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 :)

Handy Andy-10"

Happy Friday the 13th!!  I finished my block and made another 2 for my other quilt, but it's late and I'm not going to take pics until tomorrow.

I crashed this morning and slept ALL morning...I could feel it coming on, it has been a busy week for me.  Then I spent the afternoon sewing and the evening looking after the boys.  Had a nice talk with Jim last night and a nice talk with Shannon this afternoon.  All is well....will post pics tomorrow...

Beginner's Delight-10"

This block seems very similar to an earlier block...I remember the headache of the half square triangles around the edge.  The good news is this was easier, so I must be learning something. :)  I didn't work on the other blocks today, I was out most of the day.

Four of us went to the Temple this morning and then went to lunch.  Afterwards Pat and I went to go take care of our business with traffic court and go shopping.  I drove to the Temple so Pat wanted to drive in the afternoon.  So of course, I had to get the ticket and proof of insurance from my car....and you guessed it...I grabbed the wrong insurance card lol,   another trip another day....as the clerk pointed out, I have plenty of time (till Feb 22).  No big deal...but I sure feel stupid. :)

I was going to do some errands tomorrow, but I think I'll stay home and relax and get prepared for the weekend.  And of course, watch the boys for datenight. :)  Hope your days are busy and full of happiness.....

Another hand stitch block

Today's block was a pretty pieced sewing machine with  hand stitched accents...I will do it later when my arm is better.  I did get 2 more blocks done on my other quilt.  Went to CQN, my quilter's group, and enjoyed myself thouroughly.  Brought home four blocks to make for a charity quilt for next month.  We worked on a charity quilt at the meeting tonight too.  I took my block a day blocks for  show and tell and got quite a few compliments.  Again, a great day and I'm tired....this is a good plan to keep myself busy!!  More pictures tomorrow....

Spool of Thread--8"

This block was fun to do and I think it turned out great...even though I messed up and did not have as many "threads" on the spool as the pattern (I had to delete one because my seams must be too skinny).  This is a very enlightening experience,  I'm getting to practice my seams and I'm having fun figuring out how to put together the patterns.  As you can see, the directions are nonexistent...just the size of the pieces.  I also got two more of the blocks for my other quilt done (6 total).  I'm looking forward till tomorrow, it's my quilt guild day...I get to spend most of the day doing my favorite thing :)

Today was a slow starter... Sarah didn't feel well, so I watched the boys while she slept in.  Then we went shopping at Costco and Walmart.  Very successful shopping trip and then sewing in the afternoon.  Tonight is my favorite TV night...NCIS, Biggest Loser, and Unforgettable.  Now....

I just restarted my computer after updating my Acrobat and the "add picture" link on this site isn't working....have to figure it out and get my picture to post,  wish me luck!!

Flying Shuttles--12" and Spool and Bobbin--8"

So this is yesterday's block (Flying Shuttles), I guess I can see it now but I didn't see the shuttle when making it.  And I guess I was tired, cuz things didn't go together very well.  But  I like it.  I liked the way the print squares swirled cuz of the directional print.  I got to thinking, I should have enough blocks each month to put together a quilt each month....wow I need to get more fabric :)

And this is today's block  (Spool and Bobbin).  So glad it was easy, cuz today was a very busy day.  I almost skipped today, cuz I was tired and it was late, but it only took about 10 minutes so I convinced myself to do it.  I did not, however, work on the other quilt.  Yesterday I got 2 more blocks done, but not today.

Went to FHE and it was a potluck, soup night.  There were sooo many good soups and I ate too much.  I hope I can walk it off tomorrow....it is our shopping day :)  Jim and family are coming this weekend so lots to do to get ready.  Hope they don't bring Yoshi :)....till tomorrow...

Cotton Reels pic

Here is the picture of yesterday's block and like I said I really like it, even though it is quite simple.  I can tell I'm getting better at matching seams.  The other 2 blocks I did were easier to match up....I must be learning to take my time and be more accurate.  I took pics of those 2 blocks as well...

Oops...I downloaded one twice and can't figure out how to delete it.

Oh, and good news....I lost 8 pounds this week!!!  The trick is keeping at it...wish me luck!

Cotton Reels- 8"

Today's block was extremely easy and turned out nice, however I can't take a picture today because the camera battery needs recharged.  So tomorrow I will post picture. 

I was feeling well enough to start my next quilt (I've only got three planned ahead).  I got all the strips cut and two blocks done.  It's weird, I can cut and sew with my brace on, but not hand quilt....thus the Christmas present quilt that I've been working on is still waiting to be finished :(  Hopefully, I can finish it soon.  In the meantime I can still work on other quilt tops, which is my fav thing to do anyway.

We cleaned the church this morning, took us a couple hours.  So satisfying when it was done.   Great week for the first week of January....usually January feels like the longest month of the year....not this year :)  Jim and family are coming to visit later this month, too.  Woohoo!!

Chimney Sweep-10 1/2"

This was another hard block, but worth it!  I really like it, don't know why it's named chimney sweep.  My machine was acting up today too...eating my seams :(  But I persevered and it is done!!

I've been depressed today and sleeping a lot....don't know why, nothing to be depressed about.  Life is good....I guess I need to go for a walk.  Babysitting the boys tonight for date night.  Have a great weekend!!

Spools--6"

Thankfully today's block was an easy one...I think it took me all of 10 minutes from cutting to finish.
It's good, cuz it's been a busy day.  Not liking this one too well, altho I think it may look nicer with repeating blocks alternated with something else.

Sooo...today started out with a trip to the temple.  I picked up Pat and she was telling me about her ticket she got last week in our subdivision and sure enough I got stopped by a motorcycle cop.  I was getting my insurance and registration out and was surprised to see my registration sticker still on the paper....yep that's why he stopped me all right.  I've been to Utah and back and not stopped, get within a mile of home and boom... well, turns out I didn't have my ins card either, just the receipt that said I'd paid, and my right brake light was out to boot.  Grateful to have gotten a warning.  Have to report to traffic desk with proof of insurance, already applied my sticker (dated November) and went to WalMart and got a bulb for my brake light.  Now just have to get Justin to replace it.  Called my insurance and they are sending me a new card.  Still got to temple in time to do a session.  Pat took me out to lunch afterwards, we went to Baja's (never been there before) and they had good fish tacos.  Came home and went to library to return and pick up books.  Then made my block.

Talked to Jacob today and they're doing good, almost have all their Dalmatian litter sold.  Have Cocker's due in about 7 weeks.  They're planning a vacation in September, I offered to puppy sit but they're not sure I can handle it...so we'll see how it goes at the reunion.  Jordan called and he got a job...Hallelujah!!  Starts on the 16th (?) of January and gets paid on the 7th of February, hoping to get into his "own" place then.  He's doing tele service for Verizon.  Really glad he got a job (and it's full time).  Busy, but great day....even got into a giggling contest with Virgil.  I love being a grandma....

Snow Chrystals--16"

Finally got it done....all 105 pieces!!!  Still having problems with matching up seams, but I think the more pieces the harder it gets.  It's a beautiful block, but it took a LOT of time and effort!  At least it's big enough that if you were going to do a whole quilt, you wouldn't need a ton of squares.  Sooo...4 days in and still no 2 blocks the same size.  Weird.

I took my new meds last night and the one they gave me for my arm knocked me out cold.  Slept for 12 hours and then couldn't keep my eyes open all day.  Not taking that one again.  It's a good thing Justin stayed home from work.  I only had to watch the boys for a couple hours during Sarah's procedures.  Now the docs say she doesn't have Chron's and we're back at square one.... so frustrating.  And she's been battling flare up after flare up these past 2 months, probably cuz of the stress of the holidays.  Praying that her system calms down now. 

Looking forward to going to the Temple tomorrow...starting out the new year right, yeah for me!

Skipped today

Today's block was applique which I can't do right now, cuz of my carpel tunnel...so I skipped that block and went on to the next day's.  It is very intricate and large and I spent 2 hours on it this morning and still have about half to do.  I will post it tomorrow (which is it's normal day anyway).  I did sew today though.

Also went to the doctor's.  Now instead of taking 2 pills a day, I have 7 pills to take (although one is only once a week).  Did I mention I hate getting old?!?  High blood pressure, high cholesterol, low Vitamin D, and carpel tunnel.  Not too bad, could be worse.  My blood work was pretty good and my bone density scan was good.

Yvonne called today and they are having another boy...4 boys within almost 5 years....brave, very brave.  Love them to death, tho.  Justin is definately getting the promotion and moving to Tucson come end of Feb or early March.  Shannon is all registered for the winter quarter and starts tomorrow, taking Sociology, English Comp 201, and another English class (I think).  Jordan still has no job, but the prospects are looking up. 

I didn't walk today, but never fear....there's always tomorrow!  The weather here is crazy....the high was 69 yesterday!! In January...nuts!  Is spring fever supposed to follow the same week as New Year's?!?  Well, I'm getting it...

Snowflake 12"

I am not thrilled with this block, probably won't do any more like it.  It turned out okay, but the pieces are too big and I don't like the triangles on the edges and corners...lots of sewing on the bias. I am liking the experience of doing the different blocks.  Three blocks all different sizes so far...

This will be a very busy week... making turkey noodle soup with homemade noodles for dinner tonight, then going to Single Adult Family Home Evening.  Tomorrow I have a doctor's appt.  Wednesday Sarah has her GI procedures, so I will be babysitting.  Thursday morning going to the Temple with Pat, then Saturday I signed up for building clean-up at the church.  Friday I will probably be babysitting for date night, depending on how Sarah feels.  It's not a busy week like I used to have when the kids were all at home, but having plans everyday is busy for me now :)  And, of course, I will be keeping up on my blocks.

I also started trying to walk every day.  It's pretty cold outside, but Walmart and Home Depot and Costco are close by.  I got a pedometer for Christmas from Jeremy and when I walk every aisle at Home Depot it's a mile and a half,  Walmart's more like 2 miles, and I haven't clocked Costco yet.  It helps to be able to push a cart while walking....it's my makeshift walker :)  I hate getting old...

Snowball Block 6"

I practiced yesterday and did a great block that I think turned out very nice, then today's block was a simple snowball block.  It is very easy to do and I have done many and put them together into baby quilts for some of my grandchildren.  So I am going to try and post both...if I figure out how to add pictures :)  Such a fundamental thing to this whole blog deal is adding pics.

Anyway it was a great first day of the new year, went to church, had a nap, visited a friend, and had some memorable moments with family.  Who could ask for more.  May your new year bring blessings and happiness and gratitude for the simple things...