At Home Quilting Retreat (Almost).

This is the weekend the Bonnie Hunter of Quiltville.com is giving us the clues for her latest mystery quilt Old Tobacco Road. She is revealing clues all weekend so we can get it done at our own pace. My pace is furious! I have decided I am going to try to get it done this weekend if that is possible. I was up Friday night until 1am and again tonight. Last night I finished 180 4 patches and tonight I finished the 98 pinwheels. I feel like a pinwheel expert. I don't know why I can't get as obsessive as about...cleaning the house? I will be glad when the quilt shack is done so I don't have to clean up all the time to use the kitchen table. I tried to convince Jeff that it would be ok to eat in the living room tonight but again... The Look.

He finished the roof of the quilt shack last night and started on the floor today. It was another scorcher 97 degrees.

The kids and I cleaned out a storage shed today and Jeff took most it to the dump. It was so full of junk that you had to stand at the door and through things in there. The wasps and squirrels or rats had quite the hotel going. But no more! DDs want to make it a play house like their cousins have.

Featherweight

After all that talk about featherweights on Quiltchat I decided I needed to start looking for one. One of my patients said she had a little cute singer did I want to look at it? She didnt know anything about it so I told her I would check it out for her. Well, here It is. I looked it up. It was manufactured in 1957 and is in very good shape. The belt occasionally slips while sewing but sews nicely. It has a carrying case and the attachments.

Does anyone have any idea about what it may be worth?

Then I uncovered an old singer 301 1951' I bought at a yard sale for $25 when I first started to quilt. I used it then retired her for a new Viking. I pulled her out and sewed 2 in. strips for those 4 patches for Bonnie's New Mystery, Old Tobacco Road. Boy, she goes like the wind, I'll call her Wendy.

Quilt Shack Roof

When I got home from work last night I could tell something had changed! DH had worked on the roof of the quilt shack. I thought that was odd because it had been 97 degrees today and still no threat of rain. I encouraged him and thanked him then asked why he got on the roof in this weather? Well.....he explained that with the 10's of people watching the progress on this thing he had better give you something to look at. Yeah for the blogging community, not to mention all the family members that ask about it every time we talk to them.
So I pulled out my Camera and took a picture to post. I tried to persuade him to climb upon the roof for the picture but if you know my husband you know the look I got.

Today when I got home from my errands he was in the house taking a break from roofing again. I was only 92 degrees when I got home (yeah, but it's a dry heat). He was explaining how he had been growing his stomach to help him balance while trying to put the lower rows of shingles on. I pulled out my camera to get a shot of him in action. WOW what action! We were both laughing so hard I thought he was going to fall off the ladder. Keep up the great work Honey.

My mom sent me a photo of the Maverick Stars quilt I left her doing on the weekend. I am proud of her . I came out really nice. We decided to put it in the local quilt show next month. She will pin it and sent it to me to quilt.

Grandma's House

This weekend after Soccer Saturday DH took DD#1 to her cousins birthday party in Fresno ( 2.5 hours drive) When the rest of the games were done I followed.We had a good visit as we always do. I am so blessed to enjoy my in laws so much. From there we went to my mom's house. Sunday was a nice day of doing nothing but sewing and eating ice cream. I took pictures of flowers looking for some color inspiration. Found it! Yellow, orange, red, and green are calling to me. Just like the peppers in the last post. I packed a few projects and my sewing machine In case I got inspired to finish something. Well... as you know it is always more fun to start something.
We were making Maverick Stars from Quiltville, pink and green, 9.5 in. blocks. Pink and green are definitely my mom's colors. I think we made a total of 16 blocks. I left them with her and encouraging word to finish the project.

Farmers Market

Look at these beautiful peppers.

We went to the local farmers market and community celebration at the park in Tuolumne. I saw these colors and thought what a great combination for a quilt. I am not so good at putting colors together, but if they are found in nature they must go together.

Here is DS#1 doing what he loves to do. Every day he asks to go to the park to skateboard with his friends. They all look alike, dress alike, and yes smell alike...Stinky adolescent boys.

Here is Bruce peddling his wares. He grows plants, flowers and trees, and brings them every week.

Kevin is enjoying the park and begging for a dollar for a pretzle. He is so cute I gave him one.

Shirt Strips and One Dress

After I dropped the kids at school and went to the gym, saw a couple of patients I hit my favorite second hand stores looking for ....... well, whatever (because I could). I found a sale, fifty cents for all clothes! I bought men's shirts first for my DH's closet. If he doesn't wear them I will add them to shirts strips collection. I did get a chambray dress with lots of fabric. I could hardly wait to cut it up. So I did. I have 3.5 strips and 2in strips. Then I added it to my already cut up mens shirts and now I have a wonderful collection. I woke this morning wondering which pattern to make. I feel like a woman possessed (again). I am considering strip twist.
or Patches and pinwheels. at Quiltville.
or maybe I will wait for Bonnie's book to come out. what do you think? I am open to all kinds of suggestions.

You can see how happy I am. My 6yo with a camera. I am tall but not that tall. I have included this photo because I hope to encourage you guys to do the same. I would love to see more pictures of the wonderful bloggers I read so much of. I feel like we're a great big group of friends.

First Day of School

Yea!!! Today was the first day of school! I don't know who was more excited the kids, Jeff or me because I have always loved going back to school. I had no trouble at all getting them to go to bed last night, but sleep was another story. They were all very cooperative when it came to picture time. This is the last year they will all be at the same school. I arrived on campus with them camera in hand.

Eric in 8th

Nicole in 5th

Kevin in 3rd

Alea in 1st

Tattoo

Today I was at work doing what I do, doctoring and helping people feel better. I asked a fellow to remove his shirt and I got a shock. After a double take I admired the art work and nerve to wear this forever. I asked him if I could photograph him and share with you all. Here it is:

Sunday, Family Day

Sundays are always busy with ideas the kids have of what to do. There was a swim party for Children's Ministry and our kids are always up for a swim party. Just so happens DS#1 had soccer practice at the school the pool is located and at the same time.
Here they are taking a test on rules and strategy. Coach Susan really does a good job with the boys. It was only 95 degrees today.

Here are my hams.

Then we went to my friend Marla's Garden for some fresh, organic veggies. The Kids are posing in front of her tomato plants. They are 7 ft. tall and delicious tomatoes. Do you see Marla's baby Molly? We do not have a garden of greens just tomatoes and peppers. Our tomatoes are not ready yet. I put them in the ground late. Here they are exploring and picking carrots!


Don't forget to leave a comment.

Opening Day

Today it started! Opening day for soccer. Soccer is big here in Tuolumne County. It seems like all the kids here play. I never played soccer when I was young. The kids play soccer on Saturdays all at one park. That is good it keeps us from running all over the county. But it does make for a long day. We got off easy today only 3 games today starting at 8am and ending at 1pm. Our oldest DS plays on a different league that travels to different cities for tournaments and such. He has been practicing for months now but has not started the season yet. Here are some of the prised photos from today.
Eric is practicing his smile. Doing good Baby.



I got Kevin to pose in his uniform before we left the house. The rest were too rushed!


This is a girl who just stopped a goal!

"Don't fall over!"

Nicole a ready goalie! That is her favorite position. But It gives me anxiety.


Kevin, playing defender for a really good team, has nothing to do. But I am so proud of him for paying attention. Last season he was doing the Macarena!


I have been looking at the second hand stores for a shelf for my stash. Today we visited the local store after the games and the girls wanted this Barbie house. I was worn down and agreed. That was the best $4 I have spent in a while. It has been good for hours of fun. A good distraction so I can sew.

BOM #2

Judy has done it again! Made a beautiful block and shared it with us. Here is block number 2 from Patchwork Times Block of the month. I was not quite sure I wanted to miter the corners, but the mitered blocks I looked at were so nice. I think it makes a difference. It was not too hard although I did pull out the Quilters Ultimate Visual Guide for assistance. I am really looking foward to the next block. Thanks Judy.

Yahoo Kitty

This is Yahoo Kitty a pattern by Eat Cake Graphics
Every year for her birthday I make a small kitty wall hanging my wonderful friend Mikell. She started me quilting over 3 years ago. Her birthday was in March and believe it or not this was ready. I just haven't seen her in that long. Busy schedules you know. This was my first try at appilque other than raw edge. I really should take a class because this was not as enjoyable as it should have been. Here is the one I made year last year.

Puss in a corner

Look what I did. I am definitely stepping out in figuring out. I found this pattern book at the second hand store for a dime. $1.50 was on the lable. I looked it up and found it for $4.00 new here. I found the pattern I have always liked. I don't cut templates very well so I wanted to see if I could use my new angle ruler that Bonnie used for Orange Crush. I went to my 2.5 inch strip bin picked light and dark and whaaa laaa. Puss in the corner.

Sampler Top Done

I managed to finish the Sampler Quilt top. It really turned out nice. These sampler blocks are from the theatrical production of "The Quilter"which my father in law's wife was in. I have the DVD but haven't found time to watch it yet.

Last night was a meeting of the Sierra Quilt Guild. I am the refreshment coordinator at the meetings. I enjoy that position. The guild members make my job easy and they bring such great baked goods. Last nights meeting was a presentation of the featured quilter, Joice Swadell. This is photo of one of her quilts. WOW I have a lot of work to do. Our meetings are the second Monday of the month guests are encouraged to attend. Our membership is over 200. This a photo of our president Gery Smith(R) and Ginger Dugan (L) anouncing guests. My little Quilt Shack has had more progress. My husband has a Excell program of check list, money spent and time put in. Talk about organized! I wish I was more like him, but it takes all kinds for this wonderfull world to go around. He and his dad put vents in and cut a hole for the air conditioning unit. I'll be cool. I kinda think he may take it over and make an office for himself. I wouldn't blame him, he does need an escape from the kids.