Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Syrup Soppin'


We experience something new this past weekend: syrup sopping! Yes, there was a Syrup Sopping Day not far from here and we joined in. How is the syrup made?


Horse power! They walk around in a circle while someone stick sugar cane into the center mechanism. The sugar cane is compressed and a receptacle collects the liquid, which is boiled to make the syrup.


And here's the end product served with a biscuit for sopping. Yum! We had a ball despite the rain.

Tomorrow I leave for Houston - it's Quilt Market time! Peggy and I will be doing a Schoolhouse Presentation - can't wait. Plus we're doing a book signing at the AQS booth. Hope to see you there!

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

The Binding Drawer


I have a drawer in my studio where I throw (literally!) pieces of binding leftover from completed quilts. I was so lucky that I found enough binding in here to bind one of my book quilts.

Today I add that long batik piece on the left. It's leftover from another book quilt - and it's long enough to bind something big! I'll have to remember that it's there.

Do you have a binding drawer? What do you do with leftover binding? Or do you always make just enough for a project?

All is well here. Today I made the photo step-outs for another quilt. I'm so excited to be almost done! Now I think I'll sit down and stitch down some wool leaves for my Sue Spargo class. Ahh, relaxation...
On the menu tonight: hotdogs! Fast and simple!

Monday, October 14, 2013

Busy, Busy, BUSY!!!


Here I am sewing the binding on the LAST quilt! Yippee! I'm still working on hand stitching the binding. And I still have to write instructions for 2 quilts.


Here's a little sneaky peaky of said quilt - don't you love the quilting? Done by Elayne Vognild before she retired.


My side table is piling up - everything I need for hand quilting, making hexies, stitching binding...and a Coke Zero for fortification! Oh- and my iPad is handy for a bit of Candy Crush Saga intermission every now and again!


Mr. Cooper got neutered this week. He looks pitiful here, but he's absolutely FINE! Can't keep him down! He will get his sutures out later this week.


And here's my Where's Waldo moment of the day. Can you find Prince? He's in there somewhere! Haha!

I had a rough week in more ways than one. Friday morning while on my walk with Cooper I stepped in a low spot and tripped over a curb. I did a knee skinner in the middle of the street. OWIE! Skinned knee, skinned leg, skinned hand - and skinned ego! I'm fine, none the worse for wear thank goodness.

Then Saturday, I guess I didn't hydrate enough before the football game. I got overheated and left at the end of the first quarter. I will not make that mistake again!

Okay, better get up out of my recliner and get to work. Here's to a productive day!!!

Friday, October 4, 2013

Yay, Lisa!


I opened up my copy of American Patchwork and Quilting and look who was staring back - my good friend, Lisa Allen! You go, girl! Lisa does amazing things with scraps! Always love her quilts!


Cooper has been on a rampage this week. Here what remains of a yard stick he had for a snack. I'm serious! The entire thing is gone except for these few inches (unless he's hidden pieces under furniture). Don't worry about him - he's fine. He has an iron stomach and intestines, I think. He also chewed through some low voltage outdoor lighting wires on the same day.

I know it's my fault for not giving him more exercise to tire him out, so we've upped our walking schedule - good for both of us.


We're walking twice per day now, morning and late afternoon. It's definitely helping since he didn't destroy anything yesterday! He's getting neutered next week.


I've been working nonstop on finishing my book quilts and manuscript! That deadline is sneaking up on me quickly. Here are some happy hexies that went into a quick project this week.

I've already written my list for today - it includes lots of hand quilting, lots of writing of instructions, and yes, another walk!