Spring Retreat

  Well it appears I have survived another quilt retreat with my girls. What a wonderful weekend we all had! I find it interesting that this time I was wayyyyy less productive than I usually am, but I had the best time ever! I made myself not be glued to my machine, and visited, ate, drank and laughed myself silly.  And not necessarily in that order.

 

And thank you Brooke, for staying out of the hospital this time! Now I won’t have to kick your ass when I see you in June.

  Terry was kind enough to chauffer me up the hill to our retreat. The first plan was to stop at the casino that I discovered that had Coney Dogs! Now, those of you who have never had a Coney Island coney dog in Pottsville, PA have no idea what you are missing. I knew this dog would not be the same, but I had to try it anyway. It was not bad! There was not enough grease in it, but it worked!

 

   Of course we had to play a bit on the machines before we left and headed to the house. I, of course, won nothing. Terry did ok, however, and off we went.

   We arrived at the house and got all unloaded, then we all headed back down the hill to dinner. We decided this year we would all eat at a buffet for the first night so we all would have a chance to visit. Well, due to some crack ass law we could not take our 4 month old guest retreater to dinner at the one casino, so we walked across the street to another. I know he looked pretty shifty in that stroller and all, but good lord. Screw you Monarch- there are plenty of buffets that will have us! Bastards.

   Now- it is time to party!

Beerguaritas!

CHEESECAKE!
 

                                                                                
   Sometimes we bring little treats for each other- here is what I brought. I saw these little mug mats on Pinterest and thought they were cute. I was able to use parts of a lone star I screwed up. Glad I saved the pieces!

   The next day we started to sew. And some finished their projects that day as well.  Showoffs! I confess- I had some of my blocks pre-cut before we got there. Here is the start of the quilt show-

My Triple Barn Store
 

 

Terry's Triple Barn Star

 

   A few of us ordered these shirts a few weeks before retreat. Unfortunately Judy’s came in the wrong size and they did not get the new one shipped in time. Of course she got it the day after we got home!

  

  That night was wine and movie night for some of us. Serial Mom cracks me up every time! The prank phone calls are the best. If you have not seen it I highly recommend it. It does have some foul language in it, but if you are reading this blog that should not surprise you.

                       

    We were lucky enough to have 4 generations joining us for this retreat- Kayden was a lovely special guest. He had a great time! And we all did not enjoy holding him at all - Just kidding!

Me and Kayden
 

 

Terry and Kayden
 

 

    Saturday the machines were humming- and in between the snacking of the homemade hummus- thank you BOB- We did get some work done.

Randi finished up this charming little quilt-

 

Roxanne was finishing up this sweet chevron top-

 

  Susie, one of our resident fabric designers completed this bag using her fabric. We love it!

 

Val and Randi worked on their bargello tops and got them all done. Boy- it was amazing watching these come together! We were all amazed!

This is Vals-

Here is Randi’s-

     I did manage to get a jean quilt top done for a certain someone. He probably does not read my blog so I will post this picture but I will leave his name out on the off chance he sees this. Holy crap is it heavy! It came out to be 72” x 96”. What in the hell was I thinking? I hope it will keep him warm on those cold Pennsylvania nights.

 

   Rae got this beautiful butterfly top done- such lovely colors!

 

  Jan made this wonderful little Betty Boop top for her mom- so fun!

 

   Michele was a busy beaver as well when she wasn’t working on that big bottle of wine. Is that a pussy willow, Dottie?? She made this sweet little dress for her daughter and this awesome top from Missouri Star.

 

  A few of the gals stayed up late a/k/a after 10 pm haha and Rae taught those night owls how to make these great zipper bags- so fun!

 

 Laurie brought this wonderful quilt that just came back from the quilter. She did hand applique on it as well. It was lovely!

 

    She was also working on a top from Hell. She got a kit and all the fabric was not there. We hate when that happens! I think sometimes fabric companies design these patterns but never make the quilts to test the actual pattern. Dumbasses. She did call the company where she bought the kit and they are working with her to get her the fabric she needs.

  Terry made this lovely blue and brown top from a kit she purchased. This fabric is so much fun! Love the dots!

  LUCY made this great bag- we all wanted it when she was done! She is our other resident fabric designer and has such an eye for color. I have learned so much from her and Susie- and they are so willing to share their knowledge. Thank you guys! (Ignore the bitch in the polka dot pj's- looks like the beergaritas ran out!)

 

   Susie was also working on this applique top- her machine applique is amazing!

 

  Terry showed off her mystery quilt that she organized on our Quilters and Sewers Only Facebook Page - isn’t it lovely?

 

Randi also was putting binding on this lovely- I adore cardinals. She is lucky she made it home with this quilt!

 LUCY brought this beauty to bind. It is a special gift for a wonderful event coming up. Eileen quilted it for her- isn’t it something?

 

   There were several other projects going on- I promised to be better this year at getting pictures but I am still lacking a bunch. I know Judy was busy all weekend and I only have one picture of a quilt she finished. It is a Quilt of Valor. Judy is prolific making these quilts. We are truly humbled by her dedication and support of this organization. Please go here http://www.qovf.org/ to learn about this wonderful organization.

    Here is pic of Judy in her apocalypse shirt after she got home- isn’t she adorable?

 

  We had beautiful weather and we did manage to get some walking in although it was quite breezy. I had to do something to work off that wine and cookies and cream chocolate! We had a most wonderful time with each other as usual. Thank you for the laughs my dear friends. Can’t wait til September! Love you all!

 

 

                                                    Selling a machine- again!

  As you know by now I splurged and bought a new machine. Yes, I was probably on crack. I am trying to get over that habit but it is not going well. To help finance this little venture I figured I needed to sell my other machines.

  I (actually Bob did all the work) put my old 7530 Pfaff up for sale on  a few Facebook pages and on Craig’s List and got ready for the onslaught of scammers. He received a notice from a sweet woman from up north (still here in Colorado- just a bit north from where I live) after it was up for only 6 hours! We went back and forth a bit with info and I met her 2 days later. She loved the machine and bought it right then! No problem at all!  I am sure she will take good care of that machine and use it well. It was a perfect match and totally meant to be. I will miss the old gal but I am loving her replacement!

GOOD BYE OLD FRIEND!

 

  My friend LUCY had Bob put her machine up for sale since my sale was so successful. And poor Lucy- all she has had is one scammer after another. Hopefully that will stop soon and she can sell hers as well. (Lucy keeps bitching at me because I often mention her on here so I changed her name. LOL). That is part of the price for being my friend-haha.

  Then I put my Bernina 630 up for sale. It has been a great machine as well, and though I will not have a sturdy back up if something happens to the new one it is more important to pay the new one off. I have to keep telling myself if the new one goes out, or when I take it in for service I have plenty of other hand projects to keep me amused. And it is not life-ending being without a sewing machine- it only feels like it. Bob is a tad nervous about this machine leaving and me not having a  back-up- evidently I get a tad bitchy if I don’t get in my sewing room for a while every day. I decided to sell the machine with the embroidery unit and their cases, a bunch of embroidery stabilizers, 2 boxes of Isacord embroidery thread, embroidery hoops, several USB sticks of software , the BSR Stitch Regulator, a walking foot, a ¼” foot, extra bobbins, a ruffler attachment and of course the accessory box- which we call the Barbie Case- total copyright infringement. I was getting ready to go on a quilt retreat with my homies and mentioned I was selling it to them. And, lo and behold, one of them bought it! No Craig's List, no listing on the internet, nothing! I was over the moon, and I know she will be as well. Goodbye to you as well, my dear friend, You have served me well!

 

  I have been making dog collar covers like mad- 490 to be exact I also started this quilt by Hickory Stitchery Dock while spending the day with my sweet friend, Terry. See Lucy- she doesn’t make me change her name LOL. (not yet anyway). She made the most awesome beef and barley soup for lunch. YUM! She even sent some home with me for Bob, as she knows I am a big slacker in the cooking category. Of course I screwed up part of the directions- my own fault, not the pattern, so I had to finish piecing the blocks at home. I almost threw the pieces I had left from pre-cutting in my bag to take with me, but I was cocky and thought- “Oh- I won’t need those”. I should have freakin known better.  DUMBASS. Here it is in all of it's glory. I really love that fabric line.

    I also made some little quilted treats but I cannot share any pictures of those yet. I will share those pictures in a few weeks.

  On another note- I pulled another dumbass move. Shocking, I know. On the way to Terry’s, I thought I should finally wash my car. I do love to go through the automated car wash bay, but I am paranoid I won’t get the tire in the groove thing that it is supposed to guide you in. So, this time I pull up into the thingy-there has to be name for the stupid thing but darned if I know what it is- and the light comes on to reverse a bit. I pulled up too far. FUCK! So, I put the car in gear and tried to go back bit- the car would not move. Oh shit- now what do I do? I actually got stuck! Do I gun it and try to pull ahead? What if someone is behind me? I just lost my $5. CRAP! So, after what seemed like 20 minutes (but probably only 10 seconds) I look down- I had the damn car in neutral!!!! Good lord- some days I should not even leave the house!

  I will get my act together and post retreat pics soon- I promise! I just need to get the rest of the collar covers turned and ironed.

Have a good week my friends!

 

 

HAPPY EASTER FROM CHIP AND DALE!

 

 



                                                I don’t just rescue critters-

    Boy, nothing is ever boring! This actually happened a few summers ago, but I have not thought about it in a while. The other day Bob reminded me about and said- hey- that would make a good blog! So here it goes-

    I was working part time at the community college, so I had a few days off during the week. This beauty-

  would sometimes join me for lunch. We usually hit Atlanta Bread as it is one our most favorite places to dine. On this fateful day we were on our way home, probably giggling about something – or someone- and lo and behold- there was a freakin baby walking in the middle of the road!  We were in a neighborhood, but this street was still 4 lanes wide and pretty damn busy! The baby could not have been much more than 2. He had a diaper on and nothing else. I slowed the car down, Amber hopped out and grabbed him and I pulled the car over to the curb.

 

   I dialed 911 and spoke to the dispatcher, all the while waiting for a screaming lunatic mom to come running out looking for her baby. NEVER HAPPENED. The dispatcher then told me that if someone came up to take the baby (ex. the child's mother) I was not supposed to let her take the baby. Oh crap- exactly what was I supposed to do if someone came up to me? Hurry up, coppers- I don’t need to be on that television show COPS- again. Another concerned citizen pulled over behind me, and proceeded to drive around looking for someone that was frantically looking for a baby. NOTHING.  Amber kept the baby company- held him and sweetly talked to him in a soft voice. The baby was very calm and never cried.

  About 10 minutes later the cops showed up. (I was kind of surprised it took this long as we were about 2 blocks from the station, but what do I know). One nice policeman took my statement and Amber’s statement, and one of the other offices took the baby.

  Finally, after knocking on a few doors, the police found out which house the baby belonged in. The excuse was the baby must have gone out the back door and pushed the gate open. Now, let me tell you this WOODEN gate was at least 6 feet high.

 

 



  There is no way in hell that baby could have pushed that gate open. I don’t think Superman lived at that house and had a baby. The gate must have been propped open.

   The officers chatted with the gal for a bit, then came back over to us. They told us there would be a process and they would make sure this never happened to the baby again.

  Amber and I popped back into my car and off we went. I am happy to say that we have had many other lunches since then, but none quite as eventful as that day! I still drive by that intersection once in a while, and then think about that day. I saw quite a few cars in front of me that just drove by that baby, never stopping at all. I hope they just didn’t see him- which is scary as well.

  I am not trying to blow my own horn, as sometimes I admit I like to stick my head in the sand and not take care of things that need to be handled. I am just glad my instincts jumped in, saw a baby in need and didn’t even think about not stopping. Maybe I am not a total loser!!

Maybe there is hope for me yet!

 

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                                         I was a bad, bad girl-

     What a freaking nutty weekend I had!  Let’s rewind for a moment. Last weekend, I stopped in a quilt shop/sewing machine retailer just for fun. Unfortunately, they sell Pfaff machines. This is not a bad thing - but I sure did not need to see the new awesome pretty machine they are now selling. I fell in love instantly. I did not sit down at the machine nor did I sew on it. I left the shop- quickly. I then posted a little blurb about my quick trip on Facebook. One of my friends, who I had not seen a quite a few years messaged me. She informed me she now works at a quilt shop at the south end of town that also sells – yes, Pfaffs. Oh no. So, as we were conversing, she really started to get me interested in this machine that I really have no business buying. My Pfaff runs great, and I have a Bernina as well along with 2- yes 2- Singer Featherweights.

 

   So, after a few conversations with my dear hubby, and my friend Kim, along with sweet Jenny, off to Sew-Ciety we went on Saturday morning. Of course this could not be without a hitch. I needed to run to the store for a few things before we headed south, and lo and behold we come back out to the car and the damn thing won’t start. REALLY??? WTF??? So, after being on hold with AAA for 20 freaking minutes, I finally got through to a person who dispatched a tow truck. I am never on hold this long with them- and was surprised since our weather was fine and it was 8:30 on a Saturday morning. Did no one show up for work or what? As we were waiting for the truck, the Bobster went in and grabbed a bottle of Coke- and poured it over the battery cables. As we were sitting in our car, a nice man approached and asked if we needed a jump. “Yes, please, but our damn jumper cables are in the trunk of our other car.” Well this nice man had a pair, and as he was walking over to get them our car started right up! So, we ran home, switched cars and proceeded south. Thank God Bob noticed my car needed gas before we got on the highway. Geez Louise- what a morning!

 

    We finally get to the shop, and it was sure busy! We went in to the shop and met Jenny right off the bat. She was very kind, very patient and went over some of the slick features on my machine with me. What do you mean there is no presser foot lever? No bobbin case? Holy crap- this is going to be tricky! I got to chat with Kim as well, who usually does not work on Saturdays. She grabbed me some bobbins, I got up to the register and before I knew it the machine was mine! Kim took it out to the car for us and off we went. I could hardly wait to get home and play. I wish there was a way to plug it into the cigarette lighter so that I could sew on My Precious in the car! Someone needs to work on that adapter!!!

  Once we got home, I took it out of the box and began to play. I used clear thread with a zig zag stitch, cotton thread with a decorative buttonhole stitch, free motion quilted and also straight stitched and ended up with this for my dear seester-

 

   I do get several free classes on my machine- which I will schedule soon. Since I am a previous Pfaff owner I have somewhat of an idea of what is going on, but there are a hell of a lot of buttons on this thing I don’t dare touch yet!

 

   I want to give a big shout out to Jenny and Kim and the staff at Sew-Ciety, located in Castle Rock, Colorado. It was a very pleasant buying experience and I encourage anyone who needs- or doesn’t need - a machine to check them out! I wish they were a tad closer to home, but my dear friend Eileen has moved within 5 miles of them so I am sure I will be visiting both of them quite frequently, especially now that the weather is getting nicer. Eileen just happened to be at Sew-Ciety so I got to see her latest projects. So talented!!!!!!

 

   I sewed most of the day Sunday- with a little break to go upgrade my piece of shit phone. Lately it had been dropping phone calls, and the last person that it did it to was my brother Brooke, and he is not one to mess with. I had a FREE phone upgrade due, which kills me- as they have to charge you an activation fee for the new FREE phone. Exactly what is free about this transaction?? Bastards will get you any way they can. Now I have to figure out this phone works- and of course these new fangled ones do not come with a manual. My sewing machine came with one- why not my phone? GRRRRR. Hubby helped me pick out a cell phone that he said I wouldn't lose in my purse!

 

  Anywhoo- I will not be posting blogs for a while as my fat ass will be attached to my sewing machine chair. No, hopefully this means I will have a bunch of things to post as I will be getting some more sewing done.  Here is My Precious!

 

   Hugs to you all-

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                          SNOW- and more snow!

   I am sorry about the lag in posts- I got hit with the darn flu (or a bad cold) last week and boy it did me in! I did not get a darn thing done/sewed!  They were predicting quite a bit of snow here (nothing like back east however) so I was looking forward to hunkering down in my sewing room all weekend but NOOOOO- I laid on the couch all weekend and didn’t do shit! The dogs loved me, though. They are such little slugs!

    I did, however make it to a little job interview Monday night and I now have a part time job making dog collar covers for a dear woman I met through a friend. I have to make 100 of these little things before mid March- so I know where I will be this weekend! I think I can get them done Saturday, which leaves Sunday to play.

  I have been drooling over this Quilt A Long quilt in the most recent American Patchwork and Quilting magazine.

http://modalissa.blogspot.com/2015/01/apq-quiltalong-go-four-it.html

  I just love this quilt. It just seems to speak to me- maybe because it is so bright and cheery.

 

   Of course I have several things I really should be doing instead- piecing my Bear Paw BOM, starting the graduation quilt for a very special great nephew, and of course there is the pile of 4,000 unfinished damn quilt tops I have started. Oh well- that is what retreat is for!

   My first retreat of the year will be here before I know it- it is at the end of March. I have to start to try to figure out what to take. Last year I had everything prepped, cut and bagged beforehand along with the thread and any special notions I would need. It worked wonderfully- I got a ton of stuff done and there was no digging around for anything.

   I hope this year is a tad better for me - last year my dumbass brother ended up in the hospital right when I left and I was worried about his stupid ass all weekend. Love ya Brookie!  We have very spotty cell phone service at the retreat which made it even more difficult to get updates. Of course he ended up being fine- dipshit- but it was enough to put a damper on my fun trip. TO BROOKE- your ass better not be going near any hospitals at the end of this month- DO YOU HEAR ME NOW????

 

   A few years ago when I went there was major stuff happening at home- I almost did not go, but at the insistence of my daughter I went. I did end up having beergaritas at 10am that Saturday morning- but it was 5 o’clock somewhere! Lucky for us one of our stipulations where we hold our retreats is that they must allow alcohol. One year I called ahead and asked how big their freezer was and how much ice it could hold. The gal on the other end of the line was probably wondering what kind of quilters exactly were coming? She got awful quiet. (turned out they have their own ice machine- and it did keep up with the margarita making).

 

  It is because of the support and love from these peeps of mine that I am not in the looney bin typing this, but instead am at my office desk in a nice, warm environment not wearing a straight jacket. They are always there for me- and I love them all dearly.  HUGS to you all-past and present retreaters- you know who you are! Thank you for putting up with my crap- you will all be included in the book- I promise!

 

                                     A heart filled weekend-

   Hello all! I hope every one of you had a nice weekend. We had some beautiful weather Saturday- in the 60’s here in Denver. Saturday found us out and about. Bob and I had a nice lunch, went to the Denver Dog Show then splurged on red velvet milk shakes at LIKS.

 

     I got a 4 mile walk in after the milk shakes- in a t-shirt only! (well, I did have pants on as well- contrary to what some people believe, I am NOT an exhibitionist!) We then went out to dinner- fried oysters for me! The good thing about loving tiny places with good food is that they aren’t that busy on Valentines’ Day- we got right in!  Of Course we got up Sunday and it was 30 degrees. And then it snowed. Gotta love it!

 

   I did get another of my bear paw blocks done, so I am caught up! There are only 3 more blocks left, I believe. But, the big news is I finally got done sewing my Bionic Gear Bag! I have been working on it for a few weeks. The only reason it took so long is because instead of going into my sewing room when I get home from work, I plop my ass down in the chair, the dogs jump up on me and we cuddle the rest of the night. (plus I have been re-reading Fifty Shades of Grey- for the third time, teehee)

   All I had to finish on the bag was sewing the binding and zipper on to the top of the bag. And I finally did it! And, wait for it- it looks good for once! All of us quilters know how tricky sewing binding on by machine can be. When I fold the binding over, and try to stitch in the ditch, it always seems like the top stitching on the other side is crapola when I am done. This time, my friends, I kicked the bindings’ ass! And, for you my friends, I will tell you I think I have finally figured out the tricks to a good looking binding. I know, I know. I have only made 4,000 fricking bags with machine stitched binding. Some things come slow to me- DUMBASS.

    The first thing I did this time was slow the hell down. I am usually a fast sewer. It drives my friends crazy.  Just ask them. I also pinned that first seam- a LOT. These 2 things, along with making sure that I sewed that first seam very straight did the trick! This way, when I turn the binding over to the other side, if my seam is straight to begin with, the same amount of binding will be folded over the whole way across the bag. Also, as I am sewing in the ditch from the back side, the ditch is actually straight, also making this seam look good. I also used a LOT of pins when sewing in the ditch. I did hold my breath as I was turning the bag over to look at the first side of the stitching- holy crap- did I actually sew that? I was amazed- then proceeded to do the other side. Success!

   The bag I sewed is the Bionic Gear Bag. It has 4 zippered pockets inside, plus a fabric tray at the front where you can place more stuff! Take note of the way the stripes are laid out on the pockets- total accident, but a happy one at that!

 I did make the matching little fabric bowl so I had a place to put my Wonder Clips.

   It is a really slick pattern- very easy to follow. She includes lots of pictures and tons of instructions. You can find the pattern here-

http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/sewing/accessory/winner-bionic-gear-bag-notions-tote/93596

     I really like the bag. I also love the fabric I picked. I machine quilted around all of the little flowers, and put just a little bling in the center of a few flowers.

   I will definitely make another one- I might have enough fabric left to make a matching 2^nd one. If not, I may have a few pieces of fabric in my stash I can use-haha!

   Update- on Gracie- she is doing well at her new home. The vet said she is approx. 8 weeks old, and is a doxie/terrier or doxie/schnauzer mix. She is a healthy, happy little girl!

 

    Thank you for reading this my peeps!  Have a good week!

 

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

 

 

And welcome to our new blog readers from Hungary and Italy!!