Block Party Fun

Hey everyone!  I’m back from a very enjoyable weekend at the beach.  Chris and I went to St. Augustine for the weekend to celebrate our birthdays.  It was incredibly windy and cool, but we hadn’t planned on doing any swimming anyway.  I LOVE the beach and would happily have a house there if we could.  And we ate well.  There are about 100 good restaurants in St. Augustine, so you can eat somewhere new every time and never go away hungry or unhappy.

Today I spent some time making some wonky star blocks for my Scrapbuster Swap.  These are due to mail on Thursday.  I originally signed up for 10 blocks with a scrappy star and white border.  But after looking at the block and seeing what everyone else had signed up for, I realized I really wanted to make some of both.  So, I did.  So far, I’ve made 5 scrappy stars and 5 white stars.  I’ve got most of the fabric cut for 5 more of each, but am out of white.  Tomorrow I’m headed to the big city, so I’ll stop off at JoAnn for some more Kona White.  These sew up really quickly and are a breeze to make.  And that’s nice when you’re making a bunch!  I’m going to try to make enough for a large sofa quilt to use over the holidays.

I’ve also heard from all of my new Bee Buddies, so I’m anxious to get started on a block for them as well.  I had originally considered a Dresden plate because it’s easy to accommodate a large color span or a small one, but one of the girls plans to use the blocks in a quilt for her husband and another one said she’s making one for her brother’s girlfriend who isn’t very flowery.  I know a Dresden plate isn’t exactly a flower, but I thought I’d save it for another month.  I’m thinking of going with a string block.  That way I can incorporate LOTS of color for the girls who wanted that and just a little color for the girls who wanted something more specific.

What do you think of these string blocks?  Remember, my block will be just one in a sampler quilt of sorts.  Each block they get back shares a color scheme, but not necessarily a similar style.

found here

found here

found  here

or this star block that Jennifer just pinned?

                                                               Source: google.com via Jennifer Mathis on Pinterest

Tell me what you think...I've got a few more days to decide...like until Thursday when I get the wonky stars sent off.  These blocks are next on the list to check off.  ;)

WIP Wednesday

Hey y'all!  I'm back with some sewing progress!  Now that Homecoming and Chris' birthday are over, I've got a little time to sew.  I've got a bunch of new projects in the works this week so that's been fun to finish up a few older things to start on the new.


Completed Projects:
--Last week I finished up my Fall Pops quilt.  That takes one from my UFO list and moves it to completed!  

Works in Progress:

--Summer Sampler Quilt--I'm in the home stretch on this guy.  I've got 1/2 of an Evening Star to finish up (turns out, I'd only made one!) and then two Kansas Dust Storm blocks till I've got all of the blocks done.  So, not exactly home stretch considering I've then got to sash them all, sew them together, make the backing, quilt it and then bind it, but whatever...  ;)  But, nearing up on finishing the blocks feels like a big success!

--Like I mentioned above, I've got some new projects this week.  For my Scrapbuster Swap, we're making wonky stars for Christmas.  

Block and tutorial found here

I signed up for 10 in the scrappy star category, but decided I'd really like to have 10 scrappy stars and 10 solid stars, so I'm working on making both...only problem:  they've got to be mailed by Nov. 10!!  AAAAHHH!! So I'm spending the day cutting and thinking and hope to spend tomorrow sewing and pressing!  This is a great low-commitment swap group, so if you're ever looking to join something new, check it out!

Sorry about this picture quality...it looked fine till it uploaded on blogger and I don't have it in me tonight to redo it.

--I've been thinking a lot lately of joining up in a quilting bee.  I love do. Good Stitches and thought it would be fun to do something similar but where I got to keep the blocks.  This month, I signed up with the Nubees Block Swap Group.  And I'm so excited!!  In this group, you're grouped up with 5 other people and you tell the group what you'd like as far as color goes.  Then each hive member makes 5 of the same block, just swapping the colors used for whatever each person requested.  Does that make sense?  I've got my mosaic of blocks I like done and ready to post.  I don't really have anything specific in mind with this project, so I just randomly chose the first 10 quilt blocks I liked on my flickr and pinterest boards.  I requested bright colors and the 3 I chose were red, yellow and blue, but said I didn't really care if others were added.  I can't wait to see what my hive-members request so I can start planning what I want to make.

--Speaking of do. Good Stitches.  Shannon gave us this block for the month in colors of aqua, turquoise, bright orange and grays.  I've got my fabrics set out and am ready to sew...next week or the week after!  ;)

tutorial found here

 --Mittens--I've taken another knitting break.  I'll never make it the year of the knit if I don't keep working, but I've got project fatigue on the mittens and am ready to do something else.  Isn't that always the way it is with me? ;)

Poor, lonely Unfinished Projects that have been cast aside:

--"Sent with Love" postage stamp quilt.  My swap blocks are back and I'm just finishing up a few things before this one comes back!

--Mosaic Swap quilt.  Actually, I think this one needs one more row sewn on before I can quilt it.  But I haven't touched it in like 4 months, so I'm not sure on that one.  ;)

--My Sewing Room Sampler.  I will finish it, but right now, it's taking a back seat to my other projects.  


  I've got some time tomorrow blocked off to sew before Chris and I spend the weekend at the beach to celebrate our birthdays!!  Hopefully I can get A LOT done, because I've got deadlines starting to hang over my head and that is not how I roll!    

   And as always, go check out Lee and all of the lovely quilters that link up! 

A very Spooky Birthday

Today isn't just about tricking and treating.  In our house, it's all about the Dad-Man.   Today is Chris' birthday!   AND....today just happens to be his 40th birthday. Chris loves to give, but hates when people give to him.  He hates being the center of attention, so there will be no big parties.  He wouldn't even let me mention it on facebook today.  And he was so happy that no one at school announced it.

Beach--Summer 2011

I love this man that I get to call my best friend and my love.  He is kind, giving, and loyal.  He is quiet, but humorous.  He'll work you under the table and then claim his successes were all luck and God's Grace.

On the combine, Fall 2010

He is a great Daddy, playing games, reading books, and coaching a mean t-ball game.  He'll swim an afternoon away with the kids when I don't want to get in and get my hair wet...even when he'd rather be at his barn building something.

Homecoming--Fall 2010

He's an avid woodworker, and quite good if I'm being honest.  But he'd rather give his hard work away than ever charge someone for it.

Please excuse this one being sideways...darn Blogger...Christmas 2010

He listens when I talk and makes mental notes about what to buy me for my next birthday or Christmas even when he doesn't care about or even know what I'm talking about.  He's surprised me with a DSLR camera, my Silhouette and my sewing machine.

Summer 2011

He is a great cook and spoils us rotten with pancakes, grilled nutella sandwiches, and the BEST caramel sauce, as well as his famous biscuits and gravy, jerk pork tenderloin or his barbecue.  And don't let me forget to mention his clam chowder which people make requests for as soon as the thermometer goes below 75.

Beach, Summer 2011

I am so lucky to have a partner in life that loves me and takes great care of me and our family.  He works hard and encourages me to follow my dreams.  He overlooks my messiness and forgetfulness (most of the time...).  He is creative in his own way and although our creative mediums are different (wood or fabric), his vision inspires me to find my own.

Summer 2011 (wearing a Dollar Store T-shirt I'd cut off for a craft project)

Happy Birthday, Chris!!  May the next 40 years be filled with even more happiness, love, and good times.  I am so glad to share my life with you.  I love you!

Homecoming--Fall 2011

My Little King

Do you see this kid here?

 I really, really love him.  I am a very proud Momma all of the time, but the past few days my heart has almost burst with pride and joy.  And it's not because he got the special honor of being chosen to be the Little King at Homecoming this year.  I mean, I am very happy for that honor, I'm not gonna lie.  But, what makes me proud is the special boy my son is.

Oren is one of the happiest people I've ever met.  Don't get me wrong, he gets upset, nervous, grouchy, like the rest of us.  But his ratio of happiness compared to all other emotions is incredibly high.  He lets things just roll off his back and is so confident in himself and who he is, that most of the time, it never occurs to him that he should be anything but happy.

I made 2 signs with my Silhouette.  I actually liked the other one better, but didn't get any pics of it.  It looked the same but I inked the edge of each letter with black to make them stand out a little more and I reversed the crown and football.

He is also smart, kind, and very thoughtful.  People tell me all of the time how cute he is, and I firmly believe it's because his joy spreads to others and makes them feel better about themselves just be being around him.

Here he's spreading his joy to Ella by convincing her to wear her candy bucket on her head too!

So, to see him recognized in the parade and the Homecoming Game this weekend, and to see how well he took it all in and never thought about getting nervous just made me so happy.  And seeing him in this little tux...oh my goodness, my eyes were a little watery, that's all I'm saying.

Thursday was the parade.  Oren and Ella rode in the back of a friend's truck on a little bench that Chris built for them and the last quilt that my Great-Grandmother made for me.  They were so thrilled to see their friends and throw HANDFULS of candy at them.  To hear people calling their names and wave and smile.  It was a joy to see their pride and joy.

These two took their job very seriously!  It was a long walk across that field!

We drove back to the big city Thursday evening and got the tux (with everything finally fitting) and seriously, oh my goodness, any guy of any age in a tux is just a magical sight, isn't it?  And yes, I was very glad to pay for the damage waiver fee, because I had serious doubts of this tux surviving Oren for a night!!

Oren's winking at me!  Haha!!

Friday evening we headed to the game.  We got him all dressed up and Chris threw on Oren's new hat.  Love the camo hat with that tux, right?  I promise, he just wore it for a few minutes.  ;)

Our team is not doing so well this year (we're in a bit of a dry spell), so the game wasn't that great to watch, but the halftime show...now that was prime-time entertainment!  After the girls were all announced, Oren and Ella had their big moment.

They slowly walked across the field carrying the crowns and flowers.  Chris took all of the pictures, because he is awesome like that.  I kneeled down on the sideline and waved and smiled for all I was worth at these two precious kids.

 I know before I am ready, my kids will be in high school and I may be ordering a tux for Oren and/or getting a dress and making a hair appointment for Emma.  Life keeps on at a steady pace whether you are ready or not.  I know that I will enjoy every minute of that time as I have in the last two years getting these two ready for their turn as the Littles.

This was one proud Sister last night.  Not one bit of jealousy, only joy to share her special memory of last year with Oren this year.  

I thank God each day for these blessings that I call my children.  I am so blessed to be their Momma and get to enjoy their company.  Oren, I hope you always know how much Momma and Daddy love you and how glad we are for you.  Keep living life like you've got all the answers, kid.  You make us all better for being around you!

Busy Working...

I'm alive and well...I'm just busy getting everything ready for a certain little boy that I love to be Mr. Little Homecoming King.  The parade is tomorrow and the game is Friday night.

My Silhouette cutter has been busy making letters for signs for the parade.  My wallet has been busy buying paper, posters, magnets, and candy for Oren and his little friend Ella to throw during the parade.

My car has been busy driving back and forth to the big city to get the paper for the letters and to pick up Oren's tux this afternoon...oh, but it was too small.  WHAT?!?  I drove 45 minutes after school to pick up his tux only to find that the shirt AND jacket were too small.  And the girl tried to tell me I hadn't ordered shoes and that she'd do my best to find me some and charge me extra all with a simpering smile on her face.  Then I explained for the 3rd time that we weren't in a wedding so she didn't need to look up if the party had ordered them because I HAD ordered the shoes, and that I distinctly remembered trying them on him, so I know he should have some.  Luckily the guy who'd helped me order the tux knew where my shoes were and told me not to mind her.  So...the tux will be ready for pickup tomorrow, and I'll be driving back over there tomorrow evening after the parade.

BUT...that slightly sour note will not ruin the excitement I have in seeing this kid I love sport that tux across that football field.  Or watching him sit in the back of a pickup truck (what can I say, we live in a rural, small town!) and throw candy to friends and people cheering as we ride down Main Street.  And that he gets to do it all with a close family friend makes it all that much more special.

We had a practice walk-through today, so I checked Oren and Ella out of kindergarten to go over to the high school.  They looked so small, and honestly, I teared up watching them.  To think, before I blink twice they'll be doing this as high schoolers makes me both proud and sad.

So....enough rambling.  I have been busy working, just not on much I can show right now.  Pictures will follow this weekend of all of it and I promise, next week, it's back to our regularly scheduled quilting/crafty programming!

All finished!

It's a delayed finish, but I'm done with my Fall Pops quilt.  Back before I had a blog, I was reading a post by Kate that said she'd designed a quilt pattern and wanted a few people to try it out for her to see if it was written well.  Kate chose to do her's in bright colors and gave it the name jelly pops.  I agreed to try it out as a newer quilter (although I've been sewing off and on since I was 8).  But, since she'd done bright colors with white, I wanted to do something totally different so I chose a jelly roll of Cotton Blossoms from Bonnie and Camille.  When it arrived, I realized it was mostly the darker prints from the line and I'd missed out on the bright colors I love, but I decided it would be perfect for a fall through Christmas quilt for our living room and it did provide a stark contrast to the colors that Kate had chosen.

  This quilt was SUPER easy to construct.  Kate did a great job using the pre-cut to it's full advantage.  I paired my jelly roll with a khaki-colored solid (I really can't remember what brand/color name.  It's from JoAnn Fabrics though.)  When done, I took all of the scraps and sewed them together to make a pieced backing consisting of the khaki and scraps.  I remember I even layed this one out to baste, but I had trouble getting it to lay flat and I gave up and folded it up for another day.  And then you know what happened...the WIP basket swallowed it and turned it into a poor, pitiful unfinished object (UFO) just hanging out waiting to be loved again one day.

So, I got it back out and conquered it!  This was my first attempt using spray basting.  The quilt-blogging world has featured many hints, tips and tutorials on using it lately and I do hate getting down on hands and knees with all of those little safety pins, so I gave it a try.  It was much easier and I can see using this technique in the future.  Not having to stop while quilting (especially with all of the issues I had with quilting) to take out pins was really nice.  I do have a few little bumps where I didn't get the top or bottom all the way flat, but as a first attempt, I'm okay with that.

Fallen pine needles is about all the color we've got so far besides green.  Fall color is fleeting in Florida...thank you pine needles for letting me pretend.  :)

Then came the quilting, which if you follow along, you know gave me fits last week when I had trouble with my machine chewing up my thread and causing major breaking problems.  But, y'all came to my rescue with tips to try and good thoughts sent my way and I persevered!  It was my first FMQ project on my new machine (which is almost a year old now!!) and it came back to me easy enough.  Actually, it made me want to do more!  I used a looping meander on this quilt.

I chose the dark brown for the binding because I thought it would define the edges of the quilt well and it was a scrap I had, so I did a little stash busting at the same time.  I originally had planned on using more of the khaki, but I'm also using it for my Summer Sampler and I didn't want to run out (since I can't remember what it is...), plus I thought the dark brown added a little more oomph anyway.

So...it's in the wash with this bad boy and then I imagine I'll find Emma cuddled up in it on the couch.  She's claimed first dibs on it!

And since it's full of fall color, I'm entering it in Rachel's Celebrate Color contest!

WIP Wednesday #17

Another Wednesday and as always, I have plenty of WIPs.  Its funny, I tend to think of myself as a one-project-at-a-time kind of girl so I don't get lost in my load and to ensure at least some projects get finished before I throw them in the WIP/UFO basket.  But, since I started keeping track of my WIPs to link up with Lee, I realized that I always have more than one thing going on.  Hmmm...too much inspiration out there in the world wide web to do one thing I guess.  :)


Before we get going on the projects...I promised to draw another winner since we haven't heard from Gayle.  Sorry, Gayle, I hate to redraw, but it's been a week and a half.  I'm sad that a few commenters were no-reply bloggers because I love to reply to comments.  If you've ever commented here and not received a reply from me...you are probably a no-reply blogger!!
  Anyway, I used old random.org again, and because I don't know how to do that cool screenshot thing, the winner is....#14--Gill from the U.K!!!  Gill, I've emailed you!


Completed Projects:
--do. Good Stitches--AGAIN...  These are done and now measure correctly and will be headed out tomorrow in the mail.  

Works in Progress:

--Fall Pops---THANK YOU to everyone who commented last week with suggestions or at least sympathy for me and my thread-breaking issue.  I bought new thread, new needles and figured out how to slow down my machine and between one of those or maybe all the crossed fingers that y'all did for me, I've got it quilted.  There will be no closeup shots of this bad boy tonight, because I chose not to rip out all of the poor stitching from before.  I debated it, but in the end, I decided that this quilt was just for our use and at this point, I'd rather have it done and on the couch than keep it in my sewing room for a few more weeks.  I can always go back and add new quilting later...

--Summer Sampler Quilt--Oh yes, I made progress on this baby last night.  With everything cut out and ready for me, my first Rocky Road to Kansas block went quickly.  Faith's directions as always were easy to follow and I think the block looks so cool.  I'm itching to go finish up the other one.  Then I've only got 1 block left (I've got to make 2 of it though) and I'm all done!!  Then I'll start figuring out how to creatively sash them since none of them ended up the same size!  ;)

Sorry for the weird coloring on this and all pics tonight.  I got home after dark and had to work with what I got... 

 --Mittens--I am making steady progress on these.  I've finished the right mitten and am ready to make the thumb gusset on the lefty. This one looks even better as far as the stitches being even and where they're supposed to be.  :)  I am getting better.  Slow steps, but progress nonetheless.  ;)

Is it just me or does the finished mitten look huge?  Because as I was knitting it up, I thought this is like a giant's mitten...but it fits me.  So I don't know if I have bigger hands than I thought or I just haven't seen that many adult mittens.  ;)

--Gator Greek Crosses-- Absolutely no progress here.  Sad...

  
Poor, lonely Unfinished Projects that have been cast aside:

--"Sent with Love" postage stamp quilt.  Just waiting on my swap blocks and this little lonely is making his way back to the WIP list!

--Mosaic Swap quilt.  Actually, I think this one needs one more row sewn on before I can quilt it.  But I haven't touched it in like 4 months, so I'm not sure on that one.  ;)

--My poor Sewing Room Sampler is moved down to the UFO list.  I will finish it, but right now, it's taking a back seat to my other projects.  


  I've got some time Thursday and Friday mornings blocked off to sew, so I'm hoping to get the binding on my Fall Pops, and as many Summer Sampler blocks sewn up as I can.  I'm ready to move some of these very slow WIPS to a completed list and get busy on some new projects!  Slow and steady might win the race, but it can be mighty boring too!  

   And as always, go check out Lee and all of the lovely quilters that link up!