Patty Ann

I've been quilting

2009-05-18T06:15:00.002-04:00

These are not very good photos, but here is an example of what I've been doing. This is a star sampler quilt using batiks only. The orange background fabric was given to me by a friend in the quilt guild. Over the weekend she gave me fabric with turtles on an orange background. I won the pattern for the stars at a quilting retreat I attended in Jan. This was a very fun quilt to piece. I plan to do it again in other colors.

This quilt is flannel, but has no batting. It is a 5 yard wonder pattern, one yard each of 5 different patterns. Use 4 to cut blocks and the last for the border. This quilt was the 2nd in the quilt guilds UFO challenge for this year. Next times is already completed.

This last one is a lap quilt. A volunteer at the museum gave me the bird blocks. The stars are a variation on the old detectable mountain square. Very interesting. The stars are made using half square triangles. The volunteer's husband passed away in the local veterns home, so I plan to donate the quilt there.

Even though, I've done a lot quilting, I have a sweater almost completed, just one sleeve to complete. I'll post when completed. It needs to be done before we go to Florida early next month.

Weekend Events

2009-04-20T06:36:00.003-04:00

Saturday the quilt guild went on a bus trip to Lancaster Co., to buy fabric. The weather was perfect, mid 70's with a slight breeze. We bought lots of fabric of course. I was good, only batting and a 1 1/2 yards of fabric for Tyler's policeman quilt. While we were at Sauder's six of us had our first round robin exchange. Each of us completed our center square and then passed them on to the next person. In two months we will meet (for lunch) to have our next exchange. Sorry for the bad photo. It is missing Janet to the left. Her grand daugther is holding mine. I get to work on the pink star this time.

On Sunday we went to the Phillis game. The tickets were our Christmas gift from the kids. Great seats, 4th row behind the dug out. This is the first game I've been to in 20 years. We used to have season tickets, but gave them up 2 years after the Phillies won their first world series. Only photo I took was of the Harry Kalas memorial so my son could see it.

I have a few minutes before I get ready for work, so over to the sewing machine and finish up a quilt. More next time.

HAPPY EASTER

2009-04-11T07:25:00.003-04:00

A VERRRRRRY Large Easter Bunny arrived at my work yesterday. He just rolled along the paths and settled in front of the glass studio. I was told he planned to stay the weekend, building a nest filled with over sized eggs. He is over 15 feet tall. I over heard that his name was Harvey.

I hope the rain today does not dampen his spirits (or paint). Sure would like some of the chocolate that a rabbbit of his size can bring, but I would hate to clean up after him.

Happy Easter everyone.

Routine

2009-04-04T08:05:00.003-04:00

Routine...routine...routine
Not much happens in my life..work, home, work, home....But I guess that might be good, doesn't add much to the conversation though.
However, last night after a thunderstorm a double rainbow appeared in our neighborhood.

The north end is hard to see in the photo, but

the other end is much clearer, even a double bow at this end.

Finally, the first sign of spring in my yard.

Night in the Big City

2009-03-15T14:46:00.004-04:00

We spent last night in Philadelphia to celebrate our anniversery. The kids gave us a night at the Rittenhouse 1715, located a block from Rittenhouse Square. It's a beautiful hotel with only 23 rooms, each room being slightly different. It has a tiny elevator, but since we were on the second floor, we only used it once. Our room was a junior suite, it had a small foyer with a double closet and table and chair, the bathroom and bedroom opened off of it. We had a fireplace in the bedroom and king size bed. First hotel that I've been in that had turn down service, bath robes and was triple sheeted.

We took the long way to the city and went to the Lancaster area first. We stopped at several fabric stores, only bought some batting and background fabric. Both are allowed purchases in my use it up program for the year. Also had lunch at Shady Maple restuarant.

Our room was in the section with the blue shutters, in the back. After we checked in we walked around, did some shopping and went to the park where we sat on a bench and watched the kids play in a fountain, dry, of course. Stayed out until early evening, then had wine at the hotel. Left late this morning, but before the St. Partick's Day parade.

Wonderful weekend, Thank you- Tom & Erin.

Whales Tail

2009-03-13T07:01:00.002-04:00

Before the tale, let me rant about Windows Vista. I would blog much more if the *******computer did not shut down to update (what I don't know) right in the middle of working. Can't stop it, can't delay it, it just happens. Anger****Anger.

I started to knit little cat toys. I got the pattern from Ravelry (yeah). Knit, Knit, Knit, turn to page 2- whoa- NO TAIL instruction, so......

Once there was a whale with no tail

He tried to swim but to no avail.

Try as we might

To fix his plight

The download instructions continued to fail.

Finally it worked, so here is the whale with his tail.

Now I am working on the third part of the last quilt.

Snow day

2009-03-05T06:08:00.003-05:00

We did not go to work on Monday. SNOW DAY yeah, yeah, yeah. So this is what I did. I quilted two sections of this quilt. Finished it will measure 118" by 118", queen bed size, to be used without a dust ruffle. The pattern was a guild project, with the pattern given out in sections, center, stars and Jacob's ladder. I added the outer row of stars to make it the correct size.

Last night I sewed these two sections together, by machine on top and by hand on the backing.

Snow photos, icicle at work the next day from a broken drain.

This is how Mac spent his snow day. Although his beard is white it is not this long or thick. ICE, brr, brr. He had a great day. He would move to Maine or Alaska, just to play on the snow. Florida is looking good to me.

Waiting for the Snow.

2009-03-01T07:35:00.002-05:00

The first band of snow arrived over night, but it is just a dusting. A small break is expected. We plan to visit my parents, then I hope to jump into the hot tub for a short while before the second and stronger storm arrives later today. The forecast is for 8 - 14 inches.

This is what the backyard looked like a couple of weeks ago with only about 4 inches.

To keep busy, I have plans to begin quilting a queen size medallion bedspread and of course knitting. I have a gas fireplace to keep warm and lots of vanilla scented candles for light.

No Excuses

2009-02-25T14:56:00.003-05:00

There are no excuses for not having blogged in a month, some new but I have been busy. List to follow later in the blog. I have decided not to by new fabric or yarn, just to use up items that I have. So far I have been very good until today. This morning, I went to pick up my new travel case for the sewing machine. The pick up spot was a yarn shop. As soon as I walked in I knew that I was in trouble. But I only bought new gray sock yarn. Very close by is a fabric shop. It was on a quicker way home, so we stopped. Again only bought one yard of fabric. Dark blue with police cars and rescue signs for a new quilt for Tyler. Now the suitcase, well built, heavy duty and half price.

Now the list to use up materials I have. Twelve kitty cuddles using acrylic yarn (Why did I buy it?)

Baby quilt for a girl at work. Primary colors, no pastels for me. She claimed she loves bright colors and decorated the nursery in those colors.

Finally, several weeks ago I spent the weekend in Lancaster for a quilters retreat. Third year, and it keeps getting bigger and better. Again without buying any new fabric, the reds were all scrappy. The name of the quilt is "Miss Mabel's Mittens", don't know why but its a cute name. Just finished binding the quilt last night.

Other items finished:4 socks, top of a quilt- orange and stars, 3 cotton face clothes and quilted a 5 yard wonder quilt.

It's cold out there

2009-01-19T06:31:00.003-05:00

If you have been out any place in North America this last week, you know how cold its been. We found this frozen fountain several miles from home. It is three crosses with spraying water. Quite lovely in summer surrounded by plantings, but quite dramatic when its frozen. It is beginning to warm up this week. so it may not last too much longer.

This is Peach, a new dog for one volunteer at the museum. He sent me this photo some time ago, but I lost it in the computer. I just popped up today, but the file for the all the Kodak prints are missing. I'll find the file some place on the computer, I hope, I pray. If not I'll get my IT person (Britknitter) to find it.

Now another photo of Tyler, sleeping in his chair. Big sister, Kaia preformed at Disney World yesterday, with her dance group. Photos soon I hope. I'm heading to Lancaster on Thursday, for a fun weekend of quilting.

Twice in one day

2009-01-14T07:16:00.003-05:00

I'm back, forgot to include a photo of Cocoa. Cocoa lives in Blackwood with Theresa, my niece. She is about five years old. Theresa has to go to Great Britian for job training in early spring. I have volunteered to cat sit in my home. That is one way to get a new animal in the house, if only for a short time.

I'm Back

2009-01-14T06:47:00.004-05:00

I haven't been anywhere. Just post holiday blues, mid-winter blahs, and economy worries. Mostly number 3. Family and friends loosing jobs, hours being cut and benefits lost. Probably having to dip into the small savings account to pay the heater repairman today. Hey I'm upset about the repair too. The house is only eight years old, and the heater pipes are rusting away. Builder is out of business, so we are paying for it our self.
This week I have two meeting. Both the knitting and quilting groups. I will be great to see friends, chat and see what everyone finish during the holiday break.

A new photo of Tyler, at one month. He has gained over three lbs. and grew more then 2". Getting to be a little chubby.

A pair of socks that I finished while in Florida, with yarn Britknitter gave me for Christmas.

One last photo of the beach in Florida. Almost 80 that day. Here today it is about 25. Quite a change.

Photo Essay 1

2008-12-30T06:55:00.004-05:00

Not much text, just photos from my trip in Florida. Great weather, close to 80 on several days. I had to buy a short sleeve shirt and I wish I had taken a pair of shorts.

This is a shrub in the kids backyard. Maybe called angel trumpets.

The development has paths through the entire complex. Our favorite walk is to a small pond in the middle of a small park. These large leaf plants are along some of the streams along the path.

Growing along the path are the perfect flowers for the Christmas holiday.

The kids have several roses growing by their back door. Perfect spot. They take no care of them at all, just cut the flowers.

This is Kaia working on her present for Mom. It is a fabric picture frame to hang on the fridge.

More photos to come.

I'm leaving tommorrow...

2008-12-20T19:58:00.003-05:00

so this my last chance to for a week to wish everyone

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

I'm going to Florida for the holiday and to visit with the family there.

Knitting for Christmas

2008-12-15T06:36:00.002-05:00

One last gift to be completed before Christmas. It is a pair of convertible mittens for Dad. One is finished, the second needs the rest of its fingers and the cap. I found this pattern on Ravelry, looked through 6 pages before I found one in the correct gauge for the yarn I had. It has a cable twist between fingers that closes the area very well. I think that I will knit a second pair using finer yarn for Hubby next.

This mini quilt was my entry for the Quilt Guild challenge this year. We had to use the striped fabric in the quilt. The hummers were pieced using templates, while the border flowers were paper pieced using a method by Carol Doak. Really easy with no wasted fabric. It won the third place ribbon.

The log cabin variation quilt is one of two I'm working on for a friend. They have the same fabric, the only difference is the color arrangement in the borders. The second one needs to be quilted. One is going to Washington state as a wedding gift. The other is going to Bulgaria as a gift for her mother.

Finally, another baby picture of Tyler in Gummy's arms.

Baby pix

2008-12-12T07:01:00.002-05:00

Kaia and stork announcing Tyler's arrival

Tyler in Mommy's arms

No photos

2008-12-08T07:54:00.002-05:00

Because I forgot the camera's dock. But I'm here in sunny Fl. to visit the family. Tyler is doing very well. He seems a happy baby, eats good. Kaia is a big help and she gives lots of kisses. I am heading home tonight, back to the cold and a little snow. I finished one pair of socks, and will finish a second pair today.

It's a boy!!

2008-12-03T06:24:00.002-05:00

Grandson Tyler arrived yesterday morning. 7lbs, 3 oz, 20''

Big sister Kaia with Tyler

Vest update

2008-12-02T06:52:00.002-05:00

I have been working very hard on the vest. It will fit around now and I've begun to work on the first shoulder. I am planning to wear it to a knitting guild Christmas party next week. But if not by then, I wear it on vacation.

Sunday, we went to the Philadelphia Art Museum to view the Gees Bend Quilt exhibit. Great exhibit, it went on and on. Around each corner, was another group of outstanding quilts. Perhaps, I'll try a small quilt using one of their favorite blocks. Hubby kept saying, "But, they are not straight. Yours are always straight." Nice he noticed. But that is part of their charm. There was a great bright blue and red quilt, perhaps I'll use this for inspiration.

Terrible photo from an illustration of one of their favorite blocks.
The Art Museum is under construction, but is decorated for the holidays. Terrible weather, lots of rain and fog, but warm. Horrible driving conditions.

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T18:39:00.002-05:00

What am I thankful this year? 1.I am feeling much better from the fall. I can return to the gym on Monday. 2.We had a very nice Thanksgiving dinner, just my husband, parents, sister and niece. We spent most of the time just visiting. We don't get to see Theresa very often. I always enjoy her sense of humor. 3. Talked to the kids, everyone is fine. The new baby is due in one week, but has dropped so maybe sooner. AND 4. I received my invite to join Ravelry. Hurray. Now I need to find time to enter all the stuff and show my current work.

It can't be true

2008-11-21T07:09:00.003-05:00

What an unhappy surprise this morning. It is too early in the season for this much snow. The weather forecast was wrong again. They said snowflakes for this area. Snowfall was about one inch.

So what is next- A 14 foot Christmas tree in the museum lobby at 10:00 am this morning. Always fun. On well, in one month I will be in Florida. You might think that it would be great, but their temp has been around freezing too.

I Had a Ball

2008-11-18T06:52:00.002-05:00

--and I made this necklace at Stitches. They are wooden beads wrapped in knitted covers. Four had glass beads added. They were then threaded on the same yarn. Very easy to do, only 5 or 6 stitches and about 15 rows over this size wooden bead. Sew together over the bead, using either a running stitch or kitchener stitch. Secure the ends and you are completed.

I saw many vests on the market floor, so I decided to make my own. I found this cotton yarn in my stash. Actually, it was for a sweater for Kaia, but she grew out of it before I got it done. The pattern is based on the Sock yarn Blankie. I am working on 21 stitches, using #5 needles. No real pattern for the vest itself, but it will be pretty easy to shape.

Stitches Weekend

2008-11-10T07:35:00.003-05:00

Stitches was great, but tiring. Had a wonderful time, saw some friends, bought too much yarn and learned a lot. This a view of Camden Yards from the the Convention Center. I was thinking of the Hubby.

The Gateway to Heaven and Paradise for a knitter or other yarn person.

Next post will have info about classes and projects.

I'm going to Stitches...

2008-11-07T18:50:00.002-05:00

I'm going to Stitches early tomorrow morning. Britknitter is picking my up "not before 8:00 A.M.", then off we go in her "green" car. We hope to arrive at 10:00, so we can hit the market before our first class. Staying over night, then a class in the morning, and more shopping. YARN, YARN and More YARN. Can't Wait.
Thanks Britknitter for driving, carrying my luggage and all the other help I will need for the trip. This is my first adventure since breaking my ribs in a fall almost three weeks ago.

Still can't wait, I hope I can sleep. Oh, wait, I still have some happy pills from the fall. Sweet Dreams to me. Good night.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

2008-10-31T06:36:00.002-04:00

Sorry

2008-10-27T07:38:00.002-04:00

I don't know what happened, but I lost the text for the photos, twice. On Saturday, A small wotkshop was at my house. We painted preknitted panels, then steamed them to set the dye. Lots of time to visit while we waited. Big thanks to Britknitter for all her help.

Sorry

2008-10-27T07:34:00.002-04:00

I don't know what I did wrong on the last post but I lost most to the text. It was description of the photos. I had a a small workshop. We painted preknitted panels for socks, then steamed them to set the dye. Lots of time to visit. Big thanks to Britknitter for all her help.

The are people out there..

2008-10-27T06:52:00.001-04:00

they came to me.

Fabrics and Friends

2008-10-19T08:03:00.002-04:00

Earlier this week I took a bus trip to Lancaster Co. Pa. with my quilt guild to buy fabric, fabric and more fabric. Of course, I bought more then I intended to and a few things that were not on my list. Day trip like this a a good way to become closer to other members. At a meeting we are so busy that we don't get a chance to visit with those that are across the room. I had lunch with several of those members, and dinner with two others. I did take a break at the second fabric store to take a quick walk down the road to a small stream. There I watched the ducks and enjoyed the sunshine.
On the way home we stopped to watch a hot air balloon take off. It took off very close to a farm.

We were all concerned that they would not make it over the farm buildings.
Up, up and away. They made it over the house and then continued across the road and over the fields. It reminded me of the time I had a balloon ride myself. The ride was my 40th birthday present. Took off late September, to crisp blue sky, browning corn fields and early autumn leaves. It was over too quickly.

Clearing the Way

2008-10-13T06:30:00.003-04:00

EARLY yesterday we took the kayaks out for the last time of the season. The day before the weather was quite warm but over night it had gotten cool, about 50 degrees. I dressed in my new birthday jacket, which matches my kayak, gloves and ear muffs. It was quite steamy also. As the sun heated the water, mist rose from the water. We cleared a path through the mist as we paddled and it floated back behind us, to create an strange feeling. Nothing was moving for quite a while besides us.Sleepy heads. Even after the sun started to break through, the swans remained curled in sleep.

Unhappily, we did disturb several herons, ducks and geese.
Even as we were preparing to leave about 2 hours later, it was still steamy, but fall color was visible in the leaves.

By afternoon the kayaks were stored in the crawlspace in the basement. No more quiet boat rides until spring. I'm not ready for winter.

ABC Baby Blanket

2008-10-03T06:48:00.003-04:00

I have been working on this blanket for several months. I borrowed the pattern from Brit Knitter and I think that it is by Debbie Bliss. I started in mid July. I had completed the first row of letters and then decided that the guage was not correct. So, ripped it out and started over with smaller needles. That was the end of July. This photo shows it as of early September about 2/3s completed.Second photo is of finished blanket, taken late September. Two and a half months to complete a single item is a long time, however, it is for my new grandbaby. He is due early December.

Last Rose of Summer

2008-09-29T06:51:00.002-04:00

Vacation in Cape May

2008-09-27T06:50:00.002-04:00

Tom and I spent the last week in Cape May to celebrate our anniversary. We went for many walks on the beach and watched the sun set every evening from our chairs on the beach. It was beautiful weather, pleasant temperatures and lots of wind.One night we took a trolley tour featuring ghosts of Cape May. Sorry no photos, it was too dark to clearly see any of the spooks.

We went to Smithville for lunch on Monday. We had a nice lunch. Had to wait for the goose parade to pass, before we could continue to shop. They were on their way to lunch also.

It is hard to tell how hard the wind was blowing, but this is photo of the bay which is normally has waves just rolling to the beach. This is where I found several pieces of sea glass, including a very small piece of red glass.

This last photo shows the only swimmer that braved the wind at the pool. Took the same dive several times. I also had time to complete a pair of socks and made several squares for my next quilt.

We had a great time and made plans to go again next year.

Kitty, Kitty & Kitty

2008-09-15T20:29:00.003-04:00

Three little kittens have appeared in our yard.
Oh what to do?
To catch them is to hard.
We don't want them to stay,
But we feel really blue.

We're afraid to feed them,
We're afraid to give them water,
But they sit at the door
And stare in and cry.
We are going on vacation on Friday
So we can't starting feeding them now.

The little guy on the step, has started to follow Tom out to the garden.

So if he is still here when we get back

Maybe he will move inside

Saturday evening kayaks

2008-08-24T19:48:00.003-04:00

We took the kayaks out Parvin State Park Saturday evening. In the middle of the lake I saw a dead fish floating by and I almost picked it up, to show Tom what I caught. But I thought better of it and let it go past. Seconds later, I heard splashing behind me. I turned and saw a bald eagle fighting a seagull for the fish. The seagull lost and the eagle flew to a tree on the other side of the lake. I uess he ate it in the tree. It was quite a thrilling sight. It has been rumored that a pair of bald eagles were nesting near the lake. I had seen them from a distance one other time, but never as close as Saturday night. I'm Glad they have returned to the area. I hope they remain. It was quite a site. It all happened so fast that I was not able to get a photo.The swans are a less wild and let you get quite close. Although they do hiss at you if you get too close.

Tom took his fishing pole, but realized when he got on the lake that he forgot his license. However he did catch a red plaid shirt (the one he was wearing) with one of his fishing lores, hooked it in the back and it gave quite a fight, embedding the hooks quite deeply. So in the middle of the lake I had to cut out the hooks, to permit him to paddle himself to shore. Not quite a fish, but something pretty big, about 175 lbs. Top that britknitter's sister.

One block wonder

2008-08-19T06:44:00.005-04:00

I recently completed this quilt. It is called a one block wonder. You need a print that has a 24" repeat, then cut it into 6 strips, layer each, then cut into squares. Those squares are then cut into 6 triangles, and resew into a 6 sided block. Lay out in a pleasing pattern then sew together. I used a piece of uncut fabric for the back. I also made a pair of matching pillow cases.

Ride I didn't need

2008-08-11T07:03:00.002-04:00

Last weekend we planned to spend Friday and Saturday night on the Skyline Drive in Va. We had plans to hike a few easy trails, have a picnic lunch and dinner in one of the lodges. Well, we started out late Friday afternoon, crossed the Delaware Bridge got on I 95S for about 5 miles and the car stopped- died- dead- no movement, no lights, no anything. We were able to get the car to the shoulder, called the police, then waited, and waited and waaaaaiiiitttteeedddd, for three hours. Finally a trooper arrived, very nice young man, and waited again for the tow truck. So, instead of a night in the mountains we had a lovely view of the local Toys A-Us from our window in a Courtyard Hotel in Christina, DE. Then, the ride I didn't need. coming home in the cab of a flatbed truck. Really fun, really loud, really hot and really expensive.
So no photos of the Blue Ridge Mountains, bear, deer or anything. A little disappointing.

This weekend I worked, very quiet and not quite so expensive.

Circle complete

2008-07-29T06:35:00.003-04:00

I' m back from Hershey, Pa and Quilt Odyssey. I had a great time. The workshop was great and the first lecture was so inspiring. The orange and purple optical illusion circle was the result of the workshop. The homework that we had brought with us, was cut, sewn, cut again, then finally sewn together again to make the circle. All the corners should meet, (don't look too close at the photo). The process was really fun, I will probably try it again, after I finish some projects.

The butterflies in the next two photos were from a quilt by Sharon Schomber. She spoke about organization in your studio and creativity, birth order does matter in her opinion, Great speaker and such a great quilter. She designed bridal gowns, and one can see the detailed work carries through in her quilts. She often paints the pictures on the fabric then quilts. Beautiful long arm quilting that the is enhanced with bead work. Best of all, we could touch the quilts. No white glove required.

The bodies of the butterflies are three dimentional, like stuffed animals attached to the quilt top.

The second lecture did not hold my attention. The lecturer was late, then had to arrange the slides in the tray before she could begin to speak. Oh well, always next year, but we have decided that family will probably come first then.

Ready to go

2008-07-23T06:52:00.003-04:00

I am ready to leave, homework is done. First photo shows the project half way completed. The sewing wasn't that difficult, but the pressing was not easy. I pinned each end to keep from stretching, then gently pressed it the entire length.
This photo shows the completed work, four panels and what is left of the second spool of thread.

Oh, yeah, I might be ready to leave, but unfortunately not until tomorrow at this time. Oh, well, off to work I go.

Is your homework done yet?

2008-07-20T14:22:00.002-04:00

Well...No. Excuses as follows:.

I have started it.

I don't need until I leave Thursday morning.

I've run out of thread--Purple- Why did I choose to use purple? I hate purple.

I need to go the the fabric store for that purple thread, but it is waaaay to hot to go shopping.

If I finish it, I will have to Iron it. See above for the reason.

Cutting fabric strip 3/4" wide is not fun. Then try sewing them together.

As I said, see #2 above, I am going to Quilt Odyssey in Hershey, Pa for two days. I am taking a class called Circle of Illusion by Andi Perejda.

I am off tomorrow, so shopping, sewing and ironing is planned. Oh yes, maybe I'll run the cleaner.

Fluffy & Patches

2008-07-17T07:11:00.003-04:00

I am happy to introduce my newest 4 legged nieces- Fluffy and Patches the Boodles. They are designer dogs- Bisheon and Poodle. They are about 6 months old. Their human family just moved to a new house that was adapted for doggy use, a fenced in backyard and a new doggie door which they use constantly. I'm sorry but I can't tell them apart, one has a black spot near the tail, the other does not. They like to jump and are soooo very soft.

Painting for socks

2008-07-14T06:39:00.002-04:00

I tried to paint my own sock yarn this weekend. Following the directions in the new Knitpicks catalog, (I could not wait for my order to arrive) I knitted together two strands of an off white sock yarn that I found in my stash. I made the strip about calf width and just knit in a stockingknit pattern on size 8 needles unil I ran out of yarn. The finished length was about 4 feet long, I did not worry about the rolled edges. I laid out the wet panel on a piece of plastic on the kitchen counter ( For safety reasons, I know its not a good thing to work in the kitchen, but it was way too hot on the patio). Then, I began to paint the first rows of blue stripes about 3 inches apart. In between a put a red stripe, then between those stripes, I filled in with yellow. You can see in the first photo that the yellow has begun to move into the blue creating green.
I steamed the plastic wrapped panel for 1/2 hour. Let cool and hung to dry. Drying the panel on the back fence only took about an hour. I took the dried panel to my nephew's graduation party, where my mother-in-law helped seperate and roll into two balls.
I worked yesterday, but it was very quiet in the morning, so I had time to knit. I almost always use an afterthought heel in socks- that's the white stripe. The fun part will be knitting the next sock to see if it really matches.

Clean House

2008-07-08T20:12:00.005-04:00

...too bad it is not mine. It is the bird house in the photo. This house was a birthday gift from a co-worker last year, so this is the first year it's been up and verrry busy. First there was a pair of bluebirds checking it out for several days, but I knew they would not nest there because it is not the correct location. Early spring there was a family of sparrows. I couldn't tell how many babies, but if all the noise was any measure, there could have been at least a half dozen. Next a pair of barn swallows moved in. They had two sets of babies with a total of about six little ones between the two hatchings. The swallows were fun to watch. Each night, while I soaked in the hot tub, they were flying and diving above me catching insects. They are very skillful fliers, very acrobatic. It is amazing that they never flew into each other, as sometimes there were three or four birds flying at the same time. Last Wednesday, while I was at work they moved out and I haven't seen one since.

Today when I came home, I found this pile of feathers around the base of the pole. They were all a brilliant white probably from the tails of the swallows.

Obviously, some one else was cleaning out the house. Tonight while I was in the hot tub, I saw the new resident, a house wren. Now, I know the male will build several nests and let the female choose the best one. For several weeks a wren has been singing about the nest he built in a Williamsburg pottery house by the front window. It is fun to watch him singing about his creation. However, this is not a good location- no shade- in the direct sun most of the day, probably over 1oo degress most days. No female would pick this nest. I know this new house is a much better choice. Good luck, Buddy. I hope to hear some little ones soon.

Yearly Water Lily

2008-07-01T20:44:00.003-04:00

My red water lily bloomed today. The plant is about 5 years. It puts out many leaves, but has only bloomed once each year since I've had it. By mid to late June I look every day to see if the flower has appeared. Finally, today, lucky I did not miss it.

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY QUILT

I've always wanted a quilt that I could hang up during our annual picnic. This year it will be on the the 5th, because I have to work on Friday. This quilt was made for the guild's annual picnic as a DIY challenge. Each month we were give a new assignment, such as 12 inch center square, a plain border, a piece border and an applique border and then one of our chose. Patterns and colors were our own choice. It was a very fun project.

Home again

2008-06-25T07:25:00.002-04:00

I went to work yesterday, but stayed just a few hours. It was really too much. I came home and collapsed for a few hours before dinner, ate, then went to bed before 7:00. If I take it easy today, perhaps I will finally be over this, I hope, I hope.
Just to catch up, regarding Friday night's activities. The kids decided to take out the kayaks. First time for every one. I called Britknitter to borrow her mother's double kayak, because I was afraid that Kaia could not handle one by her self. But she was not available (check her blog for the reason- Welcome Cooper). The adults tried it first. E. had no problem, that's her in the middle of the pond. Our son did have a little problem getting in, it didn't turn over, but sure was funny to watch.

They spent about an hour on the big lake having a great time. Then Kaia got her turn. Mom stayed out to supervise. Dad lifted her in and off she went. No trouble at all, expert paddler, figured out how to steer with no trouble. So much for all the worries. She did stay in the small pond, but she paddled around the whole area, checking out each corner. She found a frog, roses and a sunny bed. The only time consideration was that "Camp Rock" premiered at 8. Had to home by then. Last good memory from their trip, I got sick a few hours after that.

Finally, Happy Birthday to our Toby. He would have turned 15 today. Miss you, Toby-Baby.

Lonely Sick Day

2008-06-23T12:37:00.003-04:00

The family left early this morning. I did not get to spend much time with them this weekend, because I'm sick. The worse aches and pains that I have ever experienced. It started in my hips friday night. It felt like a pair of cinder blocks were laying on my hips. The pain quickly spread to other joints and muscles. There was never any vomiting or other problems, just pain so bad that a dozen extra strength Tylenol didn't touch it.

Kaia did learn to sew. She started a quilt for her new sibling who is due in early Dec. I found some fabric with Baby Einstein designs. She picked out fabric for the sashing and border, then began sewing, She learned to thread the machine, sew a 1/4" seam and how to press the seams.
She worked until midnight the first evening and only till 10:30 the next night. She got a lot done, but didn't get it completed because I got sick.

Above-Sewing the first seam
Below-Designing the layout of the quilt, it took a least 45 minutes.

Photos of unfinished quilt and other activities and a special happy birthday on the 25th.

Royal Dogs & Kayak too

2008-06-15T19:14:00.004-04:00

Father's Day came with a new kayak for Hubby. We took it out early this morning (7:00 am) and spent about 1 1/2 hours on Parvin Lake. We saw some swans at a distance, and a few geese also. This was his first time out in a kayak, although we did have a canoe years ago. It was a good morning, very peaceful.

The family arrived late Friday night. The drive up was very long with only one major mishap. About 1 1/2 out, Holly throw up. It was probably just nerves, as this was her first lonnnnnng trip. As the photo shows the other two have made themselves right at home. All of them have settled in very well.

Here comes triple trouble

2008-06-12T06:38:00.003-04:00

Early tomorrow morning my three grand dogs will be beginning their 700 mile trip to visit us for a week. They will be driving up with their Mom and Dad.
Casey the oldest, has done this trip before in reverse, when she moved to Florida. She slept most of the way down. Ella is almost a year old and she is crate trained. No problem there.

Hollie is a rescue dog. She saw her brother killed by a car when she was a pup and is very frightened of any vehicle. Her longest trips have been to the vet or kennel. She becomes very scared and irritable. My son says that if things don't begin well early in the trip, he will turn around, arrange to put the dogs in the kennel and fly home. Happy Driving!!!

Dance, Dance

2008-06-11T10:56:00.003-04:00

We just returned from a trip to Jacksonville to attend our grand daugther's dance recital. She appeared in five dances. These are three of the costumes that need adjustment before the dress rehearsal. The first one is for a jazz dance called Cake and Ice Cream.

This one was for a hip-hop dance- Peanut Butter and Jelly. This one ended with her doing a split as her final move.

This was her ballet outfit. The dance was called Leather and Lace.

She appeared in two other dances, one a tap dance to the Lone Ranger song, the other was a tumbling routine to a Hannah Montana song. (Never thought I would mention her name in a blog)

The rest of the visit was spent in their pool and eating. We flew back with Kaia. Her parents will arrive early Saturday morning by car with their three dogs, who will be guests tomorrow on Dogs on Thursdays.

Excuses, excuses

2008-05-31T20:28:00.006-04:00

Lots of excuses, but no very good ones. I can't believe it has been almost a month since I posted last. I have been busy though. Several weekends ago I spent the weekend at Cape May with the quilt guild for a mystery quilt get together. Good weather after Friday night and lots of great friend. Many quilts were totally pieced by Sunday morning. I was one of the leaders so my quilt was completed before. Mine is hanging on the left. It is based on a storm at sea pattern.

We have been busy in the yard and garden. Flowers are beginning to bloom and the vegetable garden has been planted, several times. We gave up on the peas, because they never got more then 2 inches high. The eggplants have been planted twice. The second time we put coffee cans over them for protection. We also planted tomatoes, peppers, string beans, squash, watermelon, pole beans and mini pumpkins. Also, giant pumpkins, some in the front yard and some in the veggie garden. However, we are fighting a loosing battle, I'm afraid. We have been invaded by rabbits, All sizes, from about 3 inches to very large, very fat full grown veggie eating monsters. In fact, the other day we could not even get up the drive way, because three of the little darlings were playing there. They spent at least 1/2 hour playing. They are cute, as long as they stay out of the vegetable patch. At least, no turkeys or deer yet. At least I haven't seen them yet.

This bird house has its second family. First was a sparrow family. Now there is a pair of barn swallows. They barely fit through the opening. I hope they stay. The house is very close to the patio, and these guys are keeping the bugs down very well. Also, they are fun to watch diving and flipping around in flight.

This is a mini rose that is growing in the front garden. It is about 3 feet high and very happy there. I've cut at least 10 bunches. Taken some to work and my parents several times. My kitchen table has looked wonderful for several weeks.

Day off

2008-04-30T21:25:00.002-04:00

Yesterday, was my grand daughter's ninth birthday. When we called last night, she was playing with her present from her parents. The whole time we talked she was bouncing on her new trampoline. She said she would teach me how to use it when we visit next month. Ha, Ha. Some one will need to photos of that. If I don't break a bone, I'll post them.

I had today off because I'm working this weekend. I went to Curves, then stopped at Staples to get copies made of the quilt pattern for the mystery weekend in two weeks. I found a new pair of shoes while I waited. After lunch, I went to a local coffee shop with a friend to meet other knitters. I saw people who I haven't seen in quite a while. A couple were knitting socks and three had their spinning wheels. I'm not a coffee drinker, but I had some great hot chocolate with whipped cream. I should have taken photos, but I forget the camera.

I do have a dog for tomorrow, but I need help to find the photo on my computer. So, maybe next week.

Trixie the Dog

2008-04-24T06:47:00.002-04:00

I have a dog to show for Dogs on Thursday. Trixie belongs to my sister Gail. Trixie is 5-6 years old and is a rescue from Gloucester County. She is very sweet. She can sit and fetches and drops her ball very well. She is great company for my sister who lives alone. Trixie has a problem with her hips and has had surgery twice for a torn ligament in her leg. She is not quite as active as she was once was, but she has a fenced in yard in the back that she protects from the squirrels, but she ignores the many cats that live close by. Thanks for dropping by. Good Dog.

Silly Goose

2008-04-21T07:09:00.003-04:00

For the last several years a goose has made her nest on the roof of a building where I work. It is a good spot. She is safe from the cats and the hordes of active school children the visit each spring. But.. how do the little ones reach the ground? I have never seen them leave the nest, I hope they don't just plop to the ground. Good luck little geese.

Saturday, my quilt guild had a small exhibit in the lobby of our meeting place. We also were working on several charity projects, including: a Habitat for Humanity quilt, a "quilt pink" quilt for mammograms, baby quilts and lap quilts. We also had a great lunch and lots of sharing of ideas and friendship. These are quilts that I made at home and donated that day.

Scarf finished

2008-04-15T07:22:00.004-04:00

One of my amaryllises has bloomed. I have two and they seem to alternate the years that they bloom. This one was given to me years ago by an aunt. She passed away in 1996. This is the only memento of her.

Two views of the finished scarf/shawl. It is not quite as wide as the directions, but I am happy with it. I took it the my knitting guild last night and every one was quite impressed. I wish I had yarn to do another one.

Finally...Finally

2008-04-06T08:19:00.003-04:00

SHIP AHOY

Finally got the kayak in the water. Last night after working at a family craft day, with 100's of kids, I was ready for some peace and quiet. Stopped on the way home for a few errands, then had a quick dinner. We made it to the lake about 6:00. Very few people were there, except for a little boy and his dad. Of course, they watched while I got in and pushed off. The boy thought the color was great, I definitely agree. Dad says " Wow, they are sure easy to launch." I made it out looking good. No wet feet, didn't turn over. A good showing. Tom walked along the bank and watched from the shore.

It was very peaceful. Only one other boat on the other side of the lake. Just a few ducks and one goose. The lily pads are starting to grow in the shallow sunny coves. I did see a mammal, could not tell if it was and otter or muskrat. It moved too quickly. I spent about an hour on the lake.
By the time I got home I was very cold, especially my legs (which were wet from the paddles) and my hands. Note to self- wear gloves next time.

Great night. Too wet to try it today.

Pretty Pears

2008-04-04T07:09:00.003-04:00

Spring has arrived on my street. These are the Bradford pears trees that line the streets in my development. Some of our vegetable garden has been planted. Just the peas, onions and snow peas, now we have to keep the turkeys and deer out of the garden.

Still have not gotten the kayak out to the lake yet, although if it keeps raining today, the leak in the basement may give me enough water to try it there. The weather forecast for Sunday looks good however. We have to get to the lake soon before the Governor closes it, as part of the budget cuts. Hope it doesn't happen.

Pretty Flowers, Beautiful Scenery...

2008-03-26T06:50:00.004-04:00

...and Fabric Heaven.
The flowers were an Easter gift form my parents. We had a very nice dinner with my parents and sister and her youngest, Theresa. She was very impressed that her "old" aunt has a blog.

The pretty scenery was photographed in Lancaster Co. yesterday. My quilt guild went on a bus trip to fabric heaven. First we stopped at Martin's Fabric Loft in Morgantown. Then brunch/lunch at the Silk City Diner in Denver, then on to Sauders Fabrics.

After that we went to Intercourse for more fabric and late lunch. I was very conservative in my purchases, only enough for a queen size log cabin quilt. Great day for everyone.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2008-03-17T06:53:00.003-04:00

Lots of green fabric, but no quilt. About 15 years ago, I made an Irish Chain quilt for my son, who was born on St. Patrick's Day. Machine pieced, but hand quilted, it is queen size. I still use it when I visit them in Fl.

There was a quilt show where I work over the weekend. The Garden Patch Quilters arranged a great show. Wonderful quilts and excellent vendors. I got a book that I had been looking for.

Christmas came today!

2008-03-09T13:31:00.003-04:00

First, just a touch of spring. A violet that I bought several weeks ago, finally bloomed and bloomed and bloomed.

Finally, Christmas arrived. Santa delivered (actually we picked it up) my kayak. Orange and red, my favorite colors and a paddle, too. It's sitting in the basement now. It is too windy and cold today to try it on the lake. Maybe next weekend, if the weather is good. I can't wait to try it out. Thank you.

Not much has happened

2008-03-06T20:09:00.003-05:00

I have not done very much the last few days.
Spent some time knitting. Socks of course. Two more baby hats that my sister asked me to knit for a baby -triplets- shower.
Worked on quilts. Added binding to a full size quilt and quilted a lap quilt.
Spent some time in the hot tub. It was nice sitting in the sun, although it was pretty windy.
I also ordered a life jacket to go with my new kayak, that I am getting this weekend. The jacket came today, nice shade of orange to match the kayak. However, it doesn't fit, too small. Back it goes.

Plans for the weekend- Saturday- workshop with the quilt guild.
Sunday- grocery shopping, BUY kayak, drop off quilt for show.

Where's the Bias?

2008-02-24T07:52:00.002-05:00

I started the Clapotis scarf/shawl on snow day Friday. I got half way through the second set of instructions, then checked the diagram. NO BIAS. When does the shaping begin? Tore it out and started over, Still no bias. HELP!!!!

PS to Britknitter: I seem to have lost the other blog. HELP? Yet again.

Socks again

2008-02-21T20:23:00.003-05:00

Just some more socks. The yarn is from Knit-picks and when completed are for a friend to give to her daughter, who loves purple. Notice the purple stripe. I used this same yarn to knit another pair for a friend as a Christmas gift.

This yarn is for a knit along I just joined. It is from my friend's sheep, commercially spun in the midwest. Then hand dyed by my friend.

I have been also working on a quilt. The top was pieceed some time ago. I just started quilting it yesterday. I have got one color done, the orange. Working on the blue, but need to get some white thread to do the final color. The border will be done in the blue, I think. Can't show a picture as the quilt is a mystery quilt sample. My quilt guild is having a retreat in May to Cape May. Another girl and I are planning the quilt instructions. Mine will be appropriate for a beach retreat as the fabric has palm trees and fish. Photos after the retreat.

Almost Adventure

2008-02-11T15:59:00.001-05:00

This weekend we had plans to go to Lancaster for Valentine's Day. I planned to go to several fabric shops (I do need more fabric, ha ha) and a yarn shop (I do need a 12" circular needle for socks, so I can give back the one I borrowed from Britknitter) and have a late lunch at Shady Maple (always good), before going to the hotel. We left early, stopped at WaWa, then crossed the bridge on our adventure. Next stop was the outlets on Route 30. Ran in quickly, came out and found an almost flat tire with a nail in it. Short conversation, put some air in the tire, and go home. Got home to have a late lunch, tune fish. Sort of disappointing, after planning Shady Maple's buffet. I did not feel that well anyway.

I was able to complete this quilt by adding borders. The quilt is the first that the guild has been asked to make for several Habitat for Humanity homes to be built this year near Clayton. Each will be made using Log Cabin blocks arranged in different patterns. Best wishes to the first family who should be in their new home by early summer. I hope they enjoy the quilt, however it looks pretty good in my bedroom. I just may have to make one for myself.

Been Busy

2008-01-31T06:46:00.001-05:00

I've been busy, but really I've done nothing of interest to post. We installed new blinds on the dining room window. These are 2" oak. Several weeks ago we did the living room windows. Now, we need to get four for the downstairs bedroom. The all the lower level windows will match.
In the photo, there are several socks that I've recently completed and one new pair in progress. In the background is one of the quilts that I pieced at a quiling retreat two weekends ago. There was a post about the weekend and the $8000 sewing machine that we used there. But, I must have done something wrong because that post is not on view. I hope this one works correctly.

I struck Gold!

2008-01-15T07:02:00.000-05:00

---or more correctly red and orange. I am finishing cleaning the basement storage area. At the bottom of the basket I found the missing red and orange strips. Already, I have made more then 50 red striped blocks. I do not have enough red fabric for the sashing strips and backing, so that is on my shopping list for this weekend. If I finish the project planned for the weekend, I will probably start adding sashing to these blocks.

Baby quilt

2008-01-10T18:40:00.000-05:00

This a baby quilt made for a friend of my daugther in law. It was completed more then a month ago, but I wanted to show it a my quilt meeting last night. Luckily the baby is not due until today. I have not heard any news yet, but best wishes to Ashley and Dennis in Fl.

Organized ???

2008-01-07T06:11:00.001-05:00

I purchased a new crock pot last weekend. After 30 years, I finally replaced the old one. Worked great, but would not fit into the space of the old one in the cabinet. So the cabinet needed to be rearranged. Now organized by date (threw out the out dated ones) and type, I hope that it will remain that way. Note to myself: No need to purchase chicken noodle soup for many months. Looks great.

Close by is a table that I use for quilting supplies, that was calling out for attention. There is another cabinet that holds the fabric in bins. The pile on the table is scraps, strips and pieces from completed projects. I began to organize by color. Surprisingly, very few reds and orange, I guess I used them up entirely in the quilts. However, lots of green and blue strips. I ran out of room on the table, so upstairs I went to use up those first piles of scraps.

I straightened up those strips by rotary cutting them into even pieces, any width. Then sewed them together, starting with the longest, then adding on shorter pieces making sure that the same fabrics were not sewn next to each other. Then taking a 6" square ruler, set on point, cut out the squares. Sashing was added to two sides of each square, the all sewn together. Sashing was added to the final two sides, then quilted. I'll add binding later, when I feel like some hand work. Back to the basement, to finish the clean up, maybe find two more quilts hidden the mess.

Happy New Year

2008-01-01T16:25:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year from Cape May. Early this morning we drove down to Cape May. We walked the entire length and back on the board walk. Many pleasant people greeted us as the completed their morning jog.

Then we drove down to the state park at the point. They had a lot of rain. The entrance ramp to their viewing platform was flooded. The weather was bright and sunny with a slight breeze. We saw some swans, but they were too far away to get a photo.

Christmas is gone for the year. All the decorations are dowen inside the house. Everything is back to normal. The outside decorations are still up, I like to see them lit when I get home after dark each night.

Yesterday, Sue and I went up to Joanne's for a fabric fix. I got fabric for the quilt I will be making on the Lancaster weekend in several weeks. I got bright batiks for a baby quilt. I plan to begin cutting the fabric this weekend. Photos then.

Case of the Unlocked Trunk

2007-12-30T09:10:00.000-05:00

....or where is Nancy Drew when you need her? Are there still Nancy Drew books being printed?

Victim: 2001 Hyundai Sonata
Crime: A trunk that keeps opening. Twice the trunk was open long enough to kill the battery because the light was burning all night.
Suspects:
#1- Neighbor's new car. This started several days after she got her new car, a sporty silver Nissan. Could her locking system work on the same frequency as our car?
#2- Transmissions from circling aircraft. We are located under the flight plan for Philadelphia International Airport. I've heard that garage doors and gas fireplaces may be affected by those planes. Could it happen to car trunks too?
#3-Alien spacecraft communicating with our car? For what reason? Probably unlikely.
#4-Recently developed site of a new "Bermuda Triangle", located in a 6 foot diameter circle in our driveway. These electrical problems do not extend to the locking system or engine, but the retractable antenna in the trunk does not always extend fully. Probably not very likely either, how disappointing!
We have temporary remedied the problem by deactivating the electric lock and just using a key. How 20th cedntury.

Toby Quilt

2007-12-27T07:04:00.001-05:00

The "Toby Baby" quilt is hanging in the bedroom. It WAS surprise. Tom was totally shocked.

Now that Christmas is over, it is time to organize. I have started to clean up my fabric area. I plan to cut stips from the larger pieces. Then sew them all together into sets by colors. I have not made a plan of how to use them, but probably use them in a crazy patch type quilt.

Merry Christmas from the Grandchildren

2007-12-21T06:45:00.001-05:00

This card arrived from Florida yesterday, one day too late for dogs on Thursday. Left to right is Dancing Tigger, Casey, Kaia holding Ella, Holi on floor and at far right Frosty. Notice the dogs are wearing neck wear made by my daugther in law. Good job, Erin. Hanging on the fireplace are two stocking that I made for the kids about 12 years ago. It is too bad that you can't see more of them.

These two quilts will be going to my nieces on Christmas. The quilts are both in the same pattern but different colorways. Theresa, who likes sunflowers and yellow will get the top one. Kim chose cranberry and green to match her living room. I hope they both enjoy the quilts.

Socks are Done!!!!

2007-12-16T09:58:00.000-05:00

The two pairs of socks that I needed for Christmas gifts are done, but as the photo shows I have plans for several more pairs. No rush this time, just knitting at leisure.

I did start a pair of fingerless gloves from a little bit of left over sock yarn. The right hand one is finished and the cuff of the left hand one is done. I plan to knit the rest on the way to a party this afternoon. My niece and her husband is hosting a family get together. They live in Delaware, so I have about 45 minutes of knitting time.

So, I have only one present left to finish. My niece's quilt. I spent about a hour at the machine this morning and plan to get some more done before it is time to leave. By midweek, I hope to add the binding, which I can hand sew at work if it is quiet. Then I can finish quilting over the weekend. We will exchange gifts Christmas night at 6:00 after we finish dinner. Plenty of time to finish.

Quilters Christmas Party

2007-12-14T07:12:00.000-05:00

Our quilt Christmas party was held Wednesday night. Forty of us gathered at the Red Pine Inn, for fellowship, food and quilts. The GREAT committee made favors for every one. I got the orange pin, thank you, thank you. They also had a give away for everyone. Also the centerpieces were given out by a game like hot potato, but using left, right commands.

The quilt pictured was the guild's gift to the out going president, Sue. Members made the nine patches and it was assembled by our new president, Gloria. Included were the signatures of all our members. Sue was totally surprised. She thought she won the drawing for all those nine patches.

My "Toby Baby" quilt won 2nd place in the Challenge at the party. Photos when the quilt is hung on Christmas day.

Sunday at Work?

2007-12-10T06:25:00.000-05:00

I spent a couple of hours yesterday at work holding a craft activity at the museum. Our first visitor was a little girl who made a gingerbread man using iron on felt to a quilted background. He was very cute. Sometime later a man stopped by and also made a gingerbread man. In between those visitors were able to knit. I got about 3 inches done on the last sock I need for a Christmas gift.

We were joined for part of the time by a museum volunteer, who needed help in making her sock. She had made socks many years ago, but had seen me using some self striping yarn and decided to try again using the new yarn. She was also wanted to try constructing a heel in the method that I usually use, which is an after thought heel. Just knit in the round using a number of stitches that can be divided by four. When you reach the area that you would do a normal heel with a heel flap and gusset, just knit one half the stitches using a contrasting color of yarn. Turn, then purl back on those stitches. When you reach the end, drop the contrasting yarn, pick up the main yarn and continue knitting in the round. Finish the toe as usually. Now back to the heel. Pick up those stitches on either side of the contrasting yarn and knit another toe.

While we knit, she was telling us about her upcoming vacation to visit her sister. They will be meeting in Quebec. She also spoke about the last time they met there, when they were both in their mid-seventies. They attended a winter carnival, where they tobogganed and ice skated. Of course, they had to rent their equipment and wanted a senior rate. But, not too many seniors wanted to rent anything, so their was no rate in place, so instead they were given the children's rate. Can you imagine 70+ year old women, skating and sledding with families of their grand children's age. What characters, good for them, I hope I can do the same thing at their age.

Disney Dogs

2007-12-06T17:43:00.000-05:00

Kaia and I found Pluto at the entrance of Main Street. We were too late for a good photo, but we also saw Chip and Dale, her favorites there.
This is Goofy riding his bike on the float of Micky's Very Merry Christmas Parade. His float was a candy factory, the steam had a peppermint smell.

Tom's Christmas quilt, "Toby Baby", is almost finished. I put the binding on today, but I have not added the eyes or quilted that area. Seems that I can't get the eyes correct. Springer's have such sad eyes and each pair that I've done don't look droopy enough. It has to be done by Wednesday, so I must make a decision soon.

Home FROM my Holiday

2007-12-04T07:04:00.001-05:00

I spent the weekend in Florida. I met the family there for Micky Mouse's Very Merry Christmas on Sunday night. It was great to see everyone. We stayed at the Coronado Spring Resort. We visited the Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Animal Kingdom. On Saturday night my granddaughter and I had a pajama party. On Sunday, we got up early and went to the Magic Kingdom. We got there before the park opened, so we had short waits for several rides. We did Splash Mountain first. Hint: do not sit in right hand front seat unless you need a shower. After I dried off, we did Thunder Mountain two times in a row. We did several more rides then had to meet the rest of family for lunch at the Wilderness Lodge. The all-you-can-eat barbecue was great. Kaia got to lead the stick pony trail ride. Sunday night was the Christmas Party.

Warm weather, great family time, and VERY sore feet.

Always on the look out for a good quilt. This prize winner is by Minnie Mouse. It is on display at her house in Toon Town

Middle Grand dog

2007-11-29T06:45:00.001-05:00

Introducing Holi (short for Holiday), my middle grand dog. Holi joined the family during the holiday season nearly two years ago. My son, who is a police officer, found Holi standing over the body of another dog, probably her brother, on a back road. She was covered with fleas and ticks, but not injured. She spent the first day in their garage, until she visited the vet and received a check-up. Then, she joined big sister dog, Kasey and her human family. Her back is marked like a German Shepherd and she has a blue tongue. She has a great personality, gets very excited when greeting a guest (sometimes little puddles on the floor), and can spend hours chasing lizards in the back yard. While she is inside, she naps in a chair in the living room that faces the road where she can watch the traffic. When the family travels, Holi goes to a kennel, where she is very anxious and probably confused, therefore a little difficult. However, the kennel has an employee who is slightly autistic. She is a great comfort to Holi and is the only one who can care for her.

Christmas to-do list

2007-11-25T07:32:00.001-05:00

I usually make a few gifts for Christmas. Here is the list for this year.

These are done: Multi-color diamond quilt for my Dad.
Yellow and blue quilt to my niece Theresa
Blue and green quilts for a co-worker

These are started: Socks for my Dad- one completed
Quilt for my niece Kim- pieced but
not quilted

Toby quilt for my husband

Not even started but I have the yarn- Socks for my friend

Not to bad I guess

Happy Thanksgiving/Incomplete dogs on Thursday

2007-11-22T09:52:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. Photo is of the dining room before dinner. Turkey is in the oven and I have just enough time to jump into the hot tub for a short time before company arrives.

Incomplete dogs on Thursday.

I began a quilt of our springer spaniel Toby for my husband's surprise Christmas present. I can only work on it for about an hour each morning after he leaves for work, but before I have to leave. Also, I am using it as my entry in the Christmas challenge for my quilt guild. Our party is Dec. 12, not much time to make a quilt. Toby passed away almost 2 years ago, so I found an old photo of when he was a puppy to use as a model. Photo is of the fabric that I used for the center of the quilt.

Toby is made using raw edge applique, glued to the background fabric. This will be surrounded by two borders. The first of patchwork squares. The second will be a patchwork ribbon and bow using fabric for the challenge.

Hopefully, I will have the squares completed this week and can begin quilting the next.

Socks for Dad

2007-11-17T18:07:00.000-05:00

My father asked for a pair of wool socks for Christmas. Just the excuse that I needed to buy more yarn since all I had was orange or pink. So, I ordered from one of my favorite places, but not just yarn for one pair of socks, but several. One pair for him, one for my friend, Sonia, who has gotten a new pair for Christmas the last several years, one pair for me now, and one pair for later. As two of these are needed for Christmas, time to get knitting now. I started with Dad's, as his are the largest, using brown striped super wash merino. After checking the size and using a pair of mine as sample, I start to knit.

I cast on 100 stitches, and knit several inches. Looks good, great stripes, but large enough to fit an elephant. So, frog it back and start over.

I cast on 86 stitches and knit several inches. Looks good, great stripes, but now large enough to fit a baby elephant. So, Rippit.

I cast on 68 stitches and knit several inches. Looks good, great strips, but NOW just the right size.

I still have a problem with gauge. I guess I think that it is easier to rip out then to actually sample. By this time 12 days have passed and I have only half a sock. Since it is Saturday night and I have no where to go and nothing to do, I will knit, knit, knit.

First Blog

2007-11-15T10:12:00.000-05:00

Here it is, finally, at long last, I've done it. This is it my first blog. A little bit about me. I'm married and have one son, who lives in Florida with his wife and daugther, three dogs, one cat, two gold fish and a growing collection of "Webkins".

My Grandmother taught me to knit when I was 8 years old, but only the knit stitch, so after several squares I quit. I re-taught myself when my son was 4 years old. I made him a sweater for Christmas. It was teal green with raglan sleeves. He wore it for several years, because I did not read the part about gauge in the instructions. Sometime later, a cousin gave my the fleece from his sheep, so I had to learn to spin. I now have three spinning wheels, but haven't spun any wool in quite a while. I currently have been making socks for family and myself and baby hats which I donate to the local hospital for the new babies.

Lately, I have been making quilts. I tend to chose traditional patterns but enjoy the challenge of choosing and using colors in a less then tradition way. I have designed and created several wall hangings. Each has been a challenge in either combining patterns and new techniques, such as paper piecing or raw edge applique. The quilt pictured is a simple nine patch I made several years ago.

They say the first step is the most difficult. So THANKS to my co-worker, fellow knitter and good friend, DW (Britknitter) I am NO LONGER blogless.