Happy Thanksgiving

 I spent the beginning of the week making masks for the household of my oldest daughter and also one of her older half sisters.  Last night, I cut out a mask for myself and will probably finish it up today.

Truthfully, I'm not sure how today is going to go for me... this will be my first solo Thanksgiving EVER and the first one in over thirty years without my dear husband.  I think our kids in Texas want to video chat sometime this afternoon and the daughter in Wyoming might do the same - plus a nephew said that he was going to call me today to let me know his weekend plans.  I was invited to a granddaughter's home for dinner today, but declined because I'm just not ready - and the governor said no more than two households are to gather and I would be the third or fourth -- umm, no thanks.  They'll probably be ok since they ( her parents and maybe in-laws or close friends) are together quite often, but since I haven't seen them since my husband's funeral five and a half months ago, it's not a good idea.

My youngest half-sister passed away this past weekend - only 54. Her oldest son is the one who said he'd call today to let me know if he decided to come home to Michigan over the holiday weekend.  He's been handling things concerning funeral, etc. from his home in Washington, D.C. but would really like to 'touch base' with his three younger brothers in person.  With the Covid numbers being on the increase here in Michigan, he's been a little hesitant about coming now, but I think he feels he should - he just won't take the risk of flying and hopes he can find a car to rent.

The weather here is YUCKY... no white stuff, thank goodness, but plenty of rain.  I have wreaths and a cross to place at the cemetery and would really rather wait another day or so before I go - guess I'd better check the weather forecast.

Anyway... no quilting in my near future, although I have a top and backing hanging out on Moe's frame for when the urge hits... just a simple, small quilt, probably baby quilt size that I pulled from my rack of WTBQs (waiting to be quilted).

I bought two turkey 'tv dinners' and a package containing two slices of frozen cheesecake the other day.... one of each for today's dinner and the other for another night.  I have frozen veggies and fresh potatoes to add to the turkey and dressing dinner, if I want.  

I hope you all have a Blessed day with lots of turkey and pie and family/friends.  Enjoy what you have while you have it.

Take Care...

Stay Safe....

ttyl..........

Just to let you know I'm still alive

 I can't remember the last quilting I did... oh yeah, I finished grandson's Buffalo Check quilt.  Life just hasn't been very conducive to quilting for me right now.  Maybe after the new year I can get back to it.

The past two Wednesdays I had medical procedures done ( and I obviously survived).  The first one was a colonoscopy (no cancer!) and this past week, it was surgery on the nerve that goes from my left elbow 'funny bone' down to the ring and pinky fingers.  There was lots of scar tissue ( dr. said it happens to some people) that had attached itself to the nerve and it was causing my pinky finger to feel  'numb'.

And, of course, before medical procedures, you need to be tested for COVID-19 - I passed (obviously).

Along with this 'stuff', I was trying to finish Christmas shopping and had planned to get gifts wrapped before the 'funny bone' surgery because I didn't know if I'd be able to do it afterwards.  And, I was also stressing out over the placement of my husband's and my headstone.  I don't know what happened - or why it happened, but, for some reason, when they poured the foundation, they only did it on my late husband's plot.  As soon as I saw what had happened, I started making calls and politely 'raising hell'.... it still took at least three weeks for them to correct the error.  I haven't been out to check on it myself, but my brother was there and took a couple of pics for me to let me know it was finally corrected.  I will try and go sometime this week - I'm waiting for the wreath that I ordered for my grandparents and the 'floral' cross that is for my husband's plot to be ready for pick up later today.  Tomorrow, I have to take our cat to the vet to have his infected ear treated - and sometime this week, I hope that someone is coming to install the ice maker in my new refrigerator -- oh yeah, that was happening in between the medical procedures.

The bandage wrapping is off my arm now and I started working on masks again yesterday - Christmas themed ones for my former step-daughter in the Detroit area and my daughter in Texas (and their families).

And if that wasn't enough for my 'plate', I have a neighbor stopping by this morning to talk about replacing the flooring in our small bathroom - good bye nasty carpet and hello vinyl plank.  I'm hoping I can afford for him to extend the plank out into the area outside the bathroom and the doorways to two of the bedrooms.

So, I think you can see why quilting has not been on my radar lately.  I'm sure there are several of you who have been waylaid by one thing or another ( or several) thing(s).  This year has really been a hard one for so many.

On the good side, our weather has been weird, but in a good way as far as I'm concerned.  It's November and we've had a few days with temps in the 60's and no snow to speak of.  The high winds blew out the pilot light on our hot water heater a couple of weeks ago and I had to call for a serviceman to come relight it for me -- BUT when the high winds started again just before my 'procedures', I still had hot water to shower with.  AND the fridge didn't completely die before I could replace it. And a package that the carrier said was delivered to me on Tuesday was brought over to me on Friday by one of my next door neighbors - pumpkin pecan waffle scented candles from Bath and Body Works... house is starting to smell sooooo nice :).

Well, I guess I'd better get dressed and walk Buddy before the neighbor gets here.  Just wanted to let y'all know that I'm still  alive -not kicking so much but I'm working on it lol.

take care....

Stay safe...

ttyl....

Hello Remember me??

It's been more than a month since I last posted, but it's been a busy time.  I was making masks for several family members and going to dr or doing "Something".  

 It was over a month that the quilt sat there waiting to be finished.   I had been working on it, but when I couldn't go more than a few inches without the top thread fraying, I gave up for about a week.  I had changed needles, so I was pretty sure that wasn't the cause but couldn't figure out what was.  Then, it dawned on me that I hadn't oiled the bobbin area lately.  So, I applied oil and no more frayed thread.

  November 1st, I finally finished the quilting - Buffalo Plaid Wolves by Lorna McMahon ( question to myself - did I spell her last name right??). 

I had decided right from the beginning that I would try making a wide binding.. wish I could remember where I first got the idea, but I've searched and searched with no luck.  I knew that I needed to cut the strips at 4.5" and that I needed to trim the batting and backing to 2" beyond the quilt, but that was all I remembered.  

When I started stitching it down to the quilt top, it went fine until I turned the first corner.  I went about a foot beyond the corner ( down the next side) and then stopped to check the miter on the corner.... wait!!  something's wrong... that doesn't work!!  What did I do wrong!?!?!?

Back online to do some more searching... finally found something on allpeoplequilt.com...a download that shows just how to do a wide binding.  Their example wasn't as wide as mine, but it still worked.  I was turning the corner right and the corner of the quilt top, like you normally do when binding ( stop, flip the binding strip back on itself and then align the binding with the edge of the quilt top)... NOPE!  you have to flip the binding strip back on itself so that the fold is on the edge of the batting and backing.

 So, here's the completed quilt laying on our neighbor's 'hill'.  I'm so glad that this is done and I can get on to working on other Christmas gifts.

Hi ho! Hi ho! It's off to Mo'e we go.

While at lunch with Katie and Barb on Friday, Katie mentioned that her husband was off work that day.   I told her that I could use his help with Mo'e, who had decided to 'skate' his head all over kingdom come.  She and her ever so helpful hubby came down and I showed them what I meant... sorry it's too hard to describe, but basically the head of the machine was sliding back and forth on it's base.

"Helpful Hubby" held the machine head up so that Katie could dust the base while I went searching for some new shelf liner.  It worked!

Then I was able to load the backing on for the next quilt ... in the first photo, you can get an idea of the flannel print I'm using.  I thought it worked with the Buffalo Check top.

All loaded... after I trimmed off about 10" - maybe a little more.  It's a wide (108") and my leaders aren't quite long enough for it ( and I didn't need that much anyway).

Yesterday, a neighbor went with me to a Booth Brothers concert about an hour from here.  Missed a turn and ended up in Indiana but the next exit worked as a U turn (kinda) and we only had to backtrack a couple of miles.

Back home again by late afternoon, I decided I'd check to make sure I had the right size batting..... well, twin wouldn't work... minimum 6" short on the length.  So I went into the 'stash' room and found some queen size batting.  The one I decided to use is not the usual Hobbs 80/20 that I use... it's not Warm & Natural but very similar.

I got it in place and then decided I'd bring the quilt top out to make sure it would fit... yes, but only if I lay the top with the 72" across and float the 96" length.  Once I basted it as far as I could on the sides and across the top, I decided to go ahead and start quilting - I managed to get three rows done.
I'm just doing straight lines in a plaid pattern -- 1/4" from each side of the seam line(s) and then down the middle of each block.  Using light gray thread until I get down to the wolf when I'll have to switch to black to outline and somehow quilt it.  I know I want to outline where the hip would show and where the back of the front leg travels up into the torso but, beyond that, I haven't a clue yet.  I don't want to continue the plaid pattern across it nor do I want to create 'fur' with stitching, so, hopefully, something will work out in my head by the time I get that far.

No, I did not center the quilt on the frame ( probably about the first time I haven't).  There's only a hand width of batting & backing on the other end.  I didn't want two 'skinny' strips of batting & backing left after trimming - I'd rather have the one fatter piece.  There will be a skinny strip after trimming on the right side, but not enough to save - should only be about 2" ( I'm trimming it 2" from the edge of the finished quilt so that I can try a wide binding -- in a beautiful medium red tonal).

Ok, I guess I'd better quit dawdling around and get busy. 

Until next time... when I hope to be able to show you the finished quilt ( so you may not hear anything from me for a week lol)

take care...
ttyl.....
Stay Safe.....

Done Done

Cabin Fever

Amanda of Jedi Craft Girl and Amber of Gigi's Thimble

And that-s all I managed to do quilting wise today. 

 Chewy's ashes came back today ( they had told me next week) so I picked them up, stopped at the quilt shop for fabric for the binding for this quilt and the next one, then stopped at the post office to inform them that there is mail being delivered to a L*** D*** who has NEVER lived at this address.  Since I was just across the alley from the insurance office, I went in there and inquired about my proof of auto insurance ( in case I get pulled over).  The agent didn't realize that I hadn't received it.  Last stop was at our mailbox which was OVER-stuffed.  There was a box in there that could have been delivered to the house --- most of the rest of the mail was annoying political 'stuff'.  

Anyway, between the standing at Mo'e yesterday, carrying laundry baskets of laundry from one end of the house to the other and back again,  walking Buddy ( and stopping to chat with neighbors while we're out), and then the errands today, my hips and knees are really hurting.  I did call the dr's office yesterday and got an appointment for the cortisone shots in my knees -- next Thursday... it can't come soon enough.
 

Tomorrow, I hope to at least load the backing for the next quilt... the Buffalo Check w/ the wolf on it.

ttyl.......

take care...

Stay Safe.....

Quilting Done

It's certainly not perfect and I still have to trim, and then add label and binding, but at least the quilting part is done and I can unload it from Mo'e and MAYBE get the next quilt ( the Buffalo Check with the wolf) loaded.

It's not been a great week for me so far.... Sunday, our cat, Chewy passed away and I had to deliver his body to the vet's office so he could be sent off for cremation.  And now it seems that Buddy is having problems with his butt again <sigh>.  I just got the vet bill and am holding off taking him in if it's not really necessary... I'll wait to see how he's doing tomorrow.

The cortisone shot in my left knee has worn off and I can't remember if I can have one every three or every four months... hoping that it's three.  I'm fine standing until I move to take my weight off my left leg and then it's very painful ( which is part of the reason I'm not quilting as much as I'd like).

 I have lunch scheduled with a couple of quilting pals  and a quick stop at the LQS on Friday and then on Saturday, I'm taking a neighbor with me to see The Booth Brothers.  I haven't seen them in person since January - we had tickets to see them in April, but then came COVID-19, so I'm really looking forward to seeing them.  We still have the April show - which was moved to Oct. - tickets and the same neighbor has agreed to go with me... of course, that was when we thought the concerts were going to be on a weekend and in the daytime - she may change her mind.  When it was rescheduled, it was moved to Tues and Wed evenings.  I smell a couple of naps in my future since we probably won't get back here until 9:30-10 p.m.

Guess I'd better quit stalling here and get back to the laundry... sigh.

take care...

ttyl....

Stay Safe........

I DID IT!!!

I finally got back to working on the quilt that's been on Mo'e for at least two months.  It's not my original quilting design because that was custom and I just want to get it done and off Mo'e... I have two more passes, I think, before I work on the side borders.  Depends on how things go tomorrow, I just may get it done.  Lovin' the texture.

 It took a week but my furnace is finally fixed.  I swear there's some incompetence going on at that company.  The first guy told me it was the fans, but then left a note for the next guy that I needed a new thermostat.  The second guy ordered the part but it didn't come in until Tuesday, and then it was the wrong one.  He finally got the correct part and got it up and running this afternoon.  Hopefully, it will last a few more years.

I guess that's about all the 'news' for me... 

take care...

ttyl....

Stay Safe..

Took longer than expected

First off, let me 'air' my feelings about this new format (or whatever you call it).  It's a real pain to use!  At least, for me it is.  I have to load photos from my phone onto the page and then I have to get on my computer to type the blog that goes with the photos ( it's the easiest for me) - but that was before 'they' decided to 'improve' it.  Grumble Grumble!  Now I have to play around with my phone to get the photos onto the blog and that means tipping my phone sideways so that I can see the photo/video icons.

Ok - rant over....

This top didn't get finished as soon I was hoping it would because Wednesday was my birthday and I was just relaxing, enjoying the day or talking with two of my adult kids on the phone or waiting for the gas company to come look at my furnace and to fix it.

The gas guy finally came - and apparently fed me a bunch of BS, saying that he'd have to see if he could find the part kit because the fan(s) inside the furnace were 40 years old (  the furnace was brand new when we got it 27 years ago last month) and that he'd come back the next day.

Thursday morning, a different guy from the gas company came - with a new thermostat!  He said that was what the first guy had said I needed.... Nope! Guess again!.... He did manage to get the furnace running but it was making an AWFUL screeching sound ( and he was going to leave it that way!) until I told him I couldn't handle that noise - to shut it off!!... Then he said that if I wanted, he could order a replacement part -- well, DUH!.  He went out to his truck and placed the order, but it wouldn't come in til Monday.  Ok, it's still pretty warm outside and I have a good space heater and LOTS of quilts to burrow under (along with Buddy and the cats) to keep warm. (He called today and said that it didn't come in but it will arrive as soon as UPS can deliver it - another day or two). 

Thursday afternoon was grocery shopping day.... It only took two hours, but that was my energy spent for the day.

Friday was lunch with a friend and paying bills online... energy gone again,

Saturday, I finally got around to sewing the rest of the blocks into rows.

Sunday morning, I was just going to sew six rows together and leave the rest til today... but I only had to join three sections of rows together which meant only two more rows of sewing, so I went ahead and finished.

I know what my friend, Katie, means about L O N G rows... and I had to pin most so that the seams matched.  I'm a little off in at least a couple of places, but not too noticeable and the quilting should help hide them.

Ok, so here it is laid out on our guest room bed.  The lighting stinks but it was the only place to lay it since the grass outside was wet/damp.

This is closer to the true colors.... I used three shades of gray.

 I was going to go back down to the local quilt shop to buy flannel for the backing today, but I saw that Joann's was having a sale on wide flannel backing, so I ordered it online and am now just waiting for them to send me a message that it's ready to pick up.  I'm thinking a bright red cotton for the binding so will go down to the LQS for that.

I was still feeling pretty good when I finished the quilt top yesterday so I went into the kitchen and made two desserts that I've been thinking about doing for at least a week.  I never did get around to making the zucchini bread and had to toss out the veggies today <sigh>,  Oh well, if I get the urge again, all I'll need to get is the zucchini - I have everything else :).

Tonight, while dinner was cooking on the stove, I grabbed a folding chair and went into my old sewing room determined to find my copies of the two BQ patterns I have and want to try using for a t-shirt quilt ( saw one someone had done with it on fb).  And, not only did I find those patterns, I also found the apron pattern that I want to use to make an apron for my great granddaughter for Christmas. YAY!!  I might just make all three of the Dallas, Tx great granddaughters each one --we'll see :).

I can't start quilting on the wolf quilt, which by the one is a Lorna McMahon design if I didn't mention it in an earlier blog, until I quilt the one that's been in 'residence'/on the frame since July, I think.  So, that will be what I'll be working on the rest of the week - I hope. ( Good Lord willing and the creek don't rise)  

Off to bed now....

take care...

ttyl....

Stay Safe....

Weekend of Progress

Saturday morning started with some online shopping when I received notice that some pdf patterns were 50% off on etsy by Lorna McMahon at Sew Fresh Quilts (sorry, I'm clueless when it comes to linking).  At first, I was only going to purchase the dinosaur pattern(s), but then I got to looking at the wolf on the buffalo check and realized that it would be a great one to do for the grandson who hasn't had a 'made especially for you' quilt from me in about 12 years ( he's 22). 

Saturday afternoon had me down at the local quilt shop picking out fabrics for the wolf quilt.. I went with three shades of gray for the buffalo check and was pretty sure that I had enough black at home for the wolf/wolves ( I was wrong but did manage to 'borrow' some from another project).

Sunday noon, I was starting to cut out blocks.  I wasn't about to stand/sit there and cut out EVERYTHING required, but cut out enough to get a good start.

Since I moved my sewing machine and some basic supplies out to what used to be our formal living room, I've found myself without much wall space to use as a design wall - I really need to make myself a portable one -, I could only use the wall behind the front door, which isn't big enough for the entire quilt ( I'm doing twin size) - darned closet door (that won't completely close) is in the way.

Anyway,.. here's the first row.....

and the second row

etc,

etc

I think this lower section was where the sitting wolf gets attached, but I wanted it more center, so I made another set of blocks and stitched them to the lower one.

And, now, we get to the making the wolf part ( I'm only doing one wolf)

That's where I called it a night... which meant it was dinner/supper time and the animals needed to be fed and Buddy needed to go on his evening walk.

Rain happened overnight and continued this morning.  It looks like it's stopped for awhile.  I read online that our downtown is flooded at the major stop light and I also read a message from the local recycling center that they will be closed today because of flooding.

IF it really has stopped raining for a bit, I'll take Buddy for his morning walk, retrieve the mail, and then get back to my piecing.  I figure I should have the top done by tomorrow night... then, I'll have to find a flannel for the backing, which means back to the local quilt shop :).  It also means that I'll have to finish quilting the quilt that's been on Mo'e ( my mid-arm) for probably close to 2 months.

take care...
ttyl.....
Stay Safe......

I've Been Busy

Back when I posted last ( four days ago), I left you with a little 'teaser' by only showing you a pic or two of what I was working on....  well, here are some more pics :)

Here it is completed... front view and back view

 

It was a bit of a challenge, but not too bad... more prep work than actual sewing.  

After I finished the table runner (above), I started on the wall hanging kit that I purchased on sale at AQS's website.  I really don't know why I bought it - it's certainly not 'me'/my style.  But it, too, was a bit of a challenge as to how to transfer the markings onto the black fabric so that I could hand stitch the circles.  

I finally decided to trace around the circles onto parchment paper, cut them out and then draw around them with a white chalk 'pencil' and it worked.

Top completed and the binding and the split sleeve are ready for hand sewing... yeah, sigh, I'm hand stitching the binding on to the back.  I didn't want the binding to be as wide as it usually is when I do it all by machine, so went with the 'old fashioned' way.  Just not sure when I'm going to actually get
around to doing it.

Once the Luna quilt was as finished as it was going to get yesterday, while cleaning up some of the scraps, I decided to make a couple more key fobs

AFTER I made a couple of kid size masks using a different pattern than I've been using and a scrap of Halloween themed fabric that was laying close by.  It's pretty simple...and I'll probably use it again.  Next time, though, I'm going to try it in adult size.

Here's a link if you want to try them... https://youtu.be/0AzeR7QCbQg

Not sure what I'm going to be doing today.  Had to drop our cat, Chewy, off at the vet's again this morning.  He's not eating and that's not good.  They gave me antibiotics to give to him but the only way I could do that was to put it in his moist food --no eating, no getting meds., no chance of getting better :(

I think I'm just going to do some 'puttering' around the house... dishwasher needs emptying and reloaded, have a load of laundry that should be done... you know, all that 'ho hum' stuff.

Well, Buddy is out on the porch/deck and has decided that he wants back in........

take care..
ttyl...
stay safe

By the sea and new table runner

I finished the By the sea QAL top the day before yesterday.

 Its not quilted yet....maybe next week if I  can find a backing fabric for it.

In the meantime, I  started this this afternoon.  It was designed and demonstrated  by Cheryl Phillips on The Quilt Show earlier this month and I really liked it... but wasn't sure I liked it enough to order the book and specialty ruler.  Finally decided that I  did and ordered it...then went to the LQS and found three fabrics in the saleroom. Already had found the fusible fleece in my stash.

Yes, there is curved piecing involved, but only twice... you have to make the piece below twice - and that's it - wasn't hard.

No more to show tonight... maybe tomorrow night.

I went to the orthopedic dr yesterday for what I hoped would be relief from this carpal tunnel in my left hand.  It turns out that he doesn't think it's carpal tunnel.  He thinks it's the nerve that runs from the elbow (funny bone) down to your ring and pinky fingers.  Sooo, x-rays were taken ( of both hands) and I'm to have another MRA? (carpal tunnel test) - this time on the left wrist... and then he'll see what he can do to relieve this discomfort.  ARGHHHH.... He said that he could give me a splint for my arm to wear at night so that I don't bend my elbow.... no thanks, I sleep with my elbows bent.
A neighbor says she has the same thing, but just in her pinky finger - her dr. told her there was nothing he could do - that it would heal itself.  She said it's been a year and it's still 'numb'.  I hope my dr. doesn't tell me the same thing - I might have to hurt him!

Well, guess I should quit 'blathering' as my friend in Scotland calls and see what I can accomplish before it's time for Buddy's nightly walk. 

take care....
ttyl....
stay safe......

By the sea QAL .....Fourth and final block

This one wasnt quite as easy as the first three blocks even though part of it was paper piecing, which I'm a big fan of.  It was the rest was piecing and as long as I was careful and paid attention to what I  was doing,  it was ok....until I  went to join the left and ride sides to the center...it took some manuvering, but I finally got them

This was early afternoon

 

I had everything pieced by 4 o'clock and stitched into 1 block about an hour later.

Yesterday was pretty much spent running our dog, Buddy, around.  First, it was to the vet to have his butt checked out - he seemed to be in a lot of pain and wasn't pooping.  We still have to bring them to the office and wait for someone to come out and get our pet, so I figured it was going to take a few minutes and I took advantage of the free time and ran down to the LQS.  I got the call from the vet while I was just finishing up checking out - yep, anal glands giving him problems and now he has to take steroids and antibiotics and go back for check up in two weeks.

Then, in the afternoon, it was off to the groomer for a bath, toe nail trim and haircut.  He looks so much better.

Tomorrow, I hope to be able to get some more sewing done... using the fabrics that I bought yesterday and the specialty ruler and pattern book I received in the mail the other day.

Thursday, it's our cat Chewy's turn at the vet - and I have an appointment with orthopedic dr to hopefully get some relief from this carpal tunnel.  And wouldn't you know the temp outside is supposed to be in high 90's :(.  I think "Mother Nature" has us confused with Florida or one of the other southern states.  But I'm so thankful that we have air conditioning in both our house and the car.

Almost time for Buddy's evening walk...

take care...

ttyl....

Stay Safe...

By the sea...QAL Block 3

Look at me go! LOL  I  made the third block in the very same week it was released...YAY

for me.

Its all I've managed to do quilting wise, but its baby steps which is all I'm trying to take right now.

Take care....
Ttyl..

Stay safe....

By the sea, by the sea.....

Quilt Along "By the Sea"... block two - DONE - just in time to hopefully start on the new block that's to be revealed tomorrow.

Nope, didn't like this ....made a quick run to the LQS and bought (3)1/4 yard cuts of what I'd hope would be better choices than what I found here at home.

Ah, yes, that's much better.  I'm especially happy that I remembered that I had some water print fabric in my stash somewhere - and was able to locate it.  I think it really works!

Ok, all stitched down... the background was cut 14" x 14" this time... and left room for trimming down.  I didn't do that for the first block - I cut it at 13" x 13" which was what was recommended.. well, it shrank a bit somehow - I probably didn't cut as straight as I thought I was doing... it happens
:( ; I'll just have to adjust when it comes time to put the four blocks together.

,

And that's it for me today.... just tickled that I got this done.

take care...
ttyl....
Stay Safe........

Two quilts delivered

Last Wed. I shipped off two quilts... a lap quilt

along with a couple of pocket prayers and a couple of key fobs and matching masks to an elderly woman and her adult daughter in Indiana.  I met them at a Booth Brothers concert and have seen them at just about every other BB concert we've attended since.  When I started making this lap quilt, I knew that it should go to Phyllis, who I've found out is not doing well and long term care is being applied for.  It's really hard on her daughter - I don't know if she's the only child of Phyllis' but the two are very close. 
I had intended on surprising Phyllis with the quilt at the BB concert in April, but that didn't happen because of everything being shut down due to Covid-19.  So, last week, I got a hold of her daughter on Facebook and got their address and told her I was sending a package for her mom ( didn't tell her until it was on it's way that there was also something in there for her). 
I sent the package via FedEx, my new favorite way to ship packages and it arrived there the next day... I was impressed!  Didn't even have to pay extra for priority or anything.
The two key fobs, a smaller pocket prayer and the mask(s? - can't remember if I sent one or two) were in a ziplock baggie marked for the daughter.
I got a message that evening that she (the daughter) just loved everything and that purple is her favorite color.  I don't think Phyllis has been able to receive the lap quilt just yet because of the Covid-19 and that, I believe, she's still in some sort of care center, but her daughter did say that she would get it to her.


The second package arrived in Minnesota on Friday afternoon.... here's the pic from when it was finished.


This went to what would have been the older sister of the twins that my grandson's now former girlfriend miscarried this past Spring.  I had already decided on this quilt for the girl - had her name on the label, so it was going to her whether her mom and my grandson were still together or not.

In the box along with the quilt was a story book about a bunny, a little stuffed bunny that I bought from Wal-mart and a little quilt I made for the bunny.
Here's the 'stamp of approval'... she loves it all - and isn't that why we make quilts - for someone to love?

I haven't done any sewing since the day I made the block for the sew-a-long -- keep saying that I'm going to but other things seem to 'get in my way'... grocery shopping, car in shop ( waited with baited breath on that one because they started talking about new front brakes, too.... thankfully, they weren't needed), kitchen needed attention, much needed naps, etc etc.  MAYBE today.

take care...

ttyl....

Stay Safe...

Would you believe....

that I'm actually working on a quilt... it's a small one, but better than nothing.  I was reading others' blogs today and all of a sudden the urge to join in on a sew a long hit me.  It was this one....

http://www.sliceofpiquilts.com/2020/08/qal-by-sea-block-2.html

  There are only four blocks to be released on Tuesdays.

But she has block 2 so first, I had to do block one.

taa daa!

My car goes into the shop for new rear brakes on Thursday, so I'll probably spend the time working on Block 2, which is sooo sooo cute!  Tomorrow, it's pay bills and grocery shop.

take care....

ttyl......

Stay Safe...

A little progress

I've done VERY little on the quilt that's on Mo'e... believe it or not, I got bored doing it; I'm only doing this pattern on the outer borders so it's not like I have all that much to do, but, like I said...it's boring.

I'm sewing - just not quilting...  I've been making more keyfobs...thought I took a pic of the ones done with purple scraps since that is the RSC color for this month... I'm not seeing it, though... and they are already packed up and going to Indiana as a surprise for someone.

Well, at least I got a photo of the masks I made with purple scraps... actually, there are two more that are the same as the top two in the photo... these are going to the same person in Indiana... the other two are mine :)

The carpel tunnel in my left hand has really raised it's ugly head... my pinky finger feels numb and sometimes, the entire palm and fingers feel as if I'd scalded them.  I can't get into the dr. for almost two weeks, sigh.

On a more humorous note - I spotted this the other day as I was driving into town... had to stop on the way back to take a pic.

take care...

ttyl...

Stay Safe!