Thought I'd share another of my silly dreams.This morning-ish I dreamt that I was in a musical in Florida. The premise of the musical was about this group of people vacationing from San Francisco and the group was so impressed with the warmth and tropicalness of Florida. So, at first we were unpacking our clothes and then we all convened outside in a beautiful courtyard surrounded with lush green tropical plants and trees. Cue dancing and singing along the courtyard down a walkway towards a beautiful house. And the song was something like *glorious song voice* San-Fran-cisco! Dreary, foggy, overcast - COLD!!!! and here we are in *Flor-ida!!!! Warm, beautiful, sunny, tropical. In the dream it all made sense and flowed in a fabulous song and we were all dancing around in a show-tunsey kind of way.
I woke up super tired, but also really wanting to be in Florida in warmth and sunshine......grin :)
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Sunday, March 6, 2011
I don't have a pic for this post, but I wanted to share anyways. I have stippled the quilt! Oh man. Seriously I am such a wimp!!!! My hands are sore and my ankle and foot from holding the foot down at a certain speed allll day long yesterday! I did buy some of those gloves with the grippies on them, I think they helped a LOT, but my hands still felt crampy by the end of the day. I finished it up today, still need to think of what I want to do with the borders (pink part). I have to say that my machine realllly doesn't like to quilt. The tension acted up all day yesterday and then in one area the thread kept breaking off. I used the cotton thread and a good needle so I think it just was the fabric? At one point I almost gave up, partly the tension was driving me bananas, then I thought maybe I'd adjust the bobbin screw tension thing and lost the teeeny tiny bobbin screw. Never found it either, it's somewhere on my floor in the carpet! grrr. Luckily I had my old machine (super old yellow metal Brother machine) in the closet and I took it out thinking maybe I'd switch to that machine and just straight quilt. Then a light went on and I took the bobbin thing out and the screws matched! Yesss, back in business. After that it went okay. There are tons of snarls that I'm working on, but all in all not a total loss.
Friday, March 4, 2011
bordered
So here's what I have so far. I added the borders this morning. I was going to use green, but it didn't quite look right. I used this same pink with the table runner and I liked the way it looked so I thought it might look good with the quilt. I haven't picked what I'll use for the binding.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
new quilt and musings
This weekend has been surprisingly productive! I thought for sure I was just going to be a slug all weekend, especially since Friday I slept in till 10:30 without even trying. But, then I did get up and over the course of the last two days this is what I've done:
I know I mentioned previously that I was thinking of another quilt where I would randomly pick from a stack of vintage sheets. Well, let's face it, I'm pretty much only random when I'm talking! LOL! I sort of made it random but I can't handle if like row 1 has the same color in the same spot as row 2. So, in that regard I had to make sure they didn't match up. Otherwise though I just tried to make sure each row had a good mix of each color in it, but not in a certain order! Whew! That was rough for me.....seriously.
Here's the side view:
I'm thinking about bordering the whole thing in a solid? I'm working from my stash, though so we'll see what really ends up - like if I have enough of any certain color to make a whole border? I am going to back it with another vintage sheet, not sure what size I'll end up using that will determine which print I use. I have like 4 or 5 sheets that I've kept whole specifically for that purpose, as a backing.
Yesterday I made a roast in the crock pot, and while I was cutting up the veggies I was starting to get sad about June because she used to sit and wait for me to cut the ends off carrots and she'd eat them. But, Joey was sitting there watching me so I thought, hmmmm let's see if Joey likes carrots? And he does! Rocky had to get in on it too, but he didn't really like them he just toted them into the living room and came back for more to keep Joey from getting all of them! Goofy boys.
I took some shredded zucchini out of the freezer and I think I'll make some zucchini bread this afternoon while I work on sewing the rows of the quilt together. I hope I don't burn it!
This morning I went church, I hadn't been in probably a month. I was working on my bible study homework and realized that while, yes, I am learning about Paul and his life I am not really absorbing it and applying it to me. I realized I was doing my homework to get it done for bible study so I don't have to say I didn't do my homework to anyone, which is really not the right reason at all. I fought the idea of going to church, I thought I don't really need to go, it doesn't really matter. But, I felt that familiar nudge that I really did need to go. and durn, I'm glad I did! It was a good message and one that really hit me straight in the heart! We're in Mark 3:7-19 where Jesus picks apostles. And Pastor Russ said that God loves us just as we are, not if we were better or different or anything. It reminded me of in Bridget Jones' diary when Mark Darcy tell Bridget that he likes her, just as she is - and she is stunned, and so are her friends. That is exactly how I felt hearing that sentence from Russ, stunned. I always think (as I'm sure lots of ppl do) that things will be better when.....I'm thinner, I make more money, my skin clears up, it's summertime, when I buckle down and really study the bible, not just play around. the list could go on and on. But God loves me and wants me just as I am. It was exactly what I needed to hear. And then we had communion which I always love to do, it was awesome.
So anyways, thanks for listening to me ramble on like I tend to do.
I know I mentioned previously that I was thinking of another quilt where I would randomly pick from a stack of vintage sheets. Well, let's face it, I'm pretty much only random when I'm talking! LOL! I sort of made it random but I can't handle if like row 1 has the same color in the same spot as row 2. So, in that regard I had to make sure they didn't match up. Otherwise though I just tried to make sure each row had a good mix of each color in it, but not in a certain order! Whew! That was rough for me.....seriously.
Here's the side view:
I'm thinking about bordering the whole thing in a solid? I'm working from my stash, though so we'll see what really ends up - like if I have enough of any certain color to make a whole border? I am going to back it with another vintage sheet, not sure what size I'll end up using that will determine which print I use. I have like 4 or 5 sheets that I've kept whole specifically for that purpose, as a backing.
Yesterday I made a roast in the crock pot, and while I was cutting up the veggies I was starting to get sad about June because she used to sit and wait for me to cut the ends off carrots and she'd eat them. But, Joey was sitting there watching me so I thought, hmmmm let's see if Joey likes carrots? And he does! Rocky had to get in on it too, but he didn't really like them he just toted them into the living room and came back for more to keep Joey from getting all of them! Goofy boys.
I took some shredded zucchini out of the freezer and I think I'll make some zucchini bread this afternoon while I work on sewing the rows of the quilt together. I hope I don't burn it!
This morning I went church, I hadn't been in probably a month. I was working on my bible study homework and realized that while, yes, I am learning about Paul and his life I am not really absorbing it and applying it to me. I realized I was doing my homework to get it done for bible study so I don't have to say I didn't do my homework to anyone, which is really not the right reason at all. I fought the idea of going to church, I thought I don't really need to go, it doesn't really matter. But, I felt that familiar nudge that I really did need to go. and durn, I'm glad I did! It was a good message and one that really hit me straight in the heart! We're in Mark 3:7-19 where Jesus picks apostles. And Pastor Russ said that God loves us just as we are, not if we were better or different or anything. It reminded me of in Bridget Jones' diary when Mark Darcy tell Bridget that he likes her, just as she is - and she is stunned, and so are her friends. That is exactly how I felt hearing that sentence from Russ, stunned. I always think (as I'm sure lots of ppl do) that things will be better when.....I'm thinner, I make more money, my skin clears up, it's summertime, when I buckle down and really study the bible, not just play around. the list could go on and on. But God loves me and wants me just as I am. It was exactly what I needed to hear. And then we had communion which I always love to do, it was awesome.
So anyways, thanks for listening to me ramble on like I tend to do.
Friday, February 25, 2011
mermaid dreams
I had the most stressful dream this morning! I dreamt that I was on a show kinda like Project Runway where I was competing with a room full of other people to design a skirt. The thing is that all the skirts had to be a mermaid tail! We were going to be judged on creativity and also the drape of the skirt and how flattering it would look. The catch was that we had to wear the skirt ourselves. Everyone else was super thin and making their skirts really low at the waistline, and I am very much not thin so I was like maybe I'll stand out because mine won't be the same as the others? I had decided on a side zipper but then was fretting about it because I really have never made an invisible zipper before. The fun part was picking out the fabrics (of course!) which we got to go to a humongous room full of fabulous beautiful fabrics. I was picking glittery and all different shades of green and shimmery. The base fabric I picked a cotton and was going to layer circles of the fabulous fabric to make it look like scales. I was overhearing one lady next to me who had for some reason picked a graphic print for her base fabric and was asking someone else if the lines showed through and the person wasn't answering her so I butted in and said it did. The end (I guess I woke up after this part) was figuring out how I wanted the bottom to be because I had to walk in it and was worried about my shoes showing and that taking away from the whole mermaid effect. Also, I wanted it to be longer in the back with the fins.......
It is 2:46pm and I am still trying to think of how I would finish this skirt! A make believe, dream skirt! I guess there are worse things to be worrying about, right? lol. I was trying to think of where in the world I came up with this dream?!? I realized after I finished the book I was reading "Peter and the Starcatchers" which has mermaids in it that that must be where the mermaid thing came from. And I was sewing last night, a new quilt though so not sure where the skirt came from? Who knows!
Okay, so I was waiting to show this pic until the recipient received it! I participated in a Spring potholder swap on Swap-bot. This is what I sent out:
Back view:
I like the way it turned out, the gal that received said she likes it too, and that's what counts! I did hand stitch the binding on the back, and I know I am nit-picky but I don't really love the way it sort of looks twisty. Eh. And, I think on future potholders I might make them a smidge smaller.
It is 2:46pm and I am still trying to think of how I would finish this skirt! A make believe, dream skirt! I guess there are worse things to be worrying about, right? lol. I was trying to think of where in the world I came up with this dream?!? I realized after I finished the book I was reading "Peter and the Starcatchers" which has mermaids in it that that must be where the mermaid thing came from. And I was sewing last night, a new quilt though so not sure where the skirt came from? Who knows!
Okay, so I was waiting to show this pic until the recipient received it! I participated in a Spring potholder swap on Swap-bot. This is what I sent out:
Back view:
I like the way it turned out, the gal that received said she likes it too, and that's what counts! I did hand stitch the binding on the back, and I know I am nit-picky but I don't really love the way it sort of looks twisty. Eh. And, I think on future potholders I might make them a smidge smaller.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
heartbreak
I have hesitated writing this post, I'll admit. My sweet angel dog June passed away Sunday night a little before 8:30 pm. She was the best dog in the world, and made my life better for the past 10 years. I don't know if I've ever shared here how we came to have June. When hubs was in the Army he came across a group of dogs that had obviously been abandoned in the desert and had packed together. In this group was a mama dog with a few puppies. He took a couple of the puppies home with him. When I came home from work there were two potbellied puppies on the couch. Their little bellies were distended from eating real food and water instead of grass and whatever they could find in the desert. We named them June and Spike and they were such a handful! Originally we were going to keep both but they were such turds together that it was not a good idea. So, we found a home for Spike and kept June. She was a turkey for the first 6 months of her life, she ate every single navy shoe I had! But, she was really smart and observant and when she was around other dogs she picked up the good behavior they had and modeled after them. We would often tease her if she was bad that we were going to take her back to the desert if she didn't behave. Not that she could understand......
She was our girl and we loved her so very much. Our hearts are broken, and I still just can't believe she's gone. I knew it was going to happen, she had been sick for quite awhile and it had been getting progressively worse. I'd like to believe she is in heaven now with Samuel and a giant pile of meaty bones and squeaky toys.
She was our girl and we loved her so very much. Our hearts are broken, and I still just can't believe she's gone. I knew it was going to happen, she had been sick for quite awhile and it had been getting progressively worse. I'd like to believe she is in heaven now with Samuel and a giant pile of meaty bones and squeaky toys.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
silly bunnies
Alright then, here it is:
My first actual project with stippling/free motion quilting. It is so far from perfect!!!! Here's an up close so you can see the herky jerkyness:
I forgot to take a pic of the magazine that I got the pattern from so you could see the inspiration. I changed the faces on the bunnies to make it more "me". So, I know that I mentioned that my tension was off. I don't know if you can tell from the photos but the topstitching was very much looser than the bottom. I have to say though that I've learned a lot from this project!
1. Always start in the middle. I've done that with the other projects I've quilted and I don't know why I felt like this one should be any different, but I started on the edge and worked over - not a good idea! The bunnies are very poufy now and have excess fabric in spots so there are puckers.
2. Yes, good idea to always use cotton machine quilting thread. I had read that on numerous tutorials and I have to say I wholeheartedly agree.
3. When stitching gets wonky try a new needle.
4. Dish gloves do not suffice for grabbines. I don't know how else to describe that? On yet another tutorial it was mentioned that someone wears dish gloves (you know like the yellow rubber ones? only mine are pink) to keep a good grip on the quilt sandwich to maneuver around. Nuh-uh. nope. But, I did buy some gloves at Joann's, the Fons and Porter ones and those seemed to be a little better. Grippier.
5. Keep track of excess fabric! I wasn't paying attention and quilted an edge into the middle of the back side! Ugh. Good thing it was just a little bit to take the stitches out, not a ton. I have to say that the stitching is kind of mesmerizing once you get going so it's easy to stop paying attention - for me.
6. Don't go as fast as possible. Another tip from a tutorial that I did not particularly find helpful. My stitching got super duper close together when I tried that, and seemed like I was out of control.
7. Plan ahead how stitching should go.
8. Oh man keep some full bobbins close at hand!!! Dude, this little thing took 3.5 bobbins!
9. Don't get so nervous. The quilting part for me is the most nerve-wracking and my stomach is in knots and yes arm pits a little sweaty. Gross. I know. Try to remember that a hobby is supposed to be fun and enjoy all aspects.
and finally:
10. DON'T start dinner and then say "I'll just work on a little teensy bit" which will result in burnt dinner! I mean, really who can burn pasta? Me, that's who!
Okay, so I could go on with all the mistakes made and what to do differently next time! But, I will say that all in all it was a success! I think it turned out cute, and really some project has to be the first one with all the mistakes, right?
My first actual project with stippling/free motion quilting. It is so far from perfect!!!! Here's an up close so you can see the herky jerkyness:
I forgot to take a pic of the magazine that I got the pattern from so you could see the inspiration. I changed the faces on the bunnies to make it more "me". So, I know that I mentioned that my tension was off. I don't know if you can tell from the photos but the topstitching was very much looser than the bottom. I have to say though that I've learned a lot from this project!
1. Always start in the middle. I've done that with the other projects I've quilted and I don't know why I felt like this one should be any different, but I started on the edge and worked over - not a good idea! The bunnies are very poufy now and have excess fabric in spots so there are puckers.
2. Yes, good idea to always use cotton machine quilting thread. I had read that on numerous tutorials and I have to say I wholeheartedly agree.
3. When stitching gets wonky try a new needle.
4. Dish gloves do not suffice for grabbines. I don't know how else to describe that? On yet another tutorial it was mentioned that someone wears dish gloves (you know like the yellow rubber ones? only mine are pink) to keep a good grip on the quilt sandwich to maneuver around. Nuh-uh. nope. But, I did buy some gloves at Joann's, the Fons and Porter ones and those seemed to be a little better. Grippier.
5. Keep track of excess fabric! I wasn't paying attention and quilted an edge into the middle of the back side! Ugh. Good thing it was just a little bit to take the stitches out, not a ton. I have to say that the stitching is kind of mesmerizing once you get going so it's easy to stop paying attention - for me.
6. Don't go as fast as possible. Another tip from a tutorial that I did not particularly find helpful. My stitching got super duper close together when I tried that, and seemed like I was out of control.
7. Plan ahead how stitching should go.
8. Oh man keep some full bobbins close at hand!!! Dude, this little thing took 3.5 bobbins!
9. Don't get so nervous. The quilting part for me is the most nerve-wracking and my stomach is in knots and yes arm pits a little sweaty. Gross. I know. Try to remember that a hobby is supposed to be fun and enjoy all aspects.
and finally:
10. DON'T start dinner and then say "I'll just work on a little teensy bit" which will result in burnt dinner! I mean, really who can burn pasta? Me, that's who!
Okay, so I could go on with all the mistakes made and what to do differently next time! But, I will say that all in all it was a success! I think it turned out cute, and really some project has to be the first one with all the mistakes, right?
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