Fanciful Quilts

Twenty-four hours have lapsed, marking a full day of our get away vacation.  A little over a two hour drive away from home, we're spending 6 days in a hotel.  It's been so very restful - and a much welcomed break from cooking, laundry and the chess club (which is closed for the week of Thanksgiving).       Glass elevator...spectacular! Soothing fountain..... Entrance to the hotel.... Hubby checking out the free breakfast offerings... Obviously, I have not mastered adding multiple photos. Yes, I did bring a sewing machine.  Alas, not the Featherweight (needs tweaking) but a lightweight Brothers.  Current traveling project:  6 1/2" string blocks.  Plan:  set on point with sashing.  Would have used EQ7 to plan the quilt but another alas - need the flash drive where the program comfortably resides.  Update to the Mac disabled the current installed program.  There are days..... Thi is goin...

NO, it cannot be the 30th of October already.  Checked two different calendars - and alas, it is.  I could claim I slept through the past couple of months..and that would be too far from the truth. Finally admitted defeat with both knees loudly complaining when climbing stairs.  Heck, getting out of bed or a chair became more challenging.  With nerves of steel (ha), made an appointment with our orthopedic doctor.  Isn't it funny - the older we get, we have "our" specialty doctors.  Family doctor, asthma doctor, orthopedic doctor...  This particular doctor is an amazing doctor.  For starters, he he replaced both of Riley's knees over 5 years ago.  He goes on a mission trip once a year to use his skills in those remote places that rarely see doctors.  Amazing, right?   Knees are fine.  Lots of arthritis but all else is good.  A shot of cortisone in each knee and left with sound advice:  MOVE MORE.   So w...

Looking back, I realize it's been a few (few???) months since I last wrote.  No excuses other than - well, darn there are no excuses.  Just didn't feel like it? In the past couple of months, it's been good news and not so good news. Good news. Mammogram and followup with biopsies - all clear.  Praise the Lord! Not so good news. Labored breathing climbing stairs.  Had the stairs led to the top of the Empire State Building, that's to be expected.  However, 17 steps?  One stress test, MRI with dye and ultrasound, my heart was found to be fit as a fiddle.  Or at the very least, good for my age. Still the labored breathing.  Sleuthing through web page after web page, something popped up that led to an appointment with an allergist/asthma specialist.  Not so good news was the diagnosis:  asthma trigged by allergies.  In reality, that is good news!  It just sounds more dramatic to write "not so good news".  Always the...

The growing has stopped.  All.100.of.them.  With the planned 2" sashing and cornerstones, the Fussy Crumb Blocks project should be just right for our queen size platform bed.   What is very interesting about these FCBs is this:  No matter how many times I pressed and added and pressed and added, each block came a joy just to see the various contrasts in color.  Most were FCBs.  A good handful plus were simply CBs....Crumb Blocks.  Even those were a joy.   May not look it, but this is actually 10 blocks wide.   It's been much needed therapy while I wait for another followup mammogram on Monday.  Three years of feeling pretty content all was well with the yearly exam.  Now back to the unsettling feeling.  At least I'm not unfamiliar with this adventure. God is good....All the time. Sharon      

Home sweet home.  Managed to download the photos from my iPhone....and I can almost bet the photos won't be right side up ....  Let's explore together. The cottage.... Yes, dear sweet husband letting himself.   Another view?  Maybe....    There's even a garage at the end of the driveway...a storage garage :-)  a view of the kitchen....adorable!  It's at the end of the living/dining room area.....  And then there are these two views of the living room area:  And a few more..... Bedroom of course....big enough for bed, a cute dresser and a tv mounted on the wall. And a bad shot of the bathroom....but there really is a nice size shower in here.... And through a small hallway - the sun room.  This is truly lovely.....   The owners have done a wonderful job with this cute cottage.   They live on the property next door - and it's a beautiful brick home.  H...

Ahhh....a real challenge this early morning at 2:45am.  Using my iPad for a blog update.  Should prove to be very interesting. We left yesterday morning (a mere 2 hours later than scheduled) for Wellington, Ohio.  Three hour drive from Dayton.  A visit with Riley's mom was in order - and long overdue.  Her health is slowly fading and her memory isn't what it used to be - but then, as we become older & wiser, whose memory is not what it used to be.  But her heart - continues to be loving and kind as time goes on.  Couldn't ask for more.   We are staying at a lovely cottage, thanks to Riley's sister who has a friend who offers this cottage free of charge for friends & family.  It's so cute!  And of course since I cannot figure out exactly how to download the camera photos, it will have to wait until later to share just how cute this place is.   Hexie project came with me - which, again - no photo available yet. ...

Squirrel moments again.  One day I will come up with a plan and stick to it.  Think that will ever happen?  Me neither.  Fussy Crumb Blocks.... This was the original.  Emphasis on the WAS. I am truly not sure why this plan wasn't a full blown GO.  After a few pleasurable hours of unsewing (or frogging or is it defrogging?) - and yes, it really was pleasurable - I sat and pondered.  Okay, maybe not the pondering - but I did think about it.   Original idea morphed into:  I think I will like it.   Unless the squirrel reappears. Sharon

Fussy Crumb Blocks Restoring Ms Franklin Tax Time Fussy Crumb Blocks became a bit - uh, complicated.  No. Not complicated.  Way too busy.  4 rows of 6 1/2" FCBs are in the process of being de-frogged.  Or is it Unfrogged?  Or is it...unsewed?  And Crumb Blocks (without the fussy cut center) are in the works also. Goal:  sash each FCB and each CB with a not-very-wide sashing.  2"? - Maybe.  Then the Squirrel Moments came in....and Ms Franklin needed a bit more attention.....which happened right in the middle of the FCBs and CBs.  Squirrel Moments can happen any time, anywhere. What started out as - let's just strip the base.  Nope.  She needs to be stripped completely.  I still am finding it fascinating.  So many layers of paint - and despite the numerous cleanings - grime and dirt.  Have given some thought to paint her RED.  That is a long way down the road though..... As to Tax Time.......

First - 6 more days and I'll be in 3 months into the No Buy 2017. I think I may have discovered the reason for the multiple days of headaches..... Design Wall!   See the windows behind what are the two roller shades?  They measure 65" across....  The roller shades are both 65" in width.  They will be mounted above each window, leaving about a 1 1/2" (or 2" give or take) space between the two windows. See this batting?  It's the thinnest batting I could find.  Okay - so perhaps not the thinnest but close enough.  This will be cut to the width of the roller shades - with a length of 72".  Then glued (spray adhesive) to the roller shade.  Oh drats.  I need two packages.  If anyone finds my brain wandering around, kindly return it.   I read somewhere this method works.  Thankfully found the roller shades at a price that would not break the bank.  Nothing ventured, nothing gained. And next UFQ? A "...

New project, you ask?  Oh yes, new project. Word got out that I "sew" a bit....and was asked a few weeks ago if I knew anyone who would be interested in a treadle machine.  Treadle?  Did you say "treadle" ???  Stopping short of a minor heart attack, I managed a squeaky "I do - and it's ME".  Gifted!  I was warned it's in bad shape ...but who cares!  I have a treadle machine!  Yes, it is in parts for easier transport.  Yes, it is rough.   The desk portion on its back.....with the wheel of the treadle peeking behind it.   And then there's the mystery accessories in the drawers.  And the treadle part itself - taking a nap.   Oh - the machine???? I did say "rough", did I not?  A real challenge here.... But here is what completely won me over (as if I wasn't won over already).... That wonderful decal on the side of the machine....and that nifty thread guide.  And I forgot th...

After a short bout with some sort of intestinal flu bug (and yes, I did get the flu shot in October - but it's one of those hit or miss shots - one just never knows what strain is going to visit), today was an okay day.  Translation:  lots of sleep yesterday made for a decent day today.  Out came UFQ #4.  I had to go back and correct the posts....my numbering of the UFQs were a tad off.  I cannot remember completing this many flimsys in 3 months!  I suspect there will be a slowdown around the corner, but for now - yay, 4 flimsys! Curvy Rail complete:  Yes, it surely does need a good pressing.  And probably I need a better camera 😀... but then, a better camera couldn't be used as an excuse.   UFQ #5....too tired to even think about it.  Time for a break. Bring on the FCBs.....!!! Sharon

Fifteen minute sewing challenge has been part of an almost-daily routine now.  Today was no different.  UFQ #4, aka Funky Curvy Rails, met its first border - approved the color - and an hour later (never said I was Speedy Gonzales), first border completed.  Ahhh....I do like.  Border #2:  white on white tonal.   Border #3:  a purple/black swirly pattern Fifteen minutes a day really does make a difference!   A contented quilter, Sharon

Nice to have a plan.  Nice to finagle a makeshift design wall .... Not the best but it works. Layout for UFQ #4 - Funky Curvy Rail.  Did I share this was a class I took so many years ago?  Curved pieces have always been such a challenge - but this instructor (yikes - what is her name?) took the mystery out of it.  Bought the ruler and everything 😄 Layout?  Of course: First row sewn together.  Borders....yes.  Three is the plan.  First one black - then white - then purple.  Widths?  I haven't a clue right now.   Onward to UFQ #4! Sharon aka angel45402 P.S.  Kind of like using my own name versus angel45402......

Just prior to leaving for our trip to Cocoa Beach, Florida I took stock of the latest UFQ (as in Unfinished Quilt).  Not one of my finer ideas as blocks go.... After completing five more blocks, they were trimmed down - and there the problem revealed itself - along with the necessity of learning how to work with bias.  Out they went - and I felt absolutely no guilt or regret.  Nice! So on to the next UFQ..... I took a class so very long ago....Funky Curvy Rail.  Amazingly enough, the curves (when done correctly) are flat as can be when pressed.  Yes, this will definitely work. Angel45402

What better way to celebrate one's 65th birthday than a 4 day vacation to Cocoa Beach, Florida?  That's my dearest beloved's idea of a great birthday present.  He was right on the mark.  We left on Sunday afternoon on the 26th of February....and arrived in Orlando around 7pm...and then to the hotel in Cocoa Beach.  Stayed at the Best Western - right on the beach side.  While I didn't get a photo of the hotel, I did manage several photos of the sun rising - most of which are not right side up when posting.  Tilt to the side....! One of these days I'll learn how to get the photos to behave themselves when posted.   And yes....a little hand sewing was done..... On the plane....in the airport.....in coffee shops....   It was a wonderful get away! Angel45402    

Remember the ole Nike saying (or perhaps it's still used....):  "Just Do It".  11:30pm last night, it was a matter of Just Do It!   Just 15 minutes is what was promised to self.  Self said .... okay, make it 30 then and you have a deal. Almost 2 hours later ....  Too tired to measure the outcome.  I imagine it's large enough for a baby quilt....or perhaps a small lap quilt.   Hoping Nike won't mind.... When faced with a necessary completion and for some reason your get up and go has left the building without you:  Just Do It.  It may work. Angel45402

I do so love that word:  "completed".   Okay - so there's a little word in front of it - "almost".  Still..... It does measure a tad small....but with the additions of two borders, it should make a decent baby quilt.   Borders?    Green - not too wide border and the yellow orange batik, the finishing border - a bit wider.  Note to self:  measure first, calculate yardage before cutting.  It ceases to be fun to have a box full of various width strips because I ignored notes to self. And then there's UFQ #4 waiting in the wings.  But that's a story for another day. Angel45402    

Sometimes it just pays to step back a bit (a bit - not leave the state), and let the blocks just simmer a tad.  No sense is trying to hear them speak.  They can be very cantankerous. Wonky Stars moved forward today.  Row 1 completed: The cornerstone stars are delightful!  I stumbled across them on Pinterest.  So easy to make - and add such a cute touch!  Two more rows to go....and some really creative borders.  As to size....only time will tell. And FCBs?  So glad you asked!  Fussy Crumb Blocks row #1 is done!  Over 60" in length....and right now, that's as close to a measurement that can be given.      A bit difficult to see as the photographer's skills are pretty darn sketchy.  Coupled with errands today, not a bad day bonding with Mz Janome.   She truly likes working on two projects on the same day. Angel45402  

The adventure begins!  Another group of blocks (twelve) from a lottery (or perhaps it was a swap?) from a Yahoo group.  Maybe 2013?  Is there some sort of thing about vintage blocks....they need to rest like fine wine before one can enjoy them?  Sounds much better than anything else I can think of right now. Blocks. They all make me smile.  Look at those beautiful colors!   I wrestled with the idea of sashing.  They are 9 1/2" blocks, twelve of them, so sashing is a must.  As will be a couple of borders.  So sashing it was.  Tried a medium blue.  Oh dear....not working well at all.  I'm still at a loss as to why when I "audition" a color, it looks good - until I've cut a strip and minutes later, am removing it.   Then there's the "let's try something new".  I swear, this quilty voice in my head really needs to zip it.  Okay....something new.   New color - and the something new.... ...

And just when you think you have a handle on completing UFQs (Unfinished Quilts), crumble blocks come along.  Fussy Crumble Blocks, affectionately referred to (by me!) as FCBs.  FCBs all in a row.  Wonky, yes. Wonky intended, yes.  How big will this grow?  I haven't a clue.  Probably not bed size.  I think it might be a bit too busy all grown up to bed size.  Lap size is more like it.  Adding a bit at a time was the goal.  Yeah.  Right.  Made 6 more yesterday evening....and I'm ready to work on more.   Oh snap - UFQ flimsy stage completed.  Decided no border.  It was taxing my brain way beyond what was necessary (doesn't take much) to figure out size border, what color, etc., etc.  Simply quilt it, bind it and move on.  Yes, it will be a quilt for charity. Prairie Queen flimsy.  It was fun putting you together.  Blocks made by others in a lottery done via Yahoo group, Quilters W...

Twenty-six days into the near year and already a break is needed.   UFQ #1 done....and UFQ #2 is still sitting on the cutting table waiting....and waiting...and waiting. Enter ... the break. Crumb blocks.... Seems to be THE thing in 2017.  Okay - maybe not but I'm latching on to it.   My two words for 2017 are FOCUS and SIMPLIFY.  So SIMPLIFY it is.... These blocks are terrific ... and many kudos to Pinkadot Quilts!  An amazing tutorial: The Ghastlies   Somewhere, FOCUS flew out the window, flew around and then came back through the front door...and....   I'm not buying it either.  Okay....enter three blocks in the works...     Fussy cutting these birds is not that easy.  A few birds gave up their beaks after the first go around with the strips.   No idea if I'll keep adding strips until the magic size (6" minimum) arrives...and then trim to 6" squares.  Or maybe not.   ...

It's been an interesting couple of weeks.  What started out as "well, I need some space to take a photo of a project in the works" morphed into "well, this just needs to be organized" and then it took a life of its own. Enter: The Journal.  Oh, not any Journal.  This is THE Journal to end all Journals - and probably civilization as we know it.  It has style - it has categorization that defies categorization - it has mind boggling detail.  And it has exhausted the owner.   Journal turned into labeling fabric bins...... DEFINITELY THE BEFORE....  Before....just focus on the cubicles.  You'll see it if you just look for awhile.  Kind of like those pictures you see and if you look long enough, you'll see a dolphin jumping out of the water.  So they say.     And then comes the AFTER.  All those lovely labels.  Squint. They are there.  Each bin holds now an unfinished top (or two or three) or a ...