Sarcastic Quilter

Sew & Tell Friday

2012-01-27T10:30:00.000-05:00

AmyLouWho hosts the Sew & Tell Friday where you can link up your finishes for the week. A primary point of me working on the Swoon blocks so diligently this week is b/c I realized I've been doing a lot of organizing but not a lot of finishing and I wanted to post, dang it!

So this week, I'm sharing block finishes. Four Swoon blocks for the Swoon QAL. I have 5 more to go but they are not difficult and I am loving the block.

These calicos have been given a new life, don't you think?

Check out the link to the Sew & Tell with the button in my sidebar and see what others in blogland have finished this week. It's great for inspiration and motivation!

Cheers!
Beck

Favorite Things Friday - Ice Cream

2012-01-27T09:50:00.000-05:00

Yep, I said it. In the middle of winter, in the midst of my healthier lifestyle committment, ice cream is my favorite thing.

I was asked the other day what my favorite food was and ice cream made the top. Probably because I haven't had it in so long and also because it is and always has been my "cure all" food. Not chocolate, ice cream.

When hubs and I went on our second date, we passed an ice cream truck and I mentioned this. Then later in the day (we were walking around DC) I was feeling peckish. He saw another truck, suggested the ice cream and low and behold, I was a happy girl again. He learned then how easy to please I'd be. Just give me food or ice cream and my moods would be readily handled (or so he thought).

I'm a simple gal when it comes to ice cream. Just the basics here, the stuff that was cheap when I was a kid are what I hold true to now. I don't want a bunch of crazy flavors unless I'm mixing it up myself and that's not that often.

Give me neapolitan, chocolate chip, mint chop, or fudge swirl if I'm purchasing from the store. Maybe french vanilla for a treat but I have to eat that with some mini chocolate chips, chocolate syrup and a cherry.

I'm a wicked sucker for those soft serve carts. Always the same, chocolate/vanilla swirl with rainbow sprinkles. Oh, I could live off that. My hips can tell you I've tried!

If I'm in bind and I just need some ice cream while I'm out and about but fast food is my only choice, hands down, Wendy's chocolate frosty with the chopped up M&Ms. Oh lord!

I will add, a new favorite, the Oreo Ice Cream at Cold Stone Creamery. I dedicated a small portion of a post to it here.

I'm craving ice cream these last couple of days. I'm going to try to drink some milk and see if that curbs the craving but if not, and you don't hear from me this weekend, send help. I've over-indulged and gone into an ice cream induced coma.

Oh, I love ice cream... (disclaimer, these pictures were pulled from Google search for pictures)

Check out other favorites by linking on the FTF button on my side bar. Join in yourself. :)

Cheers!
Beck

Weigh In Weds.

2012-01-25T07:59:00.000-05:00

I've lost some weight again! I haven't exercised much, again. Today's weight: 160.

I tell you this because I want to highlight that change in diet DOES matter, even if you don't exercise. I still believe and know I need to exercise, I just want to point out that food is part of the battle. I'm rarely hungry and I'm rarely not satisfied with what I'm eating because frankly, I have splurged and had junk. What I have done is limit quantity (this is very important) to a normal portion. I've also tried to go less pre-made (processed) and more make it myself or purchase organic or organic-like products.

I've become convinced the processed foods are a big part of my (a lot of our) problems. Aside from the lack of nutritional value, the amount of sodium is insane. Even on the low sodium stuff! I buy chunk albacore tuna in water, b/c it's slightly better than the regular dark meat in a can and in oil. The other day, I saw that they had the same tuna but in a pkg which said, "lower sodium". So I compared the two and was surprised to see there was a significant difference.

Now, that said, I bought the low sodium, brought it home and can taste NO difference. I am on a massive task to reduce the salt/sodium that my family uses. I don't like salt. Let me rephrase, I rarely like salt. If chips aren't salted or no salt on pretzels, I'm a happy person. My husband would resalt pretzels! Oh, no he wouldn't, I'm exaggerating but he loves his salt. He's got high blood pressure, too. You'd think that would scare him into being better but his idea of better is no where near my idea of acceptable. I wonder if Dr. Oz can help him or I see reason...

Anyway, the ex hubs liked salt, too and between the two of them, I've seen our kids adding salt to food. I know this is their example plus the developed taste from high sodium processed or fast food. I have to change their taste buds. I've made a rule, EAT it first before you add salt. They take one bite and add salt. So, I am making a new rule. 5 bites before you add salt.

I've changed out the table salt for sea salt grinders. A little healthier and the work in grinding slows them down a little, I hope. We will see but I'm determined to at least keep them aware of their choices.

I'm not a doctor or a nutritionist, I'm only speaking from my own experience and feelings. Take a look at the processed food you eat and look at the sodium content. Then think about how much salt you add to it after you've prepared it. Does it seem over the top? Take that into account along with the salt you use/ add throughout the day. How's that looking? While writing this post, I though I should let you all know what the daily recommended sodium intake was so I went to an easy source, "Dr. Oz Show". Turns out, he has a short and simple article on this. Take a look, you will be surprised.
Think Your Salt Intake is in Control? Think Again.

Since I've referenced Dr. Oz twice now, I should probably mention I rarely see his show but when I do, he makes as much sense to me as Jamie Oliver does through his Food Revolution. I think that for my life, I can't do everything they suggest and realistically, I don't want to. Some days I want the McDonald's burger.

But here's the thing. There ARE things I can do, in baby steps and incementally. Such as changing out the tuna we eat when fresh isn't possible. Adding more good fish to our diet and reduce the amount of red meat. Vary the red meat so that we are eating leaner (elk, deer) meat where possible. Oh, and since we (I) love read meat, when we are eating cow, grind my own hamburger/sausage. Mix with ground turkey & chicken (that I ground). I asked for and received from Santa the grinding attachment to my kitchen aid so I could do this.

Eventually, when I stop being fearful of the pressure cooker, I'll start canning. In the meantime, I'm trying to use fresh or fozen veggies over store cans, if possible (again the sodium thing).

What about you? What do you think you can do this week (over at Annies Ruby Slipperz On My Weigh post this past Sat. she talked about setting mini goals to help you achieve the larger goals) to help you get healthier?

Let me know how you are doing in your journey. Set a mini-goal this week and come back next to tell me how you've done. My mini-goal with Annie was to get on the elliptical 6x this week. I've already blown that but I am getting on the rest of the week to get as close to it as possible. My point, don't quit if you miss your goal, just keep working at it to feel proud of yourself.

Cheers!
Beck

Swoon Block #3

2012-01-24T08:46:00.000-05:00

Just popped in to show you my third Swoon QAL block. I've picked all the fabrics but I'm curious to see how the blocks come together. I am purposely just making them and putting them in a pile to let myself be "surprised" along with you.

One additional note, I've been reading many of your posts, but have been unable to comment. Every time I try, blogger just gives me a blank screen. I wanted you to know I was still reading and I'm not neglecting you.

Cheers!
Beck

What iron do you use?

2012-01-22T17:23:00.000-05:00

My husband and I had a discussion today. It went something like this:

Me: "While we are out, I want to pick up a second ironing board."
Hubs: "Why?"
Me: "So you can iron your uniforms in the bedroom and not in my sewing room. So there aren't hangers and tags laying around."
Hubs: "Oh, okay. Then I need an iron."
Me: "No, we have one from when we were in our other home that you bought, remember?"
Hubs: "No but that's fine. You can have that one and I'll take the one in your sewing room."
Me: "What? Why? No you are not."
Hubs: "But I love that iron. It glides so smoothly. It works great."
Me: "I know. I spent more money than I ever spent on an iron to get one that would be jsut want I want for quilting."
Hubs: "Then let's buy another."
Me: "Try the one you bought last year first."
Hubs: "I'll give it a try."

-intermission while we shop for other items-
Later at home, I'm sewing away and in comes hubs. He unplugs my hot and in use iron and plugs in the one he "loved" last year.

Me: "Excuse me."
Hubs (taking my iron): "This one is better."
Me: "Well then I'm buying a new one."
Hubs: "okay"

Hubs goes back upstairs to iron his unifor and I try to press 1, JUST ONE, lousy seam open and I turned his iron off. Unplugged it and hollered to hubs.
"Bring that downstairs when you are done, please." He laughs, "See? I told you it was bad."

What's so great about my iron and what's so bad about hubs' iron? Well, nothing really. They both function and function well. I'm sure are many of you with many different types of irons so let me preface the following by telling you that this post is only about MY personal preference.

Here are the irons in question.

Primarily the thing hubs and I love the most about the first iron is the surface on the iron that touches the fabric. The second one is a bit more like teflon and doesn't glide over fabric with only the slightest pressure. You have to use more pressure with hubs' iron & frankly, for me and my seams, I have to pay more attention to the way I press the seams.

On mine I also like the slightly less bulky point and the extra steam holes (for wehn I do want to steam). The hubs' is good for steaming a hanging garment (which is one of the reasons hubs liked it to begin with).

So, it now looks like I'm in the market for a new iron. I can buy another Rowenta and I probably will but part of me wonders about those Olisios I've seen out there or maybe one of you has something else you would recommend.

Do you? What do you use and do you love it?

Cheers!
Beck

Swoon QAL blocks & a Spaghetti Squash recipe

2012-01-21T18:57:00.002-05:00

I'm sorry I missed my Weds. weigh-in this week. I found myself a day behind all week at home and work. Finally, today, I've caught up on the home stuff.

I did manage to finish two blocks for the Swoon QAL, today. I cut all my pieces yesterday and the day before. It actually took that long but doing it all at once was the way to go b/c I'm happy to just plug away on each block. Also, once the first block was pieced, it was much quicker to piece the second one.

Finally, I had to change my chosen Swoon QAL fabrics b/c it turned out I had fat eights of the Sip of Summer line and not fat quarters. Not wanting to purchase anything, I pulled from the endless (and I mean endless) "mom's calico stash". To keep the blocks feeling modern, I stuck with the white background. I think they are looking good.

Now, a recipe to share. Please feel free to play with this one. It was a "what do I have around here" type that can be adapted.

Spaghetti Squash w/Meat & Veggie Sauce

1 Spaghetti Squash
3 oz steak, cubed
1/2 small onion, diced
1/2 cup tomato sauce (spaghetti sauce)
1 big handful raw, baby spinach leaves (no stems), roughly chopped
1 small tomoto, diced
3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
3/4 cup water
1/2 cup white wine
salt, black pepper, paprika, dried italian seasoning, garlic powder
grated parmesan/reggiano cheese
extra virgin olive oil

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Cut squash in half lengthwise and remove seeds. Lay cut side up on a shallow baking pan and season the top with salt, black pepper, paprika & garlic powder. I just sprinkle over the top (use as much or little as you want or change the seasonings to your preference). Roast for about 35-40 min.

2. When your squash has about 10 min. left, put a medium frying on the stove. Heat oil on med./high heat for a couple minutes, season the meat with salt & pepper and place in the oil. Brown on all sides & cook through to desired doneness. I like some pink so this takes aroudn 4-5 min. for me with stew like cuts of meat. Remove from pan & set aside.

3. Put onions and garlic in pan and sautee until soft. Add wine & deglaze pan. Cooking off the alcohol. About 5 more minutes. Add about 1/2 tsp. italian seasoning, tomatoes, water and tomato sauce. Simmer on medium for another 5 or so minutes.

4. While simmering the sauce, remove squash from its skin with a fork.

5. Back to the sauce, add the meat to it and any other seasoning you want, mix. Add spinach the last 2-3 min. of cooking to wilt slightly.

6. Serve sauce over a helping of squash on a plate or in a bowl. Top with a sprinkle of grated cheese and enjoy!

Yum!
Beck

Preparations for the weekend

2012-01-12T06:00:00.000-05:00

Before I get too embroiled in my post, I want to note I joined a swap and you can, too! It's so simple. Just 5" charms out of 1 yard of fabric. That's all the work you need to do. Check it out and join us, will you?

I really wanted to show you a picture of something completed or even started and well on its way. However, I didn't have anything I could show.

I began to wonder how that could be and then I realized this week, for a lot of time, was about getting organized so that I could just "go" with whatever suited me this weekend for projects. This weekend, by the way, will be all about my projects. Because I'm still pondering what to do as the quilting motif(s) for the Make Life top, I decided not to load that.

So here you are, this is actually what I accomplished this week so far:

1) I spent a lot of time wondering why I bought the chicken fabric at this little store, Cottonseed Glory Quilt Shop, in Annapolis, MD. The other fabric, Maxine and the flowers, I know I'll find a use for. I took a spur of the moment trip out to Dover, DE to surprise my mom and have a Mom/daughters weekend at Dover Downs Casino. My sis, SIL and mom were there and I just showed up to surprise mom. We had a great time and if Sis ever lets go of the photos, I'll post photos of just how nutty we got.

2) Son #1, P, and I finalized a design for his monopoly quilt. And then we saw a pattern adn thought we'd use that. Go figure. The fabrics have been pulled out and await the rotary cutter.

3) I loaded the quilt frame with my old double wedding ring quilt top in a fit of, "I'm tired of being cold at night and therefore I'm finishing this dang thing." Of course, I loaded it, pulled out the backing and realized that while my top measures 108"wide, the backing fabric is a few inches short. I do believe that is because I pre-washed. So, I need to add a small border. This took out some, "I'm cold" incentive and now I ponder what border to use and contemplate ironing the back sometime soon. Maybe tomorrow.

Oh, here's a question, I'm thinking about trying a tarpunto effect in the circles of the quilt but I'm hung up on how much waste I'll have from the batting. I want to. Oh, how I want to, but I man, cutting out all that batting around the tarpunto, do I really want to do that?

4) Also, while considering what quilt to put on our king sized bed, I pulled out the top from P.S. I Quilt's QAL. I realized it was too small for my bed. And then I realized (and come on, has this ever happendd to any of you?) that I had a bunch of blocks left over. I went, counted, found I had enough to add a row to each side. I thought I had planned for a king sized quilt! lol So, I sewed the two rows this week. When I pull out the iron for the DWR quilt back, I'll get these pressed and added to the Postage stamp top.

5) I managed to choose and cut out fabrics for the Made in Cherry Star QAL. But wait, I didn't just plan for one 60x60 quilt, oh no! I decided to go patriotic and cut out fabrics for 2 quilts! I plan to finish these as 2 of the 6 charity quilts I've committed to. I'll donate them to Quilts of Valor.

6) Finally, I choose my fat quarter bundle, Sip of Summer from Connecting Threads, which I had sitting around from last summer. This is for the Swoon QAL I've joined. (You know, because I didn't have enough to do.) I tried different backgrounds. Dark blue didn't work as pretty in real life as it did in my mind. White was too white.

How about that tan, basket-looking print? No, didn't work for me.

Maybe the mottled, dark green? Hmm, that's kinda neat but do I want a quilt with all that green as the background to the stars? If I keep it, would I do the sashing the same or use a different color and if so, what color sashing would I use?

Or maybe I should play it safe and just use the standard muslin. The color works with the FQs. It's a question about stepping out of my comfort zone or not. It worked well when I made the Pinwheel Sampler but can I get lucky again?

My last note, a good one and a sad one. Good news, my FQ bundle from Fat Quarter Shop arrived (for a string quilt probably on next year's agenda) and they are gorgeous! Also arrived, my LSU fabric, which is sad b/c LSU gave away the Championship game last Monday and I'm still a wee bit bitter (okay it might take until next season) about it. No LSU quilt on the near horizon.

So, how have you spent your week so far? Was it as productive in non-productivity as mine?

ETA- I slept on it after writing this post and I think I'm going with that mottled green. It's different, for sure, but I want the starst to pop and while the muslin works, I don't feel the stars would blend with the background for a softer quilt. I want ones that stand out from the background. I'll decide what sashing, if any to use after the blocks are put together. Wish me luck.

Cheers!
Beck

Weigh In Weds. - Back on track, sort of

2012-01-11T08:28:00.001-05:00

I did not track my foods as I ought to which led to some questionable decisions. Those decisions usually resulted in this type of conversation, "oh, it's just this one time, you've been pretty good elsewhere."

Then, when I tried to reconstruct what I ate over the week before this post, I realized it was more like the good stuff was just the one time and I'd been pretty bad elsewhere.

That said, at least I DID get on the elliptical a couple of times. I DID reduce my picking (thank goodness).

End result, 162.5. Back to where I was before Christmas. Now it's on, people. I'm tired of my sausage arms and my jiggly butt. I realized I have a 20 year highschool reunion this Spring and I want to look like a trim and fit mama! (Come on, is there anything wrong with wanting those old HS insecurities to be kicked to the curb by showing up full of confidence and eliciting those, "wow, she birthed kids" comments?)

Okay, if there is something wrong with that completely superficial mentality I always tell my kids not to have, then I will say this. That mentality is second to wanting to feel better and healthier. I'm still having up and down days like that but I have to remind myself, it took days, weeks, months and years to get like I am.

It will take days, weeks, months and even years to get to and maintain where I want to be. It sounds daunting but if I focus only on the days and weeks with my goals, I know it is do-able.

I'm on Pinterest now and I have taken to pinning photos for fitness inspiration. I've already used it a couple of times when on the elliptical (I can set my iPhone on the machine to play music). I pull up my pins and look at where I want to be or read some inspirational message.

For instance, here's a motivation one and here's another.

And these two, these are "fun" ones to me. Run for It. Walk Away.
It helps me. What do you do to help yourself when you are hitting the wall and trying to push yourself through?

Cheers!
Beck

Another Sewing Room Update

2012-01-09T11:21:00.002-05:00

I've finally gotten all the fabric letters ironed to the walls. Using this tutorial, I forged ahead with my words. Then I realized the words weren't enough and I wondered if quilt blocks would be neat. Of course, then I saw fabric at JoAnn's which had quilt blocks on it. Take a look.

This window only has words. It's boring. I need to figure something out for this window.

This window, I am happy with. I like the way it looks with the strip of fabric on either side of the word.

This window, it's my fun window.

I put one block over the door into the living room but it looks lonely, doesn't it?

And this wall, it's sad with it's miscellaneous items but I'll have a small quilt hanging up there soon and will re-arrange those hodge-podge stickers. Eventually, I'll finish organizing and my control-freak heart will be content... Those boxes will be OFF the top of the armoire.

But that will be later. For now, I'm enjoying the little progress.

Cheers!
Beck

Minnie Mouse Quilt

2012-01-08T08:00:00.000-05:00

So back around Halloween, a friend of mine's daughter-in-law saw a quilt set for sale. It was a custom set for crib size and had the whole package, bumper, quilt, skirt and it was WAY out of her price range, not to mention she wanted a twin size.

She mentioned to my friend that she was going to have a friend of hers (who's sewn clothes but never quilted) make it. My friend halted her there and reached out to me asking if I could recreate it in twin size. A quick look at it assured me I could do this and so off I went. They paid for the materials since I'd have to buy new fabric across the board for it and a new batting b/c I didn't have twin on hand and I made the quilt.

Hehe - quilt photos are further down but I had to share how I "wrapped it". I saw this ribbon in the Wal-mart craft section adn couldn't resist.

I had trouble determining how to quilt this one but then realized I wanted the Minnie's to be the stars and so a "frame" would suit them and in the pink dot squares, an off-kilter X was easily the way to go. In the borders (you can see it a bit in the folded phot above) I did a wide loop de loop (how the heck do you spell that anyway?) I think it works and keeps it fun like Disney.

What do you think?

Cheers!
Beck

Make Life Top, how to quilt?

2012-01-07T08:24:00.000-05:00

I started this quilt to be a fun lapsize for a co-worker to keep in her office and remind her of bright days when her days at work were tough. However, as I was pieceing it, I noticed these little blotches along the way. I pre-washed this fabric but the water was on warm (unrealized), not cold and I didn't take care to keep things with like colors even though I knew better.

So, I decided I would hang on to this one as an extra house quilt. That leaves me with the idea to use these squares as individual test patches for quilting designs and I've decided to reach out to you. What continuous motion quilting designs do you suggest? I plan to practice feathers in the boarders (2 borders = 2 types of feathers). For the blocks, though, what should I try. If I have enough ideas, I may go ahead and use each block as a different test area.

Oh! Pebbles.

I've always wanted an excuse to try those. Maybe I'll do those in one of the little blocks.

Any other thoughts?

Cheers!
Beck

First 2011 QAL

2012-01-05T08:45:00.002-05:00

I came across Pins and Bobbins QAL starting Jan. 13 and I can't resist. The direct link is on my sidebar. It looks like it will be a quick and easy QAL and I can use it to tackle one of my to do items on my sidebar.

I will be pulling out my scraps (which I started sorting last night) to determine colorways for the quilt and will be ready to go on the 13th.

Want to join in?

Cheers!
Beck

The NY Tornado has spun in again and I'm a winner!

2012-01-04T22:21:00.002-05:00

First things first, I am a winner 2 times over from Sew Mama Sew Giveaway day this past December. I didn't have a chance to host a giveaway this year but I was pleasantly surprised to be able to enter a few and even win two prizes.

Look at this cute little guy made by Kelly at Widget Worm.

It's such a darling pin cushion I'm beginning to realize why people end up with collections of them.

I also won, what I thought would be one jelly roll, but it turns out I won both from Tara at Quilt Barn.

I am thinking hard about what to do wtih these babies now.

Thank you Kelly and Tara. I'm a very appreciative winner. :)

Now, another fun tidbit to report. The NY Tornado fell into the home that is actually known as the "Black Hole of all Chain Lettters". Turns out, it almost applied to the NY Tornado but luckily, (or not so luckily for the quilting community) it managed to escape and arrived back at my home this week. I am not going to delay, this time, instead of sending it to family members, I'm wrapping this baby up and sending it to someone I've met in quilt-land. I am sure it will be a huge surprise but I hope against hope that she and anyone one else who receives it will keep up with the game and pass it along. Time will tell... :-)

Here's a photo to remind you of how lucky you would be to get it. -snicker-

Cheers!
Beck

ps - Please note that if I were planning on selling my quilting services, I'd never send this out based on how my skills were then vs now. However, that is not my goal in my quilting life and I am sending this with only the hope people will get a chuckle.

"Don't Call me Shirley." (Weigh In Wednesday)

2012-01-04T06:00:00.000-05:00

It's time to report in, everyone. You got a pass (as did I) last week because of my birthday but frankly, it's time to step back on the scale or simply to step back into the light of honesty and report in on your progress. I will tell you, for all my tips posted, I did follow the correct portions. I just didn't follow the whole, "don't pick" or "pick honestly approach." I can also be honest in telling you that I was feeling it. I felt like I was back sliding. I actually woke up on Monday eager to exercise and start eating healthier again.

I have decided I'm going to celebrate that little victory. It means I've changed my eating habits enough that when I get off track, my body notices and craves otherwise.

I have to celebrate this because my scale, apparently, hates me. I know, it's a scale, it has no personality but MINE DOES! It talked to me today, my friends, and it wasn't pretty. No, I'm not kidding. It went something like this.

-----------
I step on the scale and wait while the scale cycles through to decide how much I weigh. How bad I've been, measured in numbers. The scale doesn't show the numbers. I step off, and step on again. I wait for the numbers. They don't come. At this point I mutter something like, "come on, what's going on? I know I'm standing on it correctly for the sensors."
And then, I get an answer. "You are standing right. I'm just not telling you the numbers. Don't make me."

"But I want to know."

"I'm not telling you. All I will tell you is you are lucky you ran out of peanut butter cookies when you did because you would really be in a bad place otherwise."

"Okay, I didn't do well, I get it. Just give me the number so I know what I have to work with."

"Peanut butter cookies, that's all I've got to say."

"Clearly, you have more to say."

"Alright, yes, I do. Peanut butter cookies and ham and bread. At least you ate your vegetables becuase if you didn't, you wouldn't have gone #2 regularly and the number would be even higher."

"I can't believe you just talked about my bowel movements. Just show me the numbers!"

"I'll tell you this. Do you remember what you started at?"

"Yes."

"You aren't above that number."

"okay..."

"You are at that number."

sigh - "I suppose it's better than being above it."

"True, chubby."

"Seriously?"

"What?"

"You called me chubby."

"No, you made that up. I would never do any such thing. I know how big you are... I mean little you are. You step on me every Wednesday, remember? I'd never call you chubby. I might liken you to Chunk from the Goonies but I'd never say 'Chubby'. "

"I can't believe this, you are way out of line."

In a raised voice, "You asked me, don't get all upset because I'm telling you what you repeatedly stated you want to hear. Some people just can't take the truth and it never fails. I'm always the messenger they want to shoot."

"Goodness, something is surely this morning. Did I hurt your feelings?"

"Humph, no. And don't call me Shirley. I'm your scale and that's all I'll ever be."

-------

And that, my friends, is the Weigh In Wednesday that hase left me traumatized. At least I've started exercising again (30 min on the elliptical Monday and Tuesday with plans to continue 6 out of 7 days this week).

How did you manage your goals over the holidays?

Cheers!
Beck

New Year Resolutions (or not)

2012-01-03T08:00:00.000-05:00

This year, I'm going to write down some of my quilt-related resolutions so maybe next year, when I think about answering the question, did I accomplish what I've set out to do in 2012, I can actually look at a list and say yes or no.
I should rephrase. These aren't really resolutions, these are more of a list of what I'd like to get around to finishing.

- My SIL Jinney Beyer Quilt (a long time UFO that has no excuse to continue to be one)
- My stitch along blocks which will create a quilt for my other SIL. Turns out, she really liked how they looked and the lightbulb flashed (This is the quilt I can give her).
- Quilts for my nieces (2) in FL. They haven't gotten a quilt yet and they should.
- Quilts for my nephews (2) in ME. They haven't gotten a quilt yet and they should.
- Quilt for another SIL. That means, a quilt for BIL also b/c he'd be left out. SIL's is a top, started last year (the Harlequin quilt) so I know I can quilt it and be done.
- 6 Quilts for charity. My charity of choice would be QOV but I won't limit it to that one if there becomes a need for more. If time permits, I will do more. this one is really important to me.
- The Monopoly quilt for my son.
- The postage stamp quilt.
- The double wedding ring quilt.
- 3 quilted shawls.
- 4 twin quilts & a wall hanging for a family I am fond of and want to surpise (kids and parents).

Hmm, I feel like there is more but yeah, I know that's a lot already. Here's the thing. 1/3 of these are already started or almost done. I think I can really do this. I just have to be disciplined, committed, and focused. Right? LOL

Oh and in the midst of all my free time, I plan to attend the Sewing Summit again this year in Oct., get to at least one more retreat, meet up more often with blog friends in real life (hopefully) and blog more regularly to keep you aprised of my happenings.

Do you think I can do it? What are your resolutions?

While you think about it, have a look at a new project of mine?

I got the idea off Pinterest but the blog link to This Thrifty House shows you the tutorial. It works well. I had to reposition a letter and what little bond stuck to the wall peeled off with a little rubbing and the paint was fine. I have 2 more walls over windows to do. I will be adding the words, "imagine" and "quilt". One either side of the word "quilt", I will add a quilt block of my choice. Once complete, I'll show you the photos but I like this decorative touch to my sewing room.

Cheers!
Beck

Out with the old...

2012-01-02T16:46:00.000-05:00

in with the new.
Once again, I've pondered going over my year in quilting, life and blogland with you but once again, I've realized it's just not my style. Here's what I will do. I will tell you I started the year with great incentive and interest in the quilt world. I was going to ride a roll I'd been on in 2010 but apparently, to ride a roll, you actually have to stay on the ride. Too bad I didn't stay on the ride. Got off to attend to life's business and then some more of life's business. Quilting had to take a back seat but not anymore. I went to the Sewing Summit in October and I realized I need to be doing what I love more now than ever.

I will still have to attend to my day job and the family but I plan to do a couple of things this year. Before I get to that, let me pass along the fun. Last year I posted my horoscope for 2011. I re-read it today and well, there was this, " "This year the focus shifts from a lifestyle focused on gadgets, information and social networking to introspection, home and family." I made a joke about not being on my blog so often, yada, yada, yada. Um, it was right. I did get distracted from the tech stuff (and you all).

Or this, "You are about to encounter your most uncensored raw self on levels as of yet unprecedented. Ready yourself, Goat, because this spring an explosion of fiery planets in Aries sweeps the very base of your horoscope getting you back in touch with some of your most primal instincts. Competition, aggression and the need for plenty of physical outlets ensue." - I didn't exactly take up mixed martial arts but I did find a love of hunting and I haven't even gotten my own kill yet.

Hmm, I did make work more important over my domesticity this year, also. That's three points of the horoscope that panned out. I'm not sure about all this voo doo stuff but if that worked, then I have HIGH hopes my horoscope this year is going to be good for me this year. At least, I that's what I say now. Let's go read it, shall we? (Here's the direct Yahoo link if you want to find yours.)

"The confusion of 2011 is about to lift as clarity returns in 2012." Thank God because I really don't do well with change.
"You've no doubt been through a series of powerful metamorphoses since 2008, when Pluto took possession of your stars for the long haul." Duh.
"You're not even a quarter of the way through the 18-year shedding process that Pluto requires ..." Shit.
"and yet you're not the same person you were just a few years ago by any stretch of the imagination." Again, duh. It's freaking impossible to be young, niave, carefree me. (Okay, I was never that way but I do know I've changed and grown a lot.)
"In some ways, you can expect this year to be a long, dramatic pause." Thank you, thank you, thank you. Give me a chance to breath, oh stars. I really need that.

"You'll be questioning many aspects of your existence, especially your professional life. Mars, the planet of work and action, will be retrograde for the first quarter of the year in your house of higher learning and travel, putting you in a deeply introspective and philosophical mode. During this time, you'll be less inclined to hit the road than you will be to hit the books." Hmm, I started this process a little early. Since about Nov. I've been contemplating these things and when I have some news, if I have news, I'll share. in the meatime, hitting the books was on my agenda these next couple of months. This is getting just a little strange to me.

"When the eclipse patterns stir up the winds of change for you again in spring and summer, you'll experience some major epiphanies about the new direction you need to take. The new Moon solar eclipse in your work sector brings a fresh approach to the way you go about your daily routine. And then, the full Moon lunar eclipse of June in your dream sector will bring the muse and vision to inspire you to go beyond the known. The total solar eclipse and new Moon in your goal sector in November is the final push to plant radically new seeds. There's no question that you're leaving your old life behind; it's now just a matter of faithfully emerging into the new." Here I'm a little worried, I'm not ready to faithfully emerge anywhere and I think I'm coming to a solution about what I want anand now the stars are telling me I'll change direction from where I am? Or do they mean I'll actually be solidified in the direction I'm thinking of going now? Come on, people, you are supposed to help me interpret this stuff... clearly it's my livelihood we are discussing here.

"Love is in the air with generous Jupiter in sister Earth sign Taurus, showering your romantic sector until June. The planet of fortune will provide ample opportunities for you to fall in love with someone new - or simply love the one you're with. Pleasure becomes a key theme for the first half of the year, providing a nice balance to your normal dutiful life." On a lighter note, can anyone fault me for saying it's just a SHOCKER that I'd simply love the one I'm with. Oh stars, oh stars. At least there is one area you are stating the obvious. But look, I do appreciate letting me know the first half of the year is about pleasure. Should I ask, are we talking bedroom pleasure or maybe just romantic movies that hubs would never see pleasure? I need to know, I'm an OCD Capricorn afterall, where I should and shouldn't expect pleasure (ahem, maybe I should put a little footnote here that says, "expect pleasure beyond what is considered normal for my life because hubs is absolutely wonderful in every way to me - :) ). It would not be fair of me to yell at hubs for not going to see New Year's Eve with me because you told me to expect more pleasure if you meant pleasure in the sense he was going to start cleaning the bathrooms. A little clarity, please?

So there you have it, my year looms ahead, mostly promising. How does your horoscope look?

Happy Monday, everyone. I'll see you tomorrow with some resolutions I plan not to keep. Wait, I mean, to keep. Be ready, I want to hear at least one of yours, even if it's a resolution not to tell me your resolutions!

Cheers!
Becky

The WINNERS

2012-01-01T22:27:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year, everyone! Tomorrow I'll get into all the NY stuff I feel the need to say (it may be long... you may want to run and hide.)

However, for TODAY, the WINNERS from my birthday giveaway to you, my beautiful followers.

The first prize goes to commenter #6 who was Annie of Annie's Ruby Slipperz. Annie, you've won the book and Island Batik jelly roll.

The second prize goes to commenter #19 who was Kate of Katie Mae Quilts. Katie, you've won the pins, quilt-it kit (which I meant to post was a giveaway I won last year, slightly used, but never opened and used myself), the quilt journal and the fat quarters.

Annie and Kate, you should have an email from me asking for your address, please send it as soon as possible so I can send it out this week.

As for the yarn, the first person to speak up for by Colleen so thank you for your interest and taking it off my hands. I hope you find it useful.

Congratulations ladies and once again, thank you all for being my pals. :-)

Cheers!
Becky

For you, my followers.

2011-12-29T22:58:00.001-05:00

The derailed plan from yesterday was this post. For my birthday, I wanted to give you a big, heartfelt, thank you for being my followers.

I want to host a giveaway. I currently have 245 followers and it amazes me that you read my posts and have hung around this long. I don't know what you see in me but I am grateful for your friendships.

So, as a thank you, I'm hosting a surprise giveaway! ~~I have randomly drawn 3 winners for the 3 prizes below.~~ I will randomly draw 2 winners for the prizes below.

Criteria:
1) You were a follower as of the date/time of this posting.
2) I will use random.org to draw two winners (first commentor will be #1, second commentor will be #2 and so on.)
3) You comment on this post between now and Jan.. 1, 2012 12:00am Eastern Time letting me know you are entering (please be sure I can contact you if I draw you as a winner.)
4) Only one comment per person, please.

If your name has been drawn, I will give you through Jan. 1 (ET) for you to respond to my email asking for your address so I can send you your prize. If, at that time, I haven't heard from you, I'll contact an alternate winner I've drawn.

Now, the prizes!

PRIZE 1

A book, signed by the author, with small comfort stories of quilts/quilting. I bought book was bought at a quilt show and I picked up two of them so I could share one with you. A note, it has a prayer/meditation them, Christian-based at times, even but all are good little annectdotes and stories. Also included in the prize, a jelly roll of batiks. Purchased at Hancock's of Paducah, I'd like to share this rll with you. It has blues, greys, creams, and whites.

Second Prize

Straight pins I won recently but cannot use. Also won but not used, the patterns. It was used slightly by its original (not me) owner but everything is there. Also, a notebook to track your quilt creations. Date/time created, for who, the inspiration of it, etc. It's super cute!

And last but not least for the second prize, these 11beautiful fat quarters. I do not recall the fabric line but I can teel you they are of very good quality.

I want to say again, how much I appreciate you all. Knowing I am writing to someone and not simply to myself is comforting in its own way but also, meeting all of you and getting to know you is a real treasure to me.

I hope you like my gifts and good luck to each and every one of you. Please don't forget to leave a comment to enter!

Cheers,
Becky

ps- if you've read this far, on a first come first serve basis, I am offering this skein of yarn to anyone who knits or crochets. Since this was sent to me in erro for an order, and I was told by the store to keep it, I thought I'd actually pass it to you b/c I don't knit or crochet myself. Whoever is the first commentor today to say they want this will receive it.

It's my birthday!

2011-12-28T21:57:00.001-05:00

So today is my birthday and because of that, I'm not posting a Weigh-In Weds. I'm also not saying much more than that except that because I had to work today and because my AWESOME BABY BROTHER

(he's the dad of the previously mentioned niece and nephew) is making me Filet Oscar (filet w/lump crab meat & bernaise sauce. Asparagus on the side) with herbed, goat cheese mashed potatoes for dinner, I'm putting my plans for you are on hold.

Please come back tomorrow and I'll explain what my plans are for you before I became so selfishly engrossed with the following dinner.

Mmm, dinner is ready...

Or how about a closer look?

You hungry yet? :-)

THANK YOU Rick (baby bro), Karen (SIL) and Mike (hubs) for such a great birthday dinner in the comfort of my own home.

To my lovely followers, I'll see YOU tomorrow.

Cheers!
Beck

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

2011-12-25T06:14:00.000-05:00

Even if you do not celebrate Christmas, because I do and because I believe everyone should be wished good tidings on this day, I'm wishing you all a Merry Christmas day and Happy Season.

I am ever so thankful you take time to stop and check in with me and I hope we see each other more often in the next year.

Cheers, everybody!
Becky

(ps- Connie, my mon (Letty) wonders if you could remind Norma to give Crook some extra loving while they are visiting us. Thanks for coming by!)

Weigh-In Wednesday. Keep it up!

2011-12-21T09:48:00.001-05:00

We can do this over the next week, ladies (and gents). We can continue to eat right over the holidays and here's my theory on this. Do not deny yourself some goodies, just eat small bites. Slow down and chew them, eat less portions. Put food on smaller plates for the portion control or if a small plate is not available, check out this trick!

Put the napkin on the plate and hold your silverware with it while portioning your food. Even at the table, if you hold the silverware, you are less likely to move the napkin off the plate to make room for food. If you want a little of everything and it doesn't fit, plan to go back for the stuff that didn't fit, using the same trick, a second time. You are tricking yourself into eating less this way plus because you are slowing down on your eating (have to go back for seconds, etc.) you give your belly time to recognize it is full instead of hungry.

Oh, that's the other tip, stop eating when you are full. I realize we may continue to pick for taste but if you do, be honest about it and keep track of it. If you are doing that, you will find yourself picking more wisely. "I want a cookie but I'll break it in half and eat half now then half later after I have some fruit salad."

I've not exercised all week but employing the techniques above while cooking goodies and eating those meals out at parties, etc., I have lost another pound (and it's the beginning of my cycle, too so you know I'm bloated! lol).

I'm at 160.5. A loss is a loss, no matter how small!

So are you with me? You up for good choices during the Christmas feasts? Set your goal today and stick with it but make it a realistic goal so you feel good about working toward it.

My goal over the week is to eat in moderation and for every "junk" item I pick at, have a "good" item. Keep it even. My second goal? Start my evening drinking with water. I've learned that I don't drink as much (horror!) if I'm at a function if the first drink of the night I have is a glass of water. Then I switch to wine or the libation du jour and I find I'm more likely to nurse it than drink it expediently and get a prompt refill. Hey, sometimes (in those 8 hour gatherings) it's the difference between 3 glasses of wine and 6. LOL (but, if I choose to get loopy, well, I will balance that with healthier foods and not the sweets)

For me, these are reasonable goals and I think I can stick with them. It's not as good as Jillian Michaels would have me do (who I think would turn over at my warped method of weight loss) but I can do it. So what are your goals?

Cheers!
Beck

(ps - did you notice I did not have a goal about maintaining or losing this week? It's all about staying choice conscious.)

Last Favorite Things Friday of 2011!

2011-12-15T22:27:00.000-05:00

Yes, it's the last FTF for 2011. To see what others are touting as their favorite things, hope on over to Quilting In My Pyjamas for the linkee party. Maybe add your own link while you are there. :)
For my last FTF of 2011, I wanted to mention how great it is my mother started a little tradition with her kids. She had us all help make or pick out and hang specific Christmas ornaments. As time went by and when she was able to while we were older, she bought special ornaments for us or our kids the first couple years of their lives. Then, it became our turn to continue this new tradition or let it fall by the wayside. I choose to continue it because there is nothing better than putting ornaments on my tree each year and having a memory that goes along with it.

For example, the ornament that denotes my current opinion about mornings without coffee.

Or maybe, if I were a cartoon character, who I would be?

The gift from a team member of mine when I was coaching basketball.

How about the ones that remind me of when hubs was deployed and/or of our lives in and the forever association/family ties we will have with each and every military family out there?

The one I purchased for the hubs last year b/c he and I have fallen in love with the Vizsla breed. Oh, don't let me forget the one that reminds me that I'm a loyal fan of the Miami Dolphins and Dan Marino in particular!

The one my mom purchased for hubs the first year we were together b/c she called him a Grinch and then thought it would be funny to give him the ornament...

The first baby ornament (you know, I never did do one of these for my second kid...)

The ornaments from Grandma or mom to the kids and even the ones from the kids to me.

The ornaments that are my husband's and my keepsakes from our trips together.
To Louisiana

To Puerto Rico

To Las Vegas

To Oroville, CA for a friend's wedding

and to Ireland (b/c we weren't collecting ornaments at the time we first honeymooned but hopefully I
will find something appropriate representing our trip, this year.)

How about the ones that remind me of family? My brother is a huge Snoopy fan and my nephew is currently all about Spiderman. I am anticipating him finding Spiderman on my tree this year.

There are also the ones I received as a gift from a dear friend when I first married. I thought it odd at first, to receive Christmas ornaments when the wedding wasn't near the holiday but then I realized the awesomeness of the gift. First tree, need ornaments, have memories forever of the wedding AND friendship.

Oh, the one my mom painted (colored or whatever) and the ones I made.

Let's not discount the more traditional items like those pesky elves resurfacing from grandma's garage and the pickle. In our family, it's such a game to hide the pickle and the first to find it wins a prize. When the kids were younger, this was very competitive. Now as they are older, it's still competitive but it's more about reliving the fun of earlier years searching.

Lastly, I would be remiss if I didn't let you know I had ornaments which also remind me of the very reason for Christmas day.

Well, that's all for this installment of Favorite Things Friday. I hope you've enjoyed my little jaunt down memory lane and seeing some of the special items which adorn my tree.

Happy Holidays, Everyone!
Beck

Living Room/Dog Quilts

2011-12-15T06:00:00.000-05:00

I finished two quick quilts a couple weeks ago and revamped an old top you saw last summer. This is the old top.

It was meant to be an outdoor porch quilt but it became too cold to sit out and I just never quite quilted it. When I started creating my living room quilts (with the intention they will be pulled off the couch backs and used by the dogs to protect the couches some), I realized colors in the new tops matched the old porch top. The only issue was that boarder on the old top so I took it off! Here's the old top now with the new border.

Here are the two new quilts.

Here's where they reside when the dogs haven't pulled them down yet. (sorry, phone's camera)

And here's the three together. Don't they match well?

Cheers!
Becky

Weigh-In Wednesday

2011-12-14T12:42:00.000-05:00

I was all set to pop on here and tell you that last week I've been bad. I mean B. A. D. Bad.

I ate fast food 3x last week (and not small quantities) and I had a large cheeseburger 2x in 2 days (with mayo)! Now that I think about it, however, I suppose I couldn't have been that bad b/c when I did have those things, my other meals were very small and light (yogurt & fruit, etc.).

Exercise did not enter into my vocabulary. Oh, but I RARELY picked at food and sweets... Maybe that's the secret!

I weighed in today at 161.5 A loss of 2 lbs since I started. Wonder what will happen if I put some effort into this?

How are you doing with getting some exercise or better yet, thinking more about your food choices?

Sewing Room

2011-12-13T06:00:00.002-05:00

I'm posting another "what's been eating all my time" post for you again, instead of quilt stuff just to share.

I have a dedicated sewing room in our new house. It's not huge but it's big enough to hold my quilting frame (which is stretched to fit a king size quilt) and my domestic machine, plus shelving, etc. It's been a while unpacking and organizing since I've been done a little here and a little there. Re-arranging when the first ideas proved bothersome instead of organizationally helfpul. I'm finally at the point where there will only be small tweaks here and there. For example, I'll add some shelves behind the ones already under the frame for things like books/magazines. One other thing, I'll be adding words to the walls in fabric: Imagine, Design, Quilt. I saw an item on Pinterest where a person used Heat N Bond and stuck the fabric to the wall with an iron. She said it peeled off without damaging the wall or leaving residue. This room needs painting but since I won't be doing that for at least a year, I thought this was the best time to test ironing fabric to the walls.

Here's a before picture where I've set up the frame and furniture in their locations but hadn't yet unpacked.

Here are the after pictures.

I hope if you live nearby, you stop in and sew with me. The door will always be open .

Cheers!
Beck

Miscellanous happenings

2011-12-12T06:00:00.001-05:00

I decided to give you all one quick post about the last couple of weeks. While hubs stayed home with Sasha over the Thanksgiving weekend, I took the other 2 dogs and kids to my parents house. We thought the forced quiet would be best for that dog and so I sacrificed my and my children's very lives, to travel to see my mother again.
As you see, we made it home in one piece and I'm happy to say she didn't even attempt negligent homicide this year. (You don't remember what happened? Go here.)

On the most awful shopping day of the year, and even the next Saturday, mom and I went Christmas shopping. We took a leisurely pace since neither of us needed to find door buster deals. We sat down and ate at Red Lobster one day, Olive Garden the next. Just the two of us and we hadn't done that in a long, long time. Usually my sisters are with us since they live in the area but they travelled to Las Vegas this year.

Anyway, Christmas presents almost completed, we went, of course, to JoAnn's. Mom scored herself a Christmas present (new shears) from me but she will have to wait until Christmas to open them. I scored some fabric and thread on sale.

Guterman and my machine are fast friends. Other than that, I was in a polka dot mood, it seems!

Last weekend, I wathced my niece and nephew for a bit. They found one fun fabric in my stash, skulls that glowed in the dark and started looking at the shelves for other fun ones. What was supposed to be my daughter "watching" the kids (she's 15 & I bribed her with order in Italian the night before) so I could sew while they were here, turned into them wanting to "play" in the sewing room. We all decided to make a game of it and played "Find the Fabric". K (daughter) or J (son) or I would ask them to find a type of fabric. I.e., find a fabric with blue and red butterflies. Then off they'd go. It was tied 5 to 5 when we were all ready to call it quits. At the last second and with no help, the 4 year old nephew (W) took the victory over the 6 year old niece (S). W won a nickle, S won a high-five but had a moment of self-pity and annoyance so left the "high five" hanging. We gave that to W, too and told her she could choose to remember the fun she had even if she didn't win or she could be mad about not winning and no one would pity her. About 1 second later she realized she was going to get about as much attention in our house for that kind of behavior as she does in her own and decided to come get some milke and vanilla wafers. Go figure... :-)

Here are pictures of their explorations:

After snack, they both decided they wanted to sew something and I suggested mug rugs as a Christmas present. Immediately, they picked out fabrics for grandma and grandpa. S set about sewing squares for a Christmas mug rug for grandma and W chose patriotic prints (after I convinced him grandpa probably wasn't as in love with the skulls as he was) for grandpa. We slowed speed down on the machine, I did ironing and cutting and the kids chose the pattern/layout and sewed the fabric together. Then they quilted the layers. I added the binding.

Here they are working on their projects:

And their finished products:

Aren't they the most adorable kids? I'm not biased or anything.

They went to grandma's and granpa's house at Thanksgiving and did an early Christmas but I haven't heard how they were received. Knowing the grandparents on that side of the family, though, I suspect they are already properly being displayed and used!

That's it for now, I'll check in again soon.

Cheers!

Beck

I completed the QOV quilt

2011-12-11T09:46:00.000-05:00

I just haven't shown you a picture of it yet. For this one, I decided to do a crazy nine patch pattern. It was the first time I've tried this pattern and I used this tutorial from 2 all sorts blog.
It came together pretty quickly but I did mess up one set of cuts which resulting in a strip set all being the same color instead of all three like it should. I wasn't worried and figured it would work out in the end.

While the overall quilt looks good, I can't help but feel it would look much better if I didn't mess up that one set but that's okay. It's a crazy nine patch, it doesn't have to be orderly.

I wrote a very personal message on the label so I won't be sharing it here but I would say that if you want to do a quick charity quilt, this is a good pattern.

Cheers!
Beck

Color of the Year 2012 - Do you know what it is?

2011-12-08T09:24:00.000-05:00

Yes, ladies, the color of the year for 2012 has been announced by Pantone. Last year was the first time I ever heard there was a color of the year and when I looked at it, I very much disliked it. hehe

2011 was Honeysuckle. I'm sure it's very pretty to a lot but I had flashbacks of 80s decor with paisley and green accents.

This year, however, speaks to me and I may even do a quilt with this color since I have a girlfriend who loves it.

2012 is Tango Tangerine!

Ta-da!!! Go re-paint your walls now. :-)

Cheers,
Beck

Weigh-In Weds 12/7

2011-12-07T14:36:00.000-05:00

Alright, so I disappeared for a bit. I've been a busy little beaver and I promise to provide you updates on that soon (like tomorrow) but for now, let me catch up on some of the mundane I last left you with.

Sasha's surgery went really well. So well, in fact, she came home and acted like she never even had surgery! Pain meds had her feeling better than she did pre-surgery, I think, which is sad if you think about how much pain she must have been living wtih but good if you think about whether the surgery was worth it. It was. We have a follow up on the 28th (my birthday) and if she's doing well, she will be allowed to take small walks and work on walking on "small hills". We will slowly be able to introduce her to stairs sometime after that. Her (and our) big challenge is keeping her chilled out but man, baby girl is feeling good and wants to run. lol

Onto other items, I'm almost done Christmas shopping for all our kids and for the hubs. Next week I'm off work and will be baking Christmas goodies for the holidays and gifts and if I'm really good, I'll wrap everything. I also plan to finish the small details (like hanging pictures) that are left from our move. Kids put up the holiday decorations this past weekend so life is just plugging away.

As for the weightloss, I'm not doing bad but not great, either. Thanksgiving week was great in taht I did not over indulge at all. I was super conscious of what I ate and even though Mom and I enjoyed 2 wonderful lunches with nothing good for us but the appetizer salads, I managed to balance the other meals to account for it. As a result (and hours of Black Friday and Sat. shopping), I didn't gain a pound. The following week (last week) I didn't exercise at all but paid close attention to food. All remained status quo.

I decided to pay a little closer attention to the details so today, I'm going to post my weight as well as my measurements (ACK!). While I normally weigh myself in the nude, today I weighed myself with jeans and sweatshirt on and I weighed in at 163.5 (my starting weight). Now, I don't know how you look at things but normally I'd say I hadn't lost a thing. Today, however, because I took my measurements, I'm telling myself it means I lost at least 1 pound because a sweatshirt and jeans add weight! -wink-

Ahh, let me live with it... I need to laugh at myself.

Okay so you have my weight, here's my measurements in inches:
Bust - 38 (band size 37)
Waist - 34
Hips - 43
Thigh - 27
28" inseam (meaning I'm short... 5'2")

Ladies and gents... when I start showing progress in my weight loss, I will start taking monthly measurements. We will watch these numbers decrease together. LOL

Lastly, we got a new elliptical machine which was delivered yesterday. Hubs and I will be putting it together soon and I can't wait to try it.

So, what's up with you? Are you checking the food choices you make? If you have an indulgent meal (think rich cream sauces, pasta, beef, etc.) are you balancing the remainder of the day's choices with lighter meals (salads or wraps, yogurt or fruit and veggies)? Have you started exercising or how about stretching? Here's a big tip from me to you. Before you go to bed, take the time to do some simple stretching. Stretch the arms, the neck, the back, the legs, all of you. Go slow, breath deep, think about the stretch and NOT the day you just had or the one you are going to have tomorrow. Think about the position you are in and what you are trying to stretch. Think about elongating your muscle into the stretch (like cats do) instead of stretching so there is pain. You don't want that. Again, slow and calm breathing are key.

I promise that after a few times of this, you will find it's helped settle your body and your mind for the night. For me, it also helped me to start feeling better and that lead to wanting to start working out more. (I don't know if htat will work for you or not but hey, it's good to stretch no matter what.)

There you have it. Check in, tell me how you are doing.

Cheers!
Beck

Sasha's having a second surgery

2011-11-22T09:11:00.000-05:00

Remember her?

and these posts?
Sasha
She's Doing Fine

Well, she blew her other knee and while she hadn't fully torn it before and would limp a little then be fine, she came to the point where she was hobbling on three legs. We weren't going to have surgery done on the second leg, I mean, this is a few thousand bucks and frankly, while I was willing to do it, I steeled myself that she just wouldn't have the life her heart wanted (running free in the woods, hunting) because of it. However, we could not ignore that even as a house dog, her quality of life was now being affected. She had a hard time with getting around. It would not be fair to address this.

We are putting a basement finish in our new home on hold and using our savings for surgery on her other hind leg. It's a Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy.

I'd be appreciative if you would say a couple prayers for her today for her surgery to go well and maybe for me, for me to relax (and you could tell me to switch to decaf tea instead of coffee, too). I seem to be more anxious about this one than the last. Less upset she has to go through it because I know how happy she'll be once she's fully healed but more anxious, for sure beacuse I know better what she has to go through.

Anyway, I'd appreciate any good thoughts. I do love Baby Girl. I've told her, she couldn't have found any other family who would have been suckered in by her love so much as to pay for 2 surgeries such as this. She certainly was a smart girl in sucking up to us. Actually, now that I think about it, it hasn't been me she's sucked up to over the last couple of months or played up her limpness with, it's been the hubs. She's acted tough for me and pathetic for him so he'd carry her down the stairs, etc. She played him just right to get this second surgery... lol. :)

Have a good day... Beck

Favorite Things Friday - Music

2011-11-18T11:05:00.002-05:00

I love music, always have. I'm not emotional but good music can get me crying all the time.

I don't appreciate visual arts as much as some (weird that I'm into quilting, isn't it?) but darn if I can't gush over a musician's instrumental tone and genious (voice or actual instrument).

I love singing and pretend I'm Broadway quality by belting it out in the car (without anyone else in it, of course.) I thoroughly enjoy picking out and singing the harmonies instead of the melody, too.

I used to play french horn (mellophone in the marching band), trumpet in the jazz band and occasionally flute. I enjoyed violin when I first started playing music but moved to brass and never took it up again. My sons play clarinet and viola and I'm thrilled they choose to.

I won a solo position with the Binghamton Youth Symphony when I was in highschool.

(Clipping from the Press & Sun Bulletin just to prove I was a big-haired teenage, too!)

I pondered going to performing arts school (but realism ruled & I decided if I wanted to play my horn as an adult, I didn't need school to do it but I did need a job that would feed me.) I went to the University of Scranton where, it turned out, I had exceptional experiences and contacts with professional musicians (and it wasn't a music school!)

I was able to enjoy being a back up musician to Eric Ruske (french horn) and be able to take a master class with him. Eric was then a part of the Empire Brass Quintet. (He's not listed on the Scranton music website, though, as a past performer, but I promise I did not make it up.) There were other members of the quintet I also played back up to (as part of the symphonic band) but I just want to highlight my top 3 musical experiences overall.

I was also able to play jazz with Wynton Marsalis. Yes, you read that right... Wynton, people! All I can say is it's awesome to be near gifted musicians. It just rubs off on you, you're jazzed (forgive the pun) to play better. Check it out, Wynton is on the left, my ex-husband next to him and then there's me!

(The photo is pulled from the University of Scraton Music website linked above. The direct photo link is here: http://academic.scranton.edu/department/bandsing/photo.html)

Finally, my most memorable and rewarding musical experience while I was in college was being able to play under my all time favorite composer. I fell in love with his music in 7th grade (even as it was modified for our age group) and in highschool, when we played his pieces as written, I remained in love. In college, Cheryl Boga, the music director, worked with and brought Vaclav Nehlybel in as the composer-in-residence at the University of Scranton. My loves, this meant I played under my favorite composer!!!! (I used "my loves". This should express to you how my heart still sings at that experience.) It was such a gift I received, to have been able to play one of his pieces as he heard it in his mind when he composed it, underneath his own direction. I think I remember this better than the birth of my first child... almost. :-)

So there you have it people, I love music. Singing, playing and listening. Maybe one day I'll play often enough to be able to join a community orchestra but for now, I'll just reminesce.

Check out other Favorite Things by linking over to Quilting in My Pyjamas today.

Cheers!
Beck

The weekend's to do list...

2011-11-17T11:52:00.000-05:00

Beginning today, since I'm still on vacation from work.

- Put label on QOV quilt
- put borders on top for living room
- make backings for 3 living room throws
- make Christmas placemats for mom (already cut, no piecing, just sew front, batting & back)
- post tutorial for pieced geese/dish drying mat
- write out post re: taking photos for your blog
- quilt 3 living room throws (nothing special, just a large meander)
- cut commissioned quilt blocks (ha, didn't tell you about that one, did I? I'll post news on that later when it's finished. It's a surprise.)

Ambitious schedule, do you think? I'm going for it. Without work to tie me down, it's only house chores and 4 days of me, tv, iTunes, fabric, thread and sewing machine. :)

Weigh In Weds. clarification

2011-11-17T07:45:00.002-05:00

Um, if any of you saw the comment by Quilting in My Pyjamas on my last post, you will probbaly understand why I'm posting this additional clarification to that same post.
Shay was commenting (if I know here only partially) about her gluttony as shew as reading my post and it made me realize, I have to explain my intent a little more clearly and maybe some of you might be more inclined to at least consider joining me (or at least not consdider me an epic fail when I tell you of certain splurges later on.) hehe

That said, I re-joined WW online since I'm on the computer or phone all the time, with the iPhone App, it's easy for me to use it to track my points and weight. It allows me to get credit for my exercize, which I love.

When I started Monday, I found I was super motivated, ate really well and come evening (even after my husband made beef tips and a glass of wine), I had 7 daily points left which I was supposed to eat. I also had my 2 activity points on top of that which I could use if I wished. But I wasn't hungry and it was 7pm and I didn't want to force feed myself just because I had points. I decided a glass of Chocolate Silk would be a good way to get a couple points down but add protein b/c of my exercise. I chose that over the slice of chocolate cake sitting in the refrigerator.

Now, before you think me all goodie, goodie, I knew I was going out with a friend the following day and I had NO intention of eating well and I didn't. Wait, I started well, a fruit cup and non-fat latte at Panera. Then for lunch, after shopping at Hobby Lobby, I did eat cruddy and it was WELL WORTH IT!! I ate at Firehouse Subs, an 8" beef brisket & cheddar sub w/ barbecue sauce and mayo. A small bag of sour cream and cheddar ruffles and a large seltzer water flavored with raspberry syrup. (That was my nod to a healthy choice. LOL) This meal alone left me 1 point away from reaching my daily total. Clearly, with breakfast and dinner, I'd be over my points.

Last stop of Tues., still with my friend, McDonald's. I had a side salad w/ ranch and 4 piece nugget. At least I had a hot tea instead of soda, right? That put me over my points for the day and into the "courtesy extra" points, as I call them. I was not going to stress over it.

Wednesday, I did fine. Decent breakfast, big salad for lunch with about 1 oz of leftover steak (I'm trying hard to be sure we eat all leftovers these days) and for dinner, a sandwich since I wasn't all that hungry (and hubs didn't want to wait for pot pie). Plus I worked out.

I am not starving from the workouts and I'm not over doing the stress about eating. I'm just trying to re-think about my eating and make sure I'm balancing the choices a little more evenly and regularly. I don't want to give up all my good stuff at once or I'll fail. First step is to better balance and start exercising regularly again. Second step, increase the exercise. Third step, as I'm feeling better and looking better (and i'm anticipating this to be right around spring time... slow and steady is my motto to be sure it's a lifestyle change) I know my body will crave the healthier foods more often, so I will be revamping recipe index and shopping lists further. :)

So, Ms. Pyjamas, no problem with your dinner. I'd ask, what's for lunch tomorrow? -wink-

Weigh-In Wednesday is back. Join me?

2011-11-16T16:21:00.000-05:00

I've talked about it.
You've talked about it.

Occasionally we pay attention to it and do something about it like choose a salad over a burger but have we really changed our lifestyle and made it important?

I, for one, have not. I wanted to for a while, I still want to but I let life get in the way. I won't bore you with details but sometimes, it's enough to fight the emotional battles while maintaining an existing lifestyle as opposed to trying to add weightloss and diet change in the mix. (And there was/is nothing to worry about with me. Just life weighing me down.)

Anyway, I have decided it's time to settle back in and start changing the lifestyle. I started on Monday. No Jillian, yet but I will.

No, I am so badly out of shape that I noticed taking a flight of stairs quickly left me slightly winded. I started with 20 min. elliptical on Mon., today, and Fri. Sat. I will start some sort of strength/stretching and next week hope to be able to do 20 min. elliptical M-F with Strenght/stretching every other day.

After that, if it goes well, I'll reacquaint myself with Jillian Michaels. In the meantime, I follow her on Facebook and will find her on Twitter as a constant reminder she's always out there waiting for me. :)

Anyway, I started on Monday at 163.5lbs. and today weighed in at 162 (although I am not taking much stock in the lost because I fluctuate 1-2 lbs on any given day).

So is anyone with me? Ready to step back into the get healthy lifestyle mentality? I hope you do. It will be nice to share our successes and rough patches.

For tonight's dinner, individual chicken pot pies on this chilly, rainy and gray day.

By the way, take a look at these two videos with Rachael Ray and Jillian. See the one with Rachael exercising first and then Jillian in the kitchen. It was great fun to watch.

Cheers!
Becky

Candy Causes Bomb Scare

2011-11-09T22:36:00.003-05:00

Remember that post-Sewing Summit mini swap I was in? The one I created the Confused Geese mini quilt for? Heard from my swap partner and she loves it. I'm so relieved and proud of myself that I could deliver something so liked. Makes me feel like I don't always produce crap. :D

Now, however, I have to share that bomb scare thingy that happened in our house today. Daughter comes home and brings in the mail. I ask her if there is anything good in the mail and she replies, "umm, there's a couple advertisements, looks like bills and box thingy."

Me: "Is it a good box thingy?"
DD: "I don't know, but it's making noise, like rattling." She walks into the room and starts to hand the stack to me.
Me: "What are you doing? I don't want the bills, advertisements or a rattling box? Is it a bomb, because if it's a bomb, then that's the tri-fecta of bad mail and here you are handing it to me."
DD: "Well if it's a bomb you wouldn't want me handling it would you?"
Me: "Of course I would, especially since you were the foolish one who picked it up out of the mailbox in the first place. Besides, now that you've done that and we discussed whether it was a bomb, if I open it and it goes boom, you will be an accessory to murder b/c you gave it to me."
DD: "I don't care, I'm outta here. I'll listen for the boom."

Geez, this is my daughter, where's the love?

So I set about opening the "bomb" (really a USPS Priority mail envelope which is bulging and rattling with each movement.) I have to share my thoughts with you, you will find them amusing.

"What is this? Is it from my swap partner? It's elk fabric... did I order fabric that hasn't come in? I don't remember ordering this."

As I turn over the plastic bag this was in, I realize it's a bag. A small bag with a drawstring. "Oh! This is nice, I like this."

I pull the drawstring bag out of the plastic back and look at it, yep, there's something inside! I open it up and glance in and see a little fabric, graph paper book. "Cool". And I notice some chewy candy, "ahh the rattling."

Then I see a mini-quilt. In my excitement to open the folded gift, I completely overlook the fabric on the back. Had I noticed it, I might have had a clue as to what the mini looked like before I opened it because I saw a peak of this mini on our Flickr group. As a matter of fact, when the picture was first posted I commented the partner was a "lucky partner!" :)

That said, I unfolded the quilt and might have screamed like a girl...Well, not quite (I don't know if I ever screamed like a girl) but I did holler, "Yey!!" In a loud and high pitched voice. Then I couldn't stop smiling for about an hour. Not kidding. Even now, I am upstairs, it's downstairs and I'm grinning at the thought of it.

You see, this particular mini just makes me happy. I'm so thrilled to have received it and beyond thrilled I can look at it anytime I want, IN REAL LIFE! :-) Actually, I was so happy with the mini and the bag and the notebook (and candy and sweet little hand-made card) that I wanted to fly to my partner's home in WY to deliver a hug.

I don't do hugs.

Sharon of A Prairie Sunrise sent me the following in my bomb envelope. All hand made.

The card was made by her mom (and is quite sweet looking), the little bag is from one hunter's wife to another but I am sure she won't mind if I actually use it for when I go hunting. It will be great for adding a hat, gloves, hand warmers, turkey call.. :) The notebook (also made by her mom) is made with graph paper and a fabric cover so I can start sketching out quilt ideas. This tickles me. I've heard of folks sketching them out but I've just never really thought I would be one of those people. I don't like drawing but with the arrival of this little notebook, I'm actually looking forward to using it. Sharon is a wise woman.

And finally, the mini. Isn't this just gorgeous? And happy? And fun?

I love it Sharon. I love that you finished the fun with a rainbow binding and glow in the dark thread for the quilting. I tried to get a photo of the glowing thread but couldn't. What I can tell you folks, though, is if you are quilting for a kid, get this thread and do a cool quilt design on the quilt. They will love it.

Btw, what do you think about the photo I took? I was experimenting based on what I learned about photography at the Sewing Summit. I took several photos in the hopes I could share with you a little of what I learned.

I hope your day went as well as mine but if not, there's always tomorrow for good things to come your way.

Cheers!
Beck

Mini Finishes

2011-11-03T08:59:00.002-04:00

As part of the Sewing Summit, we were given the opportunity to participate in a blind swap with other participants. As part of the swap, we will create either a mini-quilt or a zippered pouch, whichever we chose. These reflect "hot topic" items at the Summit for participants.

That said, I was given my partner assignment and I set to task stalking her blog, flickr photo stream, Pinterest likes, etc. to get a feel for what her style was. I think I've got it but since I am only just mailing the package off, I can only show you what I created and the little extras (a wallet pattern w/2 coordinating fabric choices, 200 1/4" paper hexi templates (hey! she likes tiny piecing so I'm sending a challenge lol) and I'll be cutting up 200 fabric squares to go along with those hexi templates) I'm sending along. In the meantime, please keep your fingers crossed for me that I don't disappoint. :-)

Using the pre-cuts in our swag bag from the Summit, I put squares together and created half square triangle squares. Then I sewed blue solid to those and created another square comprising of three triangles.

I pondered making these into geese blocks or into pinwheel blocks and ultimately decided geese was appropriate.

Last, it was a question of layout. All one direction or in different directions?

Since the geese were pieced, different directions also seemed to be the better choice. All sewn up and it looked like my geese were confused.

Now, I would like to pause a moment here and give you a little advice. USE AN IRON, even when working with little pieces. The temptation, when these pieces are so small, is to use a wood presser, fingers, roller, etc. However, I learned that it can lead to seams not laying flat enough and then you can't get matching lines.

No match...

Match...

Back to our regularly scheduled program, I present to you, measuring in at approximately 14"x11",

"Confused Geese"

Look okay? I used a simple straight line quilted edge and chevron pattern as the quilt motif. Contrasting thread felt right even though I knew it would show errors easily. Undettered, I quilted away. Poor partner.

Also completed this week is a set of 4 reversible placemats for my sisters. I saw the M&M fabric and it screamed my sistser's name. Then I showed her the cookie monster fabric and she loved that, too. So, reversible placemats were decided upon. (Although she will have to wait until next year to use the M&M side).

Of course, this led to my sister asking for a year round table cloth and we spent a few minutes one morning picking fabrics out of my stash. It will be interesting completing this b/c one's tastes are bright colors (aqua, pink, purple, orange, etc) the other's tastes are more subdued earth tones (greens, blues, etc.) We found fabrics that work and I have a diagonal stripe in mind but well, I'm sure you'll read more about this later. :)

How is your crafting going?

Cheers! Beck

Read up, please. Quilts of Valor

2011-11-02T15:10:00.000-04:00

Ladies and Gents,
Quilts of Valor is in need! Alycia has no more and there is a need!

Do you have a quilt that can be sent (it does not have to be patriotic colors). Please look at Alycia's post and forward what you can.

I'd like to offer my services, for whatever they are worth, to those of you who have completed tops which fit the requirements but need quilting and binding done. I have a mid-arm and can do basic continuous-line quilting if you are willing to send the top, batting and backing. I will then attach a binding (or you can send that, too, if you have it). Once complete, I will happily forward with my couple of submissions to Alycia (copying you on the communication so you know it arrived and your work went where you meant it to go).

Most of you know, but for those of you new to my blog (life), my husband's last post in the Army before his retirement this year was as CSM of the Warrior Transition Battalion (it's the wounded-warrior battalion) in Ft. Campbell, KY. This was an extremely rewarding post for him and us as a family. Those soldiers and their families are amazing and I feel strongly that anything I can do to assist their healing should be done. This is the place I come from when I offer my services above or reach out to you in a call for help on behalf of Alycia.

So, if you are interested, take a look at her post and see if there is a way you can assist please reach out.

Oh, and if you cannot assist on this immediate needs but do want to help down the line, please do not hesitate to look at the Quilt of Valor organization as an alternative. I promise, it's a worthy and very appreciated cause.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and consideration.

Warmest Regards,
Becky

Bloggers Quilt Festival - Fall 2011

2011-10-29T11:35:00.002-04:00

If you are here from the link on the Festival, welcome.

If you are just happening by or are a regular reader, Amy is hosting the bi-annual quilt festival again and let me tell you, I'm excited to see all the genious out there in cyberland. The gorgeous quilts are one thing but reading the stories adds a whole new level. If you want to see, just click on this LINK and maybe join up with a quilt of your own. Also, a big thank you to the sponsors (linked on Amy's blog) that contribute and assist in the hosting of such a fantastic event! (I'm off to shop as soon as I post this. :D)

For my entry this fall, I'm choosing my "The Sun Still Shines" quilt.

This was born of my desire to share my love of paper-piecing with my cyber-buddies who were new to the technique or maybe were just rusty and wanted a quick refresh. So, I planned a quilt along and while it was small, it was a lot of fun to do. I was able to create a design using EQ6 which would provide a lot of versatility for each individual taste out there. I think the photos in our Flickr group illustrate that was a good choice (and if you want directions, look at the discussion field in Flickr, I don't want to link blog posts here).

I enjoyed designing this but I found I also really enjoyed creating the You Tube videos showing how the technique worked. They are my first and I was very nervous but I am proud I didn't let that get the better of me and I trudged ahead.

While trying to decide a name for it, and holding it, I was struck by the path of destruction in Joplin, MO after the tornado this past May. The path was clear destruction and chaos but the video that next day was being shown in the bright sunshine, people were assisting neighbors and there were many places that were not destroyed. When I looked again at my quilt top and the design, it seemed to mimick the sun shining over a path much like the tornado's and I was reminded that even in difficult times and dark hours, light does return... the sun does still shine. And the name and quilting motif was born.

For me, naming a quilt is just as meaningful as creating it and so this one, for all the joy in creation and contentment in the name, is my current favorite quilt. Thank you for stopping by and have a wonderful time viewing all the other quilts in this Fall Festival!

Cheers! Beck

Another Embroidery Block

2011-10-24T22:14:00.000-04:00

I jumped on the sewing bandwagon again this week but have little to show so far except this embroidery block.

I have to say, tehre are some things I've learned. I cannot rotate the hoop and embroider in only one direction, if that makes sense. However, if I keep the hoop level, then I sew a much more even stitch. I find this a little annoying because it means my left hand rarely changes position and I have to stop and stretch it.

Anyway... a set of reversible placemats are being made right now for my sister with some fabric that was simply too cute to pass up and that ended up with her request for a new tablecloth also. No good deed goes unpunished, right? lol Pics of the placemats will be posted as soon as I bind them. The tablecloth may take a little longer. :)

Hmm, what else am I working on simultaneously? A mini-project for my secret swap partner from the Sewing Summit (well, not secret to me but she doesn't know I'm sending her something). I am not going to provide hints about what it looks like because I don't have a definitative design yet. You'll know when I know, which means, when it's done. -wink- I have to mail it by 11/5 so you will see it very soon.

That's all about me. How about you, what are you up to this week?

Small accomplishments

2011-10-18T22:36:00.001-04:00

I realized I forgot to show you the embroidery block I completed on the plane ride out to Salt Lake City, UT.

Also, just finished another test cathedral window mini. I tell you, I'm not completely satisfied with the tutorial I previously used but I was trying it again here with some modifications in process. Can't say I'm thrilled but it is a practice piece so I get to see what works and what doesn't. One day, when I have a method that allows lazy me (I hate pinning) and less than perfect me (I cannot seem to get perfect folds from a perfect starting square which is supposed to create the perfect finished square) to get a beautiful finish, I will be sure to share it with you.

Cheers!
Beck

Sewing Summit - Final Day

2011-10-11T21:40:00.001-04:00

Despite a cruddy night's sleep, I was up and out the door to breakfast in a jiffy. Chatted it up with folks, drank plenty of coffee, watched door prizes get handed out once again (there were a LOT of door prize drawings) and then off to my first "class".

I decided to attend the Author's Panel, not because I have any interest in publishing but because I thought it was worth listening to how they moved into a new "area" within their field. I figured it might be useful. I didn't leave empty handed and should I ever decide I want to try to publish anything, I have some good notes. These ladies all had different stories of how they got there but end result is the same with all businesses. If you want to break in, have a plan, have a prayer and expect it takes time. :)

Next class, Documenting Your Creativity - Blogging and Social Media led by Dana Bolyard of Old Red Barn Co.

This was yet another engaging class and full of discussion. The main point of the class, however, (and I don't think she'd mind my repeating it) is to ask yourself, "what is my focus". What is my focus for my blog or tweets, etc. While I think I have a focus, I think it might be more of a soft focus. lol Anyway, I like what she had to say and I may be making some changes over the next few months but don't you worry, I'll still be me. :)

At the last meeting of the day, (basically an adjourning of the Summit) more door prizes were handed out and I won! I won a Clover Iron with a variety of attachments but since I don't applique much and a girl at my table does, I gave it over to her. I was feeling generous becuase I also won a door prize (a pattern book) in the Author's Panel

and I won the silent auction item of 2 yards custom print spoonflower organic cotton fabric. Can you say, "hooray"! I guess I can't say I never win anymore, can I?

And now, folks, I feel it's VERY IMPORTANT to take a moment and give you a word (okay, lots of buttons) from our sponsors, without whom, this great weekend couldn't be without. Please do take a moment to look around their sites and ask questions. Feel free to let them know you heard about them as a result of the Summit (they'd love that). Don't forget to scroll through, I do have pictures of my other goodies won/bought from the weekend for your perusal.

BabyLock - they brought in machines (the Grace) for us to use over the weekend and set up some other demo machines for us to look at and try. Let me tell you, I found these machines to be quiet and easy to use and the sergers (while I didn't use them) look like a great asset for those garment/specialty sewers! Take a look at what they have to offer, I guarantee you will be pleasantly surprised also. (PS - Look at the little gift baggie they gave us. We have a pattern for a simple little clutch with the fabric.)

AdornIt - I bought a couple charm packs from them. Love the price, love the fabric line, love the concept.

The Warm Company - awesome batting. Enough said.

Burda Style - oh, you won't be disappointed if you mosey over there!

Delish - a new publication that I can't wait to see! The ladies of Delish are sweet and friendly and I really like their concept.

Beebolt - their tagline says it all, "Sew. Learn. Connect." Check it out, ya'll.

Robert Kaufman - honestly, do I need to say anything? Isn't writing the name enough information about this company? -swoon-

Sullivan's - the EDGE ruler, rotary cutter and mats. We used these during the summit with lots of success. the mats are nice and lightweight, very manageable. The rulers came in many shapes and sizes (so love those) and the cutters fit my hand well. I did manage to need sharper blades but that's not a design flaw, just a lots of quilters/sewists in the room flaw! lol

Martingale Publishers - if you want a book about it, I'll bet you they've got it.

Venezie Designs - ahh, these are such fun designs. They are most definately on my market list of places to shop!
The Fat Quarter Shop - we all already love this store, right?
Lapel Stick - I have not tried this yet but I've heard really great reviews about it, if you have reviews, feel free to comment here.

Patterns by Figgy - there are some great patterns here, people.

Reliable - We used the Velocity Irons and frankly, I liked them. They were nice and hot but I have yet to figure out what the "vibrate" means. I know, sounds bad, right? Seriously, though, part way through it would start vibrating and I wonder if it was a warning that we were holding the iron too long in one place on the fabric (thus got too hot) and would vibrate to get our attention. I don't know but I'm researching it this week because if that is the case, it is FREAKING AWESOME.

Sheree's Alchemy - check out the fabrics, ya'll.

You Can Make This - such a sweet site, folks.
Generation Q - go there, now.
I want to say a BIG THANK YOU to all of our sponsors, they were the icing on the cake of a fantastic weekend and they were much, much appreciated!

Now, for your viewing pleasure, a few misc. photos.
Fabric scraps/FQ's and a patter from the LQS near the hotel.

Me with some new friends.

(sorry all those photos are blurry, etc. my camera hates indoor shots and the lighting at the hotel was less than stellar).

Cheers!
Becky

Sewing Summit - Day 2

2011-10-10T00:08:00.000-04:00

Oh where do I begin?! How about by telling you that breakfast was served in the main ballroom so we all could fuel up for the day ahead. A nice little buffet that allowed us to meet more people we may have missed the night before. (For the record, I'm writing these posts, each, one day late.)
After a good breakfast with some nice coffee, I made my way to my first class, Improv Piecing: How to Think Outside the Box taught by Jess of Urban Patchwork.

It was a great way to start for me, she gave us a few tips and some scraps and threw us right in. It took me about the whole time to actually loosen up enough to feel I could get something accomplished. For me, it took that long to get past the idea of cutting straight seams first, then adding strips and instead, sew, then cut. Bottom line, I'm not as afraid of improv piecing as I once was and while I think my test block is a little boring, I am happy it was created without a pattern or design. I just 'put it together'.

A little coffee break and then I was off to my next class, Photographing Your Creations: Simple Changes for Maximum Impact by Vanessa of V & Co. She's a little dynamo. Funny and self-depricating but quite confident at the same time and had great, simple tips for taking great shots. I'm eager to work with those tips down the road and see if my quilt photos are better for it. The funniest thing, however, she said she still doesn't know how to take a full on photo of a quilt and make it look nice. I have to appreciate honesty but I think with all the other tips, I probably can't go wrong, you know? Here's a photo of Vanessa and I.

Then, lunch. Another opportunity to mingle and chat it up. I took this photo with Amy of AmyLouWho fame (or Friday Sew & Tell) ((sorry folks, the link for her site doesn't seem to be working at the moment)).

Then off to my next two classes.

Creative Fabric Selection: Moving Beyond Fabric Collections taught by Jeni of In Color Order. Look at her. Doesn't she look like she's about 12? I'm not usually one who thinks and likes "cute" but this girl is the very definition! Even her voice is super sweet. She was a love and the class moved right along.

A quick education on color, some show and tell of her creations and lots of Q&A. Very eye-opening. Then, a gift for everyone in the class. Let me tell you, we were all super, super stoked. Check it out.

A Kona Solid Color Fabric sample chart from Kaufman. Oh, love! Now I don't have to guess at the right shade online, I have it in front of me!!!!! (See all those exclamation points? I'm very excited about this one.)

The last class of the day was Marvelous Minis: Packing Lots of Punch into a Mini Quilt by Amanda of Mrs Pork Chop Quilts.

Let me tell you something, this woman can control a room. She had us moving right along with her in discussion and pushing those barriers we had in our own brains about what a mini quilt is or creating a mini. Even one of the event founders found herself interested and due to lack of seats, plopped down on the floor to listen.

By the end of the class, I (and I can safely say most other participants) were walking away thinking, "I can do that, no problem." Even now, I still think I can do it so I made myself go up to her and tell her she inspired me (way out of my comfort zone here) and I went further and told her I am telling her I have a 16" mini I designed but decided was too difficult to put together. I was using that moment, to be accountable and tell her I would complete it. She didn't say, "oh that's nice, let me know how it goes." Nope, not her, she's so freaking personal and easy-going she says, "great! I will cheer and say hooray and then I'll post about it." She's actually started following me on Twitter. This has immediately gotten a little scarey now that I've put myself out there but I think I'm up for it.

Class ended, we broke for dinner (at which time Candice and I linked up again and went out with another wonderful group of women). When we returned, I went to the room set up with sewing machines from Baby Lock and started working on my next cathedral window mini. I showed a few people the technique, milled about, learned what others were working on and how, and generally just enjoyed the biggest sewing bee (and only one) I've ever been involved with.

I felt my day was full and crazy but in such a good way. So much so, it took my brain quite a while to settle down and fall asleep.

Ahh, tomorrow, I will tell you of my 2 panel discussions and about our sponsors (and some more goodies). Stay tuned.

Cheers!
Beck

Sewing Summit 2011 - Day 1

2011-10-08T22:03:00.000-04:00

Alright, I arrived at the airport in Salt Lake City, UT after a 5 hr flight yesterday and waited for the 2 people I'd arranged online to share a cab to the hotel with (Candice and Darci). We did not know each other but spent a little time chatting it up in the cab ride. Let me start by saying this, Salt Lake City is quite pretty when 3 views around the city are of snow capped mountains!
While I'm on it, flying over the Rockies with the sun just up on the morning and snow on them, gorgeous.

We arrive at the Little America Hotel and here's where it gets good, we were able to check in early. Sa-weet, for this tired puppy. We check in, and the room is fantastic. It's a mini-suite. A short foyer with a dressing area off to the left and then a bathroom behind that. Marble tile, etc. Very pretty and spacious.

Then into the room you have the sleeping area and a small living area (dinette table, lounge area, desk). Oh yes, flat screen on the wall, wi-fi, and an iHome clock. This means I can dock my iPhone and charge it without pulling out the cord tucked in my suitcase.

The room is classier than I am but still retains a homey and welcoming feel. I think that's pretty hard to accomplish so props to the designers. Also props to the service here. It's wonderful and friendly. I cannot go any farther in this post without saying that if you are ever in Salt Lake City, this should be the place you stay. I most ceratinly will if I return. It's worth it's price (although we have a great deal with the Summit).

Darci went off to assist her friends (Erin of Two More Seconds and Amy of Amy's Creative Side, the founders of this great event) and that left Candice and I to sit by oursleves in our room or band together and get out to see some of the downtown area. So we banded together and wasted a couple hours. Well, it wasn't a total waste of time, I got my hair cut. See?

The before shots.

The after shots.

I definately needed the change and told the stylist to just do what he felt like. Too bad I don't live here, I'd totally return to him again. He was my age, 37, and had bleach blond hair with red streaks in it. Tatoos, rainbow bracelets, etc. but what a good guy.

Anyway, back to the Sewing Summit (the 1st annual, I'm CERTAIN) & the meet and greet mixer. Candice and I found ourselves hanging back. I like watching people, not dropping into groups but we decided, to heck with it and did just that. I met enough people that I can't tell you who they all were but here's the fun thing, that's okay! I'm sure they were in the same boat. Then off to dinner out about town with another group of ladies. Lots of chatting, eating and more walking. I think we returned at 9:30pm and here's what I know.

I know I walked a lot that day. I know I enjoyed it but I know, I was freaking tired. There was an extra 2 hours in my day (time change), an extra amount of movement my lazy butt isn't used to (but should be), and a couple drinks and filling meal (needed both). I barely pulled the sheets out of the mattess to get in before my head was on that pillow. I awoke today still tired but after some coffee and lots of hydrating, I was eagerly looking forward to my day of classes.

You, however, will have to wait until tomorrow for me to pust about those. I need to sort through my pictures and gather my thoughts to give you a post a little more coherent than today's.

Cheers!
Beck

ps - did you think I forgot? Of course, I didn't... here's the swag bag received upon registration.
A bag with a printed label and pretty button attached.

Name tag "chain" made and dontated by Venizie Designs.

Batting samples from Warm and Natural. SO AWESOME!

Pre-made labes from Izzy & Ivy. (super cute!)

A variety of patterns. Look close to see who they are from. :)

A little cut bundle of Moda fabrics, and Beebolt donated some fabric but with a twist (gotta love it). The twist is to use it or some of it to make a block a particular size, then mail it back. All blocks will be sewn together for a quilt top(s) to be auctioned off at the next Sewing Summit next year with 100% of proceeds going to Project Linus. What a great idea, huh? I'll be sending a block to them.

That's all for today, folks. See you tomorrow!

Sewing Room, Sewing Summit & Creating Your Own Nametag

2011-10-04T21:57:00.000-04:00

First I have to say my sewing room has been coming together as has the rest of the house unpacking (work is not letting me move as quickly as I normally would.)

Here's a before picture of the sewing room.

Here are a couple from yesterday. Not bad.

Now, onto some really fun news. I'm attending The Sewing Summit this weekend. My first retreat, ever, and I can't wait! I plan to enjoy meeting new people, improving my skills, and exploring a city I've never been to. Salt Lake City, UT, here I come! (So who else is going?)

Lastly, as part of the retreat, someone made the note they were making their own nametag. I thought, "oh, nametag, that's probably a good idea." Then I remembered I hated wearing a nametag.

Then I realized it wouldn't do to try to network & meet people if I didn't put myself out there and bank on the name (ha!) I've made for myself in blogosphere. So, I forged ahead and tried to decide what kind of nametag represented me. I thought, paper-piecing might be good. So I crafted a basic PP piece and decided I'd use the sewing machine to write my name. Quicker being right up my alley.

BUT

the machine had other ideas. I wanted to use the batting as a stabilizer. The machine disagreed with that approach. It was fine if I was sewing letters on the fabric only (when practicing) but not so great when I tried with batting behind the cotton. This is the 3rd try.

I decided I was not picking out these stitches and chucked it. I decided I would live with a paper name tag stuck to my shirt.

Then I saw the Sewing Summit Flickr group photos of name tags made and felt inspired to try again. I cut the practice pieces and tested placement on fabric.

I ended up sewing them onto a piece of fabric in an off-kilter way. I decided it fit my desired plan of "getting my name tag to give a first impression of me." I do not sew perfect items, it's not always neat or pristine. This is definately a good first impression of my skills. LOL

So what do you think?

I'm proud of it and would say, the lesson here is, when you want to quit. Step back and see if inspiration hits again. It just might!

Cheers,
Beck

Favorite Things Friday

2011-09-01T21:52:00.000-04:00

This Friday's favorite things is dedicated to the things I've missed, and missed, and missed...

And missed...

in our rental homes the last 2 years.

Such as, a decent sized shower with a perfect spray and a hot water heater that has the hot water at the ready almost the minute it's turned on. Ahh, heaven! Only second best way to wake up after a great cup of coffee.

Also, a decent sized refrigerator that actually holds its temperature. Nice, cold, soda and longer lasting food.

I can't forget, a GAS RANGE! Oh my, how did I miss this. I cannot wait to cook more often b/c I can regulate the heat temperature to my satisfaction. I was able t function with an electric range but it's just not the same.

Oh, and most of all, reliable INTERNET! YESSSSSS!!! I now have Verizon FIOS and have to say, I'm loving it. It means I'll be back online more again and browsing (of course, this will be after unpacking our stuff. lol).

And finally, with the internet comes the abiltiy to connect with XBox live and play an online game my sister hooked me on last summer. "Call of Duty, Black Ops"
The rating on this game is "M for Mature. Blood and Gore, Intense Violence and Strong Language."

I'm a bad ass.

Well, I wish I was a bad ass. Mostly, I die and start havign uncontrllable spells in which the only word in my vocabulary is generally one word. "Fucker, Fucker, Fuck (wait, here I extend my vocabulary), I shot him how did he manage to kill me?" Then, "Fucker".

All the while, I'm having a blast (or being blasted, depending on how you look at it). I am so bad at this game, my screen name had to be appropriate. I pondered calling myself EasyTarget or Blood Donor but just didn't like them. Finally, I settleed on BornToDie33. It fits. I resurrect in the game and promptly die.

So, here's the the things I've missed and the beginning of having them again!

But, sigh, I will miss this, which is not at our new home. One day, I'll have it all... -wink-

Glad to be back to FTF. To see other FTFs, check the sidebar and click on the button.

Cheers! Beck

EARTHQUAKE! No, really...

2011-08-24T08:20:00.000-04:00

So yesterday there was an earthquake centered in VA. Turns out, centered 45 minutes drive from my home or less if you go the way the crow flies.

5.8

For those of you in CA who deal with earthquakes more regularly, let me say this, "what the hell are you doing still living in CA?"

Of course, I'm also the person who was too close to a small tornado last year in TN and I asked of myself, "what the hell are people doing still living in tornado valley?"

Give me lots of land, no ocean for hurricanes, no "valley" for tornados, and no tetonic plates almost direclty underfoot. Is that too much to ask? LOL

Anyway, I thought I'd share my story with you since I'm packing to move instead of sewing and I have nothing else to write about.

At 1:50pm, I'm minding my own business at my daughter's orthodontist's office when I start hearing a low rumble. A second or so thereafter, the building shakes a little and the rumble is louder. For those of us that are used to (a) ordinance explosions or (b) large helicopters flying low overhead, you will understand when I say that is the first thought I had. I was able to dismiss ordinance pretty quickly due to my location but I why a heli or two was flying so low but the rumble slowed disappeared and the little shake stopped.

Just as I and the other waiting room inhabitants started shrugging it off, the rumble came back and was loud. (At least to me, many others say they didn't hear anything.) The building decided to shake more and then the staff started hollering for everyone to get out to the end of the parking lot so we were all away from the windows. I thought, "really?" Then, "okay" as they were all hustling out. I went to the door and held it open for everyone (really just waiting to see my kid come out from the backroom). I was a 1/2 second away from going in to get her when she came around the corner. lol I told her that she should feel comforted that her pain in the ass mother loved her enough to ensure she got out of a shaking building. She's a teenage girl, she appreciated it for about 1 second. :p

When we get outside, we see several other buildings evacuated. Cell signals don't work, land lines were down for a few, it was a bit strange as we all wondered, "was that actually an earthquake?"

I finally get a signal on my cell (I can't call) but I have 2 texts and a voicemail from the hubs, "Call me back, we just had a big earthquake here at home and I want to know you are okay." Aww... I think he's being a little melodramatic based on what I felt but that's nice. I get a text back to him we are fine and that's when I find out how much more he felt it than we did.

Turns out, where home was, we lost some items off the shelves (as did our neighbors) and hubs spent the quake time holding up the entertainment center & tv so they didn't fall over. They were wobbling that much. The entertainment center, btw, is a big hulking one, too.

Anyway, I got thinking about it later (as we felt another aftershock and I heard it) that I'm really not a panicky person. I may have adrenaline course through me with an unknown but it doesn't stop the rational thought and if anything, it may actually tamp down my emotion even more than normal. lol When 9/11 happened, with the tornado in TN, with this earthquake, I just don't freak (although I did feel like I could at any moment in TN. lol) The other thing I thought about, my hearing.

I always knew I had a great sense of smell but now I know my hearing is at the same level. Hubs and I joked I smell almost as good as a dog but that I probably hear better. Speaking of dogs, ours were notably upset but so relieved when I finally came home. I'm momma, afterall, and all is better when momma shows up. It's when she leaves that weird things like the house shaking happen. :D

Anyway, to the Californians, I hope you do enjoy scoffing at us East Coasters and our "OMG" moments, I think you've earned it. Earthquakes suck at any magnitude and I would be just as happy not to experience one again.

Cheers! Beck

I did it. The Pinwheel Sampler is complete

2011-08-21T16:15:00.001-04:00

So I finished the Pinwheel Sampler on time. I would have preferred not to bind by machine, which I feel is my weakest part of quilt making, but I only had so much time available. It measured about 73"x55" and was machine quilted in a large meander.

I donated it to the silent auction fundraiser and in a small crowd, it sold for $70. I am pleased with that.

Here's the final picture. I used PS I Quilt's Pinwheel Sampler pattern.

Thank you all for your help! :)

The verdict

2011-08-18T17:34:00.002-04:00

Okay, thank you all for your responses! I have a plan. It will look great or it will be awful but I'm going with the light fabric, inserting a tiny blue border around each pinwheel and adding a blue square into the white sashing at the corners. Wish me luck! Pics tomorrow. :)

Thank you again, by the way for your quick replies.

Need fabric choice help, quick.

2011-08-18T10:55:00.000-04:00

Okay, I have to start by saying I'm not a huge fan of the fabrics in the blocks (rushed and no planning so it is what it is and I'm stuck with them.) I don't know if it's the block fabrics or background choices or BOTH but I'm not feeling either of these fabrics for sashing, but you tell me if one or both are okay, please?

If neither are okay, know that I've already tried solid white (hideous) and a different red (even worse than hideous).

I was hoping to use stash fabric and avoid a store run just before packing for my move but I'm not feeling confident. My only other thought is that if either of these are "okay" perhaps I can use them as sashing (think 2.5-3 inches wide) and maybe where each parallel sash meets each horizontal sash, add a small block with a red and white pinwheel to keep it from being too ugly.

I don't know. Thoughts, fabric colors options are all welcome and I need them quick. I have to get sewing the sashing in tonight so I can quilt tomorrow.

Thank you all!

So I finally have news

2011-08-15T21:01:00.000-04:00

So as always, between work and home, blogging and quilting haven't just taken a back seat, I've thrown them in the trailer and started driving across the entire country!

Well, not really but it started becoming a chore to check in but at the same time I missed you all and reading up with your happenings. Then, when I did check in, I felt awful b/c I wasn't doing better at keeping in touch with you. Let me rephrase, I felt like I had missed enough that I should have been a better "blog friend". Of course, that led to me thinking I was being nuts, no one would expect such a thing and everyone gets life happening. I'd feel fine for a bit, then check in on a blog and it starts over again. I did say at one point in this blog I'm a little bit nuts, right? :)

For those that have sent messages checking in and comments on the blog. For the who have sent a pattern and wonder when I'm going to start the trees, thank you for thinking of me. I do appreciate it.

And now, my news. After 1 full year of looking, of renting on a beautiful 47 acres of farm land, several offers and negotiations on a variety of property, we have finally found a home and have an agreed contract. We close at the end of the month pending the loan comes through. We have immaculate credit and have been pre-approved at a great rate but the bank is now asking for some ridiculous documents (i.e., divorce decrees from over 10 years ago). We've just sent a note back to them after already jumping through some substantial hoops so we'll see what happens. Keep your fingers crossed, please. This is the fourth home between us and we've never had such crazy requests.

If it all goes well, we will be moving on August 31. Send us good vibes, please. We could really do with no more stress around this. There are many other things that have contributed to our stress but this is a big part of it and one change leads to another, right?

So here are some pictures of the rooms most important to me. Of course, this isn't our furniture but I can share anyway. You have the kitchen (we are replacing the fridge with a stainless steel one), the master bath (so friggin' huge!), the master bedroom (in my favorite color already), 2 angles of my very own sewing room and finally, the front of the home.

I'll be back in touch after the move. Thanks folks!

Cheers, Beck

Finished Dr. Seuss

2011-07-21T07:56:00.000-04:00

I forgot to show you, here's the Dr. Seuss quilt finished. Simple loop quilting across, minkee backing and no batting. I'm sorry the pictures are sub-par, the quilt is actually quite bright.

:) Cheers! Beck

C&V Embroidery Blocks

2011-07-09T21:33:00.000-04:00

I've completed the first two embroidery blocks from the Clover and Violet SAL.

I tweaked the designs slightly for my oh so rusty skills. Regardless, I'm pleased with the less than perfect results and don't care for the bit of error.

Progress is progress

2011-07-03T18:01:00.000-04:00

For the Clover and Violet SAL, I've finished my blocks.

Went from these:

to this.

Now to start copying partterns and stitching away!

Cheers, Beck

Are you watching my blog...

2011-07-02T07:37:00.000-04:00

oh sister of mine? I think you might be and if you are, you should know, I AM working on these still. I hope V likes the end product b/c I will have quit quilting from all the effort on this one and I won't be able to make her another.

The desire to give up comes in small bits at a time. Usually when I make a block like this:

and they are supposed to be like this:

Now, for what else I'm up to, I've made these beauties for some embroidery work. I have to catch up in this Little Birdie Stitch Along.

I'm about to cut up these for the Clover & Violet Stitch Along (althought admittedly, these stitching projects are more for when I'm in the car travelling or just want the occasional handiwork.)

What are you up to this fabulous July?

Cheers! Beck

FINISHES!!!

2011-06-28T22:39:00.000-04:00

Where have I been?

Where did the time go?

Is it really the 28th?

Honestly?

How the heck did that happen?

Oh, yeah, life interfered. Again. with quilting.

There's something wrong with my priorities. Please correct this poor habit and explain to me all the reasons why I should not put kids, hubs, house, and work in front of my quilting.

Please.

Now, that said, on to business. I owe several of you some mail. I can only ask, please reread the opening of this post and understand, I suck. I was going to drop it in the mail the day I emailed you all and well, it still sits in my car. I WILL mail it this week. I will NOT forget, I will NOT delay any further. I know, I suck. I'm sorry.

Finally, I was determined 2 weeks ago to tag my finishes for my PhD challenge that's been sitting in my sidebar. I had a great time reading about everyone's finishes and seeing everyone's projects as they've been completed but I wasn't getting anywhere.

I started ambitious with this post in January. I felt good about what I could complete having participated in this challenge last year and it beign a great incentive. Sadly, this year, it couldn't give me the motivation I needed. Not because I didn't think about it or want to do it, I just didn't have time to sew much at all. I realized in May how poorly I was doing and the end result was to recognize one quilt as hopeless and give it away. I'm counting it as a finish because it's no longer on my to do list (well, except for the mailing issue I wrote about earlier).

The others, well, here's what's left "standing" in the WIP, UFO, PhD pen.
1) Jinny Beyer SIL quilt
2) Double Wedding Ring quilt
3) Pineapple quilt
4) Summer porch quilt

I have high, crazy hopes of quilting and binding the summer porch quilt by July 1 but given work is running hotter than usual this quarter end, it's going to be crazy if I succeed.

Now, the two finishes I DID get to over the past weekend and tonight!
1) the Bento Box Quilt (front and back photos) Do you see my oops?

2) the Chateau Wall Hanging. For not planning out the quilting, I'm pleased with adding the snow flakes but really, just overall happy with it.

Thanks for hanging around, even when I wasn't here. While I may not have been quilting, I have managed to read blogs on my phone when I could (of course, that made leaving comments a PITA).

Onward and upward if I want to try to meet the crazy idea of one more finish in June!

Cheers, Beck

Dulles Quilt Show Eye Candy

2011-06-06T19:54:00.000-04:00

I had a good time at the Dulles Quilt Show with Susan at Quixotic Crafter. We were there early enough to be in a line to get through the front door and late enough the parking lot was relatively empty as we walked out. We looked at the quilts (a few are below for your enjoyment) and then we ate and shopped. Not a healthy meal day but not horrible either. I didn't buy too much but did get fabrics for my new projects and probably drove Susan crazy with my indecision but she was a good sport and didn't complain. I also scored some self-threading needles I'm estatic to try. It's for sinking your threads after quilting.

Now, onto what you really care about, here are some of the quilts (with labels for credit except the last one that was blurry & which stinks b/c I was thinking of getting that pattern).

Cheers! Beck

Cathedral Windows

2011-06-06T15:14:00.000-04:00

Does everyone know what the cathedral windows pattern is? If so, keep reading. If not, keep reading. :)

Does anyone remember me asking the folliwing question? "What do you think I'm going to do with this fabric?"

Well the answer, my friends, is a "test run" on creating a two-toned cathedral window quilt (in this case, the test version is now a candle mat, I think).

I used this method by Angela Nash of My Three Sons posted at the Moda Bakeshop.

Let me first provide a "review" of the recipe. 1) Very well written with clear instructions. 2) Great she added notes on when to lin up sides or corners. It made a difference during construction. I have nothing negative to write, but did find a brief annoyance while working on this. However, since it may be a result of the fabric I was using or my inexperience, or both, I'm nog laying that onto Ms. Angela's instructions.

You start with 9" square and fold it down into a tiny square. I used a simple black solid to offset my other two fabrics.

Then you sew them all together.

At this point, if you want to add a background color for the "peels" as I call them, you would cut the square to the size of the interior square and sew it straight down as close to the edge as possible.

I thought I did a good job but...I found I had to try to hide the stitching with some careful folding and sewing later in the construction. The instructions said this would be hidden but in my mind that translated to "easily hidden". Still, it wasn't too bad and this is why we do test pieces, occasionally, right?

Next, if you want to have a design/color in the center, you cut it to size and pin it down. Then you fold the solid over to create the rounded effect and sew each edge direclty down.

Looks good, right? Yeah, the first one suckers you right in to thinking this is no big deal and you wonder why this block is thought to be so difficult.

You start thinking, it's a lot of folding but as long as you get a true square at the beginning and don't mind, this isn't so bad...

But then you realize, you are really concentrating to get the folds just right to cover the peel fabric sewing line as well as keeping the center fabric folded underneath the fold instead of getting folded with the fold and showing up. At least the sewing is simple once you get the folding down.

All of them together...

Again, not too bad. I think my folding and sewing issues really were a result of inexperience and the fabric I was using. These were those clothing fabrics that you see, satin/polyester blends. A little stretchy, etc. So, my cutting of these squares was slightly off here and there. Also, they slipped a lot on the cotton.

I desperately want to do a cathedral window quilt. I desperately do not want to do one without it having a big WOW result. I want it to look rich, decadent, special. I've pondered many fabrics and colors. I've pondered for about 6 months now. Over easter, I bought the black fabrics b/c they were on clearence and I ccould test their look. Aside from the slipping, I like the way they look. I will search a little more to be sure it's what I want but I think I'll be using these types. Check out all the color. Don't you think they will look great in a cathedral window quilt? I don't yet know how many of the colors, whether all or any, I'll use but I do know I like the idea of these kinds of rich fabrics. We'll see. Are you excited?

Cheers! Beck

Favorite Things Friday - Quilt Shows!

2011-06-03T08:21:00.000-04:00

Today's installment of FTF will be short on words. I love quilt shows. I wish I could attend more but time just doesn't permit. If the hubs keels over while I'm still a spring chicken, I'm hopping in an RV (which he hates) and going to as many as I can in one season! He can't believe I'm planning for if he keels over but I'm still a military wife, even with him retired, and I'm a contingency planner by nature so I learned to plan for it the first time he deployed. Morbid? Perhaps but I'm sticking with "practical." -wink-

Anyway, I was able to attend the Hampton quilt show and today, I'm meeting Ms. Susan at Quixotic Crafter over at the Dulles quilt show. As a matter of fact, I need to attach photos fast and get going or I'll be late even though she's got the worse drive!

So, I'll leave you with some Hampton eye candy. Pics are small but I believe they will enlarge if you click on them.

The Sun Still Shines -quilted

2011-06-02T08:35:00.001-04:00

I just realized I have not posted a picture of the quilted SQ QAL quilt I have sent away to the winner of the giveaway last week.

How, dare I?!

In keeping with it's second name, The Sun Still Shines, I quilted semi-circles in the yellow and did a larger meander throught the remaining blocks to mimic the chaos in the tornado path. On the borders (which I never took off to straighten) I just did a continuous wavy 8 stitch. I am pleased with the overall look and I hope the winner is, too.

Weigh-in Wed - Chicken Tortilla

2011-06-01T10:22:00.002-04:00

Stats first. 160 lbs.
JM Shred video: still currently at Level 1

So, I'm a teensy bit frustrated but not quite frustrated. Let me explain. I gained 1 lb and that's frustrating because I've actually worked Jillian's shred 6 out of 7 days this week PLUS took a 3 mile, brisk walk 2 of the days. I feel good, I'm not as starving as when I started exercising so I am keeping the food intake way down. Snacking rarely exists and if it does, I'm good about a yogurt, maybe a fig newton or two is the worse I've had. But when I say way down, I mean... almost non-existent.

I'm not frustrated because I feel good. I'm tired, in a good way, but I feel more fit. Not that my clothes can tell or that the scale tells, but I can do the whole Jillian Level 1 without it threatening my life, now. Today's workout was significantly easier than ever before and if tomorrow is the same (meaning this is not a fluke), then I will move up to Level 2 on Friday. We will see.

So, my weight is up 1 lb. My snacking is way down and food choices are good but they can be better. I was WAY sick of salads and then ended up with crappy working hours so I slacked a lot on the veggie front. I didn't eat much but meat and carbs does not lend to weight loss. Even if you are exercising a bit.

So, this week, I am planning the weekly menu. The hubs messed it up yesterday but I'm going to be firm on our diet and see what happens. I'm calling it an experiment. I have to feed him, me, and the kids so that means tasty plus protein enough to fill us all (he's doing P90X work outs so needs more filling calories).
The plan: Salmon, Elk burgers, Chicken breast, Pasta salad - maybe with tuna, Veggie Pizza, Steak, Cod. A boatload of veggies with all. BIG switch, mostly fresh veggies and little carb... That's the goal, people.

Today's recipe I don't have a picture of but it's super simple.

CHICKEN TORTILLA
1 4 or 6 inch corn tortilla (I bought a bag from the store)
1 Tbsp Sweet Potato Butter (pumpkin butter or apple butter work well here also)
1.5 oz. chopped, cooked chicken breast
1/4 cup shredded green cabbage

Heat tortilla as instructed on the package
Spread butter on the tortilla, add chicken and cabbage
Eat.

This is a simple little recipe and one that is completely adaptable. The reason I posted it is you can use this for any meat and veggie combination you want. Use a hummus spread in stead of the butters if you like that sort of thing. It just helps you portion your meals. If I am not hungry, 1 of these with yogurt or fruit work. If I'm hungry, 2 aren't bad because it's onl y 3oz of chicken.

The other thing I like about this, super quick to do!

So, how is everyone else doing? I tell you, knowing I'm posting here has helped me keep honest and with it. I am looking forward to the day I can start posting a significant change. I am thinking wtih better nutrition and my exercise, it will come soon. (At least that's what I hope.)

Oh, and one more thing. I'm going to try this Bloat Stopping Green Smoothie this week. I'll let you know if it's good like they said or if I've learned my wine loving sisters, Hoda and Kathie Lee are liars! lol

Cheers! Beck

And the WINNER is...

2011-05-27T07:27:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Random.org, the winner chosen between 1 and 159 is #53.

This is JESSICA!

"Jessica said...

What a beautiful quilt! I've always wanted one!
I have never been to a crafting class or retreat, but would love to. I'm just learning how to sew and would love to learn new techniques!

Thanks a lot!
May 23, 2011 10:18 PM"

Congratulations, Jessica! I'll be contacting you through email to finalize the details of sending you the quilt. (I'd post a final picture here but blogger and my camera are not friends today so it will be posted soon.)

Thank you for all the comments and compliments I received during the giveaway, I enjoyed reading them all!

Cheers, Beck

Weigh-In Weds. -- I got nothing

2011-05-25T09:36:00.000-04:00

Looking for the giveaway, it's the next post down or GO HERE.

So, no weight gained or lost this week for all the same lame arse reasons previously listed. That's the good and bad of it. I saw the Biggest Loser Winner on the Today show this morning and have to say, I felt like crap because she said all the right things about it being an internal change in your mentality and recognizing your body and it's needs. I just wanted to punch her. Then she said, "it takes time, it took a long time to get on and takes a long time to get off." Okay, I didn't want to punch her anymore and can honestly say, well done her! lol

I don't have a new recipe for you either so I'm going to link you to an old standby. This chicken sandwich is a favorite for the summer.

Cheers! Beck

Sew Mama Sew Giveaway Day! I'm in.

2011-05-23T08:23:00.002-04:00

Sew Mama Sew is at it again! I just made the sign up last week and I'm thrilled I'm not missing my chance to participate this year. I hope my entry is enticing and I do ship internationally.

There are 3 different giveaways going on and you can link to them here.
Handcrafted Items
Handcrafted Items + Supplies
Sewing + Knitting Supplies/Materials

My entry is the following quilt. It is currently on the frame and I'm finalizing the quilting so I will update the photos with a finished picture tonight, hopefully. For now, you can take a look at the top. This measures approximately 44"x51". Perfect as a lap quilt for reading on the porch or for a toddler's quilt.

This was my participation quilt for the SQ Paper-piece Quilt along that just ended. I was going to call it Sun Over the Pyramid since that was what the hubs named it and it was better than anything I came up with. However, after seeing the news of the tornado in Joplin, MO, I can't call it that. It's much more like a tornado streaking a path and the sun shining on both sides of the devestation. At least to me. So, I'm going to call this The Sun Still Shines. Now really, if you have a name suggestion, and you are the winner, I'll label it with your suggestion. I do not feel my name has to be the one you have to live with since it's not finished yet.

So how to do this?
First, say a prayer or send good thoughts for those in Joplin. They need all the good will that can be spared.
Second, leave me a comment and answer these 2 questions (really, I would love to read your answers):

1) What was your favorite thing about the last quilt retreat (or class) you attended?
2) What was your least favorite thing about the last quilt retreat (or class) you attended?
If you haven't attended any, please answer what you are interested in for a retreat (or class).

And just because, if you are a follower, leave me a second comment letting me know you follow and I'll give you a bonus entry. This is not required, just an extra chance.

The chance to enter closes at midnight ET on May 26. I will announce the winner later that day.
OH! and before I forget, if you do not have a blog or if you have your security settings set so that your email is not linked off your blog, PLEASE leave me your email so I may reach you if you win. I will reply to every commentor here acknowledging entry so if you don't leave me an email in your comment and you don't get a reply, you may want to check your settings and reach back out.

You can leave your email as janesmith (at) iwanttowin (dot) come to avoid auto spammers.

Good luck in the drawing and thank you for stopping by. The winner will be drawn using random.org.
Cheers! Beck

A progress post - Dr. Seuss

2011-05-21T08:02:00.001-04:00

Everyone likes progress pictures, right?

Well here are a few for you. This quilt is coming along quickly so far, which is great, because I have to have it completed (quilted and bound) BY June 10. That's my college reunion and I am gifting this quilt to a great friend (more like a brother) of mine's 1 year old son with a couple Dr. Seuss books (that my girlfriends are also adding to). It's one of the few quilts I've ever made where I'm staying true to pattern and fabric line.

Here's where I'm at so far, I've cut all the fabrics and strarted sewing the strips together.

I cut out the circles and because I read someone's blog somewhere who had a pretty cool quilt with applique on it, I took an extra step I've never tried before. It's supposed to make the applique a little more durable plus add a little dimension. I also cut out same size muslin pieces and sewed them to the circles, right side together. Then I cut a small slit in the muslin and turned them right side out. I used one of those wooden quilting tools to push out the seams and then I pressed them flat. Finally, I cut steam a seam to size and ironed the circles onto the fabric strip they needed to be on.

Now, I'm using another new technique for me, blanket stitching on my machine. I've zig-zagged raw edge applique and have had a preference for that up until this quilt. I just didn't feel it would look right. I had 2 schools of thought.

1) Try it and see but I didn't want it to look like my first attempt, or
2) call my friend Barb from Bejeweled By Barb and beg her for a favor. I've seen her blanket stitching and I was thinking I'd sweet talk her with lunches and dinners and chauffering if she found herself without a car because hubs took it or something.

I was really leaning toward #2 but it was late last night and I am determined to move forward on this quilt each day. I didn't want to call after 9pm. Plus, the idea that I had to not just ask a favor of her when I'm sure she's got a full plate, I would have to ask her to have it done quickly. I felt I would be imposing and I shouldn't do that unless I at least tried first. So I tried.

Take 1

Take 2

Take 3

They are getting better, don't you think? While not as good as Barb's, I think I can leave take 2, unstitch take 1 and make the remaining 15 circles look like take 3. Barb, my friend, instead of imposing for your skills, now I'll just have to impose upon you to meet me for lunch again. :)

Cheers! Beck

Favorite Things Friday - Blog Names

2011-05-20T10:10:00.000-04:00

This is going to be short and sweet. I had a lot of "press" on my blog name with the Blogger's Quilt Festival this past week (which I'm still only about 1/2 way through!)

The hubs and I were talking about it and I was commenting I was asked about it often. I chose it because I wanted a name that fit (and oh yes it does) and that I thought would be easily remembered (is it?) in case I ever did anything business related in the quilt world.

He said he could come up with a few other adjectives and when pressed, wisely stated, "Sexy, sassy, sarcastic quilter." I suspected he was really thinking, "Bitchy barbie sarcastic quilter." :-)

Anyway, some of the names I've come across that I love:

Sarcastic Quilter (of course I have to include me!)
Bitchy Stitcher
Quilting in my Pyjamas (I do it often but not often enough)
Ditchin Time Quilts
The Confused Quilter
Cheaper Than Therapy Quilting
The Reluctant Quilter

I know there are others but they are escaping my mind. Tell me what are some of the best blog names you've come across? They don't have to be quilt related. Just which ones struck a funny with you?

Cheers! Beck

ps - Click on my button on the side to see other Friday Favorites!

ps - good food

2011-05-19T10:26:00.000-04:00

I meant to show this yesterday but I forgot. I think the good food is screwing with my brain cells.

Anyway, this is what I mean when I say I made good food choices. I wanted what hubs had... steak, eggs, potatoes and sausage from the diner.

I chose a salad with salmon and citrus dressing. (spinach, carrots, mango, strawberries, pecans, craisins) It was NOT satisfying at all and the citrus dressing was too bitter. I think it could have been better except for that and the scent of steak wafting across the table.

If it weren't for Jillian's constant question in my head about what kind of abs I want (I totally gave up on my ass - lol) I might have caved!

Warm Spinach & Elk Salad and Weigh-In Weds.

2011-05-18T14:29:00.003-04:00

Warm Spinach and Elk Salad, a photo by Sarcastic Quilter on Flickr.

Yum. The recipe for the salad is below. Of course beef can be substituted.

So, onto some good news, I was wrong about my initial weight. I didn’t start this journey (this time) weighing in at 168. I actually started it weighing in at 161. I just realized today that my scale is not calibrated correctly and instead of starting at 0, it actually sits at 7 when there is nothing on it.

So, I was 161 to start, lost 1 lb last week and this week, ta da…. 1 more pound.

But really, it’s SWEET because I lost 7 lbs, just like that, this week. I did what any self-respecting dieter would do to celebrate. I went to McDonald’s and ordered a Big Mac meal! Okay, no I didn’t but I did have a bologna and cheese sandwich on white bread. If Jillian Michaels was a friend of mine, she’d have thrown her hands up in disgust but hey, sometimes you just want a little comfort food! Overall, my eating habits and choices were pretty good this week.

My 1 lb loss this week is, again, due to lack of movement, I fear. I am not working out as I had planned. I should be more disciplined and work out first thing in the morning but I’ve tried that and if I don’t have something to eat first off, I can barely make it 5 minutes into the work out. Of course, something to eat needs to digest a little so that means I have to have my coffee or I don’t want to move. Really, I AM the couch potato without these things. So, a yogurt, or banana or whatever, digest and while I wait, I start working.

So I work and get sucked in… my morning disappears and then it’s 10am and I have meetings and calls, contracts to review and a shower to get in. Plus I’m hungry because I didn’t eat anything filling in the morning. –sigh- I get sucked back into work. 2pm rolls around and I’ve determined the idea of working out at lunch time has come and gone and maybe I better eat some lunch!

5pm, 6pm… get up, make dinner (if I’m lucky and work permits). Or get up and yell at teenager (cause really, that’s all the enjoyment in my life these days…kidding). Or get up and pee. (not kidding.)

Shut down the computer. I could work out now but that interferes with my daily constitutional at this time… the wine. There are some things I’ll do for better health but giving up my daily glass of wine isn’t one of them. I spend some time with hubs/kids, eat, watch some Jeopardy. This week, browse blogs from the blogger festival but last week, I tried to get some sewing in during the “prime time” of television time. 9/10pm roll around and I could exercise but then I want to go to bed and I wonder if exercising after having wine earlier is a bright idea.

Alas, the day is over and I lay down planning to get up in the am and do better.

So now you know. I have decided this week I’m going to try something different and that is to work out before bed. I can sleep anytime so I am not worried about not being able to sleep after exercising. I think if I’m only having 1 glass of wine around 5pm, I should be fine to exercise at 9pm. If I’m wrong, please do not enlighten me. I’ll let you know how it goes.

Warm Elk & Spinach Salad
fresh baby spinach
3 - 6 oz elk steak (a tender cut)
pine nuts
kernal corn
vidalia onion
dried cranberries (craisins)
(NOTE: Use whatever quantities you need to make this for yourself and/or others. If I were making a salad for only me, I'd use up to 3 oz steak and maybe 1/8 cup sliced onion. A small palmful of nuts, craisins and corn and a cup of spinach.)

1. Grill steak (or broil) until medium rare (or just to medium) and let rest while making the salad.
2. Lightly toast pine nuts in a sautee in dry pan for a minute or two over medium heat. Take nuts out of pan and set aside.
3. Chop onion and sautee on medium high heat in a bit of olive oil until tender.
4. Add kernal corn and baby spinach and toss with onions until it is wilted slightly.
5. Place mixture on a plate, top with craisins and pine nuts. Arrange elk over the salad.
6. Optional: add a light amount of an italian style vinagrette.

Cheers! Beck

FINISHED QALs!

2011-05-17T07:16:00.001-04:00

That's it, today's the day to have those QAL tops posted on our FLICKR group. I know time/life got in the way for a few of you but since I had so few posters to add pictures, I think I'm going to send a little something off to each of you.

Aside from my finished top, 2 of you completed the tablerunner and posted about them. They look fantastic!
Quilting in My Pyjamas and
P at The Way I Sew It.

I flipped a coin and P, you've won the fabric. Congratulations, your reversible runner is very pretty and fun!

Quilting in My Pyjamas, I am going to send this along to you for participating and finishing your first paper-piece project! I hope it brings you a little inspiration. It's nothing too fancy or detailed but it might be fun.

And for Shevy, who I kow would have finished if life hadn't intervened in such a way as it did, I'd like to send you this little package. Please do post in the group when you do finish, I can't wait to see these fabrics put together.

If you three ladies would please email me your address, I'll get these sent out.

For those who've put up with my posts, thank you. I hope you take the pattern and make one of your own tops one day. If you do, please feel free to post it in the group so everyone can see it (or me, at least! hehe)

Cheers! Beck

Bloggers Quilt Festival - Airplane Quilt

2011-05-13T21:10:00.001-04:00

The wonderful Amy at Amy's Creative Side continues to host these biannual bloggers festivals. A chance for us to show a favorite quilt and to see other blogger's favorites. This festival runs 5/13 through 5/20. You have time to post a favorite, too!

One of my favorites is the quilt I designed from scratch using the help of EQ6. I designed it for my girlfriend's baby boy and to fit in with his nursery theme of airplanes. It started like this:

Then became the top with different textured fabrics.

I backed it with some dotted minkee and finally, it was enjoyed as I had hoped!
I quilted spirals in the log cabin blocks, SID the airplanes and around each plan block, and finally I added a few small clouds in the blue skies.

The different textures and colors keep this a favorite quilt of this little guy even 1 year later.

I am so proud of this quilt because it was the first time I could completely envision what I want, get it designed how I wanted it, executed it to look just as I wanted, finished it to the size I wanted, and even quilted it with an original design. This quilt may not look like it but it stretched me creatively and organizationally. I had to figure out how to put it together (write the pattern, if you will), and execute it from a thought in my head. I feel great about the entire process and since I've done this with success, I've felt more free to experiment with other design ideas and even better, to modify or tweak patterns I come across. It definately makes me happy to think of this quilt for all it has given me and more importantly, the joy I know it's giving that little boy. I designed it with the idea I wanted it to be loved, slept on, dragged around, used as a tent, etc. and that's what he does with it! :-)

Now go look at all the other great quilts being highlighted by clicking on the link (sorry, I can't get the button to input correctly here).

BLOGGERS QUILT FESTIVAL - 2011

Cheers! Beck

A finish, a kinda finish & a giveaway

2011-05-13T16:39:00.000-04:00

It's been a while since I've posted a good finish but this one I can post with all the satisfaction in the
world. A little over two year's ago, I gave my mom a reversible table runner for St Patty's Day and Easter. She commented last year she wanted runners for the "rest of the year". So onto my to do list these went.

Today, I've finished the last runners. I was hoping to have them sent to her by Mom's Day but no go. She'll get them soon. So here they all are:
Christmas 1
Christmas 2
Valentine's Day
St. Patrick's Day
Easter
Memorial Day/July 4th/Labor Day
Spring/Summer
Halloween
Thanksgiving

Now let me talk about my "kinda finish" this is regarding the unfinished I've been working on as part of my 6 month challenge (see my Myra's PhD challenge button on my sidebar). I've been diligently working these although I haven't been able to post finishes just yet but I'm almost there! Anyway, one of them I realized, I just have to let go of and because of that, I realized it counts as a finish.

The following pattern and fabric is free to the first person who comments they want it. A couple notes (and why I'm giving it up). I started this a while ago and cut all the pieces. While piecing, I realized I mis-cut some borders/sashing (at least). It can still make a great quilt or couple wall hangings but I just don't have any desire to rework the layout from the pattern to accomodate my cutting. There is still plenty of fabric, as you can see in the photo, it's just not for me. So, if you want it (even if you are going to piece it up to different quilts, pillows or bags) speak up and I'll send it along. I'll need your email so I can contact you for an address.

And there you have it. Happy Friday everyone.

Cheers, Beck

Filet w/Mushroom Sauce recipe & Weigh-In Weds.

2011-05-11T11:22:00.001-04:00

Okay, I decided that when I do Weigh-In Weds., I should also post a recipe that I liked and tried during the week. Something on the healthier side. I figured you should be "rewarded" for my "confessions."

First off, 1 lb. lost. It'd probably be more but, well, I suck. lol
1) I worked Jillian's Shred 3x in the last week, walked one day, slacked the rest. I was very tired from Jillian this time around, not sore. Just exhausted.
2) I won't give you a complete run-down of my eating but I will say a couple fast food meals made their way in as well as some soft serve ice cream with sprinkles a couple times last week. This was tempered, however, with my eating better at least 50% of the week.
3) I know that if I eat better 100% of the time and actually exercise everyday, (one day, Sunday, I will not workout with Jillian but I will walk in my fields), I will post a higher loss next week.
4) I also know that I'm okay with last week's results. All things considered, I feel better already and I was able to work with Jillian this morning and not want to collapse. Most importantly, I only cursed her one time the whole 20 minutes! THAT is CHANGE, people.

Overall, go me. A slow start and I can do better so I will.

Second up, the recipe. I was planning on having this for mother's day but the hubs made his version. I do not want to know what was in his, it was too good, too rich, too lovely for me to ask or worry. However, I have made this before and it's quite good and lovely all on it's own (especially if you can use fresh instead of canned mushrooms).

FILET WITH MUSHROOM SAUCE
NOTE: This recipe was adapted from a recipe on Weight Watchers.com from kitchen of ABOOMGAARDEN

1 clove garlic, minched
black pepper
salt
1/8 cup shallot (I used 1/3 of medium vidalia onion), diced
2 Tbsp cornstarch (I was out & had to use flour)
2 Tbsp water
16 oz canned mushrooms, drained & sliced (originally called for fresh but canned worked fine)
1/2 cup dry white wine (originally called for sherry - red wine might work better, I just didn't feel like opening any)
8 oz sodium free beef broth
2 Tbsp unsalted butter
4 oz filet tenderloin, trimmed

Directions:
- Melt 1/2 butter in large skillet, season both sides of filet with salt and pepper.
- Add filets to skillet and cook 3.5 minutes on each side (or to the desired level of done). Remove from pan but keep warm.
- In same pan, melt remaining butter. Saute onion, mushrooms, and garlic for approximately 3 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add wine and beef broth, and a touch more salt and pepper.
- In a separate bowl, mix together water and cornstarch until smooth. Increase heat and add to the pan, stirring constantly to a boil. Once the mixture thickens, serve over the heated filets.

Serve with fresh steamed vegetables and enjoy!

Cheers!
Beck

PP QAL - week 7, borders

2011-05-10T07:38:00.001-04:00

Alright ladies, everyone should have put their blocks together.

Now please add the borders you should already have cut. Add shorter sides first and then longer sides. Hopefully, I've had you cut enough "extra" length that this will be a comfortable endeavor.
Please post all completed tops by Tuesday, May 17 in our Flickr group to be eligble to win the prize for participants! (It doesn't matter what size you ended up making so yes, there's time if someone wants to join with a table topper.)

I have a question for you all, now. Here's my top, without needing to undo the borders, how do I fix the rumply borders? This is the first time it's ever happened to me that my borders are ruffly looking and oddly enough, this is the first quilt that was truly squared up when I added the borders. It's very odd to me. Any suggestions besides just take care when quilting? I was thinking about adding another dk blue border but I'm afraid it won't help but will make it worse. Anyone have anything for me? I so hate unstitiching...

Cheers! Beck

INSPIRATION (Don't miss this post, trust me)

2011-05-06T12:34:00.000-04:00

Folks, we often find inspiration in the simplest things but what happens when you ask for it and receive an answer? Well, you go with it, just as this woman did.

Truly inspiring and I will never complain about a difficult quilting session again. (Okay, I'll complain but I'll give thanks while I do it.)

Watch this beautiful video and yes, have some tissues at the ready.

A TRUE QUILTER

Cheers! Beck

J's 2011 quilt

2011-05-05T14:34:00.001-04:00

Don't forget to keep working those PP blocks QAL participants!

J was at it again. I think we will have a great quilter on our hands if I can keep him doing at least one quilt per year. :)

He designed, helped make, and helped quilt this little quilt for his now 5 month old half brother. He gave it as a surprise last weekend and I'm told it was liked by his dad and step-mom so HOORAY J, way to be creative. I love you kid!

Weigh-In Weds. & Jillian Michaels. Again

2011-05-04T11:08:00.002-04:00

Well folks, as I came to realize, I've been letting all my life upheavals interfere with taking care of myself. As a consequence I gained back the weight I lost (again) because I didn't stay committend. This time, I'm relying on all of you. I went down a pants size and back up the first time around. NOT AGAIN.

Here's why.
1) I recognize I am eating out of boredom and depression and stress. That's a deadly combination folks. I'm also being lazy for the same reasons.
--DUH!! Old athlete in me, the smart person in me and my dietician SIL (and nurse mom) all understand this is a vicious cycle that just lends to re-inforcing those same behaviors.

2) I have been looking in the mirror lately and thinking how bad I look. I realized I get into a habit of not looking but that has stopped working, I'm forcing myself to look again. Be honest with myself. Be accountible.

3) I feel like crap. I'm always tired. I get winded too easily, I don't want to move... again, a cycle of behavior that will change when I make myself stronger agian.

4) Summer is here and I love fresh vegetables and fruits and cooking fresh. It will be easier to tailor my diet and by fall/winter, my goal is to have a good handle on bringing all those good veggies into my winter diet (I plan to can this summer to ensure I get what I love year round.)

5) I've realized I can't keep waiting for my life to be organized and settle before I pay attention to this because I can't control some of these external stressors and I'm only creating my own internal ones (feeling like crap, tired, etc.) by NOT doing this.

Excuses are over. Not wanting it is over. I want it, I want to treat myself to things I don't (like a new skirt or shirt) beacuse I don't want to buy a bigger size. I want to feel good about my fitness level and about how I look. I want to naturally fight the stressors in my life by creating those damn endorphins. I want this, this time.

All that said, here's the accountibility.

Today, I weigh 168 pounds. I am 5'2" tall.
Today, I started Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred video (again). Also again, I put the sailors to shame with my langauge. (This post said it all.)
Today, I ate a small bowl of cereal and 1% (sorry, just can't get to skim) milk for breakfast. I'm eating an interesting little pasta bowl for lunch.(about 1/2 cup bow-tie pasta -cleaned out last of white and from here on out all whole-wheat - with about 3 ounces cooked kale, 2 cloves of minced, sauteed garlic, 1/8 cup diced, sauteed onion and 1 tsp sweet potato butter. cook all and mix. It's interesting, alright.) and a homemade sorbet for dessert (I love me my ice cream in the summer so I am determined to make fruit sorbets as a great alternative). Finally, I'm going to have 1/2 a yogurt for snack and dinner is still up in the air. I am thinking fish, probably salmon with an island marinade I made the other day.

I am not paying for Weight Watchers any longer but I will keep a daily log of what I'm eating and how I am exercising. I am thinking that if I post this on Weigh-In Wednesdays, I will be accounting for myself publically so please bear with me on this quilter's blog, this once per week post.

And there you have it. I'm off to A Ditchin Time Quilts blog to update those posting on weight loss on my own regression and renewed intent.

Thank you my friends.
Becky

QAL weeks 6 (& update on me)

2011-05-03T21:34:00.005-04:00

This week for the QAL, all I am asking you to do is layout your blocks in the pattern you want and then start sewing them together into rows and then sew the rows together.

Next week will be borders and then, the drawing for the participant prize! As promised, when I went to Lancaster area in PA, I picked it up. It's a small fat quarter bundle. If it so happens I have more participants who've been hiding away and pictures of completed tops are posted at the end of week 7, then I will add second, smaller gift, a pocket quilter's diary.

I do hope you all are doing well and please check in with any questions or updates here or on our FLICKR page. :)

Now, update on me. I have no update. Life is status quo and it's driving me crazy! I'm living on some great land but in a horrible, small house that I cannot get organized in. For me, no organization = no productivity in house needs, quilt needs, personal needs. It's hard to just make myself do things but I'm trying. Getting away to PA with my friend and an area quilt guild was a fun diversion and a much needed step away from where I was going with my own little self-pitying madness. (Okay, maybe that was an extreme representation but I swear I could have stepped into that pool easily enough.) Anyway, we've put bids on houses, we've put in bids on land, we've written contracts, we've travelled so far around 2 counties, and I'm so versed in the real estate market around here (9 months looking and counting!) I think I could pick out a house online now. Good lord, we have cash in hand for land, we have great credit, we have reasonable bids for the market. The problem, too many people are underwater in their mortages and the banks aren't willing to work short-sales too much yet. Foreclosures on the market are still few and far between and/or are listed at the inflated price the bank still was owed from the previous owners. We do not want to rent and piss our money away for the next couple of years. The tax hit this year was enough to remind us it's not a favorable option but really, what the heck?! Alright, so that's my update. Life continues with family and kids just fine otherwise, thank goodness.

So, in no particular order, here are pictures of all the goodies I bought in PA and visiting with my mom over Easter. The last photo is a teaser. What do you think I will be doing with that fabric?

BOOTS! I love em, I've been waiting for years to find the perfect pair and these babies are it. I may get another pair just as a back up. :D

How cute are these chicken applique? Fried chicken, chicken divan, chicken gumbo! Love it.

FQ bundles, 25 for $30 each and a pretty fabric!

Monopoly fabric for a quilt for my son. I brought it home and his face lit up, I am glad I snagged it. A pattern for the friend who took me on the PA trip. She said I can make her this quilt and I promised I would but warned it might be 5 years from now! hehe

A decoration for my new sewing room, if and when I get one!

Finally, this beatiful fabric. What, do you think I will be doing with this?

Quilt along pals, check in! If you haven't started, you still have time to participate if you make a smaller table topper. That's only four blocks and border. You can do it, I'm sure!

Cheers! Becky

The witch is dead

2011-05-02T08:05:00.001-04:00

Sing with me, "ding dong the witch is dead, the witch is dead, the witch is dead. Ding dong the wicked witch is dead..."

While Osama Bin Laden is not the same witch Dorothy had to contend with in the Wizard of Oz, I do feel a sense of freedom in knowing he has died.

I don't celebrate his death except I do feel happy he's no longer roaming this earth and adding to the amount of strife that already exists. I hope Al Queda is too unorganized to continue to be a real threat, but I fear it will only be a short time until it recoups and works at it's crazy goals.

What I do say is this. Thank you to all the military personnel, in America and amongst our allies, including their families, for the sacrifices to bring this man and the rest of the terrorist organization to justice. Your sacrifices and your hardships are always in my heart and head and I will always be praying for you. I am so proud of you, of us all, for our love and committment to our family and country. It's not over but we can certainly feel good about the current win.

Okay, my husband has just said it best as to how I feel also, "I'm rejoicing at this one victory but with a heavy heart for all the loss of life and other sacrafices of soldiers, family, and friends at acheiving it."
Now, I know I've been silent, lots happening here and today's post was going to be about where I've meen and what I've been doing, however, to me, it was far more imporrtant to post about the most recent current event.

Until later, Beck

SQ QAL - Weeks 4 & 5 More Blocks & Removing the Paper

2011-04-14T20:15:00.000-04:00

Alright everyone, it's week 4. I know a couple of you are following along, a couple are a little behind and some of you had been meaning to join but haven't yet. Given the varying stage everyone is in, this post is a reminder that these blocks go quickly once you get the technique and the first couple down. I consider myself an experienced paper-piecer and I knocked these out over a weekend. I've scheduled two more weeks for the new piecers and those with less time and that is this week and next.

Please check in and let me know how you are doing and if you have any questions. You can post here or on our FLICKR group.

Just to keep you motivated, after the next 2 weeks, we will have a 6th week for borders (if you are doing an Easter Table Runner and would like border instructions earlier, please let me know that and I'll email them. It's nothing difficult.) and then a week or two for quilting. A prize will be given to one of the people who have posted a completed top and post pictures of it after the border instructions so let's get going, folks!

The prize: (it's still a surprise! Saturday I'm taking a bus trip up to PA with one of the local quilt groups and I'll be picking up the prize there when I go to Burkholder Fabrics. All I will say, again, is it's going to be stash friendly!)

(This step is optional but I find it helps tear away from the stitching just ever so slightly.) Give all those blocks a quick press with the iron. Fabric side up, paper side down. Start in the center of the block and quickly pass a hot (no steam) iron out to the corners and edges. Always work center out. Each block should take no more than 5 seconds to press the seams. That's all we want here. If your paper curls up slightly at the corners, no worries, just bear in mind all we want to do is a quick set on the seams.

Let's get to the removal of the paper. No video for this one folks. I can't see the need but if you do, I'll make one, just let me know. With paper side up, fold the paper back on the sewn line on the easiest section to tear off, section 8. Crease the fold then gently pull the paper off.

Work your way around the block doing this from the outside in on all sections. Sometimes you need to gently tug the paper out from under the stitching and if you do, be sure to pull to the side, not up and away from the stitching to prevent pulling the stitching out.

Lastly, sometime you have little pieces stuck under the stitch and in the corners. A sharp pair of tweezers is the key here.

Pull out those little paper hangers with the tweezers. I find this task is best with a garbage can by my side and the television or radio on.

So, for anyone that wants to jump in here are the previous posts/instructions.

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3 -with video tutorials

and our FLICKR group.

Feel free to grab my button on the sidebar if you want.

Cheers!
Beck

SQ Paper-piece QAL - Week 3 (with video!)

2011-04-03T14:40:00.002-04:00

(NOTE: I just realized that for week 2 I talk about this being a 9x9" square and it's not! It finishes at 9.5"x9.5". Please translate whenever you read 9" that I meant 9.5x9.5. My apologies. To those that have already printed and enlarged their patterns, it's OKAY to finish this out using 9x9 inch squares. It just means more leftover fabric instead of not enough. I'm sorry for the inconvience.)

If you haven't grabbed your materials yet, there's still plenty of time, get your stuff and join it! There will be a surprise for one participant along the way.

Ah yes, it's time! I'm doing this 2 ways, with the written word and with a very amateur set of videos.

I'm apologizing in advance for the videos. I started with just me and the camera, then my son J decided to help by moving the camera for us but in the process, instead of keeping it just to my hands, he shows you that I'm wearing my pajamas! So, in essence, my early morning effort to get this done and posted today has been found out. We've shown you all my penguin pajama bottoms and old Army PT shirt. Sorry about that but I wasn't about to redo the video.

Okay so here is the VIDEO Tutorial Part 1. This shows how to start and put sections 1 and 2 together.

1) You take fabric for section 1 and put it right side together with the fabric for section 2 and line up the edges. Place them on your cutting board with side 1 on top and side 2 on your cutting board.

2) Place the pattern right side down over the fabric so the fabric for section 1 is under the actual section 1 and positiong the line that is between section 1 & 2 about 1/4" in from the edge of the fabric. Be sure that each section line is also set approximately 1/4" inside the edge of the fabric. Pin in place.

3) Reduce your stitch length. For use with tracing paper, my stich length is reduced from 2.5 to 2.0. For stitching with regular printer paper, I reduce the stitch size to 1.5. (This helps keep stitches from being pulled when we tear the paper off.)

See these next steps in the VIDEO TUTORIAL Part 2.

4) Start stitching on the line between sections 1 and 2. Put paper up and fabric on the bottom. Go from the one end of the line to the other end and do not stitch over. However, take one backstitch at the beginning and end to help lock it in place.

5) Remove from machine, flip paper over and with fabric on top, finger press fabric pieces open.

6) Flip again and with fabric on bottom and opened up, carefully fold the paper along the line between section 2 and section 3. Using a ruler, cut 1/4 AWAY from the folded edge. Discard extra fabric for use in another project.

7) Flip. Place right side of fabric for section 3 along side the cut edge of fabric 2. Pin in place.

8) Repeat steps 4-7 for each section. Be sure to follow the numbers. After section 6, do not cut.

See these next steps in the VIDEO TUTORIAL Part 3.

9) Go to section 7 and trim the fabric 1/4" away from the line for section 1 and section 7. Then sew on section 7.

10) Next fold and trim along the line for section 8, sew, finger press open. Flip one last time and trip around the quarter edge of each edge line.

Make 4 blocks this week. Be sure to post pictures of your blocks on our Flickr Group! Questions can be answered here or through the discussion board on the Flickr Group, as well. If you post them there, others, besides me can also answer. :)

Cheers! Beck

Favorite Things Friday (again)

2011-03-31T21:58:00.000-04:00

So Ms. Pyjamas hosts this wonderful FTF and you have to know, it's a great way to meet new bloggers and to enjoy a little bit of fun insight shared by others. Take a look and link on up with your own favorite thing. You can't go wrong.

In thinking about this week's FTF, I had a few random quilt-related FTFs and then I would see some great food commercial and I thought about comfort food and doing a mosaic of it for you. I decided I'd spare us all that until next week and this week, I'd focus on a few quilt-related favorites. They are small items but are no less important than any one large favorite. So, without fanfare and without many pictures (okay, any pictures) here are my things.

It is a favorite thing when I am sewing and my machine gets louder and louder and louder.

It is a favorite thing when I run out of the color of thread I'm quilting with and I only have about 10 inches of quilting space left to fill.

It is a favorite thing when I don't plan ahead, cannot find a proper binding, there's a snowstorm outside and I promised the quilt would be in the mail yesterday.

It is a favorite thing when I start 16 projects and never finish one. It's really great for this slightly-OCD person.

It is a favorite thing the quilt starts so pretty in my head and looks like crap when it's put together.

It is a favorite thing when I don't have time to blog like I want to.

It is a favorite thing when I don't have time to quilt like I want to.

It is a favorite thing...

when I get to say Happy April Fool's Day.

Cheers! Beck

Paper Piece QAL - Week 2

2011-03-28T14:24:00.006-04:00

ETA:
ACK! I just realized in the post below I talk about this being a 9x9" square and it's not! It finishes at 9.5"x9.5". Please translate that when you read 9" below. My apologies. To those that have already printed and enlarged their patterns, it's OKAY to finish this out using 9x9 inch squares. It just means more leftover fabric instead of not enough. I'm sorry for the inconvience.

I'm sorry this post is a couple days late. With it being quarter end at work and March Madness here, I lost 2 days of the week to other stuff.

This week: Pattern preparation and cutting. Say it with me, "yea!"

Preparing the Pattern:
1) Pring this pattern. Use THIS LINK, not the picture below (and disregard the "A" in front of the letters, it means nothing). I've set it up so if you print both pages at your normal printer settings (for normal 8.5"x11" paper), it should come out to look like each sheet pictured in the link. You may have to "download" it first but it should still print as 2 pages.

For my friends using A4 paper (thanks for asking Shevy!) I am not sure how to advise you the best way to print. There is another link below, a JPEG of the entire block but it prints (for me) as a 6"x6" square instead of 9"x9". Here's the JPEG link.

UPDATE: Ms Pyjamas of Australia states she printed this and it came out at 6.75". She then enlarged it by 31% and it came out to be 9" blocks. Just get it as close to 9" as possible without going over too much and make all your blocks the same size and this will still work out with fabric requirements.

Once you print, fold one side on the line and tape the folded part to the matching line on the other sheet. THEN MEASURE IT, please. Each block should print up at 9"x9" with both sheets.

2) Put the block under one piece of tracing paper and using a ruler, trace all lines onto tracing paper (including the block outline). Add the numbers to the sections on your tracing paper.

3) Now, you can repeat step 2 for all other pieces of tracing paper (if I have a 4-block quilt, I'll do that but if I have a 35 block quilt, I follow the following approach) or you can line up about 6 - 8 pieces of tracing paper ("TP" now b/c I'm tired of typing it) and pin them together securely. Then, with the thread OUT of the sewing machine, use the needle to punch lines through all layers of the paper to create perforated line patterns on the other TP pieces. If you have a machine that yells at you when you are trying to work without thread (like mine) the other alternative is to use the tool below and do the same thing, puncture each TP piece. However, you can only do 3 or 4 at a time with this method.

If your eyesight is poor, I recommend following direction # 2 above.

The last alternative, print the # of blocks you need from the printer. I only use this occasionally b/c (a) it's thicker paper and makes tearing away more difficult and (b) it uses a lot of paper and ink.

4) Once all sections are marked with perforated lines or actual, drawn lines, be sure to number them all. Pay attention and be sure you don't accidently turn blocks upside down before numbering. Set aside.

Cutting the fabric:

NOTE 1: Since there are so many options, I'm not breaking cutting down by each quilt. I'm giving you the cutting requirements for each block. You determine how many pieces you need by the # of sections in each block x the number of blocks with that color scheme. In one version, I have 3 yellow blocks. 3 yellow blocks times 2 sections of the medium, dark yellow = 6 med., dark yellow pieces total.

NOTE 2: Reminder, once we are done, there will be waste from the fabric cuts. This can be reduced with PP practice but because we have newbies, I want to be sure struggling with angling fabric is NOT part of this QAL. Plan to pass your scraps to a friend who likes applique if you don't applique yourself. That's the best advise I can offer.

A) Cut fabric for sections as listed below.

Section 3 = 5 1/2" x 10"

Section 8 = 5 1/2" x 10"

Sections 1 & 5 = 4 1/4 x 8 1/4"

Sections 2 & 4 = 4 1/4 x 8 1/4"
Sections 6 & 7 = 4 1/4 x 8 1/4"

Examples of cut sections for my yellow blocks.

B) You can cut borders now if you don't already have them cut and (please refer to week 1 post for the measurements you need) but I always wait until the end to cut those. I tend to measure better.

That's it for this week, folks. Next week, we will begin piecing. I will post every Monday from here on out! Let me know if you have any questions and please remember to post progress on our Flickr group. :-)

Cheers!

Beck

Progress on the quilt to Japan

2011-03-22T08:30:00.000-04:00

I've decided to name this quilt, "Flowers for Japan" because, as it turns out, that's what it is in fabric and spirit.

This came together as quickly as I thought it would. I started Saturday, at about noon, with this.

Thanks to my Go cutter, 2.5" strips were cut in an hour. (Let me preface the rest of this post now by saying the top plus border could have been completed in one day if I started Sat. morning like I intended and didn't get stuck with my eyes glued to March Madness basketball games.)

Strips were put together in sets of 6 and sewn.

The set width ended up measuring at 11.5" so I cut them at 11.5" to make square blocks.

I ended up with stragglers. I have 3" cuts here and may or may not use them as a pieced border. I'm still deciding.

Currently, this is the top. As I said, a border (or two) will be added today and then probably a simple meander quilting & machine binding tomorrow so I can get this in the mail this week.

On a side note, I received the new Keepsake Quilting catalog in the mail and there is the picture of this quilt kit:

I laughed and the hubs agreed that in this household, that was a quilt for me, not him. I'm the chips & dip, sports, hotdog/hamburg, person and he likes more traditional quilts. An hour or so later, it was confirmed when I laid out the Flowers for Japan and he commented he really liked the colors and look of that quilt. A lot.

Sometimes, life is funny that way.
Cheers! Beck