I Must Be Sick

I pre-ordered an iPad ages ago as I was totally convinced I HAD to have one. Then, on Wednesday night, I cancelled my order. Cleaning out my Mother’s house has affected me more than I realized but I started thinking that all this wonderful device would do was help me spend even more time on a computer. I have a desktop, I have a laptop – why do I need another one? I must admit my decision was also influenced by the fact that I couldn’t load EQ into it, nor could I run my embroidery software from it. Oh, well, I may change my mind, but for today I’m happy with my decision.

This is what I accomplished this week.

It’s McKenna Ryan’s Berry Christmoose. This has been sitting in a drawer for at least 4 years - I'm sure it's glad to see the light of day. I haven’t quilted it yet and I intend to add some bling with crystals on the tree lights and star.

I also got my simple bright quilt quilted – here’s a preview but I’m working on the binding now so I’ll post a picture of the whole quilt when it’s finished.

We’ve had record breaking temperatures this week and our air conditioner decided to die on us last weekend. We had a new one installed yesterday so last night was the first night it’s been bearable in this house all week.

I didn’t sleep much though – I’m excited about picking up my new car today!!!!

My Trail is Over

Here it is, the completed Trail Mix.

I put a flange on by the binding. I’d done one on the inner border before, but never one by the binding. I like the look it gives the finished border and since you apply it after the top is quilted, it doesn't get in the way of the quilting, like one on the inner border does.

I used the panto Vibrance to quilt this but I had trouble getting a good shot showing the quilting.

I attended a baby shower last Sunday and I knitted this blanket for the baby.

The baby’s Grandma is a quilter, so I knew she would be making a quilt for the baby, so I thought something knitted would be welcome too – in case you’re wondering about my colour choice – they know it’s a girl!

I haven’t decided what to start working on next. Heaven knows I have enough things to pick and choose from. I’m also sitting on my hands trying not to order this:

I swear when it’s slow at work it costs me money! It’s been VERY slow lately, so I’ve had nothing but time to surf Ebay, Etsy, all the Quilting Forums and blogs. Someone on the APQS forum just posted this. It’s called Lovebird Lane and it’s a Block of the Month. I need another Block of the Month like I need more fabric, but I’m very tempted to order it.

I almost forgot to tell you my BIG news! I won the most improved bowler at our bowling banquet last Saturday. My average improved by 22.6 pins over last year and I won $125. Every member of our team won $157 each for our placement in the league (and we were in the middle – I’d like to know what the top place teams won). That would more than pay for this little quilt – right?

I’m Getting There

This is the first day in a long, long time that I haven’t felt the need to go and work on clearing out my Mum’s house.  It’s all done!  The For Sale sign went up on Wednesday night and there will be an Open House on Sunday.  I hope I don’t have to resort to burying little statues in the front lawn in order to get it sold, but if I do, hopefully Rian can remind me which one I have to buy :-)

I’ve been working on my Trail Mix this morning in between loads of laundry and I have the top together.  This is a very bad picture as it’s all wrinkled but I didn’t feel like moving stuff out of the way to properly lay it down – there is only so far I’ll go for my blog readers!

I still have 3 borders to go on and I think I have them picked out.  I know scrap quilts don’t appeal to everyone (Joan!) but I’m happy with how this turned out.  I think the secret is to look at the overall effect, rather than concentrate on the individual fabrics.

When this is done, I’m hoping to spend some time with Tillie.  There are a number of tops that have been patiently waiting to be quilted so I hope I can get to them soon.

Monday Musings

How did it get to be May?  Why is it over 80 degrees in my sewing room?  Well, I just solved the heat issue and turned on the A/C. 

I’ve finished all the blocks for my Trail Mix and started putting them on my design wall.

The jury is still out.  One thing I can tell you is there is one hell of a lot of piecing in this baby!

I found this when I was cleaning out my Mum’s house.  It’s a Singer 328 but I haven’t tried it yet.  I’m sure it hasn’t been serviced for over 20 years.

I could never understand people that had more than one sewing machine but I may have to eat my words as there are now 4 in my sewing room – no wonder I don’t have any room in there!

Every spring when we open our pool we have some visitors.  I’m not sure if they are the same ones every year, but they always show up and have a little swim, then take off.

Leo took this picture – I guess he doesn’t know how to use the zoom on my camera!  Anyway, hope you can see the ducks.

Turns out my memory isn’t as bad as I thought.  Dorothy IS from Waterford and is familiar with the old Train Station.  She also asked me why they call the quilt I’m working on Trail Mix.  I have no idea, other than it is a mix of fabrics with a trail running through it???  That’s my answer and I’m sticking to it.