Over The Picket Fence

The Real Housewives of Late Night...

2012-02-05T14:04:00.000-08:00

OK... it is shameful... my dirty little secret... but I from time to time watch a little of the Housewives series. I know... I am embarrassed.

Have you seen this? Jimmy Fallon is in town for the big SUPER BOWL and he recently did this sketch. He is brilliant.

Take a look. Excuse the ad in the beginning.

I laughed so hard I cried.

Happy Birthday Dad...

2012-01-31T08:53:00.000-08:00

I think of you everyday. Here we are in the early 60's. Did you pick out those pants for Mom?

Charles Emerson Snook

1/31/38 - 3/29/98

I am a Winner...

2012-01-28T18:13:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to share my big win. Ellen, from The Long Thread had a giveaway from Sew Modern and I was the lucky winner. Here are the goods.

Lauren at Sew Modern sent me a lovely half-yard bundle, including:
Oliver & S Cape Ann Big Flower in Dragonfly Green
Oliver & S Cape Ann Toile in Dragonfly Green
Ann Kelle Remix Dots in Steel
Kona cotton in Glacier
Lotta Jansdotter Echo Choma in blue and gray
Robert Kaufman Essex Linen in Steel

Pretty cool huh?

Thank you Ellen and Lauren!

Sock it To Me...

2012-01-17T09:43:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite knitters, Kim of I'm gonna tell Mom!, knit one pair of socks per month in 2011. This, combined with my new Magic Loop skills {great tutorial here}, and my husb's Christmas wish list, inspired me to knit socks again.

I am currently working on these.

I use the Adult Basic Sock pattern by Ann Norling, and a US 1, 40 inch cirular Knit Picks needle. The yarn is Malabrigo Sock yarn {fabulous}.

Yesterday I finished this pair, knit out of Regia Design Line by Kaffe Fassett {from my stash}.

I finished this next pair of socks before Prince Charles returned to school. These socks were on double pointed needles among my UFOs... for a loooooong time. I only had a few inches to knit to finish the pair {shameful}. I gave them to Charlie and he paid me the highest of compliments. He wore them 3 days straight and on the 3rd day, at a party, allowed his friends to try them on. Now they want me to knit them a pair of socks. Anywho, these are made of Plymouth Happy Feet yarn.

For Christmas, the husb asked for a pair of socks that weren't too tight at the top. So this is where my sock story began. These socks are made of Dream in Color Sock yarn. To finish these socks I used the "Quick Toe Shaping Method". A method I created when I discovered at the end of the second sock that I had forgot to alternate knit rows with decreasing rows {duh}. He'll never be the wiser.

I found these socks on Pinterest. Maybe someday...

{You can find this picture, free pattern, and purchase yarn at Sweet Paprika Designs.}

I am a Late Bloomer...

2012-01-09T05:58:00.000-08:00

On so many levels... I am a late bloomer.

FIRST of all, HaPpY NeW YeAr... a little late. Prince Charles just went back to school and I feel like I can finally get organized and begin to hit the new year running... a week late. Resolutions? I am keeping them simple....

Simplify, Organize, Finish.

SECONDLY, I have joined the rest of the universe and signed on to Pinterest. All my friends kept asking me questions about it {assuming I knew}. I kept denying the opportunity to spend more time on-line. Then my friend Cindi asked me if she could borrow my Cricut fonts to make Subway Art for Christmas gifts. I was forced to admit I did not know what Subway Art meant. She said, "you know what it is... it is all over Pinterest". Okay, so I do know what it is, I just did not know that it was called Subway Art. Feeling just a little bit out of the crafty loop, I finally accepted an invitation and I am in...100%. No more bookmarking ideas, I just pin them and can easily organize and view all that inspires me. And I keep telling myself this falls under my resolution to Organize. Right? Now you can

THIRDLY, my cell phone is on it's last... leg. I am struggling with what to get as a replacement. My current phone has served me well. It is however, a stupid phone, as opposed to the Smartphone everyone else is carrying. I just don't want to become a slave to an upgrade. It is hard to make it through a dinner out, or casual conversation without someone whipping out their pocket computer. I don't want to becaome that someone, and I know it will be hard to resist. I discussed this issue with my son and he said "Mom, you probably don't need a Smartphone at your age". Oooooh... what's a girl... or oldish woman to do?

Merry Christmas...

2011-12-25T06:37:00.000-08:00

Hot Almond Joys....

2011-12-24T09:38:00.000-08:00

Here is a treat sure to put a little merry in your Christmas.

Hot Almond Joys

Make a batch of hot chocolate. You can share this with the kids.

For you, grab your favorite mug and add

For the adults, add

a shot of Coconut Rum

and

a shot of Amaretto

top with whipped cream

Delish & Delightful!

Reindeer Beer...

2011-12-23T14:39:00.000-08:00

This morning, I met a big bunch of my BBFs for coffee. It was so nice to see everyone. Diane, my friend that is equally beautiful on the inside and out, brought a cute four pack of Coke she had decorated like reindeer. Maybe you have seen it done.

I thought it was so cute, I ran to Michaels and grabbed the neccessary supplies {brown pipe cleaners, googly eyes, and red pom poms}. Then it was off to the grocery store for a couple of six packs of beer, knowing the husb would enjoy that more than the Coke.

I wrapped a brown pipe cleaner around the top of each beer bottle, and twisted smaller pieces {about 1/3 of a pipe cleaner} around each end of the pipe cleaner to make antlers. Next, I hot glued googly eyes and a red pom pom to make the reindeer face.

Then for fun, I printed out "Reindeer Beer" labels and covered the cardboard beer carton with wrapping paper.

I am pretty pleased with myself.

Decembrrrrrrrr...

2011-12-07T05:37:00.000-08:00

The sun is shining today and I should get out and walk. Shoulda....Woulda... Coulda... I have really fallen off my 10,000 steps wagon. And it is hard {for me} to get motivated when it is 28 degrees outside.

It is not that I haven't been busy. I just finished this Christmas gift for my sister-in-law. It was a joy to knit out of Malabrigo Worsted in Ravelry Red.

The pattern is Ruffled and Rouched by Pam Powers. Here is her Ravelry picture for an idea of how it is to be worn.

I also am working on a lovely pair of fingerless mitts. I taught myself the Magic Loop and I am delighted not to be using 5 doublepoints. You can find a great tutorial on the Magic Loop here on the KnitPicks website. I don't know why I waited so long to try it!

Pecan Pie...

2011-12-02T07:42:00.000-08:00

This year, for Thanksgiving, I took on... pie... well really, pie crust. I have been married 25 years and I have never really made pie crust. You see, according to the husb, his mom made the best pies. Because I did not have the benefit of being schooled by his mother in pies, I avoided them or relied on a frozen, store bought crust.

This year, my lovely and talented BFF Mary, gave me a lesson in pie crust. I really should have taken pictures of the event. We had a fun afternoon the Wednesday before Thanksgiving that even included a little knitting while our crust chilled.

I do want to share the pie crust recipe (at the end of this post). It is from Cooks Illustrated (which is like the cooking bible to Mary... and therefore me too). Oh and I should mention, it contains cold vodka. Vodka keeps the pie crust moist for an easy roll out. It totally cooks out of the crust and finished pie eaters will never know your secret... unless you eat the pre-baked pie dough I suppose!

You will have 2 crusts using this recipe. I used one crust for the Pecan Pie. I borrowed a pecan pie recipe from Martha. You can find it here. This is the before picture.

And here it is out of the oven.

I used the second crust for a quiche Thanksgiving morning.

One more very important note on the Pecan Pie. Shortly before Thanksgiving, I saw a Thanksgiving Throwdown on the Food Network between Bobby Flay and Ree (aka The Pioneer Woman). Ree made a Whiskey Maple Cream Sauce for her pie... so I copied. It was AWE*SOME! We drizzled it on the pie and my fav bread pudding. I could have eaten the entire bowl with a spoon... alone. Yummy! This stuff would make cardboard taste good. Here is that recipe, and thank you Ree!

Now, don't wait 25 years to give pie a try!

Foolproof Pie Dough (Cooks Illustrated, November 2007)
Makes enough for one 9-inch double-crust pie

2 1/2 cups (12 1/2 ounces) unbleached all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon table salt
2 tablespoons sugar
12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/4-inch slices
1/2 cup cold vegetable shortening, cut into small bits
1/4 cup cold vodka
1/4 cup cold water

1. Process 1 1/2 cups flour, salt, and sugar in food processor until combined, about 2 one-second pulses. Add butter and shortening and process until homogeneous dough just starts to collect in uneven clumps, about 15 seconds (dough will resemble cottage cheese curds and there should be no uncoated flour). Scrape bowl with rubber spatula and redistribute dough evenly around processor blade. Add remaining cup flour and pulse until mixture is evenly distributed around bowl and mass of dough has been broken up, 4 to 6 quick pulses. Empty mixture into medium bowl.

2. Sprinkle vodka and water over mixture. With rubber spatula, use folding motion to mix, pressing down on dough until dough is slightly tacky and sticks together. Divide dough into two even balls and flatten each into 4-inch disk. Wrap each in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 45 minutes or up to 2 days.

Happy Birthday Skinny Sister!

2011-11-25T06:52:00.000-08:00

Today is my skinny sister's birthday. I won't reveal her age because she is my little sister too!

Skip & Eva K with Jeanne & Annemarie

Happy Birthday Jeanne!

(This is the only picture I could find where your cheeks are cubbier than mine.)

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T10:16:00.000-08:00

Enter his gates with

thanksgiving

and His courts with

praise;

give thanks to Him

and praise His name.

For the LORD is good

and His love endures forever

His faithfulness

continuews theough all generations.

Psalm 100:4-5

Retreating...

2011-11-17T07:39:00.000-08:00

Last week I met my Iowa quilting friends for a 4 day retreat just outside of New Glarus, WI. Boy did we have fun!

My friend Jackie is always teasing me about my quilting projects. It seems I like squares... four patches... nine patches... square in a square... you get the idea. Well Jackie is forever pointing this out to me {and she is right}. To remedy my quilting pattern rut, I purchased 2 copies of Chopsticks by Jaybird Quilts. I sent a copy to Jackie in August letting her know this would be my project for our fall retreat.

I thought the "triangle in a triangle" theme would be fun and save me from being the butt of every joke.

Here is my quilt made out of a Denyse Schmidt's Picnic fabric line and a nice Bella Solid (from blog friend Anna's store, Thimbleanna). LOVE IT!

Jackie chose Chez Moi's Hunky Dory. Isn't that solid great!

While at Quilter's Compass in Monticello, Wisc, Theresa and I both purchased Kate Spain's Terrain for more Chopsticks. Theresa chose the pink and purple colorway, while I chose orange and green {trying again to think out of my box... again}.

Theresa used her Mini Design Board {(tutorial by the super duper Lori Holt of Bee in My Bonnet}. We made these as party favors for our quilt camp last July.

Diane purchased Basic Grey's Max & Whiskers for a Chopsticks of her own.

Jackie, cutting extraordinaire, cut all of our quilts out for us! She is a*ma*zing. We paid her off in Polish Pottery.

IMPORTANT NOTE TO THIS PATTERN:

The pattern calls for a 60 degree triangle ruler by Creative Grids. Jackie had a 60 degree 12 inch ruler (not a Creative Grids ruler). When she cut out her quilt and pieced her first few blocks they did not size up correctly. The Creative Grids ruler is actually 12 1/2 inches. Get the Creative Grids ruler (CGRT12560), and purchase it when you get the pattern. I called a dozen quilt shops between Indy and New Glarus and found it at one shop in Rockford, Il - thank you Quilters Haven. The pattern also provides templates.

Daisy Cottage Fat Quarter Giveaway...

2011-10-29T05:59:00.000-07:00

The super talented Lori Holt is giving away fat quarter packs of her new line, Daisy Cottage. If you haven't been reading her blog, you are definitely missing out! Lori's new patterns are 2 die 4! So run along and leave Lori some love.

Field Trip #2...

2011-10-26T15:53:00.000-07:00

While in Boston, I found a yarn and fabric shop that I wanted to visit in Cambridge. Walking there wasn't really a possibility. A taxi ride would run me about $25 each way. It was time to learn to take public transportation.

I know I am crazy, but fear of public transportation nearly paralyzes me. My fear is not totally unbased. Did you ever see the episode of the 1960's show Family Affair where Buffy and Jodie are lost on a bus in Spain? This must have made an impact on me in my early years because I remember that episode, however I don't recall what I ate for breakfast this morning. I grew up in a small town... the population less than 300 when I left for college in 1980. Obviously, my only experience with public transportation was a carpool or school bus. Enough excuses, we can just go with "I am crazy".

Back in Boston, I conquered some fear by taking the Silverline {bus}, to the Redline {subway or "T"} to Central Square Station in Cambridge. I then walked ten minutes to Gather Here at 370 Broadway.

What a delightful shop! Inside I met the owner, Virginia. She is young, enthusiastic, and... from Iowa! Her personality was in every bit of the store.

There is a comfy spot to sit and knit...

Plenty of yarn to fall in love with...

Look at these cute, decorative chairs...

And there is fabric...

And more fabric...

And vintage buttons in this repurpased card catalogue... sew clever!

And thread. Check our her cute hand-stamped tags on everything.

And inspiration abounds....

I loved the cutting table decorated with vintage yard sticks.

And here is something you don't see at every shop...sewing creative space! Bunches of Berninas to use!

Now doesn't that just make you want to ....

Window Shopping...

2011-10-23T08:35:00.000-07:00

While in Boston, I walked Newbury Street. I was looking for a store called Newbury Yarns, but it was no longer at the location I had listed. So, even though it was raining, I did a little window shopping.

Here was my favorite window...

Wow. All those Featherweights....

...just for decoration.

Field Trip #1...

2011-10-22T06:33:00.000-07:00

Oh my... it has almost been a month since my last post. Busy, busy, very busy.

I had the opportunity to travel to Boston with the husb for a conference. We did the usual sightseeing. We took a trolly tour which I repeated the second day. Very fun and informative.

Naturally I googled to find all the local fabric and yarn shops. That is how I found Windsor Button on Temple Street just off Boston Commons.

When I walked in I found this to the right...

More yarn then imaginable... waiting in boxes to be unpacked. Since I work in a yarn shop I was just itching to dive into these boxes. Crazy!

They had a nice yarn selection. Everything from Lion Brand to Lorna's Laces.

But the BUTTONS. Check this out...

and this...

I, of course, had no particular need for buttons... but I picked out 5 interesting wood buttons for my stash.

And here is the good news... they have an Online-Store! The bad news is, it is not nearly as fun as beeing there!

Getting Organized...

2011-09-23T12:08:00.000-07:00

People often tell me, "You get SO MUCH done". But the truth is, there is a lot I don't get done. And I don't clean up after myself. And after a while my sewing room looks like this...

I would show you the rest... but it is just more of the same. There is a path to the sewing machine. I can't even tell you how many years ago I started the quilt on my design wall. All the blocks are done, it just needs to be sewn together. Apparently I like making blocks, not quilts. I should be wearing the scarlet letters "UFO". So shameful.

Hold the phone, don't call Hoarders to bring in the camera crew. My friend Theresa came to visit with the purpose of helping me clean my sewing room. She says she is doing it because I helped her with her daughters graduation party last May. I definitely got the best part of that deal!

Check this out...

cutting table {with a few UFOs hidden beneath the table}

Kit storage (I have an obscene number of kits)

Fabric Storage {and a stack of UFOs in the corner}

Sewing table {the label maker is still on the sewing table}

I should have included a picture of the floor. Sew CLEAN!

One of Theresa's daughters is getting married in May. Maybe I could help her out, and she will return the favor by helping me tackle my closets. {AKA booby traps}

An Amish Lifestyle...

2011-09-12T09:07:00.000-07:00

well... not exactly... but my laptop died and I have been without far too long! Yesterday the husb took me out and we shopped for, and bought, a new laptop. YEAH... I am back in business.

While I was offline I got a TON of things done. {Imagine that!}

I took Eva K to see her grandson play college football. It was 900 degrees {slight exaggeration} that day. In the fourth quarter the sky turned black, it began to hail, lightening, rain cats & dogs, and we had a 3 hour delay {no exaggeration}. The Wartburg Knights came out on top beating Monmouth College. Yeah team!

Mom and Skinny Sister's son Riley

At my Rockin' Bobbins meeting we decided to exchange blocks for our Scrapity-Do-Dah quilts one more month. I completed 5 more sets of 12 blocks for our exchange. {OK... hardly Amish... what would I do without my Bernina?}

I cranked away at my YO-YO Along project and I now have 782 completed!

My yo-yo travel kit

I finished knitting my Fledermaus-Tuch. It is waiting to be blocked.

I finished knitting Mom's Stitch Sampler Shawl. Again... waiting to be blocked.

I began this project....

Found @ ClassicCableKnits.com

I bought this pattern at the Classic Cable Knits trunk show held in August at Village Yarn Shop. This project begins with the pretty edge and the pattern uses a chart. {Why have I been so afraid of knitting charts?} It has been SO enjoyable to knit.

I am using Madeline Tosh Vintage yarn. The pattern is written for sock, DK, or worsted weight yarn. Nice touch! Since I am generally a serial knitter, rarely knitting a pattern just once, I will probably knit this project in another weight...soon. Maybe a KAL at VYS?

I finished listening to The Daughter's Walk, by Jane Kirkpatrick. This story begins with the historically factual 7,000-mile walk taken by a reluctant Clara Estby and her mother, Helga, from Spokane, Washington, to New York in 1896. The fashion industry is looking for promotion of the new, shorter dress for women; Helga is looking for a $10,000 prize to save the family farm from foreclosure. The novel follows Clara after the walk, spanning 40 years. I enjoy historical fiction and I found this novel interesting. I was not, however, totally captivated.

I began reading a bevy of Lincoln books. Very interesting. I look forward to downloading a new book for my walks.

What were you up to while I was gone?

To Knit or Sew?...

2011-08-31T07:06:00.000-07:00

That is the question. The next few days are pretty low key, and with Prince Charles back at college my nest is empty, so I should be able to do both!

I am teaching 2 classes at our LYS and I am trying to get my samples knit. Maybe I'll have one done today.

In my sewing room I have had a lot of fun this summer.

I've kept up with my yo-yos for Penny's {from Sewtakeahike} Yo-Yo Along. The girls from my Iowa quilting group and some of the Rockin' Bobbins gave me their red, white & blue 30's "scraps". They were VERY generous! {XOXO girls!} I have completed 651 yo-yos.

See that basket in the back of the picture? I bought that little gem when I went to Shipshewanna this summer with Mary, Julie and Jeanne {Skinny Sister}. My friend Theresa bought one a couple years back and I have had honest to goodness basket envy since that time. The basket is handmade locally and signed. It is on a lazy Susan and the inside is divided into sections. I like to keep my smallish rulers in the center, and my rotary cutter and scissors in another section. I almost feel organized!

I have kept up with my Rockin Bobbin Scrappity-Do-Dah exchange blocks. We meet tomorrow night with our last 5 sets of 13 blocks.

I started putting my blocks together and I have decided to keep making blocks to make my quilt bigger.

I have sort of kept up with Karen's Summer Bow Tie Quilt Along. I might be a week behind.

My tumbler quilt made of 30's prints is sewn together in strips. I need to cut a few more tumblers for the border.

I want to finish a project before I cut into this...

I ordered 2 BOLTS of Bella Solid from Anna's store. Anna, of Thimbleanna fame, sells Bella Solids by the bolt and you can get yourself some here. Fabric by the bolt brings sheer elation. I purchased the Kumari Garden fat quarter pack from the Fat Quarter Shop when it was on sale a month or so ago.

I'd better sign off and get my 10,000 steps in for today. I hit my goal of 310,000 steps for the month of August yesterday. I can't believe September arrives tomorrow!

I hope you get time today to do the things you love.

I am such a Lucky Girl...

2011-08-29T11:42:00.000-07:00

I am home from a great weekend in Schaumberg, IL where I attended...

Stitches Midwest.

Last Friday I traveled with my knitting BFFs Mary, Jane, and Maureen up north. Jenny met us at the convention center. The other girls atteneded classes and the Fashion Show. Jenny and I simply went to the market.

There was soooo much to see. And it is obvious that shawls are going to be big again this year.

I loved this booth where leather handles were the specialty. You can check out the handles here at their online shop Homestead Heirlooms. I bought a few sets of {lovely} handles and 2 really cute felted bag patterns. Their prices are very reasonable.

This booth seemed very familiar...

These are pictures from Crazy Girl Yarn Shop booth. They have 2 shops, one in Cedar Falls and one in Coralville, IA. I visit the shop when I am in Coralville {where I lived previous to IN}, and my BFF Theresa has sent me wonderful gifts from the shop.

It was also fun to see Mass Avenue Knit Shop, from Indy. You couldn't even get close to their booth. Susan was VERY busy!

I browsed and shopped all afternoon on Friday. I purchased a 2 day ticket so I went back to the market on Saturday to wander some more.

My favorite booth was Miss Babs Hand-dyed Yarns & Fiber. Here I am with Miss Babs.

And here is a shot of her booth {sorry to the innocent woman I caught bending over}.

Saturday afternoon you could find me in a comfy chair in the lobby with an energy snack and caffeine.

I worked on my class samples for Village Yarn Shop and took in just how great life could be! {Did I tell you I am dipping my toes into the teaching pool?}

If you want to see what I purchased...you'll have to stay tuned!

Knit on peeps,

Did you Read this?...

2011-08-25T07:08:00.002-07:00

This morning I was reading the blogs on my blog list. Do you read Modalissa?

That is probably a silly question, but make sure you read her post today, Quilting Improves your Health. The post is interesting and validating.

If you are in the Indy area...

2011-08-24T17:22:00.000-07:00

Don't miss this event at Village Yarn Shop in Zionsville.

The Fair is in Town..

2011-08-22T10:31:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago, I went to the Indiana State Fair with my friend Deanne.

We went to see this guy.

Deanne is a BIG Dr. Oz fan. And it was fun to see him in person.

We took in the sights.

FAIR FOOD!

We shared a tenderloin for lunch.

We checked out some of the quilts. I took {bad} pictures and no notes.

I liked this quilt with the prairie points.

I shot a close photo of this thinking I might make one for myself.

This was the big winner.

A lovely antique quilt. I am curious as to how these quilts are judged.

This quilt had wool applique and FABULOUS quilting.

These funny statues were everywhere.

The Indiana State Fair was celebrating the year of...

the SOYBEAN!

That's right...the soybean. What??? Were you thinking, maybe, something else?

Mt. Yo-Yo...

2011-08-21T07:14:00.000-07:00

605 yo-yos...403 to go

What have you been sewing?

ps i quilt giveaway...

2011-08-20T08:09:00.000-07:00

Rachel at ps i quilt is having a sponsor giveaway. One lucky reader will win this Promenade fat quarter bundle from Green Fairy Quilts. Go check it out!

Audiobooks...

2011-08-17T06:54:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I finished listening to The Paris Wife, by Paula McLain.

Written as a novel, in first person, this is the story of the first wife of Ernest Hemmingway. Hadely Richardson and Hem fell in love before he was a famous author. I found the book slow at first, but it picked up and as the marriage began to crumble I could not stop listening. By the end I was clearly emotionally invested!

Some time ago I read Loving Frank. I found these stories comparable in demonstrating the sacrifices the women made to support the artisits enormous but tender egos. And like Loving Frank, The Paris Wife left me compelled to learn more about the complex characters. I spent a couple hours searching the internet for news clips and pictures.

I chose this book because my father was a Senior English teacher and loved all things Hemmingway. He also loved F. Scot Fitzgerald, a name dropped with many others in this book.

Next up is Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, by Jamie Ford. This is a bookclub selection and although I have not been attending regularly, I like to read {listen} from their list.

I'd better put on my walking shoes, and my ipod and get out for my 10,000 steps.

Have you read anything good lately?

In Need of a Makeover...

2011-08-16T09:56:00.000-07:00

My poor little blog needed some attention. A makeover is always nice. Instead of creating my own template I found this cute template at Designer Blogs.

Ahhhh...now that feels much better!

Yo-Yoing along

2011-08-11T07:43:00.000-07:00

I have been so busy lately.

No time to blog, no time to sew my summer bow ties.

But I have managed to keep up with these little beauties...

525 Yo-Yos!

I am more than half way to my goal of 1008!

Today I am off to see Dr. OZ at the Indiana State Fair.

RAGBRAI T-Shirt Quilt...

2011-08-01T05:45:00.000-07:00

This t-shirt quilt hangs in City Hall in Coralville, Iowa. It is a collection of t-shirts from RAGBRAI XXXI sewn together in the shape of the state of Iowa. Pretty clever.

The Great Bike Ride...

2011-07-31T09:54:00.000-07:00

It's called the Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa -- RAGBRAI, for short -- and for the 14th summer in a row the husb crossed his home Hawkeye State, on bicycle with his buddies, Team Spare Tire.

RAGBRAI is the oldest, largest and longest bicycle touring event in the world. It all started back in 1973 as a challenge between two writers for the Des Moines Register and a few readers to go see the state and write columns. Today, it has flourished into a non-competitve Tour de Iowa with 15,000 to 20,000 registered riders on any given day from every state and overseas. The seven-day trek takes riders from the western edge of Iowa, beginning with a dip of their back tire in the Missouri River, eastward, covering nearly 500 miles of country roads -- over hills and straight-aways -- until they finally dip their tires into the mighty Mississippi.

Prince Charles joined his Dad six years ago, but only rode 3 days this year. That is 3 more days than you'll ever see his Mom ride! Also joining Brad this year was his biking buddy Roger, who said this ride was on his bucket list. Here they are after completing seven days on the bike.

More Books...

2011-07-20T18:25:00.000-07:00

I am getting a lot of "listening" in this summer while walking 5 miles each day.

I finished The Girl who Kicked the Hornet's Nest completing the trilogy by Stieg Larsson.

Like the first 2 books, I enjoyed the fast pace of this crime fiction. It kept me walking at an accelerated clip.

I finally had the chance to listen to The Help by Katheryn Stockett.

My friend Theresa loaned me this book some time ago, but I was waiting on my book club to read it. In the end, I checked out the audio book. Listening to this book, and the variety of southern accents was a delight. I looked forward to my daily walks with Minnie, Aibileen, and Skeeter. I cheered for some characters, cringed at many events, and was sad to see the book to end. I look forward to seeing the movie next month.

I have started The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot. I am just a few chapters in and I love it. I was able to converse with my dr husb on a topic of which he knew little. When it comes to science and medicine, that never happens.

I have The Paris Wife, by Paula McLain next in my que. Any other suggestions?

Quote of the Day...

2011-07-19T17:44:00.000-07:00

When I stand before God at the end of my life,

I would hope that I would have not a single bit of talent left and could say.

"I used everything You gave me."

-Erma Bombeck

Planned or Random?...

2011-07-18T08:33:00.000-07:00

I now have 210 yo-yos! My original plan for this Yo-Yo Along was to use up my 30's repro stash. Then I decided to use only my red, white, and blue repros. Well... I have depleted that stash and I have only completed 20% of the yo-yos needed for the the project. What's a girl to do? Should I use up my other 30's fabric for a more random color variation? Or should I stick to the planned color way {and use this project as an excuse to frequent more quilt shops}?

What would YOU do?

True Confessions...

2011-07-15T05:00:00.000-07:00

My sewing room looks like a scene from Hoarders: Burried Alive. I would take a picture and show it to you but I fear you'd have me put away. It is proof of the fact that I love the beginning of the creative process... but finishing projects is another story. And because I have spent the last year at the yarn shop, I rarely entered my sewing room.

With my summer off, I have thouroughly enjoyed spending time sewing. I have been on a stash busting binge... which is all the reason to begin new projects. But I have also made myself complete a few UFOs.

Here is a quilt top made of half log cabin blocks. I know I started this project more than 2 years ago at a quilt retreat. Women from my small group traded strips of fabric. I needed to make two more blocks and sew on the last row, and borders. I think my outer border is sort of skimpy but I love the fabric and I have vowed to use up {yeah right!} what I have. When finished, this quilt will fit the antique bed in our guest room. Last time my Mom {Eva K} visited she asked why a quilter had a store bought quilt on the bed in her guest bedroom!

Eva K has an Accuquilt. I borrowed it {and have not returned it yet} and cut out this tumbler quilt. It hardly made a dent in my Civl War repros but it is another finished top!

I quilt with my credit card. So both of these quilts {plus another I finished for our church's Habitat House} went to my favorite longarm quilter {Juna} last night at our small group meeting. Whew... does that ever feel good!

Yo-Yo Mama...

2011-07-11T19:35:00.000-07:00

We had 2 beautiful days for sitting on the back porch and making yo yos. This is what 105 yo-yos looks like.

But today was HOT. So I stayed inside and worked on UFOs... after my five mile walk.

Sew On,

I was sucked in...

2011-07-08T15:48:00.000-07:00

I am an easy mark. Last weekend I was blog hopping and read Jodi's {Pleasant Home} post about her intentions for her 2011 Scrappy Quilt. She decided to join Karen's Summer Bow Tie "quilt along" on Facebook. Participants will make one block for every day of the summer. Hmmm...sounds like fun!

The "quilt along" started on June 21st, so as of today I have 18 blocks pieced. By the end of the "quilt along", and the end of summer, we'll have 95 blocks! If you need inspiration just check out Jodi's post. It sucked me right in.

Then, later in the week, I read that Amandajean {Crazy Mom Quilts} had joined Penny's {Sewtakeahike} Yo-Yo "quilt along".

Well, I have always wanted a Yo-Yo quilt.

So now I have this basket ...

sitting next to my nest.

And currently it has 26 of the 1008 yo-yos that I need to complete in it.

I am using red, white, and blue 30's repros... at least in the beginning!

I think "quilting along" will be fun!

What ever you do, DON'T read Jodi's blog for today. She's joined the Farmer's Wife Sampler "quilt along". MUST * RESIST * THIS * PROJECT. I still have Dear Jane in a box begging to be set!

Scrappity-Do-Dah...

2011-07-06T14:35:00.000-07:00

The women in my quilt group {the Rockin' Bobbins}, are exchanging blocks for this quilt.

Scrappity-Do-Dah

picture from McCalls Quilting (dot) com

In June we swapped one set of blocks. In July we'll be swapping 3 sets of 13. I have been sewing ahead because July can be a busy month in this house. Here are blocks from 4 of my sets.

Here are 2 blocks I made from 8 of our exchanged blocks.

This exchange is a great stash buster. And the quilt will be simple but beautiful.

If you'd like to make this quilt, you can get the free pattern here from McCalls Quilting.

Fat Quarter Shop sponsored Giveaway...

2011-07-05T05:59:00.000-07:00

In May I visited my friend Theresa in Iowa. We spent a morning in her sewing room where I found this free pattern from Lecien on her cutting table.

Super Zig

Pretty cute!

Then, this morning I was blog hopping and I found this great giveaway at

Lilly's Quilts.

One lucky reader will be given the 15 FQ Good Luck bundle and another will be given the 14 FQ Happiness bundle AND you have 4 chances to win.

Head on over there and check it out!

It's Independence Day...

2011-07-04T06:27:00.000-07:00

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

The Declaration of Independence July 4, 1776

Little Wool Sampler...

2011-07-02T05:02:00.000-07:00

I have been in my sewing room but have little to show for it. I have been trying to organize and finish projects. I took 5 minutes and put this little project together.

Supplies:

One adorable little wool sampler purchased at the Brick Street Market {I could not resist... the items in this booth, Turkey Trot Workshops, were 2die4.}
One frame from Hobby Lobby {Nearly every other week the frames at Hobby Lobby are 50% off. Great deal and big selection!}
One scrap of wool from my stash {I am in the de-stashing mode, but this hardly helps.}

I wrapped the glass from the frame in wool...

And mounted the sampler on the wool, after the background was in place...making it easy to center.
And... I LOVE it!

I also purchased these 2 kits for future use...

Happy 25th Anniversary...

2011-06-28T05:01:00.000-07:00

“Love seems swiftest, but it is the slowest of growths. No man or woman really knows what perfect love is until they have been married a quarter of a century.” -Mark Twain

Today the husb and I celebrate our silver anniversary. It does not seem possible. In March, we took a trip to Italy, visiting Rome, Florence, and Venice to mark our 25th year.

Happy Anniversary Brad-o-lee.

Walking and Listening...

2011-06-27T08:20:00.000-07:00

I have a 3.5 mile rail trail that runs directly behind my home. Most of it is a lovely asphalt paved path, with the southern most mile or so being crushed limestone. It tunnels under roadway intersections making it a pretty safe walking environment, and it is relatively flat.

It is easy to get in my 10,000 steps but I found the same route can be boring when walking alone.

To alleviate this dilemma, some days I switch things up and branch off into a neighborhood or nearby park. Then my knitting friend, Ellen, told me about a new program at our local {fantastic} library. I can download audio books and listen to them on my Ipod Touch. This has solved any boredom and I am always anxious to get out and walk and continue my book.

So far I have listed to...

Days of Grace, by Catherine Hall

This is the story of a woman who at the beginning of World War II, and at twelve years old, is sent away from London to the safety of the English countryside.

I enjoyed it and I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

The Last Time I saw You, by Elizabeth Berg

This book is about a fortieth high school reunion, written from five different perspectives. All the characters attend for different reasons; all experience a significant change in their lives afterward.

I like Elizabeth Berg, and give this book 3.5 stars.

Room, by Emma Donoghue

This is the story of a boy and his mother living in a small room. The 11 x 11 foot space is the only home Jack has ever known, but it is a prison for his mother, after being held there for 7 years.

Room is an interesting story, but I would suggest reading it, as opposed to listening. The audio book is narrated by a young 5 year old voice, which I found irritating at times. Still, I enjoyed the book, and I give it 4 stars.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, by Stieg Larsson

Book 1 of the Millennium Series. Engrossing murder mystery.

A book club favorite. I give this book 4.5 stars. And I quickly downloaded his next book.

The Girl who Played with Fire, by Steig Larrson

Book 2 of the Millennium Series. The story continues! "Powerful prose and intriguing lead characters will carry most readers along." says Publisher's Weekly.

4.5 stars and currently listening to the third book of the series.

Now that is more books than I've read in the last few years!

Walked late in the day, due to early morning rain. 82 degrees, 11289 steps, 5.37 miles

It is a Constant Battle...

2011-06-26T08:39:00.000-07:00

If you know me, or have followed me for a while, you know I am one of those people constantly battling their weight. When it comes to my weight, I am a yo-yo. I come by it naturally, both my parents were often trying to lose weight. My Mom is a lifetime member of Weight Watchers, as am I. Still, here I am in my late 40s trying to get in better shape.

{This is not me...just an illustration...my ankles NEVER looked that good!}

At my last doctor visit, in late May. I had gained 5 lbs. When I told the doctor I and 2 friends are on Weight Watchers {that is paying for it but NOT following it} she said "well one of you has to get OCD about your diet". I love, love, love my doctor. She has taken great care of me. And for some reason, that little phrase clicked with me.

As for my diet, I have given up carbs {I am a carboholic} and fat and eat mainly protein and vegetables with an occasional piece of fruit. I eat a lot of 0% fat Greek yogurt, drink skim milk, and enjoy an egg or egg whites every now and then.

Last February, I broke up with my personal trainer after two injuries. I had been seeing him for 2 years, 3 times a week with my BFFs Mary, and Carolyn. I thought he was the best personal trainer, but I also thought he expected me to do things in the gym that no late 40 something woman should be doing. I knew I was going to have to find another way to get in some good exercise.

In April I began walking. At first my goal was to walk a couple miles 4 days a week. And soon I was walking 10,000+ steps (approximately 5 miles) 5 to 7 days a week.

I track my steps with my Fitbit Personal Fitness Tracker.

My friend Carolyn turned me on to this little device. I wear my fitbit all day long. It logs how many steps I take, how many miles I walk, and calculates how many calories I have burned. I sync my fitbit with my computer where I can track my meals and success. The fitbit can even be set to track your sleep. The fitbit is just another thing I love!

I have become "OCD" about my walking, which I believe is a good thing. I'll walk with a friend {Carolyn walks super fast and I let her do all the talking while I try to keep up}. Or, I will download books from the local library {LOVE it!} and listen to them on my Ipod. My goal is to walk everyday.

And now, here I am exactly one month from my doctor visit, 20 lbs lighter. Maybe this really is...the summer of Anne!

I am off to walk, listening to The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest.

PS...(later)...ran into my friend Cindi and walked 14651 steps...7 miles.

Just Add Water...

2011-06-23T09:31:00.000-07:00

3 1/2 yo girl + water = FUN!

Emerson...

2011-06-21T19:54:00.000-07:00

I've been busy. Eva K {Mom} and Emerson {niece} came for a visit.

We had breakfast on the screened-in porch.

We shopped for new shoes. {Gotta luv Target!}

We had "girls' lunch out".

We went to the sprinkler park.

We stopped to smell the coneflowers... and just enjoyed one another.

How did this happen?...

2011-06-13T07:44:00.000-07:00

My living room is right off the front entry way. It is the one room I keep clean. I do this, maybe trying to prove I do clean once in a while. Okay, the truth of it is, it is a safe zone. If someone unexpectedly stops by the house, I can whisk them into the living room avoiding their discovery of piled up mail, newspapers, keys, change, dishes, knitting projects, unswept floors and a fine layer of dust through the rest of the house.

A couple weeks ago while driving down our street, I saw a TV at the end of someone's driveway. I came home and interrupted Prince Charles and his friend Spencer watching a movie. (They were watching a movie on the TV in MY family room, streamed through Char's PC. The family room is MY room. BUT it contains the only HD TV in the house. The basement is nicely finished and I like to contain Char and co down there. But I digress.)

I said to Charlie, "Hey, the neighbor has a TV at the end of his driveway. You should go check it out." Charlie replied, "OK, maybe we will later." {TYPICAL} I replied, "It may not be there later." Spencer said, with some level of excitement, "Dude, let's go take a look." Five minutes later, they were carrying the TV back to our house.

The TV had a sign on it and a ziplock bag containing the owners manual.

Charlie's friend Spencer is some kind of techno whiz. He is really in to computers and electronics. Tinkering with these things seems to give him a real high. So the boy wonder googles the make & model of the TV, and the most common reason it needs repairs. {Broken color wheel} The boys remove the back of the TV and discover the TV color wheel is broken.

Charlie hit me up to buy a $60 part {including shipping and hadling}. It came in a few days and the boys successfully repaired the TV. Now my living room looks like this!

Last night they had the shades drawn and they were watching movies via the laptop again. They are thrilled. Me, not :: so :: much. But I will be... when they move it to the basement!

Must clean today, I am expecting company this week. Absolutely no safe zones in the house.

More Fun in Idaho...

2011-06-09T10:22:00.000-07:00

Continuing our drive through Idaho, we stopped at Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve.

Created more than 2000 years ago during a volvanic eruption, this place was fascinating.

We drove the 7 mile loop, hiked the lava fields, and explored the Indian Tunnel lava tube.

SIL Tammy emerging from the Indian Tunnel.

On to Twin Falls for the wedding. To enter Twin Falls from US 93, you cross the Perrine Bridge over the Snake River Canyon. Breathtaking!

While on the bridge you can look to the valley below and see not only the Snake River but beautiful homes and the Blue Lakes Country Club and Golf Course. Imagine our surprise to learn that Blue Lakes CC was the site of the wedding and reception. WOW.

We had just enough time to greet family, iron clothes, clean up, and head to the wedding.

Liz and Zach, exchanging vows... and possibly the cutest couple ever.

My SIL Mary says that Liz made all the wedding arrangements. Check out our table at the reception.

And yes, I had to take a picture of the food! Steak AND chicken.

A view from the veranda as the sun goes down.

Charlie

On Sunday we visited Shoshone Falls.

In the afternoon, we hung out at BIL Richard's home. I sat on their porch for hours. Did I mention there is NO humidity? And there was a lovely breeze. By the end of the day I was sporting red legs and arms.

Charlie was elated to ride a horse AND shoot a gun. {Insert disapproving mother face here} He claimed the day could only be topped by shooting the gun while riding the horse!

Richard took us out to the Cauldron Linn.

We finished off the day with a fun family dinner. Tomorrow we would be heading home.

On our way from Twin Falls to Boise we took the scenic route and stopped by Balanced Rock.

Charlie holding up Balanced Rock.

We took the Thousand Springs Scenic Byway back toward Boise.

Thank you for the memories Idaho. I'll be back again some day!

More time for Family...

2011-06-08T13:04:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday we left central Indiana and flew to Idaho for a family wedding. I have never been to Idaho and was not sure what to expect. Wow.. was I blown away by the breathtaking scenery!

We flew from Indy to Boise (via Phoenix). Here is Prince Charles at the airpot.

We rented a car and headed up the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway. It was snowing on June 2!

We drove to Redfish Lake, just outside of Stanley.

We stayed at the Redfish Lake Lodge, rented a cabin, hiked in the mountains, and had dinner at the Lodge.

SIL Bonnie, SIL Tammy, Charlie, the husb, and me

The Lodge had a surprisingly sophisticated menu but while having this picture taken, a mouse ran behind the waiter. YIKES!

Next, we traveled the Sawtooth Scenic Byway. We had lunch at the Sun Valley Lodge.

Tammy, Bonnie and I shopped. I found a nice little yarn shop where I purchased local yarn - a favorite souvenier. Bonnie scored 2 new coats! We came across this funny guy.

We drove down to Hailey for the night. I visited the Sun Valley Quilt & Fabric Co. We had dinner at the Sun Valley Brewing Co. Needless to say, the husb and I were in heaven. We stayed at the Wood River Inn where they offer free use of bikes. The husb went for an early morning ride... again... hea*ven!

I'll stop here for today and bring you more of Mother Nature's beauty in Idaho in my next post.

the Summer of..... Anne?...

2011-06-01T06:32:00.000-07:00

Managing the Village Yarn Shop has been a great deal of fun, but I am happy to say I have the summer off! The shop owner is a school teacher and she is working the summer months. This means I have more time for...ME!

Did you see the “Seinfeld” episode where George discovers he has a severance package from the New York Yankees that should last him about 3 months, so he decides that he is going to take the summer off?

Oh... I know that sounds a wee bit selfish... ok... REALLY selfish, but if I can pull it off I am doing it. Yes... I proclaim this... The Summer of Anne.
This means
more time to share with friends & family,
more time to quilt,
more time to blog,
more time to exercise {I started a 10000 step program in April},
more time to read,
more time to focus on my diet {some things never change!}.

The husb took a new position with the Indiana Unviersity College of Medicine which will keep him busy, but hopefully not as busy as his position at the VA Hospital. Prince Charles is home from college. He is busy volunteering at the Habitat House and catching up with friends. {He will still require at least one of my eyes on him at all times. Boys will be boys.}

So, with more time to do the things I love, I hope to share it with you. For now, I am off to get in my 10,000 steps. It is 70 degrees this morning in central Indiana. It is not going to get any cooler.

So glad to be back!

Celebrate Memorial Day...

2011-05-30T14:03:00.000-07:00

We cherish too, the Poppy red

That grows on fields where valor led,

It seems to signal to the skies

That blood of heroes never dies

-Moina Michael

It's just Business...

2010-08-15T05:34:00.000-07:00

Or is that busyness? It is early on a Sunday morning and I am taking the day to catch my breath. I have gone nonstop all summer long. Unlike my skinny sister, I need a rest every now and then.

It all started last spring when the owner of the yarn shop told us she planned to sell the business. {This was all going on while we were preparing for Prom, remodeling the kitchen, and planning a graduation party.} It was just too much for her to teach and run the shop. I didn't want to shop to close. I love that shop. So I, with two partners, attempted to buy the shop. We studied the financials, outlined a business plan, and met with advisors. We also ran off to TNNA where we took business classes and made connections with yarn reps and other shop owners. We made the offer the night before I left for our family vacation week in Okobji.

Unfortunately, we couldn't come to terms. Harriett had so much invested in the shop, in the end she decided to keep it. What an emotional roller coaster! Harriett decided she really just needed a manager for the shop and she asked me to do it. And really, it is a great gig. Almost like owning the shop without the debt AND I get paid to do it. Plus the staff at the shop is WONDERFUL. I think we could have a lot of fun.

More on my summer later,

Summer Time...

2010-07-05T07:55:00.000-07:00

We just spent a fun-filled week at Lake Okoboji where we stayed at Fillenwarth Beach.

We ate.

We drank, but probably not as much as these people.

Charlie skiied.

The men had their "Man Float".

We played at Arnold's Park.

And we relaxed.

What a week!

Gardening...

2010-06-19T08:58:00.000-07:00

After Charlie left for Germany, and Mom went home, I was feeling slightly blue so I took my friend Carolyn's advice and walked around my garden. We've had a lot of rain, sunshine, rain, sunshine... so the garden is thriving.

The birds can take a bath among the hosta.

There is a bench at the far end of the garden. It is home to an antique teapot filled with impatiens.

My hydrangea is blooming.

The Tri Color Beech tree is striking.

My herbs are thriving.

My window boxes are overflowing.

And thanks to my friend Ellen, a watering can sits nicely by the front door.

I'd like to take all the credit for the yard, but this year the husb worked endlessly in the garden to prepare for the graduation party.

After an inch and a half of rain overnight, the sun is shining in central Indiana.

It's all over, but the cryin'...

2010-06-08T18:03:00.000-07:00

The kitchen remodel was completed Friday at 3 pm (details in another post). With in hours Skinny Sister, my bro-in-law and 2 of the husbs sisters arrived for Charlie's graduation. The party for Charlie and Jack was Saturday night.

It rained like crazy Saturday morning. By party time (5 pm) the weather was steamy, but no rain.

We had plenty of food. The dear s-i-ls peeled 10 lbs of potatos for All American Potato Salad. So many people requested the recipe... you'll find it at the end of this post. We also made coleslaw. I ordered sandwich platters from Jimmy John's. Jack's mom, Sally, brought fruit platters and relish trays. We also had chips and French onion dip.

The dessert bar was a hit. We had all the boys' favorites. Jack's father, Keith, made chocolates (okay... that may have been one of my favorites). For Charlie we had pie and cheesecake. The pie was from My Sugar Pie. Eva K claims this is the best pie she has ever tasted. We had blackberry, blueberry and strawberry rhubarb. For Jack we had chocolate cake and tiramisu. My friend Peg made the tiramisu. It was SO GOOD! Kevin and Carolyn brought Phil's Organic Lemon Cake from DeLullo's, one of our favorite hangouts. Yummo!

Jack and Charlie greeted friends as they arrived. Here they are with Coach Brennan.

Skinny sister donned an Indiana Hoosier shirt for the occasion.

My bro was in attendance.

My bro's daughter, my Goddaughter, Emme manned the door.

The open house was from 5 to 8, but we had people here until midnight.

Graduation was Sunday afternoon.

Here is my smart, handsome grad... he graduated with academic honors.

For graduation, Charlie chose a trip to Germany. He will visit the family that hosted him in an exchange last summer. I put him on a plane this morning. So... it's all over but the crying.

All American Potato Salad
(originally found in Good Housekeeping magazine {as if I am a good housekeeper})

3 pounds all-purpose potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks

1/4 cup cider vinegar

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

3/4 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup whole milk

2 medium celery stalks, chopped

1/2 small red onion, chopped

In 4-quart saucepan, place potatoes and enough water to cover; heat to boiling over high heat. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 8 to 10 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender.

Meanwhile, in large bowl, with wire whisk, mix vinegar, oil, mustard, pepper, and 1 teaspoon salt.

Drain potatoes. Add hot potatoes to bowl with vinaigrette; gently stir with rubber spatula to combine. Let stand until cool.

In small bowl, with wire whisk, mix mayonnaise, milk, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt until smooth. Add mayonnaise mixture, celery, and red onion to potatoes. Gently stir with rubber spatula to combine.

Cover and refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.

So much going on...

2010-05-25T04:59:00.000-07:00

I have been very busy getting ready for Charlie's graduation. I finally finished the announcement

and open house invitations.

Charlie and his friend Jack wanted to have their open house together. They will be roommates at IU next year.

My new appliances came last week. They are WON-DER-FULLLLL. I picked GE Cafe stainless for everything but the dishwasher, which is a Bosch. Momma like!

I went to the granite lot and picked the section from my slab of Geriba for my island.

This week I need to clean, clean, clean. I need to call Restore to pick up my old appliances. {Restore is part of Habitat for Humanity and they will accept gently used appliances, cabinets, furniture, and other household products.} Someone is coming to measure for wood blinds on Thursday. My new Walnut Dining Cabinet is coming on Friday.

BUT next week is when all the magic happens {fingers crossed}. June 1st, the counterops and plumbing are ripped out. June 2nd, the granite arrives (and so does Eva K). June 3rd third the plumbing is reconnected (new garbage disposal too) and the backsplash will be put in. June 4th the painter returns. June 5th is the open house. What?... you think I'm crazy? You may be right.

Coping in the midwest,

It is a busy time...

2010-05-11T05:10:00.000-07:00

Our house {literally} is gearing up for graduation. The past month has been busy, and this month promises to be more of the same.

First of all, let me confess. Several years ago when one of our nephews was graduating from high school my SIL did a lot of redecorating. At the time I thought "how crazy". Why did she need to redecorate and why did she wait until the last minute. Well... now I know. {Those were my younger days when I was some what naive and obviously judgemental.}

My tale of redecorating reads something like If you give a Mouse a Cookie.

It started with the spot on the ceiling of the family room. I was responsible for this spot as I ran the water in the master sink upstairs to the overflow point... overflow and large spot on the ceiling. So bring in the painter to fix the spot.

If I am bringing in a painter, I should probably also repaint the dining and living rooms.

If I am going to repaint, I should bring in an interior decorator to help me choose paint. And convince me that I need to repaint kitchen, family and powder rooms too.

If I am going to repaint the kitchen, I should probably think about replacing my formica with the granite I've always wanted.

If I am going to get granite, I should get a tile back splash... and what about replacing the island with something more functional and pretty...and the white appliances won't look good with the new granite.

If I am getting new appliances, including a new dual fuel range, I'll need to hire an electrician.

If I hire an electrician, I should update the lighting in the kitchen.

And now that my dining room looks so nice with the new paint, I should have a real dining room set, complete with a place to store my china.

I'll tell you, it never ends.....

So girls, the moral of the story is never wait to redecorate.

Here is the graduate, on the day of prom, and before the wisdom teeth extraction. He is headed to Indiana University but as you can tell, there is a little Hawkeye in his blood.

For My Mother...

2010-05-09T05:38:00.000-07:00

All that I am, or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel Mother. -Abraham Lincoln

Happy Mother's Day Eva K.

xoxo

Where there is life...

2010-04-24T08:01:00.000-07:00

...there is hope. The husb pointed out to me that my clamatis is blooming in the back yard. A little bright spot and pointed reminder on this busy weekend.

Tonight is prom at the Indianaoplis Children's Museum for Charlie. It is rainy outside, but I am hoping for a ray of sunshine for pictures.

My blogland friends probably think I've fallen off the face of the earth. Just busy, busy.

Last weekend I was very fortunate to be able to travel to Chicago with Mary and Jenny to the International Quilt Show. We met the Iowa girls there for a couple days of quilt-seeing, shopping, laughter and wine consumption. We mixed in a little knitting and found 2 stores we adored.

My Sister's Knits is on 9907 S. Walden Parkway in Chicago. The owner, Carol, is very friendly and truely delightful. The shop is not large but every inch of it is used wisely and stocked with inventory that will make you ohhh and ahhhh. The store's slogan is "Come in for yarn, and leave with a friend" and we did. I'd make the day trip just to visit Carol again.

Chix with Stix is in Forest Park on Madison Street. I bought patterns and yarn because their samples sold me. Again, the shop was small but the space was well used. Kelly was so nice and it was fun to share the excitement of ...yarn.

But back to reality... I am taking on a kitchen update which will include new counter tops and a fresh coat of paint for the entire first floor. And I am hoping to have it done before graduation. Silly me.

I have been knitting like a fiend for the shop {The Village Yarn Shop}. It is cheaper than therapy, although the husb may not agree.

Here is a Potato Chip Scarf made out of Plymouth Kudo. Kris at Knit Witts Yarn & Shoppe in Evansville, IN shared this pattern with me. She said it is called the Potato Chip Scarf because nobody can make just one. This is my 3rd and it looks fab with a jean jacket. Kudos for Plymouth Kudo - they have really great colors and it is fun to knit.

Have you heard about the Super Scarves project? The 2012 Indianapolis Super Bowl Host Committee is looking to outfit their 8,000 volunteers with hand knitted scarves. I made one and several are coing into the shop. This is Cascade yarn (per the project specs) and the pattern is from the 60 Quick Knits book. (This is listed under My Favorite Reads on my side bar, where you can link to a great buy from Amazon at $12.21. Really... you'll want to make 99% of the projects in the book - all hats, scarves & mittens from Cascade yarn.) If you'd like to participate in this project...I can hook you up.

Okay... that is several weeks of blogging in one day. Sorry for the long post... but I feel the need to act like I am doing SOMEthing.

Kim is a Superstar...

2010-04-08T07:27:00.000-07:00

I have been following {read stalking} Kim from Bitty Bits & Pieces 4ever. I love her style of writing and designing. And she is up to it again. Look what she designed for Moda Bake Shop.

And look inside!

Isn't this great? Wouldn't you love to have one? Well... head on over to Bitty Bits & Pieces cuz Kim is celebrating with a givaway. This is just too good to keep to myself!

Good luck!

Catching Up...

2010-04-07T07:16:00.000-07:00

Spring has sprung and there is so much to do - inside and out.

Look what my Skinny Sister sent me. Remember the Owl and the Pussy Cat post? She drew the Owl and the Pussy Cat and made me a punch needle embroidery! She is so clever!

Thanks Jeanne!

Did I tell you that my baby {Prince Charles} has decided to attend Indiana University next year? While antiquing with Theresa in New Harmony I found this....

Indiana University stoneware by Shenango. It is a relish dish and he can use it for loose change on his desk at school. It is probably from the 70's...which would make me an antique too.

The husb has poker night tonight...HERE. I need to tidy the house and put some Tijuana Train Wreck in the crock pot. I hope I can find a little time to knit or sew.

Fond Easter Greetings...

2010-04-03T19:32:00.000-07:00

May the risen Christ fill your heart with joy, bring you new hope, and bless you with peace.

Hey Yarn Lovers...

2010-04-03T05:57:00.000-07:00

I've been following Alana Dakos of Never Not Knitting after finding her patterns on Ravelry. I love reading her blog and checking out her lovely work. All knitters and yarn lovers should run over there now and check out her Never Not Knitting Green Yarn Giveaway. And you'll enjoy her story too!

Good Luck!

Weekend Getaway...

2010-03-22T09:36:00.000-07:00

My friend Theresa (from Iowa) brought daughter #2 to visit daughter #1 at The University of Evansville this weekend. So I drove down and spent some time in southern Indiana.

For starters, we met at a great shop in Evansville called Knit Witts Yarn Shoppe. I arrived early due to the time change (eastern to central time...insert eye rolling here) and my lead foot, so I was able to take everything in... several times. Knit Witts carries a great selection of wool, baby yarn, sock yarn, novelty yarn, and buttons. The shop was filled with samples. Right away I spotted a shawl I wanted to make - the "As You Like It " Shoulder Wrap. Then I was directed to the book Nature's Wrapture...full of lovely shawl goodness. I gathered yarn for 2 scarf patterns that were store freebies. Before I left I met the owner Kris and really enjoyed chatting with her. She shared a shawl she was working on and gave me info to share with Harriett at The Village Yarn Shop. She also sold me this neat gadget...The Knit Kit.

Check this out!

I was definitely in my happy place. If you are in the area... make a stop at this shop and find your happy place!

Next we headed to New Harmony for our weekend getaway. What a sweet surprise! New Harmony is described as "A community that began almost two hundred years ahead of its time, New Harmony was first a spiritual sanctuary that later became a haven for international scientists, scholars, and educators who sought equality in communal living."

We checked in to the New Harmony Inn. Our room was lovely.

We had dinner at The Yellow Tavern. Our husbands would have loved this! We liked it too.

We walked by the Wabash River, self toured the town, and visited antiques shops and boutiques. The daffodils were in bloom.

The homes were quaint.

We visited the Roofless Church.

We passed historic log cabins.

I took this picture for my friend Jane, and we giggled wondering what "consort" meant. Wife or companion?

Our last meal was eaten at The White House. You'd never guess that inside this little white house was a wine bar and fabulous food. It was the perfect finale to our Saturday.

In harmony,

Daisy the Bunny...

2010-03-18T18:58:00.000-07:00

I really AM trying to finish projects... but I can't stop myself from starting new ones!

Here is an easy felted wool project.

BEFORE

AFTER

Easter purse anyone???

And if you can stand it... I finished another Fancy Neck Cozy.

Knit on!

Got to Love a Giveaway...

2010-03-15T04:41:00.000-07:00

I've stalked Julie at Jaybird Quilts (you've seen her on my blogroll) for some time now. She is having a great giveaway featuring this...

from Leah Of Burgandy Buttons.

Visit Jaybird Quilts for six chances to win a jelly roll from A Breath of Avignon by American Jane & 2 yards of coordinating fabric!!

I've Got Mail...

2010-03-09T14:53:00.000-08:00

Look what arrived for me in the mail. My Skinny Sister made it for me!

Too Cute! THANK YOU Jeanne!

Easter Baskets...

2010-03-08T19:04:00.000-08:00

Look at this sweet Easter Basket.

Heather of Blackberry Rambles made them and we have them at The Village Yarn Shop. I had to have one!

The yarn in the basket is from Yarn Daze. It is part of the Water Colours collection. Isn't it delish?!

Nancy's Puff Recipe...

2010-03-04T20:08:00.000-08:00

I have my Rockin' Bobbins quilt group meeting tonight and it is my turn to bring the dessert. I decided to whip up an Almond Puff Danish Pastry. This is an easy, but elegant recipe that my friend Nancy turned me on to, published in the Bethlehem Lutheran Church Cookbook, Cherokee, Iowa.

Most of the time, I have all the ingredients on hand. The Puff, as we call it, is so good with a cup of coffee... making it nice for breakfast or dessert.

Nancy's Puff

Crust:
1 cup flour
1/2 cup butter
2 Tbsp. water

Cut butter into flour. Sprinkle water over mixture and mix with fork until soft balls forms. Press into round pizza pan.

Topping:
1/2 cup butter
1 cup water
1/2 cup flour
3 eggs
1 tsp. almond extract

In saucepan combine butter and water. Bring to boil. Remove from heat. Stir in almond extract. Beat in flour quickly with a hand electric mixer. When smooth, add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Spread over crust, sealing edges. Bake for 60 minutes and 350 degrees.

Glaze:
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2 Tbsp. soft butter
1 tsp. almond extract
1 - 2 Tbsp. water

Combine ingredients, mixing until spreading constistency. Spread on cooked, cooled puff. Decorate with sliced almonds.

Set the WABAC Machine to the 1960s...

2010-03-03T08:01:00.000-08:00

Okay… so I am sitting in Starbucks with my BFF Mary after a hard work and over on the counter I spot these…

...and boy did that take me back.

When I was about 3 years old,circa 1965, my sister and I had a 45 of The Owl and the Pussy Cat that we listened to endlessly... possibly because it was the only 45 we owned. I can nearly recite the entire poem and I remember it sweetly.

The Owl and the Pussy-cat went to sea

In a beautiful pea green boat,

They took some honey, and plenty of money,

Wrapped up in a five pound note.

The Owl looked up to the stars above,

And sang to a small guitar,

'O lovely Pussy! O Pussy my love,

What a beautiful Pussy you are,

You are,

You are!

What a beautiful Pussy you are!'

Pussy said to the Owl, 'You elegant fowl!

How charmingly sweet you sing!

O let us be married! too long we have tarried:

But what shall we do for a ring?'

They sailed away, for a year and a day,

To the land where the Bong-tree grows

And there in a wood a Piggy-wig stood

With a ring at the end of his nose,

His nose,

With a ring at the end of his nose.

'Dear pig, are you willing to sell for one shilling

Your ring?' Said the Piggy, 'I will.'

So they took it away, and were married next day

By the Turkey who lives on the hill.

They dined on mince, and slices of quince,

Which they ate with a runcible spoon;

And hand in hand, on the edge of the sand,

They danced by the light of the moon,

The moon,

They danced by the light of the moon.

Thank you Edward Lear,

Symphony Brownies...

2010-02-26T04:46:00.000-08:00

It was Knitters' Knite Out at The Village Yarn Shop last night. I wanted to take a treat so I whipped up a batch of Symphony Brownies. Diedre has brought made these chocolate goodies to quilt camp and they are always a big hit.

Symphony Brownies

1 package Duncan Hines, Family Style Milk Chocolate
2 eggs
1⁄4 cup water
1⁄2 cup vegetable oil
3 (4.25 oz.) Hershey’s Symphony chocolate bars

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 9 X 13 inch baking dish.

In a large bowl mix eggs, water and oil and stir in brownie mix until well blended. Spread half the brownie dough into the pan. Place the three chocolate bars on top. Spread the remaining brownie mixture over the chocolate bars. Bake 28 minutes. Cool. Devour.

Note: These brownies are very rich. You may want to cut the richness by serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream! You can use any brownie mix, prepared as directed on the box, and try any chocolate bar.

Fun Giveaways...

2010-02-25T05:38:00.000-08:00

Kristi at Just Simply Southern is having fabulous giveaways this week. Run...don't walk.

Good Luck!

Oops, I Did It Again...

2010-02-23T04:09:00.000-08:00

True Confessions... I've taken the Fancy Neck Cozy a bit too far... I am making my 7th FNC!

Here is the 4th one I made for Eva K's birthday. Skinny Sister is modeling it...and she tried to swipe it too! I like the 2 button detail.

5th

6th

7th

{Still on needles}

For a little variety, I started my Einstein Coat class last night taught by my friend Mary. She is a fab knitter and if I ever quit knitting FNCs she may teach quite a bit.

Celebrate Presidents Day...

2010-02-15T07:25:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday George

{we're on a first name basis}

Happy Valentine's Day...

2010-02-14T05:51:00.000-08:00

I made Valentine's to send to all the people I love... yesterday.

{There are more than 4 people I love. I am still working on that getting organized resolution.}

So to everyone...

Happy Valentine's Day!

XOXO

On a Mission...

2010-02-13T08:18:00.000-08:00

The Rockin' Bobbins {my quilting group} have always tried to have a mission project to work on. We've made baby blankets for the pregnancy center, bed quilts for a new women's shelter, quilts for a children's home, quilts for soldiers, and jumper dresses to be delivered on mission trips. {Last year I think Kathy & Jenny made the bulk of more than 150 dresses!}

After reading an article in the local paper, Kathy came up with the lovely idea to knit chemo caps to memorialize Dottie. Not all the girls in the group are knitters so they've purchased Knifty Knitter round looms. Kathy is using the loom and I think she has already knit more than a dozen caps. She is a petite woman that puts her big heart into everything she does!

I made a couple hats per the instructions given Kathy. We are supposed to use Homespun by Lion Brand. I found it very soft, the colors were pretty, but it split alot.

It left me looking for other alternatives so I searched the webI found this cute Marnie MacLean pattern for a Fun Flapper Hat. I used some Bernat Soy from my stash - so soft. And I had to rely on my mad {35 year old} 4-H skills to crochet the flower.

I am working on another out of Cascade Pima Tencel from the shop {but stashed}.

I'd love to hear from people that have made or had a need for chemo caps. I'd like to know what patterns and fibers you found best. Advise me please!

I'll be counting caps on my sidebar and jump starting this project during the season of Lent.

Cast on!

Fancy Neck Cozy...

2010-02-08T16:03:00.000-08:00

Eva K and I recently visited Ewe-Nique Yarns Etc. in Morton, Il. This shop is nestled right between The Quilt Corner and Pumpkin Glass, a very nice bead store. Yes people, a little slice of heaven for me.

I bought Cabin Fever's pattern Fancy Neck Cozy and the exact fibers used to make the shop sample at Ewe-Nique Yarns.

Then I made another for my SIL's birthday.

And I convinced Harriett to order patterns for the shop and made a shop sample for The Village Yarn Shop.

The pattern is fun, easy and quick. I have yarn to make a fourth!

We are expecting a second round of snow here in central Indiana. It is supposed to begin tonight in the middle of the night. I am wondering if I will be working {playing} at the yarn shop tomorrow.

Cast on!

Just a Little Snow...

2010-02-06T07:35:00.000-08:00

Central Indiana was hit by a big {by our standards} winter storm yesterday. Today we have more than a half foot of snow, a travel advisory in our county, blowing, drifting snow, but the sun is shining!

I sent the husb out with the camera last night and here is what he came in with....

snowflakes

our snow covered home

Are those Christmas lights?

no... that is our Colt's tree!

Tomorrow is Superbowl XLIV and as for me and my house we say

Skinny Sister's Quilt...

2010-01-26T19:11:00.000-08:00

After Angie made the art quilts for her 2 sets of twins, my skinny sister Jeanne got the bug. She embroidered the artwork her youngest Riley did as a small boy {he is now a freshman at Wartburg College}. Here is a sampling of her work.

A+ Mrs. Anderson!

Where does the time go???

2010-01-24T06:11:00.000-08:00

My resolution to get organized has totally gotten away from me. But... if at first, you don't succeed, TRY, TRY again. I refuse to give up. I just cleaned out one of my yarn stashing {read hiding} places. My BFF Theresa is making Thread & Sulky free form scarves she saw on Fons & Porter and I have some great bits of leftover novelty yarns to share with her. I can let go of this yarn knowing it is going to a good home. {Can you say hoarder?}

I have been knitting samples for the shop. I made this cute felted bag.

Before

So sorry. The quality of the above picture has probably forever impaired your vision.

After

My BFF Carolyn took these pics at the shop, hence the quality!

The pattern "Lopi Hipster" is free with purchase of yarn. I used 3 skeins of Lopi. I could hook you up!

I also made the beginnings of this cute cable scarf using a skein of sock yarn and a skein of Rowan Kidsilk Haze. It is so soft and reversible - which is nice with a cable.

The pattern is here.

I have also been taking a sock class with Jane. I have one sock ready to Kitchner and another on its way. Can''t wait to show you the finished project - and yes, the sock yarn was from my stash. I ambitiously purchased it at the shop last year.

What's on your needles?

Amending my Resolutions...

2010-01-09T10:09:00.000-08:00

On Thursday, I had lunch with Carolyn {from When Pigs Fly fame} and her daughter Sarah. Sarah is home from college so I asked her if she needed anything crafty before she went back. Could I knit or sew her anything??? Sarah explained that she could use a hat, but that she had read my resolution post and understood that I would need to finish a project before I could begin a new one. RATS! This self-described law-abider was almost foiled by her own rules. But then I came up with a clever new one... If I use materials on hand, formerly purchased {thereby qualifying as stash reduction}, it is okay to begin the new project. There you have it people, my own little loophole.

Sarah stopped by today and here she is in her new hat.

I asked Sarah if fingerless mitts would come in handy when studying and she thought that would be nice. I tried to talk her into a trip to The Village Yarn Shop to pick out new yarn but she wanted me to use something from my stash. RATS!

Go Hawks!!!

2010-01-05T16:24:00.000-08:00

The Orange Bowl is tonight and the Number 10 rated Iowa Hawkeyes (10-2) will take on Number 9 rated Georgia Tech (11-2). The Husb and I are both University of Iowa alumni and we are getting ready for the game.

Let's go Hawks!!!

Here is one of the husb's fav football munchies... great with beer.

Garlic Pretzels

1 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon garlic salt
1 tablespoon dill
1 tablespoon lemon-pepper
2 lbs pretzels - I prefer Synder's of Hanover Sourdough Nibblers

Preheat oven to 325*. Mix the garlic salt, dill and lemon pepper together with the oil. Put the pretzels in a roaster or large pan. Coat the pretzels with the oil mixture. Bake for 8 minutes. Stir and bake 8 additional minutes. Yummy.

Enjoy!

It is a New Year...

2010-01-01T10:41:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!!!

Have you done the whole resolution thing? You know, it is a new year, fresh start, let's be retrospective, let's reslove to improve ourselves. The Husb asked me about my resolutions at dinner last night and I really wanted to be creative this year... but I got nothin'! Same old, same old. But I say it never hurts to try!

1 Get fit, lose weight Now, I have been working on this {since the birth of my 17 year old son} seriously since last February. I have lost 30 lbs. I no longer need my blood pressure meds. All my cholesterol readings are in the normal range. And as my gym buddies say, I can back up any verbal butt kicking with a real butt kicking. I go to the gym and meet with a personal trainer 3 x a week. He is great. Check out the Heckers' Fitness website. Matt recently put 3 good FREE fitness videos on you tube. It would be a great start for anyone!

2 Get organized Need I say more?

3 No new craft projects without finishing an old one I really enjoy the creative process of selecting/designing and beginning projects. Finishing and wrapping up... apparently, not so much. I need to work on getting over that!

4 Volunteer... regularly.

There... I have said it... it is in print. What is on your list?

Let's resolve to make 2010 a great year!

Rejoice...

2009-12-25T04:45:00.000-08:00

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." Luke 2:8-14

Rejoice! Rejoice!

We are Santa's Elve's....

2009-12-22T04:51:00.000-08:00

I finished the card production yesterday. Being proactive {for the first time in my entire life} I mocked up a few designs last January. This process usually begins in August when Skinny Sister is here for her visit... but we didn't get to it this year. I began work on the selected card the Saturday after Thanksgiving with the help of Eva K. I am not waiting to the last minute next year!!

Here is a finished card. It simply says Merry Christmas inside.

There was also a Allen'09 Christmas Card Version 2.0 because I ran out of the pretty red card stock. I used green for V 2.0 and burgandy for the border... or in some cases... whatever I could find in my stash. I made 113 cards... and considered shortening my list several times during the course. If I haven't mentioned this before, Mom and Skinny Sister got me started on the tradition of homemade cards. They are both big into Stampin' Up. And... if I can be SNARKY for a minute... Jeanne sent cards from Target this year. Come on!!! We have a reputation to uphold sister!

I also managed to finish my nephews t-shirt quilt for Christmas. Not the most exciting quilting project, but he will appreciate it. My friend Juna did the quilting and she put her heart into every block. I should have taken a better picture before I sent it off.

I wanted to give a bottle of wine to each of my co-workers at the yarn shop. In a brief moment of genius I came up with the idea to take the arms of some sweaters Theresa and I felted and make wine gift bags. This was a fun project because it will reuse * reduce * recycle, and my knitting cohorts will be pleased with my cleverness.

Again, my photography abilities stink, but you get the idea!

It is snowing, and Eva K is arriving today. I am going to make chili in the crock pot before work so I better get moving.

Ho ho ho

We are Santa's elves.

We are Santa's elves

Filling Santa's shelves

With a toy

For each girl and boy.

Oh, we are Santa's elves

We work hard all day

But our work is play

Dolls we try out

See if they cry out.

We are Santa's elves

We've a special job each year

We don't like to brag

Christmas Eve we always

Fill Santa's bag.

Santa knows who's good

Do the things you should

And we bet you

He won't forget you.

We are Santa's elves

Ho ho ho. Ho ho ho

We are Santa's elves

Ho Ho!

Remembering Dottie...

2009-12-13T06:37:00.000-08:00

I have tried to prepare myself for this day for months. Today the Rockin' Bobbins will gather with family and friends of Dottie and say goodbye. Dottie passed away on Friday, December 4, after a couragous fight with ovarian and breast cancer.

I thank God for my friendship and time with Dottie. We met about nine years ago when we both joined the Rockin' Bobbins quilting group, shortly after it formed. I could never guess her age because she took such good care of herself, walking every morning. Now when I say walking... I don't mean around the block.. I mean a quick, almost sprint, for 5 miles. Dottie was a vegetarian. She also dressed very dignified, but not prissy. I finally learned she shared my mother's birth date, February 20, and was one year younger. She was 71 when she passed.

Dottie and her husband Russ have been married 53 years. They have 4 grown children, 12 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren. And if you can imagine this, Russ and Dottie also fostered 38 children. One of Dottie's grandchildren, Colton, is just a year older than my Charlie, so I would often go to Dottie with questions. She was always spot on with advice but didn't offer it unless asked. She was truely a sage.

Dottie was an artist, and a very productive quilter and knitter. If she made one quilt, then she made one for all the boys, or all the kids, or all the grandchildren. A couple years back I think she knitted 9 (okay, I might be embellishing there) afgans for the boys - and began in August for Christmas. Her last quilting project was 8 Christmas tree skirts she gave to the kids at Thanksgiving. Dottie was also a china painter, which I loved because my mother-in-law was also a china painter. One year at Christmas we all received thimbles she had painted... how lucky we are!

Above all, Dottie was a loving, mission minded, Christian woman. She was active in Bible Study Fellowship and Women's Prison Ministry. Her quiet example of her faith in the Lord bore witness that spoke volumes.

So Dottie....

Enter His gates with

thanksgiving

and His courts with

praise;

give

thanks to Him

and praise His name.

For the LORD is good

and his love

endures forever

His faithfullness

continues through all generations.

Psalm 100:4-5

A Rockin' Bobbins Christmas...

2009-12-12T07:26:00.000-08:00

The other day I logged on to Facebook and a friend had written on my wall "Have you fallen off the face of the earth?" Well yes... yes... I believe I have.

Thursday night was the annual Christmas gathering for the Rockin Bobbins. As always the food was outsatanding and Jenny managed to find some spiked eggnog that wasn't too bad either. We had show and tell and a gift excahnge from our secret Santa. My Santa was Juna {WonderQuilter}and she is so creative I had to share her gift to me.

Quilting the ABC's {yes, there was a gift for every letter of the alphabet!}

A :: Anne

B :: Bag, quilted flannel

C :: Charm Pack

D :: Doll

E :: Embellishments

F :: Fabric

G :: Gauge

H :: Hook, crochet

I :: Idea to knit, Wine Bottle Bag

J :: Journal

K :: Keychain, with a tiny knit sweater!

L :: Labels for knits

M :: Memory Ornament

N :: Note Pad

O :: Ornament, paper pieced by Juna

P :: Pattern

Q :: Quilt Fabric

R :: Ruler

S :: Snowman

T :: Thangles

U :: Ughh! UFO!!!

V :: Vintage Blocks

W :: Wool Penny Rug (not in the picture because it is already under my Balsam & Cedar Yankee Candle)

X :: Xtra Fabric

Y :: Yard of Fabric

Z :: Not a Zipper, 2 clasps for a bag or purse

Thank you Juna!

And now I really need to take this Christmas business serious. Here is the extent of my decorating - although I do have the Yankee Candle burning trying to fill the house with a pine scent.

My cards are not done - I make them {thanks to a tradition the skinny sister and Eva K started} - I have 10 made... I send out 100. No letter written. No picture taken. No tree. Little shopping done. Can we just scrap it all and focus on the reason for the season? There is snow on the ground. It is cold outside. What is wrong with me?

Happy Birthday Skinny Sister...

2009-11-27T11:10:00.000-08:00

When the family was together for Thanksgiving, we celebrated a few birthdays. Originally, I had planned to give Jeanne the red 3 button shawl, but Eva Kay fell in love with it. Then I started a blue shawl for Jeanne, but she made repeated comments about a pink and brown Civil War Repro quilt I had recently finished so I thought maybe that would be a nice surprise. So...

I think she liked it. There were tears.

Happy Birthday Jeanne!

Quilt Away...

2009-11-24T05:52:00.000-08:00

I had the chance to run away from reality again this month and go quilt with my Iowa friends {Theresa & Company}. We met at Fern Hill, just out side of New Glarus, Wisconsin.

Here is a little glimpse of what went on {mixed with intermittent hilarity, belly laughs and an occasional tear from laughter by Jackie}.

We arrived late Thursday afternoon, settled in, had a lovely dinner prepared mainly by Theresa {altho I was supposed to be helping}, and then sewed into the wee hours {2 am}.

On Friday, my sister Jeanne and her BFF Angie came up for the day. Jeanne worked on some embroidery and crocheted 2 scarves. She also kept the room entertained with her tales all slightly or possibly more than slightly embellished. There is a stage for that woman somewhere!

Remember the art quilts Angie did for her girls? Well, the boys quilts were quilted and ready for binding. They are so cute and very special.

Here is the quilt Jackies worked on ALL weekend. Dawn and Mary worked on one too. It is beautiful, but it was a lot of work.

Mary also worked on this reproduction Gee's Bend quilt. Isn't it neat?!

Diedre was working on this woolies flannel quilt with an applique circle center. I love it!

I worked on this quilt the first 2 days. I painstakingly (according to Jackie) cut it out and pieced it. I was having a problem focusing...okay??? Too much fun in the room! These blocks are on a design wall in this picture, and didn't actually leave the premises sewn together.

I did finish this quilt top in about 4 hours. Jackie convinced me to cut more than one fat quater at a time... so I cut 5! A total running with scissors move on my part I must say! Fun quilt to make. The patten is called Boxed Blessings.

There were many more quilts...I just didn't get pictures. Theresa finished 2 quilts by noon on Friday! I guess the camera didn't come out until later. We had fun... I'd drop everything and do it again at a moments notice.

Just Must Say...

2009-11-11T10:01:00.000-08:00

Happy Veterans Day!

Thank a veteran today... and everyday!

Binding Schminding...

2009-11-07T18:54:00.000-08:00

I just finished binding this cute quilt I made for Lisa {Charlie's German friend} for Christmas. You saw the top when I finished it, but now it is complete... sans label. Amy Butler brights and Mark Lipinski white = yummy! Once again, the photo doesn't do the quilt justice.

Here is a wallhanging I made a while back. It is ready to have the binding hand sewn.

I LOVE this quilt. It has been ready for binding for a LONG time.

Sewing on black binding is a MAJOR drag with my 40 something eyes.

True Confessions The main part of this quilt is a big piece of cheater fabric with 2 nice borders added on. I love the quilting Juna did for me. Non-quilters will be none the wiser.

I have 6 more quilts in the Need Binding stack.

Sew on,

Prince Charles...

2009-11-06T17:02:00.000-08:00

My son Charlie has H1N1 and he missed the past week of school. The poor kid is worn-out and has beaten a path from his bed to the couch. He has recently shown signs of getting better. His fever has let up, and he is managing to eat a little. And I am VERY thankful things are looking up.

We did see a smile out of him yesterday. Here is the background on that…

On October 8th, the husb, and I (both U of Iowa alumni) traveled to Iowa City, Iowa with Charlie for an arranged college visit. Oh, yeah... it was homecoming weekend and the Hawkeyes were playing Michigan… at night.

Charlie saw no reason to visit Iowa. He really had decided to stay in Indiana for college. Nonetheless, on Friday we attended an admissions overview, took a campus walking tour (the weather was beautiful), and toured a residence hall. By the end of the day, he had fallen in love with the place. Let’s face it… it’s in his blood.

On Saturday morning we got up, and true to Iowa weather, it began snowing. Yes people… it was October 10th.

By tailgate time it was dry, the sun was out, but it was chilly. And by the time the game started, it was 28 degrees! BRRRRR! But the game was fun - really fun and Iowa managed to beat Michigan and pull off a homecoming win.

Back to yesterday… Charlie received his acceptance letter from Iowa and a National Scholar Award. Now that cheered him up and made his Hawkeye parents proud.