6/30/14 - Monthly goals and finishes

June Goal List:

1 - Bethlehem - Block 7

2 - Little Quilties - Blocks 9 & 10

3 - Quilt Doodle BOM - Blocks 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 (on-going)

Block 2

4 - One Christmas/Birthday gift (new) - didn't get to this one.

5 - One garment for myself (new) - didn't get to this one either.

6 - Rag rug (new)

7 -  UFO - remains a UFO :(

8 - Snowmen block (new) - Block 3 - Not done.

9 - Tilda quilt (new) - Row 3 - Started the blocks for this row, but didn't get them finished.

* * * * *

June has been a very busy working between the garden/yard, Vacation Bible School and my own crafts. I wish I had more done, but I'm really not complaining. I am very happy with these projects and looking forward to getting back to my somewhat routine. It is summer break from school, so even that will limit my time. We do what we can, when we can.

Don't forget to check out these links:

http://desertskyquilts.wordpress.com/press-on

http://sewitsfinished.blogspot.com/

http://quiltdoodledesigns.blogspot.com/p/bom-2014.html

http://www.littlemissshabby.com/quilty-stitches/

New week, new goals

It's three weeks until Vacation Bible School.

Priorities will be based around what needs to be accomplished to get ready. I have a really good team this year that are ready to dive in and help with whatever needs to be accomplished.

For my part, I'm sewing fish :)

I finally got this garden weeded !! Mom and Sister donated some of the plants. The disk in the center is from a log that Honey Do cut for me so that I could make a "walk" in my vegetable garden, but there weren't enough, so I relocated a few. I still have a huge oregano to move, but have to prepare weed the "herb" garden first. I have other plants that need to be divided, shared and relocated. That makes it cost effective :)

* * * * * 

 

Spent Saturday with Sister and Niece going to a craft fair and antique shopping. I love that my Niece loves to do these things. She's the youngest of three sisters and in her youth she and I spent a fair amount of time together - almost every weekend :) She's the one that calls the most and we get to spend the most time with. Her "Honey" is an absolute sweetheart and they are a good match. We love spending time with them. And they don't seem to mind our company either.

These were some of the things I saw that I liked. Some ideas to maybe expound - make my own designs, maybe stitch? We'll see.

* * * * * 

 

BFF finished a quilt over the weekend !!! It is absolutely gorgeous. She has been doing a fantastic job of not only piecing these works of art together, but she's hand quilting each and everyone. I just had to show it off for her. She's encouraging me to do the same, but I'm not convinced yet. 

* * * * * 

First day of summer vacation for Newton :) I usually let him sleep as long as possible - less time for stressing each other out. Being a teenager (just) is hard work !!

* * * * * 

Thanks for stopping by,

Wishing you a creative day.

This was my favorite sign in one of the shops we visited :)

Prayer answered

and a huge relief on my part. I had a doctor appointment Wednesday to go over some tests. Everything came back clear and no issues. This has weighed heavy on my mind and heart because for most all of my life I have been a healthy person with no major concerns. So to have to start worrying about them now is rather bothersome and worrisome. As soon as the doctor gave me the all clear I sent up a prayer of thanksgiving and praise.

* * * * *

 

We've had a bit of rain the last couple of days :)

The wheelbarrow was empty and sits out in the open; the rain barrels were only about half full, although, to be perfectly honest they are catching rain that is falling directly off a roof :) And what's a good storm without creating puddles of water for the dogs to run through on the way to their yard :)

* * * * * 

First block of the "secret project" is done.

I LOVE it. It's amazing what I don't know and I can still do something that looks like this !!! 

So very excited :) I have a lot to learn about "1/4 inch seams" and piecing and matching up, but over all, not bad :)

* * * * * 

We are in the final month of prepping for Vacation Bible School. So I'm having to divide my time between my crafts and the crafts for the kids, family and household responsibilitiesm cookiing, cleaning and yard work. This month's goals will not be met, but that's ok - it's for a good cause.

* * * * *

Thanks for stopping by,

Wishing you a creative day.

And the rains came . . .

and came . . .

 

It started raining Monday evening, stopped until Tuesday evening - when it stormed - and has continued into this morning. The birds, gardens and weeds love it. Temperatures are a little cooler, and that's nice.

* * * * * 

Isn't this the cutest little iron you've ever seen? I've been using it to press the seems of my new quilt as I sit at the diningroom table. I don't like having the mess of crafting all over my house, but I haven't been able to carve out the time to work in the "studio" (which is in the basement). So about a week ago, I brought my sewing maching to the diningroom and just move it for meals and move it back when I'm ready to sew again. I have managed to get a lot more done since I made that decision.

So I managed to get the initial squares cut and put together. 

On to the next step. I would be happy to make a quilt out of just this step. It's really basic, but with some applique or embroidery in the white squares, it would make a really cute baby or small child quilt. I'm going to have to think about that for the "greats" :)

* * * * *

I'm off to some appointments today.

Thanks for stopping by,

Wishing you a creative day.

Slow start . . .

Do you ever have those days? You've slept fairly well, you get up, you're EXHAUSTED ?? !! That's how today started. I just wanted to crawl back into bed and call it a day before it ever really got started!

* * * * *

Maybe it's all the overcast skies? It rained Monday night and the forecast is for more rain on Tuesday and Wednesday. As I look out my diningroom window, my yard is green, my flower beds are blooming (the weeds are even under control!!), but it's dreary, overcast. Doesn't really encourage much motivation. Please understand, I'm not complaining about the rain :) If it rains, that means I don't have to go out and do yardwork (it will wait for me) and I can stay inside and stitch and sew and that's what's on the agenda for the day.

Once I make up my mind to find my motivation, all I can say is keep up or get out of my way :)

Chocolate chips ready for the oven . . .

Ground beef, all browned and ready for dinner - Taco Salads tonight :)

Mustn't forget my helper and chief-taste-tester :)

They look yummy, don't they?

And since I'm on a roll this morning . . . 

Cocktail sausages baked in refrigerator cresent rolls - quick easy, snack or lunch.

I also had some left over deli ham and shredded cheddar. I took a tube of cresent rolls and sealed the seams, layered the ham and cheese, rolled it up and baked for about 10 mins. at 375 deg. F. Again, another quick, simple "sandwich" for Newton and Honey Do for lunch.

Quite the productive morning for lacking motivation, don't you think?

* * * * * 

Yesterday, one of the stops I made was at the craft store. This particular store has DMC floss for half what all the other craft/fabric retailers sell it for. On the way back to that department, I noticed that all their "spring" decor was 50% off. My kind of deal !!! 

I wish I had taken a before photo, because I did some "altering".

I needed a new "wreath" for the back door. I prefer something rather flat because there's a storm door it will get sandwiched in between. This was perfect. It's just a little pressed board painted with the flowers and a pressed board 3-D glitter butterfly. Cute, but it lacked personality. So . . .

Since I scrap book, there's always a supply that can do more than lay on a page. I had these silk and paper flowers and "gem" stone brads. I knew I would do one of the flowers in the center.

 

In retail you are always (always) moving and remerchandising your store. The bottom of this item had small hooks. They were bumped and basically, unusable. There was also a glue smudge at the butterfly and up at the top next to "Welcome". I removed the hooks and added these flowers to cover the imperfections. 

My $2.00 purchase now hangs on my back door :)

* * * * *

Thanks for stopping by,

Wishing you a creative day.

Busy, Busy Monday

Today just went - went by fast, really fast !!! I was gone most of the day. But I'm definitely not complaining.

First stop, the library. I had books and movies to return and a new pattern to print.

Have you been following Jenny at Elefantz? She is sharing a 26 week FREE (!!!!!) pattern and instructions for The Lord's Prayer. As you can see from her photo, she does beautiful work and designs gorgeous patterns. All of her Biblically based work she shares with us at no cost - and this is no exception. It is going to be a gorgeous wall hanging. One that I know I will be proud to display in my own home.  Thank you Jenny :)

Next stop, church :)  We are in the midst of preparing for Vacation Bible School (VBS). I have several volunteers helping me cut, count and package supplies for the craft department - did you really expect me to work anywhere else? We are trying something new this year. I ask for your prayers to see it successful and touch these young lives. The 4th, 5th and 6th graders will be participating in making squares for quilts. There are other ladies in the church that will assemble, quilt and bind the quilts, but the children will be do the actual blocks. I believe they will be coloring the fabric. My group isn't really responsible for any of the prep work, we'll just be working with the children to get them completed so they can be passed on to the next phase.

And finally, the fabric store :)

It's been several weeks since I've been, but I can honestly say that I'm not having withdrawals. Between working on VBS and my WsIP (works in progress), I really haven't had the urge to go. But I've been teasing you about this new project I'm starting . . .

I purchased the remaining fabric. My choices just made me happy !!! I love the colors. 

Monday evening will be spent watching the rain come down and cutting. 

Tuesday will be spent sewing :)

Overall, a very good day.

* * * * *

Thanks for stopping by,

Wishing you a creative day.

FNSI - the recap

When I opened my living room window this morning, this gorgeousness greeted me. It looks pretty purple here, but is actually a very dark burgandy - almost black :) It's called dragon's tongue and I purchased it probably very close to 10 years ago. I have never regretted the cost of the plant and it's one of my absolute favorites and I look forward to it every year.

We started with a pretty pink sky. I know that usually means rain. I won't be complaining because my vegetable garden would love another drink. 

* * * * *

After grocery shopping for the weekend supplies and some weeding, it was time for Newton to come home from school and Honey Do from work. Simple supper - sandwiches. No one really wanted anything too heavy. And the rains came. My garden will get the drink it so desperately longs for.

After dinner I started cutting out the fabric for my secret project. As I stated on Friday, I ordered new fabrics and was excited to get started. This is going to be a very bright, colorful project.

 

I'm only using a couple from the bundle, but as you can see it is bright :)

* * * * * 

Next up, the rag rug. Last month it was almost done and I only work on it when I have enough "yarn" made.

And it's done !! I love it.

I have enough scraps to make another one - I think it might be a gift for BFF just because she'll love it too.

* * * * * 

Thanks for stopping by,

Hope you had a productive FNSI . 

Wishing you a creative day.

FNSI

It's that time again. If we are marking time by FNSI, then time is flying. At least it is for me.

But before we go there, I have to go here:

This is my vegetable garden. You can see a tomato plant in the foreground and those are broccoli and cabbages in the back. You can't even see the onions or the peas :(

The rest are weeds and they double in size over night !! That's what a little rain and 90 degree temperatures will do for you. On a positive note, some of the tomato plants not only have blooms but small tomatoes and the broccoli have their first round produce ready to pick. 

Oh but the weeds, they seem to want to conquer the world :(

* * * * *

Back to FNSI :) A much more pleasant topic. What's on your agenda? My goal list is sorely lacking this month, but I promised myself that I wouldn't be too hard on myself because they are so many other things happening right now that are requiring my attention. 

I got new fabric this week for a secret project I'm working on, but here's the sneak peak.

 

Yes, it's Christmas :) 

At least one of my projects this weekend will be cutting out this new project.

In one of the packages I got these small squares of fabric.

I think they might make a small pin cushion.

Thanks for stopping by,

Wishing you a creative weekend.

Best laid plans . . .

My plan for today was to stay home and sew. As I mentioned in my previous blog I wanted to stay home today and catch up the block for Quilt Doodle Doodle. First thing this morning, I got a phone call from Mom. She messed up her knee on Saturday and needed some help. Trying to be the good daughter I packed myself up and headed to her house.  This isn't really all that hard for me to do because it's a 40 minute ride of listening to an audiobook... each way. That's a lot of time :-) and I never mind spending time with Mom. 

(I love Nora Roberts)

The visit, as expected, went well. I did some tidying up but we talked and visited more than anything else. I drove into Mom's driveway and was greeted by these beauties.                                                                                                 Mom said my nieces got them as seeds years ago (they are all adults now) in Happy Meals from McDonald's !!! I told her I had to have some and she told me to take whatever I wanted, she wanted them gone and hadn't been able to do that. So I brought a handful home with me. I have a project in mind for myself and they will be included, along with Tiger Lilies and Lamb's ears. Hmmm :)                                 What started as a pleasant day has turned humid and overcast. Temperatures are almost 90 degrees on the way home. My time went quickly. I stopped for dinner supplies on the way. Once I got home it was time to give some attention to the pups and get dinner started.  Nina has a new friend that visits her every couple of days.                                               This young lady has a collar that appears to have a transmitter on it. So she's being tracked. I was about four-six feet away from her. She just looks and as long as you move slowly and don't make any sudden moves, she doesn't run. There is a fence separating us, so she doesn't feel threatened. Nina just barks and she just watches. It's fun to have them come around. * * * * * My evening was spent working on Little Stitches. They are finally done !! Thanks for stopping by, Wishing you a creative day.