hallway. Just can't believe that I am sewing with purples, polka dots and wild combinations. But I Love It and you certainly stay awake while sewing the pieces. The wilder you get the better it is going to be.

Now then -- I am having difficulty with a plant I have. This resides in my bedroom and it is spreading out all over the floor. However, I cannot identify the plant and need to know how to handle the long shoots growing spreading out all over the floor. I definitely need to cut it back and want to know how to root this. Can anyone identify for me??

I guess if nothing else I will cut off a piece and try getting it identified at the nursery. That is my last resort...

Here is a picture of LuLu on her cage in the breakfast room. Such a big cage for a little bird. I leave the cage door all day and she plays on the top and in the window. I caught her climbing up the wood blinds several times so then I have to yell at her and get out a rolled up TV guide which I threaten her with. She does not like me slapping that rolled up guide around and then usually she retreats and will stay off for awhile. YES, I could be mean and stick her cage in the corner away from the blinds but I am such a softie when it comes to my animals and usually let them rule me instead of the other way. LOL!! I threaten to put up curtains instead of the blinds but not sure if she wouldn't grab the fabric and climb up that anyway. She is a mess - what can I say!!!

Well the Olympics are on and I need to go glue myself to the TV so stay warm and cozy and I will write again later... Hugs, Linda

Happy Valentine's Day...

2010-02-14T06:52:00.000-08:00

It's a beautiful day here as the sun is finally shining and of course it is Valentine's Day. Always a special day for me as my firstborn was born on this day in 1968. I can still see my wonderful husband James all smiles because he got his son!!! Back in those days we never knew the sex of the baby before birth. My husband had just been discharged from the Marine Corp 3 weeks before and it was a good time in our life. James was standing there afterward with a huge white teddy bear and a beautiful card which I still have. So YES, it's a good day today...

My son Kelly is out of town this weekend as his girlfriend has surprised him with a trip to Washington DC (and all that snow). I am sure that they are having a good time and enjoying themselves. I on the other hand will spend the day relaxing around here and enjoying having the Olympics on TV. And I'm sure I will get a little sewing done. I am trying to decide what my next project will be. So guess I will be digging thru the stash and patterns and getting something laid out to start. That is always a fun project - just deciding what to make!!!

Friday, I spent several hours at the first "Quilt Show" by Tri-County Quilt Guide. It was so much fun looking at the quilts made by several friends and getting to see their ribbons. Maybe next year I will get brave and enter something myself.
Well friends it is time to get up from the computer and make myself useful around here. LuLu is in the kitchen "screaming" because she needs some attention. She wants Mama to come and pick her up and carry her around the house. She likes to wash dishes and play in the sink so maybe we will do that first. Have a wonderful day... Hugs from Linda

My Bird "LuLu'...

2010-02-08T08:48:00.000-08:00

As some of you know I am the mother to a "Blue Crown Conure" parrot called "LuLu" and believe me the name fits her just fine. I complain about her all the time as she runs my life, however I have to be honest and say that she does keep me company.

She does talk and can really jabber away when it suits her. This morning I was in the kitchen eating a piece a toast and she is asking "Is it good"??? That seems to be her favorite phrase when she sees me stuffing my face. I can then offer her a bite and she will keep on saying "Is it good" over and over again. She is totally spoiled but can also be very sweet. During warm weather she likes to take her bath with the waterhose outside and then blames me because she is all wet...

During the day when she takes a nap, for some strange reason she gets cozy with a bell on her head and a rope. The bell is like her security blaket and she always peeks out at you. She is a real character that's for sure...

Well it is time that I get up from the computer and make myself useful. I need to head out to Wal-Mart before it gets too crazy around here. We are expecting some rain tonight so I need my errands done early. So I bid you farewell and hope everyone has a good day.

Go Saints!!!!

2010-02-07T20:06:00.000-08:00

Super Bowl Sunday and YES, the Saints won... Now we can put football to rest and frankly I am ready!!! I have managed to stay busy this weekend as I started a new project and it is coming along nicely. I did have trouble concentrating on the pattern and made several bad cuts but have just made a short pile of those and will manage to squeak out a table runner or something else. Don't worry, the fabric is not being wasted. Here is a picture of the project so far. I have been dying to make something out of my black and white fabric collection and this fits the bill nicely. Do you like it???

On Saturday I received a package from Amazon.com and in it were 6 books I had ordered at the beginning of the week. I have fallen in love with The Freddy Moran and Gwen Marston book "Talking It Over". Love all of those bright colors and I am determined to make something that is just as bright. Can't wait to start collecting all of the fabrics that it will require.

I've had the urge lately to make some stuffed birds so I tried out a couple of patterns that I found on the internet. This is what I managed to stitch up during the football game. Need several more as I want to link them together with some beads and hang them in the sewing room. The picture is not very good but you get the ideal...

Well it is getting late and I still have to clean up my mess in the sewing room and go put "LuLu" to bed. So till next time... Hugs, Linda

Oh my gosh!!!

2010-02-04T17:03:00.000-08:00

I have to tell you how excited I am that I have won a gift and it arrived today. Pat Eaton over at "Bird Nest On The Ground" sent me the wonderful gift and I can't tell you how lovely the little pillow is. I will attach a photo but know that it does not do it justice as it is simply lovely. Thank you so much Pat!!!!!!!

My firstborn was a Valentine Baby so YES, I am partial to this wonderful holiday. And too, RED is my favorite color so maybe that is why I love this wonderful holiday. Anyway, many hugs to Pat for the wonderful gift. Visit her site - http://birdnestontheground.blogspot.com/ and check out her wonderful things.

I've also been fabric shopping this week. A couple of my quilting buddies and I took a drive to LaPorte and Friendswood to see some quilt shops. I fell in love with "The Painted Pony". That shop is to die for!!!!! I have been on a mission this week to find some new fabric in deep shades of red and managed to accumulate several different ones as you will see in the photos below.

I am not going to share the pattern today but this weekend will show the full project. It is from Pat Sloan so check out her BLOG and this is called Camp Sloanie Weekend Stash Buster Weekend. So I have my fabric and have started cutting the strips. I am ready to start.........

I also did a little shopping and look at this gorgeous "African" basket that I bought. Just look at the size of it and I thought it was a bargin at $37. What do you think??? Thanks for stopping by and as always keep on stitching...

Some Quilting Done...

2010-01-30T14:59:00.000-08:00

I hope this weekend finds everyone doing something fun. The weather here in Houston is dreary, gray and very cold. You know the wet cold that goes right thru you. So I have chosen to just stick around the house and get some sewing done. Didn't have a particular project when I started out but at least I was sewing. Started sewing a lot of "old" charms together from some fabric that I ordered a few years ago on eBay. So it will make a perfect small charity quilt...

Next I took a Moda jelly roll "Crazy Eight" which is Xmas fabric and started a coin quilt. I have it all stitched and it is now ready to be put together for quilting. I will save that for another day as I am ready to stop for a bit.

You can see from this picture what a wonderful sewing view I have in the sewing room. I recently moved over to this bedroom (it's small) but all of the windows allow me to overlook the pool while I sew and that makes it more relaxing. The old sewing room only had a tiny window in it and was awfully dark. I actually have to use 2 of my bedrooms for my sewing/craft things but it is nice to be able to spread out.

In November I purchased a new Brother Quattro sewing machine and I can't tell you how happy that machine makes me. It sews like a dream compared to what I had been sewing on. My family gave me a hard time for spending the money but I will just give up a trip or two and it will certainly be worth it.

Now I am about to go take an early bath as my shoulders are killing me from sitting at the machine all day. Then will cook a little dinner and sit down to continue reading the last Twilight book. It has been a good read so far and what better way to spend my Saturday night.

So life is good... Wishing you all a great weekend as well!!!

Linda

Charity Bee...

2010-01-27T18:40:00.000-08:00

I went to my first "Charity Bee" today and met some lovely new friends. It was a good time working on something that a "youngster" will be enjoying in the future. The Charity bee is part of our Quilt Guide and they do a wonderful job of various projects they work on. I did throw my camera in my bag this morning but of course got busy and simply forgot to take it out and snap photos. But don't worry I will make sure to take a few next month.

Finding things to include in a post isn't easy but I am trying. I just need to make myself take more photos and go for it. I like the connection with people out there who are working on various "works of art" and it is so much fun to see what is going on in every one's life. So basically, life is good and I do have a few ideals as to what some of my next projects will be. Stay tuned to hear what they are... We are getting some rain over the next couple of days so maybe I will have some new projects to show you. Happy stitching!! Linda

I'm Excited...

2010-01-22T19:21:00.000-08:00

I've been busy making purses for the past 2 days and loving each one. One of my quilting bees (Coles Crossing) had a sew-in where one of our members "Rachael" taught us how to make an "Origami Purse". We had been admiring her's before Christmas as she made approximately 14 of them to give as Xmas gifts. The purse is really quite simply to sew and we were finished in about 2 hours. So afterwards I headed to Hobby Lobby to buy some cute fabric and have now managed to make 3 of them. The pattern is from "Yone's Origami Purse Pattern." The purse has an outside pocket on each side and I am thrilled with mine. I may have to keep this in mind for unique gifts for friends and family.

I am really partial to the one with the safari fabric...

Let me know what you think of them as I always love to hear everyone's thoughts on my projects...

I am so thankful that it is Friday. My sisters and I always meet on Friday night and usually have other family members joining us as well. It is always fun to sit and chat with family and it is our way to unwind from the week. Plus -- we love those margaritas!!! Just so yummy... Well it's time to close for now so till next time... Linda

Blue Monday...

2010-01-18T18:14:00.000-08:00

I am still dragging my feet from this terrible cold that I have and it is really hard to motivate myself to go to the sewing room right now. I have a sewing bee tomorrow morning so I have to decide what my project will be to work on. I can't miss going because the quilting store that we meet at (QuiltWorks) is having their big customer appreciation sale so everything is 25% off. So I don't care how bad I feel in the morning I have to be there for the sale. Such FUN!!!

I do have something that I can show you... I finished this pillow the first week in January and it is a YoYo pillow that I think turned out pretty good. It goes perfect on the couch with my zebra stripe pillows so take a look at it! I have always loved making yoyo's and even have a king size bedspread made from them and a tablecloth.

Well it is time to run -- until next time... Linda

Bad Cold!!

2010-01-15T08:27:00.000-08:00

Well I am under the weather today suffering with a bad cold that makes me want to crawl back under the covers and hide out. But I need to not waste the day so thought I might sit at the desk and work on a little project (landscapes using batiks). I'm just going over the colors I have and figuring out what colors I really want to work with. I just love batiks!!!

LuLu and Maggie have been playing this morning. LuLu thinks it's funny to be on a higher level than the dog so she can aggrevate her. She's been known to nip her on the lip!! They are so cute together...

Till next time, Linda

Some quilting done...

2010-01-14T08:31:00.000-08:00

I am having trouble jumping into another big project at the moment. Yesterday I spent the morning sewing strips for a new "jelly roll" quilt with some fabric I bought off of eBay. I was able to pick up this Moda jelly roll of Xmas fabric for around $18 so that is what I am using in this simple quilt. I have finished my jacket and I am quite pleased with it so tell me what you think. The jacket is reversible so one side has the red and the other side is with grey. I think it will be perfect for the cruise in March I have planned. So now it's time to find another project to start so I think a trip to the quilt store where I can browse the books might be the thing to do.

The weather is back to being cloudy and rain is in the forecast for later today so I will jump out there and get my errands done before it starts. Hope everyone is having a good day... Linda

Beautiful day...

2010-01-11T20:56:00.000-08:00

After all of the cold weather we have been having, today was just a wonderful day. It was a little nippy early on but I managed to go without wearing a coat and the sun was shining so I think we were blessed... Today I had a 5-hr class at Quilt Works on how to make a reversible jacket. The class was a blast and I think when the jacket is totally finished it is going to be something that I will really wear. I have both sections made and tomorrow I will work on joining the two into the one jacket. It is called an "origami jacket" and each side has 3 different pieces of fabric. I thought it would be perfect for the cruise coming up in March because just a pair of black pants and one jacket and I would have 2 different looking outfits. Here is a picture so tell me what you think so far!!!

After I wrote on my blog yesterday I felt so guilty for not having made anything at all so I rushed into the sewing room and stitched up 2 nice little pin cushions. So at least I can say that I made something over the weekend. LOL!!

A Very Lazy Weekend...

2010-01-10T10:34:00.000-08:00

I have been so bad this weekend and have not accomplished a single thing. The weather has been so cold I just want to sit in front of the fireplace and chill out. And I have to say that I have been on the computer way too much. But starting tomorrow I will be back in the swing of sewing because I have a "Jacket" class going on at the quilt shop so that is going to be my new project to start. I guess everyone is entitled to have a weekend off... LOL!! I have been running back and forth to the backyard because with the freezing temps my pool is constantly running and the pool cleaner keeps getting stuck. I mean really stuck!!! I have named the cleaner "Pepe" because sometimes before I even get back into the house he is already heading back down to the end of the pool where he wraps himself around the handle going down into the water. I may have to amputate the handle in order to solve this issue. Now don't laugh as it is not funny when the water is freezing and you are out there in it trying to untangle this little machine. I am going to make a note to call the pool builder first thing in the morning and see if he can fix this issue. I am enclosing a pic of "Pepe" just so you can see the trouble he gets in...

I think I will now go to the sewing room as I am wanting to compile a list of supplies that I always need to have on hand when taking a class at the quilt shop. Need to pack a bag just so it is easy to grab and know that I have everything I will need for a class. This will keep me out of trouble for the rest of the afternoon. So stay warm and cozy till next time...

It's Been a Busy Week!!!

2010-01-07T19:10:00.000-08:00

Wanted to share with everyone the 2 quilts that I managed to finish before Xmas for my wonderful DIL and then one for my granddaughter Kaila. Hopefully they are cuddled up in them tonight as the weather is extremely cold here in Texas.

Well it has been a very busy week with several "Bee" meetings and a wonderful Susan Cranshaw workshop. I will post a picture of a wall quilt that Susan was teaching and I must say that her work is simply incredible. I chose the "Roadrunner" pattern but don't have a clue where it would go in my house but just learning the technique was important. The second picture is of the cactus bloom which was also a stunning work of art.

Well it has been a long day and I need to tidy up the sewing room so thanks for stopping by... Linda

Hey Everyone!!

2010-01-04T10:50:00.000-08:00

Well I am taking a break from sewing and going to get this post done. I am presently working a new piece and just need to put the border on it. Plan to hang it in the office over a big chair. It is my first piece using so many little 1" pieces. May be my last as well! LOL!! Here is a picture of it as it is now. What do you think??

I've also spent the past couple of days setting up my "old" sewing room into a library of sorts. The room only had one small window in it and was always on the dark side. I thought to put a daybed back in the room but my sister suggested just leaving it as a library so that is what I am doing for now. I have cleaned out about 200 books and am trying to only keep the better reads. I use to keep every single book I read but now realized that is just too many books to keep on hand. It is definitely time to clean and organize and the less stuff I keep the easier it is to keep clean and organized. For 2010 I am all about organization...

I hope that everyone has a wonderful day - the sun is shining here in good ole' Texas!! Linda

Beginning of my BLOG...

2010-01-03T14:46:00.000-08:00

This will be my first post so please don't laugh... I am still trying to figure all of this "blogging" out. I do promise to try and stick with it. I plan to post my pictures and let everyone know what is going on with my life. I know that I love reading all of my favorite blogs out there so I'm hoping that eventually mine will be worth reading as well. Just excuse the mistakes till I get the hang of it...

I have spent the last two days at the house still rearranging some of the rooms since my son Kelly has moved out. I must say that it is so nice to have my house back to myself. Kelly is now having fun decorating his new apartment and I think it will be good for him to have his own place.

I have been working on a new wall hanging that really is giving me some problems. So many little pieces but I thought it would be fun and challenging... I plan to hang it in the office where my desk is so that I can look at it on the wall. Some of you don't know but I lost my husband almost 4 years ago to cancer and when I moved into this house I gave up the office to put all of his things in here. So the room had deer heads, gun cabinets and all of his fire department memorabilia in it. I had wanted a room that my sons and granddaughter could go and sit in and that we would never forget the wonderful man that their dad was. But time has passed now and everyone feels that it is time for me to let go a little... So I have moved my desk into here and really wish I had done this sooner. So now my big desk and computer is in here amongst some of his memoriabila and I have big windows to look out over the front of the house. So here I sit and this is where I will do all of my blogging from...

Blogging is going to be a big learning experience for me but I promise to plow thru it and try to figure it all out so we can all enjoy it... HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone!!!