Enjoy!

True Lover's Knot--14"
This turned out great and it wasn't as hard as it looks :)

Chevron--9"

I like the fabric contrast in this one...a really easy one!

Mosaic--8"

Not my favorite altho I think it might be better with a different fabric.

Mountain Homespun--9"

This was definately hard and to make matters worse I mismeasured the white stripes and had to do a lot of frogging to even get it close to right (the matching is all wrong) but it still looks pretty good.

Texas Treasure--12"
I truly hate this one AND it was sooooo hard!!

Cherry Tree--7 1/2"

This one is really cute in person and it so small, involved but not hard

Washington's Elm--16"

I didn't think I would like this, but I really do....it is so impressive and would make a great center block on a family tree quilt...hmmm

Martha Washington Star--8"

Well I messed this one up and was too lazy to fix it when I realized it....so I made my own block pattern and it kind of looks okay, I think.  The two middle points are going the wrong direction so it doesn't make a star ( did I mention how spatially challenged I am...lol)

Dolley Madison's Star--9"

This one was a whole lot easier than it looks, or else I'm learning something and getting better...probably not lol.  I like the way it turned out too.

Barbara Frietchie Star--12"

I don't know who Barbare Frietchie is, but I like her star.   When I first took a pic of it, I thought I had the wrong block with the wrong page of the calendar....it's looks different, but sure enough it's an optical illusion.   I will have to try it later with different values of fabrics to see how different it can look.

Clay's Choice--8"

Pretty straight forward, lots of possibilities with different fabrics.  Simple, but I like it.

So I'm all caught up except for today's block which I might do tonight.  Yesterday's had a template which I don't do.  I love doing all the different kinds of blocks, but they loose their specialness when I have so much catching up to do.  I like it better when I only do one or two a day and can enjoy their individualness.  But my stack of blocks is sure piling up and I am loving it.  I know I will need more fabric soon, which just feeds into my other love.....love of shopping!!!

Ain't life grand?!?!

checking back

Well a lot has happened since my last post....some good and some terrible, but I am still here.

I finished quilting all 30 blocks for my quilt and got the walking foot off my machine so I can resume my block a day.  But I have about 10 blocks to do to get caught up :)  I did 3 blocks last night...no pics yet and today it is snowing so I probably will do a few more blocks.  The February blocks that are remaining are intricate so it will take me awhile.  March I am going to California for 2 weeks, but the blocks are mostly template blocks (which I skip) so I won't get terribly behind.  Maybe tonight I will be able to take pics and get a bunch loaded for you to take a gander at.

Some of the highlights of the last two weeks.... a couple of birthdays, I got my hair cut, talked to all my kids, did a lot of family history work, more puppies were born, and I sewed a LOT.  Oh, I found an aunt and cousin on my dad's side that nobody even knew about.  My uncle  Mack died young in the war and my aunt Ida Lea that gave me all the info on my dad's side didn't know that he married and had a child....at least that's what his death certificate says.  All my aunts and uncles on that side are gone so I can't ask questions, but I can go by official documents and he had a wife and a child!  That's so surprising and exciting!  Anyway I must get back to sewing if I'm ever going to catch up.....

Underground Railroad--12", Rail Fence--12", Log Cabin Heart--4 1/4", Watercolor Heart--6"

Haven't done much sewing since Saturday, but I caught up today... and here are my 4 blocks (minus Feb 14 which has a template)....I'm liking them.  Maybe I've got my spark back on doing the blocks, just needed a few days off. 

Hope you had a great Valentine's day, I sure did.  Sarah made up a scavenger hunt with clues and candy...lots of fun and the final clue was my Family is Love frame with UPDATED photos of all the family....woohoo!  That is...all except Shannon's fam and Jacob's fam...hint, hint.  This summer we'll get newer photos though.

Lots of family news (aka gossip) so if you haven't talked to me in the last week, call me and I will fill you in :)

I've been trying to get up the courage to start the machine quilting on my quilt, but when I do I have to change the foot on my machine and won't be able to do daily blocks so will prob. do all the week's blocks in one day and change the foot back out...but that should only be for a couple weeks. 

Love to you all....

Kansas Troubles--16" and Lincoln's Platform--10 1/2"

Kansas Troubles reminds me of saw blades...it was easier than I thought it would be....I guess it depends where my head is whether or not I can get the points all going the right way.  I really like Lincoln's Platform.  I was so pleased when I got the middle done and then I saw the outside blocks and went oops, but it still came together well.  Today's block ( Feb 10) needs a template so I'm skipping it.  Hopefully I can keep up :)

Lots has happened since I last blogged...Wed was CQN meeting and I got all my blocks trimmed, my backing blocks cut, and my batting cut so I can get the quilting done on the secondary quilt I've been working on.  It was a long day, but successful...and at the meeting we learned how to use paint sticks to design our own fabric.  It was cool.

Thursday, I went to the Temple with Judy and as always, that was a great experience.  Then in the evening, I babysat for Linda's grandchild again.  Today Sarah had another procedure done and I watched the boys.  She goes into the doctor's to discuss further next Thursday.  Today was Gwen's birthday and she is now a whopping 14 years old....where has the time gone?!?  We had a nice conversation and she is having an overnighter party with some friends tonight so she is excited.
Talked to Jordan today as well...he got his phone back, same number as before...and he is liking his new job and got his first paycheck.  Jeremy got a new job as a cabdriver....yeah, a cabdriver!!  I told him he drives like one....LOL!  Anyway he is happy.  Busy weekend ahead....hope everyone stays well and safe....

Best Friend--14", Next Door Nieghbor--8", Chimneys and Cornerstones--8"

Did I mention that I am spatialy challenged?!?  Well, I am and it sure showed on this first block....I had to take everything apart SEVERAL times :(  I just couldn't get the points going in the right direction, but finally I got it done....it only took all morning!!!

The easiest of the three blocks was the next door neighbor which I put together on point...who would've thought?  I like the blocks better when I see them in picture....they take on a different look, I can really see the value in taking pics of your blocks to see how fabrics play together.

Tomorrow is my CQN meeting and so I will probably not do any blocks, my plan is to finish the last 4 blocks of my other quilt tonight and work on getting the batting and backing prepared tomorrow so I can start machine quilting it when I'm not working on my block-a-days.  But if there's one thing I've learned at my age...plans change!  So we will see.

Sarah has not been doing well and she went to the drs yesterday and confronted him on the next step so he would know that living like this is not acceptable.  He has scheduled another test for Friday with a follow up for next Thursday.  Basically this is the last step before surgery, but I just hope  he can find answers, surgery or not.  If it gets to surgery, it will be done out of town with specialists.   Something has to be done, prayers are welcome.....

Album-9", Album Patch--15"

Two more blocks finished!!  I was about to tear my hair out doing the second block...those little 9 patches were a huge challenge.  I couldn't get the pieced together little blocks to match the plain blocks and ended up re-cutting and re-sewing and also a little frogging!!  Beautiful results tho...I can see this block with just the middle and solid sashing between the blocks.  It definetely is challenging doing these blocks with no instructions.  I did do the nine patches by rotary cutting strips, but still took a lot of effort keeping things even.

I also got more of the other quilt blocks...yesterday I went to Ross and got a sheet set for the backing and am excited about starting the quilt as you go process on that quilt.  And of course, that means I can start planning the next quilt in my head (okay, I've already been thinking about it :)

I do love quilting and I am trying sooo hard to get better at it....it's a good thing I have lots of family that love my practice quilts :)

Friendship Star-6", Hand of Friendship-14"

First two blocks of Frebruary...altho I made a few mistakes on the spikes of the second block, it was many times easier than the first block I made with spikes...so I must be learning :)  Frogging (ripping out seams) is not as irritating as it used to be either....getting lots of practice at that as well :)  I've made a few more blocks on the other quilt...I think I have eight more to do to be finished with that quilt top.  Then I've been thinking about quilting the blocks individually and joining them together in a new technique I've seen.  Will keep you posted.  I also finished the four charity blocks from our last CQN meeting....

They are called wonky astericks and they are from the "Craftsy" website free patterns for January, that reminds me to go and check out their free pattern for February.  I will take these blocks back to meeting next week and they and all the other ones donated will be trimmed and put into a quilt for charity.

Yesterday I babysat for a 15 month old boy all day....easy duty but I was sooo tired when I got home.  There's a reason you have kids while you're young.  Rested most of the day today.  Looking forward to tomorrow, I have a few errands to run and I have cabin fever....that is after I watch the boys for Sarah and Justin to go to the Republican Coference.  Happy weekend everyone...

Oklahoma Boomer--6"

Yeah!!!  I finished the month of January on time!  Quite an accomplishment, I think.  I haven't been feeling too well today, so I haven't done much.  I probably wouldn't have got this block done if I hadn't cut out the pieces last night.  The picture on the calendar wasn't too impressive, but I really like the way the little guy came out.  And I mean little....the pieces were the smallest I've ever cut for a quilt and the smallest I've ever sewn.  Isn't he cute?

Then I took a little time and got out all the blocks from the month....didn't think it through too much about how to arrange all the different sizes, but I liked the way they play with each other....

Pretty productive month don't you think?!?!

Castles in the Air-9",City Streets-9",Borrow and Lend-12"

Soooo...I felt guilty about getting behind again and did the first two blocks last night and did today's block this morning.  I am officially all caught up!!!  And I also got two more of the other blocks done plus one of the charity blocks that I took home from CQN guild last month.  Boy do I feel good about that.  I like all three of these blocks and the last one looks like some of the earlier blocks in the month that I didn't like.  But now I see how they could look in a pattern and I like them better.

Tonight is SA FHE and potluck night so I tried a new recipe in the crockpot that I found on pinterest.  It smells sooo good.  Chicken, cream cheese, black beans, corn, and salsa.  Mmmmm!

Maybe tomorrow, after I get the last block of the month done, I'll play around with all the January blocks and take a pic.  If I feel as good tomorrow as today, that is......

Four Corners--9", Chinese Puzzle--10", Telephone--12"

Here are the three blocks I talked about yesterday...that Chineze Puzzle is the one that is super hard to get put together right.  But it is a pretty cool block :)  You young ones probably don't recognize the third block as a phone, lol.  I'm pretty sure I won't be doing that one again...not because it was hard, but they don't make phones like that anymore and I don't think it even looks good :)

Anyway, yesterday I worked hard and got tired fast....I cleaned the church by myself and then I went to supposedly pick up an entertainment center that I found on Craig's List, but it wouldn't fit in the van.  I had taken out Aiden's carseat...so while it was out, I cleaned the van and vacuumed.  Boy was I bushed last night.  I know...I know...but you forget...I'm OLD!  So you guessed it...I didn't do any sewing and it looks like today is going to be the same :(  Soooo....I'm behind again.  Well, I think I've done pretty good this month....I've gotten quite a few blocks done (prob enough for a small quilt) and a good start on the other quilt (a third of the blocks done).  And, as they always say....tomorrow's another day:)

All caught up!

Well, I have been sewing...but missing the camera, maybe later today I can update pics.  I finished 2 blocks night before last and then spent another hour redoing the second block yesterday and finished yesterday's block.  So when I get today's block done....I'll be right on schedule :)

I didn't post yesterday because I didn't have pics....but thought I better post before you guys thought I had failed to keep up with my goals...LOL!

I realize that I was deceived into thinking that this would change the fact that January is a LONG and boring month....it IS the longest and awfulist month of the year (IMHO)!  The good news is that the year just flies by once you get out of January :)  Pics later....

Old Favorite-12"

I only did this one block last night, it was semi-difficult.  I didn't notice until I just took the picture that from far away (or in a pic)  it takes on the appearance of a a circle inside the red triangles.  With the right fabric choices, this could be quite lovely in a full size quilt.  I just cut out the pieces for the next block, but I probably will only do one tonight as well.  It's okay, I'm only one day behind.

Looks like I'll be spending the first week in March in Parlier.  The weather there ought to be springlike by then.  I can always hope:)  Off to sew.....

Evening Star-9" and Puss in a Corner-71/2"

I got these two done last night....I'm almost caught up, but not quite.   I really like the evening star one and could see a whole quilt made with this block.  And it wasn't as difficult as it looks...just lots of pieces. I don't know where these names came from and I wonder if they are universal names for the style of block they are.  I'll have to do some research after I get caught up.  It would be helpful to have this photo essay and names of blocks in the future for making other quilts.

We went shopping this morning...first time out in almost 2 weeks.  Glad to get out but it sure took my energy out in a short trip.  Maybe by next week I'll be back to normal...whatever that is.  Today is the anniversary of my mom's death 25 years ago...such a long time ago, seems like a lifetime.  I guess it has been, but I still miss her....she was my best friend.  She was a wonderful lady....unique, and I love her dearly....

pics

These are the pics of the blocks on yesterday's blog.  They seem to be getting harder as we get further into the month...but that's okay, cuz I seem to be getting better which is the whole point of this exercise :)

My cold is finally clearing up and maybe tomorrow I can actually get out of the house.  I did another two blocks last night while "listening" to TV.  I find I like to do more than one thing at a time and cannot just lay here watching TV without doing something else.  Well, last night's blocks were interesting....at least one was more than interesting.  The first one was great and I love the way it turned out...Darting Birds--6"

The next one was challenging to say the least....Double Cross- 10", well it is supposed to be 10" but I couldn't do it like the directions (which there really aren't any) so mine turned out 12".

I did the side panels first and they made the whole block bigger, but it still looks like  the picture so I guess it is okay.  There's a bit of a pucker in the middle square.  If I get time sometime during the year I will try this again and see if I can make it the right size.  Anyway, marching forward trying to get caught up, but the next 2 blocks look like they will take some time also, so I might not be on track till February :)  Sigh....

Crazy Ann--10" and Aunt Dinah--9"

I did both these blocks last night.  Pictures to follow...no camera :(  Crazy Ann didn't turn out quite right, cuz the measurements weren't given for the rectangles and I didn't guess right.  Some of the challenge of these blocks is interpreting the pattern of the squares.  But I am still learning and learning a lot!  Didn't do any sewing today, in fact mostly all I did was sleep.

Sarah and the baby now have the cold as well.  Aiden hasn't learned how to cover his mouth when coughing so I'm sure we will all be sick as dogs before the week is out.  I am feeling better though after sleeping the day away.  We didn't get the storm that was promised, so still no snow on the ground...but they say another one is coming...I'll believe it when I see it.  Weather has been sooo strange this year.  Glad all the fam in Washington is good, they went without power for a looooong time.  I'm hoping to better this week and get back on track with the blocks, the walking, and life :)

Flying Dutchman--10"

So I got this block done yesterday, but didn't have the camera.  Still catching up.  Matching seams and such is getting easier...what I learned with this block is to be more aware of contrast in fabrics for the design.  I think this one would be great if it had more contrast, altho I still like it.  We lost power for about 8 hours last night and it has been snowing off and on all day today.  Not as bad as Washington by any means, but still glad to have a warm house and warm bed.  Which I am going to stay in for at least another couple days until I get over this nasty cold.  Will sew when I feel like it, but not giving up....in fact I miss it and can hardly wait to get back to it.  Hope all is safe and warm....

Still catching up

Tuesday I did the next three blocks---Rambler, 10"  Economy, 10"  and Nelson's Victory, 8".  Was catching up and then got hit with a brick (a cold) and haven't done a thing since.  So I have the 17th, 18th, and 19th to do....don't know if I'll feel up to it tonight.    I had to go buy more white material on Tuesday, so I think I'm set for awhile.  Loving this experience, but of course life does get in the way....as it should be.  Hopefully this cold will not last long and I can get on with it....until then, stay safe and warm in all the storms....

Catching up

This is Friday's block that I actually did on Friday...I like it and it was not as difficult as I thought it would be.

My absence has been due to family and a very busy weekend....Jim and fam came on Saturday morning and it was nonstop busyness since they came.  It was fun though.  The kids were able to play outside for a bit, cuz it was beautiful on Saturday.  Then we went to Scheel's....ferris wheel, race cars, play area... and of course Aiden got to ride his favorite--the escalator. lol. Then we went across the street to the bowling alley/play jump world, where the kids could play to their heart's content and the adults could bowl.  Grandma watched the kids while the adults got some "quality time".  Jim and Amanda picked up Wing Stop on the way home and we ate....lots :)  A movie for the kids and more games for us....that was Saturday.  NO time for sewing, but NO problem.

Sunday was Stake Conference and we went while the Huff's stayed in their hotel room.  We met up afterwards and everybody had fun hanging out at our house.  The weather changed and got really windy so the kids had to play inside.  In the afternoon we went their hotel and went swimming.  Grandma watched sleeping Virgil and the rest of the kids had a grand time.  Finished tired and hungry, came back to Sarah's and had a great dinner and more games.  We were all in bed by 10.  Sunday night while we were sleeping....it snowed!!  First real snow of the season....but only about an inch. 

Monday Justin had to  go back to work and the Huff's had to go home.  They came over early and we had breakfast and play time.  We went to Red Robin's for an early lunch and send off.  Spent  the rest of the day recouperating. 

Nice weekend....back to the real world...more later :)