I won't spend too much time narrating this post....letting the pictures speak for themselves for the most part. 

I haven't done much quilting in the last month, in fact none at all.  But, I have been out adventuring with my favorite adventure buddy (aka The Hubby).  We took off last month on our second official vacation since we met 13 years ago. 

Here are some photos of the venture.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Camping to All!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oscar says I need to sew more or he is going to turn my ironing board into a cat tree, permanently.

 

Happy May Day to Everyone;)

 

Thought I would take a moment and sit down to write before the day gets busy.  I have been up since 2am....my sleep schedule is all of kilter.  Oh well, I enjoy the peace of the early morning hours.

 

Speaking of peace....

 

I have whittled my scraps down to this.  I cut everything into 3.5" squares, and tossed what was smaller than that.  I think it's an accomplishment in and of itself to have what used to be a huge tote full of scraps worked down to one more scrap quilt's worth of goods.

 

I also managed to get this little treat put together this last week...

 

It's just a little clutch sized pouch to put in my purses to catch some of the floaties roaming about just out sight at the bottom of the purse;)  I made a bunch of these a couple of years ago, but never kept one for myself.  It's about time;)

 

 

Spring is slowly moving in here the Great North West.  I had to net in the balcony so the cats wouldn't wander off to the next door neighbor's place.  Made me mad last year when she would almost encourage Oscar to come over to her side.  I didn't appreciate that one bit.  Problem solved.

 

I've got my stash of canning jars ready and waiting for the canning season to get under way.  Seven dozen quart jars, six dozen pint jars, and uncounted small jelly jars.  Starting to stock up on pectin.  Sugar and vinegar are next on the list.  Gotta check the supplies for bands and lids.  Found out the hard way things rust really fast up here.

 

Anywho, laundry is calling and dishes are complaining.

 

Happy Quilting to All, and to All a Good Day!!

 

 

One Less UFO (for now)

I've had a bit more quilting time recently.  I pulled this one out of the UFO pile last Tuesday, basted it, and had it quilted by the days end.  The rest of the week was spent out with the hubby and binding it in the evenings while he played his latest video game.

This quilt came together out of my need to use up some of the novelty scraps that I had been collecting.  I love picking up the scrap bags from shops.  Oh, and the shops that have the "stuff all you can in the baggie for $$"...I'm a pro at that;)  Fun stuff;)   I also used scraps from quilts I have made for other people, some of them from years ago.  Figured I am a quilter, not a fabric collector...time to put this stuff to its inteded use;)

 

I didn't spend too much time on placement, but then again, maybe yes.  Nothing really goes together in the traditional sense of things, but I forced them together.  Got bored with a few of the blocks and turned them into other blocks besides nine patches.  I'm happy with it.

 

 

I have a habit of picking up novelty prints, and then fretting over how to use them without cutting them into little, unrecognizable pieces.  When all else fails, use them on the back;)

 

Like I said, I like it;)

 

Spring is here in this great place called Oregon.  I am collecting up all my canning jars and taking inventory.  I'm checking the journals and blogs to get a time frame as to when all the berry stuff starts and keeping tabs on the local farm internet sites.  So YUM!!

 

The hubby and I have been getting out here and there now that I rearranged my schedule to jive with his.  My son moved back in with his father for the time being.  Seems the two of them felt it was time to work on mending their relationship. It seems to be going well.  My daughter got divorced.  Seems her husband didn't want to play house anymore.  It hit her like a brick wall, but she is getting herself together as best she can with the three week notice she was given. (He informed her of his decision and left her with three weeks to find a new place to live for herself and my grandson.)

 

Life goes on.  Life is good.

 

Happy Quilting!!

 

 

 

 

 

Hello, again;)  I finally have some quilty photos to post;)  It's taken what seems like forever to get these little things done, but at last....

 

We had three babies due at work in the past month.  I know two of them are here already.  The third should be due anytime. 

 

 

As you can see, George has been working on his quilt inspection skills;)  I tried to keep these simple.  I used up some jelly rolls that just weren't going to see any other significant project.  The backing on this one was generously gifted to me by a fellower quilt blogger...came in perfect for this little project;)

 

 

I picked up this jelly roll during my last run down the coast and the backing is from New Mexico.  I got the idea for these jelly roll quilts from another blogger here...I think, if I am not mistaken, it was Alf and Lilly Creations.  Perfect little quilt design for a quick, who-knows-how-this-gift-will-be-received, quilt.

 

Now, I just have to run them through the washer and dryer.  Don't really want to pass on kitty-furred quilts over to newborns.

 

I'm going to run off here and go sort some more of my fabric.  Spend some quiet time with the old man.  We are hitting our 13th year together coming this Saturday.  We both have to work, so we might head out to do something tomorrow. 

 

To all, Happy Quilting!!

 

South Falls, Silver Falls State Park, OR. Feb 23, 2013

 

I recently went out on a "winter waterfall hunt".  The local paper was hosting a photography contest and I needed an excuse to get outside.  Found it.

 

North Falls, Before Sunrise in Snow, Silver Falls State Park, OR.  Feb 23, 2013

 

I'd show pictures of what I have been working on quilting wise, but I have neglected once again to take any.  I had one project hit the donation box in the middle of quilting it because it just didn't work.  I am in the process of sorting through all my fabric and making it visibly available.  The failures came from having to work with whatever I pulled from the pile and not taking the time, or being able, to sift through all the possibilities in my stash.

 

Always a work in progress, life is.

 

On that note, here are some more photos from life on the outside....

The Boys out photgraphing at day break, Silver Falls State Park, OR.

 

My son on the trail, indulging his creative side, Oregon, Feb 2013.

 

The Old Man, being himself, Feb 2013.

 

 

Shop Hop Fly By

Hello;) Just another quickie here...I have three baby quilts that I need to be working on this morning.

Mom and I went on a bit of a shop hop yesterday.  We managed to get the southern quilt shops done and plan to do the ones towards Portland next week.  We are on a pretty tight budget, so we had to be picky and thrifty about what we picked up.  I think I spent a total of $20 (or less) for what I have in the picture (hit the clearance sections, and got free sweet sixteenths from all the shops). 

 

Mom had a great time, too.  She hasn't been on a real quilt run in years;)

 

 

I don't know how productive this could be, but it was cute;)

 

 

I think only a quilt shop hopper quilter type person would understand why I would include a photo of a bathroom....all the shops are having their own competition for the "prettiest potty".  I really like this one.  And as far apart as these shops are, one is going to need to visit everyone of them;)

 

We had a good time;)  I will try to post pictures of the three baby quilts here sometime soon;)

Happy Quilting to All!!

Checking in, again;)

Okay...gonna give this a try here.  I've sat down occasionally over the past few months and lurked, with a possible intent to post, but have failed at the latter.  Life has been busy, but then again not.  Time is just flying by.  Family has kept me occupied.  Work takes up part of my energy.  And what I have left, I have tried to use quilting.

I have tons of pictures to share I think.  They may let you in on what I have been up to better than words right now;)

Fall came and went.  After a busy summer of canning, quilting, and exploring, mother nature started giving signs that shop was closing up for the season and winter was well on its way.

Halloween was fun.  We both had to work, so it was quiet around here.  But we did get our pumpkins carved up;)  I had to dress up for work everyday for two weeks before the holiday.  I had a blast, to say the least;)

 

 

We added a new quilt tester to the house....George.  Oscar was still a bit sceptical of the whole situation at this point, but has warmed up to him quite well since then.

 

 

Oscar has taken to instructing George on the finer points of being a quilt/whatever mamma is interested in inspector type job that only cats are capable of doing.  Good stuff;)

I've been outside a few times.  Cruising the coast and seeing what is out there.  I've been to the same places over and over again, and everytime...the places change.  I love this place.

 

 

It's beautiful. And violent.  Come adore me, but stand back.

 

 

The shadows let you see things that sunlight drowns out.

 

 

I got a little too close to nature here.  I almost got taken out.  I learned real quick to pay attention to your surroundings when you are this close to the edge.

 

 

Then there is my new favorite top of the world spot.  I think you can almost see California from up there, maybe all the way to Japan.  Took my breath away that day.  Beautiful.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I think that will do it for now;)  I have a quilt on the wall I need to work on....there is an outbreak of babies-on-the-way at work...one boy and two girls;)  Yay!!  Finally a couple of baby girl quilts on the to do list;)

 

I will try to get my posts more regular, but not guarnteeing anything.  Life has a put a lot on my plate as of late.  I'll do my best;)

 

Hope all is well, and as always, Happy Quilting!!