WHOO

I am a member of the local quiting group and we drew names (like secret pals) and we were to make a gift for our pal. The theme was "Fall" and my pal did not decorate for Halloween, so I designed a table topper/runner for her. She likes brights and is very creative, so I made this:

What I'm working on

Well here goes to try to upload pictures to the blog. I put the sofware on my laptop and found the cord to transfer pics and that is done now,so....here is the next class I am teaching at Stitchin Memories:
Not in the spot I wanted, but I will work on it.
This is an easy pieced, diamond-free block from Nancy Johnson-Srebro's book Stars by Magic. There are no set in seams and if you follow the pressing directions, it goes together so nicely. Off to work on something else.

Good Intentions

Well here I am back again STARTING OVER on the blog. Maybe I will keep up with it this time. I read several blogs and enjoy them greatly, but lack on posting on my own. I read back through my old posts. Seems that I have re-appearing themes: post on blog more, work on my stuff (quilts/projects) more, learn EQ5 (no I haven't ever updated and 7 is out now), learn how to use the embroidery machine. Just to get up to date....lost weight and have mananged to keep most of it off. Not a huge amount, but at least it is down some. Need to start exercising more. Love to watch Biggest Loser, it is an inspiration. Took a class on how to use my serger. I taught myself as the ladies at the shop didn't know anything about my older model. I am not happy with some of the stitches, but I can at least now thread it and get a stitch. Had a garage sale and sold about only one big tub of lace (I had four or more). I am now intersted in crazy quilting as I had a class with Alice Wilhoit so I may set up an etsy shop or something and sell embellishments. I won an award at the state TEEA meeting in September...Leadership Award. It is for making a change in your community and being a leader. It is an honor to receive it. I teach beginning quilting at the local quilt shop. We had one move here and open up. I teach the basic classes and enjoy teaching beginners. The only problem - it is on Saturday's so I don't get them free anymore. Will have to come up with a solution to change that. I will figure out the picture post today. I think that will get me to post more on the blog. Lots of ideas filling my head for the blog. Maybe I will keep it up. Off to rule in my world...aka, going out to quilt in the studio.

Not doing well!

No, I'm not sick. I just don't do well with keeping up with the blog. Thought I would put another post here since it has been soooo long. Lot's of things going on...
1.) Matthew is moving back home. He didn't do too well out of the house and needs to come home to learn how to stand on his own and try again to make it in the "real world". I pray for the best for him. 2.)I am back at quilting quilts again. I have about 10 I need to work on this month alone. One is back with the owner (a lady Superman works with). Our quilt club is getting ready for our annual quilt show at Founder's Day. I would love to finish one of my quilts to put in show and get a mini for the auction. 3.) I am making a sample for the new quilt shop. It is a Marti Michelle quilt. It is a little challenging being there are no measurements, only templates. So I used templates to get measurements and have done a bit of "speed cutting". 4.)I am going to the District meeting for TEEA for the first time in years. Decided to spend the night and take one day off to spend with the ladies. I do enjoy the group. It will be fun! I am making flower pins to sell at the retreat.

Spring is here and I am cooking supper outside, so I need to go tend to it. Hopefully I will get back soon. I bought a new camera and will figure out how to upload pictures.

Harder Than I Thought

Superman and I have been on a "diet". I use the term loosely for me. He has done great and has lost (guessing, cause he didn't weight before starting) at least 15 lbs. I on the other hand have lost 7. He has done great in cutting out sugar and carbs. I don't really eat that many carbs, so I don't have to sacrifice there. Didn't think that I ate too much sugar, but find that I want to eat things that I am not eating now. So....I cheat (way more than him). I was not feeling well Monday-Wednesday. I felt sick to my stomach. I don't know if it is because I was not eating the way I normally eat, or if I caught something, or ate something bad. I do know that nothing appealed to me at all. We have been doing this for three weeks. Superman has lowered his blood sugar drastically and he is going to go to the doctor to see if he can cut out some medications. He needs to get his cholesterol and triglycerides checked. We added a new element to the formula. We now have a stationary bicycle and have began to work out each day. I usually do mine in the morning. Riding the bike is hard enough, but when I added in the toning and stretching exercises, I realized just how out of shape I am. I really need to put more effort into it and then I'm sure to find more energy and stamina. Hopefully, I will be a thinner me by the time vacation starts in September.

I finally got the Reindeer Games quilt top put together. I ordered the backing yesterday and hope to get it Saturday. Then I can get it loaded into the quilt frame and FINISHED. I have many pieces of Christmas fabric still out. I need to start the Santa Wall Hangings that I am going to give several people for Christmas. I will start cutting that out tonight. In the mornings I have lots of energy (I am a morning person), but by the time I get home from work, it is quite diminished. Superman is going to Waco to see our son and go to college orientation on Monday. He will be paying the tuition bill. And, surprise, surprise, Superman registered for college last night. He has decided to take some courses at the local Jr. College. I think it will be good for him. Anyway, while he is away, I should be able to get lots of sewing done. He made me promise to take time to clean house though. Not on my list, but it will get done.

I can't believe it has been so long since my last post. Hopefully, I will do better. Renewed! I have been working on a quilt this weekend. It is the Reindeer Games by Nancy Holversen. I was showing a friend and she said, "I didn't know that Vixen was spelled with and "o", I always thought it was an "e"." I looked at the pattern and sure enough, I have it misspelled. Do I correct it...or will it be my mistake on this quilt? Haven't decided yet. I still have one block to do the hand stitching on. Will sit and do that tonight while I watch TV. I feel that I had a good birthday today. Enjoyed reading and using the bible I bought last weekend, "The Quest". I really like all the information that is in the Bible. Here is a picture of my quilt so far.

Also this weekend, the hay is finally turning into bales. They finished cutting it Friday night about 10:30 pm. I don't think it had enough time to lay and dry. But, it is to rain off and on all week. We just missed it this morning, so they came to start baling. As usual, the equipment is touchy and they have been having a time with both the rake and baler. Now to go sew some more so that I can do my hand work later.