Thursday, September 24, 2015

Slacker!

Yep! I’m a slacker!  Been busy but not here on my blog!!  Sometimes life just keeps ya spinning, right?
IMG_5118
Well, I can tell you that in less than two weeks, on October 5th, I’m having my left knee replaced, so have been doing all the pre-op testing and doctor appointments and such, while still going to PT twice a week for my right knee, which, by the way, is doing really well!!  Yay!!

So, for example, today I went to PT in the morning then came home and started cooking!  I made a huge pot of Beef and Mac soup, http://www.hoteatsandcoolreads.com/2013/11/beefy-tomato-macaroni-soup-recipe-with_11.html , which is in big containers in the freezer.  I then made four tins of yummy, gooey baked ziti, http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/baked-ziti/  , also now in the fridge.  Tomorrow, I have two chicken dishes,  http://www.pinkwhen.com/chicken-enchilada-casserole-recipe/#_a5y_p=3635074   and  http://blog.foodnetwork.com/fn-dish/2014/03/the-pioneer-womans-chicken-spaghetti-pin-of-the-week/   to make up and put in three serving tins, in the freezer.  All for us to have for dinner after my surgery, when I can’t be on my feet to cook!
IMG_5021
But,  I’ve not been a slacker on my Farm Girl Vintage blocks!! 
IMG_5023
In fact,  I have finished them all, plus two more not in the book!!
IMG_5025
My problem is, however, that the fabric that I have for the backing is not big enough for the quilt as shown.
IMG_5026
And I will use no other but this fabric, which is kinda vintagey, as it came out in 90’s, and it is very sentimental for me!!
FGV backing
I used to be a crafter back then, and had booths in many craft fairs each year. 
IMG_5107
This fabric was very popular and I must have made and sold at least 50 dolls using this fabric for their dresses.
IMG_5111
So, I’m having to adjust the rows and borders in the quilt, in order to use this special fabric for the backing.
IMG_5121
I will use the blocks I’m taking out in a wall quilt or table runner, for sure!!
IMG_5123
I worked hard to get all the blocks done, as I will be again stuck downstairs and away from my sewing room for at least three weeks after the surgery!
IMG_5124
I’m going to finish the top and get it to a dear bee friend who is an exceptional long arm quilter!!
IMG_5130
Then I can hand sew down the binding as I recover!!
IMG_5103
I usually quilt my own stuff, but she has a wonderful chicken wire pattern that will be perfect for this quilt!!
IMG_5135
The pig and apple blocks are sold separately by Lori and are not in the FGV book!
IMG_5132
This was such a fun sewalong!!  Many dear friends are also doing these blocks and we have such fun comparing our blocks at bee!! 
IMG_3486
I’ve done a few more things to share, but this will do for now!!  Yoginess says hello and wants to know what YOU are sewing on these early fall days???
1signature

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Happy Almost Fall, Y’all!!

crimsondunes.tumblr

I have this Snoopy flag that I put out the night before I had to go back to work at school at the end of each August.  It’s faded over time, but still cherish it and use it every year!!

back to school snoopy

I’ll be putting it out today as well as putting my summer decor away and bringing out all my school decor!  After 34 years teaching, I have lots!!  

yogi11

But I must admit, I am soooo very glad to be retired from teaching now! I think Yogi likes that I’m home all day with him, too!!

1signature

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Seasons of My Heart

Before I had my knee surgery, I knew that I would not be able to get into my sewing room for a while, so I pieced a little wall quilt with some hand embroidered words, and pinned the sandwich, so I could hand quilt it in the Big Stitch style while recuperating downstairs.

File Aug 20, 7 42 10 PM

It’s a very old pattern from Nancy Halvorsen – Art to Heart.

File Aug 20, 7 44 46 PM

Her version on the pattern is made out of all soft earth tones… mostly homespuns.

IMG_4820

Of course, I don’t own a single homespun fabric in my whole stash… not my style.

IMG_4821

So, I made mine out of pretty bright batiks!!

IMG_4822

I added some fun button embellishments.

IMG_4823

I like the way it turned out.

File Aug 20, 7 46 45 PM

It’s already hanging upstairs on the wall in the landing!  What fun!

File Aug 20, 7 46 58 PM

And hand quilting it was waaaaay out of my box, so to speak!!  

File Aug 20, 7 47 15 PM 

You know my motto- if it can done by machine, it will be!!

File Aug 20, 7 47 28 PM

And it gave me something to do with my hands while stuck downstairs in my recliner!!

File Aug 20, 7 44 33 PM

And I can blame any uneven stitches on pain meds, right??? LOL!!

IMG_3177

Yogi wants to know what you are sewing on these hot long days of summer!!

1signature