Snippen' Threads

Happy New Year!

2011-01-05T10:06:00.003-05:00

Hope 2011 brings happiness and prosperity to everyone. No resolutions from me! I have finally learned not to set my self up for failure. However, I do intend to grab everyday and hug it close! Just try to squeeze the most from every day.

I started a new Blackbird Design cross stitch over the Holidays. I find cross stitch so comforting to do. I'm working on a quilt, and of course tolepainting every chance I have.

Happy crafting everyone.

Nevada Barr, Author

2010-06-10T09:46:00.003-04:00

I'm a little slow. I just discovered Nevada Barr, author of, among others, the Anna Pigeon series. So now I am on a mission to "read" (mostly I listen to books on tape, or cd as the case may be) all of this series. Anna Pigeon is a National Parks Ranger, and is transferred to different locations to keep us interested, and usually there is a murder involved, and then the ensuing pursuit to solve said murder. There are 16 novels that I know of, so I have my work cut out!

That is why I LOVE books on tape. I can sew, paint, etc. and still "read" at the same time. Right now I am trying to keep up with 2 BOM classes - both Civil War related. Both involve several blocks every month. This is keeping me on my toes!!

Happy sewing!!

Inconsistent

2010-04-30T11:45:00.001-04:00

I am alive. It has been a long time. I am quilting, painting, working, and surviving!

Lincoln Civil War Quilt

2009-08-21T10:19:00.004-04:00

I REALLY need this! I placed an order - it is on backorder right now. And the "headline" fabric for the backing is great. I can't wait.

DD1 one has been moving all week. Dad, future son-in-law2 , et all will help this weekend. I am happy for her and my 5 grand kids. New home, new memories, new life. They have been through a lot in the past 4 years. I could go on a tirade about desertion, no child support, etc, but I won't. Happy new Life!!

FYI I have a new granddog with DD2. His name is Chuy(chewy). The cutest Chihuahua ever! Will post picture of him and "the" ring soon.

Happy sewing everyone!!!

ORGANIZING "THAT" ROOM...AGAIN

2009-08-17T10:46:00.004-04:00

It has been such an eventful summer. Lots of family stuff going on. I just didn't feel like talking about it all. But you know what? It never ends, so I will just plow ahead!

This was another Hatteras weekend and a lot of fun. In between the fun, guess what I did? I took about six years of "Craftworks" which later turned into "Create & Decorate" magazines with me. In the interest of space, I started tearing them up. Ripping out projects I really, really, like and pitching the rest. This saves so much room, and I should have been doing this all along. I subscribe to so many craft, painting, quilting magazines that it becomes a storage issue eventually. I don't want to look like one of those "hoarder" people! So that is my mission - pare down the mags and books. Then I will work on the paints, the wood, the fabric, etc. Maybe I'll be able to think better if I am more organized - yea right!

DD2 became engaged this weekend. If she will let me, I may post a pic of the ring later. It is beautiful. And my future SIL is great too. He is such a nice guy. I am so happy for them.

I HAVE been sewing. I need to take pictures and post them. If nothing else, it proves to me that I am accomplishing something. Speaking of that I better get busy on something right now!

Hatteras Trip

2009-06-25T21:34:00.006-04:00

Went to the Outer Banks last weekend. I saw these mugs and could not resist. A little corny, but I like them. Just lounged around, didn't do much. Watched Grand Torino. I love Clint. Good movie. We don't have cable down there and can't get "regular" TV, so we have to watch videos. Rewatched Lonesome Dove. That is one of my all time favorites. I just took my cross stitch and worked on that - Loose Feathers Club from Blackbird Designs.

Checking In

2009-06-04T13:16:00.002-04:00

Just signing in to confirm my existence - lol. In May I went to my Dear Jane class as well as the "Pitty Pat" sampler class. Have picked up a quilted medallion quilt that I finished piecing last year. Tonight is #1 grandson's elementary school end of year program - gotta go to that.

Check out Pulpitas Playhouse Blog - really cute. All about makeup and beauty. She is so cute!

BIONIC MAN

2009-05-07T11:31:00.003-04:00

It didn't bother me too much to see the "Bionic Woman" doing mattress commercials. However, I just saw the Bionic Man doing a hearing aid commercial. What kind of commentary is that on time flying by? I guess we, well some of us, are just getting OLD!! My older daughter use to watch those "bionic" shows and had posters in her room of those heroes. And Farrah Fawcett as well. Grab every day cause it sure goes by fast!

Ballerinas and BOM's

2009-05-04T15:39:00.003-04:00

I took my little princess ballerina granddaughter to her dance class Saturday. It was kind of a costume fitting, directive on the up coming dress rehearsals and recital, and a run through of the routine for the first time with all of their costume accessories. The routine lasts about under 2 minutes, but the prep, the cost, the gas, etc. - Wow! But it is all worth it and she is so darn cute! The recital is in June and will be at Chrysler Hall in downtown Norfolk. It is quite a production and very professional. Both of my daughters took dance when they were young from the same studio, Golden Slippers. I can't wait for the big night!

I did manage to cut out more of my Civil War Crossings quilt. And finished up a BOM from the Aunt Pitty Pat quilt (bom from What's Your Stitch & Stuff Shop). It is a Civil War reproduction sampler quilt. Kind of a mystery quilt since we don't know what the final thing will look like. It is a lecture class, then you go home and sew the block.

Sunday I picked up a baby quilt I made for Princess from the quilter. This is the first top I have ever had quilted and I am sooo excited. Now for the binding - never done that before either. I am going to work on that tonight. I am skipping WW again and going directly home from work.

Triplets Not Allowed

2009-04-22T09:47:00.004-04:00

This post is not the least bit quilty. This post is major venting. My 5 year old grandchildren are triplets. They have attended an Episcopal Day School for three years. The school only has 1 kindergarten class which they would have attended next year. My daughter, a single Mom for the last 3 years, has to work, and therefore the children have to be in all day care. The church is inviting them NOT to return next year because there is only 1 Kindergarten class. Their philosophy is that multiples should not be together in a classroom. This year they separated them - 2 in one class, 1 in another, but never made an adamant statement about multiples. I am hurt, stunned, insulted, and I don't even know what else, that they have been demonized and rejected by these people. I know that the whole multiple issue is debated as far as separating or not in school settings. However, these children are not dependent on each other to function in a social setting. I can not sufficiently express my feelings about this - I feel that somehow this school has betrayed (maybe too strong a word) these little people.

WE WON!!

2009-04-18T20:22:00.004-04:00

Actually, my MIL, who lives with us, won this gas grill from Home Depot. She entered a drawing back in February, which she never thought about again. They called her last week to tell her she won - no strings attached. I sure never won anything - this is great! Now, how will hubby get it off the back of his pickup?

I started cutting out this quilt. It is a kit, Civil War Crossings by Barbara Brackman, made with fabric by the same name. I picked this up at my local quilt shop. I am a sucker for pink and brown quilts. The pattern is in "Quilters Newsletter", November 2008 magazine. I guess I really love this fabric, cause I also bought 1/2 yds of a lot of this line as well. (I can't figure out how to post pictures before and after my text, so my composition is not great, Sorry)

HAPPY EASTER

2009-04-13T09:58:00.002-04:00

HAPPY EASTER

HAPPY SPRING

HAPPY, HAPPY, EVERYTHING!!

Kids With Cameras

2009-04-05T13:06:00.004-04:00

My 10 year old grandson got a digital camera for his birthday last month. I think that is great. But, now I think I know how some movie stars must feel. You don't want to be caught au natural now do you. He spent the nite and I found myself slathering on the makeup and ironing my clothes this morning just to hang out today! We are negotiating the price for him to delete the pic he took last nite - lol. It is just too exhausting to be perfect 24/7!

Out of My Funk

2009-04-04T13:40:00.003-04:00

Here is the scene of the crime. Everyday after work I come home and flop in this chair. Just do not want to move. But I am not a total zombie - that pile of pink is a wool jacket I'm disassembling to felt. And I cross stitch. But I just haven't wanted to get up and sew. But, 2 Cadbury eggs, a bag of Hershey's coconut kisses, and some divinity later, I think I'm over the funk. I will have to answer to my Weight Watchers leader though - lol. I have my little gardener/helpers today and we planted flower seeds. They loved it! Now they just have to learn some patience to see those little sprouts!

2009-04-04T13:32:00.000-04:00

Quilt Show

2009-02-25T13:09:00.003-05:00

I'm really excited. Tomorrow is the beginning of the MidAtlantic Quilt Show and I am going! Actually gonna take a day off from work and I can't wait.
Then on Friday me and Hubs are off to Hatteras. It is our anniversary weekend. We don't actually get an anniversary this year 'cause we married on Leap Year Feb. 29th!! So we just have to celebrate all weekend. 29 years - where did it all go? We are buying 29 lottery tickets to celebrate - see what happens.
Hopefully, I'll take some good pxs of the quilt show and try to post them. Happy Days.

Kind Words

2009-02-24T04:29:00.000-05:00

'Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.'

I found this quote somewhere and it is just so true. Especially now a days don't you think?

Tax Time Anxiety

2009-01-15T14:16:00.003-05:00

I know it seems early to have TTA, but I am a bookkeeper. End of the quarter reports, end of the year reports,w-2's to process. I'm really feeling stressed. I work full time as a bookkeeper and handle my husbands business stuff too. I am on a mission to complete all of this so I can concentrate on important things - like sewing maybe? lol Gotta go - more reports to do!

Quilt Shop Open House

2009-01-13T09:33:00.002-05:00

Quilt Shop Open House Saturday was open house at my local quilt shop, What's Your Stitch and Stuff. There were so many beautiful upcoming projects being presented. I chose this wool stitchery class. I am an avid crossstitcher and always have a "lap project". I have wanted to do a wool project, but was afraid to dive in. I actually have several kits. I am really looking forward to this - I just need someone to show me how and I know I'll be on a roll!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2009-01-01T23:31:00.004-05:00

Hello 2009. Time for new beginnings. This year will be positive.

Ready for Christmas?

2008-12-02T11:44:00.002-05:00

NO!! I haven't gotten the energy or found time to get up in the attic and get the decorations. Every year I tell myself I will get this done over Thanksgiving weekend. And then, we go off for the weekend and that is the end of that. At least there are stairs to the attic. Husband puts up the tree and he is done. All other decorating is my job. Last year I bought a tree with built in lights, so he doesn't even have to put lights on! I so love the idea of Christmas decor, but getting it done after working all day is difficult. Hope everyone is finding a way to finish all their festive tasks.

Halloween Loot

2008-11-01T15:51:00.007-04:00

It is over and the tummy aches begin!! All that excitement and prep and it was really worth it!! The grandkids had such a fun time. And look at all that Candy! Yum! And I just signed up at WW again-I won't eat a bite!! Look at Capt. Morgan and the wench - DD2 and her boyfriend-they look sooo cute.

Gotta go cut 2 1/4" strips for a class Monday. Double wedding ring quilt. I'm doing it in 30's fabric. Now that looks scarier than any monster I saw last night!

Don't forget to set your clocks forward! Or is it backward? Oh nuts, I"ll have to check on that!! lol

Halloween Goody

2008-10-27T20:17:00.004-04:00

Look what my BFF gave me! She found it at Cracker Barrel - 50% off. She said I was the only person she knows that would appreciate it's ugly cuteness! I think it is very folk arty(even if it is made in China!)

Well today was my one week"weigh-in" at Weight Watchers. I joined AGAIN. At the moment I am really determined, even to the point of walking on the treadmill every, well almost every night! I did lose 2 pounds, so I am on a roll!!

Walmart Birthday Cake

2008-10-19T09:32:00.005-04:00

Last night we celebrated #2 Daughter's boyfriend's birthday. On Thursday I called the Wal Mart bakery and ordered an ice cream cake with Happy Birthday Frank on it - to be picked up Friday at 12:30. Got there at 1ish, no cake, no clue, and "they are out to lunch" (I'll say). OK, I placed another order(which took a good 15 minutes to write up) and my DD2 said she would pick it up Saturday on the way to my house. In large letters the order said ICE CREAM CAKE with buttercream icing. We got a yellow cake with buttercream icing, no ice cream to be seen, and it said Happy Birthday - that's it, no Frank on there anywhere! Is it me or is good service getting harder to find. Doesn't a job well done count for anything any more? I find it very exhausting dealing with this kind of issue - do I let it go or complain to Management - what good will it do?

Triplets

2008-10-19T08:51:00.005-04:00

I just read Cricketwood Prims and Gardens and she has pictures of her brand new triplet grandsons. It is such a miracle whenever a baby is born - multiples - more miracles. I am prompted to post a picture of "my" triplets, my grandchildren. This was their 4th birthday and I am so proud of them, their two older brothers, and especially my DD1, their mother. It is amazing to find your heart can expand in order to hold the love each one evokes. Kudos to all of us grandmothers!

Little Steps Add Up

2008-10-15T13:58:00.005-04:00

I put off writing anything because I feel like I need to include pictures. Then it occured to me I don't have to post pxs just to write. Last night I kept my granddaughter. By the time I got off work, picked her up, fixed dinner, bathed her, layed down with her so she would go to sleep, guess what - it was time for bed! lol I did get a couple of strips of my "Chexx Mix" quilt sub cut and that was all. I must try to see the world from a half full instead of half empty perspective. I know I do that, I always see what I haven't done and give myself no credit for what I have accomplished. I DID work all day, right. And, I nurtured a little person whom I love dearly. Every little step adds up. O.K., good job Deb!

Saved By the Warranty!

2008-10-01T15:49:00.003-04:00

The fridge repair could have been covered under warranty if the problem was in the "sealed area" - compressor, etc. But it turned out to be a power board that GE fridges are having a problem with, so the cost was minimal. That is a good thing and now my milk has a home again! I'm so Happy!!

HUNT CLUB WIDOW

2008-09-29T13:22:00.005-04:00

This is the time of year I become a "weekend" widow. Hunting season!! Right now it is clean up the hunt club to get ready for huntin' season time. Clear the paths, paint the gates, etc. So, the whole weekend my DH was gone, but I was not alone. Two of the triplet grandchildren stayed with me all weekend. I tried to cut out fabric for a 30's BOM I have had for a while. My bulging disc just wouldn't let me get much done. That is such a waste of time - when your body doesn't cooperate with your intentions - lol. So, I kept myself in an easy chair watching "Sponge Bob Square Pants" with the trips and cross stitching. Oh, and my only 4 year old refrigerator is no longer refrigerating! It stopped Sunday morning. Well, actually I watched the thermostat go up degree by degree all day - luckily there is a freezer in the garage. It's the catchup, mustard and other condiments that are the victims of this disaster. How much fabric can one buy for the price of a new refrigerator!!

If my husband was a doctor, would I be dead?

2008-09-09T10:31:00.003-04:00

This will be day 5 that the air conditioning upstairs hasn't worked. Can't get anyone to show up because it is so hot and every company in town is booked? NO, my husband IS a heating and air conditioning man! I don't get it. Of course my sewing room, supplies, everything I love resides upstairs. My bag of Hershey's Kisses actually melted sitting up there. Boo-hoo, I feel so sorry for myself.

Today better be the day......

I can't beleive it has been so long since my last post.

Hatteras Bound

2008-07-25T10:41:00.000-04:00

Heading to Hatteras for the weekend. We go down every couple of weeks to cut the grass at our place. I am in the midst of cutting strips for a new quilt - Chexx Mix by Atkinson. I don't usually drag quilting stuff down there - seems like too much of an effort for 2 days. I will be doing some cross stitch and maybe tole painting. Taking the Princess along - she just loves the "beach house". We always seem to get a lot of sleep down there - I could use some recharging. I have had some kind of congestion for 2 weeks now - the coughing is wearing me out!

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY !!

2008-07-03T15:18:00.000-04:00

Thank you to all our service people and their families for the the sacrifices they have made for this country. I hope everyone will take a few moments this weekend to really think about the freedoms we sometimes take for granted. I will keep the light on in the window until this current war is over and our troops are safe.

Sweets for My Sweetie

2008-06-16T21:38:00.000-04:00

Finished this tonight. My husband is a"Stooges" fan (I don't get it,do you?). Well, he likes them and when I saw this fabric I had to make him a quilt. I got the squares pieced for his birthday - in November! Finally, I now have the borders on and it is ready to be quilted.

Father's day was fun with all the family. Got my sweetie tickets to the upcoming BB King concert - another of his favorite things - the blues. Wasn't this just his weekend!

Heat Wave!!

2008-06-09T14:26:00.000-04:00

The inside of the car is 121 degrees right now. That is Insane!! Yesterday, went to the local quilt shop - last day of their birthday celebration. Picked up some backing for a couple of quilts and some border fabric for another one. And of course a couple of new patterns and some FQs. Very productive trip. Now to finish those quilts!! Try to keep cool - make sure your pets have plenty of water.

Completed One

2008-06-07T20:18:00.000-04:00

Ta-da! Finished piecing this last night. This a Patchalot pattern which I love. I chose the toile to use for the backing, but when I started to think about piecing it, I realized the print would be going horizontal and I don't think I can live with that. I have to say I only have 2 - 44x44 backing pieces. The finished quilt is 50x50. Am I thinking correctly? I'll just have to hit the local quilt shop and find another fabric :)

Life 1 / Quilting 0

2008-06-05T09:50:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, at noonish, #2 grandson fell off the monkey bars at school. Broke his arm above the elbow and his wrist. Had to have surgery - 3 pins in the elbow area. It is his left arm, the one he writes with, of course. At least school is almost over for the year. This chicky got home about midnite. Then, this AM got the Triplets and #1 GS up and to school. Did a Mac truck run over me? I could swear... This is why people should have kids when they are young!! New campaign - ban monkey bars from schools. Childrens Hospital says they see many, many injuries like this.

Time

2008-06-04T09:52:00.000-04:00

O.K. I can't stop thinking about quilting. Surfing the sites, reading the blogs, shopping for fabric, patterns, books. Collecting fabric, books, patterns, thread, buttons. But where are the quilts? In my head mostly. I am going to make this and that and that and that. When? Well, since I've been lurking around the blogs I have become inspired. I will make the time to sew. I will, I will!
I think some of the quilters out there are real superwomen. You all will keep me inspired. Thank you!!