Sister's Choice Quilts

Black is Beautiful

Well, I think it looks good in black too.  Today I did a bit of experimenting, and it is clear that I can make very good use of my half square triangle "mistakes".   The red and white version on the cover of the APQ magazine I showed yesterday has the same lights in the background of each square (but the reds are scrappy).  I think a totally scrappy version of both lights and darks will work just fine.

Does anyone know the name of this block?  Is it "Hovering Hawks" or maybe "Anvil"? I think the pattern I am using tells what they think it is called, but I am too lazy to go down to the studio to check at this time, as it is dark out as I type this.  I will have a look later and see if any of you guess right.

My sweet little high school student came over yesterday to work on her baby quilt.  She was so pleased to have gotten three rows sewn together!  She was so enthusiastic, she has asked if she can come over to sew more often!  

I taught her the importance of lining up the seam allowances perfectly, which she was on board with.  She was so surprised when she pinned her first row that even though she had paid attention to perfect seam allowance match ups, her raw edges were sometimes as much as a quarter inch apart.  It was amusing to me to be reminded of how many things we had to pay attention to when we were learning to sew!

I would give her an "A" for following directions and for her attention to trying to get things right.  And her attitude is outstanding too.  Here's a confession:  is it ever nice to have someone listen to me and actually do what I say!  I could get used to this.

Busy Busy and a Cautionary Tale

I am really off my posting schedule this week.  It might have something to do with how much I need to get done before I leave on my trip!

My little zippy bags sell well at my son in law's wine tasting shop, and it was time for a new color line more in keeping with the season.  I have been stitching away in an effort to get the new inventory into the shop before I leave for my vacations.

This collection is a Sandy Gervais group--Everything you see above was made from one jelly roll, and I have enough strips left to make at least six more bags.  I adore Sandy Gervais designs, as they are so seasonal, whimsical, colorful and fun.

When you go on a trip, do you "audition" your clothes before packing?  This is one of the most fun things about going anywhere, this preview of outfits and imagining where you might be wearing them and if they will be appropriate for the weather and the occasions.

I have outfits on display all over my bedroom.  My goal is to pare back and try to get everything into the smallest possible suitcase.  Have you ever traveled somewhere and found that you can barely lift the luggage you packed?  That can be a real disaster!  It has happened to me.  On one occasion, I found myself in the airport disposing of my travel iron, cosmetics and anything else that was heavy.  Once I lightened my load, I found I could actually carry my bag.  I do miss that travel iron....

On this trip, I will be carrying on my sewing machine, so I really need to practice my moves with that.  I need to be able to lift it over my head and place it in the overhead compartment.  In the past I have had to rely on the kindness of others to help me accomplish that task.  I've decided to take my little Janome, which weighs around ten pounds.  Add on the cord, foot pedal and the weight of the bag, any projects I can squeeze in, and I am looking at at least 25 pounds.

Speaking of carry ons, I read a terrible story on Bonnie Hunter's blog recently.  Bonnie is a well known quilting teacher who travels extensively all over the country.  She always takes a sewing machine with her for class demos.  This trip, she had with her a little Featherweight that she was planning to carry on the plane.  When she boarded, the steward informed her that the overhead bins were all full and that her carry on (the Featherweight and also her laptop) would have to be checked as luggage.  Reluctantly, she allowed her machine and laptop to be taken from her and placed underneath the plane along with all the other baggage.  You can probably see where this is going.

When she arrived, her lap top was smashed and her vintage 1938 Featherweight was in three pieces.  Pictures are on her blog.

United did give her replacement value for her damaged property, but still.  Oh dear.  I would be so unhappy if that happened to me!

Bad Luck

Well, this is a major bummer.  It turns out Grandpa broke his leg.

Saturday was the big day to get him moved into a little cottage near us, and when he was getting out of the moving truck, he stepped down kind of hard on his right leg, due to it being a big step down.  And he fractured his leg!  He didn't even fall down.  I tell you old people's bones are like egg shells.

Immediately, he said he was unable to walk.   After much debate standing out in the front of our house--should we call the paramedics?  Was it just a strain?  Had he torn a ligament?  I ran in and got one of my dining room chairs, which Grandpa sat down in, right there in the front yard, claiming he would just sit out there all night because he couldn't walk.  Somehow my husband and I got him into our house (with the help of my sewing chair, which has wheels!).  He said his leg hurt, but didn't seem in real pain, so we put an ice pack on his leg and gave him ibuprofen.  He just would not try to walk.  My husband and I got him into bed for the night but none of us got much sleep.  Sunday was Easter and even though we tried to talk him into going to Urgent Care, he didn't want to due to it being a holiday.  The swelling was down and the pain was better, but he still said he couldn't walk. 

So, first thing Monday morning, we put him in the car (don't ask how that went), and drove him to his doctor.  After xrays, the doctor announced that Grandpa had fractured his femur.  What a shock that was!  I have heard of that happening to other people.  One family I knew had a kid fall at the playground, and went for a couple of days at home with a broken bone that no one diagnosed.  I always thought that would be impossible to not know!  But there you are, it happened to us.

So, he is having surgery on the leg today, which involes putting a pin or a plate or something in, and then will be in a skilled nursing center for six to eight weeks.

He never even got to set foot into his new house!  I told him this was a desperate attempt to get out of doing all the unpacking.

Mixed Bag

My Easter weekend surely was a mixed bag.  On the one hand, we had glorious weather.  On the other, everything that could go wrong seemed to do that.

This was supposed to be the big weekend to move Grandpa into a little cottage on the nearby golf course.  He got through the day just fine, but when he was getting out of the truck at the final destination, he did something to his knee and has not been able to walk since.  Today we will get him to the doctor for xrays to see what he did to himself.  This is a disaster because I cannot lift him and my husband works out of town during the week.  I have a feeling Grandpa  may be going into a rehab center until he can walk again.  What a shame!  He hasn't even set foot into his new house!  I was there for awhile yesterday afternoon, directing the movers on where to place furniture and I know he will love the place once he gets into it.  His windows and back porch look out onto the golf course where one can watch both herds of deer and golfers enjoying themselves.

What little sewing I did took place during Eva's naps on Friday.

I am pretty happy with these Winding Ways blocks!  It takes me about 20 minutes to construct one.  Just look at the secondary circular pattern.  That is just so cool!

Here is something else I am planning on joining in on.  Sinta over at Pink Pincushion is hosting a BOM Rehab group.  Do I ever need that!  The idea is that the participants pick one of their BOMs that is sitting around gathering dust and make one block per week, and post about it on Mondays.  I have several BOMs to choose from (hangs head in shame).  In fact, have I ever finished a BOM?  "Why, I can't recall", she says, not making eye contact. 

Which one to choose?

Why yes, how about that one?

Shop the Outer Aisle

Have you ever heard the advice that if you wish to eat in the healthiest manner possible, you would do well to shop the "outer aisles" of the grocery store?  Well, in the nearby town of Douglas Flats, there is a produce stand cleverly called The Outer Aisle.  This place is loaded with wonderful fruits and vegetables from local farms.  Aren't those purple and green peppers in the photo beautiful? 

Sara and Baby E and I ventured over there today in search of fresh produce and we were certainly not disappointed.  I came home with beautiful peppers, an heirloom tomato, some fresh white corn, basil, and a loaf of sourdough bread from a local baker.  They had so much that I wanted to buy, but I had to limit myself so as not to waste anything.  The man in line ahead of us bought $212 worth of produce, can you imagine?  I hope he had hordes of people back at home to enjoy it!  I passed up peaches and black ripe figs and eggplant and a staggering variety of heirloom tomatoes.  But, you know what?  I can always go back tomorrow!

Since my husband is away most of the week, I am on my own for dinner, which has its upsides and downsides.  The downside obviously is that I am on my own, but the upside is that I can eat exactly what I like.  No, not hot fudge sundaes.

Tonight, I am feasting on fresh corn and bruschetta.  I may be dining alone, but I am dining in STYLE!!!

To make bruschetta, toast some sour dough bread slices and rub them with a cut garlic clove, then brush with olive oil.  Cut up a good tomato, some fresh basil, and a bit of  red or green pepper (if you like).  Add some grated parmesan, and toss with some good olive oil and balsamic vinegar, some salt and pepper.  If you LOVE garlic, chop some into the tomato mixture for a stronger flavor. Top the toast rounds with the tomato mixture.  It doesn't get much better than this.

And the corn?  omg  It's August, and I hope wherever you are, you can get fresh local corn.  Incomparable flavor.  I remember one August when my husband and I were in Michigan, his cousin sent one of her kids out to the corn field to pick some fresh corn for dinner.  She tossed it in a pot of boiling water, right out of the field, and my husband ate eight ears of corn.  Seriously, it was that good.

I'll Take Some Comfort There

What a day.  Skip this post if you don't want to hear about my poor pitiful self.

Back to Urgent Care.  One Eyed Nick, that's me.  I woke up Tuesday morning with an eye that wasn't pretty.  An eye that was certainly NOT better.  Well, they said to come back if it wasn't better so I did.  Turned up on their doorstep whimpering "Help".  (I felt very puny and pitiful).

The doctor I saw was all over me in a hot second.  He did all sorts of new tests, and by golly, he wasn't sure if it was an eye infection or an eye allergy.  Three opinions, nobody knows.  So, they are treating it as if it is both.  I was there for hours, and had to have an IV of antibiotics and prednisone.  If I am not significantly improved by tomorrow, I am to come back.  And I am to come back on Friday regardless.  Finally someone who paid attention to me.  And I left with prescriptions for more antibiotics and steroids that Blue Shield actually covered.  Nice Dr. Durlocker, sounds like Door Knocker.

My next step after Urgent Care was to go to my dentist to get my new crown put on.  Why not just make a day of torturing Nicole?  I figured Dr. Wong wouldn't be too scared when he saw me, but he flipped out.  FLIPPED OUT.  Mild mannered Larry Wong, was certain this swelling/infection whatever was due to what he had done a week ago to my back molar.  He tsked and tsked the entire time he was gluing my crown on, and when I got home I had a message from him on my answering machine urging me to go right back to Urgent Care and get x-rays.  He knew it must be his fault.

I feel so pampered and loved.

And you know what I am thinking may have been the cause of this huge swelling/itching/redness that is making me a one eyed freak?  Remember how Sophie got out on Sunday?  And was running around up in the hills for an hour and half?  What if she ran through some poison oak or some other plant I am allergic to?  I pet her and rub her constantly.  I sleep with her for Heaven's sake.  What if I got the plant cooties on my hands and touched my eye--thus the allergic reaction?

I may never know what caused this, but you know what?  I love my girl and she loves me.

Maybe something Quilty tomorrow Friends.  If I can see out of both eyes!

A Day Off

Hello?  Heeelllllllloooooo?????  Do I still have some readers out there?  I really am a quilter, first and foremost, even though it may not seem like it right now.

I have had no quilting related posts for awhile, because of my insane schedule, but that is going to change.  I worked nearly 60 hours this week, and that makes even an hour a day sewing a challenge.   This week.  I missed the Charming Girls Quilt Club deadline, but what the heck.  I try to fit in sewing every day, but this week things just got away from me.  My schedule is far better this week, so I will get back to my hour a day regime.  Prairie Paisley, here I come....

What a lovely Sunday I had.  I had the day off for one thing.  One little day.  One entire marvelous day all to myself (once the dogs were dealt with).  I went to the mall, I cooked a new appetizer that teenagers devoured, and I attended my sweet niece Emily's graduation party.  At the mall, I tried on a Spanx slip that was a complete miracle.  It smoothed everything from my neck to my knees, I swear.  Fabulous under an LBD.  (Little Black Dress--which all of us need in our wardrobes).  My gosh, I do love Spanx products.  If you think you would like a bit of slimming magic, comment on my last post for a chance to win a camisole that will smooth your back and your tummy all in one swell foop.

Dh is still away, helping Sara and her DH move completely into their new house.  He spent Sunday lining their kitchen shelves and figuring out where all the dishes and kitchen gear should go. He is really good at that sort of thing.  Hmmm, that might be a good second career option for him.  Helping folks organize their kitchens.  My son (home for the summer from grad school) and I are in charge of the dogs.  Sophie realized once my husband had driven out of the drive way that the Alpha Person's shoes needed filling and stepped right into the job.  She and Ozzie got into a big fight almost immediately, and ever since, my son and I have kept them apart.  It has been a bit of an ordeal, but nothing like the time DH left them both with me on my own.  They sure don't respect me like they do him.  Now why is that?

The rose above is actually one from my garden.  My son Ahren took the picture early in the morning.  Is is beautiful isn't it?  I give this rose to all of you, my friends.  Have a great week!

PS:  Oh, and tomorrow I will share that new appetizer that the teenagers loved.   You have got to try it!

PPS:  Just a little update on my economizing.  I gave up on my naked nails in less than a week.  I couldn't do it.  I know, I know.  I am weak.  Those poor nails were so thin, and so fragile.  They split, they cracked, they tore.  They HURT they were so short.  I couldn't stick it out.  Just so you know, do not tell me any top secrets, ever.  I would be the first to crack under torture.  I will say or do anything, just let my nails look really good.

The Weekend Is In Sight...

Not a heck of a lot of sewing going on this week.  My hour a day plan has been temporarily derailed, but I plan to get back on schedule this weekend.  My two jobs have eaten into my free time this week, as I have been putting in some extra time at one of them. 

I have gone back to the Prairie Paisley challenge, which Lisa and I were working on together.  She finished her quilt top already (check out her post of June 9), and I am only on the third border.  Love this fabric line!  The pattern is from a Quilt Sampler magazine of a year ago.  Check back on Monday--surely I will have more to show.

This is my design dresser in the sewing room.  There is not a bit of wall space to use as a design wall in the room, so I sometimes hang blocks or portions of quilts on the dresser drawers as inspiration.  I have got to figure out a way to hang some sort of flannel or covered wall board on the closet doors.  Every time I tape a big sheet of flannel on those doors, the weight of the blocks causes everything to crumple down into a big heap on the floor when I turn my back.  A project for Some Day.

Hey, I discovered a wonderful blog this week.  I believe I may be the last person on the planet to have heard of The Pioneer Woman .  I can't remember whose blog I was reading, but they mentioned a giveaway the Pioneer Woman was having and how 20,000 people made comments!  I thought, wow, I need to check that one out.  Evidently she was giving away a KitchenAid mixer!  She occasionally holds great giveaways--a pair of expensive cowboy boots, a camera, etc.  I don't even know why she bothers with giveaways, she is so popular.  Her blog is sensational.

The woman who writes the blog, Ree Drummond, is absolutely amazing.  She lives on a cattle ranch out in the middle of the country with her gorgeous cowboy husband (think Paul Newman/Steve McQueen) and her four children, whom she homeschools.  She cooks, she is a cracker jack photographer, and she writes about her life.  I got lost in reading her blog yesterday and before I knew it the day was nearly gone.  You have got to check her out.  Or maybe you already have.  Like I said, I am probably the last person in the world to have discovered her.

After Work

The clock over the pantry door says it's Wine O'Clock as my dad likes to say.  Here I am, home from my day at work, which was a good one, all in all.  Time for a restorative and a bit of a walk about the yard.  Glorious weather today, it was.  About time.

Won't you join me for a glass of chardonnay and a stroll around the garden?  Those roses above were picked by my wonderful husband, who often collects pretty roses and puts them in vases in places he knows will delight me.  I even found a bud vase with a perfect red rose next to my toothbrush cup in my bathroom last week.  The roses are doing their best right now, as they always do for their first bloom in May.

Don't ask me the names, I would have to get down on my hands and knees and look at the little metal tag at the roots.  I am wearing white slacks, it isn't going to happen.  I love this one, in all its Peppermint Twist perfection.  If it isn't called Peppermint Twist, well, it should be.

I do remember this one's name.  Just Joey.  I have a notion that it was named after a B Movie (sorry)  & TV actress named Joey Heatherton.  The last I ever saw of her she was doing some kind of commercials for mattresses.  Anyway, this rose is a yummy apricotty color that everyone needs in their garden.

This is the rose arbor.  My husband planted two climbing red roses at the base on each side and we have been waiting three years for them to climb up to the top.  They just won't.  Stubborn old things.  Any suggestions on how to persuade them to CLIMB?

If you want a landscaping rose, this is your answer.  Iceberg.  As in icy white, not lettuce.  This rose never fails, wherever we have planted it.    There is a tree rose version, a climbing version--whatever you want, this rose is game for it.  It is full of flowers all summer long with out a break.  It was a major player in my mother's All White Garden.

The rose planted in this urn is ready to burst into blooms.  It is one of those Carpet roses, another fantastic landscaping choice.  They will even cascade down the sides of a pot, which is a very cool look.  What is cascading down the side of my pot is alyssum, which volunteered from last year, and is ever more magnificent than it was.  I do love a flower that comes back. 

My sister Andrea recently had a post where she posed the question, "Why is it, that a red version of the flower you are planting always pops up when you were just expecting whites or pastels?"

This is what happened to her pastel arrangement (photo stolen borrowed from Andrea):

 

Here's what happened in my pink pot:

 

Andrea yanked out her intruder, but I am letting mine stay on.

Thanks for joining me on this little walk about.  DH is home, gotta go.