Rough Weekend

I've been caring for many patients over the past few weeks who have had a gastrointestional bug, luckily I had been fine..........until Saturday when the dreaded bug caught up with me.
Needless to say it has been a yucky weekend. Most of it has been a blurr since taking anti-nausea medication makes me soooooo sleepy, but I guess that has it's advantages also.
Today has been some better, just still some cramping and diarrhea. Hope it has run it's course by tomorrow. Work calls you know.
No quilting done this weekend. Looking forward to next weekend.
Many blessings,
Shelia

Working on My Bee Challenge

I have a few hours this morning to work on my Bee Challenge. I have gotten the leaves made for the applique flowers.

I used some 2 1/2 inch strips and some varigated width of fabric that I had in my stash. (I knew that shaded fabric would come in handy someday).

The green lying under the container with leaves in it is the shaded piece of green. The width of fabric goes from light green to dark green. A great stash fabric for doing applique.

Now to work on some of the flowers. I've cut out the pieces for 6 flowers and I am thinking about the red fabric that the leaves are lying on as one shade of the flower. Some of the strips lying in the top photo are some of the other colors I plan to use to shade the flower petals.

As you can see there are some TINY pieces to this flower!! I've done hand applique before but this method of hand applique by machine is different for me. Now to look through my stash for some more values of pink, red and burgundy fabric to use. Not sure yet what other color flowers I'm going to make.

Better get back to work.

Happy Quilting,

Shelia

Bonnie's New Book

Bonnie Hunter's new book Adventures & Leader's and Enders is out!!!

I pre-ordered one a few months ago and I am so excited that I will be coming soon. You can order a copy at http://quiltville.blogspot.com/ . Mom and I took a class from Bonnie about a year ago. We loved the class. Bonnie has a wonderful way of teaching beginner's and experienced quilters. She also helps you know how to manage your stash. You can see her patterns at www.quiltville.com . Bonnie never wastes any fabric. She uses even the tiny triangles she trims off of other blocks.

Today is the day we order the doors for the garage. Roger and I are both sooooo excited. Of course Roger is beside himself. We have come a long way in just 14 months of working on the garage.

Happy Quilting,

Shelia

Rainy Day Today

Today is suppose to be rainy all day.......oh well, I'll be working in the ER anyway.....so don't rain on my parade!

I'm am so excited because Leah Day is coming to my quilt guild in February. I have followed her blog for a while and love the background filler's that she uses on her quilts. Mom and I are both signed up for the class and I know we will have a blast. Now to see if Haley wants to take the class also. Wouldn't that be fun!!
Here is the link to Leah's blog if you want to check out some of her designs.
http://www.freemotionquilting.blogspot.com/
Until later.......Happy quilting,
Shelia

Garage Update

Roger has started on the siding for the garage now. I was able to help him hold a few pieces of the siding as we got used to the metal bender. It's really a neat tool.

Another neat tool he is using is this metal cutter. Makes some cute little curly ques of metal. Hum......I bet someone in the school's art classes could recycle these into something pretty. Here's the first piece of siding going on around the first garage door. Exciting to see each step of this project.
We will be ordering the doors this Friday. YIPPIE!!! Only one more big item to pay for and the rest is history. Roger is wanting a Rotary Lift for the garage so that is next.

Hope you have a wonderful, blessed day today.

HAPPY QUILTING!

Shelia

Alike Yet So Different

The 4-patch swirl class that mom, Haley and I took together was so much fun. As I look at the quilts that we made from the class, they are alike in as much as the piecing pattern we used and technique, yet as you can see all are so different. Mine came away with a Christmas look with the red and green that I pulled from the focus fabric.

Mom used a beautiful pink and burgundy poinsettia fabric as her focus fabric and the results is a stunning quilt.

Then Haley used a fun, young blue and yellow fabric with sun, moon and stars on it to make a beautiful quilt.

Alike, yet so different. What a fun way to look back at the beautiful quilts produced from this class. If you ever get a chance to take a class from Lynn Busbee don't miss it. She is a wonderful teacher who is able to connect with students of all ages. My grand-daughter Haley was 13 years old when we took the class, and my mom was 72.

Hope you have a wonderful quilting day.

Shelia

I believe I've decided which project I want to do for the Bee Challenge. I challenged my bee girls to make a project from Beth Ferrier's Book Hand Applique by Machine.

I think that I am going to do Boxed Sweets project. Haven't decided yet how big I'll make it, time will tell. Now to picking out the fabrics I want to use.

Today has been a lazy restful day for me. It is rainy and dreary outside so it is a nice day for just lounging around the house.

Happy Quilting,

Shelia

Diet Progress

I started a lifestyle change after Christmas and I have lost 7.5 lbs so far. Today I really feel good as it is starting into my 3rd week on the diet.
It takes a while for your body to get comfortable with your new eating habits. I have much more energy when I limit my carbohydrate intake, plus the added benefit of less joint pain.
Thank you Lord for the ability to change habits and improve our health. Working in the Emergency Room you never know if you will have time to eat or not so having better saity with your meals is a must.

Today I have many things on my list of To Do. Our quilting bee meets tonight at Sue's house. One of my goals this year is to plan my working week so I can attend more of my bee nights. Those girls are wonderful therapy. If your ribs can stand the soreness after laughing so hard!!
Hey, that should count as exercise....he he he.

It is still cool here today, 33 degrees outside. I'm excited to get bundled up and go look at the garage. Roger started on the siding yesterday. He said only one doorway done so far, but progress is great.

We confirmed our winning estimate for the garage doors this week. We were able to get a much better estimate from a new contractor. Our goal is to have them installed before the end of February. YES!! Then we only have one more major expense and that will be the lift. Roger is so excited to see his dream garage coming together. It's hard to believe that a year ago there was only a concrete slab outside. Amazing what a goal and dedication to a goal can do. I've always said that you can do anything you set your mind to, and we have.

When the garage is completed our next goal is our Mortgage. The plan is to start putting the monthly money we've been putting in the garage construction into paying off our mortgage. The mortgage pay down is slated to start with our July payment. Then 3.5 years and we will be mortgage FREE!! So February 2014 should be our debt free year. What a wonderful feeling that will be. You can do anything for a period of time. All you must do is DECIDE it is important to you and do it! JUST DO IT!
Our garage and my quilting studio are prime examples of that philosophy.

I've ranted enough so now I'm off to do some business paperwork so I can quilt tonight with my bee peeps.
Happy quilting to all,
Shelia

What An Achievement

HAPPY 55th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

MOM & DAD

Mom and Dad were married on January 14, 1955. Hard to believe that you've been married 55 years today. Hope you have a wonderful day. You have been wonderful parents and we enjoy every minute we have with you. Many blessings. WE LOVE YOU GUYS!

Mom and I get to share quilting. At 72 (almost 73) she enjoys piecing quilt tops and we are able to take classes together. I cherish the time we get to spend on our shared passion.

Today really is a blessed day.

As usual Happy Quilting,

Shelia

Today has been a whirlwind day. So many things going on. Roger and Roger Jr. started working on the siding for the garage today. But with 30 degree weather they were not able to work outside for very long.

We are now working on the money for the garage doors. 5 doors to purchase and I will consider the building part of the garage done. Roger next needs a lift for one bay then we're done!! YIPPIE!!

Hope tomorrow is a little warmer. I plan on getting another quilt in the frame this weekend and getting it quilted.

Happy Quilting,

Shelia

1929 Chandler Deluxe Royale 8

This is the reason for my husbands garage remodel. We purchased the 1929 Chandler in 1999 in San Diego, CA.
My husband's father had been searching all of his life to find a chandler for purchase, we found this 11 months after he passed away. Roger is in the process of restoring the car. This is him driving the car in Florida at his mother's house after we purchased it.
So of course he needed more room than his 2 car garage to do everything he wanted with the car. He now has a 5 bay garage in which to play. Boys and their toys!!
I can't wait until we are driving the Chandler again.
Happy Quilting,
Shelia

Secret Sister Gift 2009

My quilt guild secret sister last year was Jaylyn and she made me this beautiful table topper. It is the giant dahlia pattern. She used Marti Michell's templates http://www.frommarti.com/dahlia.shtml. I think it is gorgeous.

Thanks Jaylyn for a wonderful secret sister year.

Happy Quilting,

Shelia

Bee Group Challenge

Last night I gifted my bee girls with Beth Ferrier's book Hand Applique by Machine. This was their Christmas present from me. Along with this gift came a challenge for each of us. Below is the challenge I presented to them.

BEE CHALLENGE
January 2010

Merry Christmas from Shelia is a Beth Ferrier book entitled Hand Applique by Machine.
My challenge to each of the 6 members of the bee is to do one of the projects in the book using only your stash, NO PURCHAES ALLOWED.

Projects will be revealed at our Bee get together on April 9th. Then they can be shown at the guild meeting on April 13th. The project much be finished (that means, quilted, bound and a label on the back).

Maybe the Quilt Show Chairman will allow a special category in the show for Bee Challenges?

Looking forward to the final showdown.

Love ya,
Shelia

Oh by the way……..there will be a prize for the winner. A very nice prize…..Do I hear Gastonia calling?????? We will vote by secret ballot at the bee reveal.

For those of you who don't know, Gastonia is where Mary Jo's Fabric store is located. A vast glutten of wonderful fabric for us fabricholic's.

I'll keep you posted on the progress of the challenge and pictures of the results.

Happy Quilting,

Shelia

Fun....Fun.....Fun

BEE FUN

When our Bee gets together it is always Fun....Fun....Fun. What can you say when you get this awesome, creative group together for hours of quilting fun.

Aren't we BAD!! Sometimes you just have to let go and laugh your butt off. I love having us all in my studio. I know of nothing better than having freezing temperatures outside and sewing machines roaring inside.

Now for the stars of the show

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

Below is Sue working hard of her bouillabaisse quilt on her featherweight machine.

Next is Debbie who didn't stop laughing all night.

Suzanne is working on a gift for a friend.......I'm not telling!!!

Then next is our resident artist Deb who also does beautiful work. She does contract work and is so creative. Last night she was working on a class sample for a program she will be teaching at our guild.

Now to Susan our resident science teacher and awesome quilter. There is never a dull moment when she is around. Love quilting with her and her mother Christine.

Then finally there's yours truly Shelia. I'm working on my 4-patch swirl and finished the last block this mornig. Now I can add my zipper-leaders to my machine.

We can't forget the one who thinks that he is actually the star character in the show.........Mr. Whiskers!

WHAT A HAM!!!!!
Until later.......Happy Quilting

Shelia

Snow....What Snow???

The weatherman is predicting snow tonight. It has started some icy rain but it is still too warm for it to stick. 37 degrees at my house right now. In the morning will be another story.
I'm making chili tonight for my Bee friends tomorrow night. Hope the weather allows us to meet.
I'll show some pictures tomorrow.
Goodnight everyone,
Shelia

Brain Dead!

Today has been a day for taking tests. I had to recertify basic CPR and do 20 annual tests today.............now I can't think. But one thing I can't forget is to wish my grand-daughter a happy birthday.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

HALEY

15

(I know this is not a current picture, but I just love it!!!)

It is hard to believe that you are now 15 years old. Boy does time pass quickly. You have turned into a beautiful young lady and I am so proud to be your grandmother. I am also thrilled that you are now into quilting. Can't wait to start your next project with you. Hope you had a great birthday.

Below is the quilt that I currently have in my longarm machine. It is a 4-patch swirl pattern. My mother, myself and my grand-daughter all took the class together and had a blast. I have already quilted mom's quilt for her and Haley quilted hers last year. (the one that she won her blue ribbon on!!) I haven't thought of a name yet, but it is Christmassy to me.....so maybe something to do with Christmas.

And a close up photo.

I am hoping to finish this quilt when my Bee comes over this Friday night.....barring any snowfall....which the weathermen can't decide is or is not coming in on Friday. I hope not because it has been a while since I saw my Bee girls. Miss that time together.

Better run now. Below is a picture of my Quilt Motto!!!

Happy Quilting to all,

Shelia

BURRRRRRR!!!!

It is 19 degrees outside.....burrrr.....I think I am ready for spring. Today was a busy day at work, so I am very glad to be at home.

Below is my dear friend Antoinette who is very ill at this time. She has been a true friend for many years and I really miss seeing her at work. This photo was taken almost 3 years ago prior to her becoming ill. I say special prayers daily for her. She is one of the most humble people I have ever know. I don't think I have ever heard her put someone down or be depressed, even with a life threatening illness she keeps her positive attitude.I love you my friend and I am saying a special prayer right now for you!!

Now I need to quilt some to help with stress. It is what I do to work out problems and stress. There is nothing that a little thread and fabric can't help. Thank you Lord for giving me wonderful friends, supportive family and lots of fabric to love.

Shelia

A New Year

What an exciting time the coming of a new year is. You have time to reflect on the past 12 months and what you have accomplished and set goals for the new year.

Every year my husband Roger and I make a list of goals that we want to accomplish for the year. We keep this list on our refrigerator and mark each one off as we complete them. This is a great way to keep yourself focused on what you declared as important for the year.

As 2009 closed we were so pleased at how much we accomplished this past year. We set out to add an additional 1800 square feet to our exsisting garage. My husband loves antique cars and needed more space in which to work. Below is how much we accomplished this year on the project. I must say that we are almost finished. Siding, doors and a car lift and we are done. He has worked very hard this year to build it himself with the help of our oldest son Roger, Jr.

We started the year with just the concrete slab poured. So above is where we began 2009.

Slowly but surely we pushed on with many, many hours of hard labor from both. Occasionally a little assistance from myself, mom, and dad. But of course I don't do heights, so I'm a grounds helper. hehe.

December 31, 2009 below is where we are now. The orange dot is my husband standing in front of the garage. He is so pleased with how it is turning out. This is one of the coldest days we've had, and of course I waited until late to go out and take pictures.

Amazing what you can accomplish when you set goals and keep them in front of you. Oh and by the way, we did this debt free. We saved for each part and completed it. So his garage is already paid for!! He likes that most of all.
I also had time to quilt 6 projects this past year, since working on the garage we decided to take a staycation this year instead of going somewhere. We put the money we would have spent on a vacation into the garage building fund. I got to quilt for 6 days!! I had a blast. My mom also spent most of the week here with me, we loved being able to sew and play all day. I ordered food out and didn't even have to worry about cooking. NOW THAT IS A VACATION!!!

In October I treated my mom to a quilter's retreat at the Quilter's of South Carolina Retreat at White Oak. We loved it. It was the first time that mom and I had been on a quilting retreat. We took the messenger bag class with Pat Kerko. We completed a messenger bag, a large tote bag and 3 cosmetic bags. I learned how to do zippers, which is a big deal for me (I am not a seamstress). We both hope to be able to do the retreat again this year.

One of my goals this year is to be able to be at my quilting bee every Friday that we meet and to learn more about my longarm machine and become more proficient at quilting with the longarm.

Many blessings to all and Happy New Year.

Shelia