Monday, October 31, 2011

Fabulous Sunday

Yesterday was fantastic -- from the sunshine start to the delicious baked pork chops with homemade applesauce dinner.  Always makes me think of Peter Brady -- you too???

I had a weaving workshop Sunday at Heritage Spinning & Weaving.  I picked up my friend Kate and headed out to Lake Orion for our 5 hour class taught by Joan Hoover, the owner.  After warping our looms Saturday night we were more than ready to learn several techniques on our rigid heddle looms.

We learned how to use pick up sticks and a fork in manipulating the cotton yarn.

The two pictures below represent about 3 hours of work -- yikes!
We started with hem stitching and Leno stitching, 4 warp strands and then 6 warp strands.  BTW, it's pronounced LEENO not LENNO.  I always think of Jay when I see that pattern!
Then we tried some color work using four different techniques.  Plenty of practice time will be required for me to get everything down pat but I do like the top two techniques.  Hmmmm.....now where do you suppose I'm going to find the time to practice???

P.S.  Happy Birthday Sue!!




Sunday, October 30, 2011

Darn, darn, darn

I had a really great blog post but stupid Blogger won't let me post pictures today.  More coming tomorrow....hopefully.

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Ahhhhh!!

I love buying books on fiber.  Never mind that many never result in a finished project.  That's not the point, right Joyce??  My roommate told me yesterday that one time he actually counted the books on my two bookcases and there were nearly 300 books.  Nooooo, I said, I'm sure you're wrong!  Of course I was certain because I knew he hadn't included the books in the entertainment center, or the books on the shelves in the laundry room, or the books in the hallway, or the books in my bedroom and craft cave.

I'm always looking for new books with beautiful projects and new ideas.  I spotted 'Quilt it With Wool' by Nathalie Mornu at the Spinners Flock Fleece Fair last month.  I thumbed through it and while I loved many of the projects, the book had some damage so I passed on it.  But I didn't forget about it....

When I saw it on Amazon I HAD to get it.  Not only would it be in pristine condition, it was insanely cheap -- $8.56 instead of $21.95 !!!!  But of course, since you have to spend more than $25 to get free shipping from Amazon I had to get a second book.  I looked through their suggestions and decided on 'Pennies From Heaven' by Gretchen Gibbons.

Both books are filled with do-able projects, fabulous photos, and wonderful ideas.  Now if I only had more hours in my days......

Friday, October 28, 2011

Comeback Story

This is what makes us great.  Time to support this company that was determined to rebuild and help this devastated community make it through a terrible time.
http://abcnews.go.com/US/bringing-america-back-wrangler-rebuilds-tornado/story?id=14826097

For other ways to seek out locally produced goods, check out Still Made in USA.com.  There are still lots of options!

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Upheaval

Today at work:
  • I lost my boss
  • my team leader became my boss
  • I got a new title:  QA Analyst
  • I got a new team name:  Technology Solutions
Change is good, right?

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Lamb Chair Pad

Last year when I was losing my job I started selling all sorts of things on Ebay.  I sold a lamb rug hooking pattern and Cris sent me this photo recently of the finished chair pad.  It's so darn cute and nice to see it actually being used!

Monday, October 24, 2011

Better

I've spent the last couple of days trying to clean up my craft cave.  I started with this:


Not much room to move around, eh?

Here are the after photos:


Am I done?  Oh no, not yet.  But at least I can walk around the room and much of my stray yarn has found its rightful home.  I have a large Rubbermaid contain full of yarn for upcoming hats, wraps, etc.  I have a lot of knitting to do before my show in December.  My, oh my.

OMG

Do you watch any of the 'Housewives' shows?  I'm trying to clean my craft cave but as usual, am sucked into the Housewives of Beverly Hills show.  I'm positively stunned.  Stunned I say because one them just lathered a raw whole chicken with dish soap to ward off salmonella.  Stunned.

Sunday, October 23, 2011

GLHQ Studio Tour

Yesterday 7 of my Chicken friends and I meandered from home to home, viewing the quilt studios of 6 different members of the GLHQ guild.  It was a fundraiser and while we had hoped for 200 attendees, we managed to garner about 90.  A great first effort for this project and I think that if we do it again, the positive feedback from this year's go-round will help bolster additional ticket sales next time. 

Each studio was unique and I took pictures where I could.  Everyone had great ideas on using their space to maximize quilting enjoyment and several offered up various tips.  Of course, there were lots and lots of quilts and other textile projects to see, too!

These first three are from Elaine's home.  The portrait of the woman was from last week's workshop with Aniko Feher.




This is one of my early rug hooking projects that Cathy had purchased at the guild's holiday bazaar one year:
Cathy is super patriotic with loads of flag related items grouped together.  Her son Nick just returned from his third tour of duty in Afghanistan -- safe and sound, thank goodness.

These are six of Cathy's antique quilts, layered on a table:

The next four photos are from Nancy's home.  Guess why I love the first two so much!!




We had a great time -- the weather was FINALLY nice!!
Carol, Joyce, Sue, Judy, Kathy, Pat, and Debby -- great group of friends.  We switched passengers several times so everyone had a chance to visit.  Pat found out the night before that there was a new quilt shop on our route -- we HAD to stop there.  Michelle opened Fabric Affair a couple of weeks ago so she had limited fabric but most of us made a purchase and welcomed her to the quilting community.

Michelle is a full-service Bernina dealer so I expect that she'll be seeing a lot of business from our group.  I haven't had my machine in for service since I bought it 5 6 years ago -- don't hit me Mary!!!


I bought this fabric:

to make a quilt for Denver, who is now 7 weeks old!!!

Each of us received great prizes given out by Joyce along the way.  I got a packet of Moda fabric from their 1974 line and a bottle of Mary Ellen's Best Press -- woohoo!!!

Our last stop of the day was fellow Chicken member Diane's home.  Her studio is a loft above her family room and it's amazing!  Fabulous lighting, great views, and plenty of space to work.  I'm so jealous!

I love this antique J.P. Coats thread cabinet:



Diane had a giveaway table full of things she uncovered while straightening up her studio.  We all obliged by taking several things home.  I scored a piece of red flannel to use in my Sock Monkey Quilt for Denver.

It was a marvelously relaxing way to spend a Saturday after all the rushing around with my show and business trip lately.  Now I have to get to work cleaning my craft cave.  I'll be sequestered for the rest of the day.  I've taken the 'before' pictures and will share the misery with you once I have the 'after' pictures.  Hope you have a great day!

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Traveling Pressing Board

While searching on Amazon for a new quilting book I followed a series of links until I ended up here.  Quilt book author and blogger Laura Nownes shows us how to use empty fabric bolts, fabric, batting, etc. to make a super lightweight pressing board -- I might have to try this one!

Friday, October 21, 2011

Catching Up

I feel like I've been gone from the house for two weeks.  Actually, it's really only been 9 days but it seems like forever since I've been able to relax.  I took today off expecting to get my minivan repaired but that will have to wait until Monday, when the parts come in.

Instead I ran a bunch of errands:  credit union, gas, Speedy Tees for a GLHQ jacket pick up, Right off the Sheep for yarn to make infinity scarves, Staples for a new printer, Costco for 'stuff', and finally the Cloverleaf Fine Wine Shop.  I feel reasonably caught up now.

Tonight I installed my new Canon PIXMA MG6220 printer.  Relatively pain-free installation and the pattern I printed from Ravelry looks great.  My old printer was acting up and since is was time to buy more ink for it I decided it was time to get this new printer that I've been eyeing for a few months.  It's sleek looking -- now when have you said that about a printer?!

Tomorrow I'm heading out with my Chicken friends for our quilt guild fundraiser -- a studio tour of several member's quilting spaces.  I'm looking forward to a fun day and it sounds like the sun will finally be out.

Sunday I'll be sequestered in my craft cave trying to get things back in order.  When I'm approaching show season I tend to grab yarn willy-nilly and things get super messy.  If I'm feeling brave I'll take before and after shots and share them.  Or not.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Shouting From the Rooftops

Thanks to everyone for your prayers and positive thoughts --------- my roommate got the job!!!!!  I am so pleased for him, I know he's really been challenged by the economy and his degree of marketing hasn't exactly been in demand.  He starts next Monday so we've got some 'styling' to do before then.  Woohooo!

Here's a fun game for you to play:
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/science/rock-paper-scissors.html  See how you stack up against a computer!

Monday, October 17, 2011

Oh My Stars

I'm so stinking busy I can hardly stand it!  Right now I should be folding the clothes I washed for my business trip tomorrow.  I'm trying to get caught up on email, Facebook, etc. -- just not enough hours in the day.

I traveled home from Charlevoix today, picking up the headlight I need to repair my minivan from the 'hit and run' deer incident.  I stopped to see Holly, Mike and baby Denver.  Oh, my goodness -- he's cuter than before and getting so big.  That's what happens when you miss out on three weeks of his life!

I tried to get the headlight installed but apparently there are a few broken mounts and possibly damage to the front quarter panel.  Not enough to call in a claim, I can handle this one.  I'll have to return to Belle Tire on Saturday to get everything installed.

In the meantime, I'm packing for New Jersey and trying to get a handle on everything.  So much to do, so little time!

More later..............

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Yikes!

Today I set up my tent for this weekend's show in Charlevoix with help from my sister Denise and some man who volunteered to help with the 'tall' stuff.  I picked up a few must-have items from Hearts to Holly, the quilt shop plus a new Charlevoix sweatshirt in case it gets chilly.
We're expecting rain and 25+mph winds later tomorrow.  Hmmm.....
A crazy thing happened on my way back to Denise's after closing up my tent for the night.  Minding my own business, a deer ran across the road in front my car as I was going about 50 mph.  I slammed on the brakes and thumped it.  It ran off along with at least three other deer as I moved the car off the main drag to inspect the damage.  Amazingly only my side lamp was knocked out.  There was a hunk of fur on the grill.  I walked up and down the street and never did find any broken pieces and the deer was long gone.  Hmm....

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Word of the Day -- Paraprosdokian

Too cute not to pass along:

A paraprosdokian is a figure of speech in which the latter part of a sentence or phrase is surprising or unexpected in a way that causes the reader or listener to reframe or reinterpret the first part. It is frequently used for humorous or dramatic effect.

Ø   I asked God for a bike, but I know God doesn't work that way. So I stole a bike and asked for forgiveness.

Ø    Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.

Ø    I want to die peacefully in my sleep, like my grandfather. Not screaming and yelling like the passengers in his car.

Ø    Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.

Ø    The last thing I want to do is hurt you. But it's still on the list.

Ø    Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.

Ø    If I agreed with you, we'd both be wrong.

Ø    We never really grow up; we only learn how to act in public.

Ø    War does not determine who is right -- only who is left.

Ø    Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.

Ø    The early bird might get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.

Ø    Evening news is where they begin with 'Good evening,' and then proceed to tell you why it isn't.

Ø    To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism. To steal from many is research.

Ø    A bus station is where a bus stops. A train station is where a  train stops. My desk is a work station.

Ø    How is it one careless match can start a forest fire, but it takes a whole box to start a campfire?

Ø    Some people are like Slinkies ... not really good for anything, but you can't help smiling when you see one tumble down the stairs.

Ø    Dolphins are so smart that within a few weeks of captivity, they  can train people to stand on the very edge of the pool and throw them fish.

Ø   I  thought I wanted a career; turns out I just wanted pay checks.

Ø    A bank is a place that will lend you money if you can prove that you don't need it.

Ø    Whenever I fill out an application, in the part that says "If an  emergency, notify:" I put "DOCTOR."

Ø    I didn't say it was your fault, I said I was blaming you.

Ø    I saw a woman wearing a sweat shirt with "Guess" on it... So I said "Implants?"

Ø    Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?

Ø    Women will never be equal to men until they can walk down the street with a bald head and a beer gut and still think they are  sexy.

Ø    Why do Americans choose from just two people to run for president and 50 for Miss America ?

Ø    Behind every successful man is his woman. Behind the fall of a successful man is usually another woman.

Ø    A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.

Ø    You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice.

Ø    The voices in my head may not be real, but they have some good ideas!

Ø    Always borrow money from a pessimist. He won't expect it back.

Ø    A diplomat is someone who can tell you to go to hell in such a way that you will look forward to the trip.

Ø    Hospitality:  making your guests feel like they're at home, even if you wish they were.

Ø    Money can't buy happiness, but it sure makes misery easier to live with.

Ø    I discovered I scream the same way whether I'm about to be devoured by a great white shark or if a piece of seaweed touches my  foot.

Ø    Some cause happiness wherever they go. Others whenever they go.

Ø    There's a fine line between cuddling and holding someone down so they can't get away.

Ø    I used to be indecisive. Now I'm not sure.

Ø    I always take life with a grain of salt... plus a slice of lemon... and a shot of tequila.

Ø    When tempted to fight fire with fire, remember that the Fire Department usually uses water.

Ø    You're never too old to learn something stupid.

Ø    To be sure of hitting the target, shoot first and call whatever you hit the target.

Ø    Nostalgia isn't what it used to be.

Ø    A bus is a vehicle that runs twice as fast when you are after it as when you are in it.

Ø    If you are supposed to learn from your mistakes, why do some people have more than one child?

Ø    Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Town Hall Quilt Show #3

Here are the last of the quilts I captured at Saturday's show.  I hope you've been enjoying them!
The first two are wool mats -- makes me want to whip up my own!



I absolutely l-o-v-e this one:



Here's a wonderful holiday wallhanging by Norma Crowton:



Of course I HAD to snap a photo of this chicken quilt:

Another great Sue Spargo inspired wool/cotton wallhanging:




This one was really slick with its raw edge shapes:





I always enjoy a good quilt show but they do leave me feeling like I should get out my sewing machine and make some magic!  Perhaps one of the goals of a quilt show IS to inspire you so I guess in that respect, this show was successful!  Sew much to do, sew little time. :*)

Monday, October 10, 2011

Town Hall Quilt Show #2

Here are more pictures of the beautiful quilts I saw at Saturday's show.

This one was inspired by a Sue Spargo workshop:



This one is another quilt by Norma Crowton, completed after the death of her German Short Haired Pointer: 


This quilt was especially poignant.  The quiltmaker had the quilt hand quilted by her recently deceased mother's guild members:




Here is another fabulous quilt made by Norma Crowton:



Another Edyta Sitar inspired quilt:


Doesn't this one remind you of the TV test patterns???