Taking time out from a quilty to post to honor the first man in my life on his 80th birthday, my beloved daddy. I am grateful he is still here with me and in good health. =) 

True story...I could never remember his birthday. His mother said he was born on the 31st ( or was it the 29th??) and my dad said he was born on the 30th. He said he was there and he remembers. ;) Back in those days home birth was the norm, you know. Because of that, I could never remember when his birthday was and I would remember late on a regular basis. I am thankful for technology that helps me keep it all straight! 

My daddy didn't want to take time away from playing to do something so mundane as go to the bathroom. =) This is as close to a baby picture I have of him...

I love this picture. It reminds me of the book, "Where The Red Fern Grows." I imagined the young boy in the story looked just like this. My daddy was a foster child, of sorts. His Grandma Oxley raised him, though he lived with other families at times, too. 

This picture was taken by a newspaper man. He was laughing at my dad because he just got his hair buzzed off and the striped shirt made him look like a convict. Look at the pretty dresses and hats the ladies are wearing in the background. 

 Daddy sitting on a ledge overlooking the Cedar River at Palisades Park. Love the cuffed jeans! 

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

Taking time out from a quilty to post to honor the first man in my life on his 80th birthday, my beloved daddy. I am grateful he is still here with me and in good health. =) 

True story...I could never remember his birthday. His mother said he was born on the 31st ( or was it the 29th??) and my dad said he was born on the 30th. He said he was there and he remembers. ;) Back in those days home birth was the norm, you know. Because of that, I could never remember when his birthday was and I would remember late on a regular basis. I am thankful for technology that helps me keep it all straight! 

My daddy didn't want to take time away from playing to do something so mundane as go to the bathroom. =) This is as close to a baby picture I have of him...

I love this picture. It reminds me of the book, "Where The Red Fern Grows." I imagined the young boy in the story looked just like this. My daddy was a foster child, of sorts. His Grandma Oxley raised him, though he lived with other families at times, too. 

This picture was taken by a newspaper man. He was laughing at my dad because he just got his hair buzzed off and the striped shirt made him look like a convict. Look at the pretty dresses and hats the ladies are wearing in the background. 

 Daddy sitting on a ledge overlooking the Cedar River at Palisades Park. Love the cuffed jeans! 

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

I love scrappy quilts, like this scrappy loveliness by Freda's Hive. 

Picnic Quilt by Freda's Hive

This fun one by Crazy Mom Quilts. 

And this spectacular postage stamp quilt by Red Pepper Quilts. 

I have such trouble with making scrappy quilts because I don't enjoy being out of control. Truth be told, I like to be in control in several areas of my life. *ahem* But if you look at all three of these examples, they all have order. Take Freda's quilt. It is made with 2 1/2" squares and 4 1/2" squares. To me that is order. And easy. Except in my mind. So I made a decision to take a new look at my scraps and see if there was a better way to organize them so they will at least have the potential to be used in something as fabulous as these three quilts. Yes, I have high expectations. 

For a while now, I have been storing all my scraps (anything smaller than a fat quarter) by color in shoebox size tubs. That has helped keep my scraps somewhat in control, but I found I still wasn't using the scraps as often as I want and some get so buried, I never see them. I have been considering cutting them and sorting them according to size and not color. The thought has been so daunting that I would talk myself out of it. Until now...

I spent the last 3 days sorting, cutting, tossing all of my scraps. It was a bit scary at first, but once I got going and I began to see neat piles of workable squares, it became easier and it felt freeing! 

Here is my new system....

Larger pieces of scraps (smaller than a fat quarter) sorted by color. 

2 1/2" strips and 5" squares.

2 1/2" squares, 4 1/2 " squares, 6 1/2" squares and a few 6 1/2" x 4 1/2 " rectangles. I already have a plan for these. =) 

A bin of strings.

It was time consuming, but so worth it in the end. =)

What are your idea for organizing scraps? Do you use them? Toss them? Or give them away? 

I love scrappy quilts, like this scrappy loveliness by Freda's Hive. 

Picnic Quilt by Freda's Hive

This fun one by Crazy Mom Quilts. 

And this spectacular postage stamp quilt by Red Pepper Quilts. 

I have such trouble with making scrappy quilts because I don't enjoy being out of control. Truth be told, I like to be in control in several areas of my life. *ahem* But if you look at all three of these examples, they all have order. Take Freda's quilt. It is made with 2 1/2" squares and 4 1/2" squares. To me that is order. And easy. Except in my mind. So I made a decision to take a new look at my scraps and see if there was a better way to organize them so they will at least have the potential to be used in something as fabulous as these three quilts. Yes, I have high expectations. 

For a while now, I have been storing all my scraps (anything smaller than a fat quarter) by color in shoebox size tubs. That has helped keep my scraps somewhat in control, but I found I still wasn't using the scraps as often as I want and some get so buried, I never see them. I have been considering cutting them and sorting them according to size and not color. The thought has been so daunting that I would talk myself out of it. Until now...

I spent the last 3 days sorting, cutting, tossing all of my scraps. It was a bit scary at first, but once I got going and I began to see neat piles of workable squares, it became easier and it felt freeing! 

Here is my new system....

Larger pieces of scraps (smaller than a fat quarter) sorted by color. 

2 1/2" strips and 5" squares.

2 1/2" squares, 4 1/2 " squares, 6 1/2" squares and a few 6 1/2" x 4 1/2 " rectangles. I already have a plan for these. =) 

A bin of strings.

It was time consuming, but so worth it in the end. =)

What are your idea for organizing scraps? Do you use them? Toss them? Or give them away? 

smile... 

Vintage refrigerator drawer

smile... 

Vintage refrigerator drawer

I want to make another Swoon quilt. The two I have made were gifts and I want one for me. I can't make up my mind on what fabrics to use or how I want them to look. I think I am over-thinking the whole deal.  

In the mean time, I got out my old hexies and worked on them. But I got bored. Why? I wasn't using fabric I loved. So I put them away, got out scraps and cut into yardage to use fabric I did love. It hasn't taken long for me to use all my templates! Now to start putting them together. =) I have no plan. Just having fun. 

I want to make another Swoon quilt. The two I have made were gifts and I want one for me. I can't make up my mind on what fabrics to use or how I want them to look. I think I am over-thinking the whole deal.  

In the mean time, I got out my old hexies and worked on them. But I got bored. Why? I wasn't using fabric I loved. So I put them away, got out scraps and cut into yardage to use fabric I did love. It hasn't taken long for me to use all my templates! Now to start putting them together. =) I have no plan. Just having fun. 

I ordered some half yard solids from Connecting Threads to give them a try. I really like the look and feel of the fabric so far. 

My  observations on the fabric I ordered: 

Cherry ~ The color is too orange for me.

Red ~ It's what I was hoping for it to be. Not too dark. A nice bright red.

Parchment ~ It has a slight grayish tint to it. I was hoping it wold be more along the lines of Kona Cotton snow.

Silver ~ This is a wonderful shade of light gray. I have been looking for a light gray for a long time. I will order it again. 

Blush ~  A very nice soft baby pink. Not a peachy pink. 

. 

Kiwi ~ It's easy on the eyes. The green is not too lime nor too olive colored. It goes well with the other fabrics in my stash. 

White ~ perfect. 

I am looking forward to making something with them. =)

*I am not affiliated with Connecting Threads in any way. *

edit: Forgot to link to Connecting Threads. =) 

I ordered some half yard solids from Connecting Threads to give them a try. I really like the look and feel of the fabric so far. 

My  observations on the fabric I ordered: 

Cherry ~ The color is too orange for me.

Red ~ It's what I was hoping for it to be. Not too dark. A nice bright red.

Parchment ~ It has a slight grayish tint to it. I was hoping it wold be more along the lines of Kona Cotton snow.

Silver ~ This is a wonderful shade of light gray. I have been looking for a light gray for a long time. I will order it again. 

Blush ~  A very nice soft baby pink. Not a peachy pink. 

. 

Kiwi ~ It's easy on the eyes. The green is not too lime nor too olive colored. It goes well with the other fabrics in my stash. 

White ~ perfect. 

I am looking forward to making something with them. =)

*I am not affiliated with Connecting Threads in any way. *

edit: Forgot to link to Connecting Threads. =) 

I so love this quilt...

This baby will be warm and it's heavy! Not only did I use flannel for the backing, I doubled the cotton batting. It took forever to dry in the dryer. 

I doubt I will double batting again in a quilt due to the cost, but I will say, I do like the definition the extra loft it gave this quilt. 

I can check this quilt off of my list of "must make!"

Have a happy week, everyone!

I so love this quilt...

This baby will be warm and it's heavy! Not only did I use flannel for the backing, I doubled the cotton batting. It took forever to dry in the dryer. 

I doubt I will double batting again in a quilt due to the cost, but I will say, I do like the definition the extra loft it gave this quilt. 

I can check this quilt off of my list of "must make!"

Have a happy week, everyone!

Whew! I am tired! We had a very full weekend. It was my Rusty's birthday weekend, so we filled it with fun things we like to do. I am going to say right up front, I am so grateful to be married to my best friend and to be his best friend, too. No one can make me laugh like he does...

 Friday night we went to a drive in movie. That was so much fun! I wish there were more of them around. Iowa only has 4 in operation. We are making plans to go again this summer. It was a double feature that started at 9:00, which meant we didn't pull into our driveway until 3:30 that morning. It's been a long, long time since we have been out that late. *yawn* We saw Monsters University and Lone Ranger. I napped in the second movie. I found the Lone Ranger to be very hard to follow and silly. 

Saturday we went on a day trip on the motorcycle. Our first stop was Kalona to shop at Stringtown, a sweet Amish store, to buy peaches when they are in season. We try to get there a couple of times in the summer to buy them.

The horse was not impressed with the loud pipes of the Harleys in front of us.

I found these gloves in the store for less than $2 a pair. I think they will work great for quilting. We'll see next time I have a project to quilt.

Our next stop was Fairfield. We wanted to visit the quilt store, but they closed at noon, so we spent most of our time at Americus Diamonds. We originally went just to check them out to see what their store was like. Personally, I think Russ took me just to tempt me. After talking to one of the salesmen for a bit, he explained they have a goldsmith on site, so I got some work done on my rings. My prongs needed retipped and my other set of rings needed soldered together. Instead of having to wait two weeks to get them back, they were finished in less than an hour.  That was wonderful!!

While we waited, we got a good cup of coffee, took a walk around the town square and window shopped. RAGBRAI is coming through Fairfield, so the town was decorated to celebrate that honor. I thought this quilt was a darling way to use dresden plates.

After we stopped in Washington to eat dinner with friends and Russ' folks, we headed for home, taking the took the scenic routes, which included driving through the future birth place of James T Kirk. It was a perfect day for a ride. Not too hot, not too cold.

After church this morning, we headed to the ball game with some other church family members. After two hours, I was more than ready to come home. I will need some down time this week to recuperate after such a busy, and fun, weekend....

I wish you all a happy week ahead with those you love.....

Whew! I am tired! We had a very full weekend. It was my Rusty's birthday weekend, so we filled it with fun things we like to do. I am going to say right up front, I am so grateful to be married to my best friend and to be his best friend, too. No one can make me laugh like he does...

 Friday night we went to a drive in movie. That was so much fun! I wish there were more of them around. Iowa only has 4 in operation. We are making plans to go again this summer. It was a double feature that started at 9:00, which meant we didn't pull into our driveway until 3:30 that morning. It's been a long, long time since we have been out that late. *yawn* We saw Monsters University and Lone Ranger. I napped in the second movie. I found the Lone Ranger to be very hard to follow and silly. 

Saturday we went on a day trip on the motorcycle. Our first stop was Kalona to shop at Stringtown, a sweet Amish store, to buy peaches when they are in season. We try to get there a couple of times in the summer to buy them.

The horse was not impressed with the loud pipes of the Harleys in front of us.

I found these gloves in the store for less than $2 a pair. I think they will work great for quilting. We'll see next time I have a project to quilt.

Our next stop was Fairfield. We wanted to visit the quilt store, but they closed at noon, so we spent most of our time at Americus Diamonds. We originally went just to check them out to see what their store was like. Personally, I think Russ took me just to tempt me. After talking to one of the salesmen for a bit, he explained they have a goldsmith on site, so I got some work done on my rings. My prongs needed retipped and my other set of rings needed soldered together. Instead of having to wait two weeks to get them back, they were finished in less than an hour.  That was wonderful!!

While we waited, we got a good cup of coffee, took a walk around the town square and window shopped. RAGBRAI is coming through Fairfield, so the town was decorated to celebrate that honor. I thought this quilt was a darling way to use dresden plates.

After we stopped in Washington to eat dinner with friends and Russ' folks, we headed for home, taking the took the scenic routes, which included driving through the future birth place of James T Kirk. It was a perfect day for a ride. Not too hot, not too cold.

After church this morning, we headed to the ball game with some other church family members. After two hours, I was more than ready to come home. I will need some down time this week to recuperate after such a busy, and fun, weekend....

I wish you all a happy week ahead with those you love.....

Flower Girl is finished! I am super happy with it. =) I was going to keep it, but I decided to give it away as a gift to a certain someone who asked for a red and aqua quilt. 

The quilt measures 80" x 100".  Most of the fabric is Ruby by Moda. The pattern I used is Flower Girl by Thimble Blossoms. I changed it up a little bit to make it bigger. 

My favorite block.

Backed with flannel from the Ruby line, so it will be nice and cuddly warm this winter. 

I am so glad to have it done so I can look at it and enjoy it until it goes to live in it's new home. 

Flower Girl is finished! I am super happy with it. =) I was going to keep it, but I decided to give it away as a gift to a certain someone who asked for a red and aqua quilt. 

The quilt measures 80" x 100".  Most of the fabric is Ruby by Moda. The pattern I used is Flower Girl by Thimble Blossoms. I changed it up a little bit to make it bigger. 

My favorite block.

Backed with flannel from the Ruby line, so it will be nice and cuddly warm this winter. 

I am so glad to have it done so I can look at it and enjoy it until it goes to live in it's new home. 

During my spontaneous blogging break, I have been busy...

Busy loving up on my Brooklyn-girl who is going to be six in a few days!! Her Grandma Loretta bought her the American Girl doll. Talk about darling! You can see a glimpse of the quilt I made her on her bed. 

Of course, I had to stop in my favorite quilt shop while we were in town visiting Brooklyn. I found some Bliss yardage, a new dresden ruler...I love tiny dresdens!..and a 6 1/2 inch Bloc Loc ruler that I have been wanting to try. I have heard nothing but good things about them. 

On the quilting front, I am slowly, but surely getting Flower Girl quilted. 

Last week, I went on a girls day out with some dear friends from church. We visited our local antique shops. I couldn't resist the baby dress patterns. 

And I have been wanting an egg basket for a long time. These things are pricy!! This one was on sale, so I grabbed it up. I am not exactly sure what I am going to do with it, but I am certain I will think of something. 

 Check out the new shelf Judy gave me. She had two and she graciously shared one with me. I have such great friends....

As I have been checking in with the blogs I follow, I see everyone is so very busy. It has me wondering if it has it always been this way or is it more so in the last decade or two? I don't remember my parents being so busy, or maybe I was too young and selfish to notice. What do you think?

During my spontaneous blogging break, I have been busy...

Busy loving up on my Brooklyn-girl who is going to be six in a few days!! Her Grandma Loretta bought her the American Girl doll. Talk about darling! You can see a glimpse of the quilt I made her on her bed. 

Of course, I had to stop in my favorite quilt shop while we were in town visiting Brooklyn. I found some Bliss yardage, a new dresden ruler...I love tiny dresdens!..and a 6 1/2 inch Bloc Loc ruler that I have been wanting to try. I have heard nothing but good things about them. 

On the quilting front, I am slowly, but surely getting Flower Girl quilted. 

Last week, I went on a girls day out with some dear friends from church. We visited our local antique shops. I couldn't resist the baby dress patterns. 

And I have been wanting an egg basket for a long time. These things are pricy!! This one was on sale, so I grabbed it up. I am not exactly sure what I am going to do with it, but I am certain I will think of something. 

 Check out the new shelf Judy gave me. She had two and she graciously shared one with me. I have such great friends....

As I have been checking in with the blogs I follow, I see everyone is so very busy. It has me wondering if it has it always been this way or is it more so in the last decade or two? I don't remember my parents being so busy, or maybe I was too young and selfish to notice. What do you think?