Black Fri. Weekend

I have survived another Black Fri. weekend at JoAnn Fabrics. The weather was perfect. Nice and warm and sunny and the crowds were out and shopping. I won't attempt to tell you how many miles of fleece fabric I cut. We had $10.99 per yd fleece on sale for $2.99 per yd, so you can imagine. I worked three very long days and am looking forward to a break. I'm working tomorrow and finally have Tues off. Work Wed and not again til the weekend. What will I do will all that spare time? Probably hang out at the LQS.
I am exhausted and almost ready to get my book and get in bed. Good night and sweet dreams, Everyone...

An Appliqued Table Runner

Here is another finished Table Runner that I finished last night. This one was a learning experience. I used my new Cut Work tool to cut out the pumpkins for the top, then I machine appliqued them in place. Very interesting and fasinating to do. The first project I finished using this method. I got the idea from Marjorie Busby at http://b-quilts.com/blog . Thank you, Marjorie.

The sun is shining here in Johnson City. I hope it is shining at your house too...

Something new

I can't believe it has been almost a month since I last posted anything. I am sooo bad at this. I really admire the ladies who post their activities almost every day. I am such a slacker.....

Anyway ---- I want to show off a new finish that I completed a few days ago. It is my Bargello Table runner. I made it in a class (I should say "I started it") in a class at my LQS, Grandmother's Thimble in Vestal, N.Y.. I always enjoy doing Bargello. It is like a puzzle.

The weather here is unbelievable for the end of Nov.. The temp has been in the 60's for the past two days and it is going to be another good one today. I am enjoying it while I can because I know what is coming.

Take care, Everyone and have a nice day

Hi, Everyone

Today was a good day. I got all of my wash and ironing done. Did some necessary shopping and worked on a fall table runner that I really want to finish before it is time to put my Chms things out. I made a lunch bag and started some pillow cases for a friend. I skipped Bible study so I could stay home and take care of the "trick or treaters". Now I'm going to get my book and get in bed. Good night and sweet dreams, Everyone...

Some new finishes

Hi Everyone. I have some new finishes that I would like to show you.

This evening I finally finished my Straw Man wall hanging and hung him on my back porch. I think he is cute and he needs a name. Any suggestions???

A couple of evenings ago I finished two more blocks for Steven's quilt. I messed up on one of them and put it together wrong. Everything is balanced, so I'm going to leave it as it is. The block should have been "Corn and Beans". I named my booboo "Corn and Mush". It works for me.

My last one is the first in a series of three machine appliqued "Old Time Santas". This was my first attempt at this kind of machine applique. It was interesting. I'm looking forward to doing the next two.

The weather is turning cold around here and I don't like it. We are getting lots of rain and can expect snow any time. I'm certainly not looking forward to that. The older I get the less I like cold winter weather. Alot of our pretty fall leaves have fallen already. It won't be long and I will be raking leaves in my back yard again.

I'm headed for bed shortly. Tomorrow is another work day, followed by Bible study.
Good night and sweet dreams, everyone...

More Blocks for Steven's Quilt

Yesterday I completed three more blocks for Stevens quilt. I am amazed at how good they are going together. Almost perfect points. That is really something for me. My points usually leave a lot to be desired.

Today was another busy day for me. This morning I tinkered with my embroidery machine. I want to embroider a design on one of my sweat shirts. I think I have it figured out how to set up the design. I would start stitching it out this evening, but it is sort of late right now. Maybe tomorrow.
This afternoon I was at the LQS. We did an applique project. A garden flag. It's nice. I like it. I still need to get a photo of it so I can post.
This evening I worked at JoAnn's. It was another pleasant evening. I always (almost always) have a good time there. I work with a group of nice ladies.

I have finished my cup of chilli. Now I'm going to get a cup of ovaltine and some cookies and watch a little TV before I go to bed. Good night and sweet dreams, everyone.

My Saturday

My Saturday


Hi Everyone. I spent today at the LQS doing a "craft show". There were only three vendors, so nothing spectacular happened. Very few customers came through, but I did sell an Expandale Tote/Duffle bag. That made me happy :)...

Two of us started another one of those fast Jelly Roll quilt top. My friend finished her top and was working on borders when we left. I got only these few strips sewn together.(I will post a photo) Maybe I talked to much ??? I don't think I especially like it, but it will be wonderful when it is finished.

It poured down rain again this afternoon. It can stop any time, as far as I'm concerned. We are hoping all of this constant rain doesn't turn into snow as the weather gets colder.

I'm going to get a dish of ice cream and try to sew a little and watch some TV. I'm so tired I have a head ache. I REALLY need to get to bed early tonight. Have a nice evening, Everyone...

A Quilt for Steven

Hi Everyone.

This part summer I found out that my oldest Grandson, Steve, needs a new quilt, sooo I started it yesterday. I finally found the right pattern and colors for him. It is going to be a sampler quilt done in "Civil War" blues, tans, and a little maroon. Here are the first three blocks that we completed in class yesterday.

Today was a different kind of day for me. It was rainy and gloomy all day and I had NOTHING on my calendar...sooo... I washed clothes and actually ironed all of them plus other pieces that had been hanging around for awhile. (Ironing is my least favorite thing to do). I also got about half way thought a basket of table cloths, pillow cases and other flat things. I left my ironing board up so maybe I will finish the rest tomorrow evening???

I am planning on spending most of tomorrow at the LQS for an opening sewing day. I'm not sure what I'm going to work on. I have a Christmas quilt that I want to stipple quilt and some old sampler blocks to finish. I am picking AJ up after school so I can spend a couple of hours with him. That is always fun and interesting

That's about it for now. I am exhausted this evening and planning on getting to bed early so I can be ready for a long day tomorrow. Take care...

Another UFO...

Today was one of those days when everything went right. This morning I put a backing together for my new Christmas throw. I worked at JoAnn's this afternoon and went to church this evening. When I got home I pin basted my throw. I intend to stipple quilt it. Tomorrow I have a class to finish my pumpkin man wall hanging (hopefully). I need to get to bed. It is almost 1 AM AGAIN. Good night and sweet dreams, Everyone

Some of my UFOs

Hi Everyone.

I can't believe it. Here it is midnight again. Where did the day go to???

I would like to share a couple of my UFO's with you. The first one I did is the "Flood Quilt" (AKA "Super Fast Jelly Roll Quilt"). I called it the "Flood Quilt" because AJ (my 6 yr old DGS) and I stitched it together while I was at his house during "the flood". We still need to add borders and finish it.

The second UFO is my Scarecrow wall hanging. I'm doing this in a class at the LQS.
This is a fun project that goes together amazingly fast. I hope to finish it Mon when we have our second class. I want to hang it on my back porch.

I will also add a couple of photos of my barbacue (? sp) style aprons. I have been making these for a long time and want to have some on hand for upcoming craft shows. I make them so they are reversable and the nice long straps cross in the back. One size fits all.

I have been staying busy between hanging out at the LQS and putting in hours at JoAnn Fabrics. I've got several classes lined up at the quilt shop. I'm starting a couple more quilts and some tale runners plus other things.

Mon morning Line Dancing and Wed morning quilting at the Senior Center are on hold for awhile because of the flooding. That place is in sad shape.

It's past my bed time, so I'm going to sad "Good Night and Sweet Dreams, Everyone...

The Flood of Sept. 2011

Earlier this month we experienced a major flood in this area (upstate N.Y.). I have never been through anything like this and hope I never do again. My house is alright. No water in the cellar or anything. I am one of the lucky ones. My worst problem was no electricty for six days. I spent nights at my son and daughter-in-law's house and shared a bed room with AJ, my grandson. That was sort of fun. While I was at their home, AJ and I put a "flood quilt" together. This was the first time he ran the sewing machine him self and of course no one had a camera available. I will post a photo of the quilt later. A lot of people (including several friends)in this area lost everything and several homes were condemed. Things are so BAD in some areas. It's going to be a long time before life is back to normal for some people.

I am finally getting back into my usual routine - some what. I am back to my classes at the LQS and my job at JoAnn Fabrics. There won't be any Mon morning line dancing or Wed morning quilting for awhile. The Senior Center is flooded and there are no signs of it opening in the near future. Our Mon evening Bible study has been moved to a new location a little further away, but not to far.

It's getting close to my bed time and I need to get to bed. My only real plans for tomorrow are to work at JoAnns in the evening. I intend to get some sewing done in the afternoon. Take care, everyone. Good night and sweet dreams

It is getting close to my

My Accomplishments for Today

Today was a day when I feel that I accomplished a lot. I spent the day at the LQS working on three UFOs. I finished a Golf Cart Seat cover for a friend that I really like. I don't have a photo of that yet. I finished the top for my Flip Flop quilt. I'm not really thrilled with that one, but it is almost finished and once it is finished it will be "wonderful". I made good progress on my "Friend in Hand" quilt. All of the blocks are finished and five of the eight rows are pieced together.

I signed up for some Fall events and some classes at the LQS. I'm taking some classes that I'm thinking will be a little challenging. I need to get out of my "rut". Line dancing and Bible study will be starting up again and I'm hoping to be getting AJ two days a week after school. My calendar for Sept is filling up really fast. With everything else, I'm getting in a lot more hours at JoAnn's.

I'm going to try to get to bed a little early tonight. Tomorrow is another work day.
Good night and sweet dreams, Everyone...

My Flip Flop Quilt

I took a class today at the LQS and learned how to do a quilt with curved edges. I had never done this before. I managed to almost finish putting together this small lap/throw quilt. I haven't decided what I'm going to do for borders. I may put two borders on - just to make it a little bigger. I need to find some fabric that will work. It was a good class and I learned a lot.

I am planning on going to a quilt retreat the middle of Sept with a friend. I have never done this one before, so I expect it will be interesting. I'm really looking forward to going. Now I need to figure out what project(s) to work on and gather all of my quilting gear together. I can get excited about this one.

Tomorrow I have a class on the new Version 6 Software and I'm working at JoAnns later in the day. Somewhere in between I hope to finish putting my Flip Flop quilt together and maybe start the search for border fabric

That's it for tonight. I'm going to get my book and get in bed. Good night and sweet dreams, Everyone

My New T Shirt

I have to show everyone my new T shirt that I finished today. I am really pleased with it. This is the first T shirt I have emroidered in a very long time. I need to get to bed. Tomorrow is going to be another busy day.
Good night and sweet dreams, Everyone

Two Finished Expandable Tote/Duffle Bags

Here are the two finished Expandable Tote/Duffle Bags that I finished last night. I think they turned out great.

Let me see... What did I do today. I saw my chiropractor (? sp)this morning, then went for line dancing. I like to do my line dancing every Mon. morning. I did a little grocery shopping. I had to get more vanilla ice cream for AJ. I tinkered on my computer and did a little sewing this afternoon. I worked at JoAnn's this evening. That's about it. Nothing really exciting.

I'm ready to watch the late news and get my book and get in bed. Last night I finished "Legacy" by Danielle Steele. It was a good book. I'm ready to start the first book in the Womens Mystery Club series - "1st to Die" by James Patterson. I don't know if I'm going to like this series or not??? Time will tell...

Good night and sweet dreams, Everyone...

Last Night

Today was a pretty good day. I went to church this morning and then to the church picnic. It was rainy today so the picnic was held inside in the school cafeteria. The food was good and the company was wonderful. This evening I finished two Expandable Tote/Duffle Bags and started a Basic Tote. I will post photos tomorrow. It's my bed time - again - so I'm going to get my book and get in bed. Good night and sweet dreams, Everyone

Today was one of THOSE days....

Today was one of those days when I didn't accomplish very much. I didn't get out of bed til after 9AM. Had my shower and a bowl of oatmeal. I turned the TV on and watched three western movies. They were alright. I baked two loaves of zucchini bread and both of them got burned on the edges. They tasted alright - after I scrapped off the burned edges. I tinkered with my embroidery machine for awhile. I want to make a pin cushion that involves machine applique. I think I know how to do this. This looks like it will be a case of trial and error. Wish me luck with this project. I worked at JoAnn's this evening. We were moderately busy. It was a good evening.
Now I'm ready to get my book and get in bed. Good night, Everyone and sweet dreams

AJ's Golf Towel

AJ made this golf towel for his Grandpa - using my new embroidery machine. He chose the design and some of the colors. Today he made one for his Mamone. He will be giving them to them when they come back from vacation the end of the month. He loves doing this sort of thing and of course I love helping him with these projects.
The towels are a new project for me and I'm really pleased with the way they turn out. I'm seeing lots of towels for B'day and other occassion gifts.

Today was another wonderful late summer day. Not to hot and not to cool. Just right. It's hard to believe the kids will be back in school in a few weeks and before we know it, we will be getting ready for Halloween. Craft Shows will be coming up soon and I really need to get busy preparing for them. I'm getting in a lot more hours at JoAnn's lately. That is good. It's about time.

I'm going to try to get to bed a little early (before mid-night) tonight. I worked tonight and I'm tired and I'm working again tomorrow night. Good night, Everyone and sweet dreams...

My Scrappy Block Quilt Top

I spent a lot of time this evening finishing putting this Scrappy 6" Block quit top together. I have LOTS of 6" blocks that I need to do something with. This is my first real attempt to use some of them. I just grabbed and stitched. No fussing with placement. I intend to finish the quilt with a black binding. I would like to machine quilt it - but - I may tie it.

Today was a lazy day. I skipped line dancing this morning. You might say I got side tracked??? I went out for a short walk and puttered away most of the rest of the afternoon. Not much on my calendar for tomorrow. AJ will be here in the afternoon and that's all. Maybe we will make some more chocolate chip cookies. The cookie jar is empty and that is not a good thing.

I'm going to watch the news and then get my book and get in bed. Good night, everyone. Sweet dreams

My Embroidered Towels

Hi Everyone.
I have been playing with my new embroidery machine. I decided I want some pretty embroidered kitchen towels. I made two hand towels (no photos of these yet) and some dish towels and a couple of golf towels. These turn out so nice, I may have to make some for gifts and maybe try to sell some at upcoming craft shows.
I'm going to go watch the late news and work on some four patch blocks that I'm making for a "Happy Swap" on StashBuilders.
Good night, Everyone. Sweet dreams...

It has been how long????

I can't believe it has been almost two months since I have posted a word. Time flies much to fast. Let me see, what have I been doing.

The end of June and early to mid July I spent three weeks traveling in Nev, Calif, and Ariz visiting kids, grandkids, and great grand kids. I met 8 ggk for the first time. I saw two gk I hadn't seen in years. It was great. We also visited several "Good Will" stores and found lots of good stuff. I can't forget about the quilt shops.I found some new "gotta have" gadgets there.

I did a lot of sewing while I was with my daughter. I believe I made about 100 foundation strip pieced blocks for her. She makes and sells quilts on etsy.

Have a nice day and take care, Everyone...Helen

Hi Everyone

"Yes" I'm still here. Been to busy running around doing this and that. I went to Fla in March to visit my sister and her family. She had been dealing with cancer and upcoming chemo treatments. We had a nice visit. She passed away the end of April. I was not surprised when I got that news. She was 87 years old. She is missed, but we had a wonderful relationship and lots of great memories.

This evening I dug in my box of finished blocks and came up with enough scrappy Log Cabin blocks to make this quilt top. So far I have one narrow border on it. I am going to add at least one more.

I am going to get my book and get in bed. Good night and sweet dreams, Everyone...

My New Bernina

Last month I got a new (to me) Bernina 400 (updated to a 760) and I'm really enjoying it. It's got some fantastic features. This evening I finished a sewing machine cover. I used my new BSR foot for the first time to stipple quilt the cover. This is going to take some practice, but I enjoyed what I did. I have wanted to learn how to do stippling for a long time. I also made my own piping for the first time. That was a snap. No problem at all with that. I really like the cover and it looks great on my Bernina 1090S.

Today was a good day. I got the laundry done in the morning and went grocery shopping in the afternoon. The weather has warmed up enough so all the snow and ice is gone from my driveway. Hopefully Spring weather will be here soon. I'm almost finished with my stack of scrappy log cabin blocks. I want to finish them tomorrow so I can get back to the Expandable Duffle Bag that I have been working on far to long.

Take care and good night....

FINALLY Finished

Well, I finally finished my "Bricks and Stepping Stones" Quilt a couple of days ago. It seems to take me forever to finish a quilt. Maybe I have to many things going at once??? Anyway - I like it. I'm not sure if I'm going to donate it to the Senior Center or try to sell it on Etsy. Time will tell... At this time I am working on a stack of scrappy log cabin blocks. Someday these will turn into another quilt.

This morning when I left for church I was suprised to find more snow on the ground. Not a lot, but enough so I wished I had worn my boots. The weather was nice. The temp was in the low 40's (maybe) and the sun was shining... Take care

A Valentine Tree & Blue Berry Muffins

I do believe winter has returned to Johnson City. We got more snow last night. Not a lot, but enough to make it miserable. It was sooo cold out side today. The wind was blowing and it was awful. The temp is going to drop some more tonight. I am so ready for SPRING and warmer weather.
I had AJ for a couple of hours this afternoon. He decorated a Valentine Tree for his "Grampa in heaven". He used those sticky foam shapes and I think his tree turned out nice. Later we baked some blue berry muffins. Later in the afternoon we all went to "the club" for hot dogs and popcorn. Now I'm ready to go sew and watch some TV for awhile. So long for now...