Safari Star

I named my quilt "Safari Star".  It is based on Ethan's Star in the March/April '04 Quiltmaker magazine designed by Caroline Reardon.  I did some fussy cutting and added the yellow border.  I thought it needed the yellow border to set off the star from the multicolor border.  Of course, that made the whole quilt over 42", so now I need to piece the backing.  Next step--I need to go shopping in my stash for a flannel backing.  The flannel tub is in the closet, so this may take a bit of doing.  lol

                                                                                         

This was a quick and easy quilt to put together.  I had fun fussy cutting the animals.  Isn't this monkey cute?

Michelle will be home tomorrow and I'll see if she likes it.  If it meets approval, it may be a gift at the shower on Saturday.  Since we don't know if the baby is a boy or a girl this could be for either.  

The kittens haven't shown much interest in eating solid food.  I guess Peanut must be satisfying them yet.  Eating and sleeping are still their main activies.  DH always says he wants to come back as a cat--a spoiled cat.    All he would do is eat and sleep, but still be the boss of the house.  lol

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

The writing's on the wall

I am close to becoming a hoarder.  :(    Have you seen that show?  I just caught part of Oprah's show on Friday concerning hoarding.  Wow.  I'm not even close to that bad, but in the fabric/quilt stuff department I have way more than my share.   I think my main problem has been when I don't actually have the time to sew I buy what I wish I could sew.  I really need to make good use of the things I have.  I'm so frugal in other areas of my spending.   It's kind of crazy!  I'm not going to tell you how many jelly rolls I have.  No not that many!!  : P   

As you can see I have alot of stuff and this is probably only about half of it.  I have to admit I also have shelves in the closet--and they are full.  Ummmmmm--they make those nice plastic containers that fit under the bed too.  Someone mentioned giving some away.  That is pretty funny------I love my fabric.  Sometimes I have a hard time cutting it up.  When I was working, I justified it by saying I was buying for my retirement.  BUT when I did the Jelly Roll quilt along and the Pinwheel quilt along--what did I do?  I bought a jelly roll and a layer cake. 

Yup---I'm done.  This little project has taken the blinders off.  Everything is out of the bags and boxes and I can see it and find it.   I'm looking forward to having some room to finish up some projects and start some "small" fun ones.  I've been wanting to make some pillow cases, a zipper bag and a pin cushion.    I found my fabric to make a bag.   I found the farm pattern for the baby quilt I want to make for one of the nephews. 

I have alot more sorting and organizing to do, but I'm well on my way to being a happier quilter.  When I get that shopping urge--I'll shop my own shelves.   Can you tell how excited I am!!  Of course, I'm ignoring the fact that time is still a factor--but I think the collecting will stop  (hopefully). 

All ready to start!  (Don't look in that closet!)

Looks there's a bed in this room and you can walk to it!

As soon as I get my purple/white sampler bound I think I'll be hanging it over the bed.    Michelle will be so surprised the next time she comes home.

Peanut update---the family has been moved.  I moved them to the guest bathroom.  She doesn't seem to mind too much.  Peanut eats non-stop trying to keep up with their appetites.  It's time they started eating some real food and getting littered trained.  I thought maybe we would move them outside to the garden shed, but it has been so hot lately.  DH said to keep them in the house for awhile yet.  He is such a softy.

Checking out the accomodations.

What's this stuff?  No, they didn't eat any--Peanut did. 

Looks like they might need a bigger bed. 

Shhhh-everyone is napping in the house---DH, Rocco, Puss, Peanut and crew.   I'm going to go play.

Hugs to you all.............................

It has to get worse, before it can get better.............

I tore the bedroom apart that doubles as my "sewing studio".  It has just been getting in worse and worse condition.  Things have become so unorganized that I don't even know what I have and don't have anymore.   I decided I can no longer stand it!!  I bought a book shelf and a shelf unit about a month ago.  I had the time to assemble them yesterday.  Today  I'm rearranging and organizing.   I'm looking forward to having a space to sew in that actually makes me feel like making something.  It will also help me overcome my temptation to continue to buy fabric and kits, because I will know how much I actually have already--and it's A LOT.

I'm not sure what I'm going to do with the 2 tubs of magazines.   I know I can't throw them away without looking through everyone of them.  Could you?  I already have 4 binders of quilt and embroidery projects from the magazines I went through last winter.  I am not renewing my magazine subscriptions.  When they run out--they run out..  I have a lifetime of quilt patterns and quilting tips.  I think I can get my quilting fix from the Internet now.  Books are another story.  I need to cull through them eventually.

DH just laughed at lunch  "You think two shelves is going to be enough".  It's sure going to help!

These pictures are after I started moving stuff around.  Then I decided I needed to take pictures.

Showing you these pictures helps me make the commitment to clean up my act!  I better get to work!!

I can't wait to take "after pictures"!   Wouldn't you hate to be a guest in this room?!

Day Interrupted/Kittens

This was the "big" sewing project of the day.  One of the safety straps for the boat needed reinforcing.  DH had his favorite pants that needed patching too.  The jeans already have been patched on the knees and backside, but he ripped the crotch out.  They don't look too great, but I bet he wears them.  I think they were made with faulty denim and should have been sent back to the maker.  I took time to clean and oil Bernie after I was done.  She sure sounds smoother now.  I think I was overdue on the maintenance!

I didn't get much more done yesterday.   DH had me running here and there again.  I started stitching on the Annie block last night.  I did take it apart and get the pinwheels going like I had planned.  I didn't want to start the whole project off on the wrong foot.

I thought I would give you kitten lovers a fix today.

Bath time

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Hold still.

A Kiss for Momma

I had trouble with blogger and the pictures. Can you tell?  I'm going to give up and just post them.  I need to get started doing something besides this.  lol 

Making Progress

I finished the last two Jelly Roll Sampler blocks. Konda will be posting finishing instructions sometime today.  I'm just glad to get the blocks done.  It's been fun making the different blocks from a jelly roll every two weeks.  I've also enjoyed meeting new designers and checking out their blogs. 

I am still deciding on borders or no borders for my Pinwheel quilt.  I have the sashing all finished on it.  Rachel didn't do borders on hers, but I'm still deciding.  I think that is what makes me such a pokey quilter.  I have a hard time making decisions.

I finished prepping all the blocks for BOMs that I had in my to do folder.   I will be able to have something readily available to stitch on when I have a minute.  The Raggedy Annie & Friends block was fun to put together.  I have a couple pinwheels going the wrong way--just noticed that this morning drinking coffee with DH.  I'm not sure if I'm going to unsew or just leave it.  It's a big enough quilt I'm sure I'll be the only one that notices.  But you know how those little mistakes "scratch" at you.  lol 

I tried my hand at burp rags yesterday.  They were quick and easy.  These will be for the baby shower for Michelle's friend.  They are having the shower before the baby is born.  We don't know if it is a boy or a girl.  It's a secret.  Their theme is jungle tho, so these should be ok.

I'll have to make some more.  Two of our nephews are expecting babies in October and December.  One will be a boy and one will be a girl. 

I feel like I'm really getting alot done this week.  I think I know why--DH is busy.  I sure get alot more done when I don't get interrupted or get to have my own schedule.  :)

Remember my lovely Impatiens pot?  I found who the culprits are yesterday afternoon. 

Doesn't Striper look comfy and "innocent"?  I just laughed and left him.  Later in the day I found this:

Two nappers..............

Stretching and yawning after a lovely lay-about. 

Blogger has frustrated me enough.  lol  

I hope you are having a great week too.  Hugs....................................

Book winner/Prep Day

The winner of the book "Whiter Than Snow by Sandra Dallas is Moneik.  The random number generator picked number 1.  I won't have to send the book very far.  Moneik is from South Dakota too.  I hope she has time to read it.  She is a busy lady.  Enjoy, Moneik!

 

I made up my mind that August is going to be a productive quilting month. I spent every spare moment yesterday prepping BOM blocks. I did most of the cutting and tracing on dining room/kitchen table.  It was the coolest place to do it.  We are having a heat wave here.  The humidity is very high too.  I listened to my audio book, "A Change of Heart" by Jodi Picoult.  I like her books.  This one is alittle different than her others I've read.  Her books make you think about things from different view points.  What could be better than reading and sewing at the same time?

I need to make 2 jelly roll sampler blocks to finish up the 12 blocks for that quilt along.   I am down to mostly bits and pieces and a couple blah strips. 

The only BOM I need to prep yet is the new Raggedy & Friends block.   Kaaren is also having a giveaway for a handpainted sewing box.  What a creative and generous sweetie she is!

I didn't realize when I discovered quilt blogs that I really needed to pick and choose from all the wonderful BOMs on line.  I didn't know there were so many wonderful designers and quilters to make friends with and who share their creative talents with others for free.  When I discovered The Gum Tree Designers blog I didn't realize that they were only the tip of the iceberg.  lol  If only all I had to do was sew!! 

The guys started combining spring wheat late yesterday afternoon.  They are hard at it again today.   We usually haul it to the elevator about 30 miles away, but that elevator is full and not taking anymore right now.  It just takes more time on the phone and miles on the road to find someplace that will.  DH is also filling one bin at home to sell later.  IF there are no breakdowns they should finish up by tonight.  I've already made two parts runs to two different towns this morning and got home in time to make field lunch for 5 guys. 

I'm not even going to post a cat picture today.  We are still fighting it out.  I just haven't had time to come up with a plan yet.  Peanut and the kids have taken over the bedroom for now, but I need to do something soon.  They are getting more active everyday.

I thought I would share with you my beautiful pot of Impatiens that sit on our deck.

Actually this photo was taken earlier in July.  It was even bigger and better than this.   Until............................

Some kittens decided that it was a nice place to play or take a nap.  I'm not sure what they were doing, but they knew they were in trouble because they took off as soon as I stepped out on the deck.  lol   

I better get something done.  I got alot accomplished yesterday, probably because I wasn't on the computer.  Now I can stitch here and there as time permits.  Have a great week!!  Hugs