Flat Tires & Courage Found

   Yesterday, I went help my daughter with a science lesson. which was quite a bit of fun for me and nerve racking for her! On the way home, I got a flat tire. That is no problem since changing a flat was one thing my father insisted I know at an early age. I pulled over, got the spare, jack, tire iron, and instructions out. BUT someone had removed the jack handle which was a necessary piece of equipment and replaced it with a ratchet and a very big screw driver. Neither of which I understood. So I called DH for advice. Since we have only 1 vehicle at this time (he 'fixed' my truck and it won't run now), he got the grandchildren and the runaway Lorenzo in the camper and came. Christopher, DGS, followed his directions and changed the tire with those replacement items. He did it very quickly and very nicely. Then we drove the car home and went to bowling in the camper. Life is such an adventure!  
   Since Sunday, I have been trying to get time to put on my BIG GIRL PANTIES (an inside joke between my girls and I) and start quilting Saint Stars 2. It was the same with Saint Stars 1...the starting was the hardest part.  Something my dear husband said to a friend of ours yesterday hit home..."our generation has a limited number of days to be on this earth and that we had better make good use of each and every day." Recently there have been quite a few deaths in our circle of friends and family which got him to thinking about how we put things off for later. 
  Well, this morning, I was successful with the putting on of the panties and started quilting that quilt. It's not so bad really!
Lator Gators, I am off to quilt some more. Keep making Lemonade from Life's Lemons.

Design Wall February 6, 2012

  Last night, DH and I went to the Tailgate party at the casino where we each won $250 (retreat funds) and ate a great supper of chicken and red beans & rice. We had a great time watching people, commercials, and at times the game.    

    I am trying out eyes for Orange Tom Cat. He was January's UFO #5 but instead I did UFO #12 Twisted Sister. I think this is the face I am going with. He stayed a UFO for so long b/c of this face, the bottom mouse/hole, and ball on top.

   Yesterday, I started working on the Shop Hop Blocks from the August 2011 Hop. The first block was a big disappointment b/c of a lack of fabric. The shop did not put their name on the block so I have no idea where to complain. (Although I have narrowed it to 3 shops all hours away from my home.)  I worked on a second block and it came out beautifully. 
   This afternoon at 1pm, I am going help DD#2 with a science lesson for her 4th graders. Hands-on Science is a big step for her since she still wants her little ducks swimming in straight uniform lines in assigned ponds. 4th grade ducks fly everywhere and sometimes refuse to swim!      

Nosy Lorenzo

   Can you see where all this is going? Yep, anything to not put on my BIG GIRL PANTIES and start quilting Saint Stars 2! Even Lorenzo knows and is trying to help me avoid quilting.  He stands on the wrist rest when Glenda's blog is on the screen especially when it features DiNozzo, his idol, and trys to type in dog code hoping one day they will get into trouble together. Silly puppy, spoiled puppy!   Lator Gators! Keep making Lemonade from Life's Lemons!

Stash Report Sunday February 5, 2012

Fabric Added this week:  0 yards
Fabric Added in February: 0 yards
Fabric Added this Year: 1 yards
Fabric Used this week: 0.125 yards
Fabric Used in February: 0.125 yards
Fabric Used this Year: 13.75 yards
Stash Enhanced/Reduced: 12.75 yards

My favorite sewing machine is back from the doctor. I set him up and made a Box Square, a 1930s block that I did in hand-dyes. To me, it looks like folded ribbons.  I think I will do this block as leaders and enders in scraps. Did you know that it cost almost the same to send a stuffed envelop to Ireland as it does a small box? So I will be sending lagniappe ( Cajun for a bit extra) as padding.

    The center of Saint Stars 2 has been pin basted and spray basted ready for quilting on the big BabyLock. I think I will begin tackling that Sunday during football game. Since the Saints aren't playing, all I really want to see are the commericals! All I need now is someone to hold my hand giving me courage to start. Any takers?  I can do this all I have to do is start, Right? I can, I can, I can! Taking deep breathe while putting on BIG GIRL PANTIES! 
    DD#1 and I are planning a Mardi Gras retreat at her house to break in her new Bailey 17" and Studio which is already too small! It will be a great place to hide from all the silliness that goes on at Mardi Gras around Lewisburg. It will give me a chance to sew and use the Go to cut fabric for the two graduation quilts I have to do by May; get ready for Sue Nickels' class, and make kits for March trip and April retreat. 5 wonderful days!

   Each morning this week, I have been pulling fabric from the bins in the closet and putting them on acid-free boards. Then I add them to my shelves. Only 5 more bins to go and I will be finished and have organized shelves. Already I have realize that I don't need to buy any more browns, oranges, or tans and from the bins in the closet, red & white or red & black and panels. LOL
  Lator, Gators! Keep making Lemonade from Life's Lemons!

8 done

Twisted Spools

Completed task 1 - 8 twisted spools blocks for KS Lotto in February. They were very easy to do but look hard. Just my kind of block. LOL  I hope to win this one b/c I know the perfect person to gift it to.
  Judy L. picked UFO#1 and the one UFO that I must complete in a timely manner is UFO#1-Saint Stars 2. So I think Fate is speaking to me. Tomorrow I start the quilting!
  Called the sewing machine doctor today to check up on my oldie but goodie Ellgante. The man couldn't find it anywhere. I am to call back tomorrow after 9am to talk to the repair tech. I need that machine back before the Sue Nickels class. 
  Just heard that my grandson is out in the field. Please send prayers up for him to return sound and safe. 
  Lator Gators! Keep making Lemonade out of Life's Lemons.

Design Wall 1-30-12

Twisted Spools and Box Quilt instructions

purse pieces ready to put together

looks more like a dog than cat

   This week I have three projects to get done. The first is 8 "Twisted Spool" blocks for the KS lotto. Seems lately I have been done alot of 'twisted' projects. LOL The second is a more sedate purse than my orange Maxine version. The third is the "Box Quilt" block for my swap partner, Agnes in Ireland. Then if time permits start quilting Saint Stars 2 and/or applique Orange Tom Cat's eyes, nose, mouth, and friend.
   Well, off to bring DH to heart doctor. Hopefully he will be able to exercise and bowl b/c he is feening to do both.
    Lator, Gators! Keep making Lemonade out of Life's Lemons.

Stash Report Sunday January 29, 2012

Fabric Added this week:  0 yards
Fabric Added in January: 0 yards
Fabric Added this Year: 0 yards
Fabric Used this week: 6.625 yards
Fabric Used in January: 13.625 yards
Fabric Used this Year: 13.625 yards
Stash Enhanced/Reduced: 13.625 yards
     This week DH came home with 2 air bead pillows which are bigger than travel pillows but smaller than normal pillows so I made 2 pillowcases. I finished binding a quilt for my little sister to use for cuddling grandchildren or just for sitting quietly. It was 'Twisted Sisters' by Ami Simms. Easy to make and pretty as heck! I also finished swap blocks for the January 'Block Swap' and January & February 'Bee Swap". It was a good week.
    Now I am working on UFO #5 Orange Tom Cat. He needs eyes, nose, and a mouth not to mention a friend in the corner and a ball of yarn, all the A word which is why he is an UFO! LOL 
    The good news is that I got a new printer so I can print eyes on fabric and use them with accents via Sharpies, not to mention the labels I need.All quilts should be labeled for lots of reasons. 
Well, off to do what I do - working on Swap block for February and Lotto blocks. Avoiding quilting Soccer Beauty and Saint Stars 2.
Lator Gators! Keep making Lemonade out of Life's Lemons!

UFO #5 - Cat Face

Time to tackle UFO #5. My Orange Tom Cat needs a face. Size and Placement questions have kept me from going forward with this project but it is time!