just1morestitch

My Poor Kitty

2011-08-12T09:53:00.000-05:00

My poor kitty is very upset right now. She was having a problem and had to go to the vet today. Because of a burst anal gland, and the need to let it heal, she is a Conehead kitty for the next week. She has not let me get any really good pictures, but here is what I have.

Benson Farmers Market

2011-05-08T10:56:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was my first booth at this year's Benson Farmers Market. It is a fun market that tends to get busier as the summer builds. Yesterday did not have as many vendors as it will later, but it is a very friendly place. My sales were reasonable, and I was able to trade an Oven Dress for some flowers to give my Mother for Mother's Day. I will be at the market again on 5/21, which is Safety Day. There will be police, fire, and health screenings, along with the vendors. Enjoy the pictures.

Frustrating Problems with Quilt stand

2011-03-29T15:09:00.000-05:00

I have not been able to use my quilt stand because the locking ratchets are not working. I spoke to the Grace Frame company, and they have replacement ratchets that will cost about $29 (including shipping) for all four. I hope to have them in a week, and then will get to get started. Good thing I have other work to do, but it is so frustrating having worked so hard to get the room ready and the frame up, to not be able to use it.

Quilting room set up

2011-03-26T19:55:00.002-05:00

Not only is my quilting room set up, but so is my quilting machine. I am so excited, and hope to recover enough from the work of setting it up to get some muslin loaded and to practice using it. I have a lot of new shelving, and even Rafia'a decided she had to check out how they would fit here. Looks like it worked out well for her. I know that the new look and feel of the room will work well for me. I can't wait to show pictures of finished quilts from the machine!

Birthday Flowers

2011-03-26T19:47:00.002-05:00

My Mother decided that since I just had my 50th birthday, she had to send me some flowers. I got some nice pictures, that also show the changes in my quilt room. We had gone out earlier in the week for dinner, so I told her she did not have to do anything on my actual birthday. Thankfully she does not know what department I work in, so the flowers could not be delivered at work, but were delivered at my house instead.

Book widget

2011-03-18T14:42:00.000-05:00

I am entering a contest from Susan Mallory, and hope this works.

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Dining area done, Quilting area started

2011-03-18T01:27:00.003-05:00

I have finished painting the two coats in the dining area of my quilt room, and have put on the first coat of paint on my quilting area. I will do the second coat on Saturday (I hope) and move furniture and bins around to do the other half on Sunday. I will probably go to Dinner and Sewing at one of my favorite quilt shops Friday night, because the mess in the quilt area means I can't sew there. The dining area has blue gray walls, the quilt area will be the green. Enjoy the pictures.

Painting again

2011-03-06T21:04:00.000-06:00

I started the painting of my quilt room today. about 1/4 to 1/3 of the room is the dining area off my kitchen, so I primed and painted that area the same color as the kitchen. I have done the first coat, and will get the second one done by the end of the week so that I can start on another section of the wall next weekend. Here are some pictures to enjoy.

January 2011 Snow Storm

2011-01-10T16:20:00.002-06:00

We are having the first snow storm of the new year. It is not too bad, but they are saying that blowing of the snow will start on Wednesday. I know that that is not what I wanted to hear, and the idea of deep chills this week are also not welcome. Unfortunately, all of this is very normal for Nebraska in January. I just heard that we should have between 6-8 inches by tomorrow am.

Oh, the views of the side of my house are what was left after my snow blower sent snow into the side of the house. I don't really have anywhere else to blow it on the side of my house. Of course, some of the snow on the tree on the back porch came from the drive as well.

Christmas at Mom's

2010-12-26T20:36:00.002-06:00

Here are a few pictures from Christmas dinner at my Mom's yesterday. She has announced that this was the last year she will be having Christmas (or Thanksgiving) dinner at her house. She says she is getting to old for all of the work. My sister Barb and I have said we will have to discuss who's house it will be at next year - just not till next summer is over. Here are a few pictures from the evening - Mom is in the rocker, Barb has my gift to her (a quilted table runner) and I am standing in front of Mom's tree. I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas.

Christmas Tree is up

2010-11-27T21:12:00.002-06:00

I have a fake tree (so much safer than a real one) that is only about 5 feet tall, and very narrow. It is the best size for my living room. I got the lights up, and some of my ornaments as well. I got my camera to take pictures without a flash, so you can see it how it looks. I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving, and is getting ready for Christmas. I know that I have been sewing some gifts, as most everyone will get homemade this year, it is more fun trying to figure out what to make for each person.

Fall Table Runner

2010-10-31T17:35:00.002-05:00

I just got done today with a fall inspired table runner. It was a very easy pattern from "Happy Hour" by Atkinson Designs. I plan to make some for the Papillion LaVista South High School craft fair on 11/20. I had forgotten that I had signed up for this fall, and am glad I still have a fair amount of other product.

Here are some pictures of the table runner. First before I quilted it, and after I put the binding on.

On Art Fire now

2010-10-19T12:58:00.002-05:00

I am setting up a new shop on Art Fire. I have never been there before, but decided to try it out. I hope everyone will visit the site, or my already established Etsy site. The Art Fire site is http://www.artfire.com/users/Just_1_More_Stitch

New Items on my Etsy Site

2010-10-18T19:38:00.003-05:00

I have finally gotten myself to get moving and updated my Etsy site. I removed several items (curling iron bags) and added some of my Oven dresses. I planning to add some more hot pad holders and coasters. Then I need to take pictures and re-add the revamped curling iron bags. That is because the now have squared corners and can be used to hold wine bottles and keep them cold. If you like what you see, please visit my Etsy site.

Here are the Oven dresses I put up.

9/11 Memories

2010-09-11T19:06:00.002-05:00

I think of the all the brave men and women who died at the hands of the terrorists 9 years ago today. My thoughts and prayers go out to the families and the survivors of that day.

I was working a 9a-6p shift, and did not have the news on because I had found that if I had the news on I was often late to work. By the time I left, I was upset that I could not get any music on the car radio, and did not understand what had happened. I did not really understand until I got into work, and everyone explained that two planes had hit the World Trade Center. Less than 30 minutes later, the first tower came down.

I hope that everyone has taken some time today to stop, pray, and thank those who rushed in where others ran out.

At the AppleGrass Blue Grass Festival

2010-09-07T20:16:00.002-05:00

I had one of the best weekends, running a booth at the Applegrass Blue Grass Festival at the Ditmars Apple Orchard in Council Bluffs. If it had not been for the need to get more weights to keep my tent from flying away, I would have had a really good profit! It was the first time for the festival, I am excited to see how much it grows next year. I also hope to have a booth at the Pumpkin Festival there in October. This weekend there is a hot air balloon glow on Friday, and I plan to go back out with Mom to see it.

Enjoy the photos!

Getting Into Different Shows

2010-08-20T22:11:00.002-05:00

I did not get into the Aksarben Farmers Market this Sunday, but that may be a blessing in disguise. I just heard on the weather that the temperature will be in the 90's again. I did get some good news though, I am going to be at the AppleGrass Bluegrass Festival over Labor Day weekend. You can find out more at www.applegrassfestival.com. I hope that anyone who can come do so, and I hope to get into Aksarben next Sunday.

Midtown Crossing Farmers Market

2010-08-15T07:05:00.003-05:00

Yesterday was the second Saturday that I was at the Midtown Crossing Farmers Market. It is a very nice, well organized market, and I enjoyed being there. Unfortunately, because it is so new (this is the first year) and the area's redevelopment is also so new, very few people are coming out. I barely made the cost of my booth both weeks. So next week I think I may try the Sunday Farmers Market at Aksarben.

Here are some pictures from Saturday of my booth. The organizers provided the tent and the large table.

Going to the Farmers Market

2010-08-03T21:15:00.000-05:00

I am going to be at the Midtown Crossing Farmer's Market the next two Saturdays. I hope to have pictures to post after the first one. I would love to see anyone who is in the Omaha area one of these two days.

Storms then Rainbows

2010-07-14T21:06:00.002-05:00

We had a nasty rain/wind storm tonight. While there was no real damage around my house, I did have 3 power blips (power goes off/on really quick). When it was passed, there was still some sunlight, and some light rain. I went outside, and what did I find - a rainbow of course. Thankfully, I went out with my camera in hand, and got pictures. I hope everyone who comes here, enjoys the pictures!

Sad Word on my Necchi Leila

2010-07-11T22:20:00.002-05:00

I got some sad news from my repair shop on the Necchi Leila I had found at a garage sale. The machine needed all new belts, and because the machines have not been made for years, the cost of finding replacement belts was over $100, not counting any work. As much as I would have loved to repair the machine, it is not in my budget. So, my Leila is going to a sewing machine grave yard in Lincoln.

New Job

2010-07-06T18:40:00.001-05:00

Started my new job today. I am also working this weekend at my old job. This is going to be one long week, but I am excited about the change. I don't really have any pictures, just want to put a note in.

Garage Sale Finds

2010-06-04T15:13:00.002-05:00

I went out to several garage sales over the last couple of days. I found a lot of fabric and scraps, cut squares and hearts, as well as completed blocks. Two of the blocks are obviously part of the same pattern, and the other two are hand pieced. Since I doubt I will ever do hand piecing, and I loved the looks of the blocks, I decided to get them. I also got an antique table cloth and four napkins. I love the stitching on them. Some days you just get really, really lucky.

Laurie getting the dogs to sit

2010-06-04T14:55:00.003-05:00

Had some fun over at a friend several days ago. In spite of her request, I just could not resist posting the video of my friend Laurie getting her 3 dogs to sit. It works well with all but the littlest one, who just is too hyper. Enjoy.

Peonies are blooming

2010-05-25T10:06:00.003-05:00

Last year my peonies did not bloom. I had buds, but never any flowers. This year they are blooming, and I am enjoying the progression of the flowers, from just one to the multiples that are now showing up. I decided to share, and hopefully bring a smile to someones day.

Garage Sale Finds

2010-05-24T11:22:00.002-05:00

Went to a garage sale in my neighborhood this weekend. I got several items, two of which I am really excited about. One is a stand mixer. It is an older Hamilton Beach - it came with bowls. There are times when I am baking that I have wanted one of these, and for just $2 now I do - and it works!

The other item is a lounge chair. I will need to reupholster it, but it will be so cool. And, it is comfortable!

Of course, I also got some fun pictures of Rafia'a resting. It was sooooooooooooo cute, and so Rafia'a!

EQ7 Contest

2010-05-05T03:45:00.003-05:00

Electric Quilt has a new version of their program coming out. They have given 10 bloggers a free copy to keep, and a copy to give away to one of their readers. I have just entered at Prairie Primrose Stitches blog, and am posting the story here for an extra chance at winning.

You can go to her blog, it is under the list of blogs I follow. Good luck to everyone who enters this contest.

Active Saturday

2010-05-01T22:41:00.002-05:00

I have had an active Saturday, and am now trying to stay awake at work. I went to several garage sales this morning, and made some great finds. The best was the box of about 100 zippers of varying sizes for $10. This means I can make lots of zipper pouches, varying the sizes, and actually make a profit when I sell them!! Then I went to my second class on how to tat, learned about picots and learned to combine the two ways to stitch. I also learned how to read the patterns, and have a pattern to make a bookmark. I cannot wait to see what more we learn at the last class next Saturday! I plan to go to the Omaha Farmer's Market next Saturday as well.

Living room finishes

2010-04-22T21:40:00.002-05:00

I have done the finishing of my living room today. I had a Tupperware party, and wanted to have my living room done. I am very happy with what is done, and have only a few things to do, most of which will have to wait until I have the money. I keep looking up and around, and am so very happy. Now I have more to do in other rooms, not sure when I will get to them, but this is inspiring. Next week I will have to concentrate on the yard, especially since I have not yet mowed.

Oven dresses

2010-04-09T02:45:00.002-05:00

I have just finished three oven dresses. These are kitchen towels that are used to make a dress that is hung over oven handles - hence an oven dress. Laurie, a friend of mine wants two dresses for gifts. I found two different fabrics for one of the towels she wanted, so I made up both. The oven dress she decides not to buy will go on my Etsy site. The really good news is that Mimi, my Tupperware sales lady, saw the oven dresses, and went through the towels I have, and ordered two for her self. Then she saw the crayon/coloring book bag that I had made, and wanted two of those as well. I just love earning some money doing something I love. I really wish that I could do this full time and earn an income, but that is not likely for the time being.

Another really nice thing that has happened this week is that my sister Barb gave me some fabric to thank me for taking care of her and Terry's dog Maddie while they were in Arizona visiting their daughter Nicki. They are southwestern in pattern, and I must admit not what I would normally buy for myself. I do however really like them, and cannot wait to figure out what I want to use them for.

First Sale

2010-04-01T00:00:00.003-05:00

I just got my first sale on my Etsy shop! I am so psyched, but I have no one to call (it is midnight) since most everyone is in bed because they work days. The sold item is a zipper pouch, I have put the picture up here. I hope this is a start of something really positive. I know that I will be adding more items.

Tree Trimmed

2010-03-25T21:38:00.003-05:00

The city said I had to have the Sugar Maple in my back yard trimmed because a neighbor complained. His problem was that leaves and such fell on his roof, and he did not want to pay to have those branches trimmed at his expense. Well, while the dead branches are gone, there are still several branches that hang over his house because they are healthy. Oops........... Enjoy the pictures of my tree now. It will be interesting to see once the leaves are back.

Coloring/crayon book holder

2010-03-15T05:50:00.002-05:00

I just finished making this holder for coloring books and crayons. I have cut out another set of fabric to make a second one. And both are going to be donated to a charity that is sending them to children in Uganda. It was not hard, but I was having issues with the sewing machine I was using. When I switched to a different machine, it got better. Some days...........

The fabric is a puzzle piece pattern, just in different colors.

Kelsey;s Quilt

2010-03-07T22:38:00.003-06:00

I have been working on this quilt for several years. I decided this year that my goal was to get it to Kelsey before she became a teenager. Since her 13th birthday is this coming Saturday, I just made it. I know that she was happy to get it, and I was happy to have it done!

Necchi Lelia 513

2010-03-06T20:28:00.004-06:00

I found this machine inside the sewing cabinet that I bought at an estate sale today. From what I have read online, this is a really nice machine, a real workhorse. Depending on the cost of servicing it, I plan to get it into good running order and add it to my working collection. I know I needed this machine like I needed another hole in my head, but hey, it was $10 plus servicing. As you will see from the pictures, the cord is bad, but the rest seems to be really clean.

Fabric Rope bowl class

2010-02-26T22:09:00.002-06:00

I just took part in an online PJ party to learn how to make fabric rope bowls! It was very easy, and a lot of fun. We have different classes each Friday evening on the HGTV quilters message board. This is the first time I have taken part, although not the first time I wanted to. I wanted to share some pictures, as it was great fun. If you are a board member and want the instructions, contact Will Quilt for Chocolate, as she was the instructor.

I included a picture of how I had my living room coffee table set up. It was easier than trying to do this with the laptop in my sewing room. I don't really have a table for it there. I also showed the in-progress pictures.

Moving a snow drift

2009-12-30T13:41:00.003-06:00

I got help from a friend's 16 year old son to move part of the snow drift that was in front of my garage to the front yard so that I can get my car into the garage (at least until the next big snow storm)! I am happy we got it done yesterday, because today it snowed again (only lightly, but really!) I hope everyone is enjoying better weather - gotta love the idea of global warming right now. Except of course, if it got to warm the melted snow might seep into my basement and flood it! As you can see, we even dug out the recycle bin! I have not had access to that for the last two snow storms. If I add more snow to the front yard, it may get high enough to go sledding on, like the girls across the street do on their snow mound!

Christmas Snow Storm

2009-12-25T11:28:00.004-06:00

I wanted to share some pictures of the snow in my driveway before I start to try and shovel it. I say try because we have about 7 inches right now, and should have another 5 inches by this evening!!! I got out to get to work last night, and made it home, although my car is 4 1/2 blocks away at a school parking lot!! I hope everyone has a joyous Christmas. I know that I am going to rest up, and work on hanging my living room curtains as well as shoveling the drive.

Updated my Etsy shop

2009-12-08T02:48:00.003-06:00

I have updated my Etsy site, adding two more items and made sure I had multiple pictures for each item. I am hoping that by doing this I can generate more interest, and maybe some sales.

Aunt Abbie has passed

2009-11-15T03:09:00.002-06:00

I am sorry to say that my Aunt Abbie passed on Friday. As much as I knew this was coming, I was saddened when I got the news. The good news is that my Aunt is no longer in pain.

New Etsy Shop

2009-10-13T05:00:00.002-05:00

I have finally set up my Etsy shop. It is at kjstrouble.etsy.com. I have put my first item into the shop, a set of hot pad holders. As I get more used to it, I will be posting more items. Many of these will be the same items I will have at shows.

First Fall Craft Show

2009-10-04T03:33:00.003-05:00

I had my first fall craft show Saturday. I think it went fairly well, I know that I did better than I did last year at the same show. I had some new products, and made more of others. I am going to be looking at what did well, and what did not. I am hoping to get the contact information for the Papillion La Vista South High School show in November. Because of my work schedule, I currently can only do one show a month. I know that if I had weekends off, and time to really make more product, I would be at shows almost every other week through Christmas. Well, I will do the best I can. Here are some pictures of my booth, enjoy.

Painting the Living Room

2009-09-25T02:44:00.002-05:00

I have begun painting the living room! I really like the color that is going up. I cannot wait till this room is done and I have the pictures and curtains up. Enjoy the pictures.

Biopsy report mixed

2009-09-17T17:19:00.002-05:00

The tissue taken in the biopsy was normal. Unfortunately, it did not contain any of the calcification's that they were trying for. As of right now, unless the written report has different information from the verbal report that my doctor got, I just have to have a follow up mammogram in six months. I want to thank everyone for their good thoughts and prayers.

Scarey news, times

2009-09-14T16:57:00.002-05:00

I am facing a scary time right now. I have to have a needle biopsy to check for possible breast cancer. I am praying that the outcome will be benign, same as it was both 10 years and 20 years ago. At least, each time I go in the technology for the biopsy gets better. This time it will be done outpatient, in the Mammography lab, with only local anesthesia. Last time it was outpatient, but because I was knocked out I had to not eat before the surgery, and could not drive myself home.

Livingroom is primed

2009-09-12T22:09:00.002-05:00

I have pictures, the walls have all been primed. That makes a huge difference, even without being finished. I hope to get it done in the next week so that I can get the room back together. I have to hand it to my co-worker Dan. He came over and did the priming, would not let me help. I know he is a perfectionist, and did a really good job, but I kind of felt guilty.

The before pictures - Living room

2009-09-10T11:11:00.003-05:00

I have several friends coming over on Saturday to help in the painting of my living room. I am very excited at the thought of getting another room painted and then decorated. I hate not having anything on the walls, especially when I have so much I want to do. Here are a few before pictures to give you an idea of what we are working with. One of the thing these pictures make very clear, I have a lot of stuff (junk) even without floating shelves and pictures on the walls.

And It just needs the backsplash and touch ups

2009-08-20T15:34:00.002-05:00

My kitchen is 90% done, and I have put away most of my kitchen items. I still have not painted the door to the pantry, but I am not sure if I want to paint it white like the cabinets, or blue like the wall. I am so happy with the way this room has come out. Now I am resting and getting ready to start on the living room. At least in this room, the main work is painting this year. Hopefully, in a few years I will be able to have the floors refinished. The never ending battle continues. Enjoy the pictures.

Kitchen Walls Painted

2009-08-15T12:45:00.002-05:00

I have finally finished painting my kitchen walls. I am so tired, but I got the entire second coat done after work this morning. Tomorrow I will do some touch ups on my cabinets, and hang the doors on my cabinets. Terry still has two doors, but that is ok, it is so close. I will then get all of my stuff put away in the kitchen. Of course, the next room is my living room. I hope to organize a painting party for that room, that way I can get it done faster. Enjoy these pictures.

Yard Work

2009-08-13T09:58:00.002-05:00

My friend Laurie's son Cody was over yesterday and did some really major yard work for me. I had an overgrowth of cattails and other weeds behind my garage. Unfortunately, there is gravel, cement blocks, and bricks back there, as well as a lot of other garbage, so I could not just mow it. Cody worked like a trooper, clearing out the weeds, some trees that did not belong, and all of the garbage. He also got the vines off of the back wall of the garage. I did not get any before pictures, but here are the after shots. The first two are the area behind the garage, and the third is an area between the garage and a shed I have in the yard. There was a large noxious smelling weed growing there, and sure enough Cody got rid of that for me too. This was one very hard working 16 year old, who I know I will employ again.

Kitchen Work

2009-07-24T01:32:00.002-05:00

I have been back at work on my kitchen. I have finally started to paint my kitchen the blue that I decided to use, a light gray-blue. I did test patches of both that and the bright blue I had originally planned on. The brighter color would have made the room seem to small. Here are a few pictures that I took.

A dangerous problem

2009-06-15T02:53:00.002-05:00

I live on a very nice street, well it is a nice street most of the time. On Sunday, 6/14 at about 2am a car came flying down my street, and because of a dip and jog in the road at the intersection just east of my house, the car hit a light pole and slid down almost to the next yard. This is the second time in a month that an accident has happened. Thankfully, both times no one was hurt. Unfortunately, even with news coverage of the last time, nothing has been done to solve the problem. So this time, I have posted information on my Facebook page, and am putting it here as well. I am planning on calling the mayor's hotline, and will be encouraging my neighbors to do the same. Why, well what happens when some one does this and hits one of the neighborhood children? They play on the street and side walks. These cars are going into peoples yards. The one a month ago took out a neighbor's car that was sitting in their own driveway, as well as the wood retaining wall. The driver this time was believed to be drunk.

More Flowers

2009-06-15T02:51:00.003-05:00

Two more of my lilies have bloomed. One in pink flowers, and one in red. So here are some happy pictures.

Visited Aunt Abbie

2009-06-13T01:59:00.003-05:00

I went to Denver last Monday, and I got to see my Aunt Abbie. She thought I was her other niece Karen at first, but that might be because she cannot see that well any more. While she did not look like my memories of her, but she sounded much more like her. It was both a sad and happy time, sad because Aunt Abbie is so obviously in pain. Happy because I met my cousin Jeri's husband and one of the two foster children they have taken in. The are currently living in the house that Abbie and her family moved to, to live with our grand parents, several years after the death of Abbie's husband. The house has changed, but it is also still very much the same.

Also during the visit I got to meet and see a cousin (the last living cousin) of my grandmother, Alice P. Alice is 94, and uses a walker. But she is still in her own home, and drives herself to the grocery store and church. We went over some pictures, and Alice helped identify some of the people in the pictures, many from the 1900's to 1940's.

I had a very full day, because after the visits, Jeri and I met with my cousin Katie for dinner. It was not a lot of time, but it was very nice to see her as well.

The drive home from Denver was actually the hardest part. Because I left late in the day, I ended up racing in front of storms and tornadoes in eastern Colorado and western Nebraska. Thankfully, I stayed ahead of the worst of the storms. I did not stop to take any pictures, but the clouds forming behind and to the north of me were very dark, greenish, and scary. I was afraid, and kept up a steady prayer that I could get home safely.

First Lilies Bloom

2009-06-05T03:23:00.003-05:00

The first lilies bloomed in my front garden this week!! It was exciting to see what color they would be, since I have no idea about the flowers that the previous owners planted. As you can see, they are a bright sunny yellow. I have other lilies that are budding, and I will hopefully get to see them soon. My lilac bushes look like they may bloom again, so I will have more of their wonderful scents coming in the front windows as well. Just another sign of the coming of summer, wonderful flowers. Now comes the less fun part, mowing the lawn and trimming some bushes back.

A gift from a Russian Quilter

2009-05-31T01:53:00.002-05:00

I recently participated in sending supplies to a fellow quilter who lives in Volgograd Russia, as a thank you, she sent each of us a fabric post card. I so love the card I got, and wanted to share it with those who read this blog. Marina is a very modest, but a very talented quilter, and deserves the recognition.

Kitchen Update

2009-05-15T01:07:00.003-05:00

The kitchen is so much closer to being done. The flooring is in, the cabinets are installed, the plumbing is done, and most of the counter tops are in. One came in too small, but will be left in place till the replacement is in. The only things left to do are sanding the new drywall, priming, and painting the ceiling and walls, replacing the light fixture because the ceiling fan won't work, getting a light for under the sink, and deciding on the type of back splash and installing it. Here are some pictures - I hope you enjoy. I know I did when I walked in last night and saw the room with the floors in. And now that I can see the end of project, I hope to get some quilting in soon.

Mother's Day, a day early

2009-05-09T23:46:00.002-05:00

We celebrated Mother's day Saturday because my sister and her husband are spending Sunday with his Mother. It was a very nice afternoon, with my niece and her husband joining us. I wish I had gotten some pictures, but I was more concerned with spending time with my family. I hope everyone who reads this entry has a wonderful Mother's day.

KJS

Sew Happy Quilting: Card Holder Key Chain Tutorial

2009-04-28T02:31:00.001-05:00

Sew Happy Quilting: Card Holder Key Chain Tutorial

I found this tutorial on one of my favorite blogs that I follow. I decided to share it here, just to make sure more people get to see it. It looks really easy, and as soon as I can get back into my quilt room, I hope to make a few.

More work, and waiting, on the kitchen

2009-04-28T02:16:00.002-05:00

Well, the guys came back today to continue work on my kitchen. The new wall Terry put in over the weekend looks great. Dan put the finish framing on the windows and doors, and Ralph(?) put mud on the walls, installed my new over the stove microwave, and installed the replacement base cabinets I had painted last week. Then I heard from the shop that they had forgotten to order my countertops, and it will be two weeks before they come in, so the guys did not remove the sink cabinet. I am not sure if they will be back on Tuesday, but atleast I have some pictures for today's work. I am just not sure if much more will be done. I know that the shelves still need to be installed in the pantry, the electrical outlets need to be updated, and the flooring needs to be installed (also not yet purchased). I am not sure of the time frame, although I believe the flooring will be one of the last things done.

An Update

2009-04-24T22:06:00.003-05:00

I don't have any new pictures, mainly because nothing was really done this last week. The two base cabinets that had been damaged and needed to be replaced came in midweek. I have primed them, and will have them painted tomorrow. Also tomorrow, Terry will be in to replace a wall that is just in too bad of shape to try and patch. This also means that I don't have to try and remove some wall paper. Here is a picture of the wall from the demo, what can't be seen is that under the wallpaper is a damaged corner, and removing the corner support the wall just crumbled.

New Kitchen Renovation Pictures

2009-04-17T03:57:00.003-05:00

Sorry I did not get anything up on 4/15, but I was a little busy at a tea party. Here are the latest pictures. I now have the upper cabinets up, and the pantry is framed and the door is on. The first coat of mud is on the new walls and the pantry, inside and out. I am getting more excited about the way this is shaping up. Although I did not get a picture, even Rafia'a has been checking out the progress. She was happy that the cabinets coming downstairs, it meant she did not have to be closed up upstairs.

I am not sure what is on the plan for Friday. I know several of the base cabinets are not yet in, but that the sink base is in. I have not finished painting it, but I can do that this weekend.

Day 3, The guys really got to work

2009-04-14T21:59:00.002-05:00

Technically, it is day three of the kitchen remodel. The guys from Right Hand Man really got to work today. The removed some bad walls, got new sheet rock up, put in one of the replacement windows, started the process of moving the 220 outlet for the stove, and began framing the pantry. I put the first coat of the paint (on top of the primer) on the upper cabinets. Seems like a lot, but there is still so much more to do. Oh, I also got some of the wall paper down. I only had to work on the upper areas where the cabinets will stop. I hope you enjoy the pictures.

Kitchen Demo

2009-04-12T22:35:00.003-05:00

Well, the demolition of my kitchen is well on its way. Originally, Terry (my brother in law) and I were going to be starting this on Monday, after he got off work. But Barb and Terry got back earlier than he expected from Phoenix, so we started on Easter Sunday. I guess this kind of a new beginning is appropriate. I have included pictures of Rafia'a checking out the newly opened (and now gone) shelves over the fridge, stove area; pictures of the sink area before and after the upper shelves were removed; one of the cabinets that I saved to use for storage in the basement; and the old wall paper that was behind the shelves. Joy of joy, I get to remove more wall paper.

Happy Birthday, Aunt Abbie

2009-03-24T12:08:00.002-05:00

Today is my Aunt Abbie's 80th birthday. Amazingly, given how badly she was doing just two months ago, she is still with us. She is actually doing better now that she is on Hospice than before. That really is not so unusual, since what she is being treated for, and how, changes when the focus goes to palative care.

I was a little heart broken when I called today and spoke to her. She did not sound like the Aunt Abbie I remembered. But she did sound good, and she was coherent so that was even better. In honor of Aunt Abbie's birthday, I am re-posting my favorite picture of her.

Sometimes it doesn't pay to sew

2009-03-19T13:19:00.003-05:00

I was looking at some quilt squares I had put together in preparation to make them into hot pads for a co-worker. As I was looking at them I kept thinking one did not look quite right, but I could not put my finger on the problem. Then I came out this morning and it hit me. You can see for yourselves how I goofed. Guess I get to do more sewing to correct the problem!

Today is also the day I get to make my first batch of Amish Friendship Bread based on the starter and recipe that Laurie gave me. I have four bags of starter in the freezer, and four small and one larger loaf in the oven. Between that and the fact that it is over 60 degrees outside (so the windows are open) my house is smelling wonderful. Hope everyone else's day who comes here is a nice.

Millard West Craft show

2009-03-15T07:18:00.003-05:00

The Millard West Craft show was Saturday. I was going to upload pictures, and realized that I do not have the right connector with me here at work. So I will do that at home, after work. The show was not great, I suspect because the weather was so nice everyone was outside. Had a lot of browsers, only a few buyers. Last week at Benson, we had a lot of both browsers and buyers. Well, I will be trying one more time, in two weeks at St Wenceslaus Church. Then I will be taking the summer off to work on my house and build up stock.

I got the pictures in, hope all enjoy them.

New Pictures

2009-03-09T04:47:00.003-05:00

Vicki, a friend and crafter, has given me a wonderful digital camera so that I can now post pictures easier. Since I just got it today, I have only had a chance to take a few pictures. The cat is my baby, Rafai'a.

And the other two are of my quilting room as it is now, before I have finished the work I want to do on it. It is usable, but I cannot wait until I get the work done. I plan to replace the bookcases with floor to ceiling bookcases, and move these to another room. I then want to put a large panel on a track that can be moved over the new bookcases and use it as a design board.

Benson Spring Craft show

2009-03-08T07:08:00.002-05:00

I wish I had pictures of my booth, but of course, I forgot a camera. The show was smaller than the fall show, but more successful for me. I introduced a new item, a curling iron bag, and it went over very well. I have a lot of work to do this next week to get enough product together for the next show. I am considering several other shows this spring, but need to speak to the others who share the cost of booth space with me. I will have pictures for the next show, I promise.

Pampered Chef party

2009-02-21T04:19:00.002-06:00

I had a small Pampered Chef party on Wednesday night. My Mother, and five other friends came over. It was fun, and I got to show off my house to people who had not seen it yet. What was really funny was how often during the night my cat Rafia'a decided she had to come out and see every one and have every one see her. Normally, when people come over, she hides, or stays just out of sight and cries. Not only did she decide to come out, and let people pet her (a real concession on her part) but she also tried to keep one of my guests there longer by not being willing to get off of Diane's coat. Wish I had pictures, because it was so funny.

More on Aunt Abbie - with pictures

2009-01-24T13:35:00.003-06:00

My Mother went to Denver to see my Aunt Abbie (her older sister) last weekend. She said that while Abbie cannot talk well, or swallow easy, her mind is still sharp, when it comes to short term items, or things from the way past. Unfortunately, the problems with swallowing are very serious. Aunt Abbie also cannot walk, although she will tell you that she did walk some that day, with her walker. Um, I am not sure she still has a walker. Here are some pictures I found, and since I got a working scanner now, I wanted to share them. The top picture is my favorite one. It shows her spirit in full swing. The second is a dinner in Denver with my cousin Katie, her husband and two boys. My Mother was there as well, just not in this picture. The last is of my Mother and Aunt Abbie at the Denver airport in the mid-1990's.

Sad news about Aunt Abbie

2009-01-09T00:54:00.002-06:00

I just received some bad news about my Aunt Abbie today. Aunt Abbie and I share a birthday, and I have always felt close to her. Unfortunately she was placed on Hospice as of today. She was born in 1929, and if she lives to March, (highly unlikely, sad to say) she would be 80. I wish I could get out to Denver to see her one more time, but that is not likely. I have all sorts of wonderful memories, and if I get my scanner hooked up, I will post some of the more memorable pics from years past.

I'm in my house

2008-12-19T22:40:00.002-06:00

I moved in on Wednesday, and have begun to set up rooms. My bedroom is mainly set up, the computer room has the desk, and printer stand is set up. I am putting the kitchen together, slowly but surely. The living room is set up, fairly well. I just wish I had gotten the living room, quilt studio and kitchen painted. But then the quilt studio is where all the boxes and bins are until I have gone thru each one and unpacked.

Last night after I had gone to work, Rafia'a found an opening in the plastic wrap that was around the entertainment stand. She got in, but could not seem to get out. Since I did not go straight home after work, she was in there longer, and once I got her out she made a bee-line to her box. I removed the wrap, so she would not do that again. I wish I had gotten a picture, just because she looked so frustrated.

Progress on my Home

2008-12-03T02:37:00.002-06:00

The house, my house, is now feeling more like my home. I still have no furniture there, and the kitchen needs a ton of cleaning, but.....

The ceiling in the back bedroom and the quilt studio have been painted. Next step is to clean, prime and paint the hallway, living room and kitchen ceilings. Why just the ceilings you ask, well that is simple. Walls are easy to paint with furniture in the rooms, ceilings are not. Once all the ceilings are done, I will begin cleaning the kitchen. Once that is done, I will be back at priming and painting the walls. Oh, I do plan to prime the closets in the back bedroom, and line the shelves. My clothes will be going in those, so that is important to me. I hope to have pictures later this week or early next.

Painting the House

2008-11-23T08:00:00.003-06:00

I am painting the rooms in my house. I will add pictures later today, when I get done taking them. I have primed the front bedroom, and painted the ceiling. I will begin painting the walls today. I also primed the bathroom, adding a texture additive to the oil based primer. I used oil based primer in the bathroom because of the past problems with mold (caused by no exhaust fan) and other dirt/smells. I do not ever want to work with oil based paint/primer again, it is just so much more difficult than the latex/water based primer/paints.

My brother in law has begun laying the tile in the quilt studio, and hopes to have it done this week. Given that Thanksgiving is Thursday, and he and my sister will be out of town, I will not hold him to that timeline. Since I have to work over the holiday, I plan to continue working on the house as well.

I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, and I really don't think it is another train.

Northwest HS Craft Show

2008-11-10T05:45:00.002-06:00

This show was not as good for me as the one last month at Millard West. Since the spring shows for both schools are on the same day, I have elected to go with Millard West. I may try to get into the fall show for Northwest, but if I don't there are other shows. Here are some pictures of my booth. The display changed when another crafter joined me, but these were taken before she arrived.

Excitement at Work

2008-11-03T01:40:00.002-06:00

We had some excitement here at work tonight. There was a running gun fight between a Suburban type SUV and a Dodge Stratus type car. Seems that at least some of the players came from a nearby bar, and one person was shot. We have not heard how the victim is doing, and the police are still here collecting evidence. I really cannot say much more, because I don't know a whole lot more, yet. Now if I could stop shaking.

The bathroom is almost done

2008-10-27T00:37:00.002-05:00

The new tub, sink, and tile work is done. I had the partial wall removed, and new dry wall put up, so that when I clean the upper wall, I will paint the whole wall. As soon as the new dry wall is up in the living room, and the new floor is in in the Quilt Studio, I will be able to start washing walls, priming and painting the rooms. I honestly think I am about 5-6 weeks away from being able to move into my home. This is really getting exciting. I will be taking some new pictures and posting them later this week.

Quilting update

2008-10-19T06:22:00.003-05:00

I actually have done some sewing these last two nights. I finished a table runner top, but forgot to get a picture. Then tonight I made some coaster tops, those I do have pictures of. It feels really good to get back to sewing and quilting, and I hope to keep it up even once I have the water back on at my house and I can get back in to work on it.

I just got an order from a co-worker for two sets of coasters. It is so nice to be able to get something back for my work.

Update on the house

2008-10-16T22:12:00.002-05:00

It looks like I will have pictures of my new bathroom by next week! The new bathtub and plumbing are in. I wish I had gotten pictures, but I forgot the camera when I went to my house today. The floor and walls will be done between Monday and Wednesday next week. Once it is all done, and the water back on, I can get on with the rest of the work.

Also, my brother in law is planning on starting to lay the linoleum tiles in the quilt studio on Sunday. Of course, that is his excuse to get out of the house because my sister is having a Pampered Chef party.

I have begun making more product for my next craft show. I have eleven pairs of Christmas themed coasters done, and one new wreath. I am working on a table runner, and if it is as easy as it looks, I may make more. A lot of what I want to do is paper pieced, and I can't do that at work, because I need my light table.

First Craft Show

2008-10-12T08:03:00.002-05:00

Well, I did my first craft show of the fall season yesterday. Given the economy and the fact that I did not have any new product (I have been to busy on the house), I did really well. I have two more shows coming up this fall, each a month a part, so I have time to work on my product supply. Amazingly, what sold the best are my grocery sack holders, which last spring at this same school I could not have given away. You just never know. I have two pictures of my booth, not a lot for sale, but I am going to be working on it.

Some really good news

2008-10-05T02:02:00.003-05:00

I talked to my brother in law today, and it appears that I am going to get a refurbished bathroom, rather than just cleaning the one I have. It will not be cheap, but it will not be as expensive as I had feared. I will be buying the tub, vanity/sink and toilet myself. Rather than putting up a surround, I will be getting tile, and a new floor (a different tile). BIL and myself will be doing the demo to save money, then it will take about a week for the bathroom to be put back together.

On Saturday, my friend and I spent time taking down the brick wall in the living room. I could not see a point in keeping a faux brick wall with no fireplace. Originally, I had planned to just paint over the wall, but Vicki found out that the bricks actually would come off fairly easily. I will be putting up 1/4" drywall and then painting the wall. While we were doing that, Vicki's DH was in the basement, removing the wall paneling and damaged drywall. I had helped him get the floor tiles out to the dumpster. The guy in the picture is the grandson of the former owner, but I wanted to get up a picture of the brick wall. I hope to post after pictures later.

Sunday, my Mother is going to be coming to see my house for the first time. With the carpets and tiles out, the worst of the smells are gone. I am excited to have her see the home I have been working so hard on.

Long week

2008-10-02T12:34:00.002-05:00

I have not done much at my house this week, mainly because I have not felt very well. I have gone over, and tried, but my body is fighting back. I know I will have to get back in the grove, I have way to much to do. I want to be moved in by the middle of November, and that is about 6 weeks away. That really is not that much time, given everything I need to do.

I also want the quilting room set up, so that I can get to work on several quilts I am committed to. I have one for a charity that I have the fabric for, and I know the pattern I want, but I have not even started cutting it out.

Any words of encouragement help, so please keep the positive thoughts and comments coming.

The Bathroom

2008-09-27T16:37:00.005-05:00

Ok, the system would not let me include the bathroom pictures, so here they are. The first is the ceiling fan that the old owners had in.

The next is the new vent fan (what should have been in there all along) that my brother-in-law installed for me.

Now, here is the gross tub and surround from when I first bought this house. It looks really bad.

And here I have done some cleaning, just to see what the condition was, and if the tub is salvageable. The jury is still out on that, because of the cost of replacing the tub and surround, and the fear of what the wall behind the them is like.

Pictures of my house

2008-09-27T15:25:00.003-05:00

I have pictures to post of my house, since I and several friends took out the carpet today. The living room and back bedroom floors are in fair condition. The front bedroom floor is not too bad, it just has adhesive on it from when I believe the previous owners had put down carpet tiles rather than regular carpet. The hallway is pretty bad, looks like one or more animal had accidents that went through the carpet and pad to the floor. The back room, where my quilt studio is going to be had carpet over carpet tiles. So the sub floor is sticky as well. I am thinking of putting linoleum down in there, just not sure of the cost. I also have before and after pictures of the bathroom. I have replaced the ceiling fan with a proper vent fan, and have begun to clean the tub and surround.

Work is coming along

2008-09-21T00:14:00.000-05:00

I have gotten more work done on my house. The vent fan has been installed in the bathroom, and I have started cleaning the bathtub. Thankfully, it looks like the tub and surround are salvageable, so I am going to be able to save money on that. I have also found so paint at a local recycling company called "Under the counter" for free. I also found paint at a local hardware store that was mixed incorrectly for someone else, getting a gallon for only $5.

I began removing the wall paper in the front bedroom yesterday. It is taking longer than I was hoping it would, but I should be able to get it done today. Then I will be taking down the blinds and curtains to wash and see if I can salvage them. I will also be washing the walls, taking the ceiling fan blades down to wash.

I hope to have updated pictures this week, and when I do I will be posting them here.

Final Walk Through

2008-09-05T22:31:00.000-05:00

I had the final walk through on my house, closing is Monday. I am even more excited, and feeling a bit overwhelmed. The house if going to work well, the quilting room is really a good size, but the whole house needs so much cleaning. I wish I had remembered to bring the camera today, but I will have it on Monday, and will try to post pictures on Monday night.

It is getting close

2008-09-02T23:39:00.000-05:00

I am getting ready for the final walk through on my house on Friday, and the signing on Monday. I am excited about this, as everything seems to be coming together. I will have more pictures on Friday (I hope) showing what this house looks like empty. I have driven by several times, and recently noticed a dumpster out front. Reminds me I need to get one delivered next Tuesday.

On another note - buying a house

2008-08-09T00:34:00.000-05:00

I am buying a house it seems. I put an offer in that was accepted, and now just have to get through the inspection and last until closing. The house is valued at 30k more than I am paying because of the amount of cleaning that will be needed to make it habitable. The outside is really nice, vinyl siding, gazebo in the back, 4 car tandem garage. What is really nice is the addition on to the back of the house, a room that is almost as wide as the house, and large enough to be a really nice quilting studio. It is what really makes this house perfect for me.

Out for Quilting

2008-07-25T00:35:00.000-05:00

I took the Garden Stretch Star to the Quilt Studio today for finish quilting. I am looking forward to having it back so that I can add the binding and give it to my God Daughter, only 4 months after her birthday. I have begun a table runner kit, and if it works well I will make one in green and gold for DN's wedding gift.

End of week thoughts

2008-07-20T23:00:00.000-05:00

I don't have any new pictures to post, but that does not mean I have not been busy. I am on my last 10 hour shift for this week, so I will be off for three days, and hope to get a lot done. I did find my Christmas angels fabric at my storage unit, as well as one I bought at JoAnn's. Now I just have to decide which to use for the ABC Christmas swap. I may ask if I can do 13 of each.

I have a pattern for purse inserts that I want to try. As well as paper piecing some Christmas postcards. I want to try both. And I want to make a table runner from a kit, to see if I want to make more for gifts. Hopefully, this week will be as productive as I am projecting right now. I know I will want to stay inside, out of the humidity that we are supposed to have for the next couple of days.

I will post more pictures when I have them.

Finished Quilt top

2008-07-16T14:46:00.000-05:00

I have finished my Garden Stretched Star quilt top, now all I have to do is get the backing ironed pieced and take it out to be quilted. I decided to lay the quilt out on a bed, and realized that it would not have taken much to make it a full size quilt. The cat in the picture is my baby, Rafia'a. When she realized I had cleared off the bed and had a quilt top on it, she had to pose with it. I know she is sure she is the most beautiful thing in the picture, and she may be right. I also took a close up of her, just to give everyone a comparison.

Quilt Swap Blocks

2008-07-09T23:07:00.000-05:00

Just got confirmation that my Floral Nine Patch blocks for a swap on the HGTV Quilting board have been received. I decided that I would post pictures of the blocks here.

2008-07-09T00:40:00.001-05:00

I am going to be adding pictures of quilts and projects that I am working on or have finished.

This first is a quilt that was my first attempt at paper piecing. I still need to add the borders before it goes for finish quilting.

2008-07-08T23:01:00.000-05:00

Well, this is the first of what I hope will be a fun experience. I will be (I hope) posting pictures of my quilting, cat and life.