He's the man

Father's day was nice and peaceful. Jessica really looked forward to it this year. Yes those are her real hand prints. I took the paper and hung it on the wall after it was done being the wrapping paper. As Rob walked past it, he made a comment about how much her hands have grown. And he's exactly right. Children grow up so fast. These have taken me a while to post as as first Jessica was sick. Then I lost the hub to download photos with, and now I'm sick. The fun just keeps on coming. Sunny has not been sleeping well since Kitty's passing, and I've worried about that. Here he is dozing on the 2" ledge above the ac in our bedroom. Rob took the hint and made him a nice shelf, so he might perch there more easily (and perhaps even allow himself to sleep a bit more). Both Sunny and Tiny have a vet check lined up for next week. Hopefully our yearly visit will come back just fine.

Last Row

As you know I wrapped up the last row for the row robin. In this case the last two rows are mine, bringing the quilt to a 84"X84" instead of 84"X72". Amber has received it and plans on adding a border to bring it up to king size for her bed. I'm certain whatever she does will be beautiful. Each loop of "ribbon" is made from flannel and is being held by a pair of doves. Inside the loops are uplifting passages such as "Good will towards men". This was the last embroidery my machine did before deciding to be broken, so I was glad to learn she liked the top. There was plenty of room left in the flat rate box I stuck in a bit of cheer for the "quilter" in her as well as a couple of things to make her feel special. My personal favorite of what I included is a bath bomb from Basin and White. Since I refuse to order them online, the only place I can get them is the Grand Floridian at Walt Disney World. I feel it helps to keep them "special". And of course if she doesn't like it she can always re-gift. If you would like to see any of these photos closer up, just click on them.

Sickin' Allergies

Yesterday Jessica was running a fever, so we had a "mommy hold me" afternoon on the couch. She can be so cuddly sometimes. Of course today she is off to the races again, picking flowers and playing dress up with a pair of "pretend" glasses that she has.

I thought I was coming down with it to, runny itchy nose, etc. So this afternoon when I cleaned up the kitchen a bit (you know how all that can fall by the wayside when you don't feel 100%) I found a glass of chocolate milk. Yep warm. EEWWWW. There is nothing I am more allergic to than milk gone bad. As a child I couldn't even have pizza or ice cream, but as an adult the allergy has settled into an extreme sensitivity to all "turning" and spoiled milk products. The smell alone will chase me down like a pack of wild lions. So turns out I wasn't sick at all. Just as soon as I'd finished cleaning up the kitchen I was right as rain again.

Father's day was good. Jessica was so excited this year. I used a sponge brush to brush tempera paint on her hands which she patted all over the paper we wrapped the quilt in. In my dreams my husband is a man of many words, in reality not so much. So he said what he always says about my quilts "looks good".

In complete contrast, the other week my cousin was shown all around my sewing area by my DH when I wasn't home. Later she told me how proud he is of all that I do and all that I create.

My sewing machine is okay, but of course the embroidery unit is awaiting a visit to the repair guy. Since today seemed like a cluster of bitter grapes I decided to put it off till tomorrow. After all maybe tomorrow will be a bed of roses.

UnPlanned Clean?

Is there even such a thing? Well today at my house there is. I started by putting away two chairs from the kitchen table, but before I could do that I felt like I had to clean under the table, and so it went. Interestingly everything in my house is clean except the top of the table. Yep, strange I know. Of course that's where I sew so maybe that's part of it.

Currently I have two pairs (or is it three?) of my sister's pants eagarly awaiting repairs. I tell you what - maybe it's just me, but I find stretch denim to be more likely to spring holes. And we wont bother to explain why it's a pain to repair, I think that goes without saying.

One of the holes is just a straight line running with the line of the fabric. I think I'll just satin stitch that one up and cover it with a patch instead of embroidering on it. That way it wont wear and rub annoyingly on her knee. As for the rest, I'll think about them later.

We have a new air conditioner! I'm so glad, I can't even begin to tell you how rough it's been with heat indexes over 100, not to mention record breaking temps.

Jessica seems to be dealing with the loss of Kitty pretty well. I wont pretend to know what goes on in her smart little brain, so we're taking it one day at a time. Yesterday was not a good day for me, but "my momma told me there'd be days like that".

The Tucker went out of my Ticker Day Parade

I wasn't going to post tonight, as I didn't really feel in the mood, but it was so pleasant to drop in on stitchinpenny tonight that I felt perhaps a wrap up on the day might be just the ticket.

Today I finished up the two rows for Amber's quilt. I haven't decided if I will post photos ahead or wait until Amber tells me it's safe in her hands and she likes it. I know I'm such a sucker for a surprise. It's the last of my commitment to the large group and it does fill me with a bit of peace to have it done. The finished size is supposed to be 84"X84" I haven't measured it, but it's big, and heavy and did I mention hot?

With no air conditioning here in Central FL we've been cooking, I have no doubt it was over 95 in my house today (but I didn't dare check that thermostat for fear the sight of it would make me melt!) I can not wait until we replace the air conditioner. I tell you what there is a reason why some people only quilt in the winter time.

I am not so well, I pushed myself to hard today and my foot is furious. My heart is most especially heavy when I am alone. The sun has mostly set and the noises of the night can be heard through the open window, but I haven't turned on the light. It's hard to turn and know that Kitty isn't there, that I wont hear her voice again hollering for dinner. I have never buried a pet that I have loved so long before. I keep seeing her over and over in my mind as she was after she past and I have to remind myself that wasn't my gal.

I once heard somewhere that our pets look like us, and when I had Kitty in to the vets office before Christmas last year I was sitting on the bench looking at everyone and thinking how true that was. The woman with perfectly shaped brown hair with a dog just the same, a huge burly man with a Husky larger than I'd ever seen before. Our three furred friends include the proud regal looking Sunny with a tender heart. Our long and lean 8 pound Tiny, beautiful finely boned. Then we had kitty 18 pounds at last check. She's the one that looked like me and now that she's gone I can't help but realize how very much the same she and I were. It's as though there is a hollow spot not even tears can fill up.

Love your family and hold them close, be they furred, feathered, or skinned because none of us know what the future holds.

A Stitch or Two

No plans yet for my row, but I did stitch together two blocks one on either side of the "Peace" for the last row. Those blocks are the first block and the last block in the second row. I put them in so the yellow "V's" into the word Peace. The colors I had used in the remake were brighter so the yellow really pops.

Jessica was so upset last night when she couldn't help me make dinner (daddy made it hurray! Now that's some good eats!) that I let her pick what we'd eat tonight. I'm thinking perhaps we'll also make cookies today. Sure would be nice hu? Here's hoping.

We are completely covered up with eggs. I currently have 14! My mom has two Araucana's (the ones that lay the blue green eggs) that are laying a steady dozen per week now that winter has past. Ah the joys of farm fresh eggs. I tried to take a photo for you, but in this morning light (which I thought would be perfect) it just washes them out.

I bagged up some wine ripened tomatoes to share with mom yesterday but when she left them on the table, we served them up with dinner.

Now if you'll excuse me I've missed checking in with my blogging friends, so until next time!

As it Stands

This is Amber's quilt. It arrived a few days ago but this was the first time I had a chance to sit down and post about it. Nicely Mary Jane send an extra tiny bit of blue flora fabric that had been used in a pre-existing row. Which will be nice to have to pull everything together.

Since Amber's row is running 12" short I'll be adding two rows. The first will be of my choice and the second will be from the blocks I had made when we thought her top had gone missing in the mail. I think it will be wonderful.

Oddly when I laid the quilt out it told me butterflies, which seems bazaar on a Christmas Robin so I'll be ignoring that comment and instead thing about what might be a similar shape, perhaps a white poinsettia? It's all just wondering now. I have some fabrics that will match well from the Easter effort so I plan to be getting started on this one straight away. Of course this is our last month so when it's all done I'll be sending it off to Amber for final touches and to be quilted up. hehehe wont that be a fun package to receive in the mail?

Apples and Pirates Oh My!

The apple quilt top is done at last. I used my very first "store bought" Jelly roll for this one, and I used nearly every single bit of it in this quilt. I started with the long cabin blocks with the apple centers, and before I knew it I'd added DH's pirate hankercief (what else would make a man want an apple quilt?) Then came the rest of the apple fabric (which was a dream to work with). I added the black with the diagonal fabrics to set off the map (ran clean out of the black DH had just purchased earlier that day!). The braid is noticeable on all sides, those I made after the apple blocks and where my first braids. The 8 little blocks going in last, and you know how long those took me. You can sort of see them there near Jessica in the upper left and right corners (click the image for a bigger photo). Those where made using the last of the apple fabric as well as two maternity cotton shirts I'd worn when I was pregnant with Jessica.

Two blocks from the end I ran out of fabric and had to come up with something, or take a trip to the fabric store (Eeegads, jk!), well I figured it out and it all went together like a dream - eventually (except the two blocks I had to seam rip out because I put them in upside down!)

I had wanted to make this a nice heavy quilt for the winter months, but now that I see it spread on the bed I can't help but think how nice and "autumn" it looks. Perhaps a medium weight is the way to go.

This quilt was a challenge for me firstly because I don't much care for log cabins, log cabins give me fits for some dumb unknown reason, and secondly because of the colors. DH bought Moda's Portugal Jelly Roll for my birthday last September and I let the quilt spring from those. Fabric limitations, because I had never worked in this color scheme made this quilt be slow going. I started this quilt in February. Shortly after I pitched in to help Judy with her International Round Robin. Missi's center used just a bit of fabric from the roll and I thought it was high time I put it to use on something for me. Funny how something DH gave me I'm giving back to him. Here is the quilt as it hangs off the bed. The log cabin blocks diamond out from the center with the dark side of the block making the diamond.

This is the second time only that I've worked with Moda, the material flows through your fingers and it's a nice feeling. Almost spoiling, but I do love my scraps. In fact the blue demin embroidery blocks are from the very curtains that hang in my bedroom window. In a different house the curtains were for a sliding glass door. When I started quilting last year I eventually repurposed the curtains by cutting off the unrequired yardage, and there it is in a quilt. What a nice surprise they will match my curtains so well. Sure is a big belly on this guy, he must have just eaten a bug.
Yesterday I felt bad about all the posts with no photos. I looked out my window and saw this big guy and had to show him to you. My Papa aka my Grandfather would call this a Mr. Friendly, when Papa would talk about more than one he'd even call them Mr. Friendlys. My Papa is the epitome of quiet strength. I always keep things my Grandmother enjoyed close to me, I grow Orchids for example, because she loved them. Grandma's Orchids were always beautiful, but I know they were kept that way because my Papa took such good care of them, just like he took good care of her. While 17 years her elder, she was an established business person when they met. She was a seamstress and ran her own shop. They met at a bowling alley and it was love from then on. I have the photo of their silver wedding anniversary at the Kapok Tree hanging on my wall and I look there first when I need strength or guidance. To have known them, to have been loved by them in the most wonderful unconditional way is truly a wonderful thing.

Tip Toe Through the Apples

I have made nice progress on the Apple Quilt, just two more seams and the entire top will be done. Check back for those photos.

Yesterday I stopped by the Salvation Army as yet another coffee pot has found it's demise. I didn't find any coffee pots, but it was half off clothing Wednesdays so they were packed. I do accept hand-me-downs for Jessica. I was surprised to find some clothes of great quality and even Name Brands. I picked up three pairs of long pants (two beautifully embroidered), three Land's End shorts for school, with four matching tops. Oh and one purple sweatshirt that was to cute to pass up.

I also found one pair of size 8 (aka 5mm) bamboo knitting needles (50 cents). I was out the door with all my purchases for $10 and change. I washed it and Jessica helped me fold it and put it away. She's thrilled with the things I purchased so who could ask for anything more?

As with all second hand purchases, remember to check for holes, stains, and that all the zippers and buttons are attached and functioning. My own mother, who I love dearly that I very doubt has ever bought any clothes that weren't for "working in the field", even commented that some of the items I'd purchased looked nice enough for to be "first day of school" clothes.

I know, I know normally I'd have photos of everything, but my leg still hasn't recovered from the stress the past couple of weeks.

Mum's the Word Wrap Up

Wow! We had a great time at mom's party. Our turnout was a bit lower than I expected. But that was perfectly alright because we had a great time. Shelly at Shadee's Inspire and Fire was great. I would highly recommend her location for a party. Super easy to find location, friendly, bright. You get the picture. We went on ladies night, which meant half price studio fees, those my sister and I picked up the tab on. From there everyone was allowed to pick whatever they wanted to paint from the plethora of bisque around the shop. Items we painted included a fairy (mine), a square plate, a tea light, a welcome sign, a pot, a photo frame of a bustier, and so on. After I was a good ways into painting I saw a beautiful butterfly, and very nearly selected a sea serpent for DH. It's well worth walking around the store several times, as there are many bisque items around on the walls, and the samples are great for getting ideas.

The Food:

I made a revised version of the 40 Garlic Chicken I found on For the Love of Cooking in my case I changed up the cream sauce and made way more to cover my penne pasta. I was cornered for the recipe, which was nice. I kept it hot by cooking the noodles al dente and then keeping them warm in the crockpot. Leftovers DH ate with relish after adding a bit of butter.

My fruit salad in the carved watermelon basket received rave reviews from everyone, but of course I forgot my camera. Trick: Pineapple Juice will prevent your apples from turning brown, so after you cut the apples bag them up with your cut pineapple and they will stay beautiful. Four days after the party the apples in the leftover fruit salad still look freshly cut. My ratio of pineapples to apples was one "cut and cored" pineapple from the grocery store to five or six apples and I did add the tiny bit of juice from the bottom of the pineapple container in with the apples.

Which leads me to the Sangria. I spend nearly a month trying to track down a good Sangria recipe, and now I have made two different ones - two different ways and I can say the way to make a Sangria is to get the general idea of what's in it and then improvise! A bottle of wine, my favorite was the one we made with Blackberry Wine as it took less orange juice to make it fruity. Half a cup of OJ more to taste if needed (I think we put in about 3 cups to the two bottles of Rene Barbier for the party, which certainly took the alcohol level down). Then add whatever fruit you'd like. For the party the strawberries, the watermelon, and the Mandarin oranges all were gushed over as they absorb the wine nicely. I also had added pineapple and apples. No need to worry about those turning brown, the wine puts a stop to that.

The "grown up fruit" in the punch bowl was much preferred to the regular fruit salad, but I did see my sister cutting her Sangria down with fruit from the watermelon bowl. We also had someone who could not consume red wine (if only I'd known...) she enjoyed the plain fruit salad as well.

I made fresh steamed broccoli on site in my steamer. I didn't start that quite early enough, as it takes 12 minutes or so and most people had started loading their plates about 7 or 8 minutes after I turned the steamer on.

I also made mozzarella caprice, but instead of traditional add ins, I used fresh cut Sage (I would have preferred Basil, but I thought fresh Sage would be better than dried Basil), and sprinkled just a touch of salt and pepper. No more, no less. I did buy the high dollar mozzarella from the deli. One pound was around $10, but it was so worth it. With 4 tomatoes it filled my serving dish up and tasted as good as it looked. While I didn't hear any raves about that, both my husband and my sister reported they'd heard the raves. Personally I'd have been happy to just sit down and eat the caprice. Which is exactly what I did with the tiny bit of leftovers.

I topped the whole shebang off with a fresh loaf of tomato garlic bread from Publix and the Land O Lakes Canola Spreadable Butter, which is always just the right size for butter and taste for butter at parties.

Oh I nearly forgot. As some of you may know I don't eat seafood so it flies right out of my head. My sister and I sprung for a Shrimp Cocktail. Amazingly the medium ring was buy one get one free at Publix. Both rings were devoured, and there were more compliments on the shrimp sauce. I was personally just glad everyone liked it, and I didn't have to make it. Both rings were frozen. I bought them Wednesday and spoke at the counter about it. The gentleman assured me that if I put my shrimp in the fridge it would be perfect for the party Saturday and he was right. As a bonus for me no shrimp smells invaded my fridge.

The ceramics need a week at the studio before they are ready to pick up which will be this Saturday, so I'll have photos of at least mine next week.

The Call of the Quilt

What do you have up your sleeve for Father's Day? I'm not wearing sleeves today so I suppose it's a good thing my DH has gone off to work.

I have been hearing call of my sewing machine. It's something between a song and a screaming wail "time to do more sewing". There has to be a perk that something we love and enjoy, yet oddly sometimes stay away from calls us back so loudly.

I have the perfect project to take care of both needs. The Apple Quilt was always intended for my husband and the top is nearly done. By clicking on the link there you can see photos of it in progress. I'm down to just 4 more blocks. Okay three and a half. For some reason this quilt has really dragged on. It is my longest "in progress quilt top", so it will be a joy to give the completed top to my dh.

I have huge sheets of 24"x36" paper, that I think I will have Jessica color or paint, and we'll wrap up the quilt in that.