The Winter Spread

This time of year, some of us put on "the winter spread".  Nothing like sitting in a good chair helps that along.

And by chair, I mean this one:

We did some rearranging of our tiny house.  The small corner I claimed as my sewing area has been moved to the front bedroom and I did a little spreading out of my own.  

I love it!

It's a work in progress.  There are still many bugs to work out as I go.  Part of the process is actually sitting down to sew.

Which I did a little of.  Not much, but it's a start to the winter sporting season!

Mama Pea insisted that she see these photos.  I thought a bright, sunny morning would be great, but seeing as how shades of grey are the norm lately...this is as good as it gets.

My MIL gave me a table from her 'old' sewing room.  I finally have enough space to use my little iron for piecing and my folding Omni mat is perfect for that trick!  It is so handy!

And I still wouldn't trade my SewEZ table for nothin'!

Here is my "Cutting Station".  Above it, I have a now secondary design board.  Also recycled from my MILs house.  As you can see, not much designing, more like...pin some crap here.  :o)

Tucked in the corner is my cabinet where I store a few bigger pieces of fabric and another design/crap board.  Like I said, I will eventually tidy it up with some good use.

And of course...you HAVE to have puppy beds.  Otherwise they stand at your feet and whine. 

Now the "white dog" is the worst perp  (that's what we call her so she doesn't know we are talking about her). 

She even got a throw to lay down on...this other one makes her butt look big or err, ya know...spread out!

So there you have it so far...my spread.

What are you all planning to do for that winter spread?  Any great projects brewing?

Convicts, Crops and Coincidence?

The Chicken Convicts are on the loose daily now.  Every.Stinkin.Day.  At least they don't go far.  They run the fence and talk to each other instead.  I don't understand why they can't figure out how to get back in if they were smart enough to get out. 

Remember when I said all that rain we had last month would hit us on the opposite end of the spectrum?  Yup.  Dry as the bone out there.  We went from 15" one month to .11" this month and I am having to water. 

Last month:

This month:

I have spotted grasshoppers here and there but not too many other pesky critters.  And although the Japanese Beetles haven't been bad this year, they are terrorizing my raspberries.  If they keep it up, I am going to sick The Convicts on them.

After what seems like a very long 'forever' this year, we had our first whopping garden harvest:

A whole .25 oz.!  I think I should leave the peas to the professionals.  Planting on both sides of the trellis didn't even overcome a bad year here!  Bummer.  Debating if I should plant a Fall crop of peas or not.  I will say this, Lincoln did better than the Little Marvel for me.  Worth the learning curve.

We pulled all the garlic too.  It was a bit disappointing also, but I will take what I can get.  I was lucky to have found the marker stakes because for the life of me, I could not remember what varieties we planted.

This is the Little River Giant:

They are the closest to size one may be accustomed to.  So I will try these again next year based on best production in our ground.

This is the Inchdium:

Like the Chesnok Red and Ailsa Craig, they are very small.  I suppose in the end and all things considered how this season has gone, I am pleased enough.  We harvested several hundred bulbs.

The weather has given us a few beautiful days at least.  It got so hot that I managed a few sewing days even:

I have a few other projects to work on when this next heat wave hits as well.  Seeing as how the weeds are relatively under control at least.  Last year by this time, I picked blueberries on July 9th.  They aren't even ready yet.  Next thing you know, it will frost.  Errrrr

And how do you like this for a coincidence? 

Look familiar?  It's not the same one that crashed Greek Easter.  Yup.  The plant behind the last plant that blew had a fire yesterday.  This was a big'un.  No evacuations as it is a rendering plant.  Good thing the wind wasn't blowing in our direction.  Do you think they will send a gift certificate or free lard?

This is why people move to Minnie-soda. 

Did I get that right?  ;-}

Snowed In, Sewn Up!

Pretty sure my MIL has the best philosophy on "Snow Days".  She says it forces everyone to slow down and spend some time at home.  Now that could either be with the ones you love (or drives you nuts) or doing things you love (that we never have enough time for).

Right before the storm hit, I started working on a special order purse.  As soon as it was finished, I loved the pattern and results so much, I made my early run into to town to beat the storm and get the goods to make my own. 

Here is the first one:

Normally I find a million things wrong with my work, but I was pleasantly surprised that I couldn't pick it apart too bad!  Aren't the colors fun??

This is the one I made for myself:

The only thing I struggled with on this one was getting the fusibles to stick to the denim.  So I went ahead and cross-hatched it down the sides, just in case.  Oh and p.s. The right needle for the job made a huge difference!

And on that note, I am all ready for summer with some new, ah...err...clam diggers?

Do what ya gotta do and make'em work!

What'll Be?

Ya know how we all seem to have been struck by that bug?  The one that befuddles our brains and makes us completely -dare I say- useless?

Funny how we go from mad gardener, to crazy canner, to dead man walkin', to kaput!  It's the weather, I know!

Well I have been working on this dang thing since Monday! 

And it's still not done!  But here's why:

It measures 39.5 x 24.5 inches.  Sorta big for a wall hanging!  So my dilemma is, do I just keep going and make it a lap quilt?  Or find a good sized wall to hang it on?  More like a door...but OK!

I could find a really neat block in my new book and just keep going.  But that might take me weeks at this pace!  Or simply bat it, back it, quilt it, bind and gag it, hang it.

What do you think?  I think I'm gonna read a book.  Maybe I will make it thru one chapter!

Who Called Trump???

Who doesn't love a good game of cards?  Well, in this family, we are playing for keeps!

I have a pretty warped sense of humor, but it gets me thru just fine.  Luckily, so do a few other folks!  A few years back, when I was learning how to sew, my MIL made a comment that someday I would "inherit" all her things seeing as how I was the only girl in the family who takes an interest in sewing.  Now if you read yesterday's post, you know that we aren't talking just a random machine and one hamper full of fabric.

She has two rooms dedicated to sewing!  (Lynch Mob Mobilized)  Her sewing machine, an embroidery machine, a serger and a long arm quilter (housed in one room -it's that big!).  Not to mention her "Stash" of fabric that is so huge, you could roll around in it like a bed full of money!  Books, notions, patterns, you name it...she's got it!

That was a few years ago.  Since then, she has made reference to it a few times and we joke about it.  I've told her I'm not ready for her to "Kick It".

Recently, my SIL, Meagan, who is married to my MILs second child, decided she wanted to learn how to sew.  Uh-Oh!  Morbidly, my MIL and I joked that I was still safe because Meg's mom sews and would likely inherit all of her things.  Phew!  Right?  Right???

So I am still in position.  I know...getting kinda creepy, huh?  But we just laugh!

Then, around Christmas my SIL, Jen, decided she might want to give it a try...Crap!  This is my MILs oldest child!

My response? 

"SOB, Jenny just threw that damn TRUMP card!"

Yes friends, indeed she did.  But she's only allowed Four of them.  I made that perfectly clear to her at Christmas and told her to use them wisely....

And I even gave her the cards...wretchin' freckin'
 
I should have played "Go Fish" instead...

Fabric Folding and Organization

Seems like there are a few folks out there looking and needing to set up a great sewing area and get it organized.  You know who you are...I'll get you my pretties!

I have visions of greatness in a sewing room, but alas, my house does not allow.  So I have 'made do' with an otherwise useless corner.  While I would love to have a room dedicated solely to my crafty cravings, this little space actually works quite well. 

So set aside any misconceptions that you need alot of space!  You don't!  You just need a little corner to call your own that is functional.  What I have learned is that I love having everything within minor reach!  Call it cramped, but it really does work!

In the spirit of "Full Disclosure", I am not always tidy.  Oh, the shock!!  When I am working on a project, or several at a time, I have stuff everywhere!  Here's what my table looks like this morning:

Fabric and crap everywhere!  As you start to grow your "Stash", you will need a place to put it.  Preferably one that makes for easy access, quick pickings and does not require you to go thru mountains of messed up, haphazardly thrown together piles in search of the perfect piece!

Recently, my MIL taught me how to fold and store fabric for optimum space savings and selection.  We can all thank her for this little clip:

Once you have your pieces folded, you can organize them by colors, prints, families, or however you choose:

Larger pieces (yards or more) you can fold and store flat in another area if you like.

Did you notice the scrapbook type containers?  They keep your UFO work flat, you can store unused fabric in that same project/family all in one handy spot and then stack them for another day!

Storage always being an issue, think "up and down". Simple shelving keeps things handy as well as baskets. I like to use one basket for small scraps which might be useful for applique pieces and another for larger cuts that are simply too small to fold yet might be useful later. I don't throw out much fabric...ya just never know!  See what I house my fusibles etc. in? Mmmhmmm, an upturned hard top sewing cover. Why not???

All this is under my cutting table.  Not pretty, but whatever!

All those tools...where to put them?  You may remember the simple drawers I use.  You can purchase these at any big box store.  They come in very handy.  If you are fortunate enough to have a little table space, leave the wheels off and they slide right under!

You can put an organizer tray right in there and things start to come together.  Even better...TINS!  Never throw one of them away!  They make for awesome little organizers without rummaging around for things!  Great for the 'pack and go' weekend trips also.

My SIL got me reusable zip ties for Christmas, I found they work great for rolling up fusibles and such.  Gosh those rolls and cuts just always get in the way!  You can also paper clip them together. 

Marking tools...no problem!  I got this little cardboard pencil holder one for a dollar!  I keep fabric markers in one slot, regular pens in another and then little cutting tools in another.  A pint or quart jar would work great!  Betcha ya have some of those laying around, huh?

Notice my "Good Scissors" are not housed here.  They get put up safely!!

You know I don't "do" cute.  Does it work?  Yes.  Problem Solved.

Someday...My MILs Stash... 
She keeps hers in a large wardrobe and in containers.  She can just pull them out by color/family and pick and choose!  My stash is nothing compared to hers!  And if you want to see her entire sewing room (which she told me not to do), click HERE.

Now if you want to see a Picture Perfect room check out Sew Many Ways...this is a blog my MIL follows...wipe the drool ladies!!! 

And yeah, I feel inferior now too!

Now that ya'll have some space to plan, what can I do ya next? 

Do you know Pig Pen went to work and told the guys about Nigerian Goats????  It's a viscious cycle of fun!

Four Legged Shadow

So far, my day has been rather 'funkless'.  Which is a good thing!  The day started early, I got crackin' right away...but every where I went I was shadowed.

Me at the computer...

at the sewing machine...

She doesn't even know how to sew!  Or does she???

I am trying to get way ahead on my "One a Week" theory.  Once the garden goes down, the sewing machine collects dust.   

Now I know all the Mom's out there can relate to the two-legged shadow, but really...a four-legged one?

They never shut up, someone is always pooping, peeing, whining, eating and seldom out from under me!  And the worst part, I talk to them, yell at them, chase them, play with them and threaten them.  "Do you want a smackin'?"  Emma knows to run when she hears that one!  My favorite weapon of choice -the inside roll of spent wrapping paper.  They actually love it!  Goof balls.

But the best part, they love you no matter what!  What would we do with out them?

Where's My Sail?

I've lost my sail.  I'm like a ship adrift at sea and I can't get out of the funk.  Ever since I woke up with a migraine on Saturday...from only 1 1/2 glasses of wine.  How unfair is that?  If I had known that one little bit of wine was going to hit me like that, maybe I shoulda just went hog wild!  But nope, I never do!

So I am floating aimlessly.  Thoughts running thru my head that are just nagging me.  And a stupid song!  When I think about all the blocks I want to make for my Sampler Quilt, why do I keep singing "99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall"?  Beer will just give me another migraine!

I have two and a half blocks done.  That's it!  Here's the two...only 54 more to go...

The purse that eluded me for days did get done however.  I wasn't overly thrilled with it.  Then again, I never really am.  Same color family with darks though.  Hides the dirt!

Then I have been scouring books and the Internet picking Chickens.  I think I have decided the breeds, now to  decide when and how many, how many of each and so on.



For our layers (dual purpose actually), we are going to go with Barred Plymouth Rock and Australorps.

Barred Plymouth Rock



Australorp

Now for the meat birds, this is where I am really, really struggling.  I don't like white chickens!  Call me crazy, but as some of you know...they are my "Chucky Chickens".  Think back to "The Doll" or Chucky Doll and how that wigged you guys out! 

They straight up freak-me-out. 

I don't want birds in my yard that can't walk or look deformed especially!  So my friend Phyllis recommended Plymouth White Rocks. 

White Rock

I was also considering Cornish but not the Cross variety.  Any thoughts?  Remember, no Chucky Chickens.

Cornish

And then, when to get them???  I will be gone most likely the entire month of May traveling for work...so I am very concerned about this.  Will they try and peck my eyeballs out when I return for having abandoned them to Pig Pens care?  Will he have time to tend to them?  Will they feel orphaned?

So that is a glimpse in the Sail.  Or lack thereof.

50th Farmin' Fools!

On one of our trips to Arthur, IL to hit up the Amish bulk goods store, we took a pit stop at a fabric store.  It's funny how you can see the same fabrics from store to store and then stumble across one that jumps up and smacks you upside the head screaming, "Pick Me!"

Well that's what happened with this fabric!  My Aunt Bena and Uncle Wally celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary yesterday!  So my Aunt gifted him with this:

Now I mighta played a small part in this, along with my MILs beautiful quilting ability.  Trust me, I couldn't do that part if my life depended on it.  But I could probably scribble something.

Aunt Bena and Uncle Wally are the farmers in the family and Uncle Wally loves his "Farmall" tractors.  Here is a picture of him on an oldie but goodie from the summer:

Ain't he the cutest farmer ya ever saw?

Course you remember what a Bena in a Bucket is, right?

The pattern is called "Thrifty" and it comes from the book by Judy Hopkins, "501 Rotary-Cut Quilt Blocks".  Yes, the same one I got for Christmas this year!  I had pretty well commandeered this book from my MIL.  She must have wanted it back at some point...so she got me my very own.  I love this book with it's endless possibilities!

But the real story here is this....

Happy 50th Anniversary to my Aunt Bena and Uncle Wally! 

I love you guys!

Leaves and Loves

After the wind storms that blew through here recently, it left our trees pretty nekked.  Alot of them set up home in my breeze-way.  Normally, I will leave them be simply because it isn't over yet!  But my Mom couldn't stand it any more...

I told her not to, but she never listens.  Who am I to argue?  Now who's the smart one, eh?

Today I got my boots!  Woo-Hoo!  I know, such is my exciting life!  After we ran the mall a few, we went to a new fabric store.  That's like taking a kid into the candy store.  I didn't buy anything.  I think I'm feverish or something...kidding.

But my MIL did, of course!  And she sent it all home with me and told me to make her one.  Ok, that makes no sense to me...she sews 35x's better than I do!  I do love to sew, but I am no where near her!

Here's the new little project I whipped up for her:

It's a little wallet/card holder.  The pattern was very basic and similar to another that I have.  I actually liked this one better!  Fun, huh?

And on love...yesterday was Pig Pen's brother Ryan & Meagan's First Wedding Anniversary!  They didn't get their card...and it's all Pig Pen's fault.  That all I'm sayin' on that one!

This was the first 'glimpse' I ever got of Meg, so I thought I'd share it on their belated first!

Meg & Ry...we wish you many more years of happiness and love!  Congratulations on your first year together!