froggy bottom quilting

Orca Bay Part 3...Madeline's progress...age 13

2011-12-06T14:57:00.000-08:00

All 350 hst's are DONE!

And...52 qst's (hourglass blocks) are finished.

Not too bad....for this week's progress.

It's a good thing there are still a few clues yet. Madeline is working very hard...and I know with confidence that she will have all the parts done when she needs them.

She went with a dark gray pindot as her black and this aqua swirl as her neutral. Should look great with her scrappy purples (red) and scrappy neutrals blue).

I think even she is amazing herself at the amount of tiny blocks she has made...Even though this will not be the biggest quilt she has ever made...it will contain the most pieces!

Way to go Madeline...keep up the good work!

Orca Bay Part 3...Kristina's progress

2011-12-06T14:49:00.000-08:00

Well...I didn't get too many hst's done this week...but I did manage to finish 1/3 of them. I helped Madeline though on her mystery. She made a huge dent in her fabric.
Do you think my pinks (neutrals) are too varied in color? I sure hope not.

I also was battling the flu...but I feel much better now...so I plan to cut more triangles...and start sewing. Isn't it something how when your body aches all over...even sewing doesn't help?

I leave you with this...
Here is picture of our local movie theatre...

A sign of the times...perhaps??
I never thought I would see the day when this would close down!

From small quilted Wallhanging, to...

2011-11-29T14:07:00.000-08:00

Pillow!

I will enjoy this so much more as a pillow. Carol from patchwork in the desert made this great little top for me quite a while back. It measures 19" square.

It is sewn with little patchwork squares stitched to a foundation and is meant to be raggy when washed. I love the colors. I don't have much wall space for hanging quilts...and thought I would get more use out of this if it were made into a pillow.

I recall reading a blog a long time back about using button-down shirts as the back of pillow covers. I searched and finally found which blog I had read...modify tradition. I took her idea and used it to make myself a pillow cover that would fit an 18" square pillow insert with the shirt front as the back...and my quilted piece as the front.

I cut the shirt front into a 17" square...then pinned it to the edges of the quilt. Yes...the quilt bowed and puckered a bit as I pinned...but I wanted the quilt to fit around the edges of the pillow insert and not to be even with the edges. Make sense?

I love it. Now I can use my quilt and be reminded of my dear friend. Thanks Carol!

Orca Bay Part 2...Madeline's progress...age 13

2011-11-27T15:43:00.000-08:00

I was so excited when my 13 year old daughter Madeline decided to join in the fun of the Orca Bay mystery. I had to ~~beg, plead~~ persuade her a bit to join...especially when she saw how small the pieces were in Part 1. But since I told her I would help her complete those units, she decided to go ahead and get busy with Part 2.

She did a great job. Her strings were larger than called for...some up to 3" wide...but none the less...blocks are blocks and she finished this step on her own. I am so proud of her. Her colors are beautiful too that she picked out.

red - purples (scraps)
blue - neutrals (scraps)
black - black w/gray pindot (one fabric)
neutrals - aqua print (just one fabric)

I will show the fabrics when Part 1 is complete.

Madeline has been quilting with me for quite some time. I would say 6-7 years now. She has completed many quilts and even uses my longarm to quilt them herself. She loves to draw, has a beautiful smile, is hard-working and is a sweet girl! I love her...and am so proud of her that she is working on this mystery with me. I can't wait to see how her quilt develops.

Orca Bay Part 2...Kristina's progress

2011-11-27T15:30:00.000-08:00

Here are my brown 3-1/2" string blocks...all 72 of them.

I did these a bit different than Bonnie described in her directions. I started with an 8-1/2" x 11" piece of junkmail. Don't we all get junk in the mail? I then started piecing my strings...most of which were cut down to 3/4" to 1-1/4" for more variety. When I was done covering 12 sheets of paper...I removed the paper, then trimmed them to 7" x 10-1/2"..which after being cut down even further, yielded 6 mini string blocks the size that we needed for this part of the mystery.

Orca Bay Part 1...

2011-11-24T14:39:00.000-08:00

Done! 224 QST's made and waiting to find their place in this quilt!

Isn't this the prettiest 'mess' you ever did see? I loev these colors together. These are the trimmings from my QST's...and NO...I didn't save them.

I shifted gears from my original color scheme. These are the colors I am now using.

red- aqua/teal

blue - brown

black - black

neutral - pink/salmon

I think I will like this color scheme better than the white originally planned in place of the red. Also, I went with fabrics that read more 'solid' for my teals, pinks and browns.

To follow along and make your own Orca Bay quilt...read here!

RRCB...Quilted

2011-11-17T09:13:00.000-08:00

This quilt took me nearly a year to finish...but I did it!

I did a topography type of meander quilting on it for texture. I LOVE IT!

I built a scrappy backing too. I love the back. It is fun!

Orca Bay Mystery...Are you sewing along?

2011-11-14T15:49:00.000-08:00

In case you haven't heard, Bonnie Hunter has done it again. It is the time of year where Bonnie puts out another mystery. I just love her patterns! This one can be found at Quiltville's Orca Bay Mystery! The first clue posts Friday, the 18th. I can hardly wait.

But, first, I have to quilt my RRCB from last year. It is going on the frame very soon...like, tomorrow I think! It may not be bound in time for this new mystery...but, by golly, it is going to be quilted! I am determined.

My favorite blouse inspired the colors I am going to use for this quilt. Since I generally prefer to use black and white in my mystery quilts...this is going to be perfect! I will add in White with Black accents...and Black with White. Whatcha think? Doable? I say, YES!

On a side note...our Varsity Football team is going to the State Championships!
Go Bobcats! Go! Fight! Win! Go Blue and White!

Brrr...it's cold!

2011-11-04T15:40:00.000-07:00

And it is still snowing!

Tonight is the first playoff game for our undefeated high school football team. Let's go Bobcats! Win it!

UPDATE: The Bobcats remain undefeated. 47:0 against the Lynx. Way to go Cats!!

High Desert Mystery Quilt Pattern...

2011-10-31T12:25:00.000-07:00

FOR SALE on Etsy.

It will be sent as a pdf for those interested. Just click the above link and take a look! Type in Coupon Code mystery in the code section of your etsy order...and get 10% off.

This is just a preview of the pattern. To see some tops made from the pattern, please check out the Flickr group photos here.

Thanks for looking.

Homecoming Dance!

2011-10-08T16:05:00.000-07:00

Taylor went alone to the dance. She has a fun, positive attitude and had a great time!

Paisley brown, cream, teal dress and Converse Dr Seuss high tops.

Green Eggs and Ham anyone? Or...as her shoes read "Do You Like?"

It's Homecoming! Go Bobcats!!

2011-10-06T15:18:00.000-07:00

And it is snowing. The bonfire is cancelled, football and soccer practices have been cancelled, and hopefully...the snow will stop so the remainder of the Homecoming activities can continue as planned.

The High School kids are supposed to have their parade today, varsity football game tonight, and dance on Friday night.

Taylor is going stag to the dance. She will look great though, check back to see pictures. She opted for converse high tops and a halter style dress.

Having been raised in Texas, Homecoming meant Homecoming mums. There is no such thing here in Nevada. How sad! Sooo, this mom decided to start a tradition with my kids to make them Homecoming wrist corsages. The girls will get a handmade corsage each year of High School, and the boys (when they hit HS) can give one away to a female friend. I have already made one for Taylor, and she will wear it to the dance.

County Fair - QUILTS

2011-08-21T16:58:00.000-07:00

The County Fair was this weekend. I am really proud of my girls for finishing their quilts. Maybe next year we can have even more items to enter into the judging. Taylor needs to finish her quilt and the boys each want to make one too.

Madeline's Orange Butterfly Quilted Pillow - Grand Champion

Madeline's Flower Power Pastel Quilt - Third Place

Madeline's Purple/Black Jelly Roll Quilt - First Place

Kristina's Brown/Pink Batik 1600 Quilt - First Place

Kristina's Colorful Squares Quilt - First Place

Devin's Scrappy Squares LOVE Quilt - Grand Champion

Close up of Ribbons

Devin and Kirt standing near Devin's quilt

This dress I DID NOT make...but I do love it. A friend of mine made it. It is made from selvages. I sooo badly want to make a selvage skirt. Wouldn't that be FUN!!!!

Taylor's 8th Grade Promotion!

2011-08-06T16:51:00.000-07:00

This is really overdue...as Taylor is about to start high school!

But as a Mom...it is never to late to brag on your children!

Here is Taylor at her 8th grade promotion ceremony.

She walked away with many honors!

- Honor Student for 6th, 7th and 8th Grades - Cumulative GPA 3.5 or above

- Presidential Educational Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement - Mathematics

- Presidential Educational Award for Outstanding Academic Excellence - Cumulative GPA above a 3.5

- Elks Student of the Month...she received an Elk antler with her name carved into it!

- Perfect Attendance for 1 year of Middle School...she only missed 3 days total the entire three years! Not too shabby.

We are very proud of her. She is a beautiful girl inside and out! She has many friends, is very active in school activities, sports, and is a good student. Her hard work certainly paid off.

We love you Taylor!

After nearly 3 months...I finally got back to quilting!

2011-07-01T00:44:00.000-07:00

Black/Pink/Gray...Single Irish Chain quilt.

Freehand roses with leaves in the large open areas...

Smaller roses and leaves in the embroidered area of the quilt.

Terry Twists in the double nine patches.

Not too bad since I haven't touched my machine for nearly 3 months.

I am still coaching...although Baseball 11/12 yr old All Stars this time. We are headed to Tournament. The boy have worked hard. Let's hope they can play well and have fun while doing it!

Summer is upon us!

2011-06-15T11:02:00.000-07:00

So I want to share this video.

Dear 16 Year Old Me

Many Thanks to my friend Meg, for sharing this on a forum I belong to.

New Shoes!

2011-05-22T10:42:00.000-07:00

I love my new Vibram Five Fingers!

Thanks Honey for thinking of me.

Nevada Open Road Challenge 2011

2011-05-15T19:10:00.000-07:00

Here is a fun photo collage we put together from the Parade of Cars. Notice anything special about who is in the pictures?

Taylor, Madeline, Sven, Eric and Devin had the treat of their lives! So did I.

John Schneider is such a nice guy...and a Christian to boot!

Thanks John for making the day special for all of us.

In case you can't tell...John was the Grand Marshall...and Madeline was his Navigator through town for the parade. As he said..."she guided me safely through the town and to my destination."

(hint hint) If you click the picture...it makes it bigger.

Who the Lord is!

2011-05-12T09:44:00.000-07:00

This 11 year old boy has it all figured out! Awesome! Thanks Carol for sharing the link.

Busy with Ball!

2011-04-29T19:53:00.000-07:00

Baseball/Softball season has begun...well practices, anyways. Tomorrow is the official opening day!

I am coaching 2 teams and assisting with a third team. Gotta love the sport!

New snow-dyed fabric...working on RRCB...and signs of Spring?

2011-04-12T17:02:00.000-07:00

I snow dyed a rather large piece of fabric the other day when we got 10" of snow in a storm. wine, purple, green and brown. The wine and purple took over...so I put it back on the screen, piled it with more snow...and added green and teal dyes.

The end result is much nicer I believe!

Today I stitched together the center of my RRCB scrappy quilt. It measures 75" x 90"...without borders! I am still piecing the outer border together and will change it a bit from the original pattern. Hope to have this one completed by the end of the month as I need to quilt it and send it to a show in California. Nothing big...no judges, just a show! How exciting!

Is this a sign that spring is near? I hope so. It has been awful cold here at night. Although the snow is melting in the day due to the rain we have been getting.
Isn't he precious? A little cottontail bunny...not very old if you ask me. There are lots of birds chirping too! It sounds so peaceful outside.

Seatbelts....what to do with them when they aren't in the vehicle??

2011-04-09T11:09:00.000-07:00

We replaced our seats in our new van with 3 point individual seating.

Now...I have over 20 yards of seatbelt webbing. I am not going to throw these away. I really want to make some tote bags or something out of them. I need to play with these for a while and see what I come up with. I have some hardware too so this could be a lot of fun!

First Attempt at Snow Dyeing!

2011-04-03T14:48:00.000-07:00

What fun!
I snow dyed this piece about 2 weeks ago. I have shown pictures of each step.
I used Rit dye..as that is what I can get locally.

Materials list:
- piece of white cotton, prewashed in warm water to remove the sizing so that the dye would 'take' to the fibers. I did NOT dry the fabric after washing.
- Rit dyes in various colors, eiter liquid or powder, I used both
- old metal washtub
- metal screen to place over top of washtub
- snow
- salt (Rit dye works best with salt)
- tongs
- Retaine for washing in hot to set the dye

fabric laying on wire screen

covered with snow

adding green Rit liquid dye

adding turquoise Rit powder dye

look at the pretty mixture

the dyes starting to separate into color due to the cold snow

more pretty colors

adding salt to help the Rit dye work...also sped up the melting process as the temperature was just at freezing

snow melting..see the fabric underneath

snow almost melted

wet

after washing/drying...isn't it pretty!

I have more fabric ready to dye...just need for it to snow! No fear...where I live, we will certainly see snow before June gets here!

Listed a couple of quilts on Etsy

2011-03-22T16:34:00.000-07:00

Today, I listed a couple of quilts to my Etsy store. Haven't tried selling any quilts for a long time...so thought I would give it a go! You can find them here..at withaKquiltdesigns.

60 x 80 bed coverlet quilt...or couch/lap quilt

42 x 42 wall hanging/table topper

Thanks for looking. Happy quilting

As promised...5th Grade Quilt

2011-02-25T17:18:00.000-08:00

What a fun quilt. I made this from men's denim shirtings and a denim duvet cover!

This should make a great stadium quilt for cold nights at the football/baseball games!

I quilted it in a freehand double/triple loop meander using Maxilock variegated thread on top and So Fine thread in the bobbin.

The Fifth Grade will get it real soon to start raffling to earn money for a field trip they are planning in May. I hope it raises lots of money for them.

NYE Mystery Quilt - and a first for me!

2011-02-21T17:11:00.000-08:00

I altered the pattern just a tad. Where the circles are...those were crosses in the original mystery pattern. The pattern was designed by Ann Smith of Quilt Talk, a yahoo group as a New Year's Eve Mystery. This is the fourth mystery of hers I have sewn. I meet with a friend every year for NYE, and we have a lot of fun sewing together.

This quilt is 80 x 92"...a nice size for a bed or just to toss in the vehicle for long trips.

The first you ask. Well, I haven't quilted a pantograph in a long time...and never Non Stitch Regulated..till now! I am pleased with the results of my efforts in non sr mode. For those who don't quilt...this won't mean much...but for those who do...this mode is generally scary as your stitches may not look uniform. I felt my quilting was smoother, faster and looked great considering the mode. I set the machine to 13 stitches and just went for it.

Took Sven and Cheryl to the Doctor the other day...

2011-02-19T21:13:00.000-08:00

Great News for both!!

Sven's hA1c is a 6.9. Still awesome control of his diabetes. His doctor wishes she could clone his attitude. She is very proud of him as are we!

Cheryl's eyes checked out for her follow-up with the ophthalmologist. Her vision has returned to normal after the accident. The doctor said she had beautiful eyes...and she said she already knew that!

We are breathing easier with this news. Now...for some quilty stuff.

I was asked to piece a quilt for the 5th grade to raise money to help them go on an educational trip in May. The top is complete..and going on the frame tomorrow.
Sorry, no pictures just yet. But soon...real soon! I used blue/white plaid shirtings, Kona Black and white with navy blue stars! Sounds interesting huh?
The pattern is by Bonnie Hunter at Quiltville.com and is called Bricks and Stepping Stones. You can get the pattern here.

Have a quilty kind of day...and remember, Our God is an awesome God!

Update...God is so good!

2011-02-02T11:16:00.000-08:00

Cheryl...one month post accident.

It was the night of the 30th of December..and they were traveling home from Salt Lake City after a day of shopping. Bryson and the kids were involved in a vehicle accident when he hit a large rogue sheep with the front passenger tire. It lodged in the wheel well and caused him to lose control of our van and ultimately to overturn it in the desert. It was 30 degrees below zero and on a lonely highway. Fortunately, a car came upon them within minutes of the accident and the driver was able to assist. The kids all appeared to be okay upon initial inspection, except for Cheryl. She had been cut badly across her forehead and her eyebrow and her eye had swelled shut.

He managed to keep the family together and they all were transported to Salt Lake Children's Primary Hospital. The kids were all checked out and cleared of injuries requiring medical assistance. Obviously cut, bruised, scraped and emotionally upset...but okay none the less. Cheryl required 50 stitches down to the bone and the plastic surgeon did a great job repairing her eyebrow and forehead area. She was released on New Year's Day after extensive testing to her eye.

So far, her eye seems to be responding and healing well. A slight blurred vision still...but she is looking good!

Many Thank You's to Ron, the driver who stopped to assist, Scott, the paramedic who got the family to the hospital and the nursing staff and doctors at the hospital for taking care of our family.

I was away in New Orleans at the time of the accident. My Grandmother had passed away and I was at her funeral. I met up with Bryson and the kids a few days after the accident and boy, was I sure glad to be home. They were happy to see me too!

We all give God the glory and the thanks for the outcome of which could have been a tragedy for our family. God is good! He has a plan for my family and He had this accident as something that we must all go through. Praises to Him!

We are slow moving this 2011...

2011-01-26T14:23:00.000-08:00

We have been very busy...not much sewing, quilting or anything...other than shopping for a van!

Narrowing down what it is we want and need.

Hopefully...soon I can post about what has been happening here on our home front!

Here is what we had...
and we need to replace it.

Starting 2011 with some pictures for MCP 52

2011-01-19T16:58:00.000-08:00

I have lots to catch up on...but thought I would share some pictures for the MCP 52 project first.

I have a Canon T2i 550D EOS cameras with a selection of pro lenses.

Week 3: "Shades of Gray"

These pictures were taken Saturday, January 15th as we were driving to Salt Lake City, Utah.

Pair of Mustangs, not necessarily gray...but beautiful none the less.

Salt Flat - frozen on top, with railroad in the background.

I love the lines created by these power poles.

Fence nearly buried by the snow and water.

Mountains in background.

Closeup of fence post.

Family Plot..photo taken 12/30/2010

Grandparents Plot..photo taken 12/30/2010. Grandmother's funeral.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all!

2010-12-28T17:32:00.000-08:00

My gift to you is this Christmas Invitation...something to reflect upon!

I am headed to New Orleans for my Grandma's funeral...so won't be around for a few days. I will use this time to catch up with family I haven't seen in nearly 15 years.

Happy New Year to everyone!

Butterfly Round Robin

2010-12-22T17:03:00.001-08:00

From this:

To this:

Isn’t it gorgeous! And I have my two friends, Shannon and Dory, to thank. Each added a border to my center applique block. To read my original post on how this round robin came to be...read APQS forum friends meet!

Shannon added the curved pieced border…it keeps the quilt ‘soft’ in my opinion. Reminds me of a pagoda.

Dory then added a piano key border with half square triangles in the corners.

I love it!

Please read Shannon’s post…pieceful kwilter: butterfly round robin
And Dory's post...crazy horse quilting: butterfly round robin

NOW..to get busy and decide what kind of border to add next. I really want to add to this quilt and make it larger. I am thinking more curved piecing…and definitely more applique! After all…my quilt should have a frog and a cute bug on it. Get it? Butterfly for Dory…Frog for me…Doodlebug for Shannon. Then it will be complete.

Thanks ladies…I love my quilt top and can’t wait to get it finished so that I can quilt it and hang it in my studio to remind me how special you both are!

Here are the pictures of Dory’s and Shannon’s quilts.

I added the string pieced border to Dory’s (left) and a piano key border to Shannon’s (right).

RRCB Part 5…Done at last…plus, How I did it

2010-12-21T17:17:00.001-08:00

I used a paper template method for the hst’s.

I was able to sew along a grid and after cutting…could get 18 1-1/2” finished hst’s from fabric cut to 6.5” x 8.5”. Not too shabby.

View Full Album

The corn fabric is my constant “red” fabric...green is background. Not sure what ever possessed me to buy corn fabric in the first place…so instead of Roll Roll Cotton Boll…this quilt will be named ‘Roll Roll Corn Field’. I made 628 of these hst's.

The pink is the constant and white w/black print is the background. This quilt is named ‘Teacher’s Pet’. I ended up making 648 of these little guys.

Guess all the extras can be made into blocks and put on the back of the quilt!

I am loving this mystery thus far. The fabrics are looking good together...and even though my fabrics have changed for the planned scrappy version...I am happy! Thanks Bonnie. Have I said that lately?

Brrr!

2010-12-20T09:50:00.000-08:00

6-8" of snow...and still snowing!

We are keeping toasty warm though inside!

RRCB Part 3 and 4

2010-12-17T12:21:00.001-08:00

I finished Part 3 for the planned quilt (which is turning out to be more scrappy than I originally thought)!

Here is Part 4 for both quilts.

Now onto Part 5…making 2 sets of 600 1-1/2” HST’s. Hope to start making these tomorrow.

High Desert Mystery Pattern...Now for sale

2010-12-09T10:51:00.000-08:00

Hi all...I have pulled the pattern from this blog...and am now offering this pattern for sale here on etsy. Thanks to all who participated...I have made some modifications to the pattern and it is able to be sent as a pdf for those who wish to purchase it.

Happy Quilting, ;0) k

Been Quilting! Three Finishes! Wish they were mine!

2010-12-07T00:32:00.000-08:00

This quilt belongs to my friend Carol.

She is such a doll and lets me "play" on her quilts. I decided on an overall, that I have named 'Bubble Gum'. It reminds me of the Dubble Bubble chewing gum. ;0)

And besides, it is easy to get into a rhythm if you are chewing gum at the same time as quilting it!

The back...who knew solid white could be so much fun!

This one belongs to Tina. I just did an allover medium stipple meander. She loved it! Thanks Tina for the pleasure of quilting this for you.

This last one is Cindy's. She made it for one of her girls. The pattern is Between Friends and is in the Happy Hour book by Terry Atkinson.

I used a variegated white/gray/black thread. Look hard...can YOU see the stitching? Me either. I did a medium stipple meander...in case you were wondering. And that black swirly print is really hard on the eyes. Her teenage girl is going to just love this!

Roll Roll Cotton Boll Part 3 - Done

2010-12-05T16:49:00.000-08:00

Wow. 60 string blocks was a lot to finish in one day...but I did it. Yesterday, everything just fell into place and I was given all the time I needed to just sew...all day long. Many thanks to my family. I love you all.

I still need to cut the background for the planned quilt...but that will be easy. I decided since I had 5 yards of a gray...that was my background. No reason to string piece those blocks...so I am taking a gamble...and am just going to cut 60 8.5" squares and hope for the best. There are No quilt police...so I am sure this will work out fine!

Here are the some of the blocks for part 3...they are all done...but I didn't feel like posting each and every block. I used some funky prints. My favorite is a Joe Boxer Toothbrush print. My friend Pat gave me a huge bag of scraps and this was in it. I asked her what on Earth she used it for...and when she said tooth fairy bags for her 3 boys way back when..I thought...how perfect. There is a print from 1984...Looney Tunes characters playing basketball with the Harlem Globe Trotters! That was a fun one too! I also had a book panel called "A Teacher's Pet"...that was printed all wonky, so I never made the book...but I cut it up into strips...and the entire panel is now gone! Thanks Bonnie!

I should say too, that I started with a box of strips that didn't look like much...then after reaching in and pulling pieces...it began to swell. So much so, that strips were falling out and onto the floor. Then, finally, after 60 blocks were made, I was left with just a very small handful of strips in the box. Whew! These blocks cleared out nearly 5 yards of fabric from my stash alone. Who knew I had so many whites with black prints!

I couldn't resist throwing in some bold colors into these. God paints the sky and Earth with color everyday, and I fully intend to use color in my quilting too!

Sneak Peek for Carol

2010-11-30T09:37:00.000-08:00

Recognize this quilt? You should. It is on the frame and finally getting quilted! Thanks for letting me 'play' and trying out something new!

Roll Roll Cotton Boll Part 2 - Done AND Chocolate Chip Cookies!

2010-11-27T20:50:00.000-08:00

orange/purple for scrappy quilt...

burgundy/cream for planned quilt.

Here is a question for you...

What do these cookies and the bottom HST have in common?

The cookie mix is from Lehi Roller Mills in Salt Lake City...and ideas yet?

Think feedsack. Lehi Roller Mills wraps all their mixes in fabric bags.

I just so happened to be running short on burgundy fabric for the mystery in the size I needed...only had small pieces...nothing large.

So...when Madeline asked to bake some cookies, I was in awe at the color of the bag. It is a little on the brown side of burgundy...but it blended in well...so, I not only recycled it...I repurposed it.

I think I will always picture Madeline baking chocolate chip cookies in the kitchen when we sleep under this quilt! I just love it when a quilt has a story to tell! ;0) k

Treated myself for Black Friday!

2010-11-26T12:08:00.000-08:00

Origins by Basic Grey for Moda...I have loved this line since it first came out. Now...I own 2 fat quarter packs of it!

These colors are just yummy! The bottom two are Thimbleberries fabrics...and the top one is a Moda print. Poison Green! Gotta love that.

Won't these make great choices for backgrounds on some fabulous scrappy quilts?! My better half loves the burnt orange fabric! Better start planning a quilt for just him! {wink}

There isn't much of the bottom print...so I will just add it to my stash.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T18:46:00.000-08:00

Simple Pleasures...

2010-11-22T10:10:00.000-08:00

Our dishwasher went out the other day. For most, this is no problem...just wash by hand! But for a family of nine...one set of glasses of milk, followed by another set of dishes, followed by a set of silverware...well, you get the point!

I have more important things to be doing than being in the kitchen washing dishes! Like, washing clothes, running kids around, sewing and quilting, ball games, sewing and quilting and work.

This isn't the largest dishwasher on the market by any means...but big enough for one meal's dishes to go into...and it sanitizes too! Very important so nobody gets sick!

Thanks Honey...you are the best!

Roll Roll Cotton Boll Part 1 - Done

2010-11-20T14:04:00.000-08:00

Part 1 came out a couple of days ago. I am pleased with my color choices so far...although I have made minor changes to a couple of the other fabrics for future parts!

Bonnie said we needed 172 of these units...but I have a few extra. Plus, I did it twice for the two different quilts I am working on simultaneously...one scrappy and one more planned. Anything extra will just get thrown into a Orphan Block Box and will get used for other projects anyways...so no waste!

Have I said before that I like Bonnie's system?

I will blog more about it another day.
I finally organized the majority of my stash into bins. This has made it easier to find fabrics based on usable size. I can certainly see what I have since switching to her Scrap Saver's System. Thanks Bonnie! You are so smart.

Smokey Mountain Stars...now a Flimsy!

2010-11-18T19:49:00.000-08:00

This is a Bonnie Hunter pattern...called Smokey Mountain Stars. I just love her patterns. Well, remember those little pinwheel blocks I sewed a few weeks back? They became the border for this quilt!

I started this quilt about 4 years ago. Don't ask me why it took so long to finish! I just love how it looks...and can hardly wait to quilt it. This top will fit a queen size bed so will definitely get some use! My daughters are already staking claim on it! I wonder which one will end up with it?!

The centers of the stars were fabric from a sample card. They have little chicks and roosters on them...and even rabbits carrying garden rakes! How fun! See...anything can go in a quilt and look fabulous!

Frogger gets a makeover...and new table!

2010-11-16T08:57:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Lisa E, who sold her Millennium with 14' table (which I have been wanting) to Lisa C who preferred a 12' table (which I just happened to have). See the beauty of this yet?

Well, last Saturday, the two Lisa's drove 3 hours one-way to make the switch! We unloaded my new-to-me table and then re-loaded my old table in the truck. I wasn't sad to see it go, although I have to admit I was a little nervous that the table would be wobbly and maybe I wouldn't be pleased with myself for the change. Us girls then went out to lunch together at my favorite Chinese restaurant. What a great visit we had!

Then the work began...re-assembling the new table...and performing maintenance on Frogger. I have owned my Millennium for 2 years...so it was time to repack the grease, check the motor brushes, check under the hood for any problems AND change the wheels out to the new M&M wheels, which feel so smooth. I really do like them! This was a great upgrade from the Edgeriders I had on the machine.

Doesn't it look great in my studio! I have plenty of room to get around the new table and definitely enough room for larger quilts on the frame! I love it!
Thanks again to the two Lisa's. No more nervousness here...the table is very stable and I made a great choice upgrading to the 14'. What a huge difference 2' makes!

Diabetic Management...still Awesome!

2010-11-15T17:24:00.000-08:00

We are all so happy! Sven's newest hA1c is a 6.0

He is still doing awesome with his diabetic management! As long as he continues to take care of himself...and avoids getting sick...his doctor said she would see him in 3 months.

He was very happy for that!

No flu allowed here! It could be devastating for Sven's system.

R U Ready for Bonnie’s New Mystery?!

2010-11-12T21:03:00.001-08:00

I am! So excited in fact that I am going to make 2 quilts! One scrappy and one planned.

If you need more info on Bonnie Hunter’s mystery…click here. It is called Roll Roll Cotton Boll and her mysteries are always exciting and loads of FUN!

Scrappy Planned

background: white with black prints grey w/red diamonds

greens: lime greens navy blues

double pinks: orange shirtings red/burgandy

chocolate browns: purples cream/beiges

red: black swirl cream/red check

green border: pink/blue geometric print solid black or deep burgandy?

Grocery Tote

2010-11-03T23:15:00.000-07:00

I bought a fried chicken dinner complete with potato salad and rolls. Well, Kirt was obviously more interested in something else.

It is not everyday that your son fits in a chicken dinner tote!

Only in Rural Nevada…

2010-11-01T16:22:00.001-07:00

will you see a horse-drawn pickup-bed carriage!

I love where I live…have I said that before! I really do. Where else can you call home and see a sight like this go by right outside your front door?

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I tried to get the guy to smile and wave…but no can do. He looked as weary as his horse!

Pillowcases for ConKerr Cancer!

2010-10-31T18:20:00.001-07:00

A friend on the APQs forum asked for help in making pillowcases for children with incurable diseases and life-threatening illnesses. How could I reuse!

Read ConKerr Cancer to find out more.

Well, I cut into various fabrics that were left over from past projects and in about 2 hours…had 12 pillowcases ready to be sewn! Taylor took to the sewing machine, pinned and sewed and pinned some more and even learned how to do a French Seam! She did great and felt good knowing she was doing something to help other kids!

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You did AWESOME Sweetheart, I am so proud of you. ;0) Mom

Half Square Triangles (HSTs)…what do you do with them?

2010-10-30T22:12:00.001-07:00

I pulled an old project from the bin and decided I needed to put the final border on it. Not remembering what I had finished to date on this particular top…and assuming I was just going to add a solid single piece border to finish it…I unfolded the top and voila…out fell a baggie full of untrimmed, pressed HSTs. Well, of course, I decided to start trimming these little fellows…down to 1-3/4” I might add.

2 hours later…and still motivated to sew…I started to turn them into 77 tiny little pinwheels! That was as far as I got last night…as I became tired and went to bed. Can you blame a gal for sewing into the late night and then needing sleep?!

I still need to put them together into some arrangement and get the final border done…but that will happen another day. I have the layout in my head…just need to make it materialize into a border!

Oh, by the way, I am NOT going to show the quilt top these belong to…until it gets completely finished. This is on my UFO list to finish this year…and I still have 2 months left! Happy quilting ;0) k

My APQS Mini Quilt Swap Partner received her quilt!

2010-10-27T14:22:00.001-07:00

And she seemed to really like it. YAY!

The quilt is 18” square and done in reproduction fabrics. The quilting is to scale as is the tiny binding. I am sure glad that Kathy loved it. I did stress about it…just a little!

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All in all though, I would certainly participate in another mini swap. It was loads of fun!

I should say too…that I made her 4 coffee cozies and a wool pincushion. They were the little gifties that make opening the package extra special.

2009 Fall Swap Blocks…NOW a Top!

2010-10-24T21:41:00.001-07:00

Yep…you read that right…these blocks were from a swap from one year ago! Yikes…where did the time go?

Well, the blocks are finally set into a top complete with borders! Now…to find the time to quilt it. I have a few in line before I can get this one on the frame! That is fine though…it gives me time to think about HOW to quilt it!

Autumn…

2010-10-24T12:28:00.001-07:00

My favorite time of year! The gorgeous colors, the smell of rain and snow…and the views outside my window!

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Isn’t it beautiful! It has been below freezing here at night for a month or so now. Might be a cold long winter. I just love living here! Really, I do! ;0)

Sven’s Bike!

2010-10-23T16:32:00.001-07:00

About one month ago, Sven stripped his bike of all it’s parts, and sanded it down to bare metal. He then primed it and repainted it. He asked Dad to help with the reassembly and voila…a new bike!

We are so proud of him. He tackled a huge project and took it to completion. Too bad the weather is bad today…thunderstorms all around. He sooo badly wanted to go for a ride and show off his hard work!

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Colors of the High Desert in Autumn!

2010-10-10T10:59:00.001-07:00

We went scouting this morning for mule deer buck. Even though we didn’t see any…we certainly had a great time. Please look at the photo album below to see all the many colors of the desert in the wonderful season of Autumn. Know wonder this is my favorite time of year. It was a whopping 36 degrees this morning at 6:00 am…and quite refreshing to be out in God’s country! What a way to start out the week!

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High Desert Mystery First Border!

2010-10-09T09:00:00.000-07:00

Mystery Solved! This is the final clue. I hope everyone enjoyed it and loves their quilt top!
First Border

High Desert Mystery Clue #11

2010-10-09T06:00:00.000-07:00

Good morning. This is the second clue of the day for those of you just waking up!

Clue #11

High Desert Mystery Clue #10

2010-10-09T04:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome back everybody to a new day of sewing! At the end of today…you should have a completed quilt top that will fit a large bed! YAY. Give yourselves a pat on the back for a job well done!

Without further ado…

Clue #10

Looking for a quilt piecing book...

2010-10-08T16:39:00.000-07:00

Does anyone have a copy of this...that they would be willing to part with?

Thanks in advance.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

2010-10-06T16:56:00.000-07:00

My boys want to remind everyone how important it is to get regular checks for Breast Cancer! Early detection is best!

Mamas and sisters are important...at every age!

I lost a dear quilting friend to this disease a couple of years ago...let's not let this disease win without a fight!

click here to give free mammograms!

Quiltazoid Long Template Board Adapter!

2010-10-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

I love working from the front of the quilt. This way you can tell when you have run out of bobbin thread, or need to make adjustments to the quilt top as you are quilting it!

Yes, sometimes, puckers do happen when working from the back of the machine...but you can ease them out if you are at the front! I like to keep one hand on a quilt top at all times...smoothing and easing when necessary.

Long continuous templates are not my favorite to use...I much prefer freehand...but sometimes a quilt just looks great with a pantograph or e2e (edge-to-edge) design. A template/stylus can help you achieve these desired results.

I have the Quiltazoid...and Linda and Adam have come out with a new adapter for using a continuous template/design board from the front of the machine.

Let me just say...once you figure out where to start/stop on the template to make the design continuous with just the one board...before moving the adapter unit along the roller bars...IT IS FABULOUS! I love this new tool!

I am not sure that my kids would be able to use it from the front, at least not for a while, as they are a little young. They may still be using designs boards from the back...but at least I have the option to get out in front and quilt like I like!

I can see another added benefit too...COST! Only needing to purchase one template instead of multiples to make the design go across the quilt. This can result in a huge savings.

Thank you two for a terrific new product!

An RnS Interlocking Squares design template is sitting on the board base. I used clamps to give added assurance that the board would not move while quilting.

The quilt top is a beautiful snails trail and stars pattern. The quilting is not overpowering and definitely gives great texture to a quilt that will undoubtably get used!

I sure hope the owner of the quilt likes it as much as I do! More details on this particular quilt when I finish it! It has a fun story behind it!

How many...are sewing along with High Desert Mystery?

2010-10-04T17:22:00.000-07:00

I would love to know just how many quilters have joined in for the fun!

Please leave me a comment and tell me you are sewing along and what you think so far! shhh...don't tell...but, you just might win something after the mystery is solved!

Saturday, the 9th...I will post the final clues. Mark your calendar! ;0)

High Desert Mystery Clue #9

2010-10-02T14:00:00.000-07:00

We are at the last clue for the day. For those of you who have not been able to sew along today…no fear…you will have a week to catch up. Just don’t peek ahead of whichever clue you are on! There is no fun in reading the end of the book first. You must read one chapter at a time…and then let the end surprise you!
Clue #9
Please tune in next Saturday for the final clues to solve the mystery!

High Desert Mystery Clue #8

2010-10-02T12:00:00.000-07:00

I hope you are still playing along!
Clue #8
If you have been taking pictures of your progress…and do not have a blog…please add your pictures to the gallery at HDM Quilt Pics.

High Desert Mystery Clue #7

2010-10-02T10:00:00.000-07:00

You have completed what I think is the trickiest part of the entire mystery! Give yourself a pat on the back! ;0)

Clue #7

High Desert Mystery Clue #6

2010-10-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

Sounds like most of you have been busily sewing this past week on your first 5 clues. From what I have seen…the quilts are going to look great!

Let’s get back to the business at hand…I will give you four sets of clues today…then we will finish up the tops with the last set of clues next week!

Clue #6

Tadpole Buddies!

2010-10-01T20:44:00.000-07:00

I couldn't resist posting this picture of my kids!

This duo gets along really well. Even though they are brother and sister...and just over 3 years apart...they always seem to enjoy each other's company.

Today, Grandpa took them out to the hills...and they found lots to do! They climbed, hiked, viewed the landscape and enjoyed being together! These two are seldom bored!

I love them both...bunches.

Helping out!

2010-09-27T19:50:00.001-07:00

A friend of ours had her fourth baby..and ended up back in the hospital with an infection. She entrusted us with her 10 day old newborn. He is so precious and such a good baby. We took care of him for 5 days. What an honor and a privilege to have had JG for the past few days! He is certainly a keeper!

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I realized one thing…it sure it nice to no longer have any children in diapers! Although, if the opportunity arose to help out again…we certainly would! We had a great time with a little one in the house!

Mini Quilt Received from Australia - Thanks Lyn!

2010-09-26T16:16:00.001-07:00

Shannon hosted a mini quilt swap and I just had to play along!
Lyn of Australia made my quilt and sent a lovely letter to go with it!

Letter from Lyn

She also sent 5 pieces of fabric reproduced from original aboriginal art.
Now...if I only knew what that sheer fabric is on the quilt that is so beautiful!
Did I say I love this quilt? Well, let me just say...I LOVE THIS QUILT! It is awesome!
Thank you so very much Lyn!

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I have almost finished the quilting on the mini that I made for my secret partner. Sorry...I can't post pictures of it just yet...at least not until she receives it and posts pictures first! Soon..I hope…very soon! I feel so guilty having received mine…and hers still isn’t done!

High Desert Mystery Clue #5

2010-09-25T16:00:00.000-07:00

Final clue for the day...this should allow everyone who is playing to catch up to the same point. Next Saturday I will post more clues. I hope everyone is having a great time!

Clue #5

High Desert Mystery Clue #4

2010-09-25T13:53:00.000-07:00

Sorry about the long lag time...are we still sewing along?

Here's Clue #4

High Desert Mystery Clue #3

2010-09-25T10:00:00.000-07:00

Is anyone out there sewing along today?! Please leave me a comment so I know how we are doing.

Clue #3

High Desert Mystery Clue #2

2010-09-25T08:47:00.000-07:00

Get ready for some strip piecing fun today!

I will give you 3-4 different clues throughout today. Each about 1-2 hours apart.

Have fun. ;0)

Clue #2

High Desert Mystery Clue #1

2010-09-19T14:04:00.000-07:00

AND WE'RE OFF!

I decided NOT to wait till next Saturday for the first clue.

Clue #1

Check back on the 25th for additional clues to solve the mystery!

Have fun and thank you, thank you for joining in.

Bright Squares Quilt!

2010-09-17T18:49:00.000-07:00

I really like how this quilt turned out! The quilting is fairly dense but the quilt will be great to snuggle with on our rather chilly evenings this winter!

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I used YLI machine quilting thread – Egyptian cotton, 40 wt thread, color Rio De Janeiro, variegated. This was a first for me…and I really like it. The colors were a perfect match for the fabrics used in this top.

High Desert Mystery Fabric Requirements and Cutting Instructions

2010-09-17T08:54:00.001-07:00

On your mark, get ready, set, GO!

High Desert Mystery Introduction and Fabric Requirements

High Desert Mystery Cutting Instructions

Remember, just 3 fabrics and the finished quilt top finishes at 80” x 80”!
Have fun picking fabrics and cutting. Look for the first clue to be posted Saturday the 25th of September!

Team T & B Wins again!

2010-09-13T11:13:00.001-07:00

Our Guys win all three races of the night! Way to go Ty and Bryson. We are all so proud of you both.
Ty had a great night of racing. These guys were working as a team until Ty got in another fender bender…but not by hitting his teammate…this time a pickup hit him and took out his left rear quarter panel out…and Bryson lost a lot of blue paint on the wall when he came around many a time and scraped the rear fender!
They were having so much fun…it was great to see! As you can see…at the end of the night…both were smiling big! Two more 1st place trophies came home.

I should show you pictures of the cars…but just know…both are still operational…and the guys are safe!

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In Remembrance...

2010-09-12T20:54:00.000-07:00

Even at last night's races...the flag was flying high in remembrance of those who lost their lives 9 years ago....and for those who fight to protect us every day!

Racing Team T & B

2010-09-11T13:54:00.000-07:00

Meet Ty - the T of the Racing Team ...Driving the Saturn.

And Bryson - the B Team...Driving the Toyota Paseo.

He kept saying he was going to "paseo you on the left...and paseo you on the right!"

He is my husband and father to 7/8 of the kids acting as the pit crew for his car! Go Daddy!

This was the first time these two guys got together on the racetrack. Bryson had never raced before...and this was Ty's first season. This weekend is the final races to mark the end of this season.

The staredown...

Race 1...turn 2 in lap 2...Ty hits Bryson and the dust is flying!

Bryson recovers and manages to Win 3rd place. Yhew...what a close call!

Ty damages his Saturn and finishes the race...but is unfortunately out for the rest of the night. He is happy though...here is why.

The night gets even better!

In the Trophy Dash...Bryson wins again...1st Place.

and in the Main Feature...Bryson starts in last position...shoots to pole position before the first turn in lap 1...and never looks back. He manages to maintain 1st position for 20 laps and wins the checkered flag...by more than 1/4 lap! How exciting!!

Go Daddy and Ty and the T & B Racing Team.

Kids - Watermelon and Smiles

2010-09-08T17:40:00.000-07:00

Madeline - she won 2nd place in her age category...and happy to have eaten more watermelon than the boys!

Taylor - watermelon eating contest...she did not win...but look at that bite!

Sven - just happy to be!

Eric - a happy, go-lucky kinda kid!

Devin - look at those blonde locks on this one...and that smile!

Cheryl - I just loved this picture for some reason. Those eyes I think just draw you in.

Kirt - quite happy being the little guy!

Bright Squares Quilt...on the Frame!

2010-09-06T18:32:00.000-07:00

I bought this bright squares top from a seller on etsy. I just loved it and had to have it. It is a twin size so it will be used on a bed or to cuddle with in the car on trips! Besides...when you spend only a few dollars...and you know the top is worth so much more...you would be crazy NOT to buy a quilt top this way!

This top is made from poly/cotton solid fabrics...so I chose a bright olivey-green poly/cotton twin sheet for the backing. Now, I know some of you just cringed and are thinking I must have lost my mind! Remember, this quilt is going to be used by my kids and I and be drug around. Nothing wears like cotton/poly sheets! So there!

I am just showing you a sneak peek of the quilting at this time. I am quilting a freehand, my design, edge to edge pattern. I am using a variagated thread which blends beautifully with the top fabrics.

Did I say I love this top? I think I am going to love it even more when I finish. Gotta run and get back to quilting!

An ideas on a binding color?? I am going to check out my stripes and see if something doesn't yell "Pick Me!", unless someone has a better idea.

Buddy Tadpoles in the Grass and Weeds!

2010-08-30T22:17:00.000-07:00

Cheryl and Kirt missed each other this morning. She went to her very first day of Kindergarten...and he was left alone with Mama!

After school, lunch and naps...they went ouside and played in the weeds. Kirt was on one side of an Aspen tree throwing grass her way...and she was pulling leaves off the tree trying to ignore him!

They are so cute. I am going to miss this age! They really are good buddies!

Thanks Shannon - Mystery quilt coming very soon!

2010-08-26T22:56:00.000-07:00

Shannon...over at Pieceful Kwilter...posted a picture of her new fabrics for the mystery quilt I am going to offer to everyone who reads my blog! I designed it myself...and am writing this to confirm..that YES...I am going to post the directions very soon.

I have already had it tested by one quilter...and have a meeting with another quilter next week to test it again. I will begin posting directions by the middle of September....if all goes well.

The directions are already in .pdf format so there should be no problems for everyone to open the files.

If everyone can hold tight...it is going to be a fun quilt. It will finish at nearly 80" square...and use just 3 fabrics. I even designed a border to go with!

Timber Creek Full Flowing

2010-08-23T22:17:00.000-07:00

I was playing with the features of my camera...and shot the water as it truly was...then shot it to appear to be standing still.

I really like the bottom shot...if you look closely...you can see the bubbles that formed in the water!

Winners at the County Fair!

2010-08-23T22:01:00.000-07:00

Taylor - Reserve - Lime/Purple Tumbler quilt

Madeline - Grand - Scrappy Mini Tumbler quilt

Eric - 2nd place - Camoflage Faux Chenille quilt

Kids' quilts on display

Devin - Grand - Disappearing Nine Patch quilt

Cheryl - Reserve - Scrappy Doll quilt

I am so proud of all the kids. They did great and were very pleased...ellated really. They grinned from ear to ear...and then went off to find their friends to show them how well they had done. Dad and I are proud parents!

Oh, by the way...I won a 1st place (scrappy thimbleberries table topper quilt) and a 2nd place ribbon (topo trip quilt). ;0)

Just hanging out today!

2010-08-17T23:36:00.000-07:00

Summer is coming to a close, so we all went to the pool today. It was a beautiful late afternoon.

Eric started climbing up the swingset...and I decided I needed my turn at the fun! Here I am caught on camera...just hanging out!

I took some time today to play with my new camera and lens. Aren't these flowers beautiful? They are for you. I wish I could have sent them to you all.
(remember, if you click the photo...it makes it larger!)

I can't wait to take some photos of my quilts with this 16-35 mm lens. I am hoping the stitches really show! I will try that another day.

Enjoy the flowers.

Quilted Handmade Camera Strap

2010-08-16T19:00:00.000-07:00

Today, I made a camera strap for my new camera. I used batiks...my all time favorite fabrics, and played around with an idea...and came up with this...

I couldn't resist adding a 'tag' too that reads..."CURE DIABETES".

NOTE: the tag has been removed and is now on my camera bag. i decided it needed to go so it doesn't scratch my camera! ;0)

Topo Trip!

2010-08-11T17:26:00.000-07:00

Pattern: Scrappy Bargello by Bonnie Hunter

Overall edge to edge quilting: Freehand Topo Meander

Threads: YLI Variagated top, So Fine bobbin

Many many thanks to my friend Shannon of pieceful kwilter blogspot for teaching me the basics of her topo meander. While she was out West...we met up in Quincy California...this is one of the many things I learned from her. ;0)

I am keeping this quilt for myself for car trips and such. I love how it turned out. Now to bind it and put it in the local county fair next week.

They do say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery!

Friends and Sports at the Gulch!

2010-08-11T10:55:00.000-07:00

Sven and Taylor are shown with their cabin-mates and counselors. If you didn't know this was a diabetic camp full of diabetic kids...you would NEVER be able to guess these kids had a disease! I love the smiles and the attitudes of all these kids! I should say that our kids have great attitudes too!

Looks like Sven bought a soda...I am sure it is a diet. He prefers diet drinks anymore so he doesn't have to dose for it.

I believe Taylor is the only non-diabetic in her cabin. I sure hope she changed her mind...and decided to count carbs and 'pretend' for the week. That would go a long ways with Sven and her understanding of what he goes through.

Shootout at Glucose Gulch!

2010-08-10T11:55:00.000-07:00

The kids look like they are having a great time at camp. They are no longer behind bars; however, I believe, they are being shot at...with water guns! Look at those beautiful faces! I sure miss these two!

There are outlaw bandits roaming the hills... such as:

Pancreas Poking Patrick- Wanted for spreading Diabetes across the land
Over Bolus Buffalo Bill- Wanted for giving diabetics too much Insulin
Butch Carbs Cassidy- Wanted for not counting his carbs
Glucose Glen- Wanted for stealing glucose tablets from the little diabetics

Madeline's Scrappy Tumblers

2010-08-09T23:21:00.000-07:00

Madeline sewed 672 3-1/2" tumbler charm blocks together to make a gorgeous scrappy quilt to fit a twin bed. She is going to enter it in the county fair on the 20th of this month.

I am only going to share a sneak peak as it is still on the quilting frame. Let me say this...I think she is a natural on a longarm! She briefly practiced drawing swirled flowers on my plexiglass drawing board...and then went right to work quilting them on her quilt.

Also, we did something that is probably considered taboo in the quilting arena. We used a twin sheet (100% egyptian cotton) for the backer. It cost a total of 75 cents at the local thrift store. If you could feel the quality of this sheet...you would have used it too!

She chose a variagated thread in soft seashell colors for the back. She hopes to have a quilt that looks as great from the back as the front!

FCYD Camp Utada 2010 - Glucose Gulch

2010-08-09T21:55:00.000-07:00

WANTED: Sven and Taylor

What: Diabetes Camp

Where: Camp Redcliffe Utah

When: This week...5 days

Why: To learn more about diabetes and meet new friends!

Theme: Wild West

The last I saw of these two...they were imprisoned at the camp! They are wanted for something...what exactly...I have no idea!!

More to come on these wanted figures later.

I sure hope they enjoy themselves. Taylor was offered the ability to 'pretend' to be a diabetic this week...and take saline shots and count carbs at mealtimes. She very politely said, in a quiet little voice, "NO WAY!". She was certain she wanted no part in finger pokes or needles of any kind.

A Hike...and Applique in the Desert

2010-08-07T00:17:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we went on a hike.

The kids and I finished ahead of Bryson (he was taking photos of plants, ants, anything he saw!) so I found a nice spot in the desert and nearly finished my Butterfly applique project that I started in California just 2 weeks previous.

I love needle-turn applique...how it looks, the portablility of it, everything about it.

Great Diabetes Management!

2010-08-07T00:02:00.000-07:00

We went to Sven's Endocrinologist appointment yesterday...and received great news. His hA1c level dropped from 8.6 to 5.7 in 3 months. I don't know that we ever knew his initial level when he was first diagnosed...but, his Doctor is very pleased with the management of his diabetes. Sven is doing terrific...he is still in the Honeymoon period and is producing some insulin...but still needs to add insulin to his system as he doesn't produce enough.

Yay Sven...you are looking good!

Diabetes - Home - Physical Activity & Hypokinetic Disease

Glycosylated Hemoglobin (hA1c)

The glycosylated hemoglobin or hA1c (as it is more commonly known) is a test to examine overall diabetes control. The results of the hA1c represent average blood sugar for the previous 2-3 months. An hA1c should be performed every 3-6 months depending on the classification of diabetes, but is recommended by the American College of Endocrinology that it is maintained if possible under 6.5% 1. Keeping the glycosylated hemoglobin at or below 7% has been shown to minimize long-term complications associated with diabetes 60.

A comparison of blood sugar and corresponding hA1c levels 1.

Blood sugar (mg/dl) hA1c

60 - 4%
90 - 5%
120 - 6%
150 - 7%
180 - 8%
210 - 9%
240 - 10%
270 - 11%
300 - 12%
330 - 13%

APQS Mini Swap Ideas

2010-08-02T13:54:00.000-07:00

Hi to my Secret Swap Partner!

First let me say 'Thank You' for making me a quilt.

Just a little about me....I love Kona Cottons...Batiks...and needle turn applique. Frogs are my favorite! My favorite quilt blocks are Snails Trail and Storm at Sea. I love dense machine quilting. ;0)

I have added a Gallery page to my Flickr site that might give you some ideas of quilts that I like. Please check it out. sagebrushquilter's galleries on Flickr

Have fun with the mini quilt. I will love it I am certain!

Water...it is such a necessity for all of us!

2010-08-01T14:39:00.000-07:00

Well, we hope to have water back soon!!

Being without water when you live in a desert with 7 kids is no fun! Tensions run high, you can't cook or clean, and...well you get the idea.

It all started yesterday morning when we woke up to dry faucets. What could have been as simple as triggering the pressure switch...or hitting the reset on the control panel...didn't work. Finally, the only solution left was to replace the submersible pump. Not impossible...but when work calls and one can't be home to fix it...then the trouble begins. Not to mention that we live in a remote area and actually getting a replacement pump would have to wait till possibly Monday!

Fortunately, the local hardware store had not only one..but two well pumps sitting on the shelf...so we should be back in business by late afternoon.

UPDATE: The pump wasn't the problem either. The wiring down to the pump had a bad burned spot in it...so after repairing that entire situation...we are back up and running..water! Yay!

Water...you take it for granted...till you don't have it!

Since it is Sunday, I will share this. JOHN 4:3-15 and JOHN 4:27-38

The Parable of the Good Samaritan where Jesus and the good Samaritan woman meet at the well. Jesus asks her for water and she is shocked at His request since Jews do not have dealings with Samaritans. He then tells her that if she knew who He was, she would be asking Him for water instead. He can supply living water. Water that will take away your thirst altogether. Water that will last forever and give eternal life.

Jesus is my Savior and the living water that is offered is free to all. One must simply believe in Jesus. JOHN 3:16 reads...For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Do you believe in the One who came to save us?

APQS forum friends meet!!

2010-07-29T22:24:00.000-07:00

Me, Shannon (doodlebug) and Dory in California in Dory's quilting studio. We met online through the APQS forum...and finally met face to face.
We had a great time together. We quilted, appliqued, laughed, shopped, laughed some more. And learned from each other I think...at least I learned from them! Thanks ladies, it was wonderful getting to finally
'see' you. ;)

The butterfly applique block was designed by Shannon. All three of us chose fabrics and are making this block. Mine is done except for the leaves. We are going to do a round robin with these blocks and then quilt the finished tops into wall hangings and have a rememberance of our time together!

Devin's Frogs in the Flowers Quilt

2010-07-29T20:01:00.000-07:00

Devin piecing her disappearing nine patch quilt from fabrics she 'found' at a quilt shop in Las Vegas. She will enter this quilt in the local county fair at the end of August.

Here she is quilting her finished quilt top. She is using my frog design block attached to my old QZ base and let me just say...it is looking pretty good! Pictures of the finished quilt to follow as soon as it is done and the binding is finished. ;)