Yes, our Pugs are ...

SPOILED!

Runs like a Deere...

Lately I have been seeing John Deere green & yellow.  About a month ago I finished up a John Deere quilt for my soon to arrive nephew (any day now). (Remember this post showing the birth of a quilt - here.)  I used the Baby Lattice quilt pattern on Moda Bake Shop.  Of course I dug into my stash of John Deere fabric and did alot of fussy cutting.  Here is the result

I gave the quilt at the baby shower for my sister.

So, while visiting with my Mom before the baby shower, my Mom came across the John Deere soft books.  Into the cart they went.  The plan was to get them done before the shower... ya right!  Well Im leaving in a few days to visit with my family, so I was able to get them finished.  I have to say -- I HATE printed fabrics like this.  The printing is so off, and to cut a straight line, you have to fussy cut the fabric, which of course makes it off, totally off.  The first book I made (Farm Sounds), was really bad with the crookedness of the fabric, but I made due.  Counting with John Deere went so smoothly.  I actually enjoyed putting it together.

I started and finished the Counting book this evening, and I got to thinking of making one of those ribbon blankets.  I have no ribbon, so I just used scraps!  All those little JD scraps I held onto worked out great!



Cabin In The Woods - 05.08.12

Tonight I needed to move over Cabin as my wrist were starting to cramp from the design being too close to the QSnap. So I thought I would snap a picture.

Here is a previous of Cabin, what is looked like at the last post So, here it as of today -- only 11ish pages to go!

Almost burnt the house down...

I have the Ultimate Table Top Lamp -- and while using it yesterday afternoon. The daylight bulb started flickering, and I looked up to find smoke coming from under the lampshade!!

I quickly turned off and unplugged the lamp. I found a burn mark on the base of the bulb.

Thank God I was right there with the light on, and caught it in time, or I dont want to think of what would have happen. Counting my blessings.

Here are some pictures of the bulb. I had phoned contacted Daylight to let them know of this happening. Was kinda shocked that they didnt want to take my info at first, till I asked if I could leave it with them. The rep did take my name, location & phone number. I also did send an email to the company with info of what happen, and the pictures of the bulb. My brother who is a Fire chief has already asked for the bulb if the company does not wish to have the bulb. He would share it with the fire investigation unit, he is involved with.

Cabin In The Woods - 03.16.12

Ive been meaning to post an update... but then I would just want to stitch some more, till I got to a certain point. Well, here is the update -- up till yesterday. This was the previous post, showing progress - 01.08.2012 Progress

Looking at the pattern, Im like a few stitches away from having a complete Cabin :)

Birthing the John Deere Quilt

My Sister is having a boy at the end of June... so it was a no brainer as to what theme the quilt would be -- John Deere of course. I wanted to do something "different". I had thought of using the Yellow Brick Road pattern (which I had already used when I made Owen's John Deere quilt). Thought of a Turning Twenty quilt pattern, but then I hit Google. I ended up finding a "charm pack" quilt design - "Baby Lattice Quilt" . Well I knew I had plenty of fat quarters to work with... so I just ended up cutting them up into 5" squares and went from there... so here is the process of 'birthing' the quilt.

Also -- since tomorrow is National Quilt Day, and I have to work, and since tonight was Friday Night Sew in ... I got busy!

The fat quarters & sashing fabric... before the iron & cut

The Iron, spray bottle, and Spotify! I <3 Spotify! Rocked it out to the Train & 90's music.

Fussy cutting.....

and fussy cutting.

Did some serious cutting here.

Here are the 50 - 5" blocks I needed.

BREAK TIME -- as you can see, apple & the Pepsi Max were enjoyed....LOL

Then it was on to cutting the sashing & the triangles

The pile of scraps. Love piles like this! (as long as they are not big enough to hoard for another project..LOL)

All set to get the sew on!

Sewing the rows together.

Ironing, and ironing, and ironing.....

All 10 rows are COMPLETE :)

From Row 1 to Row 10 in the pile.

Called it a night... all set to go again with sewing the sashing to making the rows. Looking forward to this step.

Cabin Update - 01.08.12

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

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

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..

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

Aprons

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

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

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

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!

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...

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

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

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.

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

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!