Just to touch base...

Seems like everyone in Bloggerland is incognito. I know I have been busy, as usual. Can't say that I've accomplished much. Just trying to get all caught up before the next big trip. Going to Alabama- without a banjo on my knee. The 1st of August is the Bridal Tea and I am still piecing. Yeah, hard to believe, huh? I was one block shy- of course. Does this only happen to me? So I'm needing the sweet husband to stop at Wally World and get me some glue stick so I can get the last of the applique done. I was hoping to get an embroidered block done in it's place, but it just hasn't worked out. Then there are borders... just a simple swath of fabric. Keeping it simple.

This is the Turning Twenty that we literally threw together for Abe- he is sleeping under, and I quote, "a ratty sleeping bag." I didn't know a 5 year old knew the word "ratty" and it's proper usage. The guilt was thick enough to cut with a knife and so we dug through the fat quarter stash and out came a kinda bizarre quilt- but he doesn't seem to mind and is thrilled with it. Of course he is going to have to wait until the wedding quilts are all done for me to get it quilted. Sorry for the blurry picture.

Anybody wannna help me with the laundry?

Audrey and her quilted bag.

Grandmother at Riley with Ben and Eva.

Ben and Abe- best buds.

Spring Mill circa 1814.

Abe, doing one of the things he loves the most. (don't worry, he can stand on the bottom of the pool- it was only 3 feet deep.)

Three little ones...

These are some of the small quilts I have been playing with, lately. They measure, on average, about 16'x21'. My neice Rosemary asked why would I do that to myself. I actually enjoy it. I have a small metal lunch pail that holds the "project in works." I just open it from time to time and do a block or maybe two. The blocks mostly finish out at 3". So yeah, they're smallish, but not too small. None of the pieces were smaller than an inch. Now what to do with them? I haven't a clue. But, like I said, it was fun.

What fun!!!

My sister, Laurie, and her family came for a visit- the first time in 10 years- and Doy(brother in law) was fascinated by the quilting machine. So we had to throw in some doodle fabric and batting scraps and away they went. They giggled through a pantograph- a bit more difficult than it appears, and then they did some free-hand. Writing their names and just having fun with it. The kids all took a turn at it as well. Thought you all would enjoy the pics.

I have been away on vacation and not sewing too much- though I spent several hours out there, today. My sweet friend Donna needs a lap quilt. You know how some people cook for those they love? And I do that too, but I sew for comfort as well. I'll try to get a few pictures from the reunion/vacation posted soon! Have a great week!

My view...

as I do from time to time, I thought I would share my view out the quilting room window. Aren't day lillies cheerful? Abe(5y) has discovered that he really enjoys deadheading them so they are blooming profusely under his care.

The coop has been cleaned out - and by someone else other than me. Jacob drew the short stick, but it only took him 15 minutes once he unearthed the gas mask!

The dining room is as orderly as it will get, the laundry is... still there, though the pile is smaller, the sewing... well, I did a bitty bit. The teapots on my kitchen window sill are all shiny again. They always get a spruce up when Mom comes, but figured I'd give it a try. Not too strenuous. Hope everyone is enjoying their middle of the week.

Well, you get the idea...

finished this one at the beginning of May- birthday present for my newest daughter. I didn't get any pictures of it all quilted up. I just did a meander on it as I put a giraffe spot minkee on the back, so soft. This pattern is called Chocolate Covered Cherries. It looks so simple, but it was really kind of a pain. Lots of little pieces and matching points. I like the final look though.

So, what has everyone been up to? I'm procrastinating going and mucking out the chicken coop, can ya tell? But it needs be done. Poor little things walking around on their own poop... I'd rather do laundry- and that's saying something. We have a vacation at the end of the month and I am needing to get all caught up on laundry so that packing won't take me ...well, the next two weeks! I'd rather be sewing. My sis in law, Joy, is in town for the next month and so she is using the quilting machine- getting all of her winter projects done- she's a snow bird. I don't have any sewing that is too pressing. Need to get that wedding quilt for my oldest done by the end of July. (I'll be going to the wedding shower, Lord willing.) All the blocks are finished, so shouldn't take me too long. I'm working on a couple more mini's. They are kinda addictive. I'd rather be cleaning the construction zone- that dining room project has stalled- he'll get back to it once the cold weather sets back in- that's just the way he is. So I'm thinking, the scaffolding can come down and the tools deposited on one end of the room and I could sweep and put in a big ole table and pretend that the room is all finished... I have a very vivid imagination. Hey, it has four walls, a floor and a ceiling. Well, maybe I'll throw in a load of laundry, sew one little mini block, start deconstruction of the scaffolds- with help from the boys- and then, I'll muck out the chicken coop. Aaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!

Better late...

than never! Sarah and I started this quilt at least 5 years ago. She made all of the sampler blocks and she had them done in plenty of time. I, on the other hand... well, you know, there are 54 pieces to a Buckeye beauty block... I stalled. Many times I stalled. But I finally, finally, finished. It really is prettier in person- the picture is a bit faded and blurry. I'll need to get a backing for it and get it quilted. Maybe in five years...

Back from camp... The boys had a great time at camp- just the three oldest went and my nephew, Josiah. Abe had a big day, too, though. Daniel and Abe were zonkered out.