Farmer's Wife Reproduction Print Colorway

I have been furiously working on my Farmer's Wife blocks the last two days. Puppy sitting is more than I remember when my dogs were pups! The weather has been cold, raining (with some snowflakes), and windy, so it has been an excellent time to hunker down inside and sew and of course keep an eye on the pup!

This is the other colorway, Civil War prints, that I am doing. I am a slow piecer when stitching. I don't chain piece, or use any fast tips in my sewing. I feel my quilting is a process rather than a marathon or a competation. I probably use more thread, because I only stitch two pieces together, then press before I do the next pieces. I have always wanted to enjoy each step, which emerses me in a very comfortable state. A happy slow paced state!

Farmer's Wife Blocks

These are the last of February's blocks on the QAL in the Breath of Avagnon colorway.

Cutting

I haven't got much sewing done, just a set of criss-crossed coasters for a birthday present, but I didn't get pictures, before I sealed them in a package to the receiptant (darn, I'm still too new at this to remember things like taking a picture before packaging)

What I have been doing though, is cutting and cutting and cutting the blocks for my Farmer's Wifes quilt-a-long. Using the templates is time consuming, but the end result is as close to perfect as any other method I've used. I have cut out both colorways and have a little more than a quarter of them cut out.

Now, you ask why with a new sewing room why would I not be sewing, but cutting out blocks? Well, our weather has turned cold, raining, and windy the last couple of days, and we have a wood stove in the livingroom, where I can cut at a table, and be toasty warm (I am a complete wimp when it comes to being cold). Nothing beats wood heat!

This is our son's 7 month old pup we are watching for a week, while he is out of state getting training. His name is Lincoln. Isn't he just the cutest?

Critters

In my profile, I mentioned that we have a host of domistic animals and chickens. So, since I just recently read a post about "likes" on a blog that mentioned everyone always likes animals and pics of animals, I thought I would share our 4 four legged friends.


This is Junior, also known as, Tin Man (the shelter's name for him). DH also calles him, Junior Jones Junior The Third, bugger nose, little boy, brat, and snot rocket. He came to us via my son, who couldn't keep him anymore in the apartment he was living at. He hasn't gotten big like most tom cats do, and I swear he has rubber for bones, because he sleeps in contorted positions, and when he snuggles, he rolles up into a ball and purrs!

Next we have Sierra. She also came to us from one of our boys, via an ex-girlfriend. She is the great proctor for us. She has bionic ears and is better than an alarm system. She is also the groomer of the bunch, and gives everyone a bath when she can get them pinned. I can attest to the fact that the cats are not fond of the grooming routine, especially the sniff and lick of their behinds after coming in the doggie door.

This is Rufus, our only pure breed in the house. He is a Sheltland Sheepdog, commonly known as Shelties. He was a runt of the litter, so I got him at no charge. Rufus and Sierra are about the same age, and are inseparable. Shelties, like our Rufus, need lots of attention, are high maintenance, have sensitive tummies, and very sensitive feelings. He's expressive, extremely loving, and very loyal. his nicknames are, buddy boy, Ruffie, Wussy, and Fart Knocker (hence the sensitive stomach)

And finally we have Chunky Tuna (yes, DH is very creative in naming our pets). She is a chunk of a cat sounding like a moose when she fast walks down the hall. She is almost pure black, except for three white hairs on her chest. She is very aloof, cranky, and does not like anyone except DH.

We will be babysitting another son's new puppy next week while he attends some training out of state. I can only imagine how much fun that's going to be, especially for the cats, as I think they have reached their saturation point with our two dogs!

Moving the Sewing Room

The chaos of moving one sewing room to another is daunting, especially when you have as much accumulations (border line hoarding?) as I have right now. This is the reason I have not gotten much sewing accomplished this week.

This is what (chaos) you see when you first walk in from the kitchen.

As you turn to your left, this is my storage area of current projects. These are the IKEA shelves we got a couple of weeks ago.

Now, this is the right side of the room, where my big picture window is looking out on my chickens, backyard and garden. I think I am really going to just love sitting here to sew and see all of these things out my window, and I know I will enjoy the natural light.

I call this area my primative area, where I will be working with wools, and do my wool rug hooking!

Finally, this is looking the oppisite way from the first picture, showing the entrance from the kitchen and the door to outside that leads to the back patio!

Quilt Run Purchase

Boy, the pictures does not do the colors justice! This is a new line out from an emerging fabric company called Dear Stella, http://dearstelladesign.com/ (man I gotta learn how to do links). This line is called Mimosa, with a few pieces from Yard Sale. They have some really new and fresh free patterns. This young company from what I can gather started in 2011, their blog started in October 2011.

I picked it up on our Quilt Run 101 this year at Creative Fabrics in Wheeler, OR. When I saw it on display, I just had to have a half yard of each. The website has a free pattern out of this line and I think I will make it, as it is quick and stunning.

Next Birdie Stitches

This is block three.

This is block four.


I took these on the quilt run and while riding in the car, I managed to get two more blocks done of the project Birdie Stitches.

DayTwo

We got to these shops before 1:00 pm today. DH wanted to get all the rest of the shops done today, so we were a little rushed because the shops only stayed open until 5:30 pm each day of the quilt run.

These are the last shops and they completed our run. You know, shop owners are some of the nicest people. We cut it really close, too close, with the last two shops. The second to the last shop owner said for us to go to the last shop, and she would wait for us to come back! Now is that sweet or what?

Purchases - way too much.
Traveled - over 500 miles.
Having fun and doing what I love - PRICELESS!!!!!!!

PS - sorry for the poorer than usual pics, but it was heavy overcast and raining. DH held an umbrella over me while I took the pics.

Day One

These are the four quilt shops we got to today. We didn't get to very many, as we have to travel about 5 hours before we can get to the first shop. We are hoping to get through the rest of the 8 shops tomorrow.

This is so much fun!!!!

Second "Birdie Stitches" Block

Well I'm on track so far in getting this project from last year done. I'm committed to get at least one block done a month, and so this second one is done for February. Aren't the two love birds just too cute!

I am planning on working on future blocks on our quilt run. We'll see how far I get!

Mystery Quilt

The monthly quilt club that I participate in at my local quilt shop also has a mystery quilt that we can do if we chose. I have done only one in the past, so I decided to do one this year. Three months into the year of the sampler quilt, they start a mystery quilt that lasts for six months.

This is the first month's part - 48 pieces.

This is the second month's part - 96 pieces of the piece on the right and 48 pieces of the piece on the left.
The piece on the right has three parts, and the piece in the left has five pieces.

For this mystery quilt, I chose Christmas fabric, partly because it was on sale, and partly because I have never mad a Christmas quilt and thought it was about time I did!

I will keep you posted on progress and reveal the final result.

PS - to my first followers, I have a giveaway planned for you next week. Nothing fancy, but just a show of appreciation of following my blog!

Valentine's Present

My DH came home for lunch today with this suprise! I think I'll keep him!!

Quilt Club Alternate Colorway

Remember my post from a couple of days ago regarding the sampler blocks that I had chosen to do in the 30's prints, and I spoke of always doing an alternate colorway? Well, here are the alternate colorway blocks I am doing this year. This is the first time I have made anything using Asain prints. This is a line from Northcott called "My Asian Garden - Cherry Blossom".
I fell head over the pinks in this line and I liked how subtle the prints are, and how well they blend together.

I didn't mention the other day, but this quilt club starts in September, so thats why we just got done with month/block 6.

Oregon's "Quilt Run 101"

Once a year here in Oregon, they have a shop hop called the Quilt Run 101. It travels from one state border to the other state border traveling on Highway 101 following the Pacific Ocean. There are 14 shops participating, I have listed below.

In Oregon on the 101 there is a city about every 25 miles. I once asked about this, and I learned that they started out being outposts for the Pony Express, because that was the distance a horse could travel in a day. I thought this was an interesting tidbit of history.

What I found even more interesting, is that there is are 14 quilt shops along the coast. It lasts for two weeks, spanning over two full weekends, Valentines Day, and Presidents Day. We always go over the second weekend because we have Presidents Day off and the crowds have thinned out. My DH looks forward to it as much as I do, which is really nice. He does all the driving and the ladies along the way make over him like he is some kinda special. (but, I have to agree with them, as he is some kinda special!) this will be our sixth year we have done this shop hop, and we follow the same path each year, starting in the southernmost city in Brookings and finishing up in Astoria. We spend three days and two nights, spending the night in Coos Bay and Tillamok (yes the same place the cheese is made).

I will post pictures and daily purchases during the trip starting Friday. Stayed tuned......


Participating Shops:

Homespun Quilts
108 10th Street
Astoria, OR 97103        
503-625-3300                           www.homespunquilt.com

Custom Threads
1282 Commercial Street
Astoria, OR 97103
503-325-7780                           eda.marie@gmail.com

Center Diamond
PO Box 997
1065 S Hemlock St
Cannon Beach, OR 97110
503-436-0833                             www.centerdiamond.com


Creative Fabric
PO Box 303   
475 Hwy 101
Wheeler, OR 97147
503-368-5900                           www.quiltingwithdoris.com

Jane's Fabric Patch
1110 Main Ave.
Tillamook, OR 97141
503-842-9392                            www.janesfabricpatch.com

BJ's Fabrics & Quilts
PO Box 215
38105 Hwy 101 S
2 Miles south of Cloverdale
Cloverdale, OR 97112
877-690-5267                            www.bjsfabricsquilts.com

Quilter's Cove
644 SW Hwy 101 B
Newport, OR 97365
866-437-8458                            www.quilterscove.net 

Ruth's Family Fabrics
365 Hwy 34
Waldport, OR 97394
541-563-3064                            www.familyfabrics.com

Wenz-Daze Quilter's Emporium
5045 Hwy 101 N
Florence, OR 97439
541-997-3293                            www.wenz-dazequiltingfabric.com


Joy of Quilting
2970 Highway 101
Florence, OR 97439
541-902-8863                            www.joyofquilting.net  

Threads That Bind
120 Central
Coos Bay, OR 97420
541-267-0749                            www.threadsthatbind.net


Forget-Me-Knots llc
PO Box 1547
640 2nd Street SE (Hwy 101)
Bandon, OR 97411
800-347-9021                            www.forget-me-knots.net 

Quilter's Corner
PO Box 69
335 W 7th
Port Orford, OR 97465
541-332-0502                          quilterscorner@carrollsweb.com

Country Keepsakes
PO Box 4012
802 Chetco Ave
Brookings, OR 97415
541-469-6117

Volunteered!

My DH thinks I am wonder woman when it come to quilting. Here's an example of what gets said:
DH: So and so from work just had a baby boy. I want to give them a quilt, what do you have done.
Me: Right now I only have a girl quilt ( or most of the time I'm out of stock).
DH: That's OK, can you get one done in a couple of days?
Me: Umm, I have to work this week, and you know I am not a speedy sewer.
DH: Oh, but sweetie you are so good, and I have faith in you.
Me: Yeah, yeah, yeah. I'll see what I can do, but no promises
DH: I love you!
Me: (just one of my famous eye rolls)

This picture is one of the baby quilts that I did a "rush" job for one of his co-workers.

Special Help

Does anyone else out there have this kind help? I have two cats who zone in and find my projects I am currently working on. I swear they have radar that blips to let them know where there is a new quilt (or fabric) to cozy up to and take a nap! They actually are my biggest fans. Haven't made one yet that they didn't approve.

I spent all day moving the old sewing room into the new sewing room. I gathered stuff that was being temporarily stored around the house and spent time getting it organized and put up. Still need to get the sewing/desk unit moved sometime this weekend. This part of the move requires my DH, as it requires power tools.

I should be able to post pics in the next couple of days.

Quilt Shop Quilt Club Blocks

These are the first six blocks from my local quilt shop quilt club. We meet once a month, and get a new block each time. At the end of the year and twelve blocks later, a sampler quilt can be made. The quilt club offers five colorways, civil war reproductions, 30's prints, floral prints, black/red/white, and batiks. This year I have chosen the colorway 30's prints. I am always a sucker for these prints!

I have been doing this club for for the past 6 years, missing only one year. I have chosen all colorways, except the batiks and the black/red/white. I have completed one set all the way through to assembly, quilting, and binding. The rest, including this year's, is on my UFO list to be done this year.

I made a pact with myself, sort of a new year's resolution, to complete a UFO, then a newer project, and alternate back and forth. This way I can get the older projects completed and still enjoy new ones and not feel guilty.

Farmer's Wife Block #16 - Calico Puzzle

We have been busy putting together shelving units (3) from Ikea for the new sewing room. I am so discombobulated (real word?), because all the stuff, projects, and fabric is in one pile on the spare bedroom bed. This is so we can get the big furniture moved from the old sewing area to the new room.

I did manage to get another FW block done in the Breath of Avignon colorway. I will then be furiously working on getting settled and organized in my new sewing room.

Duel Skills

My DH is so very talented too! He is a master of glass. He does stain glass, etching of glass, and fused glass. He has two kilns, a small one about the size of a ice chest, and a large one about the size of a large generator. He has done some beautiful jewelry using the fusing method. He has sold many pieces of his jewelry, plates, and bowls.

He made me two of these plates to match a table runner that I made out of Moda's Sanctuary line by 3 Sisters. I think the colors are a good match, and I'm hoping to get it set up in my spare bedroom when I get some other things done for the room.

My Favorite Scripture

In this day and age, it is easy to get too busy in our life, our crafts, our family, work, and the list could go on. Also, with television, network, emails, phones, social medias, and on and on, we get bombarded to the point of never being quiet or still.

I came to a critical point in my life a few years back, and this was a verse that came to me. Since that time, I have tried to take time to be still and quiet to just absorb what God wants for me.

I even have a window cling on my driver's side window of my car to remind me, and to be a witness to others of what I believe in!

New sewing room is done!

Well, it's done!! Finally, and I couldn't be more excited!!! Today we got the new TV, mounted it, and put the finishing touches on the work table.

Next we'll be working on getting in the units that will have the sewing machines on them. These units will go along the right wall under a 4 X 5' picture window. Then we will move an Ikea shelving unit on the wall to the left.

More pics to come. Hopefully better than these, as it was already dark outside and the lighting doesn't work for taking pics with my iPad.

Chicks & Prep Work

These are my chickens, they are about two years old. They are considered "exotic" type chickens. They lay all different colored eggs, green, pink, brown and blue. Some refer to them as easter eggs. They aren't laying right now, as there is not enough daylight, especially up here in the Northwest.

I feed them some green grass (the grass is green year round), they go a little crazy this time of the year for anything thats fresh and green!

I spent most of the day cutting out the rest of the Farmer's Wife blocks for the quilt-a-long, for the other color way in civil war retros, and I cut out blocks for a quilt club I attend at my local quilt shop. I like to spend a chunk of time cutting out a lot of projects or blocks, then I can sew even if it is only foor 15 minutes or so.

Farmer's Wife Block #2

This is my second block in Breath of Avignon.

When I was making this block, I wondered if most other quilters did this trick of twirling the seams at the four corners of pieces in a block. By doing this, it makes the seam lay flatter, and it lessens the bulk withing the block.

FW Civil War Colorway

Today's post is about the other colorway I am doing for the Farmer's Wife blocks. I am doing this colorway in order, so the first picture is a collage of #1-6 and the second picture is 7-11.

Farmer's Wife Block #9

Well, we got our "marching orders" (kidding!) for the start of this quilt-a-long:

Our February set includes the following blocks:
#9 - Box
#16 - Calico Puzzle
#21 - Contrary Wife
#23 - Country Farm
#41 - Friendship Star
#69 - Practical Orchard
#70 - Prairie Queen
#72 - Railroad
#81 - Snowball
#84 - Spool

Picture shows the first block on the list. I will confess, I had to take this block apart more than once. Lesson learned---no matter how easy it looks pay attention, especially how the block is laid out!