Irish Chain

I've got this about half way loaded on the machine. It is my sister's quilt. I hope to get started on the quilting tomorrow. I am still indecisive about the thread to use. I keep thinking I need to use something to blend in for the center circle feathers since I am not that good, and then a blue/purple variegated for the colored squares...any suggestions??

What I've been doing....

Yes, there are about 18 packages of Sister Schubert's rolls on the counter.....I made 288 ham and swiss sandwiches for the wedding reception. Hope it's enough. They are baked and wrapped in foil, ready to thaw and warm for the wedding guests on July 18th.

Today's project

I took a day of vacation today since it was so pretty. I spray painted my outdoor furniture, but actually, am not that happy with it. It was an all day project, and took 5 cans of spray paint. Right now, I am wishing that I just spent the money for a new wicker table and chairs and didn't burn a day of vacation.

I did walk down at the lake today and it was so beautiful. Our little town really is so pretty. The city workers have mowed and trimmed all along the lake walking trail in preparation for the big 4th of July festivities.

Quilt in a Day

You really can make this one in a day, as Eleanor Burns book says. I finished the quilting and binding this afternoon/evening, while I was trying to get rid of a stubborn headache. I've found that if I will get busy doing something I forget about my aches and pains. I have someone in mind for it. Can't tell you who yet.

Pantograph

I am using the Floriana pantograph on this quilt. I like the way the wheat colored thread just blends in with the fabric. I am about halfway finished with the quilting, so I decided to call it quits for the night. Some think I am obsessive about quilting, and I guess I am. I don't like TV, I don't like to lay around in the house, and its too hot to work outside. I do like to read, though, but I love to quilt. Most of the time it is a stress reliever for me, except when I get obsessive about finishing something. I have this thing about finishing projects. It is some kind of wierd drive I suppose.

My sewing buddy

Here is a pic of my little sewing buddy. After a good, hot, sweaty walk this morning, Jake and I have been up in the sewing room most of the day.

Log Cabin

I really like Eleanor Burns Log Cabin pattern. I've got 16 blocks up to the last fabric in only three hours of sewing. These are Civil War fabrics and I love them! I think this is going to turn out very nice. It will be about 68 X 68 and I am going to arrange them in kind of a star pattern.

Jake update: I took him back to the vet today. I was worried that his wounds were looking worse and he was messing with them. The vet said they are healing up good, but they still need to drain. He did give him the expensive antibiotic shot (after I asked for it) since we were having such a hard time getting the liquid down him. he also sent home one of those big collars to try to keep him away from it. He absolutely hates that thing, and I can't blame him really. I've only threatened him with it a couple of times. I am trying to watch him closely and not let him mess with the wounds.

Jake Update

Jake is doing much better, and going nuts because we won't let him outside. One of his wounds is still open and oozing. The worst part is giving him is medicine twice a day. He spits, slobbers, and foams!! He hates it! It takes both of us to get it in him. Yes, he has a few lives left.

Not for the Squeamish!

Our big cat, Jake, seems to always get into trouble. Thursday night, a far away (1/4 mile) neighbors dog followed his little girl to our house and the dog visciously attacked Jake. Poor Jake, we got him without claws, so he tried to climb a tree but fell back down and the dog, as Jim said, slung him back and forth like a loaf of bread. We think he is lucky to be alive. This pic is of his wounds on Friday when we got back from the vet. He was too sore to try to clean himself up. They do look better today. Now, the biggest problem we have, is trying to get 3 cc's of liquid antibiotic in him twice a day. I think he must be down to 4-5 lives left!

Finished

This one is called 4-Patch Fusion and is made with Moda Madiera charm squares. The border is a different fabric line. I did some varying techniques of free style machine quilting on it. I am still not very good, but I do enjoy it. This looks really good in our bedroom and our living room, so I am thinking about keeping it.

Toddler Quilt

This is for the grandson of my dear friend. He is two. I hope he likes it.

Dinosaur/Bug Quilt

Finished the binding on this one tonight. Too cute! I have an expected little baby boy in mind for it.

The Wedding Quilt

Here are a few more pictures of the wedding quilt I made for them. I hope you can see their names in the corners and the label I put in.

Wedding Shower

Today was the day for the wedding shower I helped give for Katie. I can finally show more of my latest project! The cake was so cute. A pic of the cake, me and my mom, Katie and Elijah's Mamaw Hixson and the quilt she made for them, and Katie and the quilt I made for them.

Mr. and Mrs.

My mom pulled this picture out recently and I just love this one of her and Dad. It was their wedding photo in June of 1946. She was 17 and he had just turned 28. She sure is pretty, isn't she? He's not bad either!