----Quilting is Blissful

A LAZY SORT OF DAY--

2012-01-27T19:29:00.000-05:00

I got up later than usual--

so for my sewing time in the morning and early afternoon--

I just did hand quilting--

got another block all finished--

now the pink tulip is done--

and almost got another block done--

so we are moving right along on this quilt.

Went for a ride with a girl friend this afternoon while she went to get a new belt for her cleaner--

and got home in time to do my 'computer duty'!!!!

So it really was a short/fast day!!!!

Hugs, Di and the fur ball!!!!!

HO-DAY 3

2012-01-26T19:22:00.000-05:00

Are we still working away--my little elves?????
I know a couple of you are--
I can not tell you what a great feeling the work that I got done these last 3 days on Christmas is!!!!!

I may not have actually completed any projects--
but the 'hard' part of these projects are done--

so even if I don't touch this months projects again till Dec--
look at how easy they will be to "just" finish them!!????
these '3' cats took a long time--each--to applique!!!
and then to have 3 of them on one project!!!!
As the background on this one was dark and the fabrics where dark, these cats do have a very thin piece of batting under them--so they are called 'fat cats'!!!!!

Today was mostly a 'rocking' chair kind of day for me--
so did not get the table runners finished--
but finishing the applique on these 3 tops took all day anyways!!!

I have decided to 'declare' the month of February--

"Working with wool" month--

I know that I have alot of projects and patterns using 'wool' that I want to make--
and thought it would be fun to have some others join me in this ----
and for us here while it is cold and windy out--this would be a great time of the year to do it--
so get that wool out and lets get to doing some "wool gatherings" and see what we can get done during the month of February????????

Oh and Miss Gracie toooo!!!!

HO HO DAY 2---

2012-01-25T20:21:00.000-05:00

My little Christmas elves are being alittle 'quiet'--
are you working this month on a Christmas project--
remember I did say there would be a 'prize' every month--
and it is still open if anyone else would like to join us!!

Here's what meself did today---
I finally finally got to play with that 60 degree ruler--
the one I bought 2 Christmas's ago--

This is the first one I did--
and I did it fine the first time--
even cut the 2 end angles in the right direction--

This is number 2--and yes--I goofed on this one--so it is shorter than it was to be!!!
cut the one end at the wrong angle--
and then I got really 'bad' and started playing around-
and came up with these 2--

These are part of the sets that you cut and then 'disregard'!!
and I actually liked doing these better--the smaller one is planned out--
so the designs are more spaced!!!
and here is the third one--

This was only a one yard cut--instead of the one and half they call for--
but discovered that I could get 3 rows cut and in thinking that the 3rd row would give me the end cuts I did it that way--
but Surprise Di--I could only get one cut--
so this is much smaller than planned--but I like this one the best in the fact that the rows match up nicely--and I have discovered that not all border prints are created 'equal' and will work with this pattern!!!!
Oh and here is the 'boss' inspecting my seams--

goofy cat!!!!
I did get some more applique done on the pillow tops--

did get the star stitched on this one now and the teddy bear one is nearly done--
but I have a decision to make on these and need some help--
I can make these into pillows, or I could make them into wall hangings or I could make them into tote bags???
These are for gifts--so if you where to get one this next Christmas--
which way would you like them==
pillow--
wall hanging--
tote--
other---

Well that's it for this program--
did have fun today--hope to do some more things tomorrow--
so tune in again and see what is up!!!!!

Hugs, Di and the 'inspector'--Miss Gracie

HO HO HO--

2012-01-24T20:38:00.000-05:00

And how are all my little Christmas elf's doing tonight????

I do say I am so glad that 'my' boss came up with idea of doing some Christmas work a couple days each month--Thanks Miss Gracie--!!!!!!

I was able to work on a couple projects today that have been waiting in the wings for --

for along time--years even--

Here is the first one--

an appliqued Scotty dog--

I have had this pattern for 3-4 years and these two fabrics tucked into the pattern since then--

and in thinking about where to start on the Christmas stuff--I decided that this month I wanted to work on some gifts that I have wanted to make every year for along time--

I even have the Scotty done--and now the background fabric that was left can go back into the Christmas fabric box for another project!!!

this pattern also has 2 other designs in it--

this one--can you tell what this one will be????

and this one--both of these are ready to be appliqued now--

and then I have had this next one for 2-3 years--

and it is finally traced off and the extra fabric is now back into the Christmas fabric bin--

this one I did change one word on the saying on the bottom of it to say 'winter' instead of

Christmas--so now I also realized that left me an opening to use other colors on the little quilt blocks hanging from the tree instead of red and green--soooooo!!!!

This was today work--

I only got in a half of day because remember it was a Tuesday and my friend Anne comes to quilt--

while she was here I was able to get two more blocks on the pink quilt - hand quilted--

and this one--

there is a pink tulip block above this yellow one and it is next to do!!!!

And I have my Christmas sewing project for tomorrow all planned--

if I can find the pattern????????

I think though that these '3' days of Christmas are going to go really fast--

so be ware if you see some 'smoke' coming from my direction--

I want so much to get some things done!!!!!

I was wondering if we should bake some Christmas cookies to eat while we stitch?????

Hugs, Di and that boss of mine--

Miss Gracie--

Happy Christmas sewing!!!

WHAT HAVE I GOTTIN

2012-01-23T20:43:00.000-05:00

Myself into here--

We are suppose to make 12 of these plates--
and I think I could get the 12 or most of them out of the layer cake--
only -- every plate would look pretty much the same, as I discovered that there is only about 23 prints in the cake that are different, and if you need 20 fans for each plate--well--they will all look pretty much the same!!!
So I did go through my 30's prints and came up with about 13 fabric prints that should blend in nicely--and then I will have variety --
I also did some sewing on the fans today--stitched and stitched,
then cut them apart, and turned the points and pressed--
and when I got done I only had enough stitched for about 4 plates---
so 'who' I ask again got me into this??????

I did manage to get another bom somewhat finished up today--
Cottage--

From Shabby Fabrics for January--

And I took a quick trip to Walmart this afternoon--
went though what is left of Christmas and found a treasure--

the cupcake papers on the left--
so then had to go check out what they had in for Valentines day--
and those are on the right side--

and see there is even some 'pink' ones in there!!!!
Now--here comes the 'problem'--
I do not 'need' these!!!!
but I seen someone on here that collects these and has them in a pretty display jar--
and not wanting to be 'left' behind, I 'must' also do my part and collect some!!!!

Now for this--
I have signed up to do the TUSAL which is for Totally Useless sal--
and we have to put our threads in a jar and show them 'off' every new moon--
and that is today--so here goes--

fluffy--
and--

flattened, for more to add next month--
now this is just the counted cross stitch threads--
So I think it shows that I was up to 'something' this month!!!
Check this out at itsdaffycat.blogspot.com

Ahhh--Di what is with the Santa Claus's?????
Reminder--that tomorrow is the 24th, and we start our '3' days of Christmas sewing--
and remember you can make gifts during this time--and you do not have to use Christmas fabric--
they just need to be gifts for giving at Christmas time--in fact I think this is what I may be working on --so get those totes out that you did up and your idea pads that you wrote those ideas for gifts on or decorations on and get busy!!!!!

Hugs, and happy stitching--

Di and her fur ball--that Miss Gracie

THE STORY OF THE THREE---

2012-01-22T19:20:00.000-05:00

Bears--

I have my very own version of the story of 'The Three Bears'--

and as any good story about the 3 bears it needs a papa bear, a momma bear, and a baby bear!!
and so does my story--
You remember me telling you about the Scrappy Plate bom group by Anne--
and so this is how my story goes--
First I made this one--

It measured 23" across--
this is the Papa bear--
had to go back to the sewing room with the correct tool and I made--
this one--

this is Momma Bear--
and it measures only 18" across--
thought I finally had a handle on it--
but as I kept running across blogs about this scrappy plate bom--
and I see they were making more that one--
something 'clicked' last night--that something was wrong!!!
so back to Bunny Tales site I went--
and again I read her notice about the bom--
still had questions--so I reread it for the 3-4 times by now--
and there it was--she said to get a set of the instructions to go to the top of her page and hit the 'free' button"--
well--that is what I did--
and I nearly cried--
so here is the 3rd attempt--

at 10 inches !!!!
and this is Baby Bear!!!!!
You only use 4 inch long strips--not the whole ruler of 8"--duhhhhhhhh!!!!!!
So the good news is--
I can probably get the whole 12 plates from the one layer cake!!!
Spend last night cutting out alot of the blades--so am ready to stitch up a storm now--
and I sure hope I have read it correctly this time!!!!
Oh and I stillllllll love this block and the fabrics I am using!!!!
I just need to learn "how-to-read"!!!!

Can you see the difference here--
baby bear is laying on top of momma bear--
really big difference!!!
Oh--am I going to 'frog' the Momma bear--
No way--she will be a wall hanging or a pillow!!!

I also got the counted cross stitch project done on the January Words today--
but need to finish it off yet--tomorrow--I will have more time tomorrow!!!!!

Hope you all have a great week ahead for lots of stitching!!
Hugs, Di and her baby--Miss Gracie

BEEN BUSY--

2012-01-21T19:46:00.000-05:00

but doesn't seem like I have a lot to show for it--

Another block of hand quilting on the pink quilt--

but this is 2 days of work here--

did alittle bit more applique on the cottage block, but not finished with that one yet--

and have done more counted cross stitching on the 'Words" project---

so nothing at all exciting here--

Today I had the privilege of doing up a sink full of dirty dishes,

cleaning kitty box and taking out the garbage and --

getting 4 loads of laundry done before others came along and wanted to do some--

but that isn't anything to really blog about I guess!!!!

Oh --I did get a package in the mail yesterday from UK--

two new cross stitch patterns--

hey I heard that--I know I don't need any more patterns--

but--but---I love sweet peas and pansies and seen these sooooo??????

and I was already doing an order for some green shades of cloth for this one stitchery--

and here are the three greens--

the one on the far right is the one that the pattern used and that I was having a hard time with--

do love the feel of the 2 new ones--just the colors are not just what I am looking for--

one simple pattern equals one big headache!!!!!

as for Miss Gracie--

she seems to just like being herself and she loves her new 'trick'--

to get to my footstool before I can get to the rocker and use it--

silly cat!!!!!!

Here's an old friend of mine--

we have been friends ever since I found her,

back years ago at a craft fair--

ain't she cute?????

You all have a great Sunday--

Hugs, Di and that silly cat, Miss Gracie

AN "O" KIND OF DAY!!

2012-01-19T20:13:00.000-05:00

As I woke this morning and went to get out of bed--
I said 'O'--is it really time to get up--again????

As I was getting dressed and fixing breakfast--
I said 'O'--I think I am going to be in trouble today!!!!
As I ate breakfast and then picked up the quilt to hand quilt on it--

I said 'O'--I think I am not feeling well today????
And I am cold--even with the heat on--my body feels cold!!!
As I got up to do my daily household chores--
I said 'O'--and when I went to make the bed--
I feel into it -- covered up and was asleep in less than a minute!!!
So I thought when I woke up at noon--

that 'O' now I will really be able to 'party" and get lots and lots done--
Well--'O' surprised me with the fact that I felt alittle 'worse' even!!!
So to make a long 'OOOOOOOOOO" short--
I did get alittle done, but not my normal speed--
here is today's results of an 'O' kinda day--

Completed another block on the quilt--

I did some 'fussy' cutting when I put this quilt together that was not part of the quilt club--
but that rose just wanted to be center stage--and one must never argue with a rose!!!!

and I worked on some of the applique on the Cottage of the month block--

I used wool for the scalloped piece between the roof and the house--
think it worked out cute--
this one has more stitching on it than the bunny one from yesterday--

and I did work on the counted cross stitch project awhile--
so I did keep busy--when I wasn't in bed!!!

Hugs, from Miss Gracie, too!!!

WENT ON A DIET--

2012-01-18T20:12:00.000-05:00

Yep--decided it was time--

And in one day --

I lost 4 --

and I lost 5 inches--

And I feel sooo much better now--

See--there is now '4' less blades--so I have a start on the second one--

and now it only measures 18" across--I am really liking making these--

but now I need to get the white or just a tad off white to applique this block to and decide on the center--

the blue dot one is out now though--the scale of the dots are too big for it!!!!

Oh==and for those of you who thought I meant I had went on a 'diet'==

Have no fear--

I am still meeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!

And look what else I got started and finished all in one day--

The first block of the bom by Raspberry Rabbit--

this was a fun block to stitch--

Shell has her two bunnies on it the same color--

but I did Harrington bunny on the left a little darker than the Hannah rabbit on the right--

as that is the way they are in real life!!!!!

And I got the first block of the Cottages prepped--

just need to start that applique on it--tomorrow tomorrow-or whenever!!!

And I forgot to take a picture yesterday of a 'gift' that my Anne brought me --

Look at this ~~huge~~tiny screw driver!!!!

It is sooo cute!!!!

And I never liked the photos of the Full House quilt--

did not feel that you got a good look at the alphabet panel in the center--so I took a picture of a couple of the letters for you to see--

and now for Wednesday's kitten picture of the week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have a good stitchy day --

Hugs, Di and her kitty, Miss Gracie

VOLUNTEER NEEDED?

2012-01-17T20:20:00.001-05:00

Volunteer needed--
all you need to know about is frogs!!

And I have even located the perfect one for you to work on!!
I hear my dear friend Alice is good with frogs--so maybe she will do it for me????
this needs to be 'frogged'--

Now isn't this the 'cutest' frog you have seen in the pond--
very colorful--and it comes with 23 friends!!!

Went to the Quilt shop today and found the right 'tool' for the job!!!

Oh and one fat quarter jumped in the bag tooooo!!!
I brought the ruler home and layed it on the 'plate'--
mine are the right lenght--and the right width at the top where the points are--

but you can see that the bottom of the template on mine was way wider--
soooooo---I need an experienced 'frogger' to frog all 24 blades so I can trim them and sew them all back together again!!!!!!! and yes--I do need to actually frog them--as you need to press the seams "open" to applique the block down on the background fabric!!!!
Am curious to see what size it comes out as too!!???

And looky here--I found the exact same color of cloth in a 28 ct --
so now it will be alittle larger--but that is ok--also decided to redo the colors--
January always says the color blue to me--so am adding blues instead of so many in the brown/rust family--and that has been fun!!!

Last night I did get some prep work done in tracing some patterns off onto freezer paper for some blocks of the bom--but did not get to the sewing room today--morning was spent with my friend Anne, and the afternoon was working on the counted cross stitch!!!

And I just got into moreeeeeeeeeeee--troubleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!
tonight with the "It just takes two" club--downloaded the first 2 sets of blocks--a total of 11!!!
now need to decide what two colors of solids to use--they are doing the models in red and white and I really like that--but--maybe a pretty blue and white would be nice--or, hey, some of you purple lovers out there--what about purple and white??????

Also this pattern is looking for a new home--

well---time to go for now--you all be good--cause I sure ain't!!!!

Hugs, Di and miss gracie

SEWING SEWING SEWING--

2012-01-16T20:04:00.000-05:00

I think that about says it for today--
No now wait a minute--
Miss Gracie has a new clean litter box--so that means someone did do some house work in amongst all this sewing!!!!

Got another block all hand quilted this morning--

Then I headed to the sewing room cause I have decided that I want to join the Dresden plate stitch along that Anne of Bunny Hill is doing--
I do not have the actual dresden plate ruler--
can you believe that????
but I found a template of one I had made about 8 years ago--
so I used that--
and the Cape Ann layer cake for it--
and this is what I got--

I love it--only it is 23" round--wow!!!
but then I am not sure how round they come out with the correct plastic Dresden ruler?????
I can get 2-3 blades out of each 10" square--and most of the regular prints there is two of each design--
it is just the actual clothes pieces that there is only one sheet of--so I will probably need another layer cake to make it--
but then again--I did discover that the colors in these prints match 30's colors and I have alot of them--
I have tried out two centers--
Center #1-

Center #2

and then there is background to applique this to--
did find this one--

This one has small pink roses on it--and I have some with small blue roses on it???
What do you think?????
Am going to the city on Friday--and could get a solid--probably white or a real pale blue??????
These are so easy to make--or at least the part was?????

Then this afternoon I continued to start another counted cross stitch project--
I know--yesterday was the last day--number 15--but remember I finished one in the one day--
so I felt I needed to have a total of 15 ufo's!!!
so started this one--

Oh my what a job--it is done on 36 ct cloth
and me and the cloth and the threads and counting
are not getting very far--

and really there are 3 letters on here that really should be done over again--
I mean again--have already done a couple of them several times--ouch!!!!!!
and this is just January--there is 11 more I want to do in this series??????

Keep warm--
and keep stitching!!!!
Hugs, Di and that fur ball--!!!

IT IS SUNDAY EVENING HERE--

2012-01-15T17:28:00.000-05:00

It has been a cold one here--
but nice and warm inside the apartment--
I have mostly hand quilted today or been here on the computer working--

some of the bom's for 2012 started today--
so was looking in to them and doing some copying of the patterns --
Now to decide how many and which ones I would like to do--
there is soooo many neat ones out there--
yet I keep reminding myself of all the 'wip's' in the closet ????
so what is a girl suppose to do????

I did watch this movie last night--

And I decided this was a 'guy chick flick'--
one of the first I have seen in a long time--
did enjoy it--but---
you can tell it was really a 'man's' bucket list!!!!
At least that is my story and I am sticking to it!!!!

Today I did find some fabrics for a Valentine project--

Now if the quilt fairy will just show up--
oh there she is--

and now she can put this one together for me!!!

And then one of the bom's that Anne is doing at Bunny Hill is the Dresden plates--
and I thought this layer cake would be a great one for that project--

But now I need the ruler---
yep--don't have this one--
I even cleaned out my ruler drawer--just to be sure--but 'me' no find!!!!

Have a great evening and enjoy what ever it is that you are doing tonight!!
and if you are where it is going to be really really cold--may you stay nice and warm!!!

Hugs, Di and miss gracie

WAS I BAD TODAY OR---

2012-01-14T20:35:00.000-05:00

was I a good girl????
Big question here???

You see I did not work on any Valentines projects==
prepping or anything--
so I was 'bad'!!???

but I did finish this==

this morning--
I mean I would of had to move the parts I had cut for this, in order to do any other work--
then I would of had to relocate them sometime next week to finish it--
It just seemed 'simpler' to just go ahead and finish this one, then all the leftover fabrics for this project can get put away and then the cutting, and sewing area's are cleaned up for the next project--
So I was good--!!???? Right????

And it was day 14 of the Crazy Challenge and that is my afternoon time for these last two weeks--
we are nearly finished with this challenge --but then what????
does the counted cross stitch fairies come in and finish all these "works in progress"--

or do we just put them in a drawer until ???????? whenever??????

I am also spending some time each day at hand quilting--
and remember this is the quilt I am presently working on--

Here is part of one row--3 hearts--
I just love this quilt and can't understand 'why' I haven't gotten this done way before this--

see some of the fabrics even have a little sheen to them--
and I love these colors--
SO--
tell me why I just made two quilt tops in red, black, and a tan??????
and what am I suppose to do with them??????

Have a great Sunday--
Hugs, Di and a kitty who loves pink tooooo!!!!

THREE TITLES FIT FOR TODAY--

2012-01-13T19:25:00.000-05:00

COOL--

HAPPY DANCE--

FRIDAY THE 13TH--MAIL

How is that for today--
Ok--
let's start with the -- Cool one!!!
Last night after I got off the computer and walked past the table where the Full House Quilt was laying--

I looked at it and I was in 'love' with it ==just as it is--
can't explain it really--you know me I am always redoing and frogging something--
but I just feel that I am to leave this one as is--maybe cause it reminds me that none of us are perfect, but once the quilting is all done--you will not see any imperfections!!!
PS--went downstairs with the quilt this morning and found a neighbor to hold it up so you can see all of it!!!

Now--Happy Dance--

As I got up this morning and was getting breakfast ect--
It hit me how to do the blocks on the other panel that goes with this line--
so after alittle hand quilting and the normal housework thingy's--
I got into the sewing room and this is what I came out with--

Now I realize that the tan blocks look empty--
but I also realized that I have some neat stencils for quilting that I never get to use cause all my quilts are so busy with busy blocks--so this way I can do a fancy design in these tan 'unbusy' blocks!!!!
I also have the next border all figured out and cut--but no more time today to work on it--
with this 'crazy 15 challenge' still going on!!!

and Third was some 'yummy' mail--
got an order in today--

Some Schnibbles patterns that I do not have--

a jelly roll -this was on sale for $16.??-- and I did not have any of this line--
I love the pinks and tans, but am not crazy about the yellows with the pinks--
duhhhh---I realized that I can take the yellow ones out and use them else wheres--
especially for that price!!!!

and a nice assortment of half yard cuts--
so now I have even less shelf space--
am I crazy or what--
( the or what -- is that I like 'sales'!!!!!)

And I did get a nice start on Crazy 13th stitchery--
what I won't tell you is that I started it about 12:30 am!!!
gotta do something when one can't sleep!!!
course there was alot of frogging it seemed on this one--

and I got a longs to go on it!!!

We got a little snow last night--just ground covering--with lots of rain before hand--
so the biggest problem is the ice--
and it is getting way cold tonight and is suppose to stay that way alllllll week end--
so guess where I hope to be and what I hope to be doing????

Tomorrow ===
remember is the day to work on preparing or planning some of your Valentine projects--
are you ready????

Hugs, Di and a sleeping Miss Gracie

I THINK I SHOULD OF STAYED IN BED--

2012-01-12T19:37:00.000-05:00

today--it seems that the two projects I worked on came out --
well--not sure--have a looky see yourself--
First I thought I got the top to the Full House Schnibbles pattern all finished--
and I was soooo happy that I got it all to come out even--

Yea--as you can see--mine is alot different that the way the pattern has you do it--
the fabric line I chose I had also gotten two of there panels--one being the ABC's--
and one being the larger blocks like the ones in the four corners here--
and so I decided to frame the abc panel with the houses--
and it did work--
but after I got it all sewed I looked down and I wondered who the construction worker was that 'built' these house blocks--

because he/she did a really bad job of the roof pieces--
look here--

those points on the roof are suppose to match--whereas the house on the left has a huge overhang--

see--these are not much better--
I can not believe that I he/she did such bad workmanship!!!!
so now what--do I 'frog' them all and fix them--
and if I do that where does that put the inside panel and trim????
Oh my!!!!

Then right after lunch is my counted cross stitch time until the first 15 are started--
today was this one--

I think this is sooo cute--but why have I chosen to stitch this one!!!
and why do they have all that fancy colored stitching on the hat--
why can't I just do a normal witches hat and use dark purples and black all over it?????
Any ways--I usually have my center lines all stitched in the night before--
but that did not happen last night--so did that first and then started stitching--
and of course the center of this pattern is on the large strip full of colors-- piece of the hat--
and I use Cosmos thread instead of DMC--
and I got some of the golds and oranges too close in color--
so the first few rows blended in way too much--so out came the floss boxes and back to the drawing board I went--after picking out a second set--I only managed to get this much done for today--

Much better color range though and now when I do pick this one up to finish it--
hopefully the hard decisions and selecting is done--and I can stitch away--!!

So I did get some progress work done today--
or didn't I????????

Hugs, Di and that silly cat, Miss Gracie

THE DRAGON GOT THE BEST OF ME TODAY--

2012-01-11T19:38:00.000-05:00

But I got some things done---before he won!!!

look at him--he is so happy that he got me!!!!

But look at what I got finished today --

I am sooo happy with this little 'ufo' being all finished--
see sometimes those ufo's do find there way back under the 'needles'!!!!

I did go outside today--
went over town-- first to the post office to mail out a couple packages--
so Grethe and Linda your gifts are finally on the way!!!
and got my brother and sister-in-laws Christmas gifts mailed!!!!
What it's after Christmas--welllllll--
then it is either late for this year or early for next Christmas--
take your pick!!!!
It really was lovely here this morning to go over town--
the sun was really shinning and bright--

And now would you believe this--
I went into the Quilt shop and came out without buying a single thing--
but did come home with these--

these are shop samples that I did for them a couple 3 years ago and she was finished with them, so she just gave them back to me!!!
And I even went into the yarn shop for a minute and came out without spending a cent--
I was sooooo good today!!!!

You've got mail-----
Got some orders in this week-this one is from the Green fairies charm pack sale--

got nearly all solids==cause I sure have a few of prints now--
Then Bunny Hill had to have a sale--

and I really really needed--

this blue piece with the chocolate bunny on it for the SAL of Something wonderful--
of course I got the fat quarter pack with some of the other blues for this line-----!!!!!!!
and those gray wools are sooo neat--and will look lovely in my wool stash!!!!

this was me this afternoon while I was trying to do my No. 11th counted cross stitch--
so I had to let the dragon win and I had to give up and go in for my nap early!!!

Hugs, Di and Miss Gracie

TODAY WAS DRAGON DAY--

2012-01-10T20:12:00.000-05:00

And it started early--

Like the minute I woke up--

I had to 'fight' off a dragon --
called--

Sleepie!!!!!
I felt soooo tired today--all day--
but I just kept going form 'A' to 'B' to---
and I did make it through the day--somehow!!!

I mean there was work to do--
Friend to visit with--was my 'Anne's' day to day--
she got a binding done on a lap quilt and I got my small quilt all hand basted--yes!!!!!!!!!!
There was a trip to the grocery store--
and then there was working on the Cross stitch project for Day 10--
Then I was finally able to do--

resting (called a nap!!!)
and then back to work--
got the binding sewed on the little quilt-
and finished 'tying' up the alligator--

that was on the dinning room table--

So it is next in line for hand quilting!!!!

and now here I am with my friends--

Sharing my day and works--
what would I do without all of you to keep me on the " gang" tired or not--
I know that I have you waiting out there to see what I have been up to for the day--
oh and now don't forget we need to check in on Miss Gracie--

Oh yea---she is busy keeping an 'eye' on Mom--
she don't want to miss anything!!!!!

It was Day 10 of the counted cross starts--
and I was good and did do mine--

Geeee--I wonder what kind of 'wild' animal Di will have to "control" or "tame" tomorrow??????????

Be good and be sure you are working on something--
even if it is a few stitches at a time or one more block--
cause it will all add up to a finished project someday!!!!

Hugs, Di and that Miss Gracie

A FROGGIN WE WILL GO--

2012-01-08T19:14:00.000-05:00

Today was working with Frogs--
You remember that I am in the 'Crazy 15 Challenge'???
Well--I have done well===sooo far----
And today was Day 8th--
so am half way there--
But only cause I have had my 'buddy' to help me--
meet--

Mr. Henry--the most helpful frog on the block--
Is he 'not' handsome or what--

Mr Henry can even throw balls through hoops-
but what he does the best at is--
helping me 'frog' out my counted cross stitch mistakes--
When I call upon him--
he always come prepared with

best pair of glassses--
cause he knows that one has to be very careful in getting out the 'bad' threads--
and not hurting the good ones!!!!

Late last night " we" worked at removing the second attempt at stitching a robin--
in this piece-

I had won this sampler pattern on the internet some months ago--
and I had started it--twice!!!
See that large robin--she is right in the center and I always start my projects in the center--
and for what very reason, she did not want to cooperate and go in straight--
so Mr. Henry and I 'frogged' her out once again and I started with a clean slate--
I mean a blank piece of cloth--
but this time I stitched in the center line--
I have discovered that doing this to all my cloth pieces are making a 'big' difference--
in getting them started and staying straight--
So here she is for the Third time--

I even got 3 of her babies in today--and they are learning how to take a bathe in the bird bath--
Now least you think that by starting over a third time it was easy going--
forget that--
I still had to call on Mr. Henry --often--
I sometimes think I put in one stitch for every two we take out!!!!

You did good today Mr. Henry--
you deserve a cold drink and a cool rest--
probably will see you tomorrow!!!!

I did get alittle basting done on this one--
the drop leaf table is working really well for doing this--
am glad I got it now--
and--

I did get some of the snowmen out of the tote and up in the cupboard today--
do you see where I put the gift from Sunny??? and if Alice looks really close she will see her little guy on one of the shelves toooo!!!!!

Well--here we are at the end of the first full week end in the year 2012--
hope you did something special with it???

Ahhh--Miss Gracie--Mommy loves you--
you don't have to help me fight alligators or frog stitches--
I love you for who you are--a lap warming kitty!!
Who wants her food dish 'full' at all times of the day and night!!!

Hugs, Di and that Miss Gracie

HAD TO TAME THREE ALLIGATORS TODAY!!!

2012-01-07T19:51:00.000-05:00

Well--today turned into an adventure--
Guess--I needed something new and different after being in the construction business all week--
so decided I would go 'alligator' hunting--
I needed to tame me 'three' of them gators!!

Now down south you learn how to catch them and tame them --

by just tickling them under their chins--
but here in the North--we have to--

place them between our legs and let them hang up side down!!

Oh and there is some special tools for helping you catch him first---

In catching my first alligator today--
I threw two of them done on the bed where Miss Gracie was--
and asked her, "which one do we want today?"-
well--let me tell you ==
she was off that bed in a flash--
and under the bed and she stayed there the rest of the day--
SOoo--I had to do this job all by myself--
the first thing I decided I needed was an iron--

No not leg irons--

Ahh--no 'iron' frying pan--don't want to eat him--

Now we are talking--
A regular iron--just need to 'iron' this alligator out some--
and after the ironing on him==
here he is in all his glory--

A quilt ready to be basted for the hand quilting lady!!!
Well--it felt like an alligator--it is big!!!!
This is a block of the month that I did a couple three years ago at the local quilt shop--
time for some finishing on this baby!!

Oh--you are right--

I did state there was 'three' alligators to tame--
the other two was--
the laundry--that was a wild one there--
and cleaning the kitchen-that was a dangerous job--
but I have now been given the ===
Alligator of the day award--

Hugs, to alllllll--
Di and that scaridy cat--Miss Gracie!!!!!

THIS CONSTRUCTION WORKER HAD--

2012-01-06T20:23:00.000-05:00

some extra help today!!!!!!
I know she looks soooo innocent here--
but had turned over to see where I went,
when I went to get the camera!!!!

Made it to Walmart for groceries this morning--
but I was soo proud of myself when I got home and got them put away--Cause---
I went straight to the sewing room!!!
Sewed the rest of the 18 homes together and then played around with them--
and NO those blocks are not going in this quilt--
but I do need '4' more homes--these homes are 'selling' quickly!!!
have the 4 ready for construction at the next sewing time!!

And this afternoon I did do another 'crazy challenge' cross stitch start--
only this time it was also a finish!!!!

And I also got the Snowman tote opened and was taking some things out--
and I found these--

done just a couple years ago--

done not too long ago either--

probably stitched about 6 years ago????

Done along time ago--
and this one--

it 'old' and I know that it took me a couple years or so of working on it off and on--
to finish it--it was a little 'tricky' cause of it being in a circle like this--but I just love it!!!

It was 50 degrees outside today--can you believe that?????
I can not!!!!!
Yet I was cold this afternoon--go figure!!!!

And can you believe we are at the 'first' week end of 2012---
what are your plans??? Need to do something to celebrate == right?????
Hugs, Di and that de-construction worker--Miss Gracie

I WAS IN THE CONSTUCTION BUSIENSS TODAY!!!

2012-01-05T19:50:00.000-05:00

And I worked at building houses--

But my houses did not need wood or nails--

Nor did I need a hammer!!!!!
Not even a paint brush was needed--
Yet I have some beautifully decorated homes--

I managed to get 2 made--
and some others partly done--

during my sewing room time this morning--
and then--
during my afternoon counted cross stitch time--
I was smiling cause I had to construct this--

New home for Day 5 of the Crazy challenge I am in!!!!
So nobody can say I don't have any place to live!!!!
and look who helped me--

None other than that Miss Gracie--herself!!!!
Ah--or was she helping me "unmake" the bed????

OKKKKKK--
time to quit 'dragging' my feet on the new challenge--
it is being called-- 'PFV' day--
and is set for next Saturday the 14th or whenever you can do it next week--
and what it means is this--

Prepare For Valentines Day projects-----

Alice was close in saying it meant to finish ufo's of Valentines--
but I don't have any of those---I don't think--
but I do have this awesome pile of 'goodies' that I have collected--
'thinking I would make them for a Valentines day' decoration or gifts--

So here is the plan--
1. look around this week for the fabric, patterns, and other supplies that you already have--
or go spend some money on some--and don't forget to get the right color of thread!!!
2. Pick out which ones that you think you can get made by this==yep--
I said -- by this Valentines--
3. and on Saturday we will be doing the preparations for these projects--
we might need to cut, or sew, or trace off patterns--whatever--
but let's have a 'fun' start on that February holiday--
and not let it sneak up on us like it usually does!!!!

there is no rules--
but would be nice if you let me know who wants to play along--
and maybe post your beginnings by Monday Jan 16th---
go for it bloggers!!!!!

Time to go for tonight--
hope to get the list up for the Christmas Club stitch along tonight--
Happy Stitching--
Hugs, Di and that crazy Miss Gracie

ANOTHER VERY COLD DAY---

2012-01-04T19:18:00.000-05:00

When I was up in the night==
as I could not sleep--
it was a whole 2 degrees here--
now today it got to 22-but it still feels like '2' to me!!!!!

Well--I did get some work done today--
and in the sewing room--

My houses are all cut and ready to sew--
I was teaching Miss Gracie how to run the sewing machine today--
or rather I tried--
she just gave me 'the' look and ran under the bed!!!!!!!!!

Also worked on getting these ready--

they are from the same line as the fabrics for the Full Houses--
figured I might as well work on these while I have that line of fabric out--
Right!!!!!

I am declaring January 14th --a Saturday as--
PFV day--can anyone guess what this is for?????
be sure to tune in tomorrow for the details!!!!!!!
Your gonna love it!!!!!!!

Be good and sew--
If need be--start a new project to get your sewing self started--
then go back and work on those ufo's--they will still be there!!!!

And I don't think that Miss Gracie has any thing to worry about--
she has her 'Mom' fully trained and her schedule is set--
and if mom, should get busy and forget the time--
that Miss Gracie knows just how to get her attention---

Right Miss gracie----
Right, Mom!!!!!

Hugs, Di and that darn cat!!!!

OH NO---

2012-01-03T21:16:00.000-05:00

My Mom is getting into troubbbbbbbbbbbbbble---

I can see it now--

there will be 'no' time for her feed me, clean my litter box, or play with me!!!!

and it is alllllll of 'you's' fault out there in blog land---

last night she found a bom in counted cross stitch that will be a cat each month--

now being a 'cat' myself--that one I guess will be okay-

but she just now found another bom from Jenny Elefantz's site--

and she says she just has to do this one--it is her very favorite Bible verse--

then there will be Shell's on 15th from the Raspberry Rabbits and it has bunnies on it this year-- and we all know how 'mom' loves bunnies--then over on Val's site, she gave some sneak peaks on her's for this this year--and Mom says, that right up her alley toooooo--

and if you look at her side bar on the right--

she has already gotten herself into some challenges--

SOOO--now tell me what is a 'cat' suppose to do--

I can't sleep all day and all night???????

Ma===can I have some more "cat nip" ---

I gotta think on this problem and cat nip always helps!!!!!!

Hugs, Miss Gracie and her mom!!!!!

IT IS HAPPENING AGAIN---

2012-01-02T19:31:00.000-05:00

Those gals--Sinta and Sherri are doing another year of the Schnibbles--
and I could not resist--
and would you believe this is the first pattern for Jan.

They chose Full House--
and I have been just 'dying' to make this one--
in fact I got the pattern about 6 weeks ago--
so now I have NO excuse--

and even have the 'perfect' fabric for it--
Full Circle--have one charm pack-but also have boughten some of the fabrics in larger pieces--
so will have plenty---and for the roof background fabric, I am using some of the Primitive Muslin charm pack--in fact--I started already on this one today--
cut all 18 -- 4x4 inch background pieces!!!!!!!!!!!!

So who else is joining in on this one?????

also did my counted cross stitch Day 2 start--
more on that at the 'other' channel!

And I hear that at least the east coast is in for a very very cold day tomorrow--
our High in NY is to be a whole 14 degrees---ouch!!!!!
Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
Hugs, Di and a 'warm' kitty--Miss Gracie
PS--one white mouse is missing?????

A NEW DAY AND A NEW YEAR--

2012-01-01T21:26:00.000-05:00

So now what---
It doesn't seem any different to me--
except I think that some cold, snowy, windy weather may be on it's way--
but think---it is January and that is a winter month for us here!!!

I was sitting here working on a counted cross stitch project and I looked over and this is what I seen----

And it made me smile--
Does it not look like this mouse is looking at and admiring this picture????

There's your first 'chuckle' from Di for 2012--
There is more about the counted cross stitch project over on my other 'channel'--
see the side bar!!!!

Again though--Happy New Year to each and everyone of you--
Be Kind to yourself!!!
Hugs, Di and that Miss Gracie

WELLLLLLLL--

2011-12-31T21:14:00.000-05:00

By Jimmy!!!!!

May we all be able to do all the stitching we want in 2012!!!

Hugs, Di and Miss Gracie

PS--see ya next year!!!

WHO RAN AWAY WITH--

2011-12-30T20:48:00.000-05:00

this past week--I mean it just 'flew'--

must be 2011 is in a big hurry to get out of the way and let another year take charge--

I must say it was a big 'year' with all kinds of happenings around the world--so 2011 must be really "tired"???????

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

I tackled a big project today--

This is a small walk-in closet behind the bathroom door--

and you can see---

it's just a little 'messy'????

and it is also my dirty clothes room--

So today was the day--

to remove it all and start over--

first thing I did once stuff was out,

was to move the 2 sets of 3 drawer cabinets to the back wall --

these drawers hold most of my yarn collection--the bottom four drawers and then I had to put the rest in baskets on the top--one drawer has my embroidery patterns in it and the top drawer had my counted cross stitch patterns and supplies--

these drawers were where the yellow stand is now--and they were 'fatter' so it did not give me much room to get into the room or out!!!!!

now here is the other side--might still look messy to you--

but let me tell you it is not--everything has a place and now I can get to what ever I need--

and yes that is a sewing machine case in the back corner--got it when I ordered my pink brother's sewing machine--it is large--so just turned the top up side down and that is where I have my rolls of batting stored==works great for that!!!!

And here is a stack of 14 quilt tops that need hand quilting--

think I will run away from home--!!!!!!

the top two have there batting and backings are ready to be basted--

maybe next week I will have more time to do that???????

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

Then after a little 'nappy' I was able to finish this--

All the blocks are done and all the embroidery on the blocks are finished--

with 24 hours or so to spare!!!!!!!!!!

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

Well--for some of you tonight is the night---

for the rest of us--we still have a few hours of stitching time left--

so get busy!!!!!!!!!!

Hugs, Di and Miss Gracie

I FINALLY GOT ON THE BUS--

2011-12-29T20:39:00.000-05:00

and made it to Walmart for the after Christmas sale--

and I purchased these 4 items--wow!!!!

Oh wellllll--I just did not need much!!!

and I did get some 'food' to eat!!!!

and managed to get some lunch at McDonalds--

a nutritious 'fish sandwich' with salty fries!!!!

**********************

When I got home I had another package in the mail!!

Look at these--

These are two good sized tin balls--

this gift come from a unblog friend who reads me every day and often leaves comments-- and we email each other now and then and have become friends--

and look at what was inside these pretty red balls--

Homemade cookies--chocolate chip and molasses--both are my very favorites!!!

Thank you so much Carol--

( and yes Carol the bags are not as full now as when I opened them-

yummmmmmmy!!!!)

Here's Miss Gracie--checking things out, too!!!

********************

Also bought me this cute glass container for my thread clippings--

some how I ended up signing up to show this container on the new moon each month--

to see how much thread it has grown in the 30 days?????

********************

And now --

these two items are up for adoption--

this pattern--

Of the Warm Winter Wishes for the quilt I just finished--

it even comes with the freezer paper patterns I used--

and

a bag of the left overs of the other holiday quilt I made this year--

not a lot in here--but there is enough for a small wall hanging or quilt!

Be sure and tell me which one you want--

will do a drawing if more than one wants one of these!!!

And yes I did do some stitching today--

worked on the SAL project from yesterday--

still have some embroidery to do on it!!

Well--be good my 'chickadees'--

there is only 1-2 more days of 2011 left to sew--

so gets busy!!!!

Hugs, Di and the fur ball!!

GRUMPY---

2011-12-28T20:47:00.001-05:00

I did wake up in a really "grumpy" mood today--

have NO idea why really--just did--

then a little later a big fur 'ball' jumped up on the bed and purred me into a good mood--

Thank you, Miss Gracie!!!

I did start hand quilting a new small quilt this morning--

This one has been waiting 'in line' for along time--

so she's really happy that at least she has been started--

but then once 'grumpy Di' got up and did the dishes and got ahold of her day--

she ended up in the sewing room for the rest of day--

working on this--

the 'some kind of wonderful' quilt for the SAL--

but she decided she did not like the little blocks--

too busy and too much color--didn't think the actual blocks were showing up--

so back to the sewing room and did some 'frogging'--

and came up with this--

It looks light here-- but is much brighter and cheerier--in real life---

This one is alittle better--

I am using some of the strips from 2 jelly rolls of the Bunny Hill collection--

for the borders and in between the blocks--

so now I need to go and find a blue fat quarter pack or a blue jelly roll for some more blues to go in the quilt in the borders!!!

And-- I need to do the embroidery work on each block--

lets see I have --opps---just 3 more days to get this strip finished!!!!!

A package came yesterday from 'lil sister'--

a glass lady bug and a spool of ribbon--

some really cute tiny ornaments with cross stitching in them that she found at a sale--

the cutest tiny bear--she is sitting in the above picture with the ornaments--

wire tree topper angel--very country--

and--

very old glass holders--I have a set that has been in the family for years--

now I have more!!!!

Thanks lil sister for my new loot!!!!

Also got a second package from my brother and sister in law--

Got these adorable angel measuring spoons--

and they were ok--but--the second gift in the box--

did not fair so well--agrrrrrr!!!!

we are definitely not 'feeling well' here--

It 'was' a two tiered plate server--but----

And looky here--Miss Gracie has finally learned that mom has learned how to take her picture and not have the flash go off in her eyes!!!!

It is almost here--

Hugs, from the 'girls'

RETIREMENT OF A NEEDLE---

2011-12-27T19:52:00.000-05:00

This is my cute salt shaker that I 'retire' my pins and sewing/quilting needles in--

and--

this hand quilting needle needed to---

to be retired--

because it's job was finished this afternoon--

looky here--

We are all done--even the binding is all stitched down--

this was a '3 year' ~~ufo~~PROJECT--so don't say ufo's never get done--

even though I think I finished only about '4' of mine this past year out of upteen million!!!

did you say 'next year will be a better year for finishing some 'projects in waiting'---

I sure hope you are right!!!!

Anybody got any leftover homemade cookies or fudge--

Miss Gracie says she is 'hungry'!!!!!

She says that stuffed mouse is looking 'yummier' every day!!!!!!!

Hugs, Di and that hungry kitty!!!!

I DO---

2011-12-26T18:13:00.001-05:00

that Miss Gracie and I had a very good Christmas--

These gifts are from blog friend -- Sunny in Maryland--

I just love them--and what a neat craft idea--

the card was homemade tooooo!!!!

Yep--I do believe that it was a good one--

Isn't little 'guy' cuteeeeeeeeee????????

Here is the rest of my 'loot' from another blog friend Alice in VA--

I got two great movies, 2 charm packs of Oasis, a yard or so of a delicious looking Chocolate fabric--not sure if I am to sew with it or 'eat' it????? Then there is a cute pad with kitties on it and the paper inside has kitties and even a small pencil--how cute!!

some emery files and lots of pencils along with that cuteeeeeeeeeeeeeee penguin believe bell.

Thank you so much Alice!!!

she is also the one who sent Miss Gracie some 'loot'--

Did get these pictures of her playing with one of them--

Ahhh--Miss Gracie--that is the camera cord--

you are suppose to be playing with the 'new' toys!!!!

OH--Miss Gracie does want me to tell, Auntie Alice that she loves allllll her new toys, and wants to say, Thank you!!!!

And here is that beautiful card again and now I have a beautiful silver angel to go with the card--

oh--wait a minute--I bet that blog friend, Anne-Lise, of Norway--meant the angel to go on my tree--

but I just may have to leave her out this next year!! Thanks Anne-Lise!!

And Auntie Shell got Miss Gracie a catnip toy--see it there on the rug--

Miss Gracie had alot of fun with it--till she seen me get the camera--and that ended that--

one of these days I will have the camera in the right place at the right time!!!!

Miss Gracie says, Thank you to Auntie Shell and the bunnies for her new toy!!

I Do--

That some blog friends spoiled me and Miss Gracie this year--

we truly are so very 'thankful' for each and every one of you around the world who add to our heart some love everyday--

Bless you all--

Hugs, Di and that Miss Gracie

2011-12-25T20:11:00.000-05:00

IT IS CHRISTMAS EVE-HERE--

2011-12-24T20:20:00.000-05:00

Time to be 'still' for a few moments and say a 'prayer' for my loved ones around the world.

I am so grateful for all my blog readers--

you help me get through life with a bigger smile in my heart,

than if I did not have you there reading my site.

HUGS, and love, from Di and Miss Gracie

IT WAS MY TURN TODAY--

2011-12-23T20:08:00.000-05:00

the postman was gooood to me today--

first was a nice package from an actual 'pen pal'--

yep have written back and forth to Cindy in PA for at least 10-12 years now--

and this came from her!!!

Then that Miss Gracie is not the only one to get a package full of packages from Alice--

my stash came in today--

Hummmm--even a bag of m&m's came with it--

found this little package in my door mailbox--

I think people are trying to 'sweeten' me up??????

So it looks like Miss Gracie and I will have lots and lots to open on Christmas morning--

and I do believe that so far this is the most I have opened up on Christmas since who knows when!!!!

And I believe I forgot to show you Miss Hitty's new holiday things--

she has a new knitted shawl and lap robe done in red with sparkles for the holidays!!!!

We are pretty much ready for Santa here--the mouse is practicing sleeping under the tree and the we are in 'joy' because of our friends and we wish them JOY for this holiday season!!!

So as Miss Gracie looks out on a green/brown world--

we do wish you all--

Hugs, Di and Miss Gracie

SHARING SOME PHOTOS OF--

2011-12-22T19:31:00.000-05:00

some of the places and things I seen today--

First is the Christmas tree in our Community room down stairs--

I am not sure 'why'--but I feel that this tree is saying that it is lonely and bare--

even though it is decorated--it just looks 'sad' is all!!!

Now--

this one is telling me that it is a 'happy' tree--

go figure!!!

Hi- Al--you look like you are walking at an angle---

OH that's cause that is how I took the picture--sorry--

but don't you love his smile!!!!

Here is our wall of mail boxes--

and here is where we mail our mail from--

Next stop was the doctor's office--

for my monthly B-12 injections--

Then Di forgot to take photos of the next two events--

went to the Yarn shop and knitted today--

there was just 2 of us plus the teacher--but we had a good time--

and I taught them the 'proper' way to eat the pretzel m&m's!!!!

Then stopped at the Country shop to say--

Happy Holidays and leave off a couple gifts--

and I did look around--

but I did not buy anything--

and I did not buy anything at the yarn shop!!!!

Now that is being a good girl--

but--

look at what came in the mail today--

to Miss Gracie--

she has more to open on Christmas than I do---

a lot more!!!!!!!!!!!

And here is some pictures that I took on the way home today--

these where at one house--

next to it was this house--

fancy and lots of lights!!!!

well--just 2 more days for the rest of you--

I really don't have a thing going on after today--

so I can sew, knit, or whatever!!!!

From: Di and Miss Gracie

A WOOLY STORY!!!

2011-12-21T19:33:00.000-05:00

Looky here at what I did today--

I have wanted to work on this since I found the pattern and bought it in Nov.

and I finally made it to the sewing room today--

and now all the wool pieces are ready for me to start stitching--

Now don't get toooo excited--

It doesn't mean that I will get it done--this year!!!!!!

But one can still 'hope'!!

Now for the rest of the story--

When I have been shopping on the internet or even over at the Quilt shop --

I keep seeing patterns for the wool projects that I want to make--

several times lately--I have nearly purchased one or two of them--

but--

when I was finding the wool pieces for today's project,

I opened one drawer in the unit that holds the wool--

and look at what I found--

The one with the circles--nearly bought that on Monday--again!!

Almost rebought the rabbit one last week on line!!

the chicks and the daisy one I nearly bought last week--

I knew I had some patterns in the back of the basket for my wool--

but had totally forgotten there was a whole drawer of patterns!!!!

Here's a couple pictures of my wool stash--

and there is a couple more drawers in this plastic unit that holds more wool--

so now I have patterns, wool, and even special wool threads--

sooooooooooooooooo????

No goodies in the mail today--but did find this in the mail box outside my door today--

Ahhh--Santa was a little 'fatter' too, when I first found him--

cause he is filled with fresh homemade cookies!!!Yummm!!!

and the other project that I worked on for the last couple of days are these--

Discovered that I needed a couple more gifts--

then what else is new???

and that is why I am doing the "Christmas Club"--

so that I don't have this 'issue' next year!!!

In fact I collected all the cotton yarn that I have and it is in a Christmas bag now by my chair--

and I plan--no, really, I plan to keep knitting dishclothes for next year and use up all that yarn--

no buying of any more either ==until all of this is gone--oh stop laughing at me!!!

Hugs, Di and her fur baby--Miss Gracie

I FINALLY MADE IT TO--

2011-12-20T20:14:00.000-05:00

the sewing room today--

yessssssssssssss!!!!!

only had time to work on two projects--

but those 'two' are now also 'finishes'!!!!

The first project was a pillow that I needed to sew for one of the ladies two apartments down from mine--I forgot to take a picture--

but---

But here is was screen print that went with that one--

her's was of a lighthouse and there was two of them on the panel--

she said she did not want this one--

was going to give it to a friend--but in looking it over today--

I realized that it would be perfect for my white wicker couch--and seeing that there is 2 panels of this block--that will be great--so 'me' is keeping it!!!!

the second finish was the binding on this one--

I know it doesn't look like there is a binding on it--

but there is--I ended up turning the whole binding piece to the back--

for some reason it just did not look right showing some of it on the front--

I just like this black background--and there was not enough left of the black print for binding--

it is all tacked down and ready to display or give away????

Got another Christmas goodie in the mail today--

This one came all the way from Norway and my friend Anne-Lise,

that card is just soooo pretty and it glitters!!!

Have no idea yet what is in the package==

all I can say it is heavy!!!

And it being Tuesday my friend, Anne, was here this morning--

we stitched and visited and that felt good--went no where today!!

I worked on hand quilting on the Cardinal quilt--flying geese are all done now--

sooooo!!!!

HUGS, DI AND THAT MISS GRACIE

AHHHHH--SHE FINALLY SHOWS---

2011-12-19T20:00:00.000-05:00

us a picture of a quilt--

Yep---see I have been working along--

finally have all the 'blocks' shadow stitched inside and out (only outside of the words!!!)

and today I even got the row of flying geese going up the side here done--

I really don't think this will be done by Christmas--but hope to get it done by end of the year--

But then there is that 'Chookyblue' to consider--

and considering--that---

(and there is one more==a tea cup)--

that are not finished and need to be finished by Dec 31st--

Welllllll---and I am still making some Christmas gifts--

sooooooooooooo!!!

look what came in the mail today with some more cross stitch cloth for the '15' projects--

wonder how they got on the order??????

Santa sent me something in the mail today--

by way of his helper--(Sunny--thank you--'me' is keeping it to open on Christmas--ok??)

and one came in last week--

My bundle was not wrapped--I just love these prints--they are more beige that what they look like there--have a couple things in mind as to how I want to use them!!!

but that Miss Gracie has a package for Christmas morning from the famous 'Harrington and Hannah'!!!!

Talking about that 'gal'--Miss Gracie--

I caught her 'eyeing' something on the table????

But she was a good girl and did walk away!!!!

thank you Miss Gracie!!!

I made it to the post office this morning with the rest of the packages that needed to be mailed and all the cards--

I was sooooo shocked when I went outside==it was nice and warm and sooo very sunny--

so I did get my Vit D the natural way today!!!

and after lunch I went to walmart and got some groceries--

I rode with my Anne and her mom--as somehow I seemed to have missed the bus???

Anne's mom and I were sitting on a bench waiting on Anne, when this lady came up to

Marge and said to her--"you have a lovely smile"--I thought that was awesome!!!

and 'that' cat--Miss Gracie!!!!

I HAVE MY LIST--

2011-12-18T19:39:00.000-05:00

and I have checked it twice--

So here goes for that '2012 Crazy challenge'--

doing 15 counted cross stitch projects--

Here is my pictures--

Actually this last set I am counting as one project--

so that means that a crazy 'Di' is doing a crazy 'challenge'--

and the worst part is---

I have found soooooo many more I want to do up--

this is as 'addictive' as quilting, and knitting--

you can't just 'buy' one and come home and do it--

one needs to keep buying, wishing, buying--

I might just as well have a stash of patterns for cross stitch to go with all the yarn and fabric--

right??????????????????

Now for those that don't know what this is--

It is also a 'club' like thingy!!!!

the initials stand for--Take A Stitch on Tuesdays--

and is found here:www.pintangle.com/coummity-challenges2011/12/1/tale-a-stitch-tuesday-2012-challenge-information-page-html

you may still have to click on the button at the top of her page that says--

community challenges to get all the information--

It is a long list of bloggers who are participating in this--

and each Tuesday she will be showing us a new embroidery stitch to practice--

and I have wanted to learn some new stitches for a while now--soooo!!!!

My name and site are in the 'Q' section--way down the page!!!!!!

So you think that with quilting, knitting, counted cross stitch, embroidery, and reading--

that I will stay out of trouble--

your right==No Way!!!!

In fact I have my own Challenge going for this next year--

I have decided to call it the ---

Christmas Club---

you remember that at the bank you went each week/month and put money in a special savings account for Christmas spending--(do they still do that??)--

well--we will be making and putting away things for next Christmas --

which the calendar tells us we have 12 months to get ready for--but will be here in just a couple months time, it feels like, anyways!!!

You can still commit to this--there will be some prize each month--

and you can pick your own days and times--but must be at least 8 hours a month--that seems fair right!!!

Well--all my packages to send are piled on the floor ready to go to the post office tomorrow, and all the cards that I need to mail are done and stamped ready for tomorrow--

so what did you do today?????

Hugs, Di and miss gracie

OK--DI TIME TO GET---

2011-12-16T19:45:00.001-05:00

yourself in the Holiday mood--

So we will start with some holiday music--

Ok that is playing--

now probably the next item would be to work on getting some Christmas cards done--

I mean there is only 6 more mail days left --before--Christmas!!!

So here is a start--

Hummmmm--Di that looks like a 'big mess' to me--

are you sure you are working on getting something finished here--

and ready to go in the mail????

Maybe we need to change the music alittle--

Now we are talking---

and let's see the table now--

I think that is better--

looks like about 10 cards are ready to go into the mail tomorrow--

Better--

Hugs, Di and Miss Gracie

PS-how many cards did you say you had 'yet' to do?????????

CHALLENGE FOR 2012 !!!

2011-12-14T20:20:00.001-05:00

I am hearing you--

and am hearing that you are 'saying' the same things that I have been saying for the last couple of weeks--

It is "Tis the Season" for partying, and playing, and shopping, and baking--

not for trying to get a whole years worth of Christmas sewing and gifts made!!!

SO--here is the plan---

I had already come up with a plan for me for next year--

and a couple others I have mentioned it to-

have also liked the idea--

so I am opening this gift--

so that everyone can share it!!!

so that next year--2012 at the beginning of December you can go to your closet and--

find a whole big Santa bag filled with all the gifts you have made through out the year!!!

Here's the rules--

Oh wait--there is no real rules--

bet that makes you feel better????

Here is my plan--

every month--starting in January 2012 I plan to be come a Christmas stitcher for 3 days--

the three days I have picked are the "24th, 25th, & 26th" of each and every month--

so it will seem like Christmas every month at the same time--may even save out a some Christmas music to play during those 3 days!!

I am going to take a pretty basket, tote or something to hold these 'wanna' make projects and the projects that are in the making yet--and then something to store the finished ones in for next years gifts (or to display)!!
I realize that 3 days times 11 months is only 33 days of sewing--but--maybe that '33' days will make a big difference for next year--will let you know next year!!!

So who would like to join this 'challenge' for 2012--

you can pick other dates each month if necessary --

and what other suggestions might you add to this????

Oh---Ok--no more sleeping on the idea--

time for some action here!!!!

The projects can be ufo's or new ones or just some Christmas things that each year you have wanted to make--yet there is never enough time!!!

Hugs, Di and Miss Gracie---

PS don't forget to save (or buy) and put away some--

Christmas chocolate--or candy canes--make it a real Christmas party each month!!!

SOMETHING IS IN MY WAY---

2011-12-13T19:54:00.000-05:00

for me getting into the sewing room--

and you will never guess what it is---

First on Monday morning--

I did get alittle hand quilting done--

then had to do this---

you know that Miss Gracie has to have her dark chocolate!!!

OH--it's the human 'who' has to have that--Ok--you caught me!!

the plan for the afternoon was to lock myself into the sewing room---

Wrong--

right after lunch and going down to get the mail--

our fire alarm went off--

and we are told that we must evacuate as there is a real 'fire' in one of the apartments--

so I went to help my Anne's mother get downstairs on one of the chair lifts--

and in zoomed the trucks--

they did hook up the water hoses and such and we ended up with 4 fire company's here--

lots of smoke==but no real damage to the lady's apartment--her cooking pan caught on fire I guess--

but we were out of our apartments for over an hour this time--

so that ended the sewing for Monday--

rest of the day was just the regular stuff of live again!!!

Now today--

As it is Tuesday was my Anne's day to come for the morning--

we did quilt for a couple hours--

then we went to the drug store as they had my Toilet tissue on sale and I had 2 really good coupons--

so I now have some "tiddy paper"--so if we get snowed in this winter I am all set!!!!!!

Came back here and waited for Anne's daughter to get off work at 1:00--

then Anne, her daughter, her mother and I went to our Mr. Chickens for lunch--

I also brought home 2 whole cooked chickens to debone and cut up and freeze for eating later--

as they close this Sat until Feb 1st.

Then it was time to go and do some labor --

taking care of this--

and that took up the rest of my afternoon--

so NO sewing again today--

and the bad thing is that the 'clock' is still ticking on the count down to Christmas--

where is the 11 1/2 months I always tell people we have to get ready for this holiday--

I am soooo not prepared this year!!!

Oh well--maybe I will do gifts in January--that way the post office workers will still have some work to do and can keep their jobs--

besides you all get so much this time of year it will give you all something to look forward to--

by the way---

do you think you are on Santa's list and why or why not????????????

and her human--Di--

PS this is not actually Miss Gracie==but does look some like her!!!

THE SUN WAS IN MY EYES!!!

2011-12-11T19:04:00.000-05:00

So I had to get up out of my rocking chair and work--

It is nice in a way--that something 'forces' me to get out of that chair--

cause for the last two days I have worked on more Christmas decorating--

Got the old wood cupboard about done--

How do you like the bottom shelf????

it is my 'candy' shelf--

It is hard though to really find just red and white candy--

at least around here!!!!!

then I worked on the little childs cupboard--

Here is my two favorite Angels on the top of it--

and the heart Christmas sign is one that I painted many years ago--

Here is the top half of the cupboard--

Hitty got moved up and got her palor all decorated for the holidays too--

Here is her tree all decorated and look at the gifts under that tree!!!!!!

and she even has her stockings hung at the fireplace!!!

Years and Years ago--lil sister and I made shadow boxes and we put these fireplaces in them--

I got rid of the shadow box for some reason a long time ago--

but that fireplace is a favorite of mine--we did the chenille rope and tiny poms on the fireplace back then too--

and at the top of the tree we each had back then, was this angel--

she is very small and is just a bead with some lace glued under it for her dress with some wings and a halo--she is also a favorite of mine at this time of the year!!!

Oh and did you notice the little mouse at the bottom right hand corner of the fireplace--

that was glued on too in the original making of the fireplace!!!

I did get some work done toooo--

got another 'tiny' mitten knitted and a sock knitted!!!!

and--

got the second angel redwork piece done--

now to decide how to finish them?????

OK--we are all waiting to see who 'wins' the M & M challenge--

First though==no body guessed my favorite--

some were close with the original ones--but I think I really usually got the peanut nut ones--

but now I am hooked on the pretzel ones--I get my sweet and salty fix at the same time!!!!

I rarely eat them though as I am very much against food coloring-----

Ok==here goes---I am drawing the name now--

And the winner is:::::::Sunny---oh my--

what a funny thing that is--my post is about the sun and "Sunny" wins--way to go Sunny!!!

Oh and I have not heard of the cinnamon ones--but there is coconut ones I had forgotten about--

don't care for them--too sweet for me!!!

and Miss Gracie!!!

WHICH WOULD YOU PICK????

2011-12-09T20:10:00.000-05:00

Now you can only get one of these bags--

as your budget and (waist) say sooooo---

so which one and why??????

Bag #1

The new Pretzel m&m's--

Bag #2---

the new cool mint m&m's---

Bag # 3--

a Lady's special dark m&m's---

Bag #4

a little protein with your m&m's---

Bag #5--

Or the nutty kind--Peanut m&m's--

Bag # 6--

The first kind--Milk chocolate, m&m's--

Wow--

so many choices!!!!

Tell me your favorite and what you think mine is--

(it might surprise you!!!)

and yes, I do promise a prize or two this time--

(you get to come here and help me get into the Christmas spirit--

by cleaning, decorating, and baking cookies for me--

ahhhh--with me!!!!)

From the new 'crazy' Di and--

'silly' Miss Gracie!!

I PLAYED ALL DAY WITH---

2011-12-08T19:41:00.000-05:00

Threads---

not sewing or quilting thread--

but all kinds of counted cross stitch embroidery threads!!!

No--I was not bored--

In stead this crazy 'Di' person--

joined another challenge group--

this one is even named right toooooooo!!!!

It is called--CrazyJanuary2012 challenge!!!

and it involves this--

Doing counted cross stitching--

see the plan is for you to pick '15'--yep I said, "15" projects--

and get all the supplies ready for the first of January--

then starting the first of Jan. until the 15th of Jan--

you actually start each of the 15 projects--one each day--

and then the good news is----

you have all the rest of the year to finish these 'ufo's' in waiting!!!

Well--picking out 15 wasn't tooo hard--and I did have lots to pick from--

then it was going through them all to see if I have all the threads, and the right sized cloth for each one!!!

Well--I have alot of threa---

so I did this for alot of them--

I made up cards for each line I have--

then listed each color on a card by the 'abc' system--

this way all I have to do is check the cards to see if I have the color!!!

Then I went a step futher--

but first here is my basket of the projects--

some are seasonal, some are small, some are large--all are work!!!!!

Today I spend pretty much the whole day in doing up the cards you see sticking up from one of the projects--
all the floss for each project is on cards now and the fabric is with the pattern, too--
so I am nearly all set to go--
did have to do two different orders to finish off colors==
and Of course I had to get two more new patterns to do!!!!

On Tuesday, Miss Gracie got to go for a ride---
for her check up and a rabies shot at the Vets--
to say she was not happy about it --is putting it mildly--
but she survived and she still 'loves' me--so all is ok now--
and she weighted in at 13.5 lbs--!!!!!

Got the last set of hats and mittens made for this year's Santa give away for the 0-2 year olds--
and all of those items have been delivered--so now on to next years!!!!!

I got mail today--
Now remember I did not do any shopping on Black Friday or that week end--
but 'really' some of these fabric shops just kept emailing me--
with all kinds of great bargains--

and I really do love "bargains"--don't you????
So I decided to think 'spring' and got this fat quarter set--

Now there is some 'spring'!!!!
then these two charm packs hopped into the cart--
and I am soooo excited--

for Valentines this year we are back to red and pink and white--
now we are talking!!!!!!
one 'cute' piece--

Wonder why 'Di' bought this one?????
and two more patterns--

So what do you 'think'--
think Di will be really busy in 2012--
wonder if it will keep her out of trouble????
Probably not!!!!!!!!!!

Hugs, from Crazy 'Di' and a Silly cat!!!!

SOME HAPPENINGS---

2011-12-05T19:54:00.000-05:00

Well--look at this "ball" of yarn that is still on the needles--

Hummmmmmm--wonder what 'Di' is working on now????

Ohhhhh--a pretty neck shawl for holidays---

the yarn has some gold threads through it too--fancy!!!

And this baby sweater that 'she' is trying to do--

Boy--- has the teacher and Di been having fun trying to understand the directions--

but after 3 try's I think we got us a 'back' done---

Now on to 2 fronts and 2 sleeves---ohhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!

this may have to wait until after the holidays--

we will see????

I stopped in the Country shop for something else--

but looky what came out with me--

I am sooooo in love with this tin box--

Oh--the the thing I went in for--

fits soooo nicely inside--

these chocolate covered pretzels are to 'die' for--

thick and rich and ahhhhhh--so sweet!!!!!

And I did get some decorating done--

New little white tree is up and I have some red and white things on it--

see those candy canes they hopped into my wagon at Joann's while in the check out line--

but are perfect on the tree for a $1 a package!!!

Two new angels that came home with me last week from the country shop--

(someone needs to tell Di that she needs to take off there tags from around there necks???)

and look at these snowmen ornaments--there 'bottoms' are fancy blubs--

these are hand made and also came from the Country shop!!!

I need to make the white fabric into a table covering that is under the yo-yo quilt--

and I ended up making the tiers for the curtains at the window as the one I got at Sears--

well, somehow a 24" came home instead of a 36" length--don't know 'who' would goof like that!!!!

and I need a second valance when I take the tiers back--so we are on a roll here!!!

Now to finish the rest of the decorating--whatever that may be????

Today was grocery day--

then Knitting class this afternoon--

so no sewing got done again!!!!!

You all be good and sew for me this week--

it is one of those 'busy' here and there weeks for me!!!

Will I ever get to my sewing room--that is the question of the week!!!!

Hugs, Di and Miss Gracie

SHOPPING -- I 'A' WENT--

2011-12-02T20:19:00.000-05:00

we left here about 9:30 am--

when I went down to get in the Van and looked into the back seat--

I almost swallowed my 'tongue'--

cause the baby looked just like this clip art photo--

she had on an outfit that looked just like this one and her face was nearly the same--

how funny--hu?????????????

She was a very good baby on our shopping trip--

At Petsmart where I get the kitty litter--

as I was checking out they asked if I wanted to pay $5 for this--

large stuffed animal and the money went into an animal fund--

I said sure and then I will donate it to our Santa give away program for a youngster here!!!

and I picked this "cat"--

now I just have one problem here---

I am in 'love' with this cat--

and I want to keep 'her'!!!!!!!

I got some fabric at JoAnn's--only show the solid red here--

but also got solid black and some white--my local quilt shop does not carry solid colors--

and I have a plan for the red one--and it is always good to have white and black on hand--

right????

Right--Di--but we see '2' other prints in that picture--

so what gives???

well--now could you really pass up that one with the "popcorn and berries" on it????

and it is pegged for a purse--maybe????

the red and white Christmas one may also have a plan--we will see!!!

This also came home with me--

The Quilt books where on sale for 40% off--

and I need this one for some fabric I got this summer--

HERE --STILL HERE!!!!

2011-12-01T19:50:00.000-05:00

And I have been busy--

but no pictures to show--

and tomorrow I hope to be doing this---

shopping--

only it is for some of those things that you need--

like Miss Gracie is out of kitty litter--

I need winter boots,

need some white curtains for one more window--

you know that fun stuff!!!

and the girl friend that is taking me--

will also have one of these with us--

She is 9 months old--

I hope I survive this 'shopping' spree??????

I have quilted this week-

in fact this one is all done with the hand quilting now--

It is just waiting for me to find some time and energy--

at the same time--

to sew the binding on it and finish it!!

And I have started the hand quilting on this one--

that cardinal block is actually the first one--

and it is nearly done!!!

and of course there has been some knitting being worked on--

had to unknit the back to a baby sweater on Monday in class for the second time--

I hope we got it going correctly this time!!!

Have been to Physical Therapy 2 times this week--

and another knitting class today--

today I am working on a red Christmas shawl --

need to have it done for a party on the 12th of this month!!

and of course we have those daily chores and laundry--

and things like that that have to be done every day!!!!

and yesterday I got the Fall tote up in the closet and the Christmas ones down--

so now I have a 'messy' dinning room --ahhhh--once again!!!!

I really was a 'good' girl on the Internet for shopping tooooo--

I did not do any buying until tonight--

at the FatQuarter Shop--they had 25% off and some patterns at 50% off--

think I got 2 patterns and a little fabric--

(actually you did not just read the word fabric--ok???)

I got a fat quarter bundle in spring bright pinks--

and a couple charm packs with hearts--for Valentine projects--

see===I am thinking ahead here--

at least this is my 'story' for buying more fabric!!!!

So how much did you all spend on the sales this year????

was it gifts or for yourself or both?????

Well--need to go--

my knitting or quilting is calling me--

Hugs, Di and Miss Gracie