tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82789220770396777772024-03-13T14:20:53.314-04:00Archimedes' BathtubDiannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05814099171337869286noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278922077039677777.post-32378308668330323342012-10-30T16:56:00.000-04:002012-10-30T16:56:25.839-04:00Wicked Blog HopWelcome to my post in the Wicked Blog Hop. I'm so sorry to be posting late. Unfortunately, I am one of those affected by Hurricane Sandy. We are fortunate that the power we lost yesterday came back on. Millions of others in my state (New Jersey) are still without power including two of my adult sons who both live in the same town about 12 miles from here. <br />
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There are a number of others posting today and I hope you will visit their blogs to see what they have come up with. I plan to do the same this evening. To make it easy, here is a list of today's posters.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Chiller","serif"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%;">Tingling Tuesday, </span></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Chiller","serif"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%;">October 30<sup>th</sup></span></b><span></span></div>
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</span><u><span style="background: white; color: #7030a0; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://iliketoquiltblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">I Like To Quiltblog</span></a></span></u></div>
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<u><span style="background: white; color: #7030a0; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></u><u><span style="background: white; color: #7030a0; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://canarycreated.com/blog/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Canary Created</span></a></span></u></div>
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<u><span style="background: white; color: #7030a0; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://cmyprims.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Cherry's Prairie Primitives</span></a></span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
<a href="http://daneesey.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Count It *All* JOY!!</span></a></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></div>
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<u><span style="background: white; color: #7030a0; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://dkc-ab.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Archimedes' Bathtub</span></a></span></u></div>
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<u><span style="background: white; color: #7030a0; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://quiltswissy.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Quilts And Dogs</span></a></span></u></div>
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<u><span style="background: white; color: #7030a0; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://janesfabrics.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Jane's Fabrics And Quilts</span></a></span></u></div>
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<u><span style="background: white; color: #7030a0; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://creationsontheisland.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Creations On The Island</span></a></span></u></div>
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<u><span style="background: white; color: #7030a0; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://englating.se/wp" target="_blank"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Englating</span></a></span></u></div>
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<u><span style="background: white; color: #7030a0; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://mrspicklesgarden.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Mrs.Pickles Garden</span></a></span></u></div>
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<u><span style="background: white; color: #7030a0; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://scrapbook-chickadoodle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Scrapbook-Chickadoodle</span></a></span></u></div>
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<u><span style="background: white; color: #7030a0; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://sonjas-taschen-quilts-und-mehr.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Taschen, Quilts Und
Mehr</span></a></span></u></div>
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</span><span style="color: #7030a0;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="color: #7030a0;"><span style="font-size: small;">Thanks to Wendy and Madame Samm for th<span style="color: #7030a0;"><span style="font-size: small;">e<span style="color: #7030a0;"><span style="font-size: small;">ir efforts in<span style="color: #7030a0;"><span style="font-size: small;"> organizing this <span style="color: #7030a0;"><span style="font-size: small;">blog hop.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #7030a0;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="color: #7030a0;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #7030a0;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #7030a0;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #7030a0;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #7030a0;"><span style="font-size: small;">Next up is my <span style="color: #7030a0;"><span style="font-size: small;">block-</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #7030a0;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="color: #7030a0;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #7030a0;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #7030a0;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #7030a0;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #7030a0;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #7030a0;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>I think it's a pretty scary looking spider. No, it's not the 10" or12" it was supposed to be. Originally I was going to add background around the spider and then embroider on a spider web, but I decided I really like it the way it is. I got the design from the <a href="http://www.paperpanache.com/" target="_blank">Paper Panache </a>website. I love her patterns. They aren't the easiest, but they are wonderful. <br /><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"></span><br />
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</span>Diannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05814099171337869286noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278922077039677777.post-74452020373758618632012-09-26T10:35:00.000-04:002012-09-26T10:35:32.167-04:00I'm off to TexasThis time tomorrow I'll be on a plane to visit my sister in Texas. We will be attending a reunion of the school we attended in Japan.. She lives in Plano, and the reunion is in San Antonio. She is driving and will pick me up at the airport in Austin on her way. Then we'll continue to San Antonio together. I have no idea of the driving times involved.<br />
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I've been to Texas, but never to San Antonio. From what I understand, it's a lovely place to visit, and I'm looking forward to it.<br />
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Meanwhile, I've been in a bit of a slump about sewing. I did finish my 'Tis the Season quilt-about a week and a half ago, actually. I'm really happy with it. I ended up doing stitch in a ditch with no walking foot. It came out pretty well. I wish I could find that missing walking foot though.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMT5MXkMRHTZy29TvbFZ63I7X4FFE8fU2nrb5dK3b45K7e7QFVdFVf7E_w9DwuSz7AqPbSxy_tG4b5xNfQ1WpEkUEEeu9_CY2xcliQeYsHb0cBBsZRGEAV1WHAjjlFP2eT2PdEj7weyj0/s1600/Tis+the+Season-Finished!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMT5MXkMRHTZy29TvbFZ63I7X4FFE8fU2nrb5dK3b45K7e7QFVdFVf7E_w9DwuSz7AqPbSxy_tG4b5xNfQ1WpEkUEEeu9_CY2xcliQeYsHb0cBBsZRGEAV1WHAjjlFP2eT2PdEj7weyj0/s320/Tis+the+Season-Finished!.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
Since then I've worked on my new kitchen curtains, and that's it. Still a ways to go on them, and no pictures yet.<br />
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I'll be back from Texas next Tuesday, October 2. Then I need to get back to the kitchen curtains, the curious nature quilt, and some blocks for the Wicked Blog Hop (coming up in a few weeks-see my sidebar). I also have in mind a throw quilt as a belated wedding gift for my nephew and his new wife. I have the fabrics for that already, and would just need to purchase fabric for the backing.Diannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05814099171337869286noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278922077039677777.post-46542769172803237282012-09-14T00:02:00.000-04:002012-09-14T00:02:36.777-04:00Dots on Dots Blog HopIt is finally my turn on the Dots on Dots Blog Hop. Many thanks to Madame Samm from <a href="http://www.sewwequilt.com/" target="_blank">!Sew WE Quilt!</a> and Corrie from <a href="http://quilttaffy.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Quilt Taffy</a>. They are the ones who organized this hop.<br />
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Before I show you my blocks, I don't want to forget to tell you where to find all of today's posters. They are:<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">September 14th</span></b></div>
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<b><a href="http://debbykratovilquilts.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Debby Kratovil Quilts</a></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.quiltingfiesta.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Quiltingfiesta </a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.pigtalesandquilts.com/" target="_blank">PigTales and Quilts</a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.sewmesomethinggood.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Sew Me Something Good</a> </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://dkc-ab.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Archimedes' Bathtub</a> (That's me!)</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.simplesew.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Simple Sew</a> </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.patchouli-moon-studio.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Patchouli Moon Studio</a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.intheboondocks.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">In the Boon Docks</a> </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://quiltsmyway.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Debuko @ Quilts My Way</a> </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span>Hopefully, I did that right and the links are clickable! Now this hop started on September 10 and continues until September 21. To find the information for any of the other days click on the Dots to Dots logo off on the side. The blocks and projects that people have shown so far are well worth checking out. </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span>Good. Now that I've taken care of business, I'm eager to show what I made. FYI, all of my blocks are 12 1/2" square (unfinished).</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span>First up is a Dresden Plate block. </span></b></span></div>
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Every single one of those fabrics except for the background has dots on it. I've had to laugh at how many people so far have included a Dresden block in the Dots on Dots hop. It just seems to fit! They're all different though. I needleturn appliqued the plate onto the background and the center onto the plate. I just like how it looks with that applique method. <br />
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The next two block were just me playing around to see what I could come up with. They aren't particular named blocks that I know of.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3JTtyRapsf1MRmRqWaeFEhJkX9o9_7kJkSnhqP6aT_9543CFmz51T-EyQIpo7lCuDlqb60wcEe7-fna8iZxHr5wlI_cnHzzDwqkxqeM8bk185n9wM15fJfenhwiPGUVGqLf1xUfuZsj4/s1600/Black+and+white+dot+block.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3JTtyRapsf1MRmRqWaeFEhJkX9o9_7kJkSnhqP6aT_9543CFmz51T-EyQIpo7lCuDlqb60wcEe7-fna8iZxHr5wlI_cnHzzDwqkxqeM8bk185n9wM15fJfenhwiPGUVGqLf1xUfuZsj4/s320/Black+and+white+dot+block.jpg" width="314" /></a></div>
The red is a little flange I added to spice up the block a little. I like the way it came out.<br />
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I hope you've enjoyed seeing my work. I'll be participating in another hop during October called <i>Wicked </i>(see side bar). It has a Halloween theme and I've been planning my contribution to that one. <br />
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Diannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05814099171337869286noreply@blogger.com88tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278922077039677777.post-31070006576395693602012-09-04T21:03:00.000-04:002012-09-04T21:03:21.028-04:00'Tis the Season progressI finally decided to go ahead and machine quilt my 'Tis the Season quilt without the walking foot. I figured I could do some of it, and if it was horrible-well, I'm good with the seam ripper.<br />
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While it wasn't as good as with a walking foot, I decided I could live with the results. I'm stitching in the ditch and am almost done. I should finish the quilting tomorrow. Then it's on to the hanging sleeve, the label and last of all the binding!</div>
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Meanwhile, I've won a couple of giveaways in the blog world lately. I won some half yards of flannel from Henry Glass Fabrics and some goodies from Tamiko at patchworknotes.blogspot.com</div>
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If it wasn't so hot and humid, I'd definitely want a pair of jammies made with the bunny fabric from Henry Glass. It's made to be a baby fabric, but hey, I like it too.<br />
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The garden is coming along. The cucumbers and lettuce are past. We are still getting squash and tons of beans. We are getting tomatoes, but far less than in other years. They are good though! Don planted a new batch of lettuce for the upcoming cooler weather.<br />
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Look at these bean plants!<br />
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They are literally 8 feet tall.<br />
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I've been redoing the Curious Nature quilt and ordered more fabric in one of the fabulous sales over the holiday weekend. I'm going to end up with two quilts instead of one. That'll teach me to read the directions more carefully!<br />
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<br />Diannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05814099171337869286noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278922077039677777.post-86458247152257386452012-08-24T20:11:00.000-04:002012-08-24T20:11:36.570-04:00A Little Something DoneI'm ridiculously happy that I finished hand sewing down the binding on the placemats I've been making. It's not a huge project, but it's done and I'm very happy how they turned out. I won the fabric in a giveaway at the Ellison Lane blog back in March. It is a line called Fruit Slice.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU42v95FRp3bO3rc2XEYOZZnd5t6TMjvGlmpyMoHJhaNvdh5k-D6_OEWKWTxnOyiSxNIUpbkZqDh3MyqMlXXOrrVGTOH4OmPG0aXP7RSdg6TuHOLag8J22MBvXoyrxb1ALISUwnz6blGg/s1600/Finished+placemats+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU42v95FRp3bO3rc2XEYOZZnd5t6TMjvGlmpyMoHJhaNvdh5k-D6_OEWKWTxnOyiSxNIUpbkZqDh3MyqMlXXOrrVGTOH4OmPG0aXP7RSdg6TuHOLag8J22MBvXoyrxb1ALISUwnz6blGg/s320/Finished+placemats+back.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIyAyes8dEZONfLfAqRgV5rjsOVWnmS_WPuS-pKPbH4Kxx9lJWf4i8P869x-3t4e-8dBkd0h2fsbK3k-5mHlEFuGo5zHcUfo_DDDmuU1XGubs6zSEUyd3qyjrlotr5IInfAtN4oLhdRjg/s1600/Finished+placemats+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIyAyes8dEZONfLfAqRgV5rjsOVWnmS_WPuS-pKPbH4Kxx9lJWf4i8P869x-3t4e-8dBkd0h2fsbK3k-5mHlEFuGo5zHcUfo_DDDmuU1XGubs6zSEUyd3qyjrlotr5IInfAtN4oLhdRjg/s320/Finished+placemats+front.jpg" width="276" /></a></div>
There aren't 8 placemats, I made 4 and made them reversible for more variety. I like that each one is different, but they all fit together. There is also a cover for the top of my microwave which I didn't photograph. I'm also making a matching set of kitchen curtains. No, I didn't win enough fabric for all that; I went shopping for more. Goal-to finish the curtains by the end of August.<br />
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My other little finished project is my name tag for the Northern New Jersey Modern Quilt Guild. There was no pattern given, just anything we might want. This is what I came up with.<br />
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I thought I had some pin backs but couldn't find them so I sewed on a quilt basting pin for a simple and permanent solution.</div>
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My big concern at the moment is my missing walking foot. I want to get the quilting done on my 'Tis the Season quilt. Unfortunately the walking foot is far too expensive to just go out and get another one. I think that if I don't find it within a few days, I'll be hand quilting it. I don't mind except that it's a lot slower....and hard on my fingers. If only I could learn to use a thimble....</div>
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<br />Diannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05814099171337869286noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278922077039677777.post-5225500921503315632012-08-19T13:06:00.000-04:002012-08-19T13:06:24.981-04:00We got back from our visit to Ohio last week, and I'm still worn out. Here's some of what we did.<br />
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I spent a good part of two days sewing with my sister-in-law, Linda. I worked on my Curious Nature quilt and she made new throw pillows and worked on weaving a rug to redecorate her family room. We were so involved in what we were doing that I didn't take any pictures at all! After I take some, I'll show pictures of how the Curious Nature quilt is coming in my next post. I almost have the top finished.<br />
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I also made a couple of burp cloths for the new baby that my niece Peggy is expecting in October. I did get a picture of them once we got home.<br />
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The cloths are the same, and are reversible. Maybe it was a result of having three sons first, but I enjoy using girlie fabrics, especially pink, for a baby girl.<br />
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We visited my in-laws while there; my father-in-law in assisted living and my mother-in-law in a nursing home. We did get some pictures with them, but they didn't come out well so I decided not to share them.<br />
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After a few days of that, my husband Don and I drove a few hours to the family cottage on Lake Erie. We spent a couple of days there, just the two of us. Here's Don, in the cottage, relaxing with a book.<br />
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I was cold while we were there, the first time I've been cold since about March. It's been a hot summer almost everywhere it the US. Here's the beach at the cottage. As you can see it's deserted. It's not a public beach, so it's never crowded, but it's rare to see it completely empty in the summer. <br />
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I'm so happy to say that I got my 'Tis the Season quilt basted while we were at the cottage. Basting is the hardest step for me to get done since I am not agile enough to get down on the floor to do it. At the cottage I used the huge picnic table that we use as a dining table. I'm determined to get this finished soon. I already have the binding ready to go.<br />
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That's all for now. I am working on my Dots on Dots presentation for that blog hop which is coming up in a few weeks. Can't show that yet! Meanwhile, you might want to check out the <a href="http://justletmequilt.blogspot.com/2012/08/its-happening-tomorrow.html">Bowls With Borders Blog Hop</a>. It continues until August 28.<br />
<br />Diannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05814099171337869286noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278922077039677777.post-1835978161519122122012-08-05T18:29:00.000-04:002012-08-05T18:29:20.381-04:00Getting Ready to TravelIt's hot. And humid. And I'm getting a bit cranky about it. All I want is an air conditioned house and access to a swimming pool. Alas, these things are not to be. OK, time to get over it.<br />
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Two days ago, our first cucumber of the season. Actually, our first cucumber ever since this is the first year we've grown them in the garden.<br />
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Then yesterday we got two cucumbers. Very nice, good for salads. Then today it was ten cucumbers-yes, 10! I wish I had a picture but the husband is out of town for a few days and took the camera with him. We now have a very large cucumber salad for dinner. We only have a few plants. Will they keep producing like that, or will it be one big burst and then nothing? I'll let you know.<br />
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Recently, this came in the mail:<br />
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When opened, I found this:<br />
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It's a whole pile of Curious Nature fabric by David Butler for Free Spirit. I plan to make this quilt for my son Steve.<br />
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<img border="0" src="http://freespiritfabric.com/fabric-collections/curious_nature/swatches/A/large/Quilt.jpg" width="290" /><br />
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It's a free pattern on the Free Spirit website, and I fell in love with it as soon as I saw it. Steve recently had his apartment renovated, and I think this will suit the apartment beautifully.<br />
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In a few days the husband and I will be heading out to Ohio to visit family, especially his parents who are not well. While we are there, I have a Quilt Summit planned with my sister-in-law, Linda. We'll have two solid days of quilting, sewing, and socializing. How far will I get on Steve's quilt? It's to be a Christmas gift, so no real rush, but I'd sure like to get it done early.<br />
<br />Diannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05814099171337869286noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278922077039677777.post-87490338663555523322012-08-01T00:10:00.000-04:002012-08-01T00:10:00.069-04:00Puttering along<br />
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How is it that after working off and on all day at my projects, the progress seems so slow? Maybe it's because I did just a bit from several projects. I worked on a set of placemats, my name tag for use at the North Jersey Modern Quilt Guild meeting, and secret blocks for the Dots on Dots blog hop which is coming up in September.<br />
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The main accomplishment of the day was getting the bindings sewn onto my new placemats. The fabric is Fruit Slice from Anthology Fabrics.<br />
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I still have to hand sew the bindings down on the four plaemats. I'm planning to do that next week as car sewing as we head off to Ohio to visit family. It's an 8-9 hour car ride so I need something to keep me occupied when I'm not driving.<br />
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Right now the Think Christmas Blog Hop is going on and I've been following along. I definitely recommend it. There are five more days to go. The hostess is Lesley of <a href="http://lesleythecuddlequilter.blogspot.com/">The Cuddle Quilter</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKAkDbFkiuESuqCocA-AxUb8zb_dWDme2uOpZrPSwzS2H8oZGvM013at4F-1928GopjjhY7x-AToiaOoBoy8GYewGI56FD-cdXZJGBkGKja02mjHi7gv-4BtN1LW2QlrDfXFnCYjjDvizC/s1600/Think+CHristmas+more+days.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Think Christmas Blog Hop Schedule Here" border="0" height="183" id="Image3_img" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKAkDbFkiuESuqCocA-AxUb8zb_dWDme2uOpZrPSwzS2H8oZGvM013at4F-1928GopjjhY7x-AToiaOoBoy8GYewGI56FD-cdXZJGBkGKja02mjHi7gv-4BtN1LW2QlrDfXFnCYjjDvizC/s300/Think+CHristmas+more+days.png" style="visibility: visible;" width="250" /></a></div>
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<br />Diannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05814099171337869286noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278922077039677777.post-5952033409707945642012-07-26T12:31:00.000-04:002012-07-26T12:31:36.958-04:00Upcoming Dots on Dots Blog TourI've signed up to participate in the Dots on Dots Blog Tour which will take place from September 10-20. See the logo on my sidebar. It will be my second blog tour and the first on this blog. signup end tomorrow 7/27 so there is still a chance to sign up. Go to <a href="http://quilttaffy.blogspot.ca/2012/07/dots-on-dots-blog-hop.html#comment-form">Corrie's blog</a> to get the information to sign up. Corrie from Quilt Taffy is the host. Of course, make sure to take the tour when the time comes! <br />
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I've already started planning some dotty blocks for my tour entry. Here's a hint:<br />
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In other news, we got the first squash from our garden. Yes, I know it's very late but we didn't get the garden in until the end of June. That's a month and a half or more later than it should be. Better late than never, I guess.<br />
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I shredded the squash in the food processor, cooked for a few minutes with a little olive oil, added grated Parmesan cheese and cooked for a minute or two more. Tasty! I'm on a search for more easy and delicious squash recipes since it looks like we will be getting a lot more very soon.<br /><br />Diannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05814099171337869286noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278922077039677777.post-37862328743360135822012-07-23T10:03:00.000-04:002012-07-23T10:03:56.862-04:00I'm back! It was a very long absence. I'll try to do better. Since I was last here I finished the degree I was working on-you can now call me Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. Phew, I'm glad it's done. I was definitely one of the older graduates.<br />
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I've been thinking of my grandparents. None of them graduated from high school. My mother's parents didn't go to to high school at all. Of course things were different then and that was common. My maternal grandmother and her sister decided in old age (in their 70's or 80's, I'm not sure which) to get their GED's. <br />
They succeeded too!<br />
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My other big accomplishment is to have finished the top for my 'Tis the Season quilt.<br />
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I also did a little cushion from the book.<br />
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The book calls it a cushion, but to me it's a pillow. It must be one of those language differences between the US and Australia. Either way, it's a cute little thing and I may make more. I also have a 2nd quilt partly done-it will be a gift. I'd also like to make a few of the other projects in the book. Don't know when; there are so many things I'd like to make.<br />
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<br />Diannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05814099171337869286noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278922077039677777.post-84667285361467453782011-05-10T14:27:00.003-04:002011-05-10T14:56:28.883-04:00Mother's DayI had a lovely Mother's Day with my family. In the morning DS Justin brought me tulips and a Dunkin Donuts iced coffee (my favorite). He even brought half-and-half on the side so I could add just the right amount.<br /><br />Later DH picked flowers from the yard and then made a delicious steak dinner with baked potatoes and green beans with mushrooms. He and DD Emily made lemon squares for dessert. Another favorite! I enjoyed the at home meal more than I would have if we had gone out, so that was perfect.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7-FWt_eAXAxBvKZirYgEAcrbyd7k6Q4TKkDzaUvp-8aQEfivxUoewjsH3ALE23PJLLP9lP8hPQ-n5XQAWYw0PK8ZylHt6kWK7C1ZGvp3RdurZDRiMw2sV7581gB0g57s-Zphf9cLb07w/s1600/DSC01227.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7-FWt_eAXAxBvKZirYgEAcrbyd7k6Q4TKkDzaUvp-8aQEfivxUoewjsH3ALE23PJLLP9lP8hPQ-n5XQAWYw0PK8ZylHt6kWK7C1ZGvp3RdurZDRiMw2sV7581gB0g57s-Zphf9cLb07w/s320/DSC01227.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605159796157705650" border="0" /></a>My DS Steve called and we had a long talk, the best we've had in ages. Brian also called and I missed the call; he tried again yesterday and I missed it again! I'll try him tonight after he's home from work<br /><br />The reason I missed Brian's call yesterday is that I was taking my final exam in the statistics class for this semester. Most of the past couple of weeks has been taken up by the course. Last week a project was due and I had to give a presentation. The projects were done with a partner which was a bit of a pain for adult students. My partner was a young woman who is a biochemist. She already has her degree but was taking the class because she uses statistics in her work. She is originally from Nigeria. It was fascinating to get to know her a bit as we worked together. The professor had the class vote for the best project presentation. Much to my surprise my partner and I won! That was a nice feeling. I wonder if the professor considers that in his grade? Assuming I passed the class, I'll be student teaching in the fall.Diannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05814099171337869286noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278922077039677777.post-71053708667494799352011-04-28T19:20:00.007-04:002011-04-28T20:43:55.330-04:00Laura's RecitalTo go on with the story....<br /><br />On Sunday, the 10th DH and I drove to Cleveland arriving in late morning. We knew we wouldn't be able to get into the hotel that early, and neither of my sisters were arriving that early. We decided to take advantage of the opportunity to go to the Cleveland Art Museum and see the exhibit of illuminated manuscripts.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKgRHAAX9SrJKFXt6ecqQvd6l895ew4_wgFt1knRdjjQgZjPPWTTaDGt9wBIOS_v5DOeKAQT-hPkibTtM0UEU5a6ELd0RxgKhWJASRFVG15tcoAayODnJN4pdRFmEnTRvuLRtK4Q-v8BA/s1600/DSC01181.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKgRHAAX9SrJKFXt6ecqQvd6l895ew4_wgFt1knRdjjQgZjPPWTTaDGt9wBIOS_v5DOeKAQT-hPkibTtM0UEU5a6ELd0RxgKhWJASRFVG15tcoAayODnJN4pdRFmEnTRvuLRtK4Q-v8BA/s320/DSC01181.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600790409067146162" border="0" /></a>DH and I were both interested in the geometric sculpture outside the museum.<br /><br />My sisters and their husbands called us as they arrived in town. It turns out that the museum is walking distance from the hotel. They parked at the hotel and met us at the museum where we had lunch.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRoRHLtev1Kn-vPKLO5BU-j_uL1ABo-_QYLMb3tzjfI1UMo8MR2qCugxfw7CVcfJCm9K5woJmeqmvRPT9gFzNSGUjYoauc2gLBqlNGVyEC0mxtbEf8qhZ1gg1Vv_chB7I_F5YfHoMk9_k/s1600/DSC01188.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRoRHLtev1Kn-vPKLO5BU-j_uL1ABo-_QYLMb3tzjfI1UMo8MR2qCugxfw7CVcfJCm9K5woJmeqmvRPT9gFzNSGUjYoauc2gLBqlNGVyEC0mxtbEf8qhZ1gg1Vv_chB7I_F5YfHoMk9_k/s320/DSC01188.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600792667757218338" border="0" /></a>Clockwise from front left: my sister Linda, me, my sister Marie, Marie's husband Richard, and Linda's husband Joe. My DH was taking the picture.<br /><br />We wandered over to the hotel, the Glidden House. It was lovely, in a historical building. We got into our rooms around 2 so we were able to unload our luggage. Then it was time to head over to the church for the recital.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt_fIvBWeD7IC-nplInOb01D2WF2_fGopjrQ7hlrTcEQ-2wMfVR3EZcZ65jpVnC-hdEVs9e9rzVftvPTp18qnTcmJOQ8h-qBz5KfWLXI8AFh0BKMplFkECHNcZVcYI7gQOamAeYF5iAzU/s1600/DSC01192.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt_fIvBWeD7IC-nplInOb01D2WF2_fGopjrQ7hlrTcEQ-2wMfVR3EZcZ65jpVnC-hdEVs9e9rzVftvPTp18qnTcmJOQ8h-qBz5KfWLXI8AFh0BKMplFkECHNcZVcYI7gQOamAeYF5iAzU/s320/DSC01192.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600795231812969058" border="0" /></a>We got to see Laura and her husband John before the recital, but they were both too busy to take much time to talk. I enjoyed the music, but am not knowledgeable about organ music. Apparently something technical went wrong with the organ, but I couldn't tell the difference. Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures of Laura that she would want me to post. Too bad, because she's lost some weight and has been exercising-she looks great. After the recital there was a reception, so we got to meet some of Laura's professors, classmates and friends. After everything was over, and cleaned up the group of us went out for dinner, then back to the hotel where we talked until late. I hadn't seen any of the others since last summer so it was wonderful to catch up.<br /><br />The next morning we all met for breakfast at the hotel. My DH and I had to be on the road by 8 because I had a test in my college course at 5:30 that afternoon. I studied all day as DH drove and we went straight to campus arriving around 4:30. Cutting it close weren't we? Studying all day in the car worked well, I did very well on the test!<br /><br />It was a hectic and tiring few days, but I'm so glad we went. Since then my in-laws have moved into assisted living. My MIL isn't doing great, but it could be a lot worse. An older friend told me that getting old isn't for sissies and I guess she's right.Diannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05814099171337869286noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278922077039677777.post-21067042665563272092011-04-18T22:29:00.003-04:002011-04-18T23:19:38.362-04:00A quick tripThe days have really gotten away from me. I've want to be a better blogger than this!<br /><br />We took our trip out to Ohio and it was a whirlwind. First we went to see my in-laws and then to Cleveland for my niece's Master's Recital.<br /><br />My MIL was still in the hospital and still in a lot of pain. One thing that concerned me is that she was acting very helpless, more helpless than she really was. That's not like her at all. It was almost as if she's given up and that isn't good at all. Even though she's had some real problems the past couple of years, she has a strong constitution and I think could possibly keep going for a number of years. I know that a broken leg is not a small thing, I've been through it myself. It's just so hard to see her acting as if she can't do a thing to help herself.<br /><br />As it turns out things were in progress for my in-laws to move into assisted living. The unit is right near the hospital where my Brother-in-law works and is less than a mile from their home. My MIL is very happy to move but my FIL is having trouble with it. He keeps saying that he thought they'd live in their house until they died. It's a little strange, I think most people who live into old age have to eventually go into a nursing home, or assisted living or at least move in with relatives. Realistic or not, he had the idea in his head and is having trouble giving it up. Fortunately the facility they are moving to is quite nice. DH and I stopped by unannounced asking for a tour and they accommodated us. I thought that was a good sign. We stopped by at lunchtime and not surprisingly noticed that the vast majority of residents are women. I don't know if FIL will like that or not.<br /><br />Of course the unit they will be in is much smaller than their house. Fortunately they will not give up the house quite yet so will have some time to reduce their possessions. When we visited MIL in the hospital she kept saying things like, "take some crystal, take some vases, take anything you want." We were there with a very small car so weren't about to take much! In a couple of weeks DH will rent a truck and go out with one of our DS's and take a few pieces of furniture.<br /><br />This is getting long, so I'll continue with the tale of our trip within the next few days. Meanwhile, here is a picture of our daffodils-they are one of my favorite flowers.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi528AxVOwA6RGfKCqDdP9S8BJa02HeMdJb0U0nhTo0FSTFoxo38yqed-jtLPlcmgodaMLXq-Voso0px7ZFr1IlqSUV4XPjvcFn-Yds3rcDgBi40eusPLvXYzV1JyidKicsl02SYzUwq0Y/s1600/DSC01194.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi528AxVOwA6RGfKCqDdP9S8BJa02HeMdJb0U0nhTo0FSTFoxo38yqed-jtLPlcmgodaMLXq-Voso0px7ZFr1IlqSUV4XPjvcFn-Yds3rcDgBi40eusPLvXYzV1JyidKicsl02SYzUwq0Y/s320/DSC01194.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597128482576582946" border="0" /></a>They really need to be thinned out before they stop blooming so well. That's a project for later this summer.Diannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05814099171337869286noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278922077039677777.post-56836755568711882872011-04-02T01:00:00.003-04:002011-04-04T21:04:48.348-04:00Worrisome NewsMy husband got an e-mail from his brother tonight saying their mother had fallen and broken her leg. We are very concerned because my MIL is elderly and somewhat frail these days. The bone she broke is the thigh bone which I think is called the femur. We'll be heading out to Ohio late next week.<br /><br />We were already planning to go for my niece's Master's recital which is April 10 in Cleveland. This will just extend the trip a bit. I'm very concerned about my MIL.Diannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05814099171337869286noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278922077039677777.post-53298438843797265342011-03-23T22:47:00.003-04:002011-03-23T23:11:04.528-04:00So Much for SpringSpring arrived on Sunday. Then it snowed on Monday, but at least it melted fast. Today it snowed, sleeted, and we had freezing rain and, I think, hail. Not to mention thunder and lightning. It was definitely an indoor day as far as I was concerned.<br /><br />Hopefully tomorrow will be nicer because I want to go to the library to study. I went yesterday and it worked out better than trying to study at home. Not so many distractions. Besides, I got e-mails telling me that 3 of the books I had reserved had come in.<br /><br />I worked on stitching my second green Tis the Season block and it's just about finished. I couldn't resist putting the borders on the first block to see how it would look. Here it is, and I love it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNUwoneQHOmkmLrdRQu35AStTd2uQtLScI4ngT8URNxAnYPnVjhIr1gvRIwviP-E_P1u5Nb8NK6OaInls4JeFmcz3kXVljSsJmYHyjCvuv2QRq2jOQk2DkKSzNFEif-sQODkXj5dRwteU/s1600/DSC01169.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNUwoneQHOmkmLrdRQu35AStTd2uQtLScI4ngT8URNxAnYPnVjhIr1gvRIwviP-E_P1u5Nb8NK6OaInls4JeFmcz3kXVljSsJmYHyjCvuv2QRq2jOQk2DkKSzNFEif-sQODkXj5dRwteU/s320/DSC01169.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587476577566649602" border="0" /></a><br />Justin is still out somewhere and I'm a little worried about him driving in the mess outside. He leaves tomorrow for his job in Boston. It's shorter than I had thought, just a long weekend.Diannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05814099171337869286noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278922077039677777.post-62043396075106973792011-03-20T22:18:00.003-04:002011-03-20T22:35:39.141-04:00Today was the last day of Spring Break but the first day of spring. It was kind of cold out but sunny. Don grilled chicken and Emily was thrilled. It was excellent.<br /><br />Tomorrow, the semester starts again. I spent a couple of hours at the library both yesterday and today. I'm finding I focus better there. I'm planning to make a routine of going three times a week for at least two hours each time. I'll try to do all my homework and studying there except for the things that I need to do on the computer. I would rather use my home computer for that since I have the statistical software downloaded. In some ways it's harder to focus on my work when I'm not going full time.<br /><br />Here are my March blocks for the red <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Tis the Season</span>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3yyg875nsZSTeDWzfYM5Ay4n2n5yclHuRGLgn_syDiHsOTKaGCnHyo7YSgwwbD1A8A_8n5ZaS0UyQbxbJHLIl0ipS8LH2u-ge-dMHzhIHiG1UNQsTYboxKAeSCSN7nJVl2S31zYbNgxs/s1600/DSC01166.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3yyg875nsZSTeDWzfYM5Ay4n2n5yclHuRGLgn_syDiHsOTKaGCnHyo7YSgwwbD1A8A_8n5ZaS0UyQbxbJHLIl0ipS8LH2u-ge-dMHzhIHiG1UNQsTYboxKAeSCSN7nJVl2S31zYbNgxs/s320/DSC01166.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586355665298379570" border="0" /></a><br />I'll add pictures of the green ones once I have finished them. So far I have stitched one and a little bit more.Diannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05814099171337869286noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278922077039677777.post-33921430521479940122011-03-19T22:26:00.002-04:002011-03-19T22:50:06.205-04:00UpdateMy intention is to write a blog message at least twice a week.Obviously the days have been getting away from me. Saint Patrick's Day was yesterday and we had the traditional corned beef and cabbage dinner. It was yummy. No Irish ancestry in our house; we just like the food.<br /><br />The situation in Japan is continuously on my mind. I lived there for several years when I was a girl, and have always loved that country. Now that it's been more than a week, the newspapers (well, the New York Times is the one I read) are getting away from the story and focusing more on problems in the Middle East. I've wondered if the news we get is sensationalized or muted-I really don't know. The estimates are more than 10,000 killed in the tsunami and earthquake. That is a huge number. Then there is the problems with the nuclear power plants. It sounds like those are starting to be brought under control. I hope I'm right about that. remember how frightening Three Mile Island was, and that was a much smaller disaster.<br /><br />Anyway, I'm praying for the people of Japan and their leaders<br /><br />Meanwhile, I've been stitching away and finished my three <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Tis the Season</span> blocks for March. I've also started a second <span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Tis the Season</span> quilt-yep, this one in green. The second one will be given to someone I owe a dept of gratitude. I'm too tired to get out the camera tonight, so pictures tomorrow.Diannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05814099171337869286noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278922077039677777.post-47609746374508142002011-03-13T00:26:00.005-05:002011-03-13T01:12:54.000-05:00A Finish!Believe it or not I actually finished something. A few weeks ago I mentioned getting back to an old project, thinking it would only take a few days. Weeks later..... It wasn't quite as easy as I thought. It is a tiny project from 1998 that I'd completely forgotten about. It is a Mother's Day card with a cross stitch insert from a UK magazine called <span style="font-weight: bold;">Cross Stitch Collection</span>. I believe the kit was included with the magazine, but I'm not sure. As small as it is, it's not an easy project, so I was going slowly. Then, just as I was finishing I ran short of one of the colors of thread. I couldn't find the thread around here and didn't want to order it and spend 50 cents for the thread and $5.00 for the postage. I called my sister in Texas and asked her to get it and mail it to me-Thanks Linda! So here it is-a lot of aggravation for something that small. I'll send it to my MIL for Mother's Day. Sadly, my own mother died in 1997.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisKD4uTHsNYMQcN0kvnyOPbNLQIk7w1O_qy-8PseX_QkzzNLX6WWKtsaDu8ann3Fi8_QBqOyGtHc8oZ5HaeryeBi2l1wKtlLNwfX8RB23F2A4jnvDRTUxXCoD5-gy01g9ibjMw5XdxJTg/s1600/DSC01159.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 203px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisKD4uTHsNYMQcN0kvnyOPbNLQIk7w1O_qy-8PseX_QkzzNLX6WWKtsaDu8ann3Fi8_QBqOyGtHc8oZ5HaeryeBi2l1wKtlLNwfX8RB23F2A4jnvDRTUxXCoD5-gy01g9ibjMw5XdxJTg/s320/DSC01159.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583437112549864562" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Doesn't seem like much does it? But it is a sweet little card and I think my MIL will appreciate it.<br /><br />Next thing is that I finished this month's third and last stitchery for TTS. Now I have to do the borders for all three and I'll be all caught up. I'm gradually getting better at it as I go. The back still looks bad, but not as bad!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidOZIS2DoGK8DGWd92wuNcZAR_mFazSTUqDzQGHNtct2QZv3uRTUhsyCxsDBC1dqfRS57R3XMd_7NZVugRZnI32tWDINAHaphK8hCDxmz5k8_KS24-RVW-Sn_UeBz4BDgp7DrFsDuDeBg/s1600/DSC01165.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidOZIS2DoGK8DGWd92wuNcZAR_mFazSTUqDzQGHNtct2QZv3uRTUhsyCxsDBC1dqfRS57R3XMd_7NZVugRZnI32tWDINAHaphK8hCDxmz5k8_KS24-RVW-Sn_UeBz4BDgp7DrFsDuDeBg/s320/DSC01165.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583440273725183074" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Tonight we switch to Daylight Savings Time. Which means that spring is coming. We have a bit of spring around here. Not only has all the snow melted, but we have crocuses blooming!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivUXKx7c1k9BpQWkT6L0SSIUHbBE6TwhimKX7mNLqNtOUkR6I_1w45osFVlykMN6graqXhFdrq33jNJ60dl3qzSFDuz9M5ZaiLOpOLRcoblFjytuaALTubimroArsfdCf0aSWhmqDfKNU/s1600/DSC01149.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivUXKx7c1k9BpQWkT6L0SSIUHbBE6TwhimKX7mNLqNtOUkR6I_1w45osFVlykMN6graqXhFdrq33jNJ60dl3qzSFDuz9M5ZaiLOpOLRcoblFjytuaALTubimroArsfdCf0aSWhmqDfKNU/s320/DSC01149.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583442684020861698" border="0" /></a>Diannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05814099171337869286noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278922077039677777.post-10064253869535774772011-03-09T00:29:00.002-05:002011-03-09T01:38:43.246-05:00TTS has begun<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrGBmmqmCEw2_xUijEZGudYPJE4mHNvq0kGS_l_6KAr0oP9rPRQlmCO23-C8PDUNylzCZu_EzR02aejFARd7zgZJSUxTSDHVgh0dQ4pJBWFFXQuxKIbYYuNrh7MDgxvnOG7qA-T6CFRC4/s1600/DSC01154.JPG"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrGBmmqmCEw2_xUijEZGudYPJE4mHNvq0kGS_l_6KAr0oP9rPRQlmCO23-C8PDUNylzCZu_EzR02aejFARd7zgZJSUxTSDHVgh0dQ4pJBWFFXQuxKIbYYuNrh7MDgxvnOG7qA-T6CFRC4/s1600/DSC01154.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrGBmmqmCEw2_xUijEZGudYPJE4mHNvq0kGS_l_6KAr0oP9rPRQlmCO23-C8PDUNylzCZu_EzR02aejFARd7zgZJSUxTSDHVgh0dQ4pJBWFFXQuxKIbYYuNrh7MDgxvnOG7qA-T6CFRC4/s320/DSC01154.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581949847184930466" border="0" /></a>These are the stitchery for two of the three March blocks for the Tis the Season stitch-along. These two just need the borders added. That may be harder than I expected. Some of the girls who are farther along have found it a tight squeeze getting the borders on without cutting off part of the stitches. I'm hoping that being forewarned and taking extra care will be enough to have it all work out.Diannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05814099171337869286noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278922077039677777.post-16944004342997877182011-02-28T23:22:00.002-05:002011-02-28T23:31:40.906-05:00Time for 'Tis the SeasonWell, it's <span style="font-weight: bold;">almost</span> time for the <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">'Tis the Season</span> stitch along. We start March 1 and that doesn't happen for another hour here. The Australia girls are already getting going. I'm totally ready to start, with my blocks traced, the interfacing ironed on and even the thread cut. I didn't quite go so far as to thread a needle!<br /><br />Still no camera. Apparently DS finished the play he was working on and immediately started another. I've seen so little of him that I didn't even know what's going on. He still has my camera and I havent even seen enough of him to ask for it back.<br /><br />I had a test tonight in the course I'm taking this semester. I don't know how I did; I'm just glad it's over.Diannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05814099171337869286noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278922077039677777.post-13487073318575002712011-02-25T20:25:00.002-05:002011-02-25T20:45:39.220-05:00Slowly, slowlyProgress has been made of the Stalker cat pillow for #2 son Brian, but not a lot. We didn't see him on his birthday and probably won't for another week so I have a bit of a reprieve.<br /><br />Meanwhile, I am getting organized for the <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">'Tis the Season</span> stitch along. I have chosen my fabrics, cut out the backgrounds and most of the borders for the blocks. Today I purchased fabric for the inner border and interfacing for backing the stitcheries. I had some interfacing, but not enough. I still have to trace the patterns onto the background fabric, cut the interfacing and iron it onto the backgrounds and finish the cutting of the block borders. I was planning to trace today during daylight, but it turned out to be a dark, rainy day. Maybe I'll trace tomorrow if it's brighter out.<br /><br />The rain is melting a lot of the accumulated snow. Maybe we'll be able to see the yard soon. It's been buried under snow since the day after Christmas. Some low spots are flooding from the runoff, but nothing to cause great concern.<br /><br />I wanted to include a photograph of my progress so far on these projects, but #3 son borrowed my camera yesterday and hasn't returned it. He's stage managing a show currently. Between that and his job, he's gone 17-18 hours a day. He must be exhausted. This is the final weekend for the show, so he'll be able to rest soon. I'm proud of him for working so hard, but as his mother, I worry too.Diannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05814099171337869286noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278922077039677777.post-15437894149404793272011-02-20T22:28:00.004-05:002011-02-21T12:40:46.063-05:00Sons and catsIt just hit me that it is only four days until #2 son's birthday. I have been planning on making him a throw pillow for his apartment using this pattern.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUKwsW7tWHZY6lyE-9dvViq-6-XiK4LTwyujbU0GbXOcbsdBR017vYqeyIEThEe-CyYhlC2fZ7Go9B4NW-xrLQawTuu3-BnZErEmM2xzPger1wNG7iqP74WTAsu5iGWD0vN5l3vz9LNG8/s1600/HK66-StalkerB.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 204px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUKwsW7tWHZY6lyE-9dvViq-6-XiK4LTwyujbU0GbXOcbsdBR017vYqeyIEThEe-CyYhlC2fZ7Go9B4NW-xrLQawTuu3-BnZErEmM2xzPger1wNG7iqP74WTAsu5iGWD0vN5l3vz9LNG8/s200/HK66-StalkerB.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575980927566492962" border="0" /></a>It's called <span style="font-style: italic;">Stalker</span> and is by Helene Knott. It's part of her Garden Cats series and I just love it. I also have <span style="font-style: italic;">Eggplant Purrmesan</span>. All the patterns are of cats as vegetables. I'd love to do a whole quilt with a bunch of them. Maybe someday..... Anyway, I purchased the pattern from<a href="http://www.overrainbow.com/"> Over the Rainbow Quilt Shop</a>. I'm hoping that my son Brian likes it as much as I do. He and his girlfriend are both cat lovers-they have two. Anyway, I'd better get busy if I'm going to have it done on time.<br /><br />The Over the Rainbow shop is about 3000 miles from here. I discovered it doing the <a href="http://www.fabshophop.com/">FabShopHop</a>. FabShopHop is basically a form of advertising for quilt stores and related businesses. The advantage to the hoppers (like me) is that I find out about a lot of different quilt shops and try to win some nice prizes. A few years ago-2003?- I won the grand prize, a Bernina Sewing machine. These days there's a hop almost every month. If I'm not too busy, I participate.Diannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05814099171337869286noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278922077039677777.post-71356671193165592422011-02-16T22:00:00.005-05:002011-02-16T22:52:50.767-05:00One down, many to goI finished my Piano cross stitch.<br /><br /> Ta Da........<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYO0A886lHmSXoNGxHFIiTW9ESMNIB8k70EqU4oyD9NegPoW8hhcIHkRWDmVhqVLJ14VriSiyIp4E4T5E5RAPETNIommUMc5H0DVlVSMyZtme1itzIHh_7V268A7QNSZ848QyzoZju7OY/s1600/DSC01090.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 286px; height: 228px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYO0A886lHmSXoNGxHFIiTW9ESMNIB8k70EqU4oyD9NegPoW8hhcIHkRWDmVhqVLJ14VriSiyIp4E4T5E5RAPETNIommUMc5H0DVlVSMyZtme1itzIHh_7V268A7QNSZ848QyzoZju7OY/s200/DSC01090.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574494362939633634" border="0" /></a>I do need to work on my photography skills, but you get the idea. After I wash it, I'll set it aside to be framed. It won't be hung until we've painted and we won't paint until we can leave the windows open-probably May. I have finished very few sewing, stitching, craft projects for the past 3 1/2 years since I went back to school. This semester, instead of going full time as I have been, I'm only taking one class and have much more time.<br /><br />I've also started another quickie project which I'll show when I finish it-not more than a few days.<br /><br /><br />Meanwhile, DH gave me this for Valentine's Day. It's a Sierpinski Triangle valentine. You probably have to be a math person to appreciate it, but go ahead and google it<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGStExqe4pZryjrvdfJewgiof0hwyIo777I2Qdi5jAgXRz_d6aEVUknB9rz1lJbwQqHRg1ExVIdV_GRSNyl-61k2iCPAuPNo141wf5Lm-9MvIIWFI1AkK1HKRgzG3J1i1PoV_CSvGrvIA/s1600/DSC01091.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGStExqe4pZryjrvdfJewgiof0hwyIo777I2Qdi5jAgXRz_d6aEVUknB9rz1lJbwQqHRg1ExVIdV_GRSNyl-61k2iCPAuPNo141wf5Lm-9MvIIWFI1AkK1HKRgzG3J1i1PoV_CSvGrvIA/s200/DSC01091.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574499365726942978" border="0" /></a>It's a kind of fractal, very cool.<br /><br />Meanwhile I continue to seek out new fabrics for the 'TTS SAL. (Ohmygosh, I'm writing in acronyms!)Diannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05814099171337869286noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278922077039677777.post-34745462694790736752011-02-12T23:08:00.006-05:002011-02-13T22:58:48.763-05:00Gathering<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgew-hpmXZFdvacowCZevba4QB3sd_auJdReDioFi2m1rFxHAYuw3WOBR9gcUy6nAFdkUhiYHc6UjQnxRv4Qp58oNf5685LHo8uBht8WCsZi-etimX8xG4xsBzzCxMLLgHmU2-HgeANr34/s1600/DSC01083.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgew-hpmXZFdvacowCZevba4QB3sd_auJdReDioFi2m1rFxHAYuw3WOBR9gcUy6nAFdkUhiYHc6UjQnxRv4Qp58oNf5685LHo8uBht8WCsZi-etimX8xG4xsBzzCxMLLgHmU2-HgeANr34/s200/DSC01083.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573026727062652210" border="0" /></a><br />I'm starting the process of gathering the materials for <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">'Tis the Season</span> wall quilt designed by Natalie Bird. First of course was ordering the book. I got mine from <a href="http://daisycottagequilting.com/store/">Daisy Cottage Quilting</a>.<br /><br />My next step while waiting for the book to arrive was to order a variety of red floss. When I get the fabrics, I can choose whichever red looks the best.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUZqIT1sxWfUlyddznvrtzz_ZqqImDQDHjMOglyMfLQGOKiqgJKQ8qczhe9shvmMb6tShknCjqyZkZFUs944zjCVqHBrWsbYBy10aKhiCfIaaqzEycLKmDrYhC6KKXghNHs_6IJs2cp2g/s1600/DSC01084.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUZqIT1sxWfUlyddznvrtzz_ZqqImDQDHjMOglyMfLQGOKiqgJKQ8qczhe9shvmMb6tShknCjqyZkZFUs944zjCVqHBrWsbYBy10aKhiCfIaaqzEycLKmDrYhC6KKXghNHs_6IJs2cp2g/s200/DSC01084.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573028674524599410" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />I also thought I might do the quilt in greens instead of reds. So I<br />ordered an even bigger selection of greens to audition.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Next step is to choose fabric. I have to dig out and paw through my many boxes of fabric to find a suitable assortment. I may make the quilt more scrappy than the original. So far I have a cream solid to use for the sticheries if I don't find something I like even better.<br /><br />What does everyone else do when planning a project? Do you shop from your stash or do you head for the quilt store?Diannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05814099171337869286noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278922077039677777.post-48707823336168663572011-02-12T22:43:00.002-05:002011-02-12T23:02:58.622-05:00Progress<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbS8AzruwDEcQwrbsbYNZVvT5gHrUfn2Hrkiggar9Xn_-45SYXTpas_Io45ZdzZ-tDbEW2tOcefBmHN-lSSUB-xogAbCZbOZUI7CsFtME_Oz_Kn7GV0AWbBhtOzxUoBYu0y7sB764K0gg/s1600/DSC01082.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbS8AzruwDEcQwrbsbYNZVvT5gHrUfn2Hrkiggar9Xn_-45SYXTpas_Io45ZdzZ-tDbEW2tOcefBmHN-lSSUB-xogAbCZbOZUI7CsFtME_Oz_Kn7GV0AWbBhtOzxUoBYu0y7sB764K0gg/s320/DSC01082.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573016657097512994" border="0" /></a>I've been working away at my little cross stitch, and I just love it. Another week, maybe less and it will be done. There are so many projects that I want to do! For a while I'll try to concentrate on old UFOs, just to reduce the pile. That doesn't mean I won't start a few new ones.<br /><br />I should probably make a list of all my UFOs, but the idea is daunting. I don't want to scare myself out of tackling them. Anyone have any input on that?<br /><br />Thanks to all those who have been visiting and leaving a hello in the comments. A task high on my priority list is to reply to some of the comments-as soon as I figure out how. I know it sounds silly, but when I decided to do the blog I didn't think that anyone would actually read it!Diannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05814099171337869286noreply@blogger.com4