THANK YOU FOR 2017

Greetings!

I thought I wouldn't be home to post again till Jan 6 but I'm home this weekend not caring for Thomas till tonite, so I thought I would post a few random thoughts about this last year and our lives.

First and foremost, I have to thank all ya'll for reading and commenting on this blog. When I started this in January I wasn't sure if I would like doing this every week, would anyone even read it (much less comment and participate in the conversation)?. I am so pleased to have a small part in this community. I have new friends! yay!

What  have I learned this last year?  How much I miss 2016 before the election.! Just sayin.
If I start posting here how I feel about what's going on in our country now, I would be here all day and I would rather post about other aspects of my life.

HEALTH AND FAMILY
It's been a difficult year due to my health problems, but I think the issues are manageable .  I'm going to be 70 in a few months and someone told me years ago the human body is not designed to last at optimum level forever and there's no warranty. Darn.  70 is old. wow- when I see my reflection in a mirror at the store-I look a lot older than I feel. Oh well. It is what it is. I'm just happy to be here,share my life with my wonderful family and find time to quilt.  hee hee 👵

TELEVISION 
I so enjoy watching Stephen Curry play basketball for the Golden State Warriors. He is such a joyous person. We don't have the NBA channel but sometimes they play on a regular cable channel and we get very excited. I got Thomas a Curry t-shirt for Christmas and he was so happy. Our own Phoenix Suns have been a losing team for a few years now-so sad.
The Hallmark channel has been our favorite all December.  PBS' Victoria and Poldark are so well done and I look forward to each season.  If the Food Network is on Saturday mornings, I'm hooked.

QUILTING:
Sewing is a therapy for me in these worrisome times: politics, health issues, money worries.  Sometimes I need the structure to escape and other days no structure, just mindless piecing!

I've been reading other end- of -year blogs which reflect on the past year, their quilting accomplishments and goals for the next year. They even have "planning parties", goal setting and accountability partners! Really?  I'm not that kind of sewist or quilter. I quilt for fun whenever it suits me. I did not sew or quilt in the month of December which was the first time I've done that in 5 years.  Actually, it felt good not to stress about meeting deadlines.
  I'm an "in the moment" person and I've never made it a priority to count how many projects I completed last year or set goals for next year.  I don't make resolutions for the new year either.  I have posted during the year what I've made and I have a few types of quilts I'd like to make someday, so we'll see if that happens next year. LOL

Until last year, I was the type of quilter who would only work on one project at a time. I know, crazy.  But, now I'm "normal" and have at least 6 WIPS that need to be completed  and given away. It's a process.

I would like to make a "house" quilt and hope to try hand quilting ( I did "tie" a quilt this year).
I don't know if I can hand quilt because I have tendinitis in both thumbs which is painful but, if it was a long term project in front of the tv maybe it would be possible... and easier on my back than machine quilting a large quilt which is what I have been doing. I might be dreaming.

I seem to be the type of quilter to use a pattern only one time which is silly, I have made some really quick simple quilts which I should repeat in other colors.  Unfortunately, I have so many patterns in binders I would never use them all.  I need to purge those binders......someday.

I believe I donated about 5 quilts this year and hope to give away more in the next few months. It feels good!

COOKING
One thing I have noticed is I have been more adventurous (for me) in my cooking this past year.  I even made some dishes in the crock pot without a recipe  which was fun-especially soups.  I've not been a soup person before I tried making my own this way.  It's worked out very well and I now like soups.  The internet has made so many recipes available for free! And, many bloggers have posted their own great dishes which I've been very grateful for.

IMMEDIATE PLANS
January is my organizing month every year.  Put away papers from last year, purge and shred unnecessary paper, sort items for tax filing, rearrange fabrics for quilting, clean, clean, clean. Ugh. I think I'll spend mornings doing these things, then sew in the afternoons, hopefully. It's all abot balance.


Well, I think this is about all the self reflection I care to  do and appreciate you following along.


  I am so pleased to be a blogger and share with you my life.  Everyone please have a safe and HAPPY NEW YEAR🎇.

mary

The Christmas weekend that was weird

Greetings!

I hope everyone is having a blessed holiday season. This has been the weirdest weekend.  Saturday we had our immediate family lunch here at my small home. It was pot lock and the food was good.  We opened presents which were thoughtful and appreciated while college football was on the tv. Everyone left by late afternoon and I just couldn't shake the feeling that it did not even feel like Christmas!  That's kind of an odd statement because what does Christmas "feel" like?  Maybe because it was an early celebration, maybe no holiday music  in the background, maybe my hormones are out of whack, maybe cause I've had bad allergies for almost a month, maybe it's old age.  I don't know what the answer was but I just went to bed early cause I was tired.

I woke up Sunday and exchanged presents with my brother who lives with me and they were just so thoughtful!  A quilting calendar, pot holders he had made by a special quilter in his adult day center, etc. I was feeling a little better.  I started laundry and realized I had a document needing to be mailed so I jumped in my truck and went a half mile to the mailbox.  I got back in my vehicle and started home --I had no brakes!!! My foot went right to the floor.  No warning of any problem...(I just had the entire brake system fixed 8 months ago for the same problem at a great cost).  I was shaking the rest of the way and coasted home where I was lucky to stop in the driveway.  I was blessed there were no vehicles in my way.
I am a person who really stresses over auto problems and being without my wheels. I have handled a lot of other issues in my life easily but auto problems  is not for me.
I called my son in law/daughter and we all figured out how to handle this for Tuesday morning. They have loaned me one of their vehicles so I can drive to their home for special dinner today and they will be late to work Tuesday so they can help me get my broken truck to the service center. I am so pleased my SIL will be with me for support.  We had planned for me to watch my grandson cause he's on break from school, so that can still take place.
Thank God for protecting me and giving me such a great family.

I then proceeded to take down the artificial tree because my allergies started the day after I set it up a month ago and it was next to my recliner all this time. (we'll see if that's the culprit).  I did lots of laundry, cooked, cleaned just to get thru the day till they would pick me up for dinner and church.  About an hour before they arrived I went outside to my truck to retrieve something, tripped over the sidewalk, bounced into the truck and landed on one hip in the driveway. I never fall (thank God). I was looking down at my remote and not watching where I was walking, etc., etc., etc.  The whole experience was in slow motion ( this is gonna hurt, hope nobody is watching, hope I can get back up....)  Unbelievable... (nasty words might have left my mouth).

I slowly got back up and carefully made it back to the house. Nothing was broken and I feel much better today.  But, it felt like some kind of lesson was being sent to me. No clue what that is.

My daughter and family arrived.  We had a great dinner but didn't make it to church (dinner ran late) so we packed into their vehicle and visited Christmas lights in the area while singing  Christmas songs. It was wonderful and ended my day beautifully!  I finally got my Christmas spirit.

I hope everyone had a quiet peaceful weekend instead.
LOL
Best wishes,
mary

MERRY CHRISTMAS

                                        MERRY CHRISTMAS 

I like Thursday Dec 21 and Taking a Break

Greetings!

It's that time again to focus on our "likes" this week! Here's my list for this week:

1. Retirement. Okay, I know that's pretty broad, but I'm really liking it right now. There are so many things to accomplish for the holiday and yet I want to take time to enjoy the sights and sounds of the season. Guess those 50 years of working are worth it right now!

2. Google search. All of a sudden I couldn't print from my PC! But, I just "googled" the issue and found the answer in seconds.  I'm so grateful for this and the fact that people post solutions to so many problems. I'm still in awe as you can see.

3. Creative marketing.

I find this hysterical. But, I found it at Great Clips when I got my hair trimmed (which is  about 2 inches long!!!) The hairdresser used it on my short "do" and it gives great volume. It is a very tall can so it's fun to find a place to store it. It's also way more than I would normally spend but should last awhile.  It's a spray moose you spray very lightly on the roots. weird.

4. Quilting friends.  I'm not that much of a social person and over the years have only had a few close friends. About a year ago, I became friends with a fellow quilter from my LQS. She was 20 years younger than me and only quilting a few years but she really used every free moment to quilt and we enjoyed chatting.  She was still working, was a mom and gramma. I say was because she passed away suddenly last week from a simple outpatient procedure! Our quilting group is in shock, but I am so grateful to have known her and shared our quilting obsession.  And, we learned a lot from each other! It is so true that life is short, and we need to appreciate others now.

Well, I pray you are all enjoying your holidays, whatever they may be.  If you have the chance to visit someone who is alone at this time, that would be wonderful.

 I closed the sewing area up for the rest of the year so I can keep the bedroom clean while the family visits Saturday for lunch.  We have a very small home and the only way to the back patio is through my bedroom/sewing room! (But, as I'm writing this I'm thinking I need to sew something to escape the Christmas blues)! Oh well. It's all a process.

 I did just get a call now from my daughter that my grandson wants me at his school Holiday Show today.  I am so excited.

I'm hoping Lee Anna's sight will be up and running this week so check it out for more "likes" at :Not Afraid of Color.  She has had a really busy week scheduled already!

Thanks so much for stopping by here at my blog.  I will take a break from blogging starting Tuesday  and will probably not be blogging again till January 6th since I will be watching my grandson for Christmas break at his home. Yay!

Best wishes and take care of yourself! Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays, Happy New Year!

mary

I Like Thursdays Dec 14

Greetings!

It's that time again! Let's try to focus on our "likes "for this week-here are mine:

1. Easy Spirit's Traveltime Clog (in black/gray suede).  I've been having severe back pain and thought it might be a different tennis shoe I have been wearing when I went shopping.  Sure enough, I wore my inside- the- house Easy Spirit clogs instead on Monday and ran around for 4 hours with no pain.  Oh my goodness what a difference.  So I ordered a new pair for outside walking. They're expensive but so worth it now.



I recommend them. I've worn them around the house for years but now have a pair coming for outdoors. I cannot wait for them to get here!!

2.  My new Header here. I have been wanting to improve it for months and finally spent 3 hours learning how to use "paint" in Microsoft ( I know, I'm way behind the times there). That's the only place I could find to join 3 photos.  LOL. I feel better now.

3. Coasters for my SIL for Christmas.  My son in law actually asked if I would make him sport coasters because mine were bigger and more absorbent then the fancy stone ones my daughter uses in her living room.  LOL. So, here's what I made him for Christmas:

Aren't they cute?  And, from stash scraps! They're about 6 inches square with cotton batting inside.

4.  Camping Pillow and Place mats for my son and DIL. They have a beautiful 5th wheel camper so I made them stuff for Christmas for the camper :

Guess I didn't take a photo of the matching place mats before wrapping! Bummer- they were pretty.
The solid fabric is a slate blue-really nice.  I cut up squares from a panel of these camping scenes and just added strips of the blue solid.


5. Summerwinds Nursery-one of my favorite hangouts.  Sometimes I just go there to look at the beautiful plants, but this time I was purchasing some petunias for me and 2 Christmas Cactus plants before they no longer bloom or are all gone.  I gave my daughter one so she could enjoy the blooms now.

She loves it but I do think they might be  high maintenance. We'll see. here's some more photos of my visit:

So funny to see the desert snowman next to these beautiful Christmas Trees! I walked around just so I could enjoy the fragrances.  You have to realize this is our growing season.
Here is a display of a special pottery brand called Telavera that is stunning:

6. The movie, White Christmas, at the theater.

                                                                 

My daughter and I went Saturday to the movie theater for a one time showing of our favorite Christmas movie.  Just- wow. The music and color were perfect.  The story is sweet and we were emotional when we left! All of the musicians, singers, dancers were so talented.  We had such a great day. I can't believe I took that second photo above with my phone as the movie started.  I never do stuff like that!

7. Doug Jones winning the senatorial race in Alabama. I could write an entire separate blog on this topic but will just leave it at that.

Well, the shopping is all done, presents are wrapped and under the tree. Now for some relaxation to enjoy the season (no sewing till next year).  I will be getting ready for family brunch here in 2 weeks so MAYBE I'll bake something and clean the house. But, I'll probably catch up on recorded Hallmark Christmas movies.  I love this time of year on Hallmark channel.
 Sometimes, I just sit in the rocker listening to music and looking at the tree and lights for a few minutes.

Please join us at Lee Anna's for more "likes" at:Not Afraid of Color . We have a great group of people sharing their posts.
Thanks so much for dropping by.  This blog is so fun for sharing and I appreciate your comments.
Have a great week.
mary

I Like Thursdays Dec 7

Greetings!

It's 50 degrees outside. Yay! we have finally cooled off in the mornings.  It'll be in the 70's later.

So, here's my "likes" list for this week:

1.   Stash fabric for emergencies.  I have most the Christmas shopping done, wrapped and under the tree. That was after I made a very basic circle tree skirt in a new light blue fabric I found in the stash.

Originally, I had planned to decorate our small tree in blue/white but when my grandson Thomas helped me decorate the tree he added all the snowmen. It was his first time actually applying anything to the tree as it was a sensory issue all these years so he was very brave and now is proud of his helping me. What a moment that was.
I still wanted the  light blue fabric for the bottom cause it looks like snow to me.  A girl can dream. (Sorry that the photo is a little blurry).
As usual, I'm having a difficult time "getting in the spirit of the holidays " but I'm trying. I've gone to 2 malls in the area and they were so boring- no music,-- one didn't even have decorations-- and quite honestly, there were not the usual amount of shoppers.

2.  My "HGTV " shelf over the tv.  I don't have much table or shelf space in this living room but wanted a place for little knick knacks so my SIL installed a shelf for me.  When Thomas saw it for the first time , he said, " A HGTV shelf. I love it".  We all laughed. He obviously watched that channel with his mom.

It is about 3 feet long, just enough for the space. We love the little light it provides (I used battery operated white string lights in the background).

3.  My Three  Wise Women towel.  My daughter gave it to me a few years ago..  She knows me so well.

4. Time Magazine's Persons of the year- the Silence Breakers.  What a year this has been! The Silence Breakers are the persons (men and women) who can finally open up, speak up and state who has harmed them. I have been so blessed to have never faced sexual  harassment/ assault in the workplace or public. It takes a tremendous amount of courage to come forward in public. I'm pleased this group of people are being recognized and perhaps this will encourage others to come forward as well as scare the crap out of the abusers. just sayin. I won't even go into the crimes aspect here.

Time to get ready for my annual mammo (mom had breast cancer) so need to cut this short this week. Why can't someone invent a more pleasant way to X-ray my boobs? It is so uncomfortable! Oh well, better than the alternative.

My daughter and I are going to see a special playing of "White Christmas" at the movies Saturday so that should be fun.

I hope you all are enjoying this holiday season. Please hook up with Lee Anna :Not Afraid of Color to see our group of "likers".

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by!
mary

I like Thursdays Nov 30

Greetings!

I hope ya'll have recuperated from turkey day here in the states and everyone is healthy and happy.

Here are my likes for this week:
1. Selling my wares at the local craft sale. This was a small community center here in Peoria in a lower income area so it was fun to sell a few place mats, coasters, pot holders, zippered pouches and the favorite-microwave bowl covers:

The solids are the inside of the bowl covers.  I didn't make a lot of money at the sale but met so many  people and made new friends with some fellow crafters.  It was so fun to provide these items for kids to purchase also. This was the only sale I entered this year.

2.  Crazy Mom Quilts blog.  I have followed Amanda Jean for years and just love how creative and sweet she is on her blog.  She has written 2 books and has many followers.  It's her down- to -earth approach to quilting that is so fun.  Here is just one of her items I have added to my "wants" list.

I made many buckets last Christmas but I especially like the teeny tiny patchwork strip and the hand stitching on  this one!  So simple but a great impact.  Amanda's blog link is:crazymomquilts.blogspot.com

3. Christmas Coasters.  I had a panel in the stash with 12  Christmas squares so I trimmed them all down and made coasters:

I made 6 because I just sewed 2 together with scrap batting in the middle.  So, they are reversible. I gave 3 to my daughter, but I kept the rest!  I love the vintage look!

4. Outside Decorations. As I mentioned last month, I no longer have a camera so I'm doing the best I can with my Iphone.  My daughter and son in law helped me shape a tree from a  lighted garland on the front window:

I then covered a large shelf unit (that was on my back patio) in a red Christmas vinyl tablecloth and added wrapped presents for the top of the red box. Lots of rocks inserted in the shelf box and presents will keep the unit from blowing away....she said.  I'm not sure how any rain might affect them. Since we only had a few rain sprinkles in the last 90 days, it's hard to predict. Total cost for this project= $12.00! Thank you, Michaels.


5. Store displays this time of year. I seem to be slowing down and smelling the cinnamon. Finally.
    Designers and sale staff are so creative! I have always been so busy with work,etc this time of year      that I rushed thru the process instead of appreciating their work.  I hope you get to spend some            time enjoying this season!

My Christmas indoors decorating is done and hopefully I will have decent photos next time. Now if I can just find time to bake a few items after gift wrapping, cleaning, cooking meals, doctor appointments, family visits.......oh my.

Please join us at Lee Anna's sight:Not Afraid of Color  for more likes!


Thanks for dropping by and leaving your thoughts.  Have a blessed day.
mary

Hot Turkey Day

Greetings!

Just have to share the news photo from yesterday:

We were in shorts and sandals.  But, it was nice in my son's new home where all the doors were open!
I love this photo the news station used and they added the temp! Very cute. Can anyone say Climate Change?

Things I like Nov 23 Thanksgiving Day

Greetings and Happy Thanksgiving Day!

I've had this Thanksgiving fella for years. He makes me laugh.
Of course I'm thankful for my family, retirement and many other things this special day including not making the big meal for my family.  I will be going to my son's new home for the big event.  And, yes, I will be wearing stretchy pants.

Here are a few of my "likes" this week:

1. The Quilting in America 2017 survey.  It's interesting to see how we are as a community in the eyes of the financial gurus. Evidently, the survey was sent to some people (shop owners?) and the results were at Quilt Market.  Here's the link to the results:quilts.com and click on "News".  The  survey results should appear.  Needless to say, there are more quilters and younger quilters which is a good sign that this sewing tradition will prevail. BTW- I don't fall into the average quilter box. LOL.

2. Veggie for breakfast. 

Hey-pumpkin is a veggie.

3.  Maxine. 

Sorry- I know she's irreverent but I think she's funny.  I have a lot of "men" in my life but sometimes they drive me crazy. I am, however, thankful for them.

4. The patchwork house at Lu Ann Kessi's site:Lu Ann Kessi blog
  The red checked roof is my favorite.
 I have been wanting to make a "house" quilt for a year but other projects keep getting in the way.  I don't make goals of my quilting because I want to keep it fun, but hopefully, next year I can give it a go.

5. The Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade.  I watch it every year! My favorites are the Broadway shows and marching bands.

6. Christmas Movies on Hallmark channels.  I record them and watch one almost every day. It's so much better than watching the news. Yes, they are mostly the same story line, but it's a great escape to pretend it's Christmas in a cold climate!


Well, I've got to finish getting my stuff ready for the craft sale and life chores, so I hope you all have a great day.  Please hook up to our "likes" group at: Not Afraid of Color for more fun.  I love to hear your comments and thank you for reading my posts.

mary😍

Things I like Nov 16

Greetings!

Where did this last week go?  Somebody get it back for me - I have lots to do.
The rush is on to start getting ready for the holidays so I am making lots of lists.
Here are my "likes" for this week:

1. New bloggers added to our group over at Lee Anna's post. We are all so different yet the same. We enjoy blogging about our likes and lives but also enjoy seeing other's posts!

2. My new Brookstone pillow. My daughter gave me a new bed pillow.  She had puchased some for her home and after we spent a day organizing my grandson's bedroom, she wanted to repay me for the help (which was not necessary, obviously) and gave me a new pillow.

Oh my goodness. This is like sleeping on a cloud. It can be found online to purchase.
I have never had such a luxury- I usually spend $5-10 on a pillow. The Brookstone  pillow is expensive but worth it.
I have sleep issues for health reasons and yet this pillow has helped me sleep better. It is microfiber with a cotton shell, ultra soft and machine washable.

3. Applesauce Cake.  My mom made 2 cakes when I was growing up: Mayonaise cake and Applesauce cake.  They are made from scratch with basic on- hand ingredients for a single layer and turn out moist.  My applesauce cake was found at allrecipes.com.

4. My red Frosty table toppers.

This first one has blue/white swans on the reverse.

This second one has peppermint candies on the back.  They are each 15 inch square, made in about an hour each, and from scraps.  I love the rabbit on number 2.  These will be in the craft sale next week.

On a sad note, I liked the tributes I have read on blogs and Facebook for Nancy Zieman this week on her passing.  She was a pioneer, author and designer of sewing who was just so pleasant to watch. I not only watched her sewing on PBS for many years, but I still receive her notion catalog each year. She will be sorely missed.

I'm going to try and design as well as install a simple front window Christmas deco this week so I can have it ready by the day after Thanksgiving. I've purchased the parts at great discount at Michael's and the Dollar Store- so that's a start.  Plus, each afternoon I'm making small gifts for the craft sale next week, while getting other household chores done! Never a dull moment.

Thanks for dropping by and join us for more fun at Lee Anna's post: Not Afraid of Color
Have a great day!
mary😏

THINGS I LIKE THURSDAY NOV 9

Greetings!

First and foremost-My heart goes out to the families of victims and the survivors of the Texas church massacre. I don't understand what's happening to my country. We are not even safe in church.

However, in the spirit of a positive approach to my day- here are my "likes" for this week:

1. Making fabric- Have you ever done that? I love that terminology- it's free. I keep a scrap bucket on my cutting table and it was time for emptying and sorting. I was able to put most of the those scraps  in my scrap color -designated containers.  But, my "fall- colored" scrap bin was overflowing already and could not hold anymore scraps, so I stopped everything I was doing for one afternoon and just sat sewing.  I  took JUST THE SCRAPS FROM THE LAST 2 MONTHS and  cut them into 5 inch slabs. I made 150+ slabs!

I joined them in approximately 10 inch pieces and laid them out on a table= enough pieces for 25" x 45"!!

this is craziness!  I have no idea what I'm going to do with them-probably a coin border for some project later. I just bagged them up for later and put them  into the large scrap bin.  I'm glad I took the time to make fabric!  It was a fun escape time also.

2.  My new Frosty green  table runner.  I have gone back to making stuff for my craft sale at Thanksgiving. It's the only sale I'm entering this year so, I need to get cracking.  I've had a Frosty panel stashed away, so I cut up the squares and rectangles off the panel,  added borders, and quilted the top  onto batting.

 I cut a scrap piece for backing to match the frame of the top, sewed them  right sides together, turned right side out, pressed and top stitched the edge. (no binding).  I also quilted some straight lines in the center of the runner to hold the pieces together.  These Frosty pieces are so cute and the backing is Christmas hearts!

The runner is 11x40 inches. 

3. A trip to Pier 1.  I'm not much of  a window shopper but, after an annoying medical office visit, I stopped on the way home for therapy and visited Pier 1.  I don't go there but possibly once a year.  It felt really good because they have all their Christmas displays out and I needed some inspiration besides an escape from reality. I don't usually purchase anything cause their prices are out of my budget but this time I spent $20.  Whoo Whoo!

I couldn't believe Papasan chairs are in again!

And, this one is a rocker with a velvety pillow (nostalgia time for us old hippies)! Very cool, but I wouldn't be able to get out of it once I was in. 

Also, Pier 1 likes to top their white trees with black top hats. Very cute.

I was intrigued by a large array of masks:

They were very ornate and pretty. i think Lee Anna might like these.

Then I saw this fun tree:

It was about 15 feet tall and they just stuck everything in there!  The display designers at Pier 1 are awesome.
What did I purchase?  Two delightful Reed Diffuser sets for gifts and a gold glittered wire Christmas tree (a foot tall) for a gift also. SCORE

This photo of this tree doesn't do it justice but it's the best since my camera is broken.  The scents on the diffusers are Fresh Balsam and Snowy Birch- very natural.

Well, hope you enjoyed a glimpse into my world and please join us at Lee Anna's "likes" post: Not Afraid of Color

Until next time😊

mary

I like Thursdays Nov 2

Greetings!


Once again, we are praying for victims and survivors of a tragic event.  Our world really is changing.
I feel so bad for the innocent bikers who were attacked in NYC and their loved ones.  I don't know what to say except to pray for healing and more love in our country.


It's finally cooling off here and it feels so good. The heat makes my health conditions worse so the cooler weather should make my chores easier and I can finally walk in the mornings again.   Here are some of my recent "likes":

1. My new"Shutters" quilt. I finally finished this navy/white batik (from Timeless Treasures Tonga Treats) quilt for my SIL Richard. The pattern came with the 12 fat quarters in a package and I will use this pattern again. The 12 fat quarters were cut into strips and arranged alternately for the 12 blocks. Fun, easy but with a dramatic effect.

I love this quilt! Masculine, classy and perfect size (57 x 54) for me to quilt in the ditch with my Janome.

I made a simple label  and took  a close up of the Maywood backing which was in my stash that I purchased on sale years ago and saved for masculine quilts. Just a perfect match for a small border on the front also. As usual, I used a Bella Solid jelly roll (black on this one) for the binding.

The navy was very dark and the light fabrics are white batiks with the slightest blue print ingrained.   I would love to see this quilt pattern in another 2 tone color as well.

Can I just say I love working with batiks?  I need to acquire more.

2.  My new Thomas the Turkey pillow which was requested  by my daughter for Thanksgiving.
    One thing I cannot do is draw.  I spent hours just trying to come up with a plan.

I pulled 13 fat quarters/scraps for a color plan.  I knew I wanted a half -Dresden for the feathers. I went online to MSQC for a tutorial and used Jenny's body idea for the turkey body and how to make legs with feet. She also used a half Dresden for the feathers.

Then it was just a matter of applying blanket type  stitches on the applique to a 17 inch fabric square with batting underneath.  I didn't use an interfacing underneath the turkey  because I wanted the pillow cover to stay soft and pliable on the sofa. The covers I make for my daughter's pillows always fit a 16 inch pillow form so she can easily change out covers for the season.

Unfortunately, my Iphone doesn't capture the colors better, but the pillow turned out better than I hoped.  My daughter says she smiles every time she sees it.   Of course, I named him Thomas the Turkey.

3.   Ken Follett's first in a series book, Pillars of the Earth.  I have been wanting to purchase his newest book just released, Column of Fire.  But, it's been so long since I read the first book, I purchased it again as an Ebook and I'm slowly finding time to just sit and read. Love it-again. When I finish the first book, then I can continue the series.

4.  Halloween with my grandson. His dad purchased a huge cardboard cut out of a Monster Jam truck online and then he installed green lights on the cardboard and placed it in front of Thomas' wheelchair so it looked like he was driving the truck as he sat in the driveway while we handed out candy.   So, So, cute.

My grandson was in heaven the whole night as the kids came up and exclaimed how cool this was.
It looked so real. Dad really scored this year. And other dads thought it was cool also. Yep-lots of testosterone was in the air. I was waiting for Tim the Tool Guy to appear with sound affects.  heehee.
The whole evening was a blast.


Please join us at Lee Anna's "likes" blog for more fun:Not Afraid of Color.

Thanks so much for stopping by!
mary

HAPPY HALLOWEEN !

Hope everyone has a fun day today and tonite.  I usually don't dress up but just help my grandson hand out candy on Halloween night but I saw this idea somewhere on the internet and thought it was so funny and clever and decided to make it for tonight:

I'm an Identity Thief!

Enjoy your day and stay safe.
mary

Things I like Oct 26

Greetings!

Welcome to our "Thursday Things I like!"  It's been a busy week again. I have a initial diagnosis of Fibromyalgia with a specialist appointment yesterday  for a second opinion. He ran another big round of blood labs to rule out other causes.  Gag. Not a good initial diagnosis as there is no real proof test for Fibromyalgia, not very good options on the meds and exercise is the best therapy.  Of course, exercise with pain is not fun. I'm keeping Advil in business.  But, I'll continue to do what's necessary to keep moving and we'll see what the specialist says  in another MONTH.

 Regardless, here are just a few of my "likes" this week:

1. Tea with my daughter.  I like doing anything with my daughter. She is a witty, fun person. We took an hour to go wander downtown Glendale Az last Saturday as they were having a fall festival but we really wanted to sit and have tea with a sweet. haha. So, we found a tea shop named The Spicery which has been there for many years.  We did not need a reservation! We sat for over an hour and had tea with a light cheesecake.  Both were perfect.  In the interest of "keeping it real" I took this photo of our table:

This really beautiful, priceless, old teapot with her water bottle.  So funny. The Spicery is a home built around 1900 turned into many tea rooms filled with china, crocheted lace tablecloths and antique furniture.  Just lovely. It was such a relaxing environment and we were able to have a nice chat.

2.  The New Yorker magazine cover for October:

3.  My new quilt book. Vanessa Goertzen's  Charm School -18 Quilts from 5" Squares.  The day before my vacation, I went to Barnes and Noble with coupons that were about to expire on the goal of purchasing a specific quilt book to take with me to the cabin.   But, when I reviewed the one I wanted at the store, I realized I had already seen many of the patterns by that author online.  So, I took a glance at the other quilt books available (maybe 5) and found this one:

I like it.  I have a ridiculous an ample supply of charm packs sitting in a cupboard which I need to start planning on quilting. ("planning" is the key word here).  The instructions are simple (beginner's level), photos are lovely and she is an inspiring writer.  To be honest, I've not heard her name before, so this was a delightful surprise.  The photos are glossy but since my camera broke on vacation, I am using my Iphone for all photos now, so forgive the "shine" on this photo:

Here's a shot of the back of the book:

I like all the quilts in this photo.  And, just so you know, I only paid about $15 for the book with my membership and coupons. Score.

I also finished a birthday gift quilt this week but I will have to wait till next week to share it with everyone  The birthday is Nov 1. I can't wait for ya'll to see it. It is so cool. This quilt is another where I don't want to part with but I know it will make someone happy.

Thanks for stopping by and please join our "likes" group with Lee Anna: Not Afraid of Color.
 I love to see your comments here ! Have a great week.
mary