499, but who is counting....

 The numbers slowly go up.  I don't recall if I sewed over a day or two last week, but did spend a couple hours upstairs the past couple days trimming blocks to size.  Unlike most quilting blocks, these are just using up odd bits of fabric.  Most blocks you cut the components to a set size and when sewn together, the blocks should all be the same size.  (If you are a quilter, you know that is not always that easy to do.)

With these little blocks, the center 'square' is first of all, not always the same size, and it can be a rectangle if you want, or if that is all you have of the fabric you want to use.  And they don't have to be a perfect square or rectangle either.   So that is why they are first made and then trimmed to size.  

It has been a quiet day in the neighborhood...after storms last night as well as fireworks.  Copper was not happy.  I hate it for him so bad.  He isn't as bad as one Collie I had...she was absolutely terrified of storms.  And the last dog we had before we moved here was fine with storms, but did not like howling wind.  Even with that, she was fine if I slept on the couch, she would sleep on the floor up against the couch and was fine if I were there.

440 Little blocks

 I wonder if I will ever reach the 600 number.  That was the original goal, but now I am thinking I might go with fewer.  I am not even sure what size quilt 600 would make.

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I took Roger to have labs today.  They had been predicting rain to start this morning so I was dreading it all weekend.  I worried for nothing.  It still has not rained, though it looks like it might at some point before the night is over.

I fixed burgers on the grill and Roger wanted a smoked sausage.  The burgers were delicious.  If I will leave them alone, I can have a couple tomorrow.  Burgers off the grill are one of my favorite meals.

It is the end of a tiring day for me...I do not have much to say.

Still sewing a bit....

 One of my blog buddies, Mary, sent me more of her scraps...she sent me a box a bit back and I got several blocks from it.  This is what I have gotten from the current one, and I have not gone through it all.  She doesn't blog much any more but we still keep in contact.  

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Nothing much is happening...I am just trying to get in the habit of posting a little something every other day or so.

I will leave you with a pic of my other granddog....he loves everyone, but oh, man does he ever love Jeremy.  They had been gone over the weekend with drumline and this is right after they got home.  You can see that Gus is smiling, he is so happy.

I forgot to post...

 I have been trying to do a post every other day....looks like even that is not going to be consistent.  Anyway, I had these shots to post...of my finished little quilted thing...

and below is the back again.

Notice the dark line at the top?  That is where I got a fabric scrap under the quilt and did not realize it...so sewed it to the quilt with the quilting.  I told Roger that is my signature...I don't think I have quilted a single thing without  doing that.  If it is for me, I leave it.  I just trim the excess away.  Funny thing is, I kind of like it.  

There are people that will layer several fabrics together and quilt a design.  Then maybe in one area, cut away the top fabric...and in another cut away two layers. and in another area cut away 3 of the layers.  It is definitely interesting.

Hello....

 I am doing this spur of the moment blog post because if I wait till later, I will never get it done.   So many times I have thought I should do a blog post, but for various reasons decided to wait till later, till a better time.  Only by then I am out energy, out of the mood or something.

It is absolutely wonderful living here where I can see the kids and see Lorelei every so often.  Can you believe I will be taking her to Driver's Ed this summer?  Where has the time gone.  She will also have marching band practice this summer, and is in drumline now, so she does not have a lot of free time.

I ordered the stuff to build a ramp for Roger....when we go to dr. or anywhere, he uses a wheel chair.  Anyway, I ordered the parts and waited and waited for them to come.  By the time they come, Jeremy was working 7 days a week for the most part, and long days at that.  Finally he had Thanksgiving weekend, and he and one of his buddies put it in for us.  Before that, Roger was struggling to get down the steps.  (In the house he uses walker.)

I don't get a lot of sewing done, but I am still working on the little 4 inch unfinished blocks...

I have almost 400 of them made now...it will take around 600 to make a bed quilt.    I am not sure I will ever get that many made.  Remember, each one will only be 3 1/2 inches when sewn into a quilt so it will take a LOT.

This is a finish of a sort.  It is quilted, both machine and hand quilting.  It needs more quilting though, but not sure I am going to do it.  It is just to hang on the wall and be pretty.  I wish you could see the sashing/border fabric...it is not as dark as it shows in the photo.  

This is just a little update.  I wish I could get back in the habit of posting more but there never seems to be much time.

A new lease on life...

 Just had to open with a photo of the boy!  He was about to go to sleep, but he likes to keep an eye on me throughout the day.  He does not want to miss anything.  And if Roger is watching TV in our room, he insists on going and checking on him every so often.

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Roger not only has not fallen any more, but he sleeps through the night every now and then.  If not through, most times only up once.  He had not slept through the night in at least 2 or 3 yrs...and was up multiple times most nights....since being here he has slept throughh at least 4 or 5 nights.  He is still staying up later.  Which probably helps with not being up multiple times, but even before when he stayed up late, he was up at least 2 or 3 times a night.    Anyway, I am so thankful for this.

We get to see Lorelei and her mom often, too...at least once a week!  Lorelei spent the night last night...she is in the marching band so has practice this summer.

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  This is the start of my daughter's current project...the star on the left is sewn together.  The one on the right as two or three rows that the rows ares sewn but then they have to be sewn to the rest of the start.  She does the cutting, and marking and I do the sewing.  I think she had made some of the half square triangle units...but cannot remember for sure.  There will be two more stars.

There is a method of adding triangles to corners or blocks or rectangles where you place a square on the corner first and so diagonal from corner to corner....then you trim off the extra fabric.  Somewhere I picked up a handful of these corners.  I sewed them together the other day...these little half-square triangle units are probably not quite 2 inches square, and maybe closer to 1 1/2 inchesbut they were fun to make.  I may or may not trim the to make them completely square.  But I will do something with them.  Maybe make a potholder, or mug rug.

I continue to mess with the little scraps...making boxed squares, and even had several of them on the design wall, but took them down without taking a pic.  It is going to take a gazillion to make a quilt of any size.  And I mess with the crumb blocks...examples of both of these can be seen in the previous post.

I wish I could get in the swing of posting again...on a more regular basis.  Not sure it is going to ever happen again now.

Remember this?

 Remember I was sewing bits of fabric from this little container to make 'crumb' blocks.  I did a better measurement of the container.  It is 5 1/4 inches long, and 3 1/4 inches  square otherwise.  Below are the what I have sewn so far...the little coral fabric in the upper right hand corner of the top block came from another container.

Here are two more--that pink strip across the top of the top block came from another container.

Two more:

can you believe there are still more?

And here are the last two:

That was 10 blocks from that little container, other than those scraps I mentioned.  And I have at least half enough pieced for half of another block...and still more in the container but they are all just sort of blah and I will be adding more colorful scraps from other containers.  This was just something to do to see how many I could get out the container. 

Also, all of the above blocks are bigger than 6 1/2 inches square.  I have not trimmed them down to size.  I was keeping my options open.  I might want to make them 9 1/2 inches square.  I have not decided for sure.  I don't necessarily think they are so beautiful...it is that I love sewing and I get so much enjoyment from sitting and sewing them together.

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Remember I moved my sewing machines to a room of their own.  Well, I ordered another sewing table and moved one back to my dining room.  There are so many times when I am cooking or just waiting for something that I missed having one of them in here.  Plus, it sits in from of windows and so bright and light there.  I am so glad I did it.

So last week was very eventful.  I told about the flat tire.  I did not tell that earlier in the week when it rained and blew, I had water get in the basement again.  I checked before going to bed and all was okay, so I do not know just how it came about.  I had so much water to get up.  It is strange to have lived here all these years and did not have trouble till after Roger's stroke.  

We might have a little get in in this one corner, but nothing to really worry about.  Now I would be afraid to be gone when it really rains.  Though what I could do by being here is more than I know.   Those were the bad things.  

The good thing is my sewing table came.  It came in two boxes, each one very heavy.  I kind of walked them in. You know how you stand something heavy one on a corner and move the other corner forward.  Anyway, I got it put together.  It has the heavy 'k-legs' and I forget what wood the top is made of but it is heavy.  It may partly be the metal inserts in it.  Anyway,  I feel like my machine is safe in it.  All of my machines are close to 30 lbs each.  I would not feel they were safe on a lot of the sewing tables that are made.  Besides the fact that they would vibrate bad.

That is a long ramble....I am sorry to be that way.  I just could not think how to shorten it...even though I did leave out some details.

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Below is a video I may have shared before.  It cracks me up.  You got to follow the conversation....

Made by hand....

 This was from back in the day when I did a lot of hand stitching.

It was small...maybe 15 inches wide and at least 20 inches long, maybe even a bit longer. 

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I have not sewn a single stitch today.  And here it is approaching midnight and I am of half a mind to go sew a few lines. 

It was such a beautiful day here, and going to be even more so tomorrow.  At one point this after noon, it was 52°F.  It may have gotten warmer before the day was over.  The heat has been off since sometime in the afternoon.  I think it is supposed to stay warm this week, but going back to cooler weather next week.

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I have a little video for you:

Bits of fabric

 See these bits of fabric all sewn together.  The block overlapping the other four is about 7 inches square.  The other four are not quite that big.  though they are getting close.  The bits of fabric in them  all came from the little plastic box below.

This shows how much remains.  Granted, it was jam packed before I pieced these.  But I could put the lid on and close it.

It measures about 6 1/2 inces across and is about 4 1/2 inches square.  Or almost square.  I did not really measure that way.

I would love to keep on with them and see just what could actually be made.  The only thing, there are not many really colorful fabrics.  And most of the ones in it are scraps I have bought.  Not scraps from things I have made, though a few are.

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I just let Bubbie in a few minutes ago.  It is cold outside.  The ground and sidewalks were covered with snow.  I am hoping that we don't get much.  I just dread having to be so careful with getting out myself...plus Roger hates staying home.

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My brother brought me his older snow blower.  It has not been used that much.   It takes a gasoline mixture.  You know, gas with 2-cylce engine oil mixed in.  Well, right away I wanted to get a gas can just for it.  Our power washer takes straight gasoline.  I have a 2 gallon gas can for it.  I just simply cannot handle the 5 gallon  gas can.   

The next time I was in Walmart, I looked at their gas cans.  It  was so complicated, I thought I best examine it before buying it.  And I just could not get it to do what I understood the directions to mean.  I was not strong enough.  So I came home and you-tubed it...I had understood correctly.  I just was not strong enough.  There was a tab that had to be pressed to be able to take the nozzle off.  I just simply could not do it. Then there was a part you flipped up and pushed forward.  I could flip it up, but not push the part forward.

I know I have  lost strength in my hands by the times I have trouble with things I always did with no trouble.  

So then I went to Tractor Supply a day or two later.  There the gas cans had the nozzles inside.  I thought Great!  A normal nozzle.  I get home and take it out, and no, it is not normal.  I had to get on line to figure it out for sure.  I ended up ordering a straight nozzle to go on it.  I was so frustrated I did not think about just using a funnel  and taking the nozzle off and pouring it in that way.  Fun times!  

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I have had this post started for days and just been unable to sit and finish it.  I usually like to end with a youtube video that is funny.  Or at the least a feel good video, but the one I had chosen I cannot embed.  I prefer to embed them because I hate having to go to another page to see.  Instead I will leave with a photo of a quilt top using the crumb blocks like above.  It needs an outer border, but I have yet to find something I like.  but I should just use whatever I can piece together.  It is one I have been actively look for border fabric till I could finish it and quilt it.  I have had this much done for several years.

a quilting tale...

Several years ago a blogfriend participated in a workshop where they made this block.   At the link I have, hers is the 3rd one down, as well as the last one..  She had all these extra blocks and gifted them to me.  And even gave me one good sized piece of fabric.  And while I loved her Christmas quilt version, I did not want to copy hers.

I have had them put away forever, though I get them out a few times a year and look at them.  But crazy me, I was remembering them as being 6 inchs square unfinished...but they are about 5 inches square finished.  I had planned to set them on point...a row to go the length of the quilt.

For the past few years, I have collected Christmas scraps at the quilt shop.  I have been sewing stirips together using 6 inches strips of paper as the foundation.  Next, I am planning to sew these sections end to end...now I think 6 inches is too wide for the size blocks I have.  (But whether I used them with the blocks, I will still sew these end to end to get the right length for a quilt.

So now, I am again unsure what I am doing with the blocks.  I have even considered using them in placemats or something.   

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A video for you...

from the box

Success!   I tried and tried to upload photos last night with no success.  I so was in the mood to share these.  They are hankerchiefs from my mom.  She loved pretty hankerchiefs.  I have a small box of them that she had kept through the years.  The one above was one of the first ones I pulled from the box, and I must say one of my favorites.

The above and below are pretty, too.  They all need washed and ironed but not sure they would last through a washing.  I know some of them are at least 60 years old, and probably older.  The fabric is sort of delicate.  I remember looking at them as a child.

I do not know how many times I have looked in that box.  I don't remember noticing the below clipping that she had saved.  It was upside down is the only thing that I can think.  The back did not have printing on it.  Anyway, you should be able to read it if you click to expand the view.

I have no idea who wrote it...but I have only did a light search.  

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I made a couple of these blocks.  They are going to be potholders.  I just got to get busy and work on them....They are made from scraps except the light gray triangles.  And I will use scraps of batting plus insulbrite for the padding.  I usually use old jean denim for the backing but not sure I will on these.

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 I have a pot of navy beans and ham cooking...I have been so hungry for them.  I am always glad to have something to cook that at least one of us wants.  

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I have a little video to share with you....I think you are going to love it.

Etc...

 I have been playing a little bit...

These stars have a crumb center...

I am not sure that I will ever do any more...just wanted to make them because of a video I watched....I have been thinking about using my crumb blocks some way other than just as a crumb block.  I want to use them as a part of a block, rather than as a whole block.

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Even though we were at the kids I did not take any pics.  But I will show you a couple of Copper that my daughter sent.  She got them new beds and this is the first night after they came.

As you can see Copper is enjoying his.

And Delta likes hers, too.  The vet is considering her a senior dog now and I do think she is slowing down.

And here is Copper all worn out...I cannot remember the reason he was so tired.  

Funny story about him.  He totally loves the brisk weather and liked the snow that we have had so far.  He did not want to come in from outside.  However, he does love for daughter to go in the basement and play.  So, to get him to come in all she has to do is say, 'Hey Copper, do you want to go in the basement and play.'

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We had a great Thanksgiving.  Sarah fixed two hams that were delicious and she also had this dip...not sure what it is called, but I totally love it.  It uses Frank's red hot sauce, two cans of chicken breast, and I forget what else.  The recipe is on the Franks Hot Sause bottle...anyway, I forget what all else she made.  

The ham was delicious and would normally be the star, but I have been wanting the chicken dip for so long.  I got the stuff to make it, but Roger does not like it since the stroke and I am afraid I would not eat it all.  I think I am going to see if I can half the recipe.  From the best of my memory, I should be able to.

My other daughter made sides, plus I went over and she made about 4 or 5 different types of cookies.  I helped a tiny, tiny bit.  One that is Roger's favorite is oatmeal raisin...not that we both don't like them all.  For me it is the peanut butter.  Since the kids left home, I seldom make cookies.

I made deviled eggs and chicken and noodles...the noodles I make from scratch.  What is funny, I never had made them till my boss had me help her make them.  And then she brought me a container of chicken and noodles later.  I have made them every year since then, I think.  For the holidays...and I always have a fear of them not being good but so far, so good.  I occasionally make them other times, but not often...

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I have a video to share...it is a little long but still such a feel good story.

One last look...

 I did take the opportunity to photograph this the other day.  It was very overcast, so the colors look richer than they really are.  

I have washed it since...but no more pics.  At least it will greatly surprise me if there are.

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I never have give the results of Roger's stress test and echocardiogram.  The bottom line is that he has two valves that don't close good,  but the doctor chooses to leave them alone right now since it doesn't seem to bother him.  He also has a blockage that he wants to keep an eye on.  But right now things are okay.

BUT,  a while back  he had taken Roger off one of his blood pressure meds because his potassium levels were elevated.  After being off them, the level went down.  But I was worried about his BP.  So we put him back on them and had Roger get labs again today after being on the medication for a week.

Late this afternoon, we got a call for me to get him back down there for more labs cause his potassium levels were high again.  So now we wait to hear about that.  I am really hoping that it was something to do with drawing the blood this morn.  I found a list of reasons his potassium would be high...I found the following reason:

Sometimes, lab reports that show high blood potassium are inaccurate. If blood cells rupture while the technician is taking the blood sample or after he or she has obtained it, potassium can leak into the sample and cause a high reading. People with no other symptoms of high potassium should take a second blood test to ensure they are not treated for hyperkalemia if they do not have it.

This sounds possible because the technician had trouble finding a vein.  And she could not even get it this afternoon.  She had to call in another lady to draw the blood.  The second lady got it first thing.

I so hope that is all it is...the first time the labs said it was high, not a week before the Nurse Practitioner had had labs done and it was fine.  So it just never made any sense for it to be high.  His potassium level has always ran a bit low for the most part.

So keep us in your prayers....

Life happens....

 I did start the quilting, but have only spent time on it a couple or three times.  It is sort of slow going but it is fun.  It is not perfect by any means....not even close but I just enjoy the whole process.  

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And the photo below shows my hand...the photo does not do it justice.

What happened you might ask.  Monday I decided to get the power washer out to wash the north side of the house and garage.   The north side of the house does not have much room between it and the fence, and I have hostas planted, plus the AC unit is there.  There  is just enough room and a bit more to pull the power washer through.  I did not start it before I got it situated.  I got the hose connected to it and the water turned on, and tried to pull start it.  I was standing in such an awkward position and about the second time I pulled the starter I somehow managed to jam my left hand into the fence post.  

I kept working but had to be careful with it.  I did not notice my hand swelling, till I turned the power washer off and got everything put away.  i was lucky enough to still be able to use soap to slip my wedding band off.  

I have never had the palm of my hand get bruised...it is kind of purplish blue.. but fading.  None of my hand ever really got dark black/purple/blue type of bruise, but had had a gray/purplish shade to it.  LOL  It is slowly getting easier to live with.  I have not hurt it bad one single time today.  

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I just have to share a pic of Kitty Soft Paws that Lorelei sent me resently.  Isn't she beautiful...and she is just as sweet as she is pretty.

I will leave you with a funny little video...the baby is cute but not all the video is also about the dog...

Falling charms...

 This is the not so pretty quilt top that I pinbasted Friday.  The 'block' consists of the square of colorful fabric to which I added a 2 1/2 inch strip of fabric.  I just used every old thing that had.  A lot I did not particularly like. Some were given to me...some I do not recall from where they came.  Some were leftovers from other projects.

Can you tell there is somewhat of hump in the middle...from about halfway on up.  There is an actual hump.  Two seams landed on each other and the backing is made of flannel and is thick and it just would not lay flat and stay flat no matter how much I ironed it!  I think quilting will help it, plus when it is washed the rest of it will fluff up and maybe it will lay flatter and be less noticeable.  Whatever happens it is no big deal because it is going to be a quilt to cuddle under  while watching TV.

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I got the above ready to post on Friday but wanted to add more.  Just did not get it done.  I came in here for something else and thought I might as well finish it.

It has rained some today...not a lot, but enough for things to be damp.  And it is clouding back up like it might mean business this time.

I am headed to the sewing room.  My older daughter was here this weekend and she played with my little Economy Blocks that are  made from solid fabrics.  I had wanted her to come help but hated to ask cause I know she works and has stuff to do on weekends.  And when we were over there last I did not think of taking them, and I don't think I had all of them made.

Just a photo I hope will be pleasing to your eye...

A bit of sewing...

 This is a little zippered bag that I made for Lorelei.  Every time I make one it is basically an experiment... she does not seem to mind.  She put snacks in this one.

I have been making a few of these economy blocks using solid colored fabric...

Just wanted to share these while I was thinking about it.

A finished table topper....

 This is not the greatest pic...maybe I will take a better one at some point.  Again, on this computer it looks quite a bit darker than it is in real life....

Just popped in to post it.  Not much else to write about...

Finished at last

Though I am not ready to actually start blogging again, I am going to post this.  I finished it two or three days ago.  I wanted to put it on here, well, just cause I always post quilts I make.

I don't have any place to hang a quilt where I can take a picture of the entire quilt...so here you see the part that is folded over the clothesline.

Above shows the quilting a bit more.