My New "Toy"

Her name is "Melody" and she's about three pounds lighter than the Quest and will be my back-up and traveling companion.

I've been able to finish up the Baby Boy Raggedy Quilt using her and I'm impressed. When I took the Quest in for servicing I looked at the "Elizabeth" which is what I had used on the Alaskan Quilt Cruise. Decided on the "Melody" because I would not have had to purchase the show room "Elizabeth" and the "Melody" had a few more enhancements that I liked; including the table extension and she came with a carrying case (no need to purchase one!). As I was purchasing I did a little giggle as she cost less than my first car ... a used 1964 Plymouth Belvidere!!!

I love her ... but miss my Quest. But now I have a good reliable back-up. I look forward to the many hours, and years of projects together! Oh, the places we will go!!!

Raggedy Baby Boy Quilt

In between major quilt projects I "wind down" doing a "no brainer" project. My simple project was a raggedy quilt. You simply cut flannel squares (enough for front and back), batting (if desired), stitch two - with a giant "X" (corner-to-corner), join into rows making a quilt a suitable size for your recipient.

You can see here what I'm describing. Seams are at least 1/2 inch ... batting should be cut 1 inch smaller so it can center in sandwich of flannel squares.

This simple project is on hiatus because ...

... missing from this photo is the sewing machine! Fortunately it decided to malfunction after I'd completed one row! Couldn't get needle to do it's "up-down" with either button or presser foot ... I was really bummed!

So she was loaded up into carrying case and hauled out to Trailblazer. She will go in for servicing today. Because I know it may take awhile for repairs (machine is computerized) I will be shopping for a backup machine.

Hopefully I will have some luck "shopping" and be able to return to my "no brainer" project!

Scotch Blocks Quilt

The last time I posted status of Noah's "Scotch Blocks" quilt was February 1st. I'm pleased to report that quilt was completed on February 6th. Insert the "Yoo-Hoo Dance here". Took the quilt top and backing to Kris and it was long-armed by "tax day" (April 15th). Then of course, I procrastinated some more and didn't get around to doing the binding until the Memorial Day week-end!

I think the most difficult and time-consuming part of any quilt is the dog-gone binding! It took me eight hours to do the handwork and boy were my hands beginning to cramp up. But it is done ... it looks "fan-tab-u-lus" if I do say so myself! Judi has seen it, liked it and thought I had done a good job. She's the guru of quilting so that was a much appreciated compliment!

From sandboxes to climbing trees ... he's getting to be such a big kid!

Milestones ...

This has been a most interesting "spring". A visit from Tyler after first year at ORU, Beth graduating from high-school, Tyler turning 21, Noah going double-digit, Jake flying to DC on his 14th birthday and now Cooper going front-facing!!!

. . . and it's only May!

Mr. Sun is "back in town"!

We have quite a collection of, as we call them "Mr. Sun's", from our travels on our back screened-in deck. I guess we like to remind ourselves of the places we've been and of the warmer, sunnier weather Nebraska will always have! So several years ago I purchased a windsock in Missoula, MT. to hang in our covered patio. It's in the perfect location too as I can look out south kitchen window and see what he's up to ... is it windy, rainy, sleeting, etc. Well, unfortunately ... the south side of our house is completely exposed to the summer elements and he (Mr. Sun) has taken a beating over the past few seasons.

He really started to look bedraggled so I took him down with the intention of somehow repairing him. I obviously really liked him and wanted to give him new life.

I subscribe to alot of magazines and receive many, many, sewing/quilting catalogues. Fortunately one of the seasonal catalogues had rip-stop nylon in just the right color ... so dee-dah ...

Right now he is hanging on the screened-in deck, stormy weather was predicted and I didn't want to chance it having him back out in the elements. As it turned out southerly winds we had been experiencing all day (20-40 mph) changed to the north around dinner time and we had rain. So I guess I made a good choice! Later today he will return to his designated hook and again keep me posted of impending weather conditions!

I must say he looks rather spiffy!

OHS - Class of 2012

Had a great time this past week celebrating Beth's graduation.

Jake (13), Beth (17) and Tyler (20)



Oh ... my ... goodness ...

Our beautiful Bethany!!!