Wednesday, October 14, 2015

We’re in Mourning Here ;-)

 

Ok, I’m kidding (I hope you got that, what with the winking emoticon and all), but I have to say that we’re terribly disappointed.  Not only did our Cardinals, after a tremendous regular season, get eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, but they were eliminated by their archrival Cubs.  Ack!  Good thing the Blues are playing … let’s go, Blues! 

 

I didn’t get in any sewing on Monday.  Since DD was out of town on her birthday (back in September), we all got together Monday to celebrate her birthday.  We spent the morning at Edison’s where we played the arcade games and laser tag … followed by lunch at Fire n Smoke.  Fun was had by all.  I spent the afternoon at DD’s finishing up the DIY Barbie house accessories … T#4 turns 6 tomorrow and all she wants for her birthday are Barbies and stuff for her Barbies.  I had just enough time to get to guild meeting that evening.  Needless to say, I was pretty exhausted by the time I got home at 10:00 (past my usual bedtime for sure! – ha!).

 

Yesterday, I made up for the lack of quilty productivity by getting into the sewing room good and early and finished up the remaining 9 Labor Day Stars blocks … all 18 are done.  IMG_0162

Here they are, laid out in no particular order.  Because I decided to put my own creative twist on this quilt failed to follow the pattern instructions properly, I have 4 fabrics in each block, instead of having just 2.  I finished up mid-afternoon, just in time for the baseball game.  My legs were (and still are) fairly achey from Monday, so I decided to pass on cutting out the pieces I need for the setting triangles and sashing/cornerstones and stitch on my Martha Washington’s Flower Garden instead.  Today’s assignment will be to cut setting triangles and sashing and start. 

 

I also need to go through my stash to determine what colors I’m short on so I’ll know what to shop for when I head to Homestead Hearth on Friday.  I had been short on greens, but I’d made a conscious effort to pick up more when shopping so I need to see if I now have enough … ditto just about any color aside from blues and reds – ha!  My 3-1/2 day retreat is coming up in 2-1/2 weeks, and it’s time to start thinking about what I want to work on.  I want to have everything cut and ready to go, so I need to be planning ahead.  I have already decided that I’ll take my Labor Day Stars along to finish it up.  I’m thinking that I’ll work on tumblers, too (the project for which I’ll be fabric shopping on Friday).  And I’ll take along my 14” foundation paper pieced pineapple quilt (it’s long since been designated as my retreat project).  IMG_3307

I’ll likely take my MWFG along, too, if I need a break from machine sewing. 

 

We’re starting to see some fall color here in SW Illinois … not too much yet here at Chez Nana.  Our dogwood is turning color … love the bright red berries.  And one of our maples is starting to give us a sneak peek.  I took a picture this morning, but it’s a little too early – both in the day (I suspect that when the sun is up all the way, the sunshine will make the red leaves even more vivid) and in the season (there are just a few leaves that have already turned). 

 

I hope that whatever you have planned for today includes a little something that brings you joy ... have a great day!
Kathy

18 comments:

  1. Beautiful quilt blocks--your pineapple is awesome. I need some of your quilting mojo

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  2. Loving your labor day stars! Our fall colors are fading fast with the wind and rain we've had the past couple of days. Enjoy the bright colorful days ahead!

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  3. I am so glad you are getting some color. I love your projects! They are amazing. I like reading about how many good things are going on and what fun it is. Have a wonderful day.

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  4. Ok, I understand the not following directions now! Looks good though! So many things you are working on.... and a retreat soon to boot. I got my pink 9 patch quilt pinned this morning..... maybe it will get machine quilted today too - time will tell.

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  5. I love the stars and I believe they sparkle more with the four colors. You should claim full credit for innovative thinking! : )

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  6. Those Star blocks look fabulous in your different colors. I'm glad you didn't follow directions. The Pineapple block has always been one of my favorites.

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  7. I am clueless when it comes to all things baseball... any sport really.

    How many quilts do you think you do in a year? So beautiful - all you do!

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  8. Our trees are just beginning to change around here too. The burning bushes in our yard have a few really red leaves, but most are still green. I just love the fall when all the colors come.

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  9. Lovely sewing efforts Kathy.. I love your stars.. I am glad you used 4 fabrics instead of 2 as well !!! Will be fun to make a finish out of it at the quilt retreat :)
    Your pineapple blocks and gmfg are both tedious to me but beautiful to see you working on for sure!! Enjoy as more fall colors come your way.. I do miss that about Tennessee! Kathi

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  10. My condolences! Ha Ha But I am excited the cubs got this far!!!!!! Looks like you have plenty of projects to pick from on your retreat! Looking forward to another quilt coming together.

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  11. Sorry about your team's loss. Maybe next year? Maybe your trip to Homestead Hearth Friday will cheer you up!

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  12. Hi my friend, I love these blocks-makes me want to make some. So what did you do to your legs on Monday? I had sewing with the grands today, it was easy and fun(doll skirts). I have hurt my left heal-it may be plantar fasciitis-ugh, it was horrid yesterday, but I got an insert for my shoe and it's been better today. Tomorrow I have two more girls sewing and then hope to really work on my next set of squares; however, I also need to finish my Christmas presents(cards and a calendar)for my girls so I can get it ordered. Sending you hugs.
    Noreen

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  13. looks like the blocks are great to me. We had to cut our dogwood down this summer that is closest to the house as it had gotten attached by insects of some sort and was dying rapidly - we have two more large ones further from the house but this was the prettiest.

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  14. You are so talented! Everything you make is a work of art :)
    One thing's for sure, you always manage to stay quite busy, too.
    Sending birthday wishes to your girls--old and young!

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  15. Sorry about your team's loss. Of course, we are rejoicing - could this be the year???? Cubs' fans always wonder. Really like your Labor Day Stars. You are really keeping busy! ~Jeanne

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  16. Had company yesterday and I missed this...sorry about your team....how I know and dislike that feeling, lol. I love those blocks and am anxious to see them altogether with the sashing and cornerstones etc. I am hoping to finish up the final stocking today and move on to the advent calendar. Have a good day!

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  17. Had company yesterday and I missed this...sorry about your team....how I know and dislike that feeling, lol. I love those blocks and am anxious to see them altogether with the sashing and cornerstones etc. I am hoping to finish up the final stocking today and move on to the advent calendar. Have a good day!

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  18. Sorry about your Cardinals....((Hugs)) Sounds like a fun celebration for DD's birthday and Happy Birthday to T#4! Have a nice weekend.

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I am SO glad you stopped by! No proving that you're a robot here ... I want to hear what you have to say! ;-)