Quilt Retreat Slideshow

I put a slideshow of the quilt retreat on my blog...guess where?? At the bottom of the page...I have to fix that but I am too sleepy right now to do it.

So , just scroll down and take a look.

Hugs,
Traci

Today

Today was another exciting day for me. I wanted so much to just remain in bed and do a little lounging this morning. But unfortunately, I had to go have a mammogram! Yes, the yearly tradition was a must this rainy, windy morning. After my mammogram I went to the gym to work off some of the retreat food I ate this weekend. The meals served are not calorie filled but it is the treats everyone brings that will get you. Homemade pound cake (my favorite!!), peanut brittle, fudge...cheese nips, M&Ms, dark chocolate covered cranberries!!! Danger!!

Now I am off to have lunch with my dear friend Kathy....Chinese!! Yummy!

Back to the gym tomorrow!

Hugs,

Traci

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Stash Reduction

Busted a lot of stash doing Bonnie's mystery.....counted that last week.


Unfortunately, I did purchased fabric this week...we went to three quilt shops.

Purchased background fabric for my charity quilts....needed some more white on white fabric. I also saw a wonderful frog print...had to get that one. I was doing really well until I walked into SewBee It in Georgia....oh my!!! Several gorgeous batiks called my name and I answered. So my plan is this....I will give away yardage from my stash to make up for my batik purchases...smile. Since I can't stop buying I will reduce another way...smile.

Fabric Purchased: 12 yards
Fabric Used : 0
Fabric Given Away : 10 yards

I Am Back from Retreat

Step 1: Carolina Crossroads
Step 2: Carolina Crossroads
Step 3: Carolina Crossroads
Step 4: Carolina Crossroads

Step 5: Carolina Crossroads

I am back from my quilt guild's annual retreat...had a great time!! It was the best retreat I have been on with the guild. Lots of completed projects, none from me but lots from other people..smile.

I decided to work on Bonnie's Carolina Crossroads Mystery. I saved all the clues and worked on this mystery for the 3 1/2 days I was at the retreat. I did take one day off for shopping. I applaud anyone who finished this mystery....whew!!! I am very proud of myself for taking on this project. The sewing wasn't hard but there was a lot of it. I put a fresh spool of Mettler's on my little Janome 760 and over half is gone!!! Now that is a lot of sewing.

The other two retreat projects didn't get touched....except when I moved them around in my retreat case..smile.

I hope to put the blocks together this week since I have a few more days off of work.

More retreat photos to come!

Check back...smile!!!

Hugs and Blessings!

T.

Stash Reduction Effort--This Week

This has been a good week. No new fabric purchased. I am busy getting ready for my guild's annual retreat so I have cut up lots of fabric to work on my planned projects.

January Total Fabric In: 18 yards

January Total Fabric Used: 18 yards cut

Truths About Me

Those who know me describe me as a happy carefree girl...that is me. At work I am someone else...smile, but every once and a while the true me gets to escape.

I love quilts. I love quick and easy quilts the most. I describe myself as an advance beginner but I have been told that is not true.

This year I am challenging myself to do something other than my usual quick strip quilts...boy I love my rotary cutter and stripper....so much fun! I plan to do two BOM other than my Patches BOM. I want to once again try hand applique also.

Goals for today.

1. Do some laudry!!! I am completely out of workout clothes....so this is a must.
2. Organize my stuff for the retreat.
3. Find the quilting magazine that I have misplaced somewhere in this house.
4. Work on an old UFO.

Hugs and Blessings Everyone....keep warm!

TLC

Fabric Give Away!

Quilters are the nicest people in the world. Visit Quilt Nut and enter to win some fabric. If you don't want it...you know I will take it, smile! Don't forget to mention that I sent you.

Hugs,
Traci

Great Find

I went to Walmart today...to get some new printer refill and also to get the ruler's required for Bonnie's Mystery. I have a Quick Angle ruler that I thought could work...but the measurements required were totally different than Bonnie's measurements...so off I went to get the Companion Angle and the Easy Angle Ruler, never can have too many rulers.

I had my list of items and I was sticking to it.

Found the printer refills....did you know that they are locked now! Wow!

Did not find the rulers. Actually there were very few things on the "quilting" aisle. Everything changes I guess.

So off I go for my lunch date to "Nothing but Noodles", only I didn't have any noodles..Love that place.

I knew there were two places I could get the ruler...but should I tempt myself and go. WEll I picked Hancock's. I walked in and picked up three fat quarters off the fat quarter wall...really cute but I knew I wouldn't buy them because I don't buy fat quarters...hehe! I walked to the ruler section and found both of the rulers needed. I also found a great book. But it was $24.99...do I need another book??? Don't I have one like this?? Well, why not??

Off I go to the register. I found a coupon for 10% off of purchase...quickly tore that out. Surprise! My book was get this....$1.90 plus an additional 10% off. The salesclerk looked shock...hey, I was shocked. My total purchase at Hancock's was less than $20...yippeee!!! And I purchased NO FABRIC!!!

Hugs,

Traci

Stash Reduction Effort --This Week

It wasn't a good week... extremely busy at work and at home. So my sewing time was extremely limited. I was unable to attend the "Road to California" quilt show this year....I thought it would be a bit much since I was just there in December for almost three weeks. So I can honestly say...I didn't buy anything there.

I did visit a LQS that is just starting up so I felt compelled to buy something. I firmly believe we should support our local shops especially in this area because we really only have one and a half (the new one has very limited fabric). I purchased some background fabric....beige and creams and some browns ( I know...not my favorite color) to be used for a backing. I also purchased a new pattern there.

I sewed with a group of sewing friends on Saturday....yippee. Will post pictures of that later today.

Yesterday I worked on my monthly charity quilt, my Valentines day tablerunner and finally..cut fabric for Bonnie's Mystery.

Today...I will go to the gym (have to drop those 10 pounds or more), drop off a quilt for quilting, go to Wallie World and back home to the sewing room. I am in the process also of organizing my stuff for an upcoming Quilt Retreat. I always pack too much, leave something at home vital for completing a project...not this time. Organization is my name!!!

Fabric In: 8 yards
Fabric Out: 6 yards
Fabric Purchased So Far this Year: 18 yards


Gratitudes:

1. Central Heating, Fireplaces, Electric Mattress Pad
2. Soup and Salad
3. Jacuzzi Tub

Can you tell it is cold here?

Hugs and Blessings!

Traci

Sunday Stash Report

Today the sun is shining and all is well. I plan to do a little cleaning and will visit the sewing room. Haven't been in there since before the holidays....is that right...hmm. I have to pull fabric for Bonnie's Mystery Quilt and also for my batik stash buster "Rhythm and Blues". Yes, I am behind with the mystery...so far behind that I haven't even started yet...but I will.

Last night's dinner was fantastic!! Today it is back to reality. Why is reality so hard??

Yesterday, I went to the LQS to pick up my block(s) for the $5 quilt (See quilts above). Very few participants this time around because it is such a basic quilt. Very juvenile...but that is okay with me. I will just take it to work, smile. My plan is to make 2 of each block and construct a larger quilt.

Okay, back to my purchases at the LQS...it wasn't too bad. I spent $22 and it was just on things for the Block quilt. Background fabric and stashing fabric only, very proud. The staff at the LQS even commented on me not buying anything extra....oops. I guess they don't want me to make a habit of that, smile. Will post photo as soon as I find my camera, hmmm....haven't seen it since my trip.

Hugs and Blessing!

T.

Happy Birthday!!

Today is my birthday....never thought I would associate this age with me, yikes!! I don't feel this age....do I look this age? Oh well....it has been a great day so far, smile. Woke up this morning to the sound of crashing tree limbs..hmm. Not good! But had to smile about it.

We were supposed to go to breakfast this morning celebrating that number again...hmmm. Didn't make it....the tree trimmer decided to come early instead on next weekend ...okay, thanks. Oh by the way....happy birthday...how on earth did he know? He pointed to the big flower and balloon bouquet on the porch...great! Thanks and you have a great day too. So no breakfast....hmm, how about lunch?? Okay we will go to lunch..really wanted a biscuit...really wanted a biscuit.

So here I sit opening gifts and looking at my big bouquet. Thanks goodness they don't make balloons with this number on it...otherwise I would have to move, seriously...only kidding.

Going to Ruth Chris tonight...to yes, celebrate that number again.

Things I am not doing today...not buying any fabric or books....hopefully!

Have a great day everyone...hugs and blessings to all.

T.

Stash Reduction--Well Maybe Not

True confession time...I have had a bad two months.

In December I went to my favorite quilt shop in California, Material Possession. They sent me coupons.....never had coupons from a quilt shop before. So...I used them. Now, I didn't go overboard, I purchased some neutrals for my TNT box swap, which I needed, some blue fabric I needed for another swap, a few patterns and a couple of books. Not too bad.

Yesterday I went to my LQS...the annual New Year's sale was in full swing with 25 % off all fabrics and an additional 30% off one item of your choice not on sale. I purchased holiday fabric which was 40% off and some black and white fabrics, some red fabrics..my fabric color combination and once again patterns and a couple of books...one was 40% off and the other one was 30% off. I went in search of some 30s fabric..( I have none) which I need for the TNT box swap...(two of my friendly box swappers are using 30s in their blocks) and also a light colored batik to use as a background fabric.

I don't think I did too bad since all the fabric I purchased is for a specific purpose except the holiday fabric (which I don't have a large stash of).

This upcoming weekend I plan to cut out a "Disappearing Nine Patch", pull batik fabrics to be cut (finally) and work on Louise's block for the box swap. I also want to start organizing my stuff for the two sewing retreats this month...one in town and one out.

Hugs and Blessings Everyone!

Happy New Year

Today I receive an email that really inspired me. It contained a list of New Year Resolutions. I really didn't make any resolutions this year other than continuing to organize my sewing room and house.

My holidays with my parents in California was wonderful. My trip back home...not so great! That is all I will say about that.

Here is the list of resolutions...maybe you will find something that you would like to do.

Happy New Year Everyone!


1.) Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while youwalk, smile. It is the ultimate antidepressant.
2.) Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.Buy a lock if you have to.
3.) Buy a Tivo (DVR), tape your late night shows andget more sleep.
4.) When you wake up in the morning complete thefollowing statement, "My purpose is to___________today."
5.) Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, andEmpathy.
6.) Watch more movies, play more games and read more books than you did last year.
7.) Always pray and make time to exercise.
8.) Spend more time with people over the age of 70 andunder the age of Six.
9.) Dream more while you are awake.
10.) Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants andeat less foods that are manufactured in plants.
11.) Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eatblueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli , almonds & walnuts.
12.) Try to make at least three people smile each day.
13.) Clear your clutter from your house, your car,your desk and let new and flowing energy into yourlife.
14.) Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughtsor things you cannot control. Instead, invest yourenergy in the positive present moment.
15.) Realize that life is a school and you are here tolearn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum thatappear and fade away like algebra class ......but thelessons you learn will last a lifetime.
16.) Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a princeand dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.
17.) Smile and laugh more. It will keep the energyvampires away.
18.) Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
19.) Life is too short to waste time disliking anyone.
20.) Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
21.) You don't have to win every argument. Agree todisagree.
22.) Make peace with your past so it won't screw upthe present.
23.) Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
24.) Ladies - Go on and burn those "special" scentedcandles, use the 600 thread count sheets, the goodchina and wear our fancy lingerie now. Stop waiting for a special occasion. Everyday is special.
25.) No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
26.) Frame every so-called disaster with these words:"In five years, will this matter?"
27.) Forgive everyone for everything.
28.) What other people think of you is none of yourbusiness.
29.) Time heals almost everything. Give time, time!
30.) However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
31.) Your job won't take care of you when you aresick. Your friends will. Stay in touch with them.
32.) Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautifulor joyful.
33.) Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need. God provides remember?!
34.) The best is yet to come. (in Heaven)
35.) No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and showup.
36.) Do the right thing!
37.) Call your family often.
38.) Each night before you go to bed complete thefollowing statements: "I am thankful for __________." Today I accomplished _________.
39.) Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.
40.) Enjoy the ride.

Up, Up and Away.....I am off!

Well everyone I am gone. Have a happy and safe Christmas. Remember the reason for this glorious holiday season.

Hugs and Blessings!

Traci

Christmas Pictures

Well, here a few more holiday photos.

Thursday Night Photos

This is my Dirty Santa gift.....it is a candle warmer for small candles, votives. I have large Yankee Candle Jars.....I will have to search for the other one (that I lost!!). Isn't it pretty.

Here are some of the individual gifties....ornaments, luggage tags...great!Here we have another group of gifties....a personalized fob, ornament and sewing organizer.
This group of gifties include a wreath ornament made of Hemlocks....no idea what they are...hmmm, need to read up on local plants. A great ornament made with buttons....and the cutest little hand embroidered pin cushion...so cute!!!

This year there were 4 very popular items...a black and white bag, a black,white and red sewing set (both of which were handmade), a candle warmer (Jim Shore...I didn't get it) and a gift certificate to a local quilt shop.

Christmas Party number 3! Whew....didn't think I would make it through the week but I did. Three Christmas parties , making gifties, food preparation, cleaning house ( yes, cleaning house.)....working,working out..tooo much for a normal person.

Blessings to All!!!

T.

Promised Photos

This is from my Stitch Group party on Tuesday night. We had a ornament and fat quarter swap. Not really "Dirty Santa" you just picked a wrapped package and that was it. I really like my fat quarter and I am a snowman person for sure....so smiling really big!

The rule for the fat quarter is....I have to make something with it and bring it to the next Christmas party....hmm.

Amazing!

Well, my third Christmas party this week was tonight, had a great time with "Dirty Santa". The individual gifts were fantastic..will post pictures tomorrow. The food was amazing...ate too much again. But I will have these thighs in the gym tomorrow morning...yes, I will.

The most exciting segment was the "Quilter's Version of Twelve Days of Christmas"....so amazingly funny!

I arrived home to find this gadget in my email box. What???! Wow....it must be fantastic. I am so tempted to purchase one...why, just to see what the difference is and why does it cost more than double, no triple the price of the other rotary cutters. Maybe Santa will get me one...hehe!

Well...Grey's Anatomy is waiting for me on Tivo along with a nice cold bottle of Sugar Free Hawaiian Punch.

Hugs and Blessings!

T.

Christmas Party Number #1

Tonight was the start of my Christmas parties. Tonight's party was with my Stitchers Etc group....nice group, I really like the people and had a wonderful time. I wish I could attend more meetings....perhaps with the New Year, changes will happen.

We had great food (ate too much) and a wonderful fat quarter and ornament exchange. No Dirty Santa with this group. The rules for the fat quarter is that in 2008 you must bring back a completed project which includes the fat quarter. I picked a red on red snow flake print...love red, and love, love snowflakes. The fat quarter served as the wrapping for the cutest snowman ornament...so cute. Will post photo tomorrow.

Need to finish up gift tags for Christmas party #2.

Blessings to All!

T.

Stash Reduction Effort

Stash reduction efforts for the week were good. I finished "Wild and Crazy" Stars which was completely from my stash. 32 fat quarters, 3 yards of background fabric, and 6 yards of fabric for backing....ALL FROM STASH!!!

Tablerunner...not completely finished was also from stash. This will be a gift..so no picture for now.

Cut up 36 fat quarters for next month's Stash busting quilt.

Purchased the book above. All patterns utilize 6 half yards...great quilts. I have several half yards sets that would work great.

Most importantly....no fabric...I purchased no fabric!