Thankful notes...

Yes, I am alive, and though I have not posted in a while, I still have many projects in process. I feel like my life has gone in such a different direction than I could ever have imagined, and right now I feel like I am trying to sort it all out.

As Thanksgiving is here, I just want to proclaim my thanks for the many blessings that I have in my life.

• I have such a wonderful supporting husband and family. So many people do not have a positive support system, but I do, and I am so very thankful.  I could not imagine walking this life alone. This year we celebrated five years of marriage, and I am looking forward to fifty more.
• The financial security to be live and enjoy. In this economy so many people just struggle to keep a roof over their head. I have the luxury of a roof, a full pantry, and closets full of crap. A new years resolution will likely include solving that last one, but I am thankful each day for all the blessings I have been given.
• Being useful. Last year at this time I struggled with feelings of value. It it hard to be unemployed. Everyone wants to feel useful and important. I found a great organization to volunteer with, and multiple times per week, I get to see great friends, while helping people make life changes. 

Feathers in the Nooks

This is the Nooks and Crannies pattern. I decided I was going to cut into my Plum Layer cake, and I love the way it looks. I am glad this wasn't my first attempt at lots of bias in one project, because it definitely tested my patience.

 I did fudge the pattern a bit. I had all these offcuts from the sides (the initial cut from the layer cake), so I used these on the ends instead. I ended up having to add one extra triangle, but in the end, I had enough to make a strip for the back as well. The back has yet to be constructed, but I the bright pink feathered print for the main portion.

I always get stuck on trying to achieve the random look. This one was not any easier. In addition to wanting "random," I also didn't want to many solids together, or too many fleur de lis all in one place. This pattern was alot of fun to figure out, and there are three more variations. I look forward to trying each one.

Lucky lately

This magnificent bundle was the first to arrive. The FATQUARTERLY team was giving away a ton of quilting loot from Jaybird Quilts. My bundle came with the Unwind pattern, a Robert Kauffman Jelly roll of some wonderful cheery prints, and a fun new ruler! I am excited to try it out.

The Happy Zombie Blog was hosting a  book tour for Erin Gilday. Both of these fantastic artists are from Portland. Makes me miss this wonderful city. This fun book arrived along with a charm pack of the Happy Mochi Yum Yum. Its ironic that the subject of this book is an homage to the Seminole style of patchwork and, being here in Florida, there is no shortage of Seminole paraphernalia, but I think this will be alot more fun to display.

5 YEARS!

And we haven't killed each other yet....

Bloggers Quilt Festival

This is "Under the Sea." It was made for Baby Charlotte. It was made before we knew if Charlotte was going to be a Charlotte or a Charley, so I tried to select a diverse group of prints and colors. I think it definately works.

The husband was actually instrumental in the choices for this quilt. I gave him three fabric choices, and asked him to select what he thought would be most in line with what the momma wanted (his co-worker). He selected the MOMO layer cake. I later found out his selection had nothing to do with what he thought mommy would like, he chose it because he liked it. Fortunately, mommy loved it.

I used the Double Dip pattern by ThimbleBlossoms. I have plans to use the rest of this layer cake to make its buddy pattern, but as of today, I have not started yet.

This quilt is probably the fastest I have started and finished a quilt. It was also my first start (and first finish) of the new year. It took about two weeks from first cut, to finished binding. If only some of my other projects could be so efficiently completed.

Max & Whiskers....More Basic Grey!

So Cute! I am excited to own some! Now what should I do with it?

Another Fig Tree Club Project

I promise though I have not been blogging I have been doing a little bit of sewing!





I quilted in the negative space of this one. This was quilted about the same time as the Origins quilt, and so I was liking the look of the puffy designs. This one just needs binding now.....

On the machine now....PLUME!

 This is the Nooks and Crannies pattern by Fig Tree Quilts. I am using an uber delicious layer cake of Plume. I am totally digging this pattern, but I wish I could find some more finished quilts to look at in other color schemes. I have chosen the the bottom right layout, and I think it will look fantastic. I am still undecided for the sashing. I have the Bella Stone or the Moda Snow, or plain bleach white. Any thoughts?

And this is what the granny machine looks like when she is hard at work. Very messy!

Wild Butterflies

I named this one "Wild Butterflies," because a commenter said it looked like butterflies flying accross, and I like that.

Basting (my least favorite part of the process)...

I quilted in the negative space. I like the way it makes the pinwheels "puff."



And the finished product....folded on the patio, because at picture time, the grass was wet.

He is a Brand Snob?

I hate to say it, but the dog is a snob. He seems to know the difference between the Osteo Biflex, and the Walgreens brand. Last year, the vet recommended glucosomine because the dog has joint issues, and we were trying to prevent early arthritis. The vet told me that there was a dog glucosomine supplement for $80 a bottle or I could give him the people version (Usually B1G1 free at Walgreens). PEOPLE VERSION IT IS! So I trotted down to Walgreens and ended up buying the "Natures Finest" (not pictured). After properly informing the dog that he could be force fed his pills, or he could take them voluntarily, he decided he would take them on his own. He ate the Nature's Finest for a while, and then a friend gave us some extra Osteo Biflex. So we switched to those (same chemical formula.) No problems from the dog. Then those ran out, and I needed to go get some more. The next time I went to the store, the Nature's were not on sale, but the Walgreen's brand was, so that is what we purchased. Unfortunately, we were back to force feeding the pills. This is not pleasant for anyone. Then the same friend, gave us some more Osteo Bi-Flex. And we gave it to the dog. The dog gobbled it up like a treat....go figure.

(From July 2009)For those who are wondering, the dog had knee surgery two years ago. He tore the ACL of his right rear. He is sporting his camo bandages here, and lounging very comfortably on my down comforter. (We camped in the living room for his first two weeks of recovery since he wasn't permitted on the stairs.)





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The kennel picture is just a little humerous. He was feeling a little grumpy since he was naked in some parts and hooded in others. I remember calling the vet about his "depression." They told me that it was understandable, but in a way it was good that he chill out peacefully in his kennel.

Will fight terrorism....for food?

Congress Still gets paid? This article makes me angry.


Go figure. As of today, the husband will receive half his normal paycheck on the 15th, and nothing additional until congress gets their act together. He will still have to go to work on monday, whether or not he is getting paid to be there. I do have a smidgen of faith that Congress will resolve this quickly, but as they have had months to come together, pull up their big-boy pants and make hard decisions, they have failed at that as well. How is it that these men are still playing childish games. They have been given a great responsibility, but do not deserve it.


Rep. Linda Sanchez, D-Calif., told MSNBC Thursday that she needs her salary and won't forego it. She pointed to student loans, childcare and the need to maintain residences in California and Washington as reasons for her decision.

Servicemen and women, along with those who serve local governments, police, fire, teachers etc also have student loans, childcare, and residences to maintain. They do not have the option of keeping or returning their pay.

Come the fifteenth, pay or no, we will be okay. Too many people will not though. As a volunteer at Navy Marine Corps Relief Society, I see many people who fall on hard times under ordinary circumstances. We don't use Navy Federal, but Navy Federal will cover their members, and many other organizations are stepping up to ensure that the stupidity in Washington will be easier on some. Its encouraging to see the companies and groups that are going the extra mile here. If only our Congressmen could get their ego's in check and their brains back on "main street."


Write your Representative

Write your Senator

Ask if they are going to accept their salaries while your teachers, policeman, fireman, city engineers, airport saftey, and the military are making arrangements to their own budgets, when they have no choice but to do with less.

Another Wild Thing

Wild Thing is my new "go-to" pattern. This is the second time I have done this pattern, and I forsee many more incarnations in the future. This one is a gift, I was late for the wedding, but it will be finished soon!

Brought to you, by the letter B

I have started growing basil. It seemed easy enough, I picked up four small plants at the grocery store, and sent the husband out for a pot and potting soil, with a few tips from Grandma, I was in business!

So far I have pruned 4cups of leaves, made about 2 cups of pesto, and enjoyed every drop of it!

I was inspired by my Food Network Magazine, which came with an insert with 50 recipes to use Pesto. I will admit, the two I have tried so far did not come directly from this insert, but my base pesto recipe did.

So far my pesto adventures have included a chicken pizza with goat cheese, and roasted red peppers. I used the pesto as a sauce on the crust, and also marinating the chicken.

This weekend I also made a delightful pesto alfredo sauce, also with chicken, and of course what is alfredo without pasta.

As this is my first attempt at growing something I am very pleased with my results. I should have enough leaves for another batch of pesto. I am a big fan of the Panera vegie soup with pesto, and I think I can come up with my own fantastic version...

What $75 can buy...

1 Bolt of Beautiful Bella Solids.....for sewing

OR

1 Civil War Pension File, for Hiram Obediah Lillie 1826-1905

Truthfully, I don't think the husband would want me to purchase either of these things, but Oh Hiram O....I would really love to know who your parents are....more about your beautiful wife, Susan Ann Walker.....and consequently your adventures marching on foot through the south.

99th REGIMENT INFANTRY.

   

SERVICE.-

 

Moved from Rolla to Salem, Mo., September 17, 1862, and duty there till November 20.

Moved to Houston, Mo., November 20, and duty there till January 27, 1863.
Action at Beaver Creek, Texas County, November 24, 1862.
Hartsville, Wood's Forks, January 11, 1863.
Moved to West Plains, Mo., January 27, and duty there till March 3.
Moved to Milliken's Bend, La., March 3-15, and duty there till April 11.
To New Carthage April 11-12 and duty there till April 25.
Movement on Bruinsburg and turning Grand Gulf April 25-30.
Battles of Port Gibson, Miss., May 1,
Champion's Hill May 16;
Big Black River Bridge May 17.
Siege of Vicksburg May 18-July 4.
Assaults on Vicksburg May 19 and 22.
Surrender of Vicksburg July 4.
Advance to Jackson Miss. July 6-10.
Siege of Jackson July 10-17.
Duty at Vicksburg till August 20.
Ordered to New Orleans, La., August 20.
Duty at Carrollton Brashear City and Berwick till October.
Western Louisiana Campaign October 3-November 9.
Moved to New Orleans November 9-12,
thence to Mustang Island, Texas, November 16-25.
Duty at Indianola till June, 1864.
Moved to Algiers, La., June 16.
Duty at Kennersville, Algiers, and Morganza till September.
Moved to St. Charles, Ark., September 3-11, and duty there till October 23.
Expedition to Duvall's Bluff October 23-November 12.
Moved to Litle Rock, thence to Memphis, Tenn., November 12-26.
At Germantown, Tenn. guarding railroad till December 28.
Moved to Memphis, Tenn., December 28,
thence to New Orleans, La. January 1-9, 1865.
Campaign against Mobile, Ala., and its defenses February 1-April 12.
Siege of Spanish Fort and Fort Blakely March 26-April 8.
Assault and capture of Fort Blakely April 9.
Occupation of Mobile April 12.
Moved to New Orleans, thence to Shreve port, La., May 28-June 6.
To Baton Rouge July 19.
Mustered out July 31 and discharged at Springfield, Ill, August 9, 1865.

Regiment lost during service
4 Officers and 47 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and
1 Officer and 120 Enlisted men by disease.

 

The Best Way to get a Thank You.....

I love this picture.











This quilt was finished just in time for our drive North for Christmas, it was dropped off along the way. I have to admit it is very difficult to acheive the "random" look. Because inevitably you will will have two of the same color or print just too close. Then of course the flower applique had to be placed so that the red blooms aren't too close to the same color red tumbler, and the green stems aren't too close to blend in with green tumblers.....so complicated!

I broke out of the regular routine and quilted some whimsical flowers on this one, but I am happy as this is my first improv, FMQ attempt.

First Finish of 2011

"Under the Sea"

So this I started New Years Day. It is my first start and first finish of the new year. It has actually been in the thought stage for a while. Comes from the "Double Dip" pattern from ThimbleBlossoms. The recipient is one is one of the husbands' colleagues. (Now that he is on shore duty, he actually works with GIRLS!) She is moving away before the baby is born but hopefully she will send me a picture when the baby gets here!

Probably my biggest challenge was making it girly enough for a girl but with enough blue that dad will still like it if a boy happens to appear. I know that is technically called gender neutral, but I gender neutral usually means green, yellow and orange, and totally impersonal. None of those are fun....

As I wasn't too sure of her color preferences, and I gave the husband a couple options of what he thought she would like. He chose the Momo. He later informed me he had no idea what she would like, but the MOMO Odyssea was his favorite. Luckily she loved it too. A last minute hesitation on my part, I actually sent her the swatch card for Odyssea to make sure she liked it. I had a back up gift just in case. The last thing you want to do is spend hours working on something and then find out your recipient isn't fan of the color palette.

I backed it with the "fish" from the same line. It has been stippled, and I just love the crinkly look. and added my own personalized label (Made at Spoonflower).

One realm where I can be "Stylish" - A little more about me....

1.  I am so excited about genealogy. I am so proud to tell you that I am a Daughter of the American Revolution (it is almost official), and a descendant of Civil War veterans on both the North and South. I hate it when people pass on their genealogy stories without actually KNOWING if they are true, and and whether your descended from farmers or philosophers, its so exciting to KNOW. I love to help others with this quest, so just ask!

2. See #1, I plan to name all my children with names from the family tree. I think it will be a wonderful gift to give my future children, the knowlege of their amazing heritage.

3. I hate to drive. I wish my life could be within 15 miles of where I live, sadly that does not jive with Jacksonville, but soon enough we can try out a new city.

4. I am a hoarder. I was watching one of the many shows on one of the many cable channels and I decided to look up the "symptoms." I have them. I do have problems throwing stuff away, and it scares me to think of myself in 20 years if I don't consciously make those goodwill piles, and get rid of the sentimental attachments. I certainly don't have this issue to the extent that the crazies on tv do. I do not have wall to wall junk, but there is definately some stuff in the closets that would be better placed somewhere else. I have regularly work to not let clutter take over my life. Maybe since I do work at this, I am not technically a hoarder right?

5. My first quilt was a high school ENGLISH LITERATURE project, and I loved it! We had an amazing teacher who would not expect anything less than excellence. She was old, and she hadn't changed her bulletin boards since the year I was born. The project was to create something representative of the 18th century, romantacism period. We had Christmas break to start and finish this project. I worked around the clock with my mother and grandmother, and learned each step in the process. It was finished, and I took it for Show and Tell. There were so many talented projects, paintings, composed and performed music, etc. My quilt was one of two.  Funny story, I didn't understand the  1/4in seam rule at that time, and just thought if I could make the seams smaller, then the quilt would be bigger! Grandma kept telling me do do the seams the "right" way, but I was determined. The whole quile ended up with seams that were roughly 1/8in.

6. I love to help people. I have recently started volunteering with a great oranization, and love the feeling to know that I am making a difference and helping to change lives.

7.  I am very unforgiving. I have a hard time letting go of grudges. Don't get on my bad side, lol!

8.  I love my husband (and the Mack-Noodle). Hopefully this is not a surprise to anyone, but he is "stylin' " too, so he deserved a place in the list.

Some other great reads....

 

1. The Hoovers -

2. My Amazing Cousin-In-Law

3. Suburban Stitcher

4. Little Scraps of Happiness

5. Fit 2 B

6. The C.W.

7. I love Baby Quilts

8. Bluegrass Belle