Moving Right Along...Slowly

I knew when I agreed to take on the third class at OUC that this fall would begin to feel very hectic. I have been feeling it for about a week, and as a result the long arm room activities have stalled.

The last pictures I shared were from very early in the month, and the long arm was in pieces spread across the floor waiting to be rebuilt. We have done that, and the stall now is the leveling of the table so that the machine stays where I leave it instead of strolling/rolling/listing off to the back or the side. We stopped in to a quilt shop in McArthur last week to pick the brain of a man who sells and operates Tin Lizzies, and he gave us some very good information which we have yet to try. I have every confidence that we will be up and going soon.

The McArthur Quilt Shop has been incredibly helpful in answering my questions about this machine. If I end up needing it, he will even make a house call to fix the problem.

My pictures here are showing a very bare room. I still need to iron and rehang the curtains along with reattaching the curtain hardware. All the outlet covers, vent cover, and switch covers have been reaffixed, although these pictures were taken prior to the fact. I have been giving some thought to what I will use to decorate the walls in this room. Since the long arm takes up so much of the space, there will be very little other furniture in the room, so wall art will be a must.

So besides my three composition classes, what all has been going on around here? Let's recap a few highlights.

Friday was my mother's birthday, and several available family members gathered at our favorite Mexican restaurant in Hillsboro for a fun dinner celebration.

Saturday was DH's birthday, but we both planned to be involved in History Day activities. To celebrate him, we spent Friday on a long Spyder ride to McArthur and Hocking Hills.( That was before going to Hillsboro for dinner.)

History Day was lots of fun and not too much work, as I was quilting, at least. I love talking to folks who stop by; I catch up with people I've not seen in awhile, and I get to hear many reminiscences of quilts and grandmas, and the like.

On Saturday evening friends invited us over for a bonfire/wiener roast.

Sunday saw us busy with sewing Harry Potter robes for my twin nieces - now nearly 12 years old. I will share pictures of that fun in an upcoming post. While the girls and I were busy in the sewing room, their dad (my brother Mark) and DH took a load of bedroom furniture to my sister's in Hillsboro. Finally, my front room is back to normal!

Then Tuesday night, I hosted my card club ladies. I love having them come here, and it had been awhile! They'd not seen our newly painted kitchen table and chairs, nor several other of the home improvements we have made here in the last 6 months or so.

With all this craziness, I am not getting much quilting done. However, I do have Frankfort girls
at Jan's on Friday morning, and Sharon P. is coming for a sewing day on Saturday. Yay! Hopefully, I will have all my essays graded and will be able to enjoy guilt-free quilting.

Happy Quilting, Friends!

Treasures From Mom

A couple of weeks ago, I dropped in at Mom's to check out what she had been sorting through in an effort to donate to her church's annual rummage sale. There were many pretty things, and I think Mom was second-guessing about donating some items. I brought a few things home with me - an old shelf that needs a new paint job, a wine-carrying box, and a box of old fabric and linens.

Yes, those dry goods certainly came to live with me. And oh, what treasures we found buried in that box! Family heirlooms, honestly! Let's take a look, shall we?

The most exciting finds in my opinion were these embroidered pillow cases. The one shown above is a singleton - its matching MR is long gone, heaven only knows where. This case was used and has the softest-feeling cotton ever. Even after all it's wear and laundering, though, the embroidery work is still in remarkably good condition, so dainty and sweet.

A complete pair of MR and MRS pillow cases were also in the box, and these were never used. Mom remembers that they were a wedding gift to her and Dad from her Aunt Alberta, known in the family for being quite a skilled seamstress. Alberta was the oldest sister of my Grandma, Mom's mom, of whom I have written frequently here on the blog.

By contrast, since these have not been used or laundered, the fabric still feels brand new. It is stiffer and sturdier. And, sadly, portions have discolored and stained. I will have to do some research to see if the condition can be restored. I would imagine that experts know how to treat such issues. I might search for YouTube videos (that's where to find all the answers).

The MR case is in somewhat better shape than its mate. Just look at those fresh, crisp colors.

And here is the MRS, looking a bit rough around the edges despite her lack of service. The fold at the top is yellowed, and those dots above and below the basket are brown. From what, I have not a clue.

I am fascinated by these works of art. I would love to know who made the first case. I wonder if people still do gifts like this for brides these days. I did not get any when we were married almost 39 years ago. I don't think our daughter got any, either, in 2014. So, I am curious about that as a gifting tradition.

How shall I use these? Should I create a display? Put them in a frame? Hang them on a rack? I will think on it for a time, but I definitely do not want to stuff them back into that box for another 60 years.

And speaking of the box, I have only shown you the linens in this post. Earlier, you saw the fabric that I turned into a table cloth. Still, there are interesting random fabrics I have not shared. Most notably, there are some stiff canvas-type pieces that seem to have quite a story to tell. Also, there are quite a few scraps from some of Mom's sewing projects. And, table cloths for card tables - these were made by Grandma and used when they had guests for card-playing. Card table cloths were a thing, from the looks of it. I have 3 or 4 from this box to share.

I will save all that for another day. I hope you are enjoying this beautiful Sunday!

I am linking with Kathy at Slow Sunday Stitching since this post features slow stitching of my ancestors.

Happy Quilting, Friends!

New Tablecloth

On Sunday afternoon, I took a little drive over to visit Mom. She'd hinted earlier in the week that she was pulling things out to donate to the upcoming church rummage sale, and maybe I'd like to sort through what would be donated? Yes, for sure. I seem to serve as the repository of family memorabilia. *grin*

I will show you the box and some of the goodies in an upcoming post, but for today I want to show you the awesome tablecloth I made from a lovely length of fabric tucked down in said box.

I did a rough measure and I believe this was a hunk of about 3 yards. It is heavy-weight home-dec style fabric, and the color is the softest, most appealing blue. I had an immediate need for a tablecloth, so this was a serendipitous "find."

At some point when life slows down a little bit, I will do some research on this fabric to see how old it is. Doesn't really matter though, since I love it in its new life as a tablecloth!

The Frienzies came to dinner on Monday evening, and the tablecloth I had intended to use was the wrong size. I found myself in a quandary until I pulled this fabric out of the box. I spent an easy hour Monday morning cutting off excess and hemming. Voila! It was perfect for my spring-themed table.

Thanks, Momma, for the fun box of goodies! This was an unexpected surprise - a happy accident sort of thing. Yaay!

The centerpiece was a simple one - daffodils from our garden and pink whatever-they-ares from Krogers. *smiles*

My absence this week from blogger-land is because I am at Canter's Cave for our quilt retreat. I will have a plethora of material for posts coming up, so be patient with me! I promise to share it all.

Happy Quilting, Friends!

Zoo Lights and More Bindings

I just never got around to posting yesterday about my own binding finishes from Monday. It was a very full day, and blogging didn't make the cut. Some days are just that way. Today, I will finish off that old business and share a little Christmas joy, as well.

I showed you Sharon's stack of quilts yesterday, and today you get to see mine. Both are the commissioned t-shirt quilts I've written about here many times over recent months. Both are delivery-bound today, and that is a mighty good feeling.

Above is the "Baalx2" quilt. Some time after friend (and teaching colleague of my DH) John Baal died of cancer, his wife commissioned a t-shirt quilt of John's shirts that would be gifted to their grandson. Click back here to see it. As soon as that quilt was finished, I heard about John's sister wanting a quilt, too. So over the course of this year we have managed to get that accomplished. This quilt not only commemorates John, but also his father as shirts from both men are represented. The reason for the odd name I've given it is significant: John was a dearly loved math teacher at McClain, plus, two Baal men are honored in this quilt, and finally, it is the second Baal quilt I've done. Makes sense, right?

The other quilt in my pile above must remain a secret for awhile longer. The gifting will be done soon enough, and then I hope to bring a few pics your way. It was a special quilt to make, let me just say that much.

In other news from our house, on Tuesday afternoon Mom came over and we drove up to Columbus to meet our daughter and son-in-law for a trip to see the Columbus Zoo's Wildlights Christmas exhibit. We had gotten our first measurable snow of the season that day, so crowds were non-existent and the lights were especially beautiful. And speaking of beautiful, look at these two snowbirds - my beautiful mother and a photo-bombing daughter. Perfect.

These pictures are representative of the display, although they do little justice to the actual in-person experience. We did get to see some zoo animals - reindeer, elk, white fox, brown bear; most animals were indoors and out of view, however.

That lower picture is a zoomed-in shot of the full moon, which only peeked through the clouds briefly. It was so pretty with all the snow and lights, but cell phone cameras don't really capture the beauty very adequately at all.

Mom stayed the night at our house, and we baked two apple pies and made some bread which raised all day, and then I baked last night. Sadly, my bread-baking has much room for improvement. The pies, though, are a big hit!

Back to some sewing today. The end-of-year bits are falling into place, and I find myself taking stock of accomplishments and making plans for 2017.

One more observation must be made. Today would be my Grandma Wharton's 100th birthday. You may recall that she passed in June of 2015 at the age of 98. We have missed her so, and I know I am not the only family member thinking of her today.  She always loved having us fuss about her birthday.

Happy Quilting, Friends!

Giving Thanks

Happy Thanksgiving, Dear Readers! I have so many blessing for which I am grateful. I have been reflecting on those blessings and giving thanks.

I have had some diverse fun the past few days. On Tuesday evening I went with 6 family members to Cincinnati to see White Christmas The Musical at the Aronoff Center.

The show was fantastic. The costumes, the singing and especially the dancing - all were exceptional. This show was a treat in every way. As my sister said, "Best night ever!" We all had a wonderful time.

The sweet twins, my nieces Anna Rose and Mary Jean, attended with us. Aren't they growing? They are now 8-year-old second graders.

 A very cool opportunity to support our servicemen and women was available to us at the Aronoff. Guests were invited to sign cards which were collected and will be delivered to deployed military around the world. The girls sent their sweet sentiments, as did the rest of us. Talk about blessing - I am grateful to our military, for sure.

We also had to get a picture of the twins with their Grandma Jeannie. If you want to take in a show at the Aronoff, I suggest you allow time to dine at Trattoria Roma which is just a half a block away and easy walking distance from the theatre. We had a wonderful meal - from wine and appetizers to entrees and dessert.

All of this festivity resulted in my staying the night in Hillsboro at my mother's. I thought you'd enjoy seeing the beautiful flowers blooming in her sun room. Many, many healthy African violets and a whopping Christmas cactus that is just beginning to come into bloom. By Christmas it will be full of bright red flowers.

Through all of this, we are cat sitting for our older daughter while she and her husband spend the long Thanksgiving weekend at her in-laws'.

He's such a handsome kitty. He loves coming here as he has space in which to roam after being limited to his 1-bedroom apartment in Columbus.

I have done minimal sewing, but a finish was accomplished. I will share that soon, as well as some fun projects from the Frankfort girls.

Wishing you all a most blessed Thanksgiving!

Mom's Place Mats

I was being a bit less than truthful in my recent posts about place mats. You see, my original intent was to make a set to give to my mother who recently celebrated her birthday. We had the big October birthday bash yesterday at Max and Erma's over at the Roberts Center near Wilmington. Mom now has her place mats, and I can come clean. (These little fibs - my conscience always gets the best of me!)

 Mom likes to garden.  She also likes pretty dishes. She also likes interesting foods. So the panel that combined all of these things seemed perfect for her. As I've done with all of these sets, I rummaged through my fat quarters to come up with suitable accent fabrics for the edges. I especially liked this combination.

 Here's a better shot of the center panel. I wish I'd taken a picture of the other motif. These place mat centers were all cut from one fat quarter panel; two look like this and the other two have a slightly different design. All very pretty.

Here are the set of 4, freshly pressed and waiting on gift-wrapping. And you can see in the background, I have the next set prepped for finishing.

This is my mom, Jeannie, with her new place mats. Photo bombing next to her is my youngest sibling, Carol. And in the background is Ann, my sister-in-law. We had a fantastic time at the birthday bash. Between Ann's family and ours, there are about 10 fall/October birthdays, so this was the reason for the bash at Max and Erma's - no one's house is big enough for all this crowd!!

Happy Quilting, Friends!

Another Finish!

It's just a little quilt, but it's still a finish, and I am happy about that. Yesterday at Terry's, I sandwiched the layers for Mom's wall hanging that I've been working on, and then I quilted it and bound it. And it feels good to have a finish.

Next up is to quilt the baby quilt I made last month, as the due date is approaching. I would have begun it at Terry's but I inadvertently brought the wrong batting. Foiled my plans, daggum'it!  I am continuing to quilt on Long Road Home. And sometime this week, I will be cutting out Snowbird Stars for the March project I have planned with Sharon P.

Happy Quilting, Friends!

Border Attached

The choice for the border on Mom's wall hanging was blue. Everyone who chimed in with an opinion agreed. Unanimous!

This little quilt measures 21.34" x 27.25". Mom will likely use it as a wall hanging, but it would also make a pretty table topper or doll quilt.

That's all for today, Peeps! I will be sewing for the day over at Terry's. Perhaps I will have some pretty stuff to show you - if we have a productive day!

Happy Quilting, Friends!

Auditioning

I am at the point where decisions need to be made for the outer border on Mom's wall hanging.

Option #1: Brown Thimbleberries

Option #2: Darker Brown

Option #3: Navy Kansas Troubles

The navy option looks brighter than it really is. I don't know why colors don't stay true in pictures.

I sent the options to Mom, and it looks like navy is the winner. If I were making this for myself, that is what I would have chosen, too.

Come on back tomorrow and see the finish!

Happy Quilting, Friends!