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Thursday, October 9, 2014

One Old TV Down

I knew we were pushing it with these old tvs at home but as long as they were still working there was no point in upsetting the apple cart. I can't even tell you how old this tv was.  I do know I just had to buy a new remote for the one in our basement because we wore out the buttons on that one.   This morning there was a click and the lights went out on the  tv in the living room.  When we couldn't turn it back on and the cable box was still working we figured it was the tv.  Then when the burnt smell filled the room we knew for sure  .All we had to do was bring up the other tv from downstairs which was pretty much the same size.  Everything seems to be working, even the dvd player and cable remote so that's good.  I'm not up for making anymore major changes right now but we know what we want to do.  That would be to take our present entertainment center and tv to the cabin basement and buy a new stand and flat screen tv for home. There's too much going on right now to even attempt this now.  I should hate saying this but I'm looking forward to a big snowstorm that will keep up home bound for a while.  Shame on me I know.

Tuesday, September 30, 2014


  1. this is my first attempt at writing my blog with my new phone. I still have to figure things out like not having t9abc. Or do I?  There are some real pros with my phone but also some things I wad used to with 
  2. the old. Here are my 5:



  Like how do I get my list of to show up?




Tuesday, September 16, 2014

My Twister Jack

Photo: Twister jack wall hanging done except for quilting. back and binding. More on blog

Well the front is done and at this point I'm seriously adding this to a new series called "Would I do this again?"  This has been over a year in the making and I'm still not done with it.  Part of it is the seasonal aspect of it.  I've said before that I work best with self-imposed  deadlines.  I got the twister tool last summer (2013) at the Row by Row and looked at it for months.  Once I found the twister jack pattern I started accumulating fabric for the squares.  As always, trying to make something with what I already have in my stash leads to more purchases.  It's inevitable that I needed a little more black and at least one more shade of orange.  I didn't start cutting my squares until after Christmas when my other projects were done.  In the spring my hubby was planning a trip to the blue-white game and I thought that would be the perfect time to bang this project out at the cabin.  I never realized how big this project would start out to be.  It covered the whole top of our full size bed and then some.  I didn't anticipate the problem with my machine though.  Part way through the sewing of the rows, it started to squeal.  What an awful sound that was!  It did push me to get the machine serviced.  It wasn't until June that I took the strips to my daughter's house to use the tool and create my twister jack.  A couple more months go by and now, faced with the looming Halloween season, I needed to finish it. When I do finish it I intend to add both the triangles for use on the wall and strips to use it over the railing, either at home of the cabin.  As a final note, since I won't post anything more about jack, the backing will be black and the binding will be orange with block dots.  Done and done!

Thursday, September 4, 2014

Trio of PS Accessories

Photo: My Penn STate accessories for the game. More on blog

I just finished my Penn State floppy hat, necklaces and purse to take to the game this weekend.  Of course I learned some things along the way and thought I'd share my 5 things I learned by making these.
  1. I started making the necklaces first while I was on a roll after the Brown's training camp.  I'm getting down to the bottom of my pile of wooden beads so I ended up enlarging the holes in most of these.  In case any of you haven't made these before, here's the drill.  Cut a strip of material, sew length-wise and turn right side out.  Then you proceed to stuff it with a marble and feed the bead on the outside of the tube.  Mine were pretty tight so the last one stayed in place.  I used my glue to help attach the crimper to the end.  What I learned from this part is not to use any more glue than I absolutely need.  I had to clean it up and put new jump rings on after the first ones broke off. 
  2. The next thing I did was make my floppy hat.  I've made one before but scaled back on the brim.  This time I left it as long as it came.  With this hat, once you get the pattern made, you're home free.  I did have one glitch and from this I learned to always store my grommet tools together with the grommets in one place, duh... 
  3. The purse was what I put off the longest, mainly because I was trying to work it out in my head first how to do it.  The pattern was only for part of it.  I wanted to add an inside pocket and an outside flap to hold cards.  All that thinking seemed to help because once I started it, I just took my time and worked through it.
  4. Believe or not the one thing I messed up on the purse was the part that was the easiest.  The strap was supposed to be 31" but that didn't seem long enough so I cut it at 34".  Well, I should have left it the full 42" like I had originally cut because it was too short.  Luckily I had another long tube that was left over from the necklaces that I could use.  Always make sure before you cut.  Remember the carpenter's rule  -  measure twice, cut once.
  5. I might be just on a roll but things are working pretty well for me lately.  Or maybe it's the attitude that I can do anything that has helped.  Every since the little landscape, I've been empowered.  I learned to keep that positive approach to my projects.

Monday, September 1, 2014

Pillowcase Trick

Ok, so sometimes I feel like I'm the last one on the planet to find something out.  This will be the best way to put on a pillowcase, ever.  I think I read about this in a magazine.  I don't have any trouble putting a case on so I've never really thought about it all that much.  However,  for the cousin's weekend this past summer, I recruited the grandkids to help me get the loft ready.  One of the jobs was putting pillowcases on the pillows, which I gave to Braden.  Oh my, he was totally lost.  I knew girls are always much better at stuff like this and I also knew Audrey would have no problem figuring it out, but I wanted him to learn and accomplish this task.  I really didn't care how it looked as long as it was done.  Whew, that seemed awful hard.  Then I read this article and it said how putting a pillowcase on could be tricky for the first time and here was the tip.  Turn the case inside out and put your arms through to the corners.  Grab the pillow through the case and inch your hands down the length of the pillow, turning it right side out over the pillow.  I just tried it this morning and by golly it works great, even for me.  So next time I see the kids (or whenever Braden gets his cast off), we will have that lesson in putting on a pillowcase.  Maybe the adults can even join in. 

On-Demand Housewives

I guess I get desperate about my TV watching and start looking through the on-demand stuff.  That's what I did yesterday.  Most of these summer shows are over such as The Last Ship, Major Crimes and  Rizzoli and Isles. Of course I always have my Housewives which are pretty much continuous.  However I was caught up with all of that, except the ones from Melbourne.  I didn't know about these ones at first but I'm good with them now.  The same thing happened a while back when I was trying to watch every old Biggest Loser show ever.  I found some in the UK and Australia, I think.  I remember the weights being different so I considered that an educational learning experience.  Anyway, It'll be a long time before the new shows start and thank goodness my on-demand is finally working well.

Thursday, August 28, 2014

My Little Landscape

Photo: Little landscape project I just finished. More on blog

This appliqued landscape was a workshop I took this past Sunday with instructor Lee Paylor.  To tell you the truth I'm really surprised I finished it.  I felt overwhelmed and frustrated when I started it.  I wasn't happy with the path it had taken and didn't know if I would complete it.  Then on Tues. I decided I'd bang it out and get it done, one way or another.  Something happened that afternoon and I found myself enjoying the process and even not wanting to stop.  I couldn't get enough of it.  Then the biggest surprise of all was that I liked the finished project.  It is all the things we have in the field below  the cabin.  Of course you can't see the snakes because they're under the rocks, duh. I also tried a new, to me anyway, way to add hanging loops.  Each of the top corners has a square folded to a triangle sewn in.  That way the dowel rod is slipped inside to hang it up.  That was neat to do.  It is amazing to me how one's attitude can determine what they can accomplish.  I personally thought I was not good at applique  -  no way, no how.  I even thought for me to have any proficiency in this, someone would have to die because there are only so many people in this world who are good at it.  Maybe that's what happened and in that case it needs to be treasured.

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Best Super Glue Remover

Here's another in my best of ... series.  I finished up a couple Penn State necklaces that I wanted to make before the first game we're going to.  I used some jewelry glue to hold the material while I clamped the end shut and, like usual, got it all over my fingers.  I tried goo-gone, paint thinner and lacquer thinner to no avail.  Then I looked it up online and found super glue's kryptonite  -  nail polish remover, aka acetone!  Wow, does that stuff work great.  Hope no one out there knew this trick and never told me before.  I didn't even have to soak my fingers in it.  A quick wipe and I could feel the glue melt and then everything evaporated.  Now I won't have to hesitate to use this glue.  I still don't think it was real super glue based on the size of the tube and price, but once I had it on me, there was no mistaking its traits. Thanks for listening.

Thursday, August 7, 2014

Mac and Cheese Directions

I love mac and cheese  -  let's start off there.  When I'm in the hospital, my favorite thing to order is mac and cheese.  While growing up my mom would make it occasionally with velveeta cheese, unlike the stories of my sister saying she used to make the box mix.  I never tried the box until I was grown up and wondered why I missed out on this.  So I made the box for my family every now and again but I really hated cooking the pasta first and then mixing in the butter, milk and packet.  I guess I don't have a problem with cooking pasta but I felt it was too much trouble for a side dish.  Anyway, years ago I found microwave directions on a box of mac and cheese.  It said to put the uncooked pasta in a microwave-safe bowl with 1 3/4 c. of hot water.  Cook on high for about 10 min., stirring every 3 min.  The water gets boiled up with the pasta so there's no draining.  This works great and I've used it since.  Then last night I was making a box of mac and cheese (pizza flavored which wasn't the greatest) and found stovetop directions.  In a saucepan, mix 1 c. each of water and milk, 4 T. of butter and whatever is in the box, including sauce packet.  Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10-12 min. until pasta is cooked and sauce is thick and creamy.  This also worked great but there was the need to stir so it wouldn't stick in the pan.  I guess I just couldn't get past that pizza flavor.  I think I still like the microwave directions the best but it does give me an alternative if the microwave is not an option. As far as my all time favorite mac and cheese recipe goes I have to mention the Recipe Starter cheese sauce.  We find this at Sharp Shopper for .50 and it is the best with bacon.  You still have to cook your pasta but then you add cheddar and velveeta cheeses plus some milk and bacon to the sauce and bake it. It has the best cheesy taste and the bacon sends it over the top.    Hope this helps someone. 

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Folded Star Ornament

Photo: Finished my folded star ornament. Five things I learned from this to be posted on my blog


Well, it's done.  The colors in the picture look more purplish and blue than they really are but you get the idea.  Here's 5 things I learned from making this.
  1. Fabric selection is probably most important in this project.  I used the same striped Christmas material in the hotpad but with 2 different results.  By the way the back has white in the center, then the same fabrics in the other rows.  The center of this is an old counted cross stitch design I made and found in a drawer.  It worked perfectly I thought.
  2. Another thing that is important is being precise but with this I felt it wasn't necessary to be fanatical about it.  I could have been more particular with better results but this was fun.  I enjoyed pinning instead of all that sewing for a change.  You can always cover up the pins, which I found out 2 rows in.
  3. For the first time I used some tube turners that I bought.  I saw them on one of my sewing shows and thought the purchase would be helpful.  Boy was I right.  I was still turning things with a safety pin.  This consists of a cylinder which is pushed inside the tube of material then a rod is used to push the material down through to turn it right side out.  What an improvement!
  4. To finish off the ornament and cover up the 1/2" of Styrofoam that wasn't covered by the material I put a strip of red, then a narrower strip of the striped material.  I hot glued this in place and learned to make the tube with one end sewn shut which will be glued on first.  I started gluing about 1/2" in from the end so when I came around with the raw edge, I could tuck it under and hide it.  Worked out great.
  5. When I was done with this project my head was spinning from all the math I had to do.  I realize most of this is because I make up my own patterns as I go along.  It would be so much simpler if I just followed a pattern.  But I got it all figured out and I understand the process much better.
My next project will be new pillows for the new couch.  My denim rag ones just don't make the cut.  I'm going to do a rail fence pattern in brown, beiges and a contrasting blue.  All the more reason to finish that ornament so I can start a new project.

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Folded Star Hotpad

Photo: Folded star hot pad I made. More info on my blog http://tswiftgirl.blogspot.com

Here's the folded star hot pad I made.  This is one of those retro patterns that I missed the first time around.  For some reason I didn't make one before.  I guess better late than never.  Anyway I really wanted to do the ornament on the Styrofoam ball but I had the pattern for the pad and thought that might be an easier one to start with.  This one was basted around the edge and was pretty simple.  What was interesting with this one was the material I used for 2 of the rows was a Christmas striped design.  Depending how it is cut and folded determines the pattern that comes out of it.  Next time I would definitely use and place material differently.  So my next project will be the ornament which is all pinned instead of sewn.  I have a bunch of old pins I never use so this would be perfect.  You're probably wondering why Christmas stuff, huh?  Well, this past weekend was Christmas in July on QVC and one of the quilt shops is planning classes that get people going on their gifts.  It got my juices flowing, I guess.

Friday, June 27, 2014

Faux Spider

Photo: Our faux spider at the cabin

It sure looks like a spider but it's just the light bulb and wire inside with the sun shining through.  I've seen this many times and also cringed thinking it was real.  One time I even got a fly swatter and kept looking for it.  I never thought to count how many legs it had or realize how misshapen it was. Maybe I can get the kids going this weekend if they think it is real.

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

My Twister Jack Project

Photo: Twister jack after!

Here's my twister jack after I used the twister too.  I'm really pleased with how it came out especially since I just did this based on what I saw on the internet.  Before I started I had no idea how this was going to end up.  It is fairly simple, as I found out,to come up with a pattern.  Just lay out your 3 1/2" squares to look like the picture you want and sew them together.  My tool was the lil' twister, not the smallest I don't think.  I thought this translated to a picture better than the bigger ones.  This project was definitely not a quickie by any means.  I had my squares cut out a while ago and like usual I got side tracked into doing something else.  I finally decided when I was at the cabin by myself and the hubby was off to a blue/white game, that it was time to start.  Mistakenly I figured I could have it finished by the end of the day.  Boy was I wrong.  All those 3 1/2" squares had to be sewn in strips and then the strips together.  This thing covered our double bed at the cabin.  I don't know how many times I started to rethink this project.  I barely got the squares sewn into strips and my machine started to squeal.  Not a good sound.  It had been years since I got my mom's old Singer Touch and Sew serviced so  it didn't really surprise me.  I prodded on to finish the strips hoping I wasn't doing any permanent damage to the machine.  Anyway the project was put away yet another time to wait for the right time.  In the mean time, my machine has been serviced and ready to go.  Then when I went over to my daughter's to watch the dog, I took the project.  She had a big table to work on so it worked pretty well  -  hence the first picture on facebook (twister jack before).  By that time I was itching to finish it up so after I got the washcloth overnighters done I was on to twister jack.  Deadlines, especially self-imposed, are my friends as I realized.  With the grandkids coming next week I knew the sewing machine will be idle so I completed it yesterday.  It was really fun to do though time-consuming, but not in a hard way.  Some would say there is too much waste but with my idea to make this into a seasonal wall hanging, I have plans for as much as the scrap as I can.  I'm also looking into other projects I can use the tool with.  I see that the Christmas tree lends itself especially well to this technique.  And with the way quilters are, I'm sure someone will come up with more ideas.

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

The Best Ant Remedy

Had a new idea to increase my blog posts as things are getting rather scarce around here.  Lately I have to finish a quilting project to post.  Anyway I'm starting a Best of ... series.  I figure I have a good bit of experience in certain things and I should spread the wealth.  This is by no means anything scientific just my personal opinion and I welcome opposing thoughts.  So here's the first.

We all usually have ants in the house at some point.  It's not necessarily a matter of cleanliness just them getting inside where they can and after something they want.  I've tried the traps and liquid on cardboard that is supposed to take the poison back to their hill but what works for me to keep them away is citrus peels.  A while back I started peeling lemons and oranges and putting them in the freezer for later use.  I couldn't see eating an orange and throwing all that peel away.  The same for a lemon if all I wanted was the juice.  So what I do is take a strip of peel out of the freezer bag and lay it on the counter where I've seen the ants.  Voila  -  gone.  It also leaves a nice scent.  It will dry and curl up and when the scent leaves, you can put out another one. 

So that's my first idea.  Hope this helps someone out there.

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Washcloth Overnighters

Photo: Washcloth overnighters for upcoming cousin's weekend

Here are my washcloth overnighters that I made for the kids for cousin's weekend. I was really pleased with how the names turned out.  I used my machine to do this so it was super easy.  I will put a toothbrush, paste, floss picks and a comb in each one.  Hopefully they'll be able to use them other times such as camping.  Hey, I might even make one for myself to use.  Never know who can get some use out of it.

Monday, May 12, 2014

Patriotic Passion for Flags

Photo: My bargello waving flag


Well, finished my bargello flag yesterday except for the hanging loops on the back.  I have to do some research about that.  I learned and tried a lot of new things for this project.  They are:
  1. This time I followed the pattern exactly and it made quite a difference.  The only thing I did a little different was the strips for the star binding.  I was using a fat quarter and they are only cut about 21" and I needed a 44" length.  So I sewed two together.  No big deal there.  The rest went fairly smooth. 
  2. This was the first time I completed a project using the strip piecing method.  I've done a little here and there but this showed me the ropes.  The pattern was very precise and as long as I did what it said, I was ok.  I even had some strips left over to put in my scrap basket.  Never know when I can use it.
  3. This was also the first time for bargello.  I started a pillow doing the original bargello on the special material but never finished it.  I loved the concept and the final look though.  The bargello quilt patterns I've seen are beautiful and eventually I'd like to make one of the arch rock road on the way to Harrisburg.  It turned out to not be as difficult as it looks.  Just take it one row at a time. 
  4. The binding technique was new for me this time.  I cut my strips as per the pattern and used both materials to blend in better.  Then for the final sewing I used the machine to do all my dirty work.  It didn't happen the first time but I got it. 
  5. The last thing that I have yet to do is the loops for the hanging.  Like I said I have to research that but I'm confident I'll find a way to put it on the front door of the cabin. 
I'm really happy with my flag and kind of surprised I finished it so quick.  I thought it would be nice for the summer on the front door of the cabin.  Only another week until my next class so I'm glad it's done. 

Friday, April 25, 2014

Quickie Project

Well, after sending my sewing machine to the shop to get cleaned, I expected to be looking for other things to do.  It wasn't the case.  He called the next day saying my machine was done.  I felt silly for not wanting to hear good news but I've been through this before.  I feel sometimes they zip through it too quick and don't catch the real problems.  I guess time will tell.  I was told there is a 90 day guarantee on stitch quality so "sew away".  That's exactly what I did.  I found a project in a magazine that was online so I copied it.  It was for a thread catcher bag with weighted pin cushion.  I decided to use some material my son and daughter bought me.  It was a cute idea and one that if nothing else I could use when I go to my classes.  The only part that I wasn't sure about was the weight in the pin cushion which was supposed to be sand.  I just didn't like that part and wondered if some might come out through the seam.  We didn't have any anyway and their substitute was drapery weights.  I remember my mother using butter knives in the drapes to hold them down.  We've come a long way. I really didn't want to make a trip to the store and buy anything so I asked my hubby if he had something that might work.  Well, he suggested the fishing tackle that I used on several occasions in the past.  I told him they should set up a fishing tackle department in the sewing or craft store.  When I had my girl scout troop I used swivels for the bracelets we made, another type of swivel for the ribbon twirlers for Audrey's party and now sinkers for my pin cushion.  It can go both ways with crafts and hardware supplies as I've mentioned to my hubby if he needs something specific to try the craft store.  These sinkers worked great!  By the way, my machine is working really well so far so I'll keep my fingers crossed.  I also plan on writing a blog sometime after Sat. highlighting some crafts I made for my daughter's doggy birthday party.  I'm sure you'll get a kick out of it.

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Recipes Handed Down

I'm talking about something a little different today.  I've been preoccupied with sewing for awhile now but as my machine is in the shop, I need a diversion.  I watched an Essential Pepin cooking show last night about puff pastry and cream puffs.  I've always been fascinated with recipes involving dough, mainly because my mother was also.  I remember us making strudel together and coming home from school to see a bunch of Hunklich or Maple Twists ready for the taking.  Her specialty was cream puffs though, and not solely based on my word.  One year when I was in 6th grade with Mr. McQuistan we were having an auction in class.  My mom made a big plate of cream puffs to be sold.  My teacher pulled me aside and asked if I had counted how many were on the plate because he was taking a couple before the festivities even got started.  Humor escaped me in those days but I knew they would be a popular treat.  Anyway, back to my tv show.  I was curious to see if Pepin had any memorable tips for dough making and I was shocked to find out his technique.  My mom always said to hand stir the eggs in one at a time or else.  Well, Jacque said first of all to not put eggs in a hot saucepan with the dough.  He then proceeded to put the dough in the food processor, add all 3 eggs and whirl the heck out of them.  I was shocked!!!!!  It seemed to work and who would argue with Jacque Pepin?  I hope if my mother were here with us today she would have embraced the new tool and technique for making cream puffs.  Maybe she would even make her apple pies in the microwave, use real pumpkins for her pumpkin pie and also make hardtack in the microwave also. Love you Mom.

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

My Cabin Wall Hanging

Photo: Got my cabin wall hanging done. More to follow on my blog 

Here's my cabin wall hanging I just finished.  This is just the front of it but when I get several of my projects completed, I will quilt them all.  I really enjoyed putting this one together with all the different blocks with special meaning for the cabin.  I'll try and explain here the areas I wanted to cover and why I put them in my wall hanging.
  1. The first area was the cabin itself.  I made a paper pieced cabin, a flag that we hang over the railing of the front porch and a blue canning jar like the ones I have on the window sills.  I was pretty proud of myself for these blocks because I had no patterns for any of them.  I especially wanted the cabin to look like ours without going too far with it. 
  2. The second area was the animals at the cabin.  Some of these blocks are included in two areas.  The center block is called a Bear Paw block.  What I found interesting with this was it was made about 3 years ago when I first started quilting.  As I put it in with the others, I realized how far I've come skill-wise.  The other animal blocks are wolf, deer, Smokey the Bear, snake, hummingbird and frog.  Of course there are more but these were the obvious.
  3. The next area was nature or outside the cabin.  For this I used the sun (I know it looks more like a star),paper pieced fern, leaves,and snowballs.
  4. The fourth area was the four seasons which has already been mentioned in previous blocks.  My ideas for the seasons are spring  -  peepers , summer  -  hummingbird, fall  -  leaves, and winter  -  snowballs.  
Once again by not having a pattern for most of these blocks, completing the project was not easy.  I guess it wasn't as bad as it could have been though.  Next step  -  quilt it and hang it on the railing.

Saturday, April 12, 2014

Log Cabin Star

Photo: My latest creation from quilt classHere's the star I made in my quilt class at Lakefarmpark.  It was a very interesting class where I encountered many new techniques.  I also feel like I contributed something to the class by bringing a template that I had bought that made 5 pointed stars.  The instructor had never seen it before and was quite interested.  I learned 5 things while making this block in addition to my ideas in order to finish my project.  They are:
  1. As far as prepping for the actual block, I learned to turn off the steam in my iron while I'm pressing strips, seams or completed project.  I guess that's why I had so many wonky edges.  I also created a sample grid to preview my placement of fabrics.  I would never had put so much time into that before but I realize now what a help it is.
  2. The major technique in this quilt block is the log cabin on a diamond shape.  It puts a whole new twist on the old block and I love that secondary design with the center star. 
  3. The one thing I was never interested in doing was applique and avoided it at all cost.  Unfortunately when I got to class I realized that was how it was sewn on the background.  When I reached that point in the process I started hand sewing it on but got very bored with that.  So, for the first time I used one of my decorative machine stitches and appliqued my star on.  I couldn't have been happier with the results.  I doubt if you can see from the picture but, trust me, it looks great!
  4. In completing this project I wanted to make additional stars to surround the big one.  The instructor of the class had shown us how to make a smaller star using the same technique but with background fabric in the center and only one row of blue around the outside.  When it is also appliqued on the background, all you see is the outside star and the rest blends in.  Great tip. 
  5. The last thing I learned was how to use this new Jewelbox star template that I took to class.  The one I really like was the one that was fussy cut and when completed it looks like a kaleidoscope design.  Love it!
Well the project is not done yet but I have a fairly good start on it.  I'll show you when I can put all these new wall hangings up at the cabin.  Can't wait.

Saturday, March 1, 2014

The Storyteller in Me

I am having so much fun creating my new wall hanging.  I'm not quite ready to post it, even partially done, but soon.  This is the one about the cabin and having a story for each block.  I'm using a lot of my scraps, especially in ways I never expected.  I'm also honing my paper piecing skills like you wouldn't believe.  I'm searching for new ways to do things and also those stories I talked about before.  It's not without its mistakes like I always say  but then I'm not taking the easy way with this wall hanging.  When I get all the blocks done I will post a picture of my design wall.  That's not to say it will look that way when I'm done but that's the point.

Friday, February 28, 2014

Frigid Temps Again

Yes, we had those frigid temps again last night  -  -12 this morning.  When will it end?  I've written before about us being number 1 in snowfall and how I've seen cold weather here before but never this prolonged.  The last gas bill wasn't too bad but I'm afraid to see the next one.  It's sad when we're excited when it gets in the 20's like that's so much warmer.  I've also never seen so many pile-ups on the interstates as this year.  I used to think accidents were the fault of drivers who didn't know how to drive in the snow or weather conditions but this year has changed my opinion.  The pile-up yesterday on I79 close to here was because of a whiteout and the people weren't going fast.  It just came on so sudden and even if you didn't hit the guy in front of you, it didn't mean the guy behind you wouldn't run into you.  We saw the storm come up and couldn't see up the road either.  I'm just so thankful we're retired and can just stay put until it's all over with.  Hey, I can walk to the store if I have to.

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Snowball Blaster Toy

You've probably heard of snowball makers and block makers for snow forts but never one that actually makes the snowballs then shoots them.  Well, yesterday while we were shopping at Bed, Bath and Beyond, we found one.  But why do they put stuff on sale past the check-out?  I've always wondered that in other stores too.  I mean over thinking your purchase has got to be a retailers nightmare.  That's exactly what we did but it certainly caught our eyes.  I guess how it works is there is a removable ball maker on top where you put the snow in, close it, and the balls are formed.  From there you feed the balls into a chute that shoots them.  The hilarious part about it was the warning label.  It said you should never throw snowballs at friends, enemies, animals or people.  I mean who else is there!  Get real.  I understand they probably need to do this to protect themselves but this is the fun part of throwing snowballs. They could have said not to throw them at people's faces.  The truth is that most of the time the snow is not good for packing and they break up too soon but snowballs are known for disintegrating as soon as they hit anyway.  They danger would be in making the snowballs ahead of time, leaving them out in frigid weather and letting them ice over.  I'll grant them that.  You also have to hit your target which is hard and we're not convinced this will help those balls reach their target.  Anyway, I thought it was an intriguing idea and worth keeping an eye on.  If it gets reduced even more and we have another 20% off coupon maybe one will end up at the cabin for some winter fun.  I hope the label ends up inside the back cover of Consumer Reports or late night TV.

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Five things I learned from making this quilt


Photo: The latest quilt, finished!

Here are the 5 things I learned from making this quilt.
  1. Make sure you buy enough material from the beginning.  I thought I had but since I created the size of the quilt from another pattern that was for a table runner, I misjudged the amount.  Never assume when you go back to get more that they will still have it.  This time I really lucked out and with the white, they had a bolt that hadn't been opened yet.  The gray was a different story.  They were completely out of it at my store and were waiting for them to make more.  Thankfully I went to the JoAnn's in Westlake and found it.  Now I have plenty.
  2. Be very precise in cutting the pattern if you want everything to fall into place later.  My problem with this was that I was making my own templates.  For the circle pattern I had to find something that was a 12 " diameter so I used a dinner plate.  It still wasn't perfect and it showed later.  Hopefully I'm the only one who will be able to tell. 
  3. The quilting process itself needs to be thought through.  The pattern showed a diagram of how it should be quilted at the end of the piecing.  I found out that would not work for me very quickly. I needed to sew each row and quilt it before sewing it to the main quilt.  That way I would not have a bunch of quilt to the right of my needle and would make it very difficult to work with.
  4. This kind of ties in with the quilting process because sometimes you need to change your sewing room to accommodate it. With the help of my hubby, we set up a 6' table and moved my sewing table around so when I quilted this the bulk of the quilt would follow the table.  It worked pretty well.  I also waited until I was ready to do all my quilting to change the room.   I also found out that my back will be more comfortable if I have a higher ironing table. 
  5. The last thing I realized was that I need a completion date to keep me on track.  I guess that's why I'm able to finish so much right before Christmas.  This was a more open-ended deadline and I got very lazy with it. 
So there you have it.  By the way this quilt will go to Lesley who picked out all the material and layout.  It was supposed to go with her new couch at the time but she no longer has that.  I also wanted something that would stand up to the dogs and machine washing, hence all the machine quilting.  And as you can see I learned a lot from the process.  Enjoy, Les.

Thursday, January 23, 2014

New Direction

I'm hoping my projects will take a new direction this year.  I have a couple of quilt tops done or almost done but have yet to get them finished, either by myself or outsourcing.  I've found that I so much prefer smaller projects that I can quilt on my own.  My plan is to make all those wall hangings I want for my railing at the cabin.  I've been planning this since the day we moved in there.  At first I didn't want seasonal hangings but now I'm all for it.  The way I figure, I can put them up and take them down just like the seasons change.  Last fall I started my Twister Jack block but didn't finish it yet.  I had too many other things to do than work on a Halloween project.  It's ready to go whenever I am though.  Right now what I'd like to do is my cabin hanging.  So far I have a log cabin block, bear's paw block, Smokey the bear block and a pine lodge block.  I also want to make a log cabin (house) block, flag, snake, sun and possibly more animal blocks.  Size will definitely be an issue with this.  I want it to be something we look at and remember a story about it.  I'm hoping this will be an outlet for me to make several of the projects I have on my list. 

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

New Vest

I just finished a denim vest that my hubby ordered from Mary's sewing place.  Ha, Ha.  That's kind of what it seems like sometime.  In fact, I told him one of the most intimidating phrases is "You know what I could use?"  That always leads to some sewing project.  It's not that I don't like doing it, in fact, it's just the opposite.  I loved making this once we got past the preliminaries like style, material and function.  I spent all day yesterday playing around with different pockets to put on it and learned a lot from it.  I was glad I could make something for him since he is very supportive of my sewing habit.  Couldn't ask for anyone better!  Now I just have to prepare myself for the inevitable dirt that will befall this brand new vest and I know it will come.  But I'd rather have it be filthy and well worn than pristine and still in the closet.   Amen.

Saturday, January 11, 2014

My New Design Wall

Sounds really fancy like out of Project Runway or something.  But all it is is a piece of flannel material taped to a wall.  The fabric pieces stick to it so you can display it all before you sew.  I decided to make a Christmas tree skirt out of what I was using for years which was an old round tablecloth.  I cut squares of the tablecloth and mixed them with other Christmas material that I had.  I needed to spread them out to see how they would look best and then I made my design wall.  It works great by the way.  Half of the skirt is done and I already found a piece that doesn't go very well.  Now back to the other half.

Friday, January 10, 2014

We're #1

Yes, that's right.  We're #1 in snow totals for the season in Erie, PA.  This came as a surprise to me for several reasons.  I guess the first was because we were actually here so little so far.  But really I've seen a lot more snow here in other years.  I think one thing that happened this year was the temperature changes.  Usually when we get snow it's cold and it stays cold.  This year it spiked to above freezing temps and then plummeted to frigid ones.  That got rid of a lot of the snow where in the past we would have a snow covered road all winter.  But like I said I remember times when we were literally snowed in.  I also remember those times with -15 degrees during the day so these cold temps were bad but still not something that I've never experienced.  I guess all in all you learn to live with it, drive in it, shovel it and enjoy it since you have no other choice.  It is also a sign that I'm getting older and not much phases me anymore.