tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90424093559304837692024-03-13T14:36:38.448-04:00quiltsmilesQuiltsmileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346313090377024308noreply@blogger.comBlogger676125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9042409355930483769.post-59199480633046628812024-01-01T00:00:00.000-05:002024-01-01T00:00:00.146-05:00Happy New Year <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgr9bjkEuYvNsO9hBOP_X3DnBGce17TuMXhm4W60oxV0Oc3ch6LRU5ondTNTvb4erbxOMNypf5jXxRc3EzBmOgpmZb6rnYRiK7cX1t8HVpSaFl0eK5c3cVYTC2bO5D-JCtYM5zdYdzrXU-Qyb22ExckGbVD4BMw79exNX92Ajxg4IBx8ziWg_0f9Zp3Pg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="286" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgr9bjkEuYvNsO9hBOP_X3DnBGce17TuMXhm4W60oxV0Oc3ch6LRU5ondTNTvb4erbxOMNypf5jXxRc3EzBmOgpmZb6rnYRiK7cX1t8HVpSaFl0eK5c3cVYTC2bO5D-JCtYM5zdYdzrXU-Qyb22ExckGbVD4BMw79exNX92Ajxg4IBx8ziWg_0f9Zp3Pg=w286-h400" width="286" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Quiltsmileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346313090377024308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9042409355930483769.post-69611330093791767782023-11-14T09:00:00.025-05:002023-11-14T15:41:55.583-05:00Middle of November already<p> A simple post. I'm well and happy. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqL4YZW7iePpBYB9fhqY2PllV8huMULb_InF88KEbvkiJJwrQi2IXv-E-dXemy8oEcuK2eR1W2CMKRhiDDC2NZOgczjJO1pxgnNkRHOsF0td_tahFomc0Jlva25DsjZsGNcMudCYtiu4wEEoOa79TfXWiSZ1S3uwbVD_GAmXP9Bhk2a96BMbL5vU7biMrB" style="clear: right; display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqL4YZW7iePpBYB9fhqY2PllV8huMULb_InF88KEbvkiJJwrQi2IXv-E-dXemy8oEcuK2eR1W2CMKRhiDDC2NZOgczjJO1pxgnNkRHOsF0td_tahFomc0Jlva25DsjZsGNcMudCYtiu4wEEoOa79TfXWiSZ1S3uwbVD_GAmXP9Bhk2a96BMbL5vU7biMrB=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></p><p>I'm catching up again since getting away for a 10 day respite with friends, One friend, Maureen, who is tried and true and I've been blessed with for 50+ years, the other one Ernie, a new and so very nice and a very very handsome man. Lucky ME!!!</p><p>As for the sewing - here's a pic of my current WIP: Mom's spiral quilt that I'm finishing. </p><p>After getting home from the Outer Banks, NC I just finished sewing the binding on. And yes, you're not seeing things. Those pipings contained within the grey binding are 4 different colors - one of my episodes of thinking <b><i>"WHAT IF" </i></b>has been created into a reality. LOL <b><i>Umph...</i></b> Not bad!</p><p>Planning on doing a more thorough post at a later date but I noticed my last post was months ago in June. Jeesh! Where does the time go? Sorry about that.</p><p>TTFN</p><div><br /></div><p><br /></p>Quiltsmileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346313090377024308noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9042409355930483769.post-8978007955574390012023-06-09T09:00:00.003-04:002023-06-09T13:09:42.500-04:00Landscaped in June<p>Those two pallets of landscape blocks - GONE! or maybe I should say used for their intended purpose. I purchased 3 pallets of blocks years ago to separate the plantings, shrubs from the lawn. Hired Jason D. to place them and then winter blew in That was years ago. The surround was almost done there again, two spots were left unfinished. That seems to be the recurring theme around here. Anyways, his employee Cal W. did the most of the work. </p><p>So I contacted JD in April to see if he would be able to finish the job and found out he's now in Maryland so gave me Cal's number. Contacting Cal, I learned of his upcoming kidney surgery 5/1/2023 so he gave my name and number to another man (JL) who did this type of work. The month of May came and went. Nothing. So I re-contacted CW via instagram to see how he was post surgery. We talked, he had wondered... as he didn't see any progress and I found out that JL had moved to Tennessee, so bada-bing, bada-boom - we scheduled 6/4 on our calendars to get it done. Gorgeous day and success! </p><p>It now looks like this:</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXxHqidZKH_CDg-wCiuOoTuLh3Km7fEQ06UndmUIVLz1p2I9YXkANMe_8mciDb3Ar9pxtnFrpuTP-d8T_3SFQX89H-TiDNPmcjEiiiKpSgPc5FxoF-iUKzK4D-GG6djQ6Db_kD4eZBBpmGvwZvc-axZmQy0XnKyt_cEIU8gvpRSrHhtqKfAIbgS0wyCw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXxHqidZKH_CDg-wCiuOoTuLh3Km7fEQ06UndmUIVLz1p2I9YXkANMe_8mciDb3Ar9pxtnFrpuTP-d8T_3SFQX89H-TiDNPmcjEiiiKpSgPc5FxoF-iUKzK4D-GG6djQ6Db_kD4eZBBpmGvwZvc-axZmQy0XnKyt_cEIU8gvpRSrHhtqKfAIbgS0wyCw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgom0FXUeFafJL6WE1o8T11A7NfqgEzcjDYSZi7RdGh56AXC0aj5s00zJXqMCjOHb9J6PAW5XAsYJTXnhoa011lJ5hmyM0NxGSRHvGfBn0kSKGNlBYKDvpyEl6NhOLCU4vqopbhMDGUZstDs1n6J19aRCxrGM1yvPffWtllwM9700mfbh3Smw1hWj13QQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgom0FXUeFafJL6WE1o8T11A7NfqgEzcjDYSZi7RdGh56AXC0aj5s00zJXqMCjOHb9J6PAW5XAsYJTXnhoa011lJ5hmyM0NxGSRHvGfBn0kSKGNlBYKDvpyEl6NhOLCU4vqopbhMDGUZstDs1n6J19aRCxrGM1yvPffWtllwM9700mfbh3Smw1hWj13QQ=w342-h456" width="342" /></a></div><br /><img alt="" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXxHqidZKH_CDg-wCiuOoTuLh3Km7fEQ06UndmUIVLz1p2I9YXkANMe_8mciDb3Ar9pxtnFrpuTP-d8T_3SFQX89H-TiDNPmcjEiiiKpSgPc5FxoF-iUKzK4D-GG6djQ6Db_kD4eZBBpmGvwZvc-axZmQy0XnKyt_cEIU8gvpRSrHhtqKfAIbgS0wyCw=w320-h427" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgwlJZ-wUMTvyv8XOpzsKHgaW7-qfzrz6nt0AMhSoX-mYJKPiWc-MNDY815gZB0BTBktTwebu0_D-dbqPUD4-vaAY8Cyzeek3ExsDuMjvqhT9gRtObv9OxpQQzxcIF2-CBUBaGMmtUciRXqAXxaRLJCXzSG9XVFnXPQAcZm6TZU-nEL40r2jGEg-4druw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="443" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgwlJZ-wUMTvyv8XOpzsKHgaW7-qfzrz6nt0AMhSoX-mYJKPiWc-MNDY815gZB0BTBktTwebu0_D-dbqPUD4-vaAY8Cyzeek3ExsDuMjvqhT9gRtObv9OxpQQzxcIF2-CBUBaGMmtUciRXqAXxaRLJCXzSG9XVFnXPQAcZm6TZU-nEL40r2jGEg-4druw=w332-h443" width="332" /></a></div><br /><span style="text-align: left;">I also worked on my outdoor lighting which I'm thrilled with. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">They are all solar lights and differently styled so it doesn't look like a airfield landing strip surrounding the house. lol </span><span style="text-align: left;">Perhaps tonight I'll go out and grab some evening shots to share later. </span></div><p></p><p>The retaining wall on the left side of the house, I did many years ago and it took me three times to stack those field stones so they looked level. I was satisfied then with my efforts and gratefully they served their purpose for decades, however just one of my idiosyncrasies is I don't like patch jobs (except for quilts that is) on roofs, additions, landscaping materials. I'm an all or nothing kind of girl. So I wanted the materials to be cohesive. Thereby my desire of changing the retaining wall to the same landscape blocks. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMWteUALl9F-c-VEL6noM1Gxj4PNntfvZtzOu--mg_ZrfHj0J-3fkh80DEjiG_Di7i1_Gbz2ByKjBc3z-64ByC60-SORviPENr5Ik8IF655BWlHkT4nVrSObKgXfyM6v1mmAZsLSyAObZZY3JnzjpgqIuJo3kN6MkLEyMnq3lKG1Q2aIE9ozcO_3AjBg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="568" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMWteUALl9F-c-VEL6noM1Gxj4PNntfvZtzOu--mg_ZrfHj0J-3fkh80DEjiG_Di7i1_Gbz2ByKjBc3z-64ByC60-SORviPENr5Ik8IF655BWlHkT4nVrSObKgXfyM6v1mmAZsLSyAObZZY3JnzjpgqIuJo3kN6MkLEyMnq3lKG1Q2aIE9ozcO_3AjBg=w426-h568" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNBFE1amYAXees6qboq6TL6e9vJztol_acpJVL6XqhVeloVFs9GMBvZEFQ36bTjiHzrmbufM9vPtJDrz4LMJ8FWmN96Id7-kCt5r5MCtpHKCcffQN0TrKedCbbqpLtWBQu1cmdaIG-DXbR0u-0qZftu4QjbWmaGz9w42p0GwJ3sir0HLy_18eHPGAGbQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="573" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNBFE1amYAXees6qboq6TL6e9vJztol_acpJVL6XqhVeloVFs9GMBvZEFQ36bTjiHzrmbufM9vPtJDrz4LMJ8FWmN96Id7-kCt5r5MCtpHKCcffQN0TrKedCbbqpLtWBQu1cmdaIG-DXbR0u-0qZftu4QjbWmaGz9w42p0GwJ3sir0HLy_18eHPGAGbQ=w430-h573" width="430" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />A couple of photos of before and during...<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKBDVtmML740M79pGA38r8IESfRl71XclHA71Wvs3IC2NA-0pf3QCg2bhYCXP6xhf53UyTXwDmcKmX4hEQej1rF21fJ5JkFAkmUlXJrur2-UR3MpyLHFsjEBeMAiCaWVn4aHRcQdrf7FrscPNqhI3EshlEjbAx7XPP5cxo8use9xoWq9pFZgDVpiPSqQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKBDVtmML740M79pGA38r8IESfRl71XclHA71Wvs3IC2NA-0pf3QCg2bhYCXP6xhf53UyTXwDmcKmX4hEQej1rF21fJ5JkFAkmUlXJrur2-UR3MpyLHFsjEBeMAiCaWVn4aHRcQdrf7FrscPNqhI3EshlEjbAx7XPP5cxo8use9xoWq9pFZgDVpiPSqQ" width="180" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVgsO8GGIHb4VdfiA1Ewu1fDSwcHqpQIRPrCLyLbEiqx4M_OppMyWC3WDjIe4dE2ZNosP8VHRVCKRM9nt5lt743DXUFv5tc2J8V041mr5Sbh7DufihcMX2c5oGrv8cukX-EmblyTAsuqP9Dd4yHZYRUWQlSNICgUpAxXj5B1akzCOG0Cz8gaHuqP54iw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVgsO8GGIHb4VdfiA1Ewu1fDSwcHqpQIRPrCLyLbEiqx4M_OppMyWC3WDjIe4dE2ZNosP8VHRVCKRM9nt5lt743DXUFv5tc2J8V041mr5Sbh7DufihcMX2c5oGrv8cukX-EmblyTAsuqP9Dd4yHZYRUWQlSNICgUpAxXj5B1akzCOG0Cz8gaHuqP54iw" width="180" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0YBWMi3CbotWeESBJ5jZhDrrrjgG21E0lB0YKz0LQlHYktMO4l0cq9UYVjWJ5tYMJtGXCg1lKG4wE1RQ22XMaqLBTHYfSNWcwSA1bdYMe8yrk-_v0FpNncRfviUV5Blzm94lKniUAb4SqCbTYUdzRVakSLMRGTI8cQw1R1-nNWb8_Xspz8-KVoka43w" style="display: inline; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0YBWMi3CbotWeESBJ5jZhDrrrjgG21E0lB0YKz0LQlHYktMO4l0cq9UYVjWJ5tYMJtGXCg1lKG4wE1RQ22XMaqLBTHYfSNWcwSA1bdYMe8yrk-_v0FpNncRfviUV5Blzm94lKniUAb4SqCbTYUdzRVakSLMRGTI8cQw1R1-nNWb8_Xspz8-KVoka43w" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The dump cart's tire blew so there is another flat tire I'll need to contend with. That seems to be another ongoing problem around here and for so many years as well! :-0! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Oh well, that will be for another day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Am happy at my progress. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Was really tired too but that day's stats on my fit bit were: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">7.82 mi; 17896 steps; and 157 minutes cardio </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">another win!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">TTFN, Jane</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Quiltsmileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346313090377024308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9042409355930483769.post-37151838043420683192023-06-01T09:19:00.000-04:002023-06-09T09:20:00.995-04:00May highlights<p> Life is occurring at such a fast pace. Here it's already slipping into June and there are more items on my agenda that are checked off, WIPs, or scheduled for the near future. </p><p>Gutter system still not finished but think I may have a proper resolution of the drain pipe areas to check it off. The driveway needed resealing so that's scheduled. As well as the landscape blocks that have setting on 2 pallets for the past 7 years I think, are also on my calendar figuring that by the end on this month those will be used into my landscape vision and done. </p><p>My gardens are planted, the only bits left are the urns and pots that I scatter about on the stairs, gardens and driveway. A few are realized but hoping today is "that day" for completion. lol Separation paperwork is still in the works as I've been waiting for Wayne to complete his responsibilities. Change the ownership on the life insurances and to remove my name from his time share. I still need those legal proofs to close that life's chapter lasting 48.5 years. And as for my WIP- " 99 Spools on the BED" I found what I believe will work for those borders and finishing bits. Auditioning many fabrics in my studio and ideas that became an inkling only to be discarded. When going to Saratoga Springs for my Asthma Specialist's appointment, (I now get to see him annually- YEAH!!) made time to stop by my favorite Quilt shop, Adirondack Quilts and found the finishing gems. Share pics and thoughts on another blog post at another time. </p><p>So Hello June, looking forward to the days to come. </p><p>TTFN</p><p>Jane</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Quiltsmileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346313090377024308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9042409355930483769.post-39257927149956648912023-04-30T11:29:00.003-04:002023-05-02T06:10:04.668-04:00April - It Came and Went<p> Still reading many books each month and this month besides taking care of some remaining items from Mom's life, many seasonal chores, the athletics for the grand children, and the WIPs I wanted to complete I was again really busy. A quick recap follows.</p><p><b>Books read since I last shared:</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizk239ua8fSh_xUbaDw7qCdPfTcwI4VRCkkLzBukuDu1IE44Ajdnpo5mrPZnu30aLZD5-dmezQM1b0Dzoes3u8QKq31uvDLaph4H0CVtP3ZOekf4XqT0aNtJ2I_qvnvuaeF6YB1olMIVwepY8_Amup6-nHZ6R-rlmYxq5Cq6feJDQcRk5WGukv9oZukg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="175" data-original-width="850" height="66" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizk239ua8fSh_xUbaDw7qCdPfTcwI4VRCkkLzBukuDu1IE44Ajdnpo5mrPZnu30aLZD5-dmezQM1b0Dzoes3u8QKq31uvDLaph4H0CVtP3ZOekf4XqT0aNtJ2I_qvnvuaeF6YB1olMIVwepY8_Amup6-nHZ6R-rlmYxq5Cq6feJDQcRk5WGukv9oZukg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><b style="text-align: left;">Mom's stuff:</b><span style="text-align: left;"> though she gave away most all there are some sentimental items I received and another quilt (the Solids in Spiral) I brought to my Long arm quilter just last week. Still need to attend to much of it as I am mourning and somewhat growing and getting away from my "life's feeling of overwhelm". Thankfully, I keep telling myself </span><span style="background-color: #ff00fe; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> I don't procrastinate </span></span><span style="text-align: left;">, that alone is helping. </span></div><p><b>Seasonal Items:</b> Besides the winter blow down, raking the yard and lawns, blowing the landscape around the home, cleaning out the gutters (PHEW! that alone took 2 days), deadheading and pruning shrubs and the flowers , fertilizing the fruit trees and evergreens I managed to get it all done. Happy and glad I obtained nearly 141 miles walked as I went about it. Another WIN.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgAU7jd5jy09CLXBXEhbOHsjmAg11zCgdBBhSlqeDCrMail0TCENvhBDN4eQMyudEbWGaCi78KOuXvkAIbSDoiqlZpt3d7N2BQL7uJJ39254PqnsqauidUPMyYoeziB4KJ2TMK8iYvmOVy1bymlMCrdSxvy9iWjWHVDTkjSsOa5if_P6G8Q5aKCdxzFVg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgAU7jd5jy09CLXBXEhbOHsjmAg11zCgdBBhSlqeDCrMail0TCENvhBDN4eQMyudEbWGaCi78KOuXvkAIbSDoiqlZpt3d7N2BQL7uJJ39254PqnsqauidUPMyYoeziB4KJ2TMK8iYvmOVy1bymlMCrdSxvy9iWjWHVDTkjSsOa5if_P6G8Q5aKCdxzFVg=w495-h372" width="495" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Disregard that wheel barrow full of fire logs back near the gate, while going for a hike at a favorite spot of mine, the Power Company had cut down sections of trees in their way, thus leaving a mess. I helped them out and brought home some useable awkward sections for my fire pit enjoyment. lol </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">The gutters needed replacing so while still on target I inquired with the Leaf Guard company. Their quote made me stagger. I kid you not, so I opted to go to the same company that installed the earlier out of date system 25 + years ago and was happy with both the result and price. Two areas of concern were the black ice build up near my front and side door entrances. It seemed to always drip from the seams or over flow them causing icicles and more drips. Of course sure enough those areas would freeze in those most critical areas. I'm assured those days are done with. </span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYeM1pRcW5E1w30Yu5BaRNDxL8XT1fMLa8-_eZrYcrjG0pl-szOb3isDTON5-t-Q1OKqOvG6fbLxn4RU8-H08wWnNDrnGqQd4P0p6vKtlDDsn1It4o7XU752ZDZX6Fhv7hi3ETZIQi7u5lMeZn2bMsPXkQP1YG-G6hnf1HRtnC8GpwH0ceqBJK58KR6A" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="419" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYeM1pRcW5E1w30Yu5BaRNDxL8XT1fMLa8-_eZrYcrjG0pl-szOb3isDTON5-t-Q1OKqOvG6fbLxn4RU8-H08wWnNDrnGqQd4P0p6vKtlDDsn1It4o7XU752ZDZX6Fhv7hi3ETZIQi7u5lMeZn2bMsPXkQP1YG-G6hnf1HRtnC8GpwH0ceqBJK58KR6A=w314-h419" width="314" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>The other area are the 2 downspouts. The one newly installed near the front door I want to landscape into its environment and this is how it currently looks in the above photo. </p><p>Not Pretty. ;-( </p><p>Initially they laid that 4" PVC pipe just next to the paver bricks. NOPE! What an EYESORE for the first impression of my home. </p><p>So I asked them to angle it backwards into the rock area not the patio so it would not be able to pool there on the step area.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxZ5TPXT_pILqw-nhH69OxWsw3IKKVRt0br9gX_LCnhmx0cetyJBkIQxK1KVTIb0EgXMGdvtCU2-Viv_zid-BWiwgt1o1YI1fB83G8eA4czJUf7lhIilh_mvisgD-MM8ZvHOS8SoOzdvzjIaJTfFpgP_kyrCYOi2yybMWu95SfnotAn76ANlO0Pgitnw" style="clear: left; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="423" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxZ5TPXT_pILqw-nhH69OxWsw3IKKVRt0br9gX_LCnhmx0cetyJBkIQxK1KVTIb0EgXMGdvtCU2-Viv_zid-BWiwgt1o1YI1fB83G8eA4czJUf7lhIilh_mvisgD-MM8ZvHOS8SoOzdvzjIaJTfFpgP_kyrCYOi2yybMWu95SfnotAn76ANlO0Pgitnw=w317-h423" width="317" /></a><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> The other downspout is my access point to the hose manifold area so I asked if they could use the 4" PVC pipe for sturdiness and I'd purchase landscape blocks to elevate a bricked patio step for use. </p><p>They tried and here it is to the left. </p><p>They used a cut piece of pine bough timber to support the patio bricks that had been thrown in there initially and temporarily. They tried to make it nice while workable. I see when taking the pic that the alignment and the pitch is off now, so more potential problems down the road.... A for effort anyways. As they mentioned, they don't dig. lol</p><p>So both of those tasks move onto my May chores. </p><p><br /><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXgepQaxD0992_5XBep7lvdmzcpw2AQDib3qaUhgCdQW5HWB6dt34k3rp9KUVjeUrcWUDqiwjDcbogqtom20sIByY9wIq6YSs5RNTWYGXsqBxt-qENhcS1WsKUQWyaqgE3dOi4oDTp-tnoElyOp6hh4bNd4RqEcAkLQJ-_dMJJR7qPVpmaZLOkzhFxTA" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1792" data-original-width="828" height="545" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXgepQaxD0992_5XBep7lvdmzcpw2AQDib3qaUhgCdQW5HWB6dt34k3rp9KUVjeUrcWUDqiwjDcbogqtom20sIByY9wIq6YSs5RNTWYGXsqBxt-qENhcS1WsKUQWyaqgE3dOi4oDTp-tnoElyOp6hh4bNd4RqEcAkLQJ-_dMJJR7qPVpmaZLOkzhFxTA=w252-h545" width="252" /></a><b>The two youngest Grands: </b> </p><p>The youngest grands are both enjoying their sports and doing well scholastically.</p><p>PGS#3 pictured on the left is an 8th grader, high honor roll student who also happens to be on the Varsity Hockey team. A once in a lifetime chance occurred for him this Spring at the end of the Hockey season that I haven't yet shared. His team made it to the NYS Final Four Competition. Fanfare upon their departure to Buffalo, NY for the weekend to practice and then compete. I'll do a separate post for that. </p><p>He's close to 5'10" here and he's solid with a-lot of muscle. Awhile ago as he was going through a rapid growth spirt (about an inch every 6 months), I asked him if he hurt. He'd inquire...What? I'd reply growing so quickly with one part not quite corresponding to the next part's growth? "NO" was his reply and I think he assumed I was cracked! lol Soon after I asked him what his goal was since I've always maintained that we manifest our destiny and futures dependent on our life choices, and then again he looked at me like, WHAT? I clarified, "How tall are you going to be? What's your desire?" Being a teen, he didn't care of course. LOL </p><p>This past week, PGS#3 stole the winning run on an err when they tried to throw him out on 3rd. Game Over.</p><p>🎤mic drop.</p><p><br /></p><p>PGD#1 Was noted as "Player of the Game" with the win 2 weeks ago for her softball team. All in all, great times to watch especially as she'll graduate in June and has committed to <a href="https://suny.oneonta.edu/" target="_blank">Oneonta</a> for the fall- pursuing her dream in the Medical field. I'll share one of her Senior Pictures below with some of her talents, not too shabby for an High Honor Roll Student! Truly, during her photo shoot she had over 50 pictures taken and not 1 shot was off. She is beautiful and very photogenic.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEii6OB1iOF-DyAZpKV5XQeP1LB4u0WHFPm3lD_vXgOmxOolNq6bI65nfrX-gU6eCGxgKKD7155flAYWX7DHwdI1bICV4_C8w_V3JpWN09ddbA01buYzSQJzvVlD9oPSZ085FgCLEm-irmsRX8hCUwUH9icyJeobe43Dc9HCVuLasjIHEBdrDxTBsGSRQg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="766" data-original-width="960" height="369" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEii6OB1iOF-DyAZpKV5XQeP1LB4u0WHFPm3lD_vXgOmxOolNq6bI65nfrX-gU6eCGxgKKD7155flAYWX7DHwdI1bICV4_C8w_V3JpWN09ddbA01buYzSQJzvVlD9oPSZ085FgCLEm-irmsRX8hCUwUH9icyJeobe43Dc9HCVuLasjIHEBdrDxTBsGSRQg=w463-h369" width="463" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="text-align: center;">I'm proud of all my grandchildren and children too for that matter. Good Peeps - all around.</span><p></p><p><b>WIPS: </b> Managed to get my Spool quilt center top assembled (believe that was done in March) but there she sits. Am auditioning border treatments and made a couple of purchases to continue but my <i>creativity breaks </i>slam down hard and I know it just isn't quite right. So I'm percolating that project. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgT9bsgCc28NEhofTJO2R6TjNf_pX88aQpDGgNurHba6_RQza9C9VHq2Urva5tbwqV1-BTxV9UMkRUEar9PCwjezYmTdJnAA4xLRjTSDrd_GjNlTknL98g6DvI9PoDCtaosVHVeEOT3qp2dsFsNUK2_XXwm3aIH-1Mhk1aGj3Skmx9AGjIlLjcB9Zj-Yw" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="373" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgT9bsgCc28NEhofTJO2R6TjNf_pX88aQpDGgNurHba6_RQza9C9VHq2Urva5tbwqV1-BTxV9UMkRUEar9PCwjezYmTdJnAA4xLRjTSDrd_GjNlTknL98g6DvI9PoDCtaosVHVeEOT3qp2dsFsNUK2_XXwm3aIH-1Mhk1aGj3Skmx9AGjIlLjcB9Zj-Yw=w280-h373" width="280" /></a></div>Did complete a Needlebook for one of my stitching bags. Included a corded lobster claw loop to help stuff stay inside if needed and also placed a magnet under the applique on the batting page as a just in case and then don't you know I had a bugger of a time getting that snap adhered correctly. Third time was the charm truly. Sewed the binding by machine and then hand stitched the interior side to close it. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiiQTAyRBQn5l8FXHTKavrP_V0nMuB_zRnO-zgmYn86NUnzNEwn_yoWcdbSW5kDMwk6FJvI0xrYf40-w9dj39Vw06i9N_g3d1tMhLWUWnYGsNvPu3an2kW57i0AtsMYTbt6aHflOK0A7DOS3_0jU7lB_WyDIKHggjIUgP-XVGeX8ogKvrcQs4UUVyDblw" style="clear: right; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiiQTAyRBQn5l8FXHTKavrP_V0nMuB_zRnO-zgmYn86NUnzNEwn_yoWcdbSW5kDMwk6FJvI0xrYf40-w9dj39Vw06i9N_g3d1tMhLWUWnYGsNvPu3an2kW57i0AtsMYTbt6aHflOK0A7DOS3_0jU7lB_WyDIKHggjIUgP-XVGeX8ogKvrcQs4UUVyDblw=w232-h309" width="232" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0kfr8JqF3yDf88g1M9Xpw_wlGF9OCKAsweHsdIp0IYFCk04Ga2xmNzHd_S4jy_S0tV6YFf_lvt5PVG3SKgWR7iAzJMR4m368LnYmfXkbfge1v2qE32K9-rXk8-jdF7r7kLw7r2HdvXJ_JF_BpcU5Xex0_3AL-IJbV2YRSYH055TgSwczx1iWYNFzm-Q" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0kfr8JqF3yDf88g1M9Xpw_wlGF9OCKAsweHsdIp0IYFCk04Ga2xmNzHd_S4jy_S0tV6YFf_lvt5PVG3SKgWR7iAzJMR4m368LnYmfXkbfge1v2qE32K9-rXk8-jdF7r7kLw7r2HdvXJ_JF_BpcU5Xex0_3AL-IJbV2YRSYH055TgSwczx1iWYNFzm-Q" width="180" /></a></div><p></p><span></span><p><br /></p><p>I cross stitched a piece from Melisa of <a href="https://pinkernpunkinquilting.blogspot.com/2022/08/honey-jar-mason-jar-freebie.html">Pinker n Punker Quilting</a> that she gives out often and are so nice. </p><p>I used her "HIVE in a Jar" but refrained from using the jar effect. I also created 2 smaller designs. Another hive (due to an error in counting I went with it and made it up as I went designing my own nine patch crosses on it) and for the flower part I duplicated it close enough to Melisa's design on the larger piece, but added stitches and bees to fill it in more for the backside of the scissor fob. Luckily, I've been able to slowly immerse myself from following the directions entirely and make these stitchings uniquely my own.</p><p>Am planning on making another needle book with that larger stitched piece and the 2 smaller parts a fob to complement them. Then of course I plan on making another project bag with BEE stuff with the same fabrics. lol Wish me luck!</p><p>Sorry, so much for a quick recap. But that just seems to be the norm around here. lol</p><p>TTFN</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Quiltsmileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346313090377024308noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9042409355930483769.post-72193257072431833222023-03-17T07:01:00.003-04:002023-06-09T08:56:53.209-04:00MOM <p> One of Mom's selected poems she loved, enjoyed and collected. </p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"> <u><b>GOD'S GARDEN</b></u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">God looked around the garden</p><p style="text-align: center;">and found an empty space</p><p style="text-align: center;">He looked down upon the Earth</p><p style="text-align: center;">And saw your tired face.</p><p style="text-align: center;">He put his arms around you</p><p style="text-align: center;">And lifted you to rest.</p><p style="text-align: center;">God's garden must be beautiful</p><p style="text-align: center;">For He only takes the best.</p><p style="text-align: center;">It broke our hearts to lose you</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">But you didn't go alone</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">For part of us went with you</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">The day God called you home.</span></p><p><br /></p><p>It was an honor and privilege to be with mom when God called her home. I was not alone as a couple of my sisters were with me tending, caring, watching and loving her. Even cuddling her at times as the medications needed were getting stronger. Rest in peace dear Mother, and know you were loved by us and many more. Your light shone brightly and it's warmth filled many hearts. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZWFZX5_v9L6kQ73xctdIgOz82VmckQlcW-5zURZBRrEJ9SdaVtKsyj0ANui4_dVK1ge4_2ShsrPyhxIFxuvAEjXe9XEXSwRnhWrW3WJsxHEMcDeaWlYyUCALPMmI2a5rr6lq2mHA5aGByhWDHv-MBWs9oYCGbP2_g0RunuNY9ftbrT9yhu4xE-pIgAw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZWFZX5_v9L6kQ73xctdIgOz82VmckQlcW-5zURZBRrEJ9SdaVtKsyj0ANui4_dVK1ge4_2ShsrPyhxIFxuvAEjXe9XEXSwRnhWrW3WJsxHEMcDeaWlYyUCALPMmI2a5rr6lq2mHA5aGByhWDHv-MBWs9oYCGbP2_g0RunuNY9ftbrT9yhu4xE-pIgAw" width="180" /></a></b></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Eileen Ruth Armstrong Powers</b></div></b><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>12/14/1932 - 3/16/2023</b><b><br /> </b></p><p>March - I was able to get the center of the spool quilt assembled into the 99 spool blocks in the midst of Mom's care, wanting her to see it before her Earthly chores were through. Mom saw it and was routing for me even in her last life's chapter though without her normal zest, passion lacking because of her exhaustion and limitations. My Mom, how she suffered even mentioning, "I didn't know it would be this hard." We all kept telling her how awesome she was and so beautiful. Thanking her for all she gave. </p><p>Her interment will be happening June 17th and a small private family gathering afterwards. I miss her already but know she's in great hands. ...'til we meet again Mom, I'll love you forever.</p><p><br /></p>Quiltsmileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346313090377024308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9042409355930483769.post-78048784557043645022023-02-24T09:00:00.004-05:002023-02-24T09:00:00.202-05:00Several More Books read which I've enjoyed.I enjoy reading and continue to declutter my bookshelves one. book. at. a. time. <div>It truly doesn't matter how fast this endeavor is taking as I am keeping up with the Book Club reads each month besides am able to conquer a few more titles during a month that come onto my radar. <div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWWS1KLYXMsofxQLCIpJJ7eVlkjSqdyOH2OLGqNcJ7eGg5Q35D9Ddpi8NmCIGQkBflr91-eqf6cKFSaZ-TbtTR0Ny8Budc_7LgcscUyU4qf2vJTjBSf04sA6Fu98i745cSz11nUs3VPv1bG6Wyk7Sr3hzsPg59SDZERZU5HmyYwDoxiK5Rh490KHlWNw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="262" data-original-width="757" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWWS1KLYXMsofxQLCIpJJ7eVlkjSqdyOH2OLGqNcJ7eGg5Q35D9Ddpi8NmCIGQkBflr91-eqf6cKFSaZ-TbtTR0Ny8Budc_7LgcscUyU4qf2vJTjBSf04sA6Fu98i745cSz11nUs3VPv1bG6Wyk7Sr3hzsPg59SDZERZU5HmyYwDoxiK5Rh490KHlWNw" width="320" /></a></div><br />These are the titles with Authors that I've read (except that first one, notice the PUKE as my notation, could only manage about 50 pages and it wasn't getting any better! lol) so far in 2023. Only two came off my bookshelves and were donated to the local library when I was through. The rest were loans from family, friends or the library and three of the titles were audiobooks. Not bad getting 9 done since the 1/1/2023 if I do say so myself.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Quiltsmileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346313090377024308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9042409355930483769.post-352922818991685982023-02-18T13:00:00.001-05:002023-02-23T15:32:42.843-05:00Chinese Art Brush Class Enjoyment<p> Last year I participated in a ZOOM class featuring Chinese Brush Art class with a traditional approach. It was enjoyable and I learned. </p><p>This year another 6 week session was offered, so I jumped on board. </p><p>Week 4 had us redo the lotus which we learned last week and then do a rabbit. My attempts at those: </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6xUDDFI3G96MPmXFC861gZmQaqq2kv7HtlMtwu-LRkDDLmBlxs9XP23YvIVuqqRP1dmNABgfVXteTv1VirWksUqZ14RuRJoAVkSr5RCiaR64OpxCDOATOzmlthtRCSMX4fehLqa3s9Oodbkbw2hAnkxoWGbjQq7INIKGfkqYZWNLnSxhZXul9XyrFeA" style="clear: right; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6xUDDFI3G96MPmXFC861gZmQaqq2kv7HtlMtwu-LRkDDLmBlxs9XP23YvIVuqqRP1dmNABgfVXteTv1VirWksUqZ14RuRJoAVkSr5RCiaR64OpxCDOATOzmlthtRCSMX4fehLqa3s9Oodbkbw2hAnkxoWGbjQq7INIKGfkqYZWNLnSxhZXul9XyrFeA=w285-h380" width="285" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2nd time doing lotus<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgf_ZHOLKpslFxmdYecpgq8PhvDs6t-KhXJTMw0Zbbi_2jmnTzzeU4YeG1ZdyKQCV7XmIJxcNf-MjDilgdkksqOABb6BDBjRWVBx8zX-OH55Czy3k4GWlE9NlUY75qTVQEydcq8a4aMgZkuI-YZf7GccsPIUvnAUzFLR1w67Cvbm0tM3erRBQbUGz0gog" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgf_ZHOLKpslFxmdYecpgq8PhvDs6t-KhXJTMw0Zbbi_2jmnTzzeU4YeG1ZdyKQCV7XmIJxcNf-MjDilgdkksqOABb6BDBjRWVBx8zX-OH55Czy3k4GWlE9NlUY75qTVQEydcq8a4aMgZkuI-YZf7GccsPIUvnAUzFLR1w67Cvbm0tM3erRBQbUGz0gog=w295-h394" width="295" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my first rabbit</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Not sure how many of these I'll be sharing with you, however I am enjoying the comradery of the class and learning while still creating. It's nice to imagine creating art. That rice paper is so delicate!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><p><br /><br /></p>Quiltsmileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346313090377024308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9042409355930483769.post-4667413192602759222023-02-17T09:00:00.001-05:002023-02-18T01:08:18.227-05:00Cozy into Winter Stitched<p> It's stitched. Now I need to figure how I'll be FFO (I believe that acronym stands for Finally Finished Object or perhaps Finally finished Off - Either would be pertinent). </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj3hFEYHAUMvMX4jF7OOm3v4vzHwz8HeimmAh1YwtwvvN3YrhGBuW1RFaZ0jhOq8Xmx6ug6sUUt2u5cTu_Q5cVXaBgA-cQ_8lvGHC4wgGVrbVH6aSLzp1l09HZJVeydXsfKKz3tKDNa_Nb-Kts1PGqHmN5Nv5pFU_FPSvNswR6SxEEuUznU3-MW8xpRvw" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj3hFEYHAUMvMX4jF7OOm3v4vzHwz8HeimmAh1YwtwvvN3YrhGBuW1RFaZ0jhOq8Xmx6ug6sUUt2u5cTu_Q5cVXaBgA-cQ_8lvGHC4wgGVrbVH6aSLzp1l09HZJVeydXsfKKz3tKDNa_Nb-Kts1PGqHmN5Nv5pFU_FPSvNswR6SxEEuUznU3-MW8xpRvw=w239-h320" width="239" /></a></div><br />It still needs pressing and I'll be doing a running stitch around the outside of the design leaving 6 to 10 threads as the boundary. This makes it easiest for me to square up and know the line to stitch on if I machine sew the finish. Still debating on whether it's calling to be a pillow/sachet or a small framed piece. <p></p><p><br /></p><p>The design is "Cozy Into Winter" by Jeannette Douglas Designs. Stitched on 32ct. Wichelt Café Mocha with the called for threads. </p><p><br /></p><p>Later.... and enjoy whatever you are doing. </p>Quiltsmileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346313090377024308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9042409355930483769.post-27819742713881524862023-02-14T22:00:00.019-05:002023-02-18T01:37:15.377-05:003 generations on Valentine's Day 2023<p>Though Hospice has been called in for my Mom's care, Mom is incredible. She's as sharp as a tack at times, winded then exhausted and needs to take a nap in the next. I keep letting her know how fantastic and awesome she is. How nobly and strong, resilient and understanding she's is. All such bittersweet times. Yet she's but a shadow of her normal vivacious self. </p><p>While spending a day with her, my daughter managed to stop in and was able to grab a selfie of the three of us so the orientation is backwards. Would you believe this was the best pic of Mom as she didn't stop with her comments, thus T and I both laughing and Mom's mouth shape is just a tad off. Now I just wish I could remember what she was saying. </p><p><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFML7bcTZJvvWV2FxFWvVJD9KN2mJE7fra8EHDJckyQQ9cJdFndQ091jY5NOppfPrxg9N5HoCDAfxfrIvezBJX4NENQ8TyWZ4HEoIvM0VmpcyETdPJ86IH5CiKeum3GnpNi-1xJBeLpExtsKSR_42sUHFtS5aEDeGEQI7-q4TwWTBq5VaqlAdV-_2Vbg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFML7bcTZJvvWV2FxFWvVJD9KN2mJE7fra8EHDJckyQQ9cJdFndQ091jY5NOppfPrxg9N5HoCDAfxfrIvezBJX4NENQ8TyWZ4HEoIvM0VmpcyETdPJ86IH5CiKeum3GnpNi-1xJBeLpExtsKSR_42sUHFtS5aEDeGEQI7-q4TwWTBq5VaqlAdV-_2Vbg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Myself, My Mom now age 90, fighting stage IV cancer for the past 14 months, and my daughter Thera<br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p>Quiltsmileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346313090377024308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9042409355930483769.post-9808768771272934982023-02-10T09:00:00.001-05:002023-02-10T15:57:39.884-05:00Cloth Spool Progress. <p> Slowly am getting my mojo back. Very Content… Progress. </p><p> The last of the necessary Spool blocks were completed this week. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMcmHrTnjpqAyloOOjC7MkWTMnjADruBviyyyllqI1wprjH2ZmakamFbygRREopwkBbWxT5N5b1anDhGN2vh-hAWeUKlsNSxlYh2aqzwbi_dK8RUuVjYpm63cHjdV8DmBF5cEpj4sxu0nsBruOiXCf9b97dkxJLzL0nKq6BeF4bFyM9sTprxTQBYqM_g/s4032/4DADD746-2FE6-419B-9A45-9189603316C9.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMcmHrTnjpqAyloOOjC7MkWTMnjADruBviyyyllqI1wprjH2ZmakamFbygRREopwkBbWxT5N5b1anDhGN2vh-hAWeUKlsNSxlYh2aqzwbi_dK8RUuVjYpm63cHjdV8DmBF5cEpj4sxu0nsBruOiXCf9b97dkxJLzL0nKq6BeF4bFyM9sTprxTQBYqM_g/s320/4DADD746-2FE6-419B-9A45-9189603316C9.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>All 100 block units are done with 16 pieces each. Next up, trim units if needed and then preview layout colors. </p><p>Am hoping this center will be completed in February. My Mom has been in Hospice Care now for 9 + weeks. Bittersweet times and her Love, dignity, strength and resolve continue to be amazing. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Quiltsmileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346313090377024308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9042409355930483769.post-2810428950995025532023-02-07T09:00:00.002-05:002023-02-18T00:48:43.956-05:00Creating without cloth <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> For seasonal displays I share by the wreaths on the 2 main doors of my home. Gladly, I</span><span style="text-align: left;"> have been doing this for decades and several years ago realized that a couple of months were neglected. February was one of them but no more. </span></div></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrVbdsomMWSvyAArQiBrBl9CoxD5t7AJshle1GESBUbwX79JuECjkFbwlwwhCDuhlV_qQVCgfWgI7WJmOo3Jfd-4ZuciAta8fceKwbZqGxXZKOuL6iDI9wZzKJct5RpOYN5Dccee3PZtMjPNv11iBgOxN0oH0e-EEnMNYhE-NT1n5iPTo2UgaBuiubeQ/s4032/6DAE1BAA-D19A-4212-8FDC-1743C6849DBB.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrVbdsomMWSvyAArQiBrBl9CoxD5t7AJshle1GESBUbwX79JuECjkFbwlwwhCDuhlV_qQVCgfWgI7WJmOo3Jfd-4ZuciAta8fceKwbZqGxXZKOuL6iDI9wZzKJct5RpOYN5Dccee3PZtMjPNv11iBgOxN0oH0e-EEnMNYhE-NT1n5iPTo2UgaBuiubeQ/w407-h478/6DAE1BAA-D19A-4212-8FDC-1743C6849DBB.jpeg" width="407" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">For the family entrance near the driveway I just completed the wreath above. Makes me smile considering I was married for 48.5 years and loved thoroughly while my spouse was loving anything that came by much to my disgust and his promises of devotion while begging forgiveness. What's that line? "Once a Cheat always a Cheat". So true while looking back at the infidelities he even used my faith to swear his allegiance and loyalty to our marriage when begging for forgiveness. I trusted and continued to love in time. Well no More, I'm done. </span></div><p></p><p>So Single is better as far as I’m concerned rather than being married to a partner that wasn’t truly there with the lies, abuse and disrespect both towards me and his oaths, promises, vows and commitments. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNKdO_j0bkGzFfcjF31otbfbhM7nV-wJAPjWMKl-RZA-AAzyzd7sUhDKRRRdhmUufeFjHZWZh3Uu4qfUG0hgcKmbY8k_X5gg8_ZDPl1jAsn5aPYPgeWUKz8bOjmTYUZzH_yXV3TlFjOOkkc0qm9XC2E5LVqGF3nkpnlkiOOq7ODr2dIUEbFNIWSGet3w/s4032/282E4F63-3FE1-4F0A-B3F2-BD110F56E8D7.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNKdO_j0bkGzFfcjF31otbfbhM7nV-wJAPjWMKl-RZA-AAzyzd7sUhDKRRRdhmUufeFjHZWZh3Uu4qfUG0hgcKmbY8k_X5gg8_ZDPl1jAsn5aPYPgeWUKz8bOjmTYUZzH_yXV3TlFjOOkkc0qm9XC2E5LVqGF3nkpnlkiOOq7ODr2dIUEbFNIWSGet3w/w163-h217/282E4F63-3FE1-4F0A-B3F2-BD110F56E8D7.jpeg" width="163" /></a>The second wreath is still in the making but the wire snips that I need to use are still freezing. Thank goodness we aren’t dealing with below zero temps again. Last Friday I awoke to a -15*F but felt like -35*F with the wind chill factor. Today is much better though still only in the teens. Will share that photo once it's completed. </p><p><br /></p><p>TTFN,</p><p>Jane</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-j5TBUHy3fD4Cah76Vivt-oenwgf4tkeY0FZ1B74T_w3Z_xOb14WGSMa-apEMGTD3ca0X0IyMNELN7dqG1ubVKCCZiQf9nWvlZW9lVXkd1Z6fR4K6dL8OM0u_k9o-w6VcCpFp2-Z6Kx--LlEYI_o_ytB09wd3BmJYjiMqp9wUFMkgzZt5HVgvyuVDXw/s4032/B1026AE1-C20B-42A2-BAFC-FD750D558E9A.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="561" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-j5TBUHy3fD4Cah76Vivt-oenwgf4tkeY0FZ1B74T_w3Z_xOb14WGSMa-apEMGTD3ca0X0IyMNELN7dqG1ubVKCCZiQf9nWvlZW9lVXkd1Z6fR4K6dL8OM0u_k9o-w6VcCpFp2-Z6Kx--LlEYI_o_ytB09wd3BmJYjiMqp9wUFMkgzZt5HVgvyuVDXw/w507-h561/B1026AE1-C20B-42A2-BAFC-FD750D558E9A.jpeg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Came back 2 days later to share the Front door Wreath finished.<br />Home is where the Heart is.<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Quiltsmileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346313090377024308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9042409355930483769.post-30086995803617462102023-01-07T09:00:00.001-05:002023-01-10T10:41:18.236-05:00Enjoying January <p>Stash busting my way through 2023 I'll share that I haven't bought any new fabric this year! :-)</p><p>Haven't tallied any used either so far. ;-(<br /><br /><br /></p>Quiltsmileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346313090377024308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9042409355930483769.post-23149332128802403592023-01-04T09:00:00.029-05:002023-01-10T10:31:56.314-05:00January Objectives<p>Needing to carve time daily to sew, these are a few of my thoughts in how I hope to achieve them:</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>I hope to get 15 minutes in my sewing room daily. Picking up in there counts as time spent correctly here too.</li><li>Sew 1 needle pulling thread nightly when home. the <i>"Cozy into Winter"</i> by Jeannette Douglas Designs is almost done.</li><li>Pull out one UFO monthly and progress it, (I'm not even going to share the plethora of items here, of UFOs, PIGS, WHiMMS, etc... but if you've been following me for any amount of time you know there are plenty!) not to completion but PROGRESS. **<i>Wild Card** </i>time will tell.</li></ol>Since December 2020 - I've maintained 100 miles of movement each month. Starting with a local municipality with their <b>"winter challenge"</b> of movement from 12/21/20 - 3/20/21 to either challenge yourself to walk, ski, snowshoe, bike, etc.. to hit 100 OR 200 miles. Since I was tracking my movements it was noticeable that the 100 miles a month could be achieved with just a bit more effort so I personally challenged myself. Albeit successfully!<p></p><p>I still do my form of intermittent fasting by only allowing a 9 hour window of food intake which my Nurse Practitioner suggested in December 2020. Not limiting my diet choices yet still being mindful of nutrition, eating my colors and the different Macros ie: protein/veggies/fruit/carbs/fat . To date my total weight loss is 93 pounds but that wasn't my objective. Choosing this concept to help me stop my dis-eases progressions and so far its great. Diabetic medicine is lowered and my A1C is at my all time low of 5.6 and with the past months fasting Blood Sugars remaining between 71-94. Asthma is still not idyllic that I live with but thankfully that's managed a bit better (since October 2022) when I saw another Allergist/Asthma Specialist. Would you believe I was nebulizing 3 hours a day with 9 medication treatments and I would still be waking up at 2-3 am with a feeling of an elephant sitting on my chest and couldn't breath requiring me to nebulize even at that time. I won't mention the other inhalers prescribed, rescue inhalers PRN, and Oral medications and with the lifestyle limitations and adjustments needed for this was so tiring. Truly my asthma, coughing, sensitivity to ? was a conundrum I dealt with for the past 13 years. I kid you NOT! The story is so long and tortuous so here again, I wont bore you with the trials. Numerous Doctors, 6+ specialists, many books read, webinars attended, diet adjustments. etc., etc., etc...were embraced as I tried to figure out what if anything I could do. This last past summer (2022) while under so much stress of Mom and my broken Marriage my breathing difficulties increased and HIVES were added into the mix. Can you say the level of Cortisol I lived with was not a friend! Those hives plagued me for 4-5 months. Different medication changes besides 4 months of steroids in order to breathe and not break out contributed to the stressors I was living that then I noticed my hair falling out by the handful. Here again, I am thankful now since I live alone without any emotional, physical, financial threats that my hair is coming back in. Alleluia! {btw- After showering I look like a baby OWL or Ostrich with my pin feathers hair coming back in. lol } So I intend to continue my health journey improvements and Movements. Also I implemented 20 minutes of Aerobics a minimum of three times weekly and held it there for the past 4 months. So in addition to that I would love to get 2-3 days of <i>intended area</i> workouts starting next week 1/9/23. Today managed to focus on movement /dance and thighs. Not sure if or how I'll track this yet as it's another WIP.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbcAh989b2fED7jj_sGxCyR96ISUlDoJruOlpNF96CLuA8TVwl6UXSVVpik4c4ALE_NlGQIJv6FA7rNfXksTjI1B0cPf0k-mY6uhp3ZPujjqHNctdWaZZbEaKIS0kiGBfj1wjKZAQI6J983elJCS24bem0wJXTPnQf0Q6hfK30Ok9vnhzg-jlzBPpUog" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbcAh989b2fED7jj_sGxCyR96ISUlDoJruOlpNF96CLuA8TVwl6UXSVVpik4c4ALE_NlGQIJv6FA7rNfXksTjI1B0cPf0k-mY6uhp3ZPujjqHNctdWaZZbEaKIS0kiGBfj1wjKZAQI6J983elJCS24bem0wJXTPnQf0Q6hfK30Ok9vnhzg-jlzBPpUog" width="180" /></a></div>The other arena am planning on doing is to continue to declutter one space, drawer, or shelf at a time then proceed to the whole room/area (focus). Includes the whole residence of a first floor and Basement too eventually. Evaluate what is wanted, needed then let Go of the rest. I've decluttered the outdoors and garage. Here's a couple of photos of the Kia going in for the first time in 5+ years on November 15th just before the first snowfall. YEAH!!! Garage or yard for that matter isn't done yet as the temperatures kept dipping to freezing and I simultaneously was still doing winter readiness Truly there was so much neglect to my home space inside and out for decades. Not wanting to emasculate my husband at the time, I somewhat demurely made do and did only the most urgent items to not hurt his feelings or emasculate him. Ughh! All that lost time. <p></p><p>I'll close with a quote I loved for a couple of years while reading E.J.Michael - Queen of the Sun. </p><p><b>"Never forget that the light is infinitely more powerful than the dark. When darkness crowds in around you, become luminous, and walk in the brilliance of your soul." </b> Having faith in Christianity I'm so blessed that the good Lord gave us these talents. TTFN</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Quiltsmileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346313090377024308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9042409355930483769.post-34595371438651073042022-12-31T15:00:00.037-05:002023-01-06T11:05:23.766-05:00Word for this Year - 2023 - JOY<p> My word I choose and used last year was Resilient and it was perfect with all the inevitabilities going on. A small tribute to a friend of many years who had RE words one year as her word of the year. I smile when I hear an appropriate "re word" and think of Trudy. As this new year approached, I knew <b>Joy<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b>would be my word and true compass as I navigate life. </p><p>My Hopes for this year are:</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>To continue the many necessary repairs and give attention to the other areas of neglect from the past 18 years since husbands' disability was first diagnosed and as I coped taking care of him, his health, budget with being mindful of only the most urgent repairs as funds were extremely limited. Can you believe his Medical bills from his heart transplant (2018) were paid in full just 2 weeks before he moved out in September 2022 and all the others are at zero. [Yeah Janie!, great coping skills and budgeting]. </li><li>Budget wise my FICA score is great and I've created Excel spread sheets to assist in managing all my accounts, bills, debts, expenses and the ultimate bottom line and to live within my means. </li><li>Declutter all my excesses in 2023. Clothing, home goods, equipment, creativity supplies, and many other areas with too much.. I truly have enough and feel so blessed (I'm not bragging, just being realistic). </li><li>Creativity managed in daily increments is what I hope to realize too. </li></ol><p></p><p></p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>No more putting UFOs off to handle another day but slowly implement their progresses into my daily routines with monthly achievements. </li><li>Am thankful that I still enjoy cooking occasionally yet am finding it difficult to navigate easily. Even in this arena I have too much. cookbooks, equipment, food stores, etc... Learning how to best cope- budget wise, maintain a healthy assortment of foods for nourishment all without waste or eating the same dish for 5 meals!</li><li>I have inventoried many of my supplies and I plan to continue that while also establishing appropriate storage in logical, useable areas. Considering the art supplies, Accuquilt dies, Books, Quilting goods, even yard tools and garage set-up with how my mind works to retrieve items as needed and stored sensibly. Allowing myself a<strike> pat on the back here.</strike> okay a brag: Hoot hoot! as I was able to get my Kia into the garage before the first snow storm in December of 2022. No small feat as a vehicle wasn't in the garage since 2017! I sorted, cleaned, gave and threw away so much and it took about 6 weeks as I also was heading into Winter and the yard chores to do solo!</li></ul><div>So these are just some of my introspections as I reflect and I wish everyone a very</div><p></p><p><span style="color: #ff00fe;">Happy New Year! </span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Quiltsmileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346313090377024308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9042409355930483769.post-50225053124962951502022-12-15T08:57:00.005-05:002022-12-19T07:42:22.923-05:00Hello - Still here <p> Hello</p><p>Many of my followers may have been concerned with my disappearance and diminished postings in the past several years as my priorities shifted. </p><p>I’m healthier, thank goodness.</p><p>I’m no longer have husband living here, thank goodness.</p><p>Managing <b>MY home</b> (legal separation paperwork so it's truly mine) and years of neglect dealing with disabilities, again grateful and thank goodness. </p><p>Did I know or see this coming- <b>NO</b> - however that is one consistent element of life. <b>“CHANGE”</b></p><p>Am still settling in a <i>“new to me life”</i> as I assimilate. Most important lately is that question - what do I want? No more concessions, adaptions, excuses or divisions, Just me. I’ll return with more hopefully soon as life has handed me many hurtles this past year and realistically my Mom just signed into Hospice two weeks ago. But my ongoing Mantra is:</p><p> "People over things, E.V.E.R.Y.T.I.M.E!”</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">One thing that I haul about as needed and the current project:</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgOO4ka2cVVenu23_45M29iNtGyb2rvKCm-ZcEE24p7X-O4y85CpzZKQ2sW9Whd7BQfnaGV1TD4s6T6_ZrlpFM1cG6trKG5atIKyFO6P4CQ_BLvM7ggHcgTbErSPIYYbQAN-RpucJBew_-Dtp_eajSR3QH_f1ZezxG3Zx0PPdBf5tChNEUyWcLk8G_n7Q" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="469" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgOO4ka2cVVenu23_45M29iNtGyb2rvKCm-ZcEE24p7X-O4y85CpzZKQ2sW9Whd7BQfnaGV1TD4s6T6_ZrlpFM1cG6trKG5atIKyFO6P4CQ_BLvM7ggHcgTbErSPIYYbQAN-RpucJBew_-Dtp_eajSR3QH_f1ZezxG3Zx0PPdBf5tChNEUyWcLk8G_n7Q=w352-h469" width="352" /></a></div><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><div style="text-align: center;">Plan on turning those Santa Earrings into a scissor fob and a zipper pull for this project bag.</div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">I just had to include one picture (will be back to edit post as this is another first for me by creating this on my i phone). </p><p>TTFN - J</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Quiltsmileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346313090377024308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9042409355930483769.post-49941330909240048052021-10-10T08:00:00.004-04:002021-11-10T01:03:09.316-05:00Another WIP be Gone for 2021 - STAR SPANGLED BIRTHDAY and a giveaway<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--QAWtxiTlsc/YW2sUPwGtAI/AAAAAAAAI4c/UtfxFfOkz1AgjTy0fzsvWJcosabmmsBWQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6902.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--QAWtxiTlsc/YW2sUPwGtAI/AAAAAAAAI4c/UtfxFfOkz1AgjTy0fzsvWJcosabmmsBWQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_6902.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Star Spangled Birthday<br />stitched area is 8" x 4" </td></tr></tbody></table><p>Toot toot! </p><p><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Whoop whoop another finish that is totally done. </p><p>The design is Star Spangled Birthday by From Nancy's Needle and I loved it the first time I saw it. The stats are being listed for my own reference only and <b>changes I personalized being asterisked for easy notation</b>. It was basically stitched as designed with the called for threads on 18 count sandstone zweigart mono canvas.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The Watercolors by Caron numbers threads used are: 008 Nerfertiti, 016 Bark, 138 Winter Wheat, 160 Night Sky, 165 Granite, 255 Cornflower Blue, and 257 Spearmint. <p></p><p>DMC#5 weight colors were: Ecru, 498 Dark Red Border*, 321 Flag and Bunting*, 823 Navy - Bunting*. </p><p>The Kreinik #12 weight Tapestry Braids used are: TR279 - Dark Multi darker windows on Left home *, 3202 Cats Eye for the Lighted windows. </p><p>Gold Rush #18 used were *GD109C darker windows on Right Home*, GD45C Red, GD136C Navy and then <b>added extra sparkle</b> in the <i>self designed fireworks</i> using an assortment of sparkly threads like, *razzle dazzle Orange, an unknown *Green Sparkle I got through a thrifted mermaid item while visiting Mom in Florida, also unknown maker of two colors of a *Hot Pink Sparkle and an *Aqua sparkle. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cU2MFVseRMw/YW2sUPvATsI/AAAAAAAAI4Y/Mobz8zxG2cA2YFXPSP6HYb-G4r3eecWJACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6905%2B%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cU2MFVseRMw/YW2sUPvATsI/AAAAAAAAI4Y/Mobz8zxG2cA2YFXPSP6HYb-G4r3eecWJACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_6905%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Many fibers were used and am glad I changed it up along the way. The border colors only used the Rainbow gallery sparkly Blue in it and then I changed the called for Nefertiti red toned to a deeper toned DMC instead with out the sparkle*. The *patriotic items were brightened up with a truer red as well as the windowed glass bits*. Also made were changes to the design of the street lamps with a more to my liking simplified lamps and attempted successfully I think, a "truer to my memory" images of actual fireworks going off then the illustrated patterned lightning strike effect printed and designed. Am so glad as I progress with my hobbies that I'm at liberty (yep- pun intended!) to change and stitch projects my way. </p><p><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XkTpRzwfBLQ/YW2sURqtHgI/AAAAAAAAI4g/Kya9XR8M2LE4lDLera9sQTaCZLwsJbycgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6903.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XkTpRzwfBLQ/YW2sURqtHgI/AAAAAAAAI4g/Kya9XR8M2LE4lDLera9sQTaCZLwsJbycgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_6903.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Also was able to bring it to Aaron Brothers (Michaels) with 2 coupons, a 60% off and with an additional 25% off to get it framed with the 2 mats and the selected frame which complements it perfectly. That white pickled finish on the frame has hints of gold brushed through it letting it highlight the light affect of all those threads. SO in honor of this finish... I did mention a giveaway:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To share in my self-finishing glory and joy, I'm hosting a giveaway of this gently used chart to the continental US only. My regrets to my other followers though for this exception but due to expense of international mailings it's unfortunate but too costly. The winner will be drawn and announced here in November and I'll try contact you if I'm able to. I plan to mail this out on my Birthday, November 10 to celebrate. To enter, leave a comment on this post and share what you are most thankful for. That's it. Good Luck!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was a fun stitch and only took me about 3 months to do and that's with sending it out to be framed too, LOL. <span style="font-size: x-small;">But I work at a snails pace sometimes. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">TTFN,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Jane</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #0b5394;">Giveaway closed, Sorry there were no entrants, so I will be letting this go in another manner.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #0b5394;"><span>Happy Thanksgiving</span><span>.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>Quiltsmileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346313090377024308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9042409355930483769.post-75441201321257915342021-09-23T12:14:00.003-04:002021-09-24T13:01:36.005-04:00I'm in for WIPs-B_GONE 2021<p><br /></p><p>After the most recent finish I know that finishing projects feels fantastic so I've joined up with this link Leanne started to see how many more finishes I can accomplish by the end of the year. Crossing my fingers that it'll be plenty.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.devotedquilter.com/2021/09/wips-b-gone-2021-100-day-challenge.html?showComment=1632499977018#c2115475012361486640" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="512" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0f9URzcMWZw/YU35fMsl2lI/AAAAAAAAI3c/WSWn6k9KxS0y0hsGV0zxPHjt_F7mG0uSwCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="192" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.devotedquilter.com/2021/09/wips-b-gone-2021-100-day-challenge.html?showComment=1632499977018#c2115475012361486640" target="_blank">Devoted quilter</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>A few of my WIPS are: <p></p><p>HST drawn for ends of the spools for the Edyta Sitar Spool pattern for my idea of "99 Spools of thread on the BED" Quilt:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PORlijwyfzY/YU3-Eo8j3AI/AAAAAAAAI3k/A6zPzKktF-QE401oMqVc4zKAs4CytLlRQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6784.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="126" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PORlijwyfzY/YU3-Eo8j3AI/AAAAAAAAI3k/A6zPzKktF-QE401oMqVc4zKAs4CytLlRQCLcBGAsYHQ/w95-h126/IMG_6784.jpg" width="95" /></a></div><p></p><p>Current Needlepoint is getting close to the finish, (am hoping to finish the stitching on this Sunday):</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AfXThTwzZDE/YU3-UN-VLVI/AAAAAAAAI3o/izmwVaUEUvktFEXxHhM6VPbt7yl-FqIJACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6785.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="183" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AfXThTwzZDE/YU3-UN-VLVI/AAAAAAAAI3o/izmwVaUEUvktFEXxHhM6VPbt7yl-FqIJACLcBGAsYHQ/w337-h183/IMG_6785.jpg" width="337" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>36 Patch blocks continuing to be made- </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pWHPfhsrbRc/YU4ByqjN1vI/AAAAAAAAI38/sAcerPjvclUZHpDF9E5T1r8-Zj_tFEZeQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6787.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pWHPfhsrbRc/YU4ByqjN1vI/AAAAAAAAI38/sAcerPjvclUZHpDF9E5T1r8-Zj_tFEZeQCLcBGAsYHQ/w150-h200/IMG_6787.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>A couple of wall hangings made into tops that need finishing-</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LvHvMByqJaQ/YU4B4OveadI/AAAAAAAAI4A/z5aS_zJI6Cg59CZupEeBmp5duOJq23ELwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6789%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LvHvMByqJaQ/YU4B4OveadI/AAAAAAAAI4A/z5aS_zJI6Cg59CZupEeBmp5duOJq23ELwCLcBGAsYHQ/w150-h200/IMG_6789%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><p></p><p>Cross stitch starts- <a href="https://abcstitch.com/optioncart/image.php?id=756629&ret=https://www.abcstitch.com/kits_php/search.php?page=1&keyword=full%20moon" target="_blank">Full Moon by the drawn thread</a>, <a href="https://abcstitch.com/optioncart/image.php?id=782016&ret=https://www.abcstitch.com/kits_php/search.php?page=1&keyword=FAIRY%20GARDEN%2011" target="_blank">Fairy Garden by Blackbird design</a>s, another shepherd's Bush that I've kitted and oh there are so many more. VBG!</p><p>Homemade goods created like table runners, teapot cozy, table top quilt*lets, pincushions, bags, etc... and I'm not considering the foods I'm pickling, canning, freezing and regular meals cooked and stored for later too.....lol</p><p>You get the drift. There are plenty of projects and now that the gardens are getting closed up and autumn is here, my "plate-spinning" demands should be slowing down. </p><p><br /></p><p>Yet I have miles to go....</p><p><br /></p>Quiltsmileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346313090377024308noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9042409355930483769.post-70277828095888056092021-09-12T11:49:00.004-04:002021-10-18T14:45:09.136-04:00Thankful, Grateful and Blessed <p> A finish finally after many humps and yikes along the way. Not sure why my craft is giving me hiccups along their progression and am still trying to know the why of it all, but alas this one is done! </p><p>My attempt at "Ruler work"ed into the quilt design:</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lPJEYqe7pfM/YU310NXpnkI/AAAAAAAAI3E/fKudQoz2lkkURMIfKJm1TXO5L47nZvwDQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6674.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lPJEYqe7pfM/YU310NXpnkI/AAAAAAAAI3E/fKudQoz2lkkURMIfKJm1TXO5L47nZvwDQCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_6674.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Placed it on one pepper plant that must have given us over 50 plus peppers! <br />Tried a new to us recipe from the family freezer for sausage stuffed mini peppers <br />in Marinara and it's a keeper.</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>Small sampling of the quilting behind the motifs after echo stitching:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TaaSE2kJC_M/YU31LhfIU4I/AAAAAAAAI20/c8ERFWtloPwh7LsSLO1uKLDXrzMl-6ebACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6671.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TaaSE2kJC_M/YU31LhfIU4I/AAAAAAAAI20/c8ERFWtloPwh7LsSLO1uKLDXrzMl-6ebACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_6671.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>A detail pic and hint of the binding finish:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aaLNJx7rlJ4/YU31Q22i5hI/AAAAAAAAI24/Pu2OfZFDv0sR6B8hB_IRI8NKY0_0gPj1QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6670%2B%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aaLNJx7rlJ4/YU31Q22i5hI/AAAAAAAAI24/Pu2OfZFDv0sR6B8hB_IRI8NKY0_0gPj1QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_6670%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>Full project finally finished:</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-egDu3Ac3qPM/YU32GpWiu8I/AAAAAAAAI3M/wV-zVAQPR-ISHUaLS--5as0hJ5IvHQyUQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6672.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-egDu3Ac3qPM/YU32GpWiu8I/AAAAAAAAI3M/wV-zVAQPR-ISHUaLS--5as0hJ5IvHQyUQCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_6672.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Used a couple of different threads for those wheat stalks inserted in the hat brim - am happy with it.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Feeble attempt of an art shot on the flowered boxes on the deck:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ejsAkxfHsK4/YU32Ra0N7CI/AAAAAAAAI3Q/UaWamzUifKAuosWq8FFLBsMvqHQZfY6MACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6673.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ejsAkxfHsK4/YU32Ra0N7CI/AAAAAAAAI3Q/UaWamzUifKAuosWq8FFLBsMvqHQZfY6MACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_6673.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p>Thankful Grateful and Blessed that it's done.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ku7tsjiDJjk/YW3AYWY3czI/AAAAAAAAI44/u32hDU8IwKwkGs0-KD6vcKOaSpGAjAAMACLcBGAsYHQ/Label%2Bthankful%2Bgrateful%2Bblessed%2B%2Bimg%2B_7013.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1461" data-original-width="2048" height="228" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ku7tsjiDJjk/YW3AYWY3czI/AAAAAAAAI44/u32hDU8IwKwkGs0-KD6vcKOaSpGAjAAMACLcBGAsYHQ/Label%2Bthankful%2Bgrateful%2Bblessed%2B%2Bimg%2B_7013.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>TTFN, Jane</p>Quiltsmileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346313090377024308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9042409355930483769.post-60027615794067828192021-08-01T11:48:00.000-04:002021-09-24T11:49:09.666-04:00Time out is over with a new perspective and breath of air<p>I found some more of that binding so repairs can be made on the Pilgrim hat. While tidying up I also ran across some other time outs while I contemplated where they needed to go and what done next. </p><p><br /></p>Quiltsmileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346313090377024308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9042409355930483769.post-8075338066618994242021-05-11T11:30:00.001-04:002021-06-17T11:35:19.900-04:00It went to time out!<p> I was stitching my binding on the Pilgrim hat wall hanging and S.N.I.P.</p><p>What?!(*&%%#!?>?!</p><p>While trimming the corners so it could lie nicely I accidently cut through the edge of the binding. Exasperatingly, I set it aside. I have gardens and plantings to attend too. I'm having a fit and am in a snit!</p><p>Jane</p>Quiltsmileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346313090377024308noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9042409355930483769.post-64774643567645175902021-04-01T10:00:00.005-04:002021-04-05T12:54:55.440-04:00April's Focus - No Foolin' this time<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IIlcFxTzK7I/YGsuUIrSThI/AAAAAAAAIxk/wVSza0uaodMouRP6JFnrs7BA4mef2hLlACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5380%2B%25281%2529.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IIlcFxTzK7I/YGsuUIrSThI/AAAAAAAAIxk/wVSza0uaodMouRP6JFnrs7BA4mef2hLlACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5380%2B%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></div>I started late on the RSC this year and played catch up with some of the colors already assigned to January and February. Though not unique as I've seen squared blocks all over blog land, its something I've been wanting to start... so I did. <p></p><p>36 Patch Units: 6 so far.</p><p>2 for each month: January through March (Pink, Yellow, Green were the recommended colors). I'm using my scraps but in a different lineup as I pulled from my solids the RSC color and am sewing my 2 -1/2" scraps onto that color. </p><p> Looks like Spring or Easter candy so far. Depending on the colors coming later on, I may use that color for a different project as I'm truly loving the softness and Springtime feel of this so far. AND I'm using some scraps, a WIN, WIN for sure. Will ponder the size as it goes on.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ejcwzTNb55E/YGs-j_9KSvI/AAAAAAAAIxs/FciCu8lmvfgGIj2qaQp29KfCCUAA8CfPACLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ejcwzTNb55E/YGs-j_9KSvI/AAAAAAAAIxs/FciCu8lmvfgGIj2qaQp29KfCCUAA8CfPACLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="180" /></a></div><a href="https://www.elmstreetquilts.com/2021/04/one-monthly-goal-april-link-up_01405703506.html" target="_blank">OMG </a>for April and am linking up with Elm Tree Quilts too with my plan for April being this Pilgrim Hat I previously showed <a href="https://quiltsmiles.blogspot.com/2021/01/january-2021-omg.html" target="_blank">here</a> but failed to finish. The quilting is next and the rulers to play around with it have just arrived. That is one of my April's goals. <p></p><p>Another April goal is to make a <a href="https://www.theartist.me/art-inspiration/20-famous-paintings-frida-kahlo/" target="_blank">Frida Kahlo</a> Tea Pot Cozy. I may go traditional or perhaps push my limits but not as graphic perhaps as her art. No picture of that unless you wanted to see my lil' red <a href="https://mosskitchen.com/products/le-creuset-14-quart-teapot-63715175" target="_blank">Le Crueset tea pot </a>. lol </p><p>Am also continuing with those spool blocks. Trying to come up with different Spool ends for each of those 99 colored spools. Wish me luck as that project is lingering and I want to so more progress with it and all of my UFOs! </p><p>Thanks for stopping by. I hope your Easter is beautiful! My Co-vid Vaccine #2 is Saturday and I hope my reaction to it is nonexistent. The first vaccine I had a temporal headache and was chilled to the bone, can you say Tylenol and two quilts to the rescue. TTFN. </p><p><br /></p>Quiltsmileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346313090377024308noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9042409355930483769.post-40673946482193649992021-03-30T11:00:00.002-04:002021-03-30T14:23:38.325-04:00Small finish and happy<p>Though she be small, she be fierce! <span style="text-align: center;"> </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1uytZS28sx8/YGNnentlUcI/AAAAAAAAIxE/FreABJL6hgIoQAQJh6n0dPQvng6A7q8PwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1uytZS28sx8/YGNnentlUcI/AAAAAAAAIxE/FreABJL6hgIoQAQJh6n0dPQvng6A7q8PwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5412.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>A finish and one more kit done. The good Lord knows I have plenty of kits in and my reason for acquiring them was for my retirement anyhow, that was my explanation. lol Now that I've been retired for 15 years I figure it's time to get some finished and put to use. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iq49E287aws/YGNo2yS9KCI/AAAAAAAAIxU/YdehEiM7qnspCGFBzG7H0kHwrFDu3c0pACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="148" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iq49E287aws/YGNo2yS9KCI/AAAAAAAAIxU/YdehEiM7qnspCGFBzG7H0kHwrFDu3c0pACLcBGAsYHQ/w302-h148/IMG_5404.jpg" width="302" /></a></div>I figured the weight was close to 5 pounds since it's rather large and filled with sand, but my son weighed it when he stopped by for a visit and it's just shy of 3 pounds. lol, Still quite hefty. Also I need to get some more sand as therre is only 1/2 cup left in my Folgers container. I keep some on hand through the year since someone in the family has nut allergies and it's safer for pin cushion filling than the walnuts. Since Spring is here I'll be heading to a local sand pit for more to process.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uwxmzO2uEbA/YGNo2tKGZlI/AAAAAAAAIxQ/AezYyoS-RWQ2X7gl3RXsUfCiuAKYZsjPACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uwxmzO2uEbA/YGNo2tKGZlI/AAAAAAAAIxQ/AezYyoS-RWQ2X7gl3RXsUfCiuAKYZsjPACLcBGAsYHQ/w240-h320/IMG_5409.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>I sewed drawer stabilizer to the backing for stability on surfaces and then also created a tube of fabric for a binder clips area just in case. </p><p><br /></p><p>TTFN</p><p>Jane</p><p><br /></p><p>Thanks for stopping by. I did start some 36 patch block units to align with the Rainbow Scrap challenge that <a href="https://superscrappy.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">SoScrappy </a>does. Am hoping to stay with it this year even though I'm climbing on board late. </p><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Quiltsmileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346313090377024308noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9042409355930483769.post-48783183053009091742021-02-11T06:00:00.001-05:002021-02-11T06:00:01.279-05:00February 2021 OMG <p> It's too late to link up with Elm Street Quilts however, I plan to finish January's leftover <a href="https://quiltsmiles.blogspot.com/2021/01/january-2021-omg.html" target="_blank">Pilgrim </a> wall hanging as well as the Sewing machine pincushion photo below, and get the Kim Diehl BOM finished from last year that needs layering quilting and finishing (photo will be shared later). </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JE2Keudo6Xw/YCFj2fL6OxI/AAAAAAAAIvk/REhexqTVgPEptSQYB2lW9yi3WIw7-90nwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4979.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JE2Keudo6Xw/YCFj2fL6OxI/AAAAAAAAIvk/REhexqTVgPEptSQYB2lW9yi3WIw7-90nwCLcBGAsYHQ/w240-h320/IMG_4979.jpg" title="Machiine embroidered with specialty stitches on the Bernina 440" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bernina 440 stitched embroidery with the metallic thread, no problem except the wonkiness from the user artistic license placing that spool of thread on the top. <br />Which will stay as it is and how when I was starting out (age 7) the spool on top would "dance" with me going as fast as I could bringing up fond memories. LOL</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Below are a few of the tools I use for tracking the needles. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qncHqEHXys0/YCFjfLIK9lI/AAAAAAAAIvU/kDDlOKHG-XYcrfDK3fqsToiVW5J6qiGZwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4977.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qncHqEHXys0/YCFjfLIK9lI/AAAAAAAAIvU/kDDlOKHG-XYcrfDK3fqsToiVW5J6qiGZwCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_4977.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>This first tool - the<i> Needle Tracker</i> lets me know which needle is in the machine as there used to be (esp. pre co-vid times) elongated times that I endured no machine sewing. I keep this just beneath my sewing machine, handy but not in the way. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cT--2jYuog8/YCFjdIK67_I/AAAAAAAAIvQ/wUReeihLToYS_mdS6qaUCRXn4Kn0riTIACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4976.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cT--2jYuog8/YCFjdIK67_I/AAAAAAAAIvQ/wUReeihLToYS_mdS6qaUCRXn4Kn0riTIACLcBGAsYHQ/w240-h320/IMG_4976.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>The next is a <i>needle wallet</i> to store some unique needles I use. Like Joan Shay's appli-bond, titanium and those chrome needles I just received from Schmetz. I store this on top of my needle container shared in my <a href="https://quiltsmiles.blogspot.com/2021/02/nice-surprise.html" target="_blank">last post</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wDbliuI_wEI/YCFjhWAiBDI/AAAAAAAAIvY/EE1h9HAs2M0ogYzhuPjTmxR1gDhCHX--gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wDbliuI_wEI/YCFjhWAiBDI/AAAAAAAAIvY/EE1h9HAs2M0ogYzhuPjTmxR1gDhCHX--gCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_4978.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>This last tool is placed on the same needle storage box in the top drawer and is for lightly used needles that still have more life left in them. It even has blank spaces that I can customize the type and write on or off for special notations. I call this my <i>needle parking garage</i>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thought I'd share a glimpse of how I organize some of those parts of my hobby not yet shared. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">TTFN,</div><div style="text-align: left;">Jane</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><br /><br /><p></p>Quiltsmileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346313090377024308noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9042409355930483769.post-44462264665379919432021-02-08T11:02:00.002-05:002021-02-08T11:02:20.749-05:00Nice Surprise!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nx1Wao_ahLY/YCFafnq4TrI/AAAAAAAAIu4/6ydQs114bEUcOy_O69Kd8Irj2HJ-4KEaQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4972.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nx1Wao_ahLY/YCFafnq4TrI/AAAAAAAAIu4/6ydQs114bEUcOy_O69Kd8Irj2HJ-4KEaQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4972.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> A package came in the mail that my husband asked what I ordered now? <p></p><p>"I didn't", I replied then went to see. </p><p>Oh!!!! It's Happy mail. My heart raced a tad and a smile came along with a feeling of amazing wonder. Just like Birthdays and Christmas mornings.</p><p>It's from Schmetz.com so I quickly Opened the package. Just imagine my surprise. A package of Chrome (professional)Needles, the ABC pocket guide and a coated tag displaying the color bands identities. <b>Love it!</b></p><p>During an Island Batik box opening from a blogger I follow, I noticed her January box had the "grabbit too" tag and loved that concept. I had printed out the same illustration on oak tag paper for my identification purposes and it was a bit worn looking. When I saw hers I went to Schmetz to let them know I truly loved their quality products and was a huge fan of their needles especially and where could I find that plastic coated tag. The above was their response. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZqEGP-jTpXA/YCFaZHPdb_I/AAAAAAAAIu0/rVwapsLI_70svau08D4DiFWoAj2vNR5rACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4974%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZqEGP-jTpXA/YCFaZHPdb_I/AAAAAAAAIu0/rVwapsLI_70svau08D4DiFWoAj2vNR5rACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4974%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>So you all know I truly love their products here is the back up needle storage in the top drawer of my sewing table. Many of you already know that the closest store for me is a 2 hour drive and that's to a Joann's and any quilt shops are even further. So anytime the husband and I travel, I'd scope out the route with stores and shops available to store up my quilting supplies while going through those areas even the many trek for his health check ups in Massachusetts and neighboring states. </p><p>During sales, I'll shore up the "stock on hand" at fantastic prices as you can see by the alphabeticalized filing of those specialty needles. You can see the 3 "gross" needle boxes I have for the normal piecing needles (and I've already gone through one of those) as I do change my needle often. </p><p>Thank you Rhonda and Schmetz, Inc. - You're the best!</p><p><br /></p>Quiltsmileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346313090377024308noreply@blogger.com1