New Projects for 2010

Today, I plan to spend time digging out my studio.  Working on last minute Christmas projects and using it as a Christmas present wrapping center have left it a little disheveled. Now it's time to get back to normal (we all have our own degrees of normal). Mine is nowhere near immaculate or perfect but if I can find my tools without digging TOO deep, then I'm happy.

I received 3 new books for Christmas full of inspiration for new projects. What about those UFO's? They'll keep. 

My sister sent my this book on Woven Quilts by Anna Faustino. The first projects start out with simple(!?) basket weave. Other projects combine bits and pieces of different woven pieces with added applique and embellishments - right up my alley.

I gave myself a present of Skinny Quilts and Table Runners II edited by Eleanor Levie. It includes small quilts by favorite designers including two of my personal favorites, Sue Spargo and Frieda Anderson. A good way to try new techniques in a small doable project. (Fewer UFO's)

Beyond the Block by Johnson/Wells combines different elements and block sizes to create visually exciting quilts. I've been pondering trying out more creative settings and it's given me ideas for ANOTHER new quilt. Maybe I could use some of those UFO's as a practice project.

Here's looking to a creative 2010. Try something new.

Step out of your box. 

A Jazzy Little Christmas

I have a ticket to "A Jazzy Little Christmas" performed by the MSU Professors of Jazz that I will not be able to use. It's on Saturday, December 19th at the Pasant Theater. If anyone would like the ticket, please let me know. There is a possibility of a second ticket available also.

Update Fri 12/11. Looks like the tickets are taken.  Enjoy!

Turkey Day

We had a very traditional Thanksgiving celebration this year. Just the family. I made turkey and all the trimmings (including cranberries in the shape of a can - kids' request). Mom made the gravy. Desserts abounded: pumpkin pie with whip cream from a can (another special request), pecan pie, apple pie, cheese cake and carrot cake. Who needs dinner?

Our special treat was that Cubby is now old enough to say the blessing... God is good, God is great..... It was cherubic and absolutely precious.

Ian and Liz (and mashed potatoes). They had driven in Thursday morning from Liz' parents in Midland. After dinner, Liz went to get some shut-eye so she could get up and make the Black Friday specials at Tangier Outlets with her mom and sis. Midnight at the outlet mall. Wonder how that went?

Gennie says she's getting too old for all of this commotion. She did get a little bowl of vanilla ice cream for dessert. Afterall, we're very thankful for the most wonderful dog in the world.

Note to self:  remember to recharge the camera battery before the next holiday.

Letting Go... or not

In a previous post, Cyndee noted that I had donated this wall hanging to the Solar Circle project. Yes, I did. And on Saturday, I went to the "Alternative Holiday Sale" and bought it back. I guess I wasn't ready to part with it. My mom likes it and she may receive it for Christmas. She said something about having a place for it near the piano... I've already added a few wooden buttons and some beads since Saturday (not in this photo). We'll just have to see what it looks like by December 25th.

Kzoo Show continued....

Here are a few more quilts from the Log Cabin Quilter's show in Kalamazoo:

This was quite striking and really grabbed your attention when you came around the corner.

I have this pattern somewhere. I also have a stack of lime green Christmas fabrics. Rather whimsical.

This is another quilt by Billie Gunderson. "Yellow Submarine" is Cubby's favorite DVD at the moment. He's quite taken with the Blue Meanies and doesn't seem to find them threatening at all. " 1, 2, 3, 4, can I have a little more? ... look at Meeeeeeeee. ALL TOGETHER NOW!" You'll have to get him to sing it for you.  He gave a full voice rendition at Speedway last night. Gotta love him!

Plumbing ... again

Tuesday night I walked into the kitchen and the floor went "squish". I often have water on my floor from Cubby and/or the dog and my belly ends up wet almost every time I do dishes but this was different. I opened the door under the sink and was greeted with a lake. I called Marty, who singlehandedly keeps most of Groesbeck from falling apart and he was able to come and take a look on Wednesday am.

Here is a photo of my NEW under sink plumbing. Didn't I just show you bathroom sink pictures? (It was May 2008. Seems like yesterday.) The old copper pipe going into the wall had corroded and split. Luckily, he didn't have to tear into the wall. It's always something.

Great Weekend

On Saturday morning we packed Mr. Energy in the car for a trip to the Apple Butter Festival at Fenner Arboretum. It was very cold but the sun was shining. Seems like it's been a long time since we've seen the sun. We saw Jackie B and Pam A (and another quilter that I didn't know) quilting on behalf of the CCQG. Cubby wasn't too interested in stirring the apple butter, I think the fire and smoke was too scary. But he loved the music and actually sat still for a song or two.

This is his "I'm at the top of the stairs and I'll be gone by the time you can get up here" smile. Gamma Gamma needed a nap by the end of the day...

On Sunday I drove to Kalamazoo to the Log Cabin Quilter's Show. Cyndee was too sick to go so I drove alone and made a side trip to see my parents. Saw Kari and Dan at the show too. Bought too much hand-dyed fabric from Windberry Studio but I couldn't resist.  The show has moved from the hotel to the fairgrounds. Easy access off of the highway but unfortunately not much improvement in the lighting which was my biggest complaint at the Raddison. Nice show. About 300 quilts. This quilt is by Billie Gunderson and uses Jane Sassaman fabric.

I have quite a stack of Jane fabrics that I have collected. Maybe it's about time...