Happy 4th of July

Happy 4th of July everyone!

I am working at the "dark" place the entire weekend and holiday.
I wish I could be with my family but I will be there next year!

Still vacationing from quilting and sewing.

My life will be changing in the upcoming months...so hang in there. I will be back in the sewing room soon!

Stay safe!

Happy Memorial Day Everyone

Taking a well deserved break! See everyone next week.

Take Care!

Taking a Break

I am taking a break from the sewing room for now. I need to work at the dark place for the next four days and then I am free for a long time..actually only 8 days. That is if I don't change my schedule which I probably will.

Summer has arrived here and I am miserable!! Why, why, why!!

I want to move to an area that doesn't get above 75...wouldn't that be wonderful.

If anyone knows of such a place...email me the location. Also, there needs to be a dark place nearby where I can work.

Love you!

Friends and Food

Another restaurant has been visited by hungry quilters. My first and only meal of the day was just...okay. I am full and somewhat satisfied. The chips and guacamole were good and so was the salsa.
Will I visit again...maybe. There are a lot of other restaurants in the area...love the juice bar.

Take care and happy days everyone!

Greetings Everyone

I know I haven't posted in a few days...and your emails telling me that are wonderful.
Okay here goes...I worked at the dark place last week and even worked an extra day. The life was absolutely sucked out of me and it took me a full 24 hours to recover.
I haven't been in the sewing room and probably won't until later this week.
I, of course, have a new project planned and will probably start colllecting fabric on my trip home.
Yes, the sewing room is still a disaster area. No, the fairies didn't come and organize and clean everything...one can only hope.
Now, I must get back to my TV shows this is finally week after all.

Take care...and I will sew later this week..I promise.

I finally did it!

I never thought this day would come but it did. I can't get into my sewing room! Not good. Now I have to pack the entire place up and move things around to get my new sewing table in. It will be arriving next week and the guys will be here to move the table upstairs along with the cabinet.
What am I going to do!???

Well, on another note I do not have to make the quilt for B. Since he can't take it with him to school there is no rush on the quilt...hehe! Life is good.

Life is precious....celebrate every moment!

Paducah Quilt Show

Paducah was great! Lots of shopping and lots of beautiful quilts.
My friend Elaine was my shopping buddy this trip. It was her first trip...she is an amazing quilter, has a great eye for color and a wonderful conversationalist! If I ever go on " Who Wants to be a Millionaire", Elaine will be my phone a friend.
The best of show is a wonderful quilt that a picture doesn't do justice. There are 236,000 sequins on this quilt. Most of them are on the back. It is simply AMAZING!!!!

Well, my feet hurt and my purse/bank account took a beating!!! Will take a month to recover. Definitely taking lunch to "dark place" for the next two weeks!

Take care and happy days everyone!

The Trip

The big trip is near. The Annual trip to the Paducah. Ask a quilter what Paducah is and a smile will appear. We will be heading North to quilter's playground...Paducah, Kentucky.

I will walk my feet off, eat "real" kettle corn made in a kettle, and shop! I really don't plan on buying much because as my friend Carolyn says..."You, don't need anything!" I will have to keep repeating that through out the trip. Actually there are only a few items that I really want...a new quarter inch foot for my featherweight, some more thread, of course I must visit the "Fat Quarter" lady...how can she show a profit without my visit? I will also shop for patterns and fabric for ONE project....and black and white fabric...hmmm. This could be a dangerous trip!

Happy Trails Everyone!
Call me on my cell if you think of anything you want.

Quiet Evening

Since I had plans to babysit this weekend....I really didn't make any back up plans...should have done laundry today or at least sewed a stitch. Didn't do any of those things...woke up way too early and then took a long mid day nap. In other words will have to take a sleeping pill to go to sleep tonight in order not to waste my entire day!
Video kind of matches my mood but not for long will be back soon.

Take Care and be Happy Everyone...on my way back!

YOU DON'T KNOW MY NAME (IN STUDIO) (Alicia Keys)

Video Code provided by VideoCodeZone.Com

Saved by Two Little Boys

Every year I babysit for my dear friends as an anniversary gift. This year I received a phone call stating that I was saved. The boys have been vomiting all day. She had a feeling that it was going spread like a wildfire through the house...so I am free this weekend.

I will be quilting on infamous Brandon quilt and will hopefully have it finished by the next weekend.

Happy Quilting Everyone!

Finally

Happy Easter and Passover Everyone!

Today, I finished cutting fabric for the "Brandon" quilt. I have the right colors, blue and gold ; I will get started as soon as I move my butt into the sewing room.
Today was the Easter Egg hunt...with 2, 3 and 4 year olds. Whew, 60 of them. So cute so excited about finding the colorful plastic eggs. "Look!!!" I heard for each and every find. Children have such joy, they appreciate and enjoy the smallest of things. May you rediscover your joy this Easter.

Peace and Love Everyone!

Storms?

I wish there was a cleaning storm in my sewing room or better yet anywhere in my house. Unfortunately, we are under a storm watch. I really hate storms...I don't mind a gentle soaking rain. But I hate storms!

I am in the sewing room now. I have to complete this month's blocks and perhaps cut some strips. I want to make a baby quilt in the fall and have plenty of fabric, just need to locate it and organize it.

Well, back to the machine. Won't be able to sew for long.

Take care and happy sewing!

Not Any better!

Well....what is the saying March comes in like a lamb and goes out like a lion...or is it the reverse, not sure!

Didn't get anything done today other than making a nice indentation in my favorite chair...hehe! We watch Lifetime Movies and some DVDs, absolute no sewing was done. I did order new fabric, again, for the infamous graduation quilt.

Found out that Mom had a car accident. She is fine but the car isn't.....so sad since it is only 6 months old. I told her she could get a new car..be happy that no one was hurt.

Happy Days Everyone!

Okay!

Here is a weekly update for those people in my life who forget I have to go to the dark side occasionally (AKA work).

Quilting unfortunately wasn't a priority this week. I did order the fabric for Brandon's quilt...Unfortunately, I thought the school's colors were blue and yellow and they are actually blue and gold!! For you non-quilters that is a huge difference! So I will try again! Will I ever finish that quilt???!!!


Well, tomorrow hopefully I will get into the sewing room. More information to follow. This month has to improve.

Peace

Peace. Just to say the word makes one sigh. I am at peace. I had such an amazing Spring Break. It is great to be with people who you know love you and no matter what you say or do they will always love you. It is great to share food, drink and talk about anything! And I do mean anything!
Now I have to come back from my peaceful place and go back to work.
Today, I am working on my wonderful Traci's Trail Quilt and doing laundry. Tonight is Olive Gardern...yummy.
Have a blessed day all.

Sewing

The weather here is gross! So humid and hot. A preview of summer I am sure. Just a reminder to myself to get the air conditioner recharged so I can be really cool this summer.

Well, I am sewing today in my messy sewing room. Dressed in a T-shirt and shorts...Life is good as long as I can hear the purr of my sewing machine and of course the air conditioner.

Stress!

It is awful when outside life gets in the way of your sewing! My sewing room is just as messing as ever...perhaps more so. I have several BIG projects coming up and can I just tell you that I wish certain people in my life would leave me alone. I have no time to car shop....I don't want to look at property...and no, I am not going to change my plans for Tahoe.
Well, I guess winter is over. I really love winter, the crispness of it. The lack of insects the need to snuggle under lots of bed covers. The need for quilts.
I grew up with quilts. Little blanket of love created by my family. Whenever I sleep under quilts from my childhood I feel the hugs from my great aunt, the gentle kiss from my grandmother. I hear all their words of encouragement and I smile. They are not here physically but are present in every stitch of the quilts they left for me. No wonder I am such a peaceful sleeper. A quilt is better than any picture in a frame.

Wonderful Friends

Had dinner last night with some quilting friends...good food, excellent conversation an overall great time! I left with a full tummy, a little snack for later (double chocolate brownie) and a huge bag of new quilting goodies.
Tonight I am again having dinner with a dear quilting friend who is giving me some pink fabric, we have promised not to talk about quilting all night...men are so controlling, smile!
Things to do today...

1. Wash, iron and cut fabric for class tomorrow
2. Do clothes laundry...amazing this is number 2, underwear is a must
3. Feed myself and the furry beasts
4. Purchase litter, change litter pan...this is a must!!!

Have a great day all!

Decisions, Decisions

Okay,decisions have been made about the sewing room and also about my spring break..I will be going to Tahoe and I am getting cabinets. Tickets have been purchased and time lines for all have been made so the trip is on!
Now the cabinets have been ordered...nothing fancy mind you, but it will look really nice when done.

Off to bed for me. Going south in the AM, oops it is already AM.

Wishing

You ever take a day off. I mean really take a day off and do nothing. Today that is exactly what I did.
A little sad because I really miss my family and want to plan a trip soon. This is a picture of a favorite place that I will soon visit. Lake Tahoe, California. Have a great day everyone! Go USA Olympic team...I am very proud of you!

Ice, Ice Baby!

Well, there was a little bit of an ice storm here last night. When I woke up, I thought it was just raining. I ventured out to Costco and Home Depot. Looking for storage ideas. Found an excellent cabinet at Costco but it was a little large for just me to carry and I didn't drive the truck so something smaller would have to do.
Of course could leave Costco without doing a little shopping...smile! A girl needs jelly beans and pita chips!

Went to Home Depot and found some square storage cubes...cute and cheap. Decided to give them a try. I also purchased a large heavy duty storage rack which requires no tools to assemble and it is sturdy....great!!! Saved money, big time.

Yesterday I went to a wonderful place called Super Suppers. You come in and assemble meals and then take them home to freeze. I got 6 meals which we split into 12 meals(the 6 meals feed 6 people each). 6 stay here with me and 6 go South....yippee. I don't have to cook, I do have to make Spaghetti Sauce and meatballs...but that is it!

So, back to the Olympics and fabric folding.

Have a great day everyone!

It Begins

Well, since the magic fairies didn't appear during the night to start cleaning and organizing the sewing room. I think I will have to do it. I did fold some fabric last night using the "organizing specialist" technique and will start on the "black hole" tomorrow.
My cabinets won't be delivered for another week or so...so I will fold the fabric and put it in the plastic tubs that I now have and place them in the hallway. That is if I can get into the hallway.
On, a different topic...the Olympics have been awesome! Oh do I love the Winter Olympics! I know the USA hasn't been spectacular but we should applaud everyone's effort and stop critiquing...Dick Buttons!!! That name makes me so made!
Organization begins!

Nothing New

Well, I can honestly say there is nothing new to report here. I still haven't ventured into my sewing room...fear, that is why. How can one room be so full, where do I start to get it semi organized. I have no idea but need to do something soon.

Didn't have to work yesterday...yippee! If there was some way that I could not work ever and still have an income I would take it...hehe, maybe not. I would like the option though.

Have a great day all!

UFO Resolution

Here is a starting point. I have picked 5 UFOs to finish by August. After August, I will pick 5 more...whew! At this rate, I will be 95 just working on UFOs...and I still won't be finished!

1. Tiles---Hand - dyed fabrics in Autumn colors

2. Lighthouses Everywhere...was supposed to be a Christmas gift for a friend. Didn't make it.

3. Tuscany Table Runner

4. Colors Running Bravely

5. BQ with Laurel Burch

6. Darn (not what I want to say) Stars...will finish these this week...if it kills me!!!!!

Abraham

Hard Decisions

Today I made one of the hardest decisions in my life to put my dog down.

Abraham was a 15 year old Black Lab. Very quiet and only wanted to run. Two years ago I found him in the backyard laying down or so I thought. He was actually unable to walk due to arthritis. As long as he was painfree I wanted to keep Abraham in my life. It was hard seeing him struggle up stairs and slide on the hardwood and tile floors but he never missed a meal and was still a snuggle bunny.

He slept 20 hours a day and his beautiful brown eyes became cloudy with cataracts. He was now loosing his vision and his hearing. And it became clear to me that even with his pain medication, he was still in pain. I had to let him go. His sister, a 10 year old Bichon is still looking for him through out the house.

Today is a very bad day. I only hope that as the rain stops falling so will my tears.

The Winter Retreat is Over

Well, I am back home after five days and four nights of sewing and sisterhood. I had a wonderful time. I arrived early to help set up for the onslaught of 65 woman with sewing machines and every piece of material they possessed. I was one of them...except this time I didn't want to take extra fabric. I packed several projects that I wanted to work on but no extra fabric...wouldn't you know, I needed some extra fabric.

We were instructed to make two spool blocks. Well, not a fan of brown fabric I was put on probation right away. I was not to use bright yellow or purple. Well, I didn't want to participate!How dare she tell me no purple!!! Well, I made a block it was red and black...my other signature color combination.

I sewed and sewed and sewed...I couldn't sit and sew any longer. I started at 7 AM and stopped after dinner around 6:30 PM every evening. People couldn't understand why I didn't sew longer. Well, I thought I should walk around since I couldn't fill my legs any longer. How on earth did they sit and sew for 16 or 18 hours in a row...much happier stopping at 6:30 PM.

Well, I am tired and off to bed. More later.

Retreat Ready..Not Really

Tomorrow morning, I leave for my quilting guild's annual retreat. Am I ready? Not really... I have projects every where. I have two new projects completely cut and three old one packed and ready. Will I finish anything....well my goal is to finish at least one of my current UFOs and to get a really good start on the two new projects.
Want to really enter in the guild's UFO program. You enter five projects and you get chances to win a grand prize. I have my list but just found out that the quilts have to be quilted as well. With the wait to get quilts to the long arm.....how on earth will I get 5 quilts completely finished and quilted by August!!!! They have lost their minds!
Procrastination...thy name is Traci! Get up and get organized girl!

My first post, how exciting. Got the idea of a blog from my friend Elaine. Didn't know if my life would be interesting enough to post.
I love to quilt! Or should I say I am in love with quilting. I love the fabrics, I love to feel them , I see them and think about what they can and will become. I collect them, unfortunately, very few become quilts. I am a fabri-holic, and this is my tale.
I have a wonderful group of quilting friends who meet the last Friday of every month. We are fondly known as Mary's Kids, just a couple of steps behind everyone else in the class. It isn't because we can't understand what is going on, we choose not to. We are too busy giggling, joking and just having a good time to concentrate on what the instructor is discussing in class! I must say, we have improved, but we are still Mary's Kids.
Last night was January's UFO and we celebrated Mary's birthday . Did I sew a stitch, no! I did, however, cut out a complete queen size quilt to be started on at the retreat next week. Yep, another UFO to add to my list.
In future post please look for my complete UFO list (yes, I am coming clean), quilt classes I am taking, current quilt/craft projects, stash/sewing room organization and my life. Hope you come back for a little peak into my slice of the world.