Finished and Moving On (Las Vegas, NV)

Finished! Done!  WooHoo!.....of course, we will not peek into my closet to see how many more UFOs lurk in the dark corners....

I hung these up in a hurry today to get some photos.  I have a long list of things I want to finish before we leave tomorrow.

I had planned to take these to Albuquerque this summer.  Due to our returning to the Preserve for this winter, we will not be going to New Mexico.  

So, if I find a charity group during our travels, I will give them this quilt along with the Redwork Teddy Bear quilt.  Hopefully, I will find a Project Linus contact.  If not, I know the Escapee's Parks have people collecting charity blankets and I don't mind giving them these two quilts.

I need to iron the border on this one.  I also need to take better photos before I post this quilt on Etsy.  I'm sticking with calling this one "Delightfully Dizzy" spring lap quilt.  What do you think of the name?

Good-bye to Las Vegas

Travel day tomorrow ~ Saturday.  Yep, it is time to start making our way north towards Washington State.  I had fun in Las Vegas and maybe someday, we will come back.

Happy Trails!

The Fins Have It (Las Vegas, NV)

This is a continuation from my last post:

I wanted to share some photos of the Bottle-nosed Dolphins from the Secret Garden.  We were so close that we were warned cameras could end up wet in the 'splash zone'.  We were there at a good time.  The dolphins' caretakers were feeding them and asking them to do a few tricks.

  

At one point, all the caretakers were busy with a small meeting near the pool and not paying attention to what the dolphins were doing behind their backs.  They are as bad as kids when Mommy and Daddy are not watching them.

Hey!  Look at me!

Such a cute smile....

aww...come on, throw a fish.

Smile isn't working.  eeeeeeeee!  translated means

I'm hungry!  How about some fish?

Yea! Fish!

Yipee! Skippy!

I got a fish!

The White Lion slept the whole time during our visit.  At least, he was facing us while he was sleeping.  Such a peaceful looking fellow...big fellow with big paws.  I certainly would not want to disturb his sleep and have him wake up grouchy.

Do Not Disturb

Tired Kitty

On the Cutting Board

While embroidering the redwork Teddy Bears, I noticed the red thread was bleeding onto the white background.  I started to worry because it took very little moisture to make the red thread bleed onto the white background.  I could see the quilt's whites turning pink after the first wash until I read about some color catcher sheets.....

  

I was reading the Quilting Board and came across another quilter asking if she should wash her quilt before giving it away.  Many said they did wash their quilts before giving them to the new owner.  One mentioned that she always washed her quilts with Shout Color Catcher sheets.  

I decided to give the sheets a try.  According to the box, you can wash all sorts of colors together and the sheets will catch the runaway dyes.  It also mentions with dark or red colors to use more than one sheet.  Okay, so that has me wondering - if I don't use enough sheets will it not do its job?

9:05 am ~ So, I'm running a test today.  The redwork is in the wash with 2 sheets as I write this post.  We have a low-water European washer/dryer so I'm also worried the sheets will not work as well.  Fingers are crossed....

10:45 am ~ After close inspection, I have to say the color catcher sheets are a great success!  The whites in the quilt are white and the runaway red dye is in the sheets.  Those are the two sheets that were in the wash.  The two pink sheets were white when I tossed them into the wash.

Happy Quilting!

Too Short, but very Sweet

Well, our visit is over.  A little too short, but it was wonderful.  Just like this blog is going to be today.

Kristy and Dick are on their way back home.  I enjoyed talking quilts and catching up on all our families' latest activities.  Kristy brought photos of her latest quilt projects.  Just beautiful!  I love her black & white with red quilt.   Of course, I had to pull out a few of my project.  I should have planned ahead and got a few out of our storage area.  Oh well....next time.

We took a walk around the Preserve.  It was pretty quiet with a few birds here and there, but the day was perfect for a walk.  We did see the Belted Kingfisher who made a lot of noise before zipping down the creek.  On the next day, Kristy walked with Dan while I was working and Dick checked emails (got to stay connected, you know!).  Anyway, they had more luck during their walk.  They saw a coyote and the Javalina.  I wish I could have gone with them, but I was very busy at the Center with visitors.

Here's some nature photos:

On the Cutting Board

I started working on another Cupid mug rug.  Once I finish the two Cupids and one Rabbit mug rugs, I will start on the Uncle Sam mug rugs.  

Of course, I can't stay focused on one project for very long so I traced a new snowman pattern onto some muslin.  I searched through my stash of threads for brighter colors to use this time.  Aren't they adorable?!

Happy Quilting and Safe Travels to Dick and Kristy!

12 Projects of 2012 (Patagonia, AZ)

A Facebook group called Crafty Mavens invited me to join their 12 Projects for 2012.  Each person makes out a list of projects to finish.

Here's my PhD (Projects half Done) list:

1. Small Stockings
2. Mug Rugs – Seasonal
3. Crochet Blanket
4. Teddy Bear Quilt
5. Dresden Quilt
6.  Traveler Mug Rug
7. Frog – Witches Brew
8. Cat Quilt
9. Valentine Angel
10. Cake Mix Quilt
11. X-stitch Cat Sign
12. Granddaughter’s quilt

I'm looking at this list and thinking it doesn't look all that bad, does it?  I could finish a few of these in one month, right?  This list is a Breeze!  Yep, famous last words...

Since I'm more visual, I decided to add photos from the list.

1. Stockings

2. Mug Rugs

3. Crochet blanket

4. Teddy Bear Quilt

and or

4. Teddy Bear Quilt

5. Dresden Plate Quilt

6. Traveler Mug Rug & Rabbit for another quilt

7. Frog and Mummy Mug Rugs

8. Cat Quilt  (I stashed so well that I can't find it right now)

9. Valentine Angel (No Photo)  The patterns and material are packed in the basement right now.

10. Cake Layer Quilt

11. X-stitch kit

12. Garden Quilt

Then I piled them all together.  Oh yea, the list feels a lot bigger now....

My order of yarn finally showed up.  It only took two weeks to get here.  I think it took the scenic route.  :0)

I will leave you with a couple of photos of birds.  Both of these birds are hard to photograph.  They like hiding in thickets and bushes.  The Albert's Towhee was playing peek-a-boo with me.  I finally got one good photo when he ducked down to see if I was still there.  Gotcha!

Albert's Towhee

Townsend Solitaire

Well, I better get back to my projects, because I've already got another list going of new projects that are floating around in my head.

Teddy Bears, Snowmen, and Coatimundi, Oh MY!

Embroidery Projects

I finished another top!  I am so happy with the outcome on this Redwork quilt.  I did not realize how much I missed embroidery until I started this project.  I did get a little tired of using "just red".  At the same time, on evenings when I just wanted to veg-out and keep my hands busy, it was nice to have the color decision already done.  Now I have two tops ready to be quilted.  Gosh, that feels so good!

Okay, call me crazy..I wanted to start on the "Snowman Collector" Redwork pack that I bought in Branson, MO. (posted Aug2011)  Like I don't have enough projects going at this moment.  

There's something like 24 blocks to embroider in this project, so I decided to start small with a pattern that was published in "Quiltmaker" magazine by the same designer.  I'm using different colors for this one block since I have a small tub filled with DMC threads.  Might as well use them, right?  After I finish this first block, I will decide with the pattern pack if I want to use just red or blue or different colors for the whole project .

I used a mechanical pencil to transfer the pattern

New Light Box

I ordered up a light box so I can take better photos of my items for sale.  I was amazed to find this kit on Amazon for under $30 by ACM Global.  Of course, it was almost $44 by the time I paid for shipping, but it is still a great deal when others are selling just the folded light tent for $70.

My kit included a tent with 4 colored inserts (red, blue, black,white), 2 standing lights, and a small tripod.  The tent folds up into a very nice carrying case that holds all the above and it is easy to store in my closet.

With some practice and test runs, I hope to get the lighting right.  Then I can re-post some better photos in my Etsy shop.  I sort of like using the black background.  It doesn't wash out the colors.  The white background seems to give off a glare.  I'll have to work with the white background some more.

A Family of Coatimundi
Yesterday, Dan followed some Coatimundi and deer into the woods.  I stayed on the trail.  I don't like walking through the thickets here.  While waiting for Dan to come back, I heard a lot of crashing in the woods on the other side of the old cottonwood.  

The next thing I knew, I was looking at a family of eight Coatimundi looking at me from the old tree.  Some were making a 'chugging" sound as they sat in the tree staring at me.  Yea, they seemed a little upset with us humans.  

I stayed on the path and tried to get photos through the tree branches.  Most of the photos did not come out too well.  It was interesting to watch them run up and head first down the tree. 

Check out those toe nails.   Good for digging, climbing,
and hmm, I think I'll keep my distance.

Dan got some more photos and video of the Coati while he was in the woods. We will post them on 2toomanycats blog soon.  They are so fascinating to watch.

Oh no, here comes another human!

Quilting Muse? (Patagonia, AZ)

Confession time:  I have to admit that I had lost my passion for quilting.  Even the thought of creating something new made me...okay, I'll say it "cringe".  Every time I tried to work on one of my projects for the last couple of months, I felt like I was making myself do it.  The love of quilting just wasn't there and I did not know why.  

During my 3-day break, I found my creative passion for quilting and I understand why I lost it.  I contribute this enlightenment to yoga. I know I'm getting a little deep here, but bare with me. I promise to keep this short.  

I started back into yoga about 7 years ago to help lose weight.  I keep to simple poses for strength, stretching, and relaxing/meditation.  I did not realize how much I and my body were missing these sessions until last weekend.  

Halfway through the first session, I could feel my spine stretching, the blood flowing to the brain, and oxygen filling my lungs.  My relaxed mind kicked into high gear and all sorts of quilting ideas start flowing....images of quilts, color schemes, new ideas for finishing UFOs.  

It was a wonderful feeling!  Welcome Back!  Okay, so I sound a little weird, but nothing else motivates me like yoga.   Yoga is my Muse and I cannot ignore it.

On to Q U I L T I N G !

I pulled out the four Dresden Plate blocks and added sashings to them.  It seemed a little small and unfinished.

After some thought, I decided to add borders to make it a little larger.  All right! One top is ready for quilting this summer.  WooHoo!

I also finished the last Redwork block of Teddy Bears.  I bought the red polka-dot fabric just for this project.  I came pretty close to using it for other quilts.  I'm so glad I did not use it.  I hope to start on the sashings soon.  We get another 3-day weekend for New Years.  Guess what I'll be working on.

Did I tell you that I like to crochet too..just for something different that is fast and easy.  I usually crochet while Dan is driving, but I decided I needed to get this one out of the closet and get it done.  I'm about halfway through this one and I hope to have it done before we leave here.

I love this yarn.  It is so soft and fluffy.  I think any child will love having it.  The yarn color is called Tutti-Fruiti, but I think it looks like Cotton Candy, don't you?

Oh, and all three above projects are going to Project Linus unless I can find a local charity that takes blankets and quilts for children in need.

Remember my Delighted! squares that I won?  I thought I would save some time doing some fast stack-n-whack cutting.  BIG mistake!  I cut one of the stripes the wrong direction!  Nooooo!  I should have known better.  I guess I will replace it with some of the green fabric that I bought for the border.  I'm hoping this is a good mistake because I did not plan to add the green into the quilt blocks.  Maybe it will look more uniformed with a little of the border in the blocks.  Fingers crossed - well, not while I'm sewing, of course.

I am curious.  Do you have a Muse?  Not one that inspires you, but actually gets you motivated and gets your creative juices flowing. 

My Memories Freebie Friday

** After today, I will be adding the Free designs on a separate "Freebie" page along with coupon information and tips.  Each one will be available for one week.**


Please note that all of these are .png files only, not MyMemories Suite Templates. They are usable in any software so these freebies are for everyone!! These freebies include 2 Quick Pages, and all of the papers and elements used in creating them. The elements and QuickPages are .png and the papers are .jpg format.

This Digital Kit Includes:

• 5 Page Elements
• 2 Quick Pages

This Digital Kit Includes:

• 2 Digital Papers
• 5 Page Elements
• 2 Quick Pages

It is easy to make your own digital scrapbook. I created the below scrapbook page using one of the free Designer Packs.

Here are the simple instructions from My Memories - LIZ:

Just open MyMemories Suite to a blank layout, click: Photos ==> Add (find your .png Quick Page on your computer)

Add the Quick Page to your project, and then do the same for your photo. Add a little Text for your journaling and voila - you're done in an instant!! 

If you are interested in getting the software, please go to My Memories website and don't forget.....

Use this discount code: STMMMS75192

during your checkout and receive:

$10 off  the software purchase

and a $10 gift  certificate to the online store