Notes from a November Day....

..today is a 'calendar' picture day in November...the world around my corner, looks like this. The temps are hovering in the high 30's but snow sputters and spits occasionally. A day for reflecting or reading, cleaning one's stash or baking cookies.
No good news here either, and worse to come with the holidays approaching. At least from this angle it looks good *S*

The new bag pattern I picked up at the quilt show. Not a good picture on the pattern, but the bag is gorgeous. It's embellished along that top row with yo-yo's...an all together neat compact bag. I asked DD#1 if she would like something like that, and I now have pulled jewel tones for the 2.5" squares. Black for an accent and lining I think.And one more from the Hudson Show....a very simple snow ball-9 patch, but with Betty Boop in the center, it was such a fun quilt. One shouldn't underestimate the impact of a snow ball/9 patch if you have a great novelty fabric for that center. And speaking of snowball centers, I saw the MOST wonderful snowball center with an unusual set over at Ms. Jan's blog.
She made it for her newest grandson, Alex and it's a really awesome quilt. Benjamin is pretty terrific too, great picture of him...pop over and have a look. It's back last week sometime..I've master the name linking, but still am unsure how to link you to the actual post *VBS*.
Not much sewing has happened, despite my fervent desire of Thuraday. Friday and the State inspection came and went, and I seem to be in the "move it" mode. Had coffee with Betsy yesterday(deer season has begun...ug!) Stopped at the nursing home to drop of a bag full of puzzles for the residents who like doing them. Ended up having coffee with Jean...LOL.
I have been cleaning and folding fabric in my sewing room today. I've rounded up 11, at last count, tops that needed to be put on hangers and have backing made for them. Those are just the small ones, bigger ones are folded in a dresser drawer. I see that I should get busy and machine quilt up a couple of these smaller ones, and also get a box off to Linda J for the WTIL project. Doesn't look like I'll be running out of things that need doing any time soon.

Doesn't it just figure.....

that after months and months(earlier this year)of "missing mojo", once I'd found the passion again, I'd be tooooo busy to use it???? Yup...one more busy day and then I hope I can 'hit' the sewing machine with a vengence!!In the meantime, here is the 'stash enhancement' I did at the Hudson Quilt show a couple of weekends ago.All 6 are FQ's..and my first charm pak.
I'm not known for having batiks in my stash. I'm not really attracted to them in terms of piecing. I suppose I'd describe my stash as 'potluck' or a happy accidental 'happening'. I have more brights than blenders. Probably an equal amount of lights and darks, and a ton of novelty fabric(many are kids prints). But, as I said, this November has brought changes in me. Along with how I view the world, it's affecting how I see fabric *VBS*. Thus...the additional of batiks to the stash.
My sewing machine has stood quiet this week except for putting a binding on the small maple leaves quilt, so....here's another quilt from the Hudson Quilt Show. I remember that this one was made by Kathy Miller of Hudson, WI. She's also a member of the Stashbusters group at Yahoo. Loved your quilts Kathy!! I think I saw 3 that were yours.
And despite the lack of sewing.....this little quilt says it all!!! I'm HAPPY!

Frosty Friday Fun.....

and here's a little 'gem' to get us started *VBS* A Hudson Quilt Show quilt..first today!! Apparently this one won a prize...I hadn't noticed until I downloaded the picture. This is a Carpenter's Wheel block. The pattern was featured last spring('06) in an issue of American Patchwork and Quilting. The reason I know is that Betsy chose it to make into a quilt for her Mom. Mom wanted it in pinks and greens to match the bedroom. Betsy is DEFINITELY NOT a 'pink and green' person...LOL, but she made it, and did it beautifully. Mom loved it and the wall hanging to match.In the magazine, I believe it's called "Buggy Wheels". Check your spring issue. And then, what to my wondering eyes should appear.....
..this a.m. as I sewed at the dining room table??? Snow!! Big fluffy flakes. I ran for the camera as it was soooo pretty and unexpected *S*
But, like magic...it was hard to capture on film(unless you have a better camera or more snow!)...maybe you can see those flakes scurrying past. Before it was done, the ground was white and we had maybe a half inch in all. I scruffed through it on my way to the mail box, and gave some thought to buying some winter boots this year. Every year I give it some thought...still don't have the boots tho...*VBS*
I've been busy...have made up a dozen burp cloths for the new grandchild that Betsy and DH are expecting in time for Thanksgiving. AND...I managed to whip up a Sponge Bob pillowcase for the next-to-youngest DGS..he adores Sponge Bob and his pineapple house under the sea. With a little luck I might get to see the boys this weekend...haven't seen them since my birthday dinner back in early Oct. Remember the little scowling boy??? Yup, LOL, that's the one!

What's on your bed????

besides the cat?? Yup, Ebby was on mine, but when I decided to open out the quilt at the foot of the bed...she vanished! I was BB(blog browsing)this past weekend and came across an interesting post.The question going around is "what's on your bed?"... so I'm playing along, and asking each of YOU *VBS* "what's on your bed?"This is what's on my bed...my beloved Laura Ingalls Wilder quilt...brown and red for autumn, topped off with my newest 9 patch, which carries the red theme pretty well. Betsy and I made this pattern together. She set hers with red squares. I'll try and get a picture when I'm up there later today. I'm off to photograph her new King Salmon quilt before it leaves for Chicago. And then there's the Hudson, WI quilt show quilts......
This is one of the first ones I saw as I entered...and I love it!! Circles.....dots....what's not to love???
A close up so I don't forget how it's made *VBS* All the centers circles were different colors...and the yellow rick-rack around the border is just a HOOT!
And this happy Witch is for Holly at And sew it is(see sidebar for link) and her November birthday *VBS* This was just delight to view in person...very whimsical, playful and happy. You couldn't look at it and not chuckle. Happy Pickle, Olive, Mash potato and stuffing Birthday Holly....I'll 'hold' the turkey...LOL
More quilts tomorrow!