Kim's Northwoods Discoveries

Cabin Update - 01.08.12

2012-01-08T22:53:00.005-06:00

The last photo update I did was (GULP) April on Cabin... here

And since I didn't post a before this update, update. You get to see an almost finished page!! Yep, just have about 10 stitches to finish up this page, but with the additional stitching, Im way beyond having a page done.

Two weeks ago - on Christmas, I had the sudden urge to stitch! So, I got out Cabin, and here is my progress up to now... (this stitching round.. I started about half way up on the stitching on the page)

Aubrey's Quilt

2012-01-04T10:17:00.004-06:00

I have now completed a quilt for each of my nieces and nephew. (Actually just need to make one for my step niece.)

So, here is my last finish of 2011. Aubrey's quilt- pattern; from Moda Bake Shop "A Sweet Baby Quilt". Front fabric line (charm packs) - Amelia by Me and My Sister Designs for Moda Fabrics. Quilting - 1/2" from the seams. LOVE the results!

Wedding Gift

2011-11-22T21:31:00.002-06:00

Here is a recent - well had it stitched already back in August, but framed it in October, but finally gave it as a wedding gift this month.

Here is The Lighthouse by Bent Creek, with changes of course. :)

You see..

2011-10-23T22:56:00.002-05:00

You see 4 Amelia charm packs, I see a quilt. :)

Aprons

2011-10-23T20:01:00.007-05:00

Another project I havent blogged about. But of course I have posted it on Facebook..LOL

I was asked by a friend that lives in Thailand to make some aprons for her and her family. For her to order the amount of aprons would have gone over her budget, so I said yes. First of all, Ive never made an apron before, so I just found some directions, and went from there. Her request be that they were going to be durable, and could hold the dirt well, and to have a hammer hook.

She has received them and putting hers to good use as she was waiting for Christmas to give the children theirs.

So, here are the results.. LOVE how they turned out. She is going to be ordering more when the budget allows.

Tablerunner

2011-10-23T19:56:00.003-05:00

I was invited to a bridal shower (actually was last month already - seems Im really lacking in this blogging). I was looking for a quick and easy tablerunner - and I knew I had some scraps from a quilt I had made (you know you need to keep those scraps, never know when you will need them).

Well here the results, and I even quilted the tablerunner with Press n Seals :)

Cuddle Me Quilt Top

2011-10-21T21:55:00.009-05:00

Thought I would get back in the game, and participate in

So, I thought I would finish up the quilt that I just cut out on umm I think it was Sunday. So here is Cuddle Me, by clairebella - the pattern is here. I had gotten the fabric at WalMart, as it was a quilt of the month.. I think last year sometime. VERY easy to put together!

So tonight all I had to do was finish putting on the borders. DONE! Will be given as a baby shower gift soon. So I just have to find some backing material, get the batting, quilt & bind!

Stewie needs your VOTE

2011-10-13T23:20:00.005-05:00

Use Facebook?

We need your help. Stewie is entered in a calendar contest - tomorrow is the last day, and we need some more votes.

PLEASE click on his picture on the left, and under the picture where it says "Stewie" please leave a LIKE ... or click the link, and leave a LIKE

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=200835123315473&set=a.200771276655191.49003.104307412968245&type=3&theater

THANK YOU!!

Bear Kill Tag - Go Pack Go!

2011-09-25T09:43:00.003-05:00

Stewie is ready for the game!! GO Pack GO! He is even sporting his Bear Kill Tag! See how he treats his own Bears - rips the stuffing out of them.. WOOT!

We are so ready...

2011-08-04T23:31:00.003-05:00

for some FOOTBALL!! (So glad the lockout is OVER!) Go Pack Go!

54-40 or Fight - Wisconsin Quilt Blocks on Barns, Block of the Week

2011-07-29T23:33:00.004-05:00

I know, you can gasp! I gave up on making these blocks (sorry Jen). I last made a block back in November, I know shame on me. Last weekend while cleaning my sewing room, I came across Stewie's vet papers, as I knew a vet visit was in due, and in the folder I found the blocks that I had all the pieces cut out, and ready to find my attention. So this evening, I thought, humm, I wanna do something quick, but I don't want to cut and iron. So I thought, heck, why not. So here is 54-40 or Fight. Please excuse the uneven sides, as the 4 patches need to be stretched when sewn together into a quilt.

Block #39 – 54-40 or Fight – Racine County
Pattern is here - 54-40 or Fight

Find out more about the "Wisconsin Quilt Blocks on Barns, Block of the Week" @ Cre8tive Quilter

Mourning Badges

2011-07-25T00:15:00.006-05:00

Honored to be working on something for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. When a firefighter dies in the Line Of Duty, firefighters wear mourning bands over their badge, in respect of the Line of Duty Death. Im proud to make these for the firefighters, and making them in memory of my Dad, Dean W. Mathison, a 2009 LODD.

Here is what a mourning band looks like -

Oh well, life got in the way.

2011-07-24T11:25:00.003-05:00

Well, it seems I need to clean off the cobwebs around this blog. Seems like I get to where I want to post a blog post, but then I never get around to it.

Oh well life is just passing me by. Its been a busy summer, mainly working and then coming home to only fall asleep from all the fresh air I had while sitting outside with the residents I work with at the nursing home. My hours have now changed from 10:30am - 7pm to 9am - 5pm. Yes I know, perfect banker hours! But its almost 6pm before I get home, and I'm starving. Make dinner has become a bore for me.. LOL I would rather just sit in my recliner, and well, fall asleep..LOL

I haven't even stitched in about 2 or 3 months.. I know its most likely the 3 months. Since the death of my 12 yr old niece and Mother inlaw breaking her neck. Ive been preoccupied. I wouldn't say that I'm having "issues" with what has happen, but I'm just enjoying life alittle more - no need to get things done that don't need to be done right this minute, know what I mean.

Yesterday, I cleaned in my sewing/stash/computer room, more for looking for my mojo, and the fact I promised my old computer desk to my sister, for her new business. I did get rid of a few things that were just taking up space. I was almost tempted to get rid of all my cross stitching stash. I just dont have the desire to stitch those "I need to have at this moment purchases". Which, honestly, take up space in our little house.

Then, there's all the fabric I have stashed here and there. Yes that too should get the boot.. but I feel as those I need to hang on to them.

I know, I'm starting to sound coo - coo..LOL Oh well, consider this a post, and will have to see where I go from here..

Umm maybe on the sewing machine to finish up on my Patriotic Challenge - that was supposed to get finished before July 4th. Oh well, life got in the way.

Pug Puppies FOR SALE

2011-06-26T22:33:00.012-05:00

Posting for my Mom - yes Stewie's brothers and sisters from another litter will be available 6/28! They share the same parents, and the same birthdate - but one year apart!

Happy Father's Day!

2011-06-18T00:27:00.005-05:00

Stewie here...

Just wanting to wish all the Fathers out there (not sure how many read here), but a HAPPY FATHER's DAY!! Human or fur.

I belong to a great Dad, that is totally in love with ME! Couldnt ask for a happier Dad! Mom had a great idea this afternoon, and we just had to go shopping! We picked up a tee shirt - got rid of the sleeves (Dad's style), and crossed our fingers and paws that Mom could find the iron on transfers.

And, here is the finished project! Shhhh, dont tell Dad, but with all my excitement, he might be wearing it tomorrow, since its Father's Day weekend, right!? Woof!

Patriotic Challenge - 06.16.11

2011-06-16T21:54:00.008-05:00

Ok, I know I have been slacking on my updates involving the Patriotic Challenge - not sure anyone cares. But life is going on, and its been one of those, "hold on tight, its going to be a bumpy ride!" Took a little trip down last weekend to visit my family to get away from ~~family stress~~ a situation that has been going on around home. It was good to get away - hubby actually wanted to stay a month at my Mom's but we had to come home, as I had to get back to work, and he had to go back to doing what he needed to help out with his family's situation.

More so, I have been sewing to relieve "STRESS!". So here is my progress

I worked on cutting the 1/4" edge June 5th. Had to have something to while inlaw sitting.

I finished up the Star Blocks tonight, and

Just under an hour, I had the 4 patch blocks finished.

Then I went ahead and pinned the blocks together, as Im ready to make the rows of the quilt!!

Will have to find more time to work on the quilt top, as life is going to remain busy for awhile!

Patriotic Challenge - 05.31.11

2011-05-31T23:01:00.004-05:00

Tonight, I sewed on the lines that I made last night. I just worked on the bigger block, got two corners done. Sewed on 64 blocks, trimmed off the excess, and then ironed them open. Man, I can tell Im out of the loop of ironing - I wonder if I will wake up with blisters in the morning.. LOL

Said Goodbye..

2011-05-31T13:12:00.001-05:00

This morning had to say goodbye to a sweet angel. This is not goodbye, its a I'll see you again, someday. Love you Kayla!!

Patriotic Challenge - 05.30.11 Part 3

2011-05-30T20:58:00.005-05:00

This is how I spent my time watching The Bachelorette...

Drawing a line from corner to corner - got them all done - all 248 of them. WOOT WOOT!

Patriotic Challenge - 05.30.11 Part 2

2011-05-30T15:24:00.005-05:00

Got everything cut but the borders (dont like them to fray on me, better to stay uncut till I need them.) The two on the left, need to be sewn together, then I cut them again - easy peasy. :)

Love the colors!!

Patriotic Challenge - 05.30.11 Part 1

2011-05-30T12:37:00.002-05:00

Ever buy anything that when you see it, it brings the "mojo" back? But when you get it home, you've lost the "mojo".

Well, I have created the "Patriotic Challenge". I had seen this David Textile pattern online, and then I found all the fabrics to go with it at WalMart! WalMart had it has their project of the month, I was happy and minutes later the bolts where in my cart. (I know, some of you cringe when you hear buying fabric at WalMart - but its David Textile - you can get the same stuff at a quilt store for more!)

So, being Memorial Day today - I have challenged myself to a "Patriotic Challenge". My challenge to myself, is to get the quilt top DONE by another patriotic holiday - July 4th.

Crazy of me? Nah, I think I will be successful. I need to get back into the quilting again - need to prioritize my time more - cut out the silly tasks I do (like play games on Facebook... LOL)

Ok, on my marks, get cutting, PATRIOTIC CHALLENGE has begun!

Memorial Day 2011

2011-05-30T12:35:00.004-05:00

The fam went to go and visit hubby's Grandfather's grave - he was in World War I.

Happy Memorial Day - God Bless those that lost their lives, so I can live mine, free. God Bless America!

Busted!

2011-05-04T23:04:00.004-05:00

Happy 1st Birthday!

2011-05-02T09:36:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday to my little guy Stewie! Hard to believe its been a year already! Have a great day with your chew bone!

"A Kim Update"

2011-04-15T16:28:00.005-05:00

Wow, scrolling down my blog - my blogoversary button caught my attention - it states that my blog is another year older in 6 days.

Gulp.

Six years since I have started this blog. According to my monthly total of posts, I have fallen off the posting wagon. Guilty. And I have Facebook to thank! Yes, that social network that sucks the time out of you, but keeps you connected. Even with your own cousins that you wouldn't just pick up the phone to call. Its amazing how before you could just say - you have email, rather now, its do you have Facebook?

Yesterday while out shopping, I was asked if I have been quilting much, and I truthfully told them no. I have lost my mojo for quilting. Yes I have projects that need finishing up, but I just haven't had that urge to jump out of my chair to march into the sewing room, and have at it. I think my major delay is I need to do some spring cleaning in my sewing room. I feel like its closing in on me. I need to find some time to just dig in, make a mess and sort out what I need to have, and what can go on to the next (yeah, and here I sit typing out this post saying I have no time..LOL).

But, then I can show that I have been busy with stitching. Its so nice to finish up on the row of stitching, and actually get to move up in the design. At this rate, I told my husband I might be finished with it in a couple years. LOL (I hope sooner) I wish I could average about a page a month, but its not always do-able.

Stewie is doing great!! He is such a great dog!! He loves to take walks, snuggle up on either hubby or I and sleep, loves to play with his toys. Even hogs the bed, and snores LOUD (which we love to hear, hehe). Hard to believe he will be a year old on May 2nd. We already got him a new crate that is wire, compared to the plastic crate he had. He rarely goes in the crate, but he does when he is barking at night, and doesn't listen. (Its not for punishment, we have found out if he is put in his crate, he doesn't bark the rest of the night.) And also, he is getting a A.J. Hawk #50 for his Bday. Yes he is a BIG Packer fan, just like his Mommy and Daddy!!

We (Stewie and I) are heading down to Milwaukee on May 15th for the Milwaukee PugFest. We are looking forward to meeting fellow pug fans. Stewie will get to meet his friend Mikey, and Mikey's soon to be little brother, Louie Stewart. Yep, you read that right, Stewie has a puppy named after him. How it came to be... I met Mikey's dad via YouTube, since his dad watched a video of Stewie with his Packer gear on. And that is where we got Stewie entered into the 2011 Packer Pup contest. So, I became friends with Mikey's Dad and Mom. Well, Mikey's Mom had posted was thinking of adding another Pug to the family and since my sister is looking for homes for her Pug puppies, I suggested to Mikey's Mom to contact my sister if they were interested. Well, the puppy's are Stewie's half siblings. So now, Stewie's half brother is going to go and live with Mikey. Well in honor of us helping Mikey's parents with getting a puppy, they decided to name their little guy's middle name after Stewie. TOO FRICKIN CUTE!!

Work for me has been going good. But the thought of even going SUCKS! I drive 70 miles round trip, and with the price of gas here at $4.00 a gallon makes the trip to work really hard. I have been looking for a job closer, but the pickings are slim.

Last month I updated my cell phone... I now have texting and web on my new phone!! Yes I have joined the 21st century! It was never really important to me to text or be on the web, but now it has.. LOL I have the new phone and features. I switched over to Straight Talk from Verizon. I'm liking the service so far, and actually find using my cell phone more.

Umm what else is there to share - ... oh yeah, Im so ready for SPRING. Enough said!!

Cabin In The Woods - WIP - 04/15/11

2011-04-15T16:03:00.007-05:00

GASP!

Its been over 4 month since I last posted a progress of Cabin - look where I was here. 12/14/10 post

Well I cant say that I have been slacking off on my stitching cause I have actually have been stitching. And as of this afternoon, I have offically finished up a ROW (meaning 5 pages across the design) - of stitching. Yep, thats right, since Deb 14, I have put in all the stitches. 4 COMPLETE pages of stitching have been finished since the last update. I have pages 16 - 30 finished - and that makes this project HALF done (per pages - not stitching)!! I have put in roughly 67,550+/- stitches, granted pages 26 - 30 where only 5 stitches tall. So since this is half the pages finished, its not accurate with the half the numbers of stitches remaining.

So with that said.. I have roughly 101,550+/- stitches to put in the top part of the design. When finished I would have put in 169,050 (which I already know that total will be more as of all the frogging I have done already..LOL)

So, here are the pictures - pages 16 - 30 complete, and a close up of the door to the cabin. LOVE the detail! (Please excuse the wrinkles.)

With 185 votes...

2011-03-15T19:48:00.002-05:00

Stewie won! Thanks to all that voted!! Thanks to Mikey & Ken at Mikey The Green Bay Packer Pugster for the awesome contest, and thanks for allowing us to be apart of the fun!! Thanks again everyone for the votes!!! WOOF WOOF, and Go Pack!!

Vote for Stewie!

2011-03-01T20:23:00.001-06:00

Please help Stewie win "Most Valuable Packer Pup 2011"!

VOTING is open again. Votes were reset, and Stewie needs your help!! Help make him the "Most Valuable Packer Pup" Please visit the site below, scroll down a bit, and vote in the vote box. Please vote Stewie!! THANKS for taking a few moments to vote. :)

VOTE HERE

Stewie's new collar

2011-02-28T20:00:00.003-06:00

Stewie's sporting his new custom made fire hydrant collar from Collcole's Shop on etsy.com He also got a Green Bay Packers collar too. :)

Great service and good communication! Will be ordering again.

Exciting news...

2011-02-24T20:04:00.002-06:00

First off, Stewie has 7 more siblings!! My sister's dog, Ella gave birth to 5 girls, 2 brothers this afternoon.

And....

I found a link (thanks Elaine!) on my Facebook page about a month ago about entering Stewie in a contest. It was being sponored by Woman's Day - it was called "Pets In Football Gear"

So, I entered his pic - this one

And I received this email today...

Hi Kim!!

We LOVE Stewie, and have chosen you as the winner of the Pets In Football Gear Contest.

STEWIE WON! OMG!! He won a $150 prize "bucket" from Harry Barker! Not sure if he will in the Woman's Day magaizine yet. Will keep you posted. :)

Stewie needs your vote!

2011-02-19T10:31:00.003-06:00

UPDATE - 02/20/11 @ 4:45
For those voting for Stewie - the contest has been shut down due to discrepancies and for reason of not discouraging new entries to participate and have to catch up in the thousands of votes that came in. Which I agree is fair. Voting will begin March 1st, so I will be back to begging for votes when the time comes. THANKS TO ALL THOSE that have left their votes already Stewie appreciates it!

Please help Stewie win "Most Valuable Packer Pup 2011"! Takes less than 30 seconds.

Please click on this link - http://thenicebox.com/mikeythepug_mvppvote.html

And vote for Stewie!!

You can vote multiple times. So vote everyday! Thanks!!

Kim & Stewie

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T10:04:00.000-06:00

Hope this day finds you loved (like any other day)! Happy Love Day!

Stewie - Green Bay Packer Photoshoot

2011-02-04T11:10:00.005-06:00

Well, everyone must know that the Green Bay Packers are playing in the Super Bowl this Sunday - and well, this household bleeds Green & Yellow (well mostly red..LOL). Well, I just couldnt take it anymore.. so I rounded up some Packer items, and made Stewie sit for a bit while I got some good pictures of him, surrounded in Packers.

Owl Pillowcase

2011-02-01T21:26:00.006-06:00

It all started with this video.... Packer Puppies vs. The Bears

I just had to have a Packer jersey for our Stewie. I emailed the owner of the video to find out the jerseys were from Target. Well, umm the closest Target is over 120 miles away. And no plans of going to one anytime soon.

So I had mentioned to my friend Elaine - if she would mind checking out the Targets in her area - before I send my family out to check the ones near them. Well, she had no luck, but in he process of having her look for one, I won an eBay auction for a Packer jersey.

So, a week ago Sunday, I was shopping at WalMart and came across some owl fabric, and thought, I need to make something for Elaine as a thank you for taking the time out to look at the stores (since I know how much time is involved, and the gas and spending the money just to leave the store.. he he), so I thought I would make her a pillow case. Everyone needs pillowcases, right?

So, after a couple laps around the fabric dept, I was standing at the cutting counter getting the fabric cut. It wasn't till Friday I was able to make the pillow case, since I had 4 days of that thing called work to do. So Friday I whipped up the pillowcase, and off in the mail it went. I included a letter with the pillowcase, but it came from Stewie instead.

And here was the picture I included in the letter of Stewie modeling the pillowcase.

And here is Stewie wearing his new ~~snug fitting~~ ~~should have gotten a Large~~ Green Bay Packer jersey.

"Angel Project Coffee"

2011-01-18T21:18:00.007-06:00

"Angel Project Coffee" was made publicly known that it was received. I had made a sneak peak post here. Here is the quilt that I made for Marta. The theme was coffee. I was given the blocks all stitched in a coffee theme, and put together as a quilt. Im so glad she likes her quilt. :)

Heres to a Happy 2011!!

2010-12-31T22:46:00.001-06:00

"Im too pooped to smile."

2010-12-26T23:22:00.000-06:00

Brian just got up from his chair, and Stewie just got settled in. Its like he is saying... "Im too pooped to smile." :)

Coffee Quilt

2010-12-26T23:03:00.003-06:00

Sneak peak of a recent quilt finish - cant show the whole top till its received. :)

Santa's Lil Helper

2010-12-22T20:57:00.002-06:00

This is how Stewie looked before we went to work this morning... HO HO HO! The residents and staff LOVED it!

Cabin in the Woods - WIP

2010-12-14T21:40:00.003-06:00

Been spending some time with the Cabin these past couple of weeks. Coming along good. I have reached the top of the page. Going to finish up on the left and right of the tree, and move over to the left. LOVE how its coming together!

Tis the Season!

2010-12-13T15:35:00.001-06:00

Friday Night Sew In - Dec 10

2010-12-10T21:33:00.004-06:00

Well, with the expected snow fall totals of 10 - 18inch coming in the near future.. I thought I would take it easy tonight. And have something ready to take to work with me tomorrow, so "if" I need to stay over night at work (I work at a nursing home, so there is a sleep area there), I will have something to work on.

So I thought I would work on the hand stitching of an "Angel Project" I have been working on. Now Im doing the slow process of the hand stitching of the binding down on the almost finished quilt.

So, here is what I worked on tonight - sorry you really cant see the quilt top, as I believe the person who this is for, reads this blog.

Visit to the Cabin..

2010-11-27T22:05:00.003-06:00

My last update on Cabin was here.

I was asked to take a picture. So here is a recent pic. Slllloooowwwwlllly coming together! Would get more done if it wasnt so much detailed stitching. THANK GOD for highlighters!! Its stitched on 22 count OVER 1 thread.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T10:05:00.001-06:00

11/19 - Friday Night Sew In

2010-11-17T20:40:00.001-06:00

This is how Im celebrating my birthday on Friday.....

How I spent my Saturday afternoon...

2010-11-13T18:20:00.002-06:00

Interwoven Star - Wisconsin Quilt Blocks on Barns, Block of the Week

2010-11-09T18:43:00.002-06:00

Had the day off, figured I would do atleast one block... well finished up Queen's Jewel, and do one complete block. L.O.V.E.D. this block!!

Block #38 – Interwoven Star – Green County
Pattern is here - Interwoven Star

Find out more about the "Wisconsin Quilt Blocks on Barns, Block of the Week" @ Cre8tive Quilter

Queen's Jewels - Wisconsin Quilt Blocks on Barns, Block of the Week

2010-11-09T18:37:00.003-06:00

Finished up this block today.... took almost 3 weeks to get it done. LOTS has happen since working on it.

Block #37 – Queen's Jewels – Green County
Pattern is here - Queen's Jewels

Find out more about the "Wisconsin Quilt Blocks on Barns, Block of the Week" @ Cre8tive Quilter

Stewie the Pug Shark

2010-10-26T23:25:00.002-05:00

Dont worry - he isnt sad. I just happen to catch that face when I took the picture. :) Happy Halloween!

Lemoyne Star - Wisconsin Quilt Blocks on Barns, Block of the Week

2010-10-20T22:29:00.004-05:00

This is the last of the completed blocks I got done today - I actually have the Queens Jewels block 3/4 pieced. But I couldnt focus anymore.

Block #36 – Lemoyne Star – Walworth County
Pattern is here - Lemoyne Star

Find out more about the "Wisconsin Quilt Blocks on Barns, Block of the Week" @ Cre8tive Quilter

Tennessee Star - Wisconsin Quilt Blocks on Barns, Block of the Week

2010-10-20T22:23:00.003-05:00

Second block to finish..

Block #35 – Tennessee Star - Racine County
Pattern is here - Tennessee Star

Find out more about the "Wisconsin Quilt Blocks on Barns, Block of the Week" @ Cre8tive Quilter

Carolina Lily - Wisconsin Quilt Blocks on Barns, Block of the Week

2010-10-20T22:10:00.004-05:00

Today I played catch up.. got this one done.

Block #34 – Carolina Lily – Walworth County
Pattern is here - Carolina Lily

Find out more about the "Wisconsin Quilt Blocks on Barns, Block of the Week" @ Cre8tive Quilter

News....

2010-10-11T22:30:00.002-05:00

Dont worry - I have been stitching. On what...

A model.

More details to come.

Hard to believe alot has happen since the last post. Including our trip to Maryland for the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend. If we are friends on Facebook - then you know all about it.

I have made a couple Wisconsin Quilt Barn Blocks.. just need to find them and post the pictures. And I totally need to catch up!

And a shoot out to my Mom. I updated. Happy.. he he! LOVE YOU!

Oh yeah.. if you find my sewing mojo... please return!!

Pickled Beets anyone?

2010-09-12T18:57:00.001-05:00

11 - wide mouth pint jars, 1 quart size jar, 1 jelly jar, and the big one is all ours!!!!!! YUMMY!!

Stewie's ready for some FOOTBALL!

2010-09-12T13:03:00.005-05:00

Go Pack Go!!

Pattern credit - Holly Bandanas© for Large Dogs (I just made it smaller for Stew's collar. Takes no time to make!) Will be making more - for sure!

Remembering...

2010-08-28T10:15:00.003-05:00

After doing some searching - I was able to find the url to the memorial page for our Dad on the National Fallen Firefighter Foundation website.. We leave next month for Emmitsburg, MD, for the National Fallen Firefighters, Memorial Weekend, where along with Dad, 104 others will be honored, for dying in the Line of Duty. God Bless all the Firefighters.

Dean W. Mathison

Here is also the bio that will be given out during the Memorial Weekend - Oct 1 - 3, 2010

So..

2010-08-22T09:58:00.002-05:00

Ive been asked to do some teaching... teach quilting :)

My 15 yr old niece (whom is homeschooled, and takes online courses), needs alittle more structure to her classes. So her Mom and I were talking about quilting, and I suggested I could teach her how to sew, and make a few projects.

So, today we are going to meet and discuss the goals. I know I will need to teach her how to sew on a machine and the parts (bobbins, threads, dials, foots, etc). And show her all the basic quilting tools of the trade, and a few techiniques :)

Some of the projects I plan to have her make are: pillowcase, tablerunner, wallhanging, and a lapquilt.

The plan is to meet weekly, and in the end -- should have 180 hours of stucture activity.

Constellation Star - Wisconsin Quilt Blocks on Barns, Block of the Week

2010-08-21T01:46:00.002-05:00

I just had finished up the Flying Star block, when I thought.. what the heck -- I have everything out.. why not. So I got the constellation star block done for this week. I love how it turned out!!

Block #33 – Constellation Star – Green County
Pattern is here - Constellation Star

Find out more about the "Wisconsin Quilt Blocks on Barns, Block of the Week" @ Cre8tive Quilter

Flying Star - Wisconsin Quilt Blocks on Barns, Block of the Week

2010-08-21T01:38:00.003-05:00

This block was made during the FNS. I didnt really start on it till about 10:45 (sorry I was having some puppy time with the pooch), and I finshed up at 11:45. It was a fun block to put together.

Block #31 – Flying Star – Green County
Pattern is here - Flying Star

Find out more about the "Wisconsin Quilt Blocks on Barns, Block of the Week" @ Cre8tive Quilter

I ♥ moments like this!

2010-08-18T00:13:00.002-05:00

FNS - Aug 20th

2010-08-18T00:04:00.003-05:00

All signed up -- I'm #10 on the list. Nothing to do Friday night, why don't you join the list, its very easy!!

This is what I plan on working on Friday night. Flying Star - WI Quilt Block, all set to go for Friday.

Lady Of the Lake - Wisconsin Quilt Blocks on Barns, Block of the Week

2010-08-17T23:53:00.003-05:00

Well I decided to do the easier of the 2 blocks that I missed. The past two weeks have been EXTREMELY busy. With a trip to my hometown a weekend ago, and then a week with a 4 yr old niece visiting... life it getting back to "normal".

Block #32 – Lady Of the Lake – Racine County
Pattern is here - Lady Of the Lake

Find out more about the "Wisconsin Quilt Blocks on Barns, Block of the Week" @ Cre8tive Quilter

Spam comments

2010-08-17T12:09:00.003-05:00

Im getting sick of receiving the post comments as spam. The last post I made I had 10 comments and 9 were of spam. So I have changed the settings to have me monitor the comments before I have to see them come thru as spam.

Other than that.. life is good, if anyone cares (other than the spammers).

Wisconsin Star - Wisconsin Quilt Blocks on Barns, Block of the Week

2010-08-04T23:38:00.003-05:00

Just a week late... but it's done!!! I had hoped to get this block done this past weekend. I did start on it Sunday night - worked on it Monday night, last night, and tonight.

Block #30 – Wisconsin Star – Green County
Pattern is here - Wisconsin Star

Find out more about the "Wisconsin Quilt Blocks on Barns, Block of the Week" @ Cre8tive Quilter

Stewie - 13 weeks old

2010-08-01T18:37:00.007-05:00

WOW, what a joy having a dog in our house, it has been. I ♥ having Stewie!! Its been a eye opener as far as getting up and taking care of someone (yes, I consider him a person too). And also, I love shopping for the little guy!

Tomorrow, Stewie will be 3 months old. He has lived with us now for 5 weeks. Tomorrow will be his 17th day to work with me! Yes, Stewie has become the "resident dog" at the nursing home I work at. I can not go out of the unit I work in, with out getting the question.. "Where's Stewie?" (Now if he would just earn his own paycheck.. Puppy Chow would be nice too.. he he.) But seriously, all the attention from both the residents and staff is all worth bringing him every day with me. Its not much work, as I have a few residents I can leave him with, and I dont have to worry.

He has been an absolute joy. He loves being outside, he loves sleeping at my feet. I have to be in bed, or he will start whining, if he is in his crate at night.

He loves his rawhide chew bone. My husband and Stewie have alittle game the like to play on the living room floor. Stewie loves the attention we give him.

Owen's John Deere Quilt

2010-08-01T16:43:00.004-05:00

I was asked to make a quilt for our great nephew, Owen. And it had to be done in John Deere. Well I was able to find 10 different prints of JD fabric. The pattern I used is called Yellow Brick Road by Atkinson Designs. The quilt measured 50" square.

Owen & family were up this past week, and I gave Owen his quilt. He loved it, and he loved Stewie!

Stewie's 1st Bath

2010-08-01T16:15:00.002-05:00

Mom said I needed something called a bath. Well, I had my 1st bath today. She used this big bucket thing (I heard it was Spunky's food storage container), and put some nice warm water in it. Then Mom put me in... and started pouring water all over me. I was like - what the heck. Mom then put soap all over me... and told Dad to grab the camera. So this is my 1st bath pic. No - Mom's not hurting me. ~Stewie

Snoring Stewie

2010-07-24T22:58:00.004-05:00

If you have ever been around Pugs - you know they snore.

Well tonight I was stitching away, and Stewie wanted up on my recliner... so I allowed him up, and he started out on the top of the chair, and it was uncomfortable (for me).

So I put him on my lap. And Stewie got comfortable.

Do you think??

The joys of Stewie

2010-07-22T14:38:00.005-05:00

Last night, I did something I havent done... in.... gosh, months.

I actually sat down to STITCH on Cabin in the Woods.

It was alittle after 11pm, both Brian and the dog had gone to bed for the night. Brian in bed, and Stewie in the crate.

I had been dreaming of stitching all day. I knew I exactly what I wanted to stitch on - the Cabin. I couldnt go to bed till I did.

I got out the stand, with the QSnap still attached to the clamp, pulled off the plastic bag, that was keeping off the dust.

Put the earbuds into my ears to listen to the current audiobook.

Found the symbol and the DMC thread I needed to stitch with. Stitched the stitches, and it felt so good!

But... I kept hearing something. I took my earbuds out to not hear it then. Put the earbuds back in my ears. There it was again.

Stewie is his crate.... whining for me to come to BED!

Yes, Stewie our little 11 weeks & 3 day old adorable Pug, whines if Im not in bed. I yell out, "Stewie, Im fine, go to sleep".

I put the earbuds back in my ears, and continue stitching. Stewie starts back at whining.

So... I thought, well, those 20 some stitches will have to do. Cause Brian just came out of the bedroom, looking alittle annoyed.

I get to the bedroom, walked past the crate - didnt say a word. But I thought, what the heck Im still not tired, so I brought the audiobook to bed with me.

And not one peep came out of the dog, the rest of the evening.

Seems like our dog isnt happy till his Momma is in the same room with him. :)

Ohio Star - Wisconsin Quilt Blocks on Barns, Block of the Week

2010-07-22T14:32:00.002-05:00

So glad this block was posted a day late, as I was able to get last weeks block finished yesterday. This block just rocked putting it together, and I love the way it turned out. WOW, 29 already...

Block #29 – Ohio Star – Walworth County
Pattern is here - Ohio Star

Find out more about the "Wisconsin Quilt Blocks on Barns, Block of the Week" @ Cre8tive Quilter

County Fair- Wisconsin Quilt Blocks on Barns, Block of the Week

2010-07-21T14:03:00.005-05:00

I was finally able to sit down and work on this block Sunday night, and finished it up last night. Everything was going great putting the pieces together - till I realized that I had one of the pieces facing the wrong way. So I had to rip out the middle and redo the correct piece. But it turned out great! Now hoping to start on the this weeks block soon.

Block #28 – County Fair – Walworth County
Pattern is here - County Fair

Find out more about the "Wisconsin Quilt Blocks on Barns, Block of the Week" @ Cre8tive Quilter

Stewie & the Flower

2010-07-15T22:38:00.003-05:00

Brian took the camera outside, & asked me if I could help him with something with Stewie. This was the result - Stewie with my favorite flower :) ♥ my boys

Changing the saying.. "The one that got away" to " The six that I threw away."

2010-07-08T22:54:00.004-05:00

Its no lie - I love to fish.

So, this afternoon, I had an offer to go fishing at a local walk in lake. Its about a 1.5 mile walk to the secluded lake. We got to the lake about 7pm, and I was busy casting and drowning worms.

Shortly there after, I caught a legal bass (meaning it has to be 14" or more). I thought I better get out the stringer I brought along to keep the fish on while I fish some more.

Caught another Bass, put it on the stringer.

Caught a 3rd Bass, put it on the stringer.

Caught the 4th Bass... you guessed it, put it on the stringer.

Then, I had a HUGE blue gill - the size of my hand (the biggest I have ever caught or seen for that matter.

I caught another nice blue gill, and put it on the stringer. Went to put the stringer back into the water .....

Misjudged the weight..... and the amount of stringer left... and I swear someone put Pam on the blue stringer...

YEP! I threw ALL my fish back into the lake!! And it sunk fast. No proof of my 2 hrs of fishing. I have witnesses, though. Next time.. Im bringing a BUCKET!!!

And taking picture, even though the camera was along.

Stewie update... 9weeks and a few days old

2010-07-08T00:06:00.013-05:00

WOW, this puppy business is keeping both hubby and I busy. Mostly the potty training & the playful biting is coming from this cute little pup.

Stewie has been going to work with me. He has been to work 3 days so far, and the residents and staff love him. I have some really adorable pics of Stewie with others - but with that darn HIPPA law, I don't want to get in trouble.

Stewie is adjusting to his surroundings, just like we are to his. He is a really good puppy. Hubby has trained him to go into his bed. So when Stewie is outside his bed, just laying on the floor, all hubby has to do is say "Stewie, go lay in your bed". And he just walks over to his bed and collapses. Stewie does sleep in a crate at night, get this .. in our bedroom.

Stewie is ... well a snorer. I love it when he snores.

He is growing like a WEED!! I would love to see his brothers and sisters to compare his size, and I think that he would be the biggest. He has like double in size since we brought him home a week & half ago.

Indian Trails - Wisconsin Quilt Blocks on Barns, Block of the Week

2010-07-08T00:01:00.002-05:00

Ive always loved this block since I have seen. And I loved how it turned out!!

Block #27 – Indian Trials - Racine County
Pattern is here - Indian Trials

Find out more about the "Wisconsin Quilt Blocks on Barns, Block of the Week" @ Cre8tive Quilter

Tree Of Life - Wisconsin Quilt Blocks on Barns, Block of the Week

2010-07-02T01:12:00.002-05:00

Wow, this block was a whoosh to put together. I love how it turned out!!

Block #26 – Tree of Life – Walworth County
Pattern is here - Tree of Life

Find out more about the "Wisconsin Quilt Blocks on Barns, Block of the Week" @ Cre8tive Quilter

Twirling Mosaic - Wisconsin Quilt Blocks on Barns, Block of the Week

2010-07-02T01:00:00.003-05:00

Yes - you should notice if you are following along, I missed last week's block. Well I finally had the time to get it done tonight. All I have to blame is work on the delay.

But it was such a fun, fast block to put together. I love the colors!

Block #25 – Twirling Mosaic – Racine County
Pattern is here - Twirling Mosaic

Find out more about the "Wisconsin Quilt Blocks on Barns, Block of the Week" @ Cre8tive Quilter

He's HOME!!

2010-06-27T23:03:00.004-05:00

Stewie has survived his first evening here.. and I think that hubby is in love too!!!

This was Stew on his 2.5 hr ride home tonight.

Happy Father's Day!!

2010-06-20T21:27:00.002-05:00

Bear Paw - Wisconsin Quilt Blocks on Barns, Block of the Week

2010-06-20T00:50:00.003-05:00

WOW, talk about time consuming for a block! But I enjoyed every little piece and every piece of paper I tore off! I love the results on this block - since Im a sucker for bear paws. :)

Block #24 – Bear Paw – Walworth County
Pattern is here - Bear Paw

Find out more about the "Wisconsin Quilt Blocks on Barns, Block of the Week" @ Cre8tive Quilter

Stewie @ 6 weeks

2010-06-13T21:46:00.003-05:00

I was feeling down last week, and I asked my sister to send me a picture of Stewie. Isnt he the CUTEST!! Here he is @ 5 weeks & 2 days

Here he is @ 6 weeks. Two weeks till we bring him home!! CANT WAIT!!

Italian Tile - Wisconsin Quilt Blocks on Barns, Block of the Week

2010-06-10T03:15:00.003-05:00

Just got my butt whooped by a 6.5" quilt block. Dang, only spent the last 4hrs on it. And it didnt turn out the way I wanted it too. Oh well.. Its not perfect, and nor am I!

WOW! Im grateful to have learned Y seams - actually, I enjoyed doing them. But my block didnt seem to show the affects of the enjoyment I had making this block. Cause honestly, it pissed me off in the end. LOL So, I got out my little seam ripper, and well, performed minor surgery in the middle. And.. dang it, I should have left it the way it was. Which is my own darn fault.

But, as they say - you always have to start somewhere, and the Y seams werent that hard to do.

Im almost embarassed to show the block... here it goes... it wont hurt my feelings if no one leaves a comment.. LOL

Block #23– Italian Tile – Green County
Pattern is here - Italian Tile

Find out more about the "Wisconsin Quilt Blocks on Barns, Block of the Week" @ Cre8tive Quilter

Stewie - One month (as of June 2) OLD!

2010-06-06T18:37:00.010-05:00

This past Monday (Memorial Day) thru Wednesday, I went downstate to visit my family, and our new puppy, Stewie.

My niece Natalie was a "flower girl" in the Memorial Day parade. I wanted to see her partake in the ceremony & parade. So, I arrived down there just in time for the parade to start. We went to the cemetery to watch the Memorial ceremony. After, we stopped for lunch, and off we went to the pet store to get the goods, for this little guy.

Stewie was 4 weeks & one - two days old when these pictures were taken. He is growing like a weed!

Star Tile - Wisconsin Quilt Blocks on Barns, Block of the Week

2010-06-06T18:23:00.005-05:00

As you can see there was alittle delay in the making of this block. I had gotten home around 5pm on Wednesday night, and I was in bed by 7pm. So, today was the first day I could actually sit down and work on it.

The middle gaps will disappear when I sew these blocks to another. (Thank goodness!)

Block #22 – Star Tile – Green County
Pattern is here - Star Tile

Find out more about the "Wisconsin Quilt Blocks on Barns, Block of the Week" @ Cre8tive Quilter

Stewie - 25 days old

2010-05-27T19:21:00.005-05:00

My sister sent some pictures of our puppy - Stewie! He was born on May 2, 2010. He is a purebread Pug. You can see the picture of the rest of the clan - here

The plan is to bring Stewie home the weekend of June 12-13th. Brian's bday is June 12 - so I already got my birthday present for Brian.

Stewie was named after Stewie from Family Guy - and if you watch the show... whats the name of the dog... Brian. So.. Brian wanted to name the puppy Stewie. So, Stewie it is.

4H - Wisconsin Quilt Blocks on Barns, Block of the Week

2010-05-26T13:22:00.003-05:00

I really enjoyed putting this block together!! Reminds me of the days of 4H, when I was younger... a long, long time ago.

Block #21 – 4-H – Walworth County
Pattern is here - 4-H

Find out more about the "Wisconsin Quilt Blocks on Barns, Block of the Week" @ Cre8tive Quilter

Aint that the pits...

2010-05-26T00:26:00.001-05:00

Seems like I missed my FIFTH blogversary. Wow, lots has happens, since! How time has changed me.

If you are reading this... Thank you!

So, we went fishing....

2010-05-20T00:45:00.002-05:00

... for the first time this year!

Machine Applique Class

2010-05-20T00:13:00.011-05:00

On Friday last week, while at work, a coworker and I were talking about quilting. She said that she had signed up for a class @ Karen's Quilt Corner (in Eagle River, WI), but she couldn't go. So, some how all, of a sudden I had the supply list for the class.

The class was yesterday. Was a 10am - 3pm class, and boy did it fly by! We were taught 5 versions of machine applique techniques. I mostly already knew how to do fusible, so that was easy for me, but I have always been alittle shy around the actual machine applique of it all.

So.. 5 samples later, I was happy with all that went on during the class. But at times I felt like I was getting alittle too intimate with my Brother since I was so close to it - watching it stitch..LOL I did have some problems with the blanket stitch... switched out the needle. But I did play with the tension, and that help - ALOT.

Here are my samples -
Applique with interfacing - (Ahh - and I just noticed I didn't finish the butterfly with the antennas.. Opps)

Applique with satin stitching -

Blanket Stitch - I had to bring this home to finish it up on the stitching. Love how it turned out!! Going to finish it off, and display it in the bathroom. :)

Free Motion - I just went at it... and the teacher & other students were impressed. Sorry if I like to play outside the box..LOL And the little red dots were suppose to be berries... naww - looked like ladybugs to me!

And, Im going back tomorrow to Karen's.... awesome sale of Fat Quarters - 10 for $10!! SWEET!!!

Hen and Chicks - Wisconsin Quilt Blocks on Barns, Block of the Week

2010-05-19T23:06:00.000-05:00

Almost didn't get around to making this block tonight - but it wouldn't be Wednesday if I didn't get it done. So its done, and went together very fast! I love the bright colors in it. The original block was green with the HST & center, but I like it with the black better!

Block #20 – Hen and Chicks – Green County
Pattern is here - Hen and Chicks

Find out more about the "Wisconsin Quilt Blocks on Barns, Block of the Week" @ Cre8tive Quilter

Flying Frontier - Wisconsin Quilt Blocks on Barns, Block of the Week

2010-05-12T22:16:00.003-05:00

Ahh.. its done! It wasnt the block that caused that "ahh", but it was the Brother. I swear I had to do alot of sweet talking to get the sewing machine to atleast stitch a decent line. I spent alot of time ripping out the loose stitch.

Block #19 – Flying Frontier – Green County
Pattern is here - Flying Frontier

Find out more about the "Wisconsin Quilt Blocks on Barns, Block of the Week" @ Cre8tive Quilter

The Firefighter's Quilt

2010-05-05T17:24:00.006-05:00

As many of you know, I come from a firefighting family. Its in our blood. So, I have been slowly collecting firefighting fabrics, over the years. And then it came time... to do something with it all.

I asked my SIL (who is a firefighter, & married to the Fire Chief {my brother}), if she would be interested in me making them a Firefighting quilt for their couch - since their living room is done in firefighting. Guess what her reply was!?!

I cut out the fabrics into 5" squares, and I did the tumbler cut again. And I L.O.V.E. the results!!!! I just finished up on the hand stitching of the binding today, and was soon outside dodging rain drops to get a few pics.

I pieced and quilted it with the Brother.

Cedar Bend Star - Wisconsin Quilt Blocks on Barns, Block of the Week

2010-05-05T15:12:00.003-05:00

Boy this block was whipped up in no time! It took less than an hour. The Brother was playing really nice today, and I'm happy with the results of the block! And if you know me.. I'm a sucker for patriotic type blocks. So, I love the colors in this block, no doubt!

Block #18 – Cedar Bend Star – Walworth County
Pattern is here - Cedar Bend Star

Find out more about the "Wisconsin Quilt Blocks on Barns, Block of the Week" @ Cre8tive Quilter

Presenting..... our Puppy

2010-05-02T21:32:00.004-05:00

Super excited!! Our Pug puppy was born this evening!! Cant wait to meet our little guy this weekend, and see the rest of the clan! Congrats to Mr & Mrs. Doodle, the proud Pug parents!!

One of these cuties is coming home to live with us, around the end of June.

Here are Princess with her puppies. 3 boys, 2 girls and 1 boy went to live in Heaven with Grandpa.

Growing a Christmas Tree...

2010-05-01T23:55:00.003-05:00

...is hard work!

Its slowing growing (and getting stitched), but its starting to take form. This is an update on Cabin in The Woods. That dark blob you see is the truck and base of the Christmas tree. Seems like a lot of darker colors right now. Hopefully I will be stitching more greens.

Cabin has been taking a back seat to getting stitched on... been working on hand stitching a binding on a quilt... so its slowly growing. :)

Feel like I hit the motherload...

2010-04-28T15:44:00.004-05:00

Makes me happy! But, I'm still sad for the reason for the deal.

I was going to postpone my trip today to Iron River... but I thought I better just go and not have to deal with going tomorrow.

One of the stops I thought I would make was to Wardo's. Well, as I walked in... I found out that it was the last day of business (*Sniff*)

So... EVERYTHING was 85% off! (On Monday it was everything was 75% off with fabric @ 60% off, with no mention of closing)

So... I quickly did a scan of the place - looking for the fabric. And I whimpered alittle when I seen the fabric selection. It was pretty much Fat 1/8th, a handful of fat quarters and 1/2 yards. The whole store was practically empty.

So I started on what I thought I could use.. and picked up a good handful of fabric. Did a little walk around of the store, and came across a plate hanger bracket. I had seen someone use them to display quilts on. So I thought.. why not.

Then I noticed a sign on the wall. Cash Only. Well, guess what.. I don't carry cash on me. So.. since I use to work there, I had asked if I could set my things down by the cash register and walk across the street to the ATM. Get to the ATM.. now I had to decided what to withdraw. So, $60 came back with me to the store.

I get in line to check out...

So..
3 plate hanger display
9X12" Sticky board
2 - bags of plastic pellets
4" hoop
Welcome Kit - I have the book, so I'm sure I can use the kit.
Fat Quarter
9 - 1/2 Yards
19 - Fat 1/8th

The total was $98.05 and I handed the cashier a $20, since it was $15.59

Good deal?

Evergreen - Wisconsin Quilt Blocks on Barns, Block of the Week

2010-04-28T12:21:00.003-05:00

I really enjoyed putting this block together.. but it was the Brother I was having fits with. The tension thread kept getting whacky on me.

And living in the northwoods, this block is so "Me!". :)

Block #17 – Evergreen - Green County
Pattern is here - Evergreen

Find out more about the "Wisconsin Quilt Blocks on Barns, Block of the Week" @ Cre8tive Quilter

Alittle Inspiration....(for me)

2010-04-24T14:47:00.012-05:00

The other week I was looking for local quilt guilds in the area (up here, they are few and far between, as the saying goes).

I came across an ad for a quilt show in Iron Mountain, MI, sponsored by The Spinning Spools Quilt Guild @ Bay College West Campus. Never being in the new campus for the quilt show, I was really impressed. I loved all the natural lighting from the whole ceiling to floor windows. And the quilts just hung from every where! I loved the fact you were able to read the little diddy of the quilt right at eye level.. and I had to walk around with my hands in my pockets not to touch. I was a good girl and only walked out with a charm pack and a 1/2 yd of fabric.

I just wanted to share alittle from the show today - there were no signs or anyone telling me not to take some pictures (and I seen others taking pictures...) so I got out the camera and snapped a few. Enjoy!

Director's Dream - Wisconsin Quilt Blocks on Barns, Block of the Week

2010-04-21T16:35:00.004-05:00

I really enjoyed putting this block together, till I get to piecing the parts together. Then, I had to rip out since I wasn't getting the corners to line up. But I love the results!

I ♥ the colors of this block.

Block #16 – Director's Dream - Green County
Pattern is here - Director's Dream

Find out more about the "Wisconsin Quilt Blocks on Barns, Block of the Week" @ Cre8tive Quilter

TooT TooT!

2010-04-18T20:25:00.002-05:00

Thats me tooting my own horn!

I just got home from work, checked my email to find a comment on my April 16th FNSI post about me winning.. of course I hadnt checked out my Google Reader yet. So off I went to see what was won.

And I found on Bobbi's blog that I won for doing the FNSI. Check out what she said about my tablerunner!

Toot toot!