Monday, December 29, 2008

All Is Not Lost

I actually was creative this weekend after the Christmas holiday. Saturday I started work on that crayon bag I got an order for and on Sunday I finished it up and started a little doll quilt just for fun. I'm working on my technique and this was a great way to play around and I got a little something cute out of it. lol. I want to make some pillows to go with it and it might go on etsy. I have nothing on there currently. My items I had listed expired and I just don't think I want to re-list some of them and others I want to re-do so I just thought I'd get through the holidays and take another look at my etsy store. I, of course, want to add items and maybe one day actually sell something. lol. With this economy though, who knows what will sell and what won't. And I figure places like etsy will be one of the first and hardest hit. Handmade crafts aren't essentials and not many people I know are going to be spending for the fun of it in the near future. I remain hopeful that we'll pull out of this economic crisis. I'll certainly be cautious but ever hopeful. lol.

I better take this time to wish everyone a safe and Happy New Year. I'm not as faithful at posting as I'd like to be and I just don't want to miss the opportunity to wish everyone out there a safe and prosperous new year.

I'll be working at 5 a.m. New Year's Day. Yippee skippy. Hubby and the boy have the day off but I'll be working 8 full hours. Grrrrrr. I hate to complain about my job, primarily because it is a job right now and they are so hard to find in this town, but it is about to drive me crazy. It's not at all where I want to be or what I want to do but it's the best I can do right now. My hope and dream would be to work from home doing anything, anything at all just so I don't have to leave home. I don't like the outside world much. lol. That's why I sure would love to make a go of etsy. There's just so much competition there. And craft shows and fairs are a problem for me since I don't much like being "out there". lol. If my hubby would go do them with me, I'd do everyone I ran across but he can't and won't so it's not much of an option for me right now.

Well, I wrote a book last time I posted and I don't want to do that this time. lol. So, I'm signing off for the night and am gonna catch up on all you all's blogs. Have a great night. Here's some pics of the weekend progress.

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and the back
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Happy Stitching,

Renee

Saturday, December 27, 2008

A Christmas Morning Photo

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Well I See We All Survived

Phew!!! Man, I do hate to say it but am I glad that Christmas is over. I love Christmas but it always sneaks up on me because I lead my life unprepared and never with any foresight. I love being caught up in the "feeling" of the holidays but unfortunately each year that excitement gets less and less and I'm always wishing it was over and then I feel guilty because I feel that way. And right now as glad as I am that it is over, looking back, I don't think I heard very much Christmas music this year. We didn't have any parties to go to or school celebrations, etc. And now it's over and we won't be doing any of these things we longed for, not for another year. Every year I vow to make it better so I'm not caught up in this dread and money worry during the season too. That vow hasn't worked so far but it doesn't mean I can't try harder this coming year right? Right!

Now, with my whining aside, I have to say, we had a wonderful Christmas. Everyone got what they wanted and we have very few returns. Tony, our oldest doesn't like the way his new blue jeans Santa brought him fit so he wants to take those back. Shawn, the youngest may have to take back a few wii controls we bought him. We didn't know what to get so we bought one of each and we haven't figured out yet which ones we need and which ones we don't. lol. Our daughter in law had been wanting a double heart pendant necklace from Kay jewelers. Tony helped us find it and put us wise to the idea in the first place and after waiting three days on next day air shipping, we did receive it and she was so, so happy. I thought she was going to cry. So, I guess we done good. lol. I have to say I did cry when I opened the gift from Tony and Steph that was for hubby and I. It's a lovely framed 8 by 10 photo of all five of us from the wedding. It is precious and priceless.

For the first time in over 20 years, we did not make our annual trip to good old Killbuck, Ohio on Christmas Eve this year. We used to go to see hubby's momma and his family every year. His mom passed in 01 but we continued to go every year to see his Grandma. We weren't sure we'd go this year because last we knew his Grandma was in a nursing home up in Michigan where she took ill when she went for a visit last year. He called down to his sisters there on Christmas Eve and spoke to his neice who told him his Grandma is in a nursing home right down there in Millersburg. He was a little upset as we have been worrying about how to afford to be able to go see her in Michigan, finding a time we all could go and borrowing a car capable of making the trip. She just celebrated her 90th(we think, if not, it's 89) on December 23rd. With her age, he was so worried something would happen and he has wanted to go see her before that time comes. He still has no idea how long she's been back in Ohio yet but they did tell him she is doing good and is still right with herself mind wise. There's one son she refuses to eat in front of so if he's there at mealtime, he will leave so she'll eat. lol. So sweet. Aggravating at times I'm sure but still so sweet. We love her and want her around for many, many years to come. A trip to see her is in the works, maybe tomorrow afternoon. Our car will make it down there. No reasons or excuses not to go.

I'm sorry to make this so long winded but there is so much I wanted to talk about. We had a new first this year on Christmas day. lol. For my family gathering at my brother's house, they opted not to have a turkey for the meal. Just a ham and some sides. Well, no problem with me, we coulda had pizza for all I cared as long as we were all together. Anyway, hubby just had himself a little bitty baby cow about it and said he'd either not go or fix his own turkey. lol. So, Christmas Eve all we could find we thought would thaw in time was a nice turkey breast. Ran all over Wal-Mart cause I don't grocery shop there looking for a bag of stuffing mix and potatoes and rolls. But we put that breast in about 8:30 Christmas morning and in two hours it was done. I made some mashed potatoes and brown and serve rolls. I was going to make some homemade stuffing that I ran all over wal-mart finding and hubby said he didn't even need it. Just some mashed potatoes and gravy. So, that is what I was going to do but then I decided Shawn and I needed some stuffing so a mad dash across the street to the market where I work for a box of Stove Top and whalah, we have a complete turkey dinner for Lunch!!!!! Tony and Steph had left already as those poor kids had five places to go on Christmas Day. So there we sat, honey, Shawn and me, eating a full course Christmas Turkey dinner at about 12:30 Christmas Day. lol. I don't know why but that makes me chuckle. lol. Our get together at my brother's wasn't until 4 so we had time even to get in a quick power nap before we had to get ready to go out there. Bliss. I loved it. It was the first time in almost 23 years that I have been a mother that I got a nap on Christmas Day. Wow!!!!!

The gathering with my family was awesome. I was real tired so we left sooner than we should have from up there and now I wish we had stuck around a little longer. They were fixin' to play wii bowling when we left. But, I was bushed. I guess I probably had a panic attack of sorts on Christmas Eve. I worked from 5a to 1p that day. We stood around over there with our thumbs you know where looking for something to do to pass the time. Well, don't you know that at noon, one hour before I was scheduled to get off, pandemonium broke out. Check cashings out the gazoo, lottery tickets being pulled as long as your arms could pull them. Cheese trays flying out the door, phone ringing off the wall to see how late we were open and if we were open Christmas day, etc. I was there til 25 after 1 and felt bad leaving then but I had to scoot. I had three places to go to shop and gather the last minute stuff all before six pm when all three of them closed. Worse part was, hubby wasn't home with my wheels so I could go until almost 3:30. I was already in hyper activity mode as I had sat around two hours waiting on him to get home so we could go. We decided to do all the shopping at wal-mart. We wouldn't have made it to all three places, no way, no how. We still got what we needed but the rolls weren't the kind my one son loves from the one grocery store and I had a gift card from another grocery store that I wanted to use and save my money for shopping. Well, as it turns out, we had a wal-mart card worth fifty bucks that we even forgot to spend there to help save some cash. Duh!!!!! But that trip about got me. I got sick to my stomach, my heart was racing and so was I. We went to get the gifts first. Not too bad. Then we headed to the groceries where we had to split up and I didn't like that at all. I felt like a lost kid. I was so glad to see honey again and I never left his side again. After we got our groceries, I wanted to take one more look for gifts so back across the place we trek for nothing. Didn't find anything the second time that I hadn't noticed or looked at the first time. lol. We exit with my knees knocking and the pit in my stomach growing larger and larger due to the amount of money we just parted with. lol.

But wait, it's not over. We decided not to go to Killbuck so Shawn took off for his girlie friends house. We think "awesome" so we can wrap his presents. Had all of that to do yet. We go over to our bedroom where we had them stashed and when we come back to the livingroom, no lights, no t.v., I shouldn't say no lights because my lamp I had on when I left the room had a real, real faint orange glow, it was still lit but there was so little juice going to it that it was just so slight you barely noticed it. Yet, my kitchen lights were working and my bedroom lights were working and the upstairs lights were working. We lost half the power to the livingroom, half the power in the kitchen, the lights worked but the frig didn't. We lost power in one bathroom and my sewingroom. It was the weirdest thing I ever seen. Hubby went right away and checked the breakers which were fine. Hmm. We're stumped. Hated to but I call brother and interupted his holiday gathering. He said he'd be in after bit to have a look see but I guess I freaked as I was envisioning my house burning down Christmas Eve when we went to bed because of some weird electrical problem we must have. I'm calculating in my head how much it would cost to have half the house re-wired, etc. Oh woe is me. lol. We decide to try and make the best of it and use the kitchen table to wrap presents on. We got those done but my heart wasn't in it at all. All the classic panic signs were in full swing already. We had noticed though that the vcr kicked on and honey tried the tv and it worked but it had this weird whistle coming from it. All the lights that were either out completely or barely glowing were getting a little stronger. All good signs in hind sight but yet it made me worry that much more that we definately had some sort of electrical problem within the house. I was sure I'd not sleep at all that night. We decided after the presents were wrapped to walk over to the store across the street which was fully lit by the way and get some goodies for that night and Christmas morning. I am so glad we decided to go as the gal working asked if we were having trouble with half our house losing power. It was like a weight lifted off my shoulders. I literally just felt it go when she said that the neighbors up two and three houses from us were having the same problem. Phew. At that point I knew it wasn't a problem with the house and that I didn't have to worry about paying an electrician. Thank You God!!!! On our way home, my immediate next door neighbor pops out as me and the big ole Ohio Edison truck both approach out front of the houses. He was having the same problem and the Ohio Ed guy parked right out front of the house here and went up the pole right in front of my house to fix whatever it was. He shut us all down about half an hour but when he turned us back on, all was well and my brother didn't have to leave his gathering to come and fool with it. That was the best part. Contrary to what I had expected and prepared for sleepwise that night, I slept like a baby cause I was exhausted from being so keyed up. Man.

And last but not least, I wanted to mention those silly little crayon bags I made for the kiddies. They loved them and started coloring right away when we gave them to them. lol. I even got an order for one from my sister-in-law for her friend's little boy. Yeah! I hope to get my nasty house cleaned back up and start on that project this afternoon.

Thanks for listening to our holiday antics and I hope everyone had a great and wonderful Christmas with your loved ones. God Bless. All please take care!!

Happy Stitching,

Renee

Monday, December 22, 2008

Three In A Row

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Got these all done last night but the pink one. Had five minutes left on it to finish today. Needed a thread change and noticed it probably wasn't gonna line up last night so I quit. Sure enough, it didn't. So, I had to rip the bottom row of crayon slots out cause they didn't line up and I lost one altogether in the side seam. lol. So, it was fix it somehow or throw it out. I wasn't throwing it out and starting over again. I fixed it but it's not as nice as the boys'. I had to go through to the inside of the bag when I put that bottom row of slots back in. Oh, well, good thing I didn't intend it to be reversible. lol.

I'm done now. No more projects for me. lol. I hope to be back to wish you all a very Merry Christmas. In case I'm not, God Bless everyone. Have a safe and happy Christmas.

See You:

Renee

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Why Do I Gotta Always Wait Til The Last Minute?

One down. Two to go. Needed Christmas Day. This is the first, hope the rest turn out better. See you after bit as I got alot to do today. lol.

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Tah, Tah

Renee

Friday, December 19, 2008

For Milah To See

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I was reading Milah's blog today and saw something that looked very familiar to me. I don't think the Santa's are identical but very, very close. Ours also is from hubby's mom. They are so precious to us. I may photograph some of our decorations and share them later on as well. Just had to show this though. What coincidences. lol.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

50th Post

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Wowie!! This one sure snuck up on me. I had hoped to be able to do a give-a-way at such a momentus time in my blog career. lol. Sadly as I realized this after my last post the other day, here I am during the holidays broke as a joke and nothing "neat" spare made up at the moment either. So, my apologies for having a party with no gifts but I'm kind of tickled I've got 50 posts already. lol.

I've waited to post to make sure I had something to talk about because I realized shortly after my last post that the next one would put me at fifty. Unfortunately I do not have anything really important to yack about. Can't believe it's one week from now until Christmas. I've started seeing alot of folks on blogs and in forums starting to go ahead and send out Christmas wishes to everyone in case they don't get back before then. I sure hope to but in case I might not, I really want to wish everyone, everywhere a very, very Merry Christmas!!!! Hopefully I will be back before the new year anyway so I'm holding out there. lol. Please remember to share with your loved ones the real meaning of Christmas and praise God!

I also wanted to let everyone know that I did not get my long anticipated and needed haircut the other evening. lol. Nope, I figured sure I would have at least until 6 o'clock on a Sunday to go somewhere and get a haircut but Nooooooo!!!! Fiesta, Best Cuts, Great Clips, ALL closed. I run to Wal-Mart to their in-store place, yeah, they're open but booked til close at 6. It was a quarter til. Dang. We didn't get to leave the house until about 5:20 and we went right down the line to all these places to only find them closed and my last hope with Wal-Mart was getting me pumped and boy did I get my balloon popped when she said she was booked. I think hubby purposely drug his feet that night just so I couldn't get one. He likes me hair long and it can look alot better if I have time to let it air dry and poof with it a while then but that's just it, I don't have time. I pull it up soak and wet everyday into a hair clip because I do deli work and so when I come home and take the clip out, it's still wet and there is nothing you can do with it then. So alas I am still looking like a sheep dog but I won't go get one now because of Christmas coming. This is the last pay to shop for that so no haircut for me. lol. When I do though, I'll let you all know. lol.

Hubby went on his way home last night from work and got the big gift for the boy last night. That alone makes me feel alot better. Just knowing you have that one thing your kid wants whether they get much else or not always makes me feel better. I won't say what he's getting just in case he'd decide now would be a great time to finally check out mom's blog. lol. Let me just say, Best Buy is not my friend. lol. They take entirely way too much money every time we go in that place. lol.

I wish I could go get the shopping all finished up tonight and be done but I think hubby has plans to be in a card game tonight. I don't know if you ladies enjoy poker (texas hold'em specifically) or you have a mate that does but I can't stand it. I have no interest in watching it, learning to play it, playing it or anything else. It's kind of like football. Just not my cup of tea. lol. But, my old man, he's a freak. Can't pass up a good card game. lol. He told me the other day, we'll go Saturday. lol. I just looked at him. I told him if he wanted to be out there the last Saturday before Christmas trying to shop to go right ahead. Of course, I'm sure it's just as bad out there right now tonight as it will be Saturday. That's what we get I guess. Every year I vow to not be in this boat but year after year right here is where I find myself and it just about sucks the life out of me. I think I could actually enjoy the time more if it weren't for all this shopping and money worry.

I've been kind of sick here lately and it got to the point I just stayed home from work yesterday. I left early Monday but Tuesday I was okay and then yesterday morning, man I felt like sin warmed over. I've had this horrible heartburn feeling, and gurgly stomach, kind of watery sounding since last Saturday. It's getting to the point where it is making me sick to my stomach and I think I would feel better if I were to get sick. I've thought of everything under the sun it could be, even thought because my chest has been hurting that I was having a heart attack or something maybe. But I've also had a cough for about 2 months now that I think was causing the chest pain cause now I'm fine. I've though of acid reflux, I've thought of my gall bladder and now I have to stop and wonder if it's not just my nerves. Hubby threatened to send me to the doc if I don't start feeling better so now for all intents and purposes, I am fine. No problems. lol. I have felt pretty good today so far but it wouldn't take much to put me down either. Just feeling kind of punked. I hope everyone else is doing okay. It's no time to be sick.

Well, I have some stuff to do here so I will end for now. Thanks for coming by and visiting on my 50th post. Sorry it wasn't something grand. lol. I hope maybe for the 75th to do a give-a-way. That should be after the New Year when I vow to make some changes for the better and on the positive side. Which means, much, much more sewing and quilting and creating for me.

Hope you all have wonderful and safe holidays.

God Bless,

Renee

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Tah Dah-Accomplishments

I actually did something. It didn't happen until today but it happened. Here's a peak:

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And here is what I am getting ready to go do. This is not at all a flattering picture of myself but it is the way I look right now and I can't stand it. Soon as hubby showers, we are off to get me a haircut. Let's consider these the BEFORE photos. lol.

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Watch later for the dramatic AFTER photo's. lol. I'll post unless I'm absolutely mortified with the results. lol.

Later Taters,

Renee

Happy Holidays from My Family to Yours

A good friend sent me this last year and we got such a kick out of it. So, when I saw it on Busy Litte Quilter's site I had to do it again this year. Here we are in all our silly glory.


Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Gee Whiz, I've Done It Again

I have not posted again in a week now and for that I am very disappointed in myself. I just kinda feel like if I post it ought to be quilting related in some way and lately I haven't quilted anything to post about. lol.

Just been working and under the daily increasing stress of this holiday season. My friends I must admit that while I'm not letting myself get down this year, I am not exactally full of the holiday cheer as of yet either. My family this year has no interest in decorating so it is a task I must undertake myself I guess. If it were not for my son being here, his last year at home maybe, I probably wouldnt' even bother. That makes me feel terrible. May I ask for some thoughts and prayers maybe of some sort of uplifting for this family in that regard that we might have reason to be happy and not let the blues get us down. I would like for this year to be kinda special for Shawn. He'll be 18 in April 09 so who knows? He may have his own place next year and yada, yada. I'm being silly perhaps but it haunts me regardless. So I need to get motivated for his sake I feel. Despite my best efforts in the past few weeks to get the tree up, I hope to get the decorating done tonight. We will see.

I must, absolutely must go get my hair cut today. It is too long and it is so bushy and I dislike it very, very much. lol. In fact I am thinking of going to the extreme maybe with my haircut choice, I dislike it that much. While I'm out I wouldn't mind getting started shopping. I guess we know one gift already that we want to get Shawn and there is no reason to stall. Might as well get it done. Our oldest boy Tony has told me a few things he wants and I don't think they will be a problem to find. It's Miss Stephanie, my new little daughter-in-law that has me stumped. I just absolutely have no idea what she would like for Christmas. Not a clue. lol. Of course I haven't been able to shop as of yet so I haven't asked but I'm anxious to see what she would like. I definately need help. lol.

Shawn's been working since about mid-August and has been saving back a hundred bucks every pay and he is at the point of having saved five hundred dollars. Yay for him. I am so proud of him. He was kinda proud too as we both had to participate in a few picture taking opportunities of him with his newly saved fortune. lol. Sad thing is his car desperately needs tires and a new set will take most of his savings. I am so upset at myself for not being able to help him out with that right now but on the other hand, his brother footed the bill for everything to do with his car and things he wanted to have. I really admire both of my sons and respect them as responsible individuals. I am proud to be their mama. lol.

Here's a few pics of his fortune. He traded me his hundred dollar bill for twenties so he would have more to fan out. lol. lmao. He's so sweet.

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I see everyone has been very busy themselves right now this time of year. Lots of pretty projects and food photo's to die for. Lovely homes decorated to perfection. I so enjoy my visits to all of your blogs. They keep me coming back for more. And thank you to everyone who stops by my place here. I love having company. The more the merrier.

Hope to be in touch again soon. Trying to get in the spirit!!! Ho Ho Ho!!!!

Happy Quilting,

Renee

Friday, December 5, 2008

Am I Ready For The Weekend Or What?

You bet. Wow, what a week. Between work and home this week, I'm ready for a few days of doing "nuttin". Nothing that is except for things I want to do. Number One on that list would be getting my Christmas Tree up. Can you believe it? I still don't have it up. It just doesn't seem like my bunch has been blessed with the spirit yet. lol. To be honest though, I'm not in a huge rush because it was always a tradition growing up to put up the Christmas tree on my Mom's birthday which was December 10th. I always tried to keep that same tradition with my family but the last few years, I'm sad to say, we've done it when we've had the chance or felt like it, as in, had the energy to do it. I just thought this year getting it up earlier may help morale here but no one is interested. My youngest is almost 18 and no longer excited by all the decorations and such and with all of us working crazy hours getting together to do it is a big fiasco. So, I think tomorrow morning, I'll dig all my stuff out while hubby is at work and just do it. Shawn should be home and maybe he'll feel moved to lend a hand. lol.

I'm kind of excited about tomorrow night. Our town is having their annual Christmas parade. Now, most people don't think of that as such a big deal but this year I'm kinda excited about it. It is being held at night this year and it is being held after Thanksgiving. lol. In recent years, our Christmas parade was held about a week before Thanksgiving on a Saturday morning. The timing of that just didn't seem right. Our local paper stated that it had been 34 years since we had a parade at night here in town but I beg to differ. I have photo's of myself and a bunch of friends in 84 down there at a night parade. That's only 24 years. Maybe that is what the paper meant to say too but anyway, I think it gives it a whole new "feeling". The decorations all show up so much more nicely against a dark sky and if you are lucky and it snows, the snowfall lends a beautiful background. Pair that with all the marching bands playing Christmas music and the holiday floats and it can really put you in that good old Christmas Spirit. Something about it versus standing downtown on a cold dreary Saturday morning at 10 a.m. entices me. lol. If I get some decent photo's I'll post them later.

Still no crafting, no sewing, no quilting going on around here. I'm just about bushed and I can't tackle another project right now. I hope everyone else is still working away though. I love checking the blogs to see what everyone is working on. One day, hopefully shortly after the new year anyway, I will have some new projects to post about and show.

In the meantime, everyone keep on quilting. Take care.

Renee

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Where Does Time Go?

Wow, I can't believe it's been over a week since I last posted. I am sorry about that. I've left you with the same old boring stuff to read and look at for too long. lol.

Looking back it doesn't seem as though I even came here to wish any of you a Happy Thanksgiving. For that I apologize too. I hope you all had a great holiday with your family and friends. We sure did. It was a nice little gathering. Can't wait to do it all again for Christmas. I know some of you had an awesome holiday as even though I haven't posted, I have been stopping by to read all your blogs. I've seen some lovely projects and wonderful photo's of food and Christmas decorations and such. I love how everyone here shares their holidays with each other. Seeing a face with the name means so much. It's always fun to run down my blog list and visit everybody. lol.

I haven't been so crafty and I don't know if I will be much more before the holidays. I just can handle so much and it's getting hectic around here. The stress is something else. I'm already looking forward to the fresh start of the New Year. It's less than a month away. Wow.

I hope everyone is enjoying the season. Sorry I haven't been around awhile. I'll try to fix that. lol. Got to get going. Happy Stitching to everyone.

Renee

Monday, November 24, 2008

Monday, Monday!!!

Blah Blah-Blah Blah Blah Blah. I know there's a song in that somewhere but all it is to me today is Blah Blah Blah. lol. It is a rainy, cold, yucky, dreary old day round here friends. Yesterday kind of sucked big time. Just one of those days I guess. And for a Monday, today wasn't so bad at work but now that I am home, I can't wait for someone to get here to lift my spirits. It seems I sat right here just a while ago and downloaded a "malware" to my computer under the guise of a spyware detection/update. NICE!!!! Microsoft seems to have a cure here but it could take 80 plus minutes for their scan to do it's thing. So, here I am. lol. And I will quit whining now cause it's just nothing but a thing and it could be so much worse. lol.

My main reason to write today wasn't to whine anyway. It is to say "Yeah"!!! Even though yesterday could have been a better day, I did get some sewing done. I had two pair of jeans for a friend that needed patched and I've had them plenty long enough so when my son brought in two more pairs in dire need of emergency fixin', I figured I might as well do those others while I was at it. Done! Four pairs of repaired blue jeans. Not pretty but still wearable. lol.

Then Shawn, my youngest boy has had a t-shirt he said needed sewn up in the back, also been on my agenda some time, so I dug it out and man, what a mess. Of course it wasn't just undone from the collar or something, it was ripped just below the collar seam. I just hand sewed that gouged mess the best I could and told him it wasn't lookin' good. I would have liked to have the time, know- how and material to have patched all of these items and replace the bad area's completely but I am not that brave and these pants are nothing more than work pants that can't look much worse anyway, so all I did to them was put in a patch behind all the ripped and torn mess and sewed around it two or three times to make sure the patch was good and secure under it all. We'll see how it works out.

Also, hubby had a pair of long johns that had lost the elastic in the waist and I swear they were about two feet wide where it was all stretched and floppy. lol. What? They're probably 10 to 12 years old anyway and spending four bucks last week at the dollar store for a new pair almost killed him so I took a crack at fixin' these mile wide ones. lol. I know my elastic is old but I think maybe I stretched it too far too and so while they at least stay on his hips now, they are still large around the waste. lol. But wait, I'm not giving up on them yet. No sir, I have another idea I can try to save them. lol. Talk about using the life out of something. lol. I'll let you know how that goes. lol.

I know it doesn't seem like much but it just cleared my plate a big old bunch to get those little piddly things out of the way. I'm still stuck on what to use on my Christmas Present wallhanging. What do you think of lace bows? Anyone? I'd appreciate some input on that one. Does anyone know of any photo's or tutorials on lace bows? lol.

Other than that, I'm pretty free to start on a quilt project. While I still haven't finished the cursed Flower Garden Quilt, I just do not want to deal with it anymore just yet. I have a really cute baby boy quilt already cut out and a special flannel backing for it and all. I was going to make it for a friend at work who was expecting a little boy last spring but I decided to go with the cowboy theme for his. It's listed as Koltin's Quilt in the photo gallery of my quilts way down yonder on the page. lol. This one I'm wanting to do now is a football theme with a red background and then I have solid bright white and royal blue blocks to alternate with. The back is this really, really thick flannel I got somewhere and it is solid white with these little blue and red diamond like design. Really nice piece for a little boy's quilt. I absolutely refuse to use anything with even a shred of pink in it or a flower for a boys quilt. I don't know why but it can't have any girly stuff in it. lol.

Well, I have a bunch to get done around the house here before honey gets home. My boss gave me two really neat lamps today. She got new ones and was going to throw these ones away and decided to bring them to work for anyone who wanted them instead. Yeah, I am so glad she did. Now I have to put those where I want them too. We did re-arrange our livingroom yesterday to make way for the Christmas tree and these "new" lamps will be just great in there. So for now, I will stop yacking and start working. Hope you all are getting lots of quilty things done.

Have a Good Evening!

Renee

Thursday, November 20, 2008

It's Me Again

I just wanted to see if everyone is ready for the upcoming holiday yet? I can't wait. My brother and his wife have decided to host this year. This brings a deep sigh of relief for my sister and I as she isn't feeling the best and I have to work awhile on Thanksgiving. Ordinarily, I like to have Thanksgiving but I'm not arguing this year. I hope everyone's plans are coming together and you have great holidays with your famlies and loved ones.

I wanted to post about that Christmas wallhanging I am working on. I am at a standstill until I can get some ribbon. Turns out what I had, I had to cut it down to size and of course, it frayed. I thought about forgetting about the one piece of ribbon and just using bows on it made out of what I have here on hand but I'm not sure I like the way it will look. I just had an idea. I could use lace or ric rac in place of the one ribbon and I could possibly live with the bows I have if lace or ric rac will work. Hmmm. Now I'm pondering. Anyway, that is what I have on that. When I decide which direction to take it, I will post some more current photo's.

I got all the presents made up for the girls from my forum. Still no covered calendar books yet but I think I've decided to just use what I have. I think they'll be happy with the coffee cozy's and tissue holder. I would be.

My table runner I started still isn't finished. I have to finish tying off the ends and it's done. That's all that's left. I just about go blind every time I try to work on it though. I need new glasses in the worst way. It was just for me to see if I could do it so that's no biggie if it gets done or not.

Still got a couple of corn bags to do but I'm switching over to rice this time. I am having bad luck with the field corn and I'm just going with rice from now on. I had my son's ready to go the other day and I pull out the corn, fill the sack and when I moved the collander the corn was in, there were little, tiny, black bugs all over my ironing board. I pitched the whole entire mess right outside. How gross!!! lol. At this point I am just going to make him and my daughter-in-law one each for a little Christmas gift. He's waited this long, what's another month? lol.

That's about all that's on my plate right now. I do want to get some drapes made. We're really starting to feel the draft with the cold weather setting in. I thought it would be a great way to use up some of that upholstry fabric I have and it would look at least a little better than the Cleveland Indians blanket over the windows. lol. What's everybody else got going on?

I'll call it a night for now. Hope everyone is stitching away.

Night, Night

Renee

Cozy Cat Pad

Hubby told me the other day if I made those cats a bed they would lay in it instead of on our furniture. HUH!!!! That's a fifty fifty HUH there folks. Part of it means, huh, if you want them to have a cat bed, You make them a cat bed. lol. And the other half means, Dang, he's right. lol. So yesterday after work I got busy. There was no reason I shouldn't have. I specifically saved a piece of foam rubber about the size of a couch cushion from a previous project to make them a bed, and I have a ton of upholstry fabric I'm not quite sure what to do with. So, I dug through my stash and I found a piece I didn't even have to cut and made a slip cover for the foam pad. Half hour max it took me. It's nothing fancy at all but they're cats. I've just recently been very ticked off at them and wasn't looking to make their lives any more comfortable for awhile. lol.

They had been sleeping together right in front of the couch and made it very inconvenient to get around them. After I got the pad done, I put it over in the corner where I wanted it out of the way and I tried for an hour and a half to get those dorks to go lay on it and they wouldn't think of it. I put the black one on it and he ran as fast as he could away from it. lol. So, when hubby got home I told him I made the stupid cats a stupid bed and they wouldn't even lay on it. lol. Guess what he did? He picked it up and throwed it over right in front of the couch where they have been laying and they couldn't get on the daggone thing fast enough then. HUH!!!!!! lol.

I'd say they like it. Too bad this weekend I'm movin' it. lol. They will not win. lol. I'm re-arranging to make way for the Christmas Tree and they can move it or lose it. lol. The Black & White is Boo Boo and the Tabby/Calico/? is Yogi. hehehehe. I loved them at one time so much but oh my gosh have they ever terrorized my house since we got them about 8 years ago. Boo Boo bullies me and I just want to stuff him and set him on the mantle for the most part. lol. But, you let someone else talk about them that way and watch out!!!!. lol. Here the spoiled rotten little creeps are:

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I'll be back later to yack about other projects and Thanksgiving. Woo hoo. Getting so excited. See you all later.

Renee

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Got Inspired and Got To Sewing

I saw something today while blog reading that inspired me and I threw some stuff together this evening with some blocks that were already cut. Another batch from some my sister gave me. Woo Hoo. I am excited to see how it looks. My inspiration came from Susan. In her Tuesday, November 10th posting titled Turkey Day at Guild, the second picture of the wall hangings with the gifts on it was just the cutest thing I've seen in awhile and it inspired me to use up those blocks sister gave me. Here are a few photo's of my version so far. I got interupted to play a game of rummy with the old man and the boy. It was a good interuption though. Didn't mind putting it to rest for the night for that reason at all. He spanked the hubby and me. Had the lead from the beginning and left us both in the dust. lol.

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So, I hope to get these ribbons all on and some strips/rows put in tomorrow when I get home from work. Gonna get ready for bed though tonight. Hope to be back tomorrow.

In case I haven't mentioned it lately, thank you to everyone who stops by. I sure appreciate it and it's so fun to read all your blogs and see all the beauty there is in this quilting world. So, thanks for coming to My Quilted World. lol. Sorry, couldn't resist. lol.

Happy Stitching

Renee

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Movin' Right Along

All this work and three posts in one day? Holy cow I feel like I've accomplished something today. lol. I now have all three sets of goodies done and am just waiting to get the calendar books so I can make those. The grocery store is the furthest I made it out today. It's raining and yucky and cold. I'm kinda tired of looking at tinkerbell tonight anyway though so I think I'll do one more non-tinkerbell project tonight before I call it quits for the day. I'm gonna make the boy the corn bag he's been whining about. lol. He said he was tempted to do it himself today. lol. I guess it's time I got to it. lol. Anyway here's a pic of all three sets of goodies I did:

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As always, Happy Quilting to All!!!

Renee

WOOT!!! Look What I Did!!!!

Yep, I got off my lazy duff here awhile ago and I made these two silly little articles in about 30 minutes. Sad aint it? lol. Took me all this time to muster up the gumption to go do it and now look. I have one of my Christmas presents done now. I have two more sets of these to make and then I think I'm going to throw in a third piece to the set. Obviously the one is a coffee cozy and the second item in the pic is a travel tissue package cover. The third item I wanted to put in with them is one of those purse calendars, I want to make covers for those too. I went to the dollar store last night to get some and they didn't have them yet. Of course I actually need one before I can make a cover darn it. Maybe I'll sneak out some time today and try another store. Now I'm excited!!!! hehehe. Doesn't take much to tickle me does it? lol.

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P.S. I belong to a forum called Our Gang Forum. A bunch of us used to work for an internet search engine called Cha Cha. That's how we all met but now that we've all for the most part left Cha Cha, we wanted a place to go and chat with each other and maintain our friendships with one another. That's how Our Gang Forum came about. It's for the most part a Work At Home Job board but we just talk about anything and have a great time. Anyway, a couple of the girls over there that I have come to know and like a lot are just bonkers crazy over tinkerbell. Hence, the fabric choice for these gifts. lol. I hope they don't pop over here and check out the blog anytime soon or the surprise is over. lol. By the way, if you're looking for a place just to come and chat with some good honest hard working people, please feel free to stop by and register. All the job listings don't hurt having a peak at either. lol. Thanks.

Renee

Another AC Article

For those of you unfamiliar with Associated Content, I'll try to briefly explain it. If you enjoy writing, you can sign up on Associated Content to become a Content Producer. That means you can write articles on any topic your little heart desires and get paid a little somethin', somethin' for it in the meantime. I started doing it a year or so ago and I've earned seventy some dollars. I didn't say it would make you rich but round here every little bit counts. I keep hoping one day I can do some more writing and earn even more but it's just like everything else I enjoy, there is never enough time to do it all. lol. In addition to pay per article, we get paid performance payments which are generated by the number of total page views on your content. A dollar fifty is the minimum payout for the month and don't you know I missed it by .37 cents this month. lol. we've been using my paypal debit, which is the way I am paid by them, to rent movies from a red box location new here in town. I also use what I make from AC to pay my etsy fee's. They aren't much so I usually always have the money there to pay when I'm due at etsy. There are countless people writing for AC and there are countless articles on countless topics available for your viewing pleasure over there. Some of the writer's are professional writers and others, like me, are just amateurs, wanna be's and such. lol. Anyway, I had another article published there this week and wanted to share it here. It's regarding ways to save money on utility bills. If you get a chance and are interested, you can check it out here: Ten Common Sense Suggestions to Lowering Utility Bills.

I was so, so stinking lazy yesterday I'm almost afraid to tell it on myself. lol. I did absolutely nothing but play on the computer all day. I did unload and reload the dishwasher and run it but that is it. lol. I wanted to sew because my friend picked me up some fabric to make some little Christmas presents and I've had it since Friday but it didn't even motivate me to move from either the desk or the couch. I have this grandiose notion that I'll get on it today but who am I kidding? lol. I have all of my work from yesterday to do today now so spare time to sew won't happen unless I just absolutely take it and let the fella's do some of the work around here today. lol. Yeh right!! lol.

I hope everyone has had a good weekend and that today will bring great inspiration to your quilty side. Have a Great Day!!!!

Renee

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Sorry I Haven't Been Around Much

Phew!! What a week. So, so glad tomorrow is Friday and this is my weekend off. I am tired and wore out. The freaking splinter in my arm traumatized me right off the bat this week. Voting almost made me go back on my meds cause I was so nervous. There has been serious drama at my work this whole entire week and home life has been crazy on top of it. I just want to go to bed and wake up next week all refreshed and full of it. lol.

I have been stopping in and checking on things here and going through my list of favorite blogs when I could this week. I'm sorry I haven't commented alot. I'll get back in touch with everybody this weekend I hope.

I hope everyone is well and being crafty. I have some fabric coming to me tomorrow that a friend at work picked up at joann's for me yesterday. I'm gonna make a few little Christmas presents from it. I'll post pics when I can. I'm so excited to be working on a Christmas present. What's that? Am I maybe looking forward to something? Holy cow!!! lol. I see so many lovely things taking shape on the blogs I follow and I commend all of you. How you stay so busy at it and devoted is beyond me. Maybe I need vitamins. lol. My pick up and go has packed up and went. lol.

My boy is home now so I'm going to call it a night for now. Everyone take care and hope to yack with you all soon.

Good Night and Happy Quilting!

Renee

ps, still waiting on my american patchwork and quilting magazine. so sad. waiting, waiting, waiting. lol.

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Oh My Poor Wittle Arm

Man, it still makes me weak thinking about this here folks. About a month ago I got a splinter in my forearm. We dug and dug and dug it until it about killed me and got out what we could. I thought something was still in there for a few days cause I had this big old honkin' knot on my arm. Anyway, it went away and started to look better but lately I kept noticing a rough spot on it, like a callous. Yesterday I thought I saw a little black speck in the middle of it and by today I knew I saw something so I poked around and proded and this is what I found:

OUCH!!!!!

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And here is my poor wittle arm now. lol. It looks alot better actually. It had taken on a purple goulish look the last few days as well. lol.

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I have to tell you all I have been slightly weak since that came out and I am going to get ready and call it a night here soon.

I haven't been very creative at all lately. I keep popping in on all these great blogs and seeing all kinds of inspiration and it keeps me dreaming of "one day" I'll be able to do that. lol. Hope everyone is being more productive than me. Happy Quilting. Sweet Dreams.

Renee

Saturday, November 1, 2008

This is Nora. She's a Hoot!!!! I work with her and she was all in the Halloween spirit!!! lol. I'm just getting to know her and she seems like a really sweet lady. I don't know if you can tell or not but she is at or slightly over six feet tall. Her legs are longer than I am tall. lol. Just thought I'd share this photo tonight real quick. I'm sorry I didn't make it back to boo anyone but I was asleep by 8:30 last night. lol. That is what getting up at 4 a.m. will do to you. lol. And speaking of, have to do it again tomorrow so I am over and out here tonight. I'll try to catch up tomorrow when I get off work. Take care. Happy Quilting.

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I don't know what happened to this second photo. I don't know where her head went. lol. Sorry Nora. I've made you headless. But I still wanted to show it because you can see the full costume that way. Her shirt had lights on it that twinkle with voice activation. lol. It took her a few hours to get ready and do her make up. lol. She loves Halloween. lol.

I'm done now. lol. Good Night.

Renee

Friday, October 31, 2008

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!!



HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!! I've been boo'ed. Yep, sure have. LuAnn got me!!! I have to now boo some folks but right now I'm stumped. Please be advised that before the day is over I shall name a list of those to be boo'ed yet. lol. I just wanted to pop in real quick and wish everyone a fun and safe Halloween. I'll be back. Watch Out!!!! You could be the next person to be boo'ed.

Renee

I almost forgot. Last night was trick or treat here and my son's little sister-in-law came over to go out from here. Let me present Dr. Alissa. Isn't she cute?

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Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Blog Etiquette

As anyone who has ever visited my blog can tell you, I'm a newbie. I've had this blog now for a few months but I've already learned that there is so much to learn about the right way to run a blog if you want folks to come back. There has been one thing in particular bugging me about how to respond to comments left on my blog. My question was kind of simple yet I felt silly asking it so I did a trusy dusy old google search on it and found the answer. I feel silly telling you all too but I have to say I wasn't quite sure how to do it correctly. lol. I didn't know whether I should respond on my blog or leave a comment on theirs. lol. I've been kinda winging it and found out today doing my blog etiquette search that I might be making some mistakes. lol. Mistakes? Me? lol. Now that I've read a few articles on the topic, I feel I might somehow owe some apologies. Thing is I never meant any disrespect or wasn't trying to "self-promote" by leaving comments on other blogs either. Sometimes I think I just get overwhelmed by the quantity of blogs I read or want to read and then my attention isn't focused as much on the main reason I wanted to do this blog in the first place. lol. Sorry if that doesn't make sense. It's me today, trust me. lol. And please, my apologies to anyone I may have offended by not responding correctly or for going about it the wrong way. I'll mind my p's and q's better now. lol.



Anywho, I'm wasting time today like a mad man. lol. I'm going to sew those corn bags today though sometime probably after lunch. Maybe sooner, it depends on what the kid wants to get into while he's home between schools. He is such a trooper. He is a real good kid too. Sometimes I take for granted what a good kid he is. I'll have to be sure to remind him today of how proud I am of him. I think he needs a little pick me up. We had an ugly spat last Monday and he's just now getting around again to speaking to me. I've felt like crap about it for long enough now and think I'll try to talk to him a little bit today. Maybe he won't be so sore with me anymore. That hurts.



I might at least to try to cut out another project I have to get done today too. But, priority will be laundry. It's scarey over there in that laundry room right now. I kind of got behind on it this weekend because our waterbed sprung a leak and I had a ton of bedding to wash-pillows and all. Now I have to play catch up. I'm going to put a roast on around 1 or so for supper tonight. Shawn, the youngest mentioned above is off work tonight and will be home to eat a meal with us for a change. I kind of want it to be a good one. I'm also hoping our oldest, Tony and his wife Steph can come up too. I'm waiting to hear from him to see if she has to work tonight or not. He still may come himself if she is working. It will depend on if he has his little sister-in-law tonight or not. lol. I think that's funny to say cause his wife's little sister is only 7. He/they keep her a couple nights a week when Mom works and he tries his best the night's he's there with her by himself to keep her occupied and entertained. Not an easy task for a 22 year old young man but he does it bless his heart. lol. I think he thinks she will drive me nuts if he brings her around or something cause he always stops by and then goes home just before she is due to arrive and he keeps her there til Steph gets home and she takes over. lol. He knows it doesn't take much out of kids to drive me slightly crazy. lol.



Thanks to all who commented on my table runner. You know, the more I look at that ugly little thing, the more I like it. lol. I love the quilting design on the back of it. That's the thing about quilts for me, I think the back of the quilt is just as interesting and beautiful as the front of it. I have a little more than half way to go on pulling stitches and tying it off. And then it's done. Wah-Lah!!! lol. The other night I almost went blind trying to work on it in poor lighting. Now I really wish I had just backstitched this instead of leaving the ends to tie off. But, now Tony tells me he'd like a table runner for his entertainment stand. But, he said he gets to pick the fabric. lol. No one here is in love with the samples I used in this one. lol. So, I might see if he wants to go through my stash tonight if he comes up and pick something out.



Is anyone getting excited about the holidays? Sister and I were just talking about Thanksgiving last night. I want to have it and she wants to have it too and we aren't sure yet if our brothers can make it so we agreed to investigate and get back in touch the next few days about it. Round here, this takes weeks of planning for me. lol. Especially if I'm cooking.

Welp, I have bunches to do here so I am gonna close out for tonight. Happy Quilting all.

Monday, October 27, 2008

I Quilted Today!!!!!!

Woo Hoo!!! I did it. I got to quilt some today. Not much but the day isn't through yet. At least I was moved to do it and now that I'm started, Watch Out!!! lol. I did try to do that stupid stipple quilting again yesterday and I swore I'd never do it again. lol. I will of course but not for a long, long time. lol.



Today, I just decided I'd start on that stinking little table runner and see where I ended up. This is what I came up with. Kind of infantile but as I told my hubby last night, I might have forgotten how to do it. lol. Gee Whiz. Next thing I am going to do is make my boy that corn bag again. He's kind of hounding me about it so I best get to making that for him. lol. Then honey reminded me I have one more seat cover to do for him and a friend stopped today and I told him I would have two pairs of pants mended for him by Friday. So, whether I am moved to do this stuff or not, looks like I just better do it and quit putzing around. lol.



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While browsing my blog roll last night I stumbled up on a great cookie recipe thanks to 32.5. I believe with some chopped pecans, these could soon become my favorite cookie. They are called Brown Sugar Buttons and you can find the recipe on a link via 32.5's site. Which reminds me I have to let her know how well I liked them.



Also, today I wanted to mention that Julie over at Julie's Blog has participated in the "tagging" I did a little while back. Julie points out some neat things about herself and I wanted to take the time to thank her for her participation. She has in turn gotten to tag three of her buddies. And so on. lol. If you're interested in meeting new people or you already know Julie, stop by her blog and find out some amazing things about her you wouldn't have known.



I also wanted to mention that I am in love. Let me show you with what! I found it through Holly's Blog. It's the Lake House Dry Goods line. Here is a link to the website: http://www.lakehousedrygoods.com/. Oh my goodness aren't those some sweet fabrics? I love everyone and I love on Holly's blog how she uses the different fabrics to make basically the same quilt in a couple different varieties and I can't say which one of them is my favorite. I love them all. One day I'll quilt like that, won't I Santa? lol.



And now Motherhood calls as I suppose I should start thinking of some supper. My youngest son Shawn is very seldom home for supper since he works but he is off tonight and I just don't know what to fix him. So, I'll go ponder. I might post back later with some more progress. Cross your fingers for me.



Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Gonna Be Real Quick Tonight

I am gonna get off this computer for the evening here real soon but I wanted to stop and say Hey to everybody. I hope you all had great days. Hopefully you got some quilting done. I didn't get any sewing done but I got alot of needed housecleaning done and I did start to clean out my sewing room. I might be more productive that way. lol. I have before and after photo's of my progress.

This one is before:
I couldn't even get to my machine. It was the catch all room after this last weekend's carpet laying incident. lol.

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And after:
At least I can get to it now. And I got alot of stuff organized that I want to work on. I found alot of works in progress that I depise having but I put most of them away right back where they came from. I don't need that pressure under my nose constantly. lol. Maybe I'll make a list of the top pressing matters. Then I can see just how fast (slow rather) I really am at completing tasks. I know I can drag my feet but maybe seeing it in black and white would motivate me. lol.

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So that's about it around here. Tomorrow when I get off work I'll have a good 2 hours of free time before anyone gets home that I can hopefully go over and spend putting the finishing touches on the sewing room and start the projects. Please pray for my motivation. I'm serious. I need to get to cracking on getting things made for my etsy site as I need all the extra cash flow I can come across right now. lol. But, for tonight I am signing off. Hope you all have a good evening. Thanks for stopping by today.

Renee

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Okay, Remember Me Sayin'???

Awhile back I was asking for ideas on quilt block patterns and got some really great suggestions. I did manage to find a table runner pattern I thought I'd try and while it's been ready to quilt for some time now, I'm just finally getting around to getting a pic. I want to try that daggone stipple quilting technique again but I want to be prepared for the hassle when I do tackle it. My famous last words, Maybe tomorrow. lol. Anyway, here it is according to pattern and all:

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Don't laugh!!!! lol. It's the first time I ever did the triangles like that and I got in a hurry and put it together using pre-cut "vintage" to say the least, fabric squares. My son told me if I was going to do this I had to nail those corners lining up. He's the only one who will be at least partway honest with me when I ask for his opinion. lol. He's right though. Sometimes I rush through stuff that I am just doing for the heck of it to see how it turns out. You should have seen the first coffee cozie I made. lol. Wow is all I can say. lol. Anyway, she aint pretty but she's mine and I'm going to use it on my table or counter when/if I get it done. lol.

I'm waiting for my son to get home from work here soon so I'm gonna be short tonight. You are all probably silently saying woo hoo. lol. I sometimes think I have too much of the gift for gab. lol. Hope everyone is healthy and well. Have a Great Night!!

Renee

Sunday, October 19, 2008

How Was Your Weekend?

Good evening everybody. I hope this finds you all well and relaxing from a wonderful weekend. Look at what I got to enjoy last night.

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Yep, even the White Castle. Yummy. For some reason I love those little cheeseburgers. And their fries aren't bad either. Honey and me decided to spend the evening doing something together for a change and since it was Sweetest Day, I told him I'd be a cheap date if he'd take me to White Castle. lol. The sunset photo's are from on the way there last night. I told my friends over at Our Gang Forum that it was the perfect October sky. We ordered our burgers at the drive thru and parked in a side lot and ate and watched the people go by. That is one busy little intersection and I am so glad we don't live in that town. It was in Mansfield, about 15-20 minutes south of us. I would have it made if White Castle would come to town. lol. I would want to work there. lol.

I hope everybody is enjoying the fall season and are getting ready for the cold because it is coming. We had some pretty heavy frost this morning. I walk to work but if I drove, I would have been scraping this morning. Yuck, I don't like it. My youngest is a senior doing post secondary education at a community college called NCSC. It is in Mansfield. I am sure not looking forward to him driving over there this winter.

I hope to get to sew some either tonight or tomorrow. It might be tomorrow because I worked 8 1/2 hours today and I don't feel so swell today. This cold seems to be okay one day and the next I am right back to it. Thanks to everybody who sent me well wishes since I said I was sick a few days ago. It will pass. I just wish it would hurry up. lol.

Honey laid carpet today in our son's room. Both boys helped him and it looks pretty good. Plus it is such an improvement over the old bare floor we had for the last 3 years or so. Shawn actually cleaned and took a little pride in the room after they got it laid. lol. I don't go up there normally. It's scarey. lol.

Well, I have some laundry to do for work clothes for tomorrow. So, I hope everyone had a great weekend. Happy Quilting.

Renee

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

I'm Sick

Yuck. Honey gave me his sickness. I'm coughing, sneezing, wheezing and my nose is all stuffy and my eyes are all watery and burning. How nice!!! I have been gung ho to do some housekeeping here at home today since it's my day off but the more I'm awake here, the more I think I might just take it easy today. lol. i've been up since 4:30 and I'm about to get the boy up for school but I'm convinced once he leaves for school, I am gonna hit my recliner for just a little while. lol.

There hasn't been so much sewing going on here at all lately. I'm going to quit making plans to work on stuff because it never seems to happen or work out the way I plan. It gets frustrating to me. All I want to do is finish that table runner I started a week or so ago. I finally took the Flower Garden pictures off the blog here because I'm walking away from that one for a moment. Having it plastered all over my blog as a work in progress just re-iterated what a loser I am everytime I look at it. lol. So, poof-it's gone. lol.

I hope everyone is doing well with their families and you're sewing away. I wish I could find a good balance. It's getting that time of year now when time seems to get even more precious and we have less and less of it for ourselves. Honey and me just had a talk Sunday about trying to work more together on stuff so that each of us individually aren't running around here like chickens with our heads cut off never seeming to accomplish anything. Life is too short to be wasting time. In fact, I'm considering making some major changes around here so that we can focus on what is really important to us, which is the family and being together. I just need to figure out the financial means to do it. And with the trouble this world is in now, my hope of doing it fades a little more each day. I think I'm just destined to work for the man and keep running in to walls and falling down and getting up and running into them again. lol. It's sad when your focus becomes all about money and getting by versus enjoying your family for what they are every minute of every day. One day it will happen. lol.

I have some major reading to catch up on as well. I have compiled what I consider a great list of blogs to visit and I find all kinds of inspiration from reading them but it has been several days since I've been able to sit down and catch up with everyone. I hope everyone is doing well. And I'm anxious to see what everyone is working on. It's always something new and evolving. I love it.

Here's hoping everyone has a great day.

Happy Quilting,

Renee

Thursday, October 9, 2008

I Got To Sew Yesterday & Today

Mind you, it wasn't much sewing but it was progress. I found a pattern for a table runner I liked so I got the pattern and I am actually following it to a t. Not quite a quilt block but a pattern just the same. lol. I kept getting interupted yesterday and I probably would have it together if it weren't for a distraction today. I had just gotten the squares ironed out and laid out in front of me on the table how I wanted them to line up and I hear Knock! Knock! Crap!!!!! That was at 3:15 today. My company stayed til 5:00 and in between then both my sons came home and my husband too. He of course was in a hurry for his supper so he could go to the card game tonight. Right after supper I visited with the oldest boy awhile and run him off so I could go pay a bill before it got dark out. Just now getting back in and a chance to sit down for a minute here. Phew!!!!

I am so glad tomorrow is Friday and it is my weekend off. I got 2 people on me right now for sewing projects they've been waiting on so I hope to get those out of the way. I want to finish the table runner. And I hate to say it but I still have that one dog gone dad blasted golf cart seat cover to do. lol. Plus I've insisted to the hubby that we lay some carpet that I've had on our front porch for 2 weeks. That will probably be Sunday, the carpet laying. Of course it is supposed to be beautiful this weekend and I might just say ta heck with it all and enjoy the weather while we still get the chance. lol.

I appreciate the responses I got to my last post about a good quilt block to start with and the Project Linus program. There's a couple more things to do this weekend as well. I'll look into the program and see if there is a local drop off site around here. I'm sure I could always mail one somewhere too if there isn't a drop off someplace near. But thanks again for the info ladies.

I have to order the kid's cap and gown and graduation announcements tonight and send a big fat old down payment with the order form for tomorrow. Nice. Not! He mentioned it to me earlier this week but I didn't see any info and then today he brings it up that it's due tomorrow. Oh my. He' such a turkey. But I love him dearly. It's awesome to see him mature and gain his independence yet it is so sad too because this is my baby. In just a little under 6 months he will be 18, then graduating high school and heading off into this great big old world. Watch Out World is all I got to say. lol.

But, we have to get busy on that task so until next time....Happy Quilting.

Renee

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

High Hopes

Well, so I haven't gotten any sewing done. I don't like it. But alas, tomorrow is my day off and I plan to sew like a fool. lol. Yeh right. lol. Not sure what I am going to sew yet but I will sew tomorrow.

I went to a coffee shop the other day, thru the drive-thru and ordered a tall coffee. Well I was just getting it to investigate the cup sizes and see if my cozies would fit them or not. Don't you know, they use styrofoam cups too. Not really a need for cozies with styro cups. Well, like a dummy, I have my son ask for a sleeve. Of course they don't have sleeves either. Well, why would they? lol. Oh well. I just wanted one of these elusive sleeves for measurements anyway so I guess I'm off to Starbucks next. Then there are two other small independent owned coffee houses in town as well. I just have to find one that uses paper cups and might not mind having a little basket full of cozies on the counter for sale. lol.

I am itching to try making a quilt block. A real quilt block. Nothing I have made so far has been real extravagant or according to any pattern per say. But looking through all the great quilting blogs here lately I am seeing some lovely quilts made out of the most beautiful blocks and I'm just kinda getting the hankering to try something. Any ideas on a great starter block? Sure would appreciate any tips.

I have two quilts that I am not real happy with and I am thinking of donating them to project Linus. Has anyone ever done this? They are cute and all but just not perfect and maybe I'm too hard on myself but I just don't feel right selling them. Money is so hard to come by these days and it's going to get worse. So I thought I may as well let some little kid get some use out of them.

I wish I had some more stash. I never think I have enough of anything worthy of putting together and making a quilt top of but I wonder if I had all the fabric in the world if I wouldn't still feel that way. lol. I seriously need a little lesson on choosing what colors to put together and which go best with each other for sure.

What makes you all get off your duffs and get busy with your projects? I sure could use some motivation. I need some way to make extra money and sewing is about my only talent to do so with. Aside from motivation I also need help with getting out there and showing my wares. I guess I'm afraid folks will make fun of me mainly. Not everybody appreciates sewing and quilting. And I'm also "awkward". lol. I don't like crowds, I don't like to stand out, and always wish I was at home whenever I'm someplace else. That rules out alot of craft shows and fairs and such. So, that's way I like the online gig at etsy. But it's not proving such a good thing for me right now. I just noticed that I've been a member since July 07 and I still haven't had a sale yet. But there is alot of competition on etsy. And alot of beautiful, skilled work too. Oh, what's a girl to do? lol.

I've been thinking about going to one of our local quilt guild meetings. Maybe I could find a group to be comfortable with that can help me get better at what I love to do and help me build some confidence in my stuff. And ways to get rid of it. lol. We'll see. I make no promises. If hubby can't or won't do something with me, I usually just don't do it. He is my rock and when I'm with him I can go anywhere and do anything but take him away and I'm lost, running for my house til he gets back to me. Told ya all I was "awkward". lol.

I think I'll close for now and go see what I can get into. I might poke around tonight at some stuff and get it ready for sewing tomorrow. There are a few little things I think I can get cut out tonight and have ready to just throw on the machine in the morning. Sounds good, eh? Will it happen? lol. Who knows? lol.

Keep creative friends!!!

Renee

Saturday, October 4, 2008

I've Been Tagged Too

I have been tagged by Sara at The Quilting Bookwork. I'm awaiting details but I'm sure that since I've been tagged that I have to tell 7 things you don't know about me. And then I get to tag people for the same thing. Sounds fun. Here goes my list.

1. I am petrified to absolute death of birds, bats, winged creatures of any nature up to and including large butterflies.

2. I could be a hermit for the rest of my life. I would be content to never leave this house again. lol. Seriously though. It's true.

3. I don't see in 3-D. I was an adult before anyone told me that after a very thorough eye exam once. And that explained all those years I wondered what the heck was the big deal with the 3-D glasses and books in the happy meals that had all the other kids so fascinated. lol. lmao. Crazy!

4. I don't like to touch raw meat, especially hamburger. lol. Chicken and turkey are nasty too. lol.

5. I once answered 12 correct answers during an episode of Jeopardy.

6. My youngest is a "gifted student" and doesn't realize his own potential. That's one thing that I wish I could open the door to for him. I know we all must make our own way but as a parent I want to pick him up by the shirt collar and make him go where I want him to go. lol.

7. Country music makes my ears bleed!!!!! Yak, Hock, Blah. That's all that was poured down my throat as a kid and as soon as I had a chance to not listen to it, I seized it. lol.

Okay, those are pretty useless facts but that was a hard little task. lol. Glad it's over. lol. So, now I get to tag some folks. Here goes:

Julie @ Julie's Blog
Niki @ Pumpkin Country
LuAnn @ Loose Threads

Come on girls!! Let's have a little fun. It's a great way to get to know folks and see all kinds of great quilting blogs. So, happy tagging and quilting!!!

Renee

Friday, October 3, 2008

Another AC Article

I forgot to mention last night that I had a part two to a story I've written about my experience with Effexor published. I am glad to say that I am now completely off of this medication and I am feeling pretty good right now. If you're interested, here is the link. Thanks in advance if you take a peek.

It's been a busy day today and when the fella's all take off this evening, I'm spending some time with my sewing machine. lol. I have to work tomorrow so I don't look to get a whole lot done tonight but I do have one thing I want to wrap up and get off my plate and that is the goal for tonight.

What goals does anyone else have for the weekend? Or month? I think I'm going to take some time and make up some of those coffee cozies and hit the local coffee shops to see if they'd be interested in carrying a few of them. Wish me luck.

Until next time, Happy Quilting!!!

Renee

Thursday, October 2, 2008

These Kept Me Busy Yesterday

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These are coffee cup cozies. If you want to go "green" and you buy coffee to go at different places, these I think are just dandy. They are intended to replace the paper sleeves that coffee joints give you so the cup's not too hot to hang on to. They save a tree and jazz up that ordinary cup of joe a little bit. They can be made out of most any color, style of cotton and a thin layer of quilt batting. I found making them to be very easy. Trying to make a pattern was the hard part. I thought I could just make a paper pattern based on my cups at hand and be sewing cozies all day. NOT!!!!! I feel really dumb now but no matter what I tried, I knew I wasn't getting it. So, I headed to my trusty computer and did a google search for a free pattern for one and WHALAH!!!!!

I have one more seat back cushion to do on the golf cart. I have high hopes of getting that together and done with tomorrow night. I have decided that because that little Flower Garden quilt I'm working on is like driving me nuts, that I just might tuck that stinker away for a minute. Just Walk Away Renee, as the song goes. lol. There is a customer at work who has been singing that to me for this last week. lol. What a geek. lol. Anyway, I have a court house steps quilt in pinks and pink florals that I started ages ago and think that I would really rather mess with it for awhile. I still have blocks to cut out for it even but I can't get it off my mind lately so it's like calling me. lol. Does that ever happen to any of you?

Other than that, life in general isn't treating me too bad at the moment. The old man is good, the boys are good, my new daughter-in-law is good. My sis and my bro's are good. It's a good feeling.

I'm kinda run down a bit today so I'm saying goodnight for now. Talk with everyone later.

Sweet Dreams,
Renee

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Good Morning Everyone

So far it's a nice, quiet Sunday morning here. I'm the only one up. Just now working on my first cup of coffee. Ahhh!!!! It's nice and peaceful. I thought now would be a great time to do a post.

I haven't gotten much quilting done but I have been somewhat productive this week. I finished up one of the covers for the back of honey's golf cart. I have another one to make but I want to see how this one works first before I do the second one. I was going to applique the shop name on the drivers seat but I want to make sure it fits before we get fancy. lol. So tomorrow honey has to take the one and see how it fits and then I can get busy on the second one and call that project done.

I did work on the Flower Garden for a little while yesterday. I started the last spot where I am going to be so particular with the stitches. Once this is done, maybe I can have some fun in finishing it up. I sure can't say it's been fun so far. I just am not happy with my stitches. I need to work on my consistency. I got little itty bitty stitches and then I have the nice big long even ones I like. So far the only way I've found to get the big stitches I like is to go so slow. I just read last night where the only way to get consistent is to try and try again. So, try I shall. lol.

I got this offer in the mail yesterday from American Patchwork & Quilting magazine. I got a free year subscription (with a paid year of course) and I will get a free gift as well. It's a little booklet called 101 tips for Successful Quilting. I'm so excited. I wanted my reservation taken to the post office last night but it did not make it. It must today. As I will have to wait 6-8 weeks before I even get my first issue. lol. I feel like a kid waiting on Santa Claus now. lol.

Some of you may remember me mentioning making the microwave heating pads here awhile back. Well I came up with this idea to make up a basket full and put together a little "business plan" and see if my boss would let me sell them at the store where I work. Well, the bag my son ended up taking for his headache actually turned black and almost burnt in his microwave. I had just told him a horror story I read about someone's house burning down cause their heating pad caught fire. They put it in the sink and extinguised the flames but because it smelled they threw it outside on the porch and it was not completely out and later on burnt the house to the ground. Uh, no!!! I decided that I couldn't live with that on my concious if someone's house burnt down. So, they never even made it past the cut-out phase. My son still wants one but he knows now that he must watch it more closely than just pop it in the microwave for 2 minutes and let it go. I have an acient microwave with the turn dial on it still. I cooked the particular bag he took at least 3 times, maybe 5 for 2 minutes each time to test it and it was just fine, worked like a charm. But the boy's micro is brand new and two minutes in it was just too much. So, long story short, if you make these please be sure to warn the recipients of the dangers of not watching the bag while it heats up and the dangers of heating it too long. I recommend they are never left unattended in the microwave while they are warming up. Just thought I'd share that as I think it's an important lesson learned for me anyway. Problem is now, I have no other little ideas to try and set up a little display with at work. Any ideas? I'm looking for like a five dollar item. Of course I have to give the boss a cut so she can make money from it too so it can't be anything extrodinary and it has to be something that appeals to the general public. We have alot of elderly folks and mommies with little ones so I thought the heating pads would be an excellent idea. Hah!!! Shows what I know doesn't it? lol.

I've warned the fella's that since I felt they ruined my day yesterday as far as sewing goes because they couldn't make up their minds what they wanted to do, that today is my day. Today I quilt. lol. No more mister nice guy here. I hate working on stuff when they are around but sometimes I just feel like I have to do something for me too. lol. We'll see how it pans out. I am Mom so chances are my plans will take backseat to anything that may come up today. All Mom's know how that goes.

Until later, Have a great day and Happy Quilting!!!!

Renee

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

A Productive Day Off?

Do those even exist anymore? lol. I haven't found much lately to make me be productive on my days off but today I do have some things I need to get done. I just finished up number one on the to do list. I dragged out what I call an oldie but a goodie and added it to my etsy site today. It's something I've been doing now for about 13 years. This will be the second attempt on etsy. Wish me luck please!!! Here is the link to the new item: Hand Painted Personalized Photo Christmas Ornaments.

I also intend to work on that Flower Garden quilt today if it kills me. I am glad to be done with the stuff on the computer this morning so I can get to the sewing room. Bad thing is as soon as I'm able to get over there one of the boys will show up on their daily trips in and out of the house. I hate working on something when they are home. It makes me feel like I'm ignoring them. But if they nap or go upstairs and play videos, I'm sewin'. lol.

Here's hoping we all have productive, creative days today!!!!!

Happy Quilting!!!

Renee

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Demolision Derby

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Just for fun I wanted to share this photo from a little gal I work with. She was in the demolition derby last night at the fair and came in 4th in her heat. She's a spitfire! lol. She got in one good hit while in reverse and then she got hit by 3 cars at once. At some point she lost her tranny which put her out or I'm sure she would have gone further. She missed being in the feature by coming in 4th. Poor kid. I was so rooting for her. I wanted to go watch her in person but I couldn't make myself go out there to the fairgrounds in that crowd and was worried about getting cold and home late. I chickened right out on her. She was so psyched Friday about it when I saw her last. But she had fun and plans on doing it again next year. Good luck next year Nick.

I have not been very creative at all the last few weeks and am kicking myself for that. I still haven't gotten to work on The Flower Garden project yet. I just need to force myself to go sew at least an hour everyday. I could get so much more done with just devoting that much time a day to it. But there is always something going on seems like. So please bare with me if I don't have much "quilt talk" going on here lately. I just want to get this project done and move on to the next one. I have so many ideas for what the next one will be but that's all they are is ideas unless I get busy. lol. Maybe someone can send me a can of inspiration. lol.

Have a great day!

Renee