Design Wall Monday

This is what is on the design wall. I have been using the "Hello Betty" layer cake. I think it is makin up a pretty wild quilt but I like it. I am using Judy's Scraps Ahoy pattern.

I have been quilting. I have nearly finished one customer quilt on the long arm and one in cue! Binding, too. I have one project bound off the big fat binding mountain. I am taking them one at a time :).

See what everyone else is doing at Patchwork Times. Patchwork Times

Peaches are in

So we went to our favorite orchard , Friske's, and picked up peaches, cherries and jam. They had a bbq lunch going so I indulged. Hmmm, good. I refrained from the cookies and pies. The sky was overcast but the temp was great for outdoor eating and shopping.

On our way home, we saw Charlevoix was having side walk sales. We wanted to stop and look at one or two stores as it was getting late. Parking was really hard to find so my dh turned the corner and grabbed the first space. In front of the quilt shop. Hmmm, I kinda thought it was ;). So I was able to buy a charm pack. I love that store. I talked to the long arm quilter and we talked of mutual friends we have. I must go back soon!!!

Big fat binding mountain

I have decided, after picking up the mountain of quilts that need to be bound, I need to start sewing the bindings down. I have some binding already attached and need hand stitching. Sewing in the evening with the TV on is what I am going to do. Really. I am. I have to get these things done!! I need to shrink Big Fat Binding Mountain by November's craft show.

I have been thinking about funny little things that I noticed have changed with the onset of the internet. TV programming. It really stinks now. Everything is going to DVR recordings and on demand. Not always bad but I need to change how I watch TV. The family doesn't usually sit together and watch a show.

Reading. I haven't read a book in a year or more. I spend all day reading the computer screen and my eyes are tired. In fact, I am tired.

There was a time when crafts were my only form of entertainment as a kid. We didn't have TV or the internet. The library was a place that was safe to ride our bikes to and check out the books. Summer reading programs had prizes for reaching goals. Do they still do that? We would hang out and actually read. And cool off because it was air conditioned. I actually went to the library this week and checked out Jinny Beyer's new quilt encyclopedia. Very nice.

Yep, I think I will try to read something interesting. Like my library book.

Design Wall Monday

I have decided to use Judy L.'s  free pattern, Scraps Ahoy,  at Patchworktimes for my "Hello Betty" layer cake. It is going to get wild and crazy before it is done!! Click on the link to see what others are doing on their walls.

I have also worked on some tote bags for the fall craft sale. They are fun to do. I have to decide how to finish them. I am waffling between button embellishments or not.

Yesterday was the 100th annual family reunion. Tons of fun. I like to look at the 100 year old photos and letters of our ancestors. I added a few names and dates to my genealogy project. It will give me more to go on this winter when I try to research further back in to the family tree. Another hobby I have had since I was a teen, along with quilting and antiques. I believe I was born an old soul.

Bifocals stink

New glasses yesterday. They are similar to the old pair -to compare see my profile pic. The frames on the new glasses are brown not black. I am not getting used to the bifocal part very well. I hope to adjust quickly. I still feel like I am in a fishbowl.

I am really trying to get things sorted today.It is too hot to be outside much and I don't want to do any more shopping. I have too much stuff here already!! I threw out a garbage bag of small scrap fabric. I pitched out old mail. I have sorted through a bit of clothes. BUT I still feel I need to hire an organizer to assist me.

I am going to play on EQ and have fun.

Let the games begin!

The Highland Games that is. Here is a picture of DH practicing the Sheif toss.For those unfamiliar with this event, it is like tossing a bale of  hay over a bar.  If the storms hold out he will be practicing more today. He wants to be ready for games next year. I am looking forward to it. I love sports. I love our collective Scottish heritage and this will give us opportunity to learn more.

Summer is typically a slow season here. This heat isn't helping. I have been slowly plodding along at work. I have been dragging myself to the gym and sewing a bit in the evenings. I want to do more organizing but that is what cooler weather is for.

My weight has stalled at it's current level. I need to make more changes in diet and increase the intensity of the exercise, I do believe, if I want to continue to lose. Sigh, it is never easy. But then, nothing worth doing ever is!!

Here is the results for days of research, thinking and then just doing this quilt on the long arm.

I also had a great weekend seeing my family at my nephews open house. I saw people I have not seen in years. Next Sunday is the 100th annual family reunion for my mothers family. That should be fun!

My husband is practicing for the high land games and I see many games and festivals in the next year. I am pretty excited for him. Now we are researching the best places to buy a kilt. If I keep losing weight, I think I want a skirt in my family tartan, too.

Here is the sample hanging at the shop. It was a good feeling to see it hanging in there. I hope to be able to make another sample in the future. Maybe out of the Oxygen line. I really like that fabric too!!

I am back to working on stash busting and making things for the craft show in the fall. I have some charm packs that I am thinking about how I want to use them. No big inspiration yet but it will happen. I have a jelly roll, a layer cake and 2 turnovers too. Come on brain don't fail me now!! hmmm, nothing yet....

I am going to enjoy this dog day of summer. On the agenda work, to the gym after work, sew a tote bag and vacuum up all the threads off the carpet!! I have been looking through quilt books from the 1980's that a friend gave to me. Sometimes there is big inspiration in what was in vogue and make it work for today.

Hair was trimmed up and look more presentable. I will have to update my profile picture. When the bifocals arrive it will be an event of a photo to be sure!!

Leftovers

I worked very hard to finish this quilt and it has been dropped off at the local quilt shop as a sample. I had some leftover fabrics from this kit so I made this Saturday. A cute little table runner!

and remember this?

And from this kit I made last week, I made this little table runner yesterday. I need to add a border to it yet, I should have something in my stash.

I love leftovers!! Not to be confused with layer cakes, jelly rolls or candy bars I see at the local shop, because I love them too.