A Few of My Favorite Things Quilt

I finished up Rocco's quilt today.  This is A Few of My Favorite Things by Heidi Pridemore.  This is one of the kits I won from Quiltmaker.  The fabric is designed by Heidi too.  The sashing strips are leashes.  The borders have leashes, bowls, slippers and other doggy favorites.

I did fusible applique and button hole stitch by machine.  The embroidery is back stitch by hand.

Oops,  there's a string to pick off on the fire hydrant.  I wanted the quilt to be soft for Rocco, so I just stitched in the ditch around the blocks and echo quilted the appliques.

In the outside border I machine quilted Rocco's name and hearts.

Roc was a good sport about posing.  He knows what sit and stay mean--even tho he is kind of camera shy.  Sorry about the red eyes--note to Santa:  I could use photo shop software.  : )

I put navy blue minkee on the back. It is so nice and soft.  It also matches his new bed.  He's so spoiled getting his presents before Christmas.  lol

You may be wondering where my Christmas decorations are---they are still in their boxes.  Today is Jennifer's birthday.  She and I both have December birthdays.  I have always waited until after our birthdays to decorate for Christmas  So I better start looking in that dreaded closet--that may be another reason I have waited. 

We don't make much ado about Christmas in our family.  Jesus is the reason for the season and family time is the biggest gift we give to each other.  Some of that tradition comes from my having worked at the Post Office for 30 years.  Even tho I have more time since retirement, simple celebrations are the way we do our thing.   I'm not knocking the way other people do theirs.  I enjoy all the lights, music and commotion I see other people doing, but self imposed stress doesn't make anyone happier at our house. 

I'm off to start a little surprise Christmas project.  I'll let you know how it goes.

Haying, Combining and Playing

I went shopping in my new organized stash.  I had big plans to play.  Yesterday's plan was amended when the neighbor stopped for coffee.  There went DH's nap and my playtime.  We had a nice visit and some plans were made for this coming week.  This morning I raked and DH baled the last of the 2nd cutting of alfalfa.  We haven't had two cuttings of alfalfa for many years, so it's nice to get extra bales for winter feeding.  This afternoon they are combining enough oats to fill one large grain bin.  DH will bale the rest of the oats for winter feed.  I helped move trucks around after lunch. 

I was determined to get started on my new project.  I got all the pieces cut out.  Here's a little peek...........

I did get some sewing done before I needed to start supper for the field.  It's cooling off a little outside and Rocco really wants to take a walk down the road.   I suppose I'll have to give in to those sad eyes.  He's been neglected all day--so he thinks.

There's a new stow-away on the boat.  The other barn cat has brought her 3 kittens up for chow.  I was surprised tonight when I went out to start the grill by this little stranger.   They are pretty wild, so I won't have to worry about them being under my feet when I walk down the deck steps.

I hope I have a top to show you soon.  Hugs Janet