Just Another Day

Ok, after much deliberation (procrastination) I finally had to dig in to do something with 'the bag'. I avoided it as long as I could - but this was a commission work - it had to be finished. Normally, it would have gotten thrown in the 'to be discontinued' stack for a garage sale (or worse). Just to remind you all, here is the bag as first presented.




Now, it's important to remember that she saw it at this point and loved it all except the handle (which I didn't like either but didn't know what else to do with it). So with lots of deliberation and advice from my blogging friends - here is the finished product to be delivered to her tomorrow.







Much better but this will never make my list of favorites. I fought it from day one. I should have stopped and regrouped but wanted to use this fabric (and of course this was the last I had). We'll see what she has to say tomorrow.

Tomorrow the quilting frame comes out of storage to sandwich and stretch the queen sized quilt that will go on our bed. I'm thinking I will hand quilt the borders and tie the inside. I only need about 150 chocolate buttons (cheap). This is only a small portion showing the corner of the borders. (I can just see the quilting police turning up their noses - but I am not a traditional quilter or anything else for that matter.)



I have decided to use my disappearing nine patch table topper as my 'first' free motion quilting project. I'm not sure if I'm quite ready but if I don't jump in the water, I'll never learn to swim. Speaking of which, I'm ready for summer and the pool.

Big T and I went to see Celtic Woman in concert on Sunday. It was our Christmas gift from both daughters and families. What a great Christmas gift. If you haven't had a chance to hear them, make the opportunity if possible. When it was over, I called our two daughters to say thank you and wish them a Merry Christmas (it was our Christmas present, remember). The daughter in California was out and I left a rather lengthy descriptive message of motherly appreciation and ended it with "Merry Christmas" from Mom and Dad. Then turned to Big T and said that wasn't D#2's voice mail message, they must have changed it. Following a strange look from him, I rechecked Caller ID and found it was one number off. So somewhere in San Diego is someone trying to figure out this weird Christmas message from some crazy lady.

Hugs - Marie

Disappearing Nine Patch

Deep, way down in my AP (Avoidance Pile) I found this 'disappearing nine patch' table topper complete but for the quilting and binding. I had forgotten all about it. It is still not high on my list, but it deserves to be finished. Then I can decide what to do with it.

I do like the colors so I'll reserve final judgement until I finish the quilting. (I know - not exactly traditional colors but it's me.)

I also completed the borders on my 'blueberry, raspberry, and chocolate ice cream' quilt. I am enjoying the play between the bright blues, hot pinks and chocolate browns. I have invited several pieces to join us in auditioning for the backing, but we are still waiting the arrival of just the right piece.

This is a better close up of the fabric colors and patterns in case any of you are thinking of trying out.

I can just hear the quilt police rolling their eyes, moaning and hoping no one is looking over their shoulders at this - but again, I like it - it's me. It does need a good pressing so it looks it's best for the upcoming auditions. I'm not sure I have ever been called traditional - wholesome yes (in 10th grade) but not traditional.

Chicken Mole (there is supposed to be a little accent mark on the 'e') in the oven and rice on the stove top - refried beans ready to go on the table.

Hugs - Marie

Design Wall

This is what is on my design wall. I have been working on this off and on while I was under the weather. The top is finished finally (much larger than shown here) the size of a queen sized bed. It needs to be sandwiched and quilted. This is an original design by me (I hope - I have never seen it anywhere else).

Thanks for everyone's warm wishes and comments while I was 'out ill'. I think I am about ready to hit the ground running again now. To all of you who wrote and asked how I was feeling - THANK YOU!

This was the week of mail goodies at my house. First there was . . .

then a day or so later . . .

(I have read these from cover until I have them memorized.)

and then this 'cute little mini mouse' - look no tail (and it's pink, pink, pink) - she's to go with my new laptop with the oversensitive touch pad . . .

but best of all were these beautiful, hand knit sox in this lovely shade of bright green with the delightfully orange cuffs. I have never worn hand knit sox before and I may never pull them off - well maybe once in awhile to be washed (maybe). They are so warm and comfy. Thank you Gerry - you are the best. Please go see Gerry's work and tell her I said to drop by.

And finally, I dug the 'disappearing nine patch' table topper out of the Avoidance Stack and have that basted and ready to quilt. I'm trying to decide whether to hand quilt or machine quilt. Photos of that another day.

I have decided that I do not have UFO's or Phd's - I hide things in my 'Avoidance Stack'. . I have bored you with enough photos already

Hugs - Marie