One Down

All done with my 2008 Wacky Challenge. Some posts ago, I showed off one block. Today it's complete. Roughly 86" X 86."

Happy Halloween

From the WackyPack gals. Have a safe and happy Halloween!

Deer Opening Sew-In #2

Well, I've been working toward putting together my "wacky challenge 2008" quilt. The rows have been sewn and tomorrow I'll sew those together and add my first border.

Deer Opening Sew-In #1

This is a view of our room and it has a great big bathroom. There are 6 of us with 3 to each room. We have adjoining rooms so you can imagine what will take place once we get comfortable. This place is fantastic.

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This is the building that we are sewing in. There are plenty of plugs, lots of room to sew and a great view. Pictures to follow so stay tuned.

Retreat!

Only 8 hours until the Autumn Wacky Retreat otherwise known as Opening Deer Season Sew-In. This year we decided to unburden Molly and find another location. Molly didn't mind us sewing at her house at all but we all decided to do something alittle different this year. Kath found a great place over near Elkhart, Texas. The place is off the beaten path, scenic and our families will be hard pressed to locate us for a few days.......hehehehehehehehe......did I say that? Anyway, it has Internet capability so you know I'll be giving all my blogger friends a blow-by-blow of our antics. Be chatting with you soon.

I Dedicate

The other day we lost a sweet and wonderful soul. By her smile anyone could tell that she was open, loving and kind with just a little touch of mischief. I was fortunate to teach Candace when she was in the fourth grade. She was a joy to be around, the type of child that made life in the classroom exciting. I also taught Art (drawing) and Candace caught on right away. Throughout her years in high school she kept up her drawing activities. When I heard that Candace had passed away, words failed the depth of sorrow I felt. But as the news sank in, I began to think of all the lives she touched in her years here on this earth, how kind and sweet she was to all she came in contact with. When so many young people are in the hurry up and grow up and are so self absorbed, she always sought out, giving of herself to help others. So I wanted to dedicate this post to you, Candace. Your beautiful spirit is now free!

A Promise Kept Part 4

Yippee Skippy! Thank all of you for your support and words of encouragement. Because you guys pushed me and cheered me on I have finished the quilt. I must say, this was one of the most difficult quilts I've every made.....hehehehehehehe.....no, really. I decided not to place a border around it, don't know why really but I like it just the way it is. Anyway, it's done and now onto the quilter's and then I'll present it to Angie & Armando soon. (42" X 42)

A Promise To Keep Part 3

Today I was up bright & early this morning, had a cup of coffee (Not my usual habit), ate a big breakfast and invited my mom to join me & then it was time to get busy! This picture is the results. The display board really helps to see what's going on. I've got several more things to work out but I'm happy with what I've accomplished so far.

A Promise To Keep Part2

Alrighty then! I've made to bunnies for the baby quilt. I forgot to mention that the quilt is going to be 40" X 40".....so surely it won't take me long to complete it. Surely!

Many Thanks & A Promise To Keep

Thanks to all my blogger friends who have directed me toward finding "the book." I have that wonderful item in my hands very soon! Now to a promise to keep. Back in the summer I found out that Angie, my daughter-in-law, is having a baby....a girl baby, in November. And of course, she wanted me to make a quilt for the baby. At the time, she couldn't decide on colors but in late August, she had decided. The problem is...............ME. You know how we fellow quilters procrastinate. At least this one does. I've got the fabric, the design is in my head......so what's the problem.....getting started, of course. So I'm posting today and naming my goal to all my wonderful friends out there in bloggerland. This way, if I don't finish, everyone will know! The goal: Start quilt today and finish by next Friday, October 31st. You've heard it from the me.

I'm Looking For.........

Help! I'm looking for the book "Replique` Quilts: Applique Designs from Favorite Photos" by Chris Lynn Kirsch. I really want this book which was published along time ago. Of course I didn't buy it back then. Anyone wanting to part with it, I'll trade 10 to 12 fat quarters for the book.

Mail Call & A Turtle Story

Give-a-Way - T is giving away a great pillow. Go and check it out.

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Here are two wonderful postcards from my good friends Holly and Carol. Pop over to their blogs and see what they are up to. My postcard friends are really wonderful.

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I bounded out to the mailbox and lookie what I got! A great package from my friend Maree. She was really good to me with this bundle. I had told her that Angie was having a baby in November(the first girl, BTW) and Maree sent me pink & green fabrics to add to my stash to make a quilt for the baby. Also included are a lovely card, a pattern to make a jumper for the baby, a kitted cap in the baby's colors(Maree did you do that yourself? If so....WOW! and thanks), a tin of cute flower buttons, a thoughtful book and socks. I am so blessed to have such a great friend.........I guess I'd better get busy making that quilt.

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And now for the rest of the story......Today started with a 56 degree morning....loved it......I lounged around in the bed, watched the birds fight at the birdfeeder outside my bedroom window, chatted with Kath for a few minutes, answered some e-mial, had cereal....you know a peaceful morning. I finally dragged out of bed, slumped into my studio, stitched on a binding, pinned it for later to sew down and wondered into my yard. It's about 69 degrees now and I'm walking about the yard picking up fallen limbs when I spot a lump under the Crepe Myrtle......hummmmmm, I thinking what in the world could that be.....not a snake to lumpy, not a squirrel to smooth, not a rabbit they're over by the last of my garden munching leaves. What could it be.....slowly, cautiously I moved towards the creature. The closer I came the more worried I became.....It was a turtle...far, far away from a pond or tank as we refer to it around these parts. Why had the little creature !~#$%^&*~)~+....... chosen my yard to park himself in? Didn't he read the sign that says "This Ain't It" clearly posted on a fence post in my yard? What am I going to do? I can't shoo him away like you would a bird or a squirrel or a deer. He won't budge. In fact, as I walked near, he pulled himself inward and just sat there. Now I'm alittle rattled...think, think, think......ah! A solution....shovel and hoe......Now I sense some of you pulling away from me at this point.....but don't worry....I'm not a murderer of animals ...... or.....people........I scooped up the little critter onto the shovel, placed the hoe over him so he wouldn't fall off and walked down to my neighbor's tank and left the little fellow there with logs of frogs, cows, dragonflies and other turtles. I did, however, warn him about the dangers of traveling without a mail.

Press N' Seal???

Follow this link to read about using Press N Seal as a stabelizer......it's really cool. Who would have thought it! I've heard that the link is not linking.....sorry! Try this link: PNS And if that doesn't work.....try this one" Stabelizer Scan to October 16th. and that should do it.

Apron Swap - Shhhhhhhhh!

Shhhhhhhhhhhhh! This is the apron that I make for the swap. I had so much fun designing it and I used my Janome 11000 to make the initial on each pocket. The red art deco fabric I bought at A Nimble Thimble in Tyler and at the time had no purpose for it other than I liked it. This was my first swap involving something other than quilts.....I really enjoyed it. I think SA will as well but I don't think it's arrived at her place yet so we have to be very secretive for now.

Final - Rabbits

Many thanks to all my blogger friends who gave me great advice. I settled on two borders with carrots in opposite corners. It measures roughly 56' X 67" and took me about 14 hours total to complete. I think Phil will love it............Now, onto KL for the quilting. Thanks everyone.

Screaming Rabbits

I could hardly sit still last night because the rabbits were screaming at me to add more blocks. They liked the carrots but the quilt needed more......something. I'm a big fan of the "Log Cabin" block and have experimented with various designs. One of the rabbits whispered that I should incorporate the cabin blocks into the quilt. Good idea, I thought. I elongated the center red fabric and was very happy with the way the cabin turned out.....BUT....after several rounds I discovered that the block wasn't going to fit....#$%^~+&^%!.......After moments of frustration, another rabbit whispered that I should add something to the bottom of each cabin. Good idea, I thought.....what to do, maybe strips of fabric......"Not good," said another rabbit...."How about checkerboards," said the last rabbit......"Great!"

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In this picture, I have stitched around the rabbits and carrots blocks and placed it on the design board. I think I like it. What about you? Of course, I'll need to add borders, probably a tiny solid followed by some print. Don't say it......I'm not listening....No, I'm not going to do more checkerboards around the outside! LOL

Postcard & Carrots

Oooooh lookie here now! Debb, one of my postcard buddies has sent me this great Halloween postcard. You did good Debb. Thank you so much. Just between you and me, I miss the fun of Halloween with the school kids....but don't let that get around........LOL.....Anyway, I love looking at all of the postcards that I've received so far. If anyone wants to try this, start up a group and join in the fun.

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Okay, let me explain. The rabbits needed something......how about......CARROTS! I just love Steam-a-Seam. I am personally keep that product going.....LOL......Now is project is just in stage #1, meaning I haven't stitched any of it into place......I'll leave that from tomorrow.....I've got an idea for the filler blocks..........would anyone what to hazard a guess? It's going to be something really neat......cause my brain is working overtime, I'm blowing a fuse, the wheels are spinning at an amazing speed. ..............And pop over to The Quilt Journey for a great give-away. There's some fabric and books to be had.

Rabitts' Tale...Tail...Tell

My good friend Phil who is, BTW, great with computers, has been asking me to make he & his wife a quilt.....Rabbit quilt to be exact........If you know me, you know that put things off for as long as possible. Phil knows this, so he gave me a pattern on how to make rabbit dolls....well, I have to tell you, I'd rather have a root canal than make a doll.....Now all you doll makers out there, please don't get upset.....I've made dolls before & it was fun but I'm past that now.....LOL.....So after months of disturbing thoughts, gnashing of teeth, etc......I decided on a quilt.......LOL.....so to keep me motivated, I'm going to need plenty of positive comments from all my blogging friends......I plan on posting every day or so to keep everyone up to date on my progress.......The design I'm using was given to me years ago and his good using Thimbleberry, Civil War, Aunt Gracies, or whatever. Each rabbit is 13" X 20 1/2".....don't ask how I came up with that measurement cause IDK! I've got to make this thing bigger......oohhhh, I just had a thought on a different block...... Stay tuned.

Apron Swap & Postcards

Lookie what I got in the mail today. It's from Courtney, my secret Apron sister. Wow, there are all kinds of goodies: 4 cozies, a cute zippered pouch, note cards and Tetley Orange Peach Tea,Ginger Peach Tea & Cranberry BLood Orange Tea.(Can't wait to try those out) And the beautiful green apples apron with a coffee cup on the pocket. Thank you Courtney. I love my gifts.

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A few of my postcard buddies are going to receive these little cards very soon. Just in time for Halloween.......check your mail in a few days.

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BTW, Dani is having a give-away....check it out. She's a new blogger and is jumping in with both feet.

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Give-a-way.... over that Pigtails & Snails....check it out....but I'm going to win......LOL

Apron Swap

Picture a box all taped, addressed and ready to go. Well I'm sending it out first thing tomorrow to Sue in Florida. Valerie really put on a great "apron swap." Sorry, I can't share any pics until Sue gets her package in a few days. Hey, I've made 2 great new friends.

The View From

Well yesterday the window & glass guys came.......right in the middle of a church get-to-gather. But that's okay....right......did you know that flies, mosquitoes, beetles and all manner of flying creatures come inside when you don't want them to. Mark my words.....it happened to me........The door is not in, thank goodness. Next year, I don't think I'll wash my windows. This is a pic of the early morning fog. Love it!

Label#7 & UFO .....No

#7 Label is finished and added to my collection. I feel like I'm really accomplishing something....sticking to my goal, for once. Look up in the sky, it's a bird, it's a plane, no it's.........the half moon. I just love watching the phases of the moon. It's amazing how only half of it is showing up. I know the whys but it's still neat to see.

Show & Tell

Last night was "Wacky Ladies Night Out"......let me say right off the bat.....Yippee Skippy! I was so ready for a stiff drink......LOL Each time we meet someone always has something to share and I wanted to share the goodies with you. The first is Kath's Round Robin. Our friend Monica did all the finishing touches. She is so talented.

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Next, Kathy showed us her embroidery work from her Janome. Looking good, KE!

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Finally, we have 2 quilts from our wacky member Kathy L. who doesn't have a blog.....booowhooooo!..........I absolutely love her pumpkin quilt.

So Then.........

Well, it's Monday.....time to report on the progress of the completely cracked sliding door. I know that several bloggers were following my woos......lol.....so I won't prolong the story. The fix-it guy came with.....wait for it.......the.........WRONG....sized door.........Now you might be wondering how I reacted.......Not to worry.....I'm going through a transition.....so I thought happy thoughts, very, very happy thoughts........It's okay..........we'll just order another door thingy.........I'm okay.......really........See me smiling!!

Walk Away-All Day Soup

Confused by the title of this post??????? I'll explain. You are really going to love this recipe. Note the very large cooking pot, this is an essential part of the brew. Pour 10 cups of hot water into the pot turning on burner to blast.....LOL....no really, I'm serious. Chop up your leftover roast or brown 2 lbs. of ground meat or pre-cooked sliced brisket. You could use chicken instead. This recipe is easily substituted. Next add 2 tablespoons of salt or whatever you use. To that add 2 cans black-eyed peas-drained, 2 cans sweet corn-drained, 2 cans green beans-drained, 2 cans sliced carrots-drained. Cube 3 large potatoes, 2 diced onions and 1 clove of garlic. (If you prefer to leave off the garlic...that's fine). Note: Instead of all those cans of veggies, you could use the frozen Veggie-All package found in the Frozen Food section of the grocery store. Finally, add 3 cans Stewed Tomatoes and 3 can Tomato Sauce. Lower heat and cover pot to simmer. Set timer for 5 hours.....I know, I know it sounds strange but the longer it cooks then better it tastes. You are actually marrying the flavors as you cook them. Wow! Didn't that sound intelligent! After a couple of hours, add a diced jalapeno for an extra zing. And now would be a good time to taste for adding more salt or whatever. Some perfer more, some less. Serve with hot cornbread or your favorite crackers. This recipe is great for a large gathering.....like football night, ladies sew-ins, etc. Freeze the rest in container that are easily heated in microwave. I love to give the frozen containers as gifts at Christmas or New Year's and even as a birthday present. Elderly folks love it. My granddad couldn't wait for me to make up a giant pot. "It'll last me through the winter," he used to say. I miss that old man. Anyway, enjoy!

But That's Okay, Really

The morning started as many mornings, bright, cheerful, peaceful. Too perfect! I had decided to wash all the windows from the outside. I'd prepared well in advance; mop with the squeeze thingy on the handle, rolling bucket, a stiff brush, old rags, Clorox, ammonia and Clean Shower to spritz on afterwards. I took off all the screens, hosed them off, stacked them to air dry. Now comes the situation...........as I started cleaning the sliding glass doors......I heard a strange, frightening sound......like a ping, crackling noise! The inner double paned glass just began to CRACKLE into a million pieces. I stood there in awe, marveling at the way the pane stayed in place but was broken.....this lasted for a couple of seconds, then I realized that eventually it was going to crumble onto my carpet and no amount of vacuuming or sweeping would ever remove those tiny pieces. I needed a plan......hummmm..........I needed some Elmer's glue, a sponge brush and alot of paper......which, thank goodness I had............Recipe for shattered glass: bowl of warm water; add Elmer's glue (all of it); mix well; sponge onto glass pane gently; roll out newspaper or freezer paper or tissue paper.......just roll enough out to cover the wetted surface; let dry. Now when the worker come to remove the thiny, it won't mess up the floor. Back to cleaning the windows. Finally at the end of the day, as I rinsed out the mop and rags, put away the cleaning products and was about to pour out the water in the rolling bucket......my cell phone somehow landed in the water.........!@#$%^&*(~+_)(*&^%$.....But that's Okay! Really.

New Thingy Plus Labels 5&6

My "wacky" friend Jerri suggested that I buy one of these recipe holder thingys because it really comes in handy when one needs to see the design. I have a tendency of laying my book or pattern down somewhere safe and then not being able to find it for several hours........lol......So here's my neat little stand.......very useful! Here are #s 5 & 6 labels. Note the angel's head & hair......all in the space of 1/2 inch. You can't be that accurate without paper-piecing it. I am really enjoying this paper-piecing book. So far 2 thumbs up.