One Mouse's Journey

What to do with an unexpected day off

2011-03-31T22:28:00.000-04:00

So, what do you do when you check your schedule and find out you have an "extra" day off? Well, that was what I got to do today! I don't usually have Thursdays off so it was a nice surprise. First off I spent the morning with the kiddos before they had to go back to their dad's for the rest of the weekend. We had a good time durring spring break...the circus, we went out to breakfast, watched movies and just had lots of fun. Although I did look out my window yesterday to see this...

It wasn't all bad though, we had bought a kid sized snow shovel a little while back and after making the comment, "Well why did we buy it? We're not even going to get to use it!" because that snow had melted off, I made sure my daughter put it to use (OK, she volunteered. Wish it would stay that way for the next 12 years!)

And it made for a wonderful atmosphere to walk in this morning after I dropped them off. I love this heavy, wet, stick to everything kind of snow. I think its so beautiful, just like a painting. It gives everything this ethereal kind of quality. I tried my best to take some pictures to show this, but I don't think they do the natural beauty I saw justice.

After my walk I came home and played with my yarn. I got another heart and flower block done. (10 down, 145 or so to go), then while on Ravelry I saw a post on this.

This is a carnation block designed by Drew Emborsky for a project he is working on. He is asking for anyone who wants to join in to crochet one, or as many as they like, and mail them in to be added to blankets for charity. It is supposed to end up at 7 inches. Mine missed the mark. So I am debating weather to add rows to the outside or make one with a larger hook. I want to make sure it makes it to 7 inches. I guess my fear is that if its not "perfect" it won't be used. Silly, no? It is a really cool pattern and really does look like a carnation which is just amazing to me. If you would like to check it out you can do it here.
Then I got to working on my co-worker's baby sweater. I don't have enough yarn so I am done til I can get to the store.

Its a kimono style sweater so it will tie shut. At first I was going to try to get the stripes matched up in the front, but then after thinking about it I kind of like the whole yin and yang thing with them being opposites.

Finally I have been working on stash restructuring. I think we all have the same dilema at times. Projects started but not finished, fabrics that were bought with good intentions, fabric that we have been gifted, practice blocks, scraps that we "really will use someday". But what happens when that day doesn't come? When out tastes change? When we continue to look at a project and say someday when we know "someday" probably won't come? Well, I'm at that point. So today I went through my stash of all things quilty and made some choices. So far, here is what is being purged.

If it didn't still make my heart sing when I looked at it, it went in the bag. If it was still in the "well....maybe" column it stayed, for now. There are fat quarters, large chunks of flannel, some scraps, blocks and even a few finished tops in there. I am hoping the one local quilt shop still takes these kinds of donations, if not I may send them to my mom. She lives in a larger city and may have more luck finding a group that will take them. As for the rest of my fabric, I've been going through and deciding what to do with it all. I found more I can use in the postage stamp quilt, some that will be turned into bags or wallets, some that will be used to complete some of the tops I still have waiting to be finished. It feels good to be getting it under control.

Since I don't have anywhere to be until tomorrow afternoon I am going to burn the midnight oil and try to get some work done on those postage stamp blocks. Until next time, I hope you all have a great day!! Warmest wishes!!
Country Mouse

Starting into spring break the fun way!

2011-03-29T01:38:00.000-04:00

This week is spring break for my little ones, and we started it out with a ton of fun. My fiance's family and all of us went to the circus Sunday :cD I can't tell you the last time I went to the circus, but I can tell you it was the first time either of my little ones remember seeing one, so it was awesome.

We were greeted by clowns at the door.

Got all the obligatory extras...cotton candy, programs, popcorn, slushies, t-shirts and such :cD

Saw acrobats from the daring...

to the graceful..

to the exciting.

Visited with more clowns during intermission...who were more than happy to autograph their photos in the programs. Way cool.

Then enjoyed the second half that included the elephant act which was a favorite of everyone, especially my fiancee who used to want one for a pet when he was little ;) They even had a motorcycle high wire act that was way cool. The only thing I miss (that was part of the circus when I was little but understandably probably not as prevalent at circuses anymore) were the big cats. But even without them it was a wonderful experience, and a great way to kick off spring break. After the circus we all went out to dinner as well. Lots of fun!

Today was spent at home getting more spring cleaning done. I don't know what's gotten into me, but I again felt this great urge to mop and clean our hardwood floors. This time without the emotional drain...guess that's confined to kitchen floors, but you'll hear no complaints from me about that. Tomorrow I'm going to surprise the kids with a matinee. Not sure which movie, but I'm sure we'll find one that's fun.

Lest you think I abandoned all crafting, I did squeeze in time to work on a baby sweater for my co-worker, and another heart and flowers block. No picture of the sweater yet, but here is where I am at on my hearts and flowers...

Its getting late here, so I am off to get some rest before tomorrows activities. Hope you all have a great day!! Warmest wishes!!

Country Mouse

Hey all you crocheters out there

2011-03-26T03:12:00.000-04:00

So, I was at the grocery store the other day when on my way out I stopped by the magazines. The current issue of Crochet World caught my eye with its cute little crocheted lamb so I picked it up, flipped through it really quick, then decided what the heck and took it with me up to the check out. When I got home I took a longer look through it and there are a ton of great patterns in there! First off there is a hat pattern by CrochetDad that is just beautiful. He is a member of the Jean Leinhauser 101 Crochet Blocks group with me on Ravelry, and my kids thought it was really cool that I "knew" him :) Further into the magazine I found pattern after pattern of things that I will probably make eventually, but one jumped out at me and one I just had to do now. It is called Hearts and Flowers Afghan. It has bright, popcorn stitch flowers in the middle of softly shaped hearts on a black background, and I totally fell in love with it the second I saw it. So despite the fact that I have so many other things I want to make and that I am currently working on, I have decided that I am going to challenge myself to work on this one a little at a time and make one square a day, and I wondered if there is anyone else out there that is also working on this one or wants to. It takes 154 squares to make the afghan in the magazine, so it won't be finished anytime soon at that rate, but it makes it doable for me. So with that I set to making my first few squares (I even joined 2 just to see what that process was like, I've never done it before), and here is what I have...

I have a few more made that I don't have pictures of just yet, but I am up to 6, so I still have a way to go, but so far I just love it. So all you crocheters out there, if you are working on this, made this, or want to crochet this along with me, please let me know cause I would love to see your projects/progress.

On a quilty note, is anyone out there still working on this...

I can't believe its been so long since I started this. I joined the postage stamp quilt along on Handmade by Heidi's blog when it started last February and started off so well, then got sidetracked by teaching myself to knit, and , well..... This is where I am at now, and I am making progress again. I have decided I am not using the block center in the bottom row, so I think I still have 13 or so "blocks" to go and have challenged myself to make at least one a week until I get it done.
So it looks like I've got my work cut out for me with my self-imposed challenges (not to mention the two crochet-along groups I'm in on Ravelry, my row by row challenge, and knitting and quilting for a friend who is expecting her second son soon.) Busy busy busy, but that's the way I like it :cD

Hope you are all having a good weekend. I am working as usual, but have a surprise in store for the kiddos this Sunday which should be a lot of fun then we head into spring break. With that I am off and running again ;cD Warmest wishes to you!!

Country Mouse

Easing back in

2011-03-24T12:56:00.000-04:00

Hi all, I can't believe last week flew by! Life never slows down, huh? I actually got my sewing area a bit more organized last week so I could start sewing some more. I was all excited as I started rearranging my supplies and getting things cleaned up, thinking about the projects I would be working on. I really wanted to get my row by row started so I started looking through my fabrics then something kinda weird happened. Now, I have been quilting for almost 10 years (wow, that number is big! can't believe I've been at it that long) and especially when I started, I was fearless about color. I would look at all that fabric and just start grabbing it up, cutting and sewing things together. I would make some choices that others would look at then comment, "Do you think that's going to work?". I would look at my cut pieces, then at them, then simply reply, "Yup!!". Well, as I was looking through my stash I actually felt....overwhelmed. I froze. I couldn't make those quick decisions. I'm sure its just because I haven't been sewing much over the last year and it will pass, but it was one of the most surprising feelings for me. So rather than starting the row by row, I went for something a little "easier".

Two years ago I did a shop hop and picked up these block kits, and they called out to me as something to ease back into sewing with since the colors were all chosen for me. I figured that maybe if I worked with something that some of the work was done for me (color choice) I could just relax, work on my cutting accuracy and seam allowances. So I set to cutting and got these beauties done.

I got a fourth cut, but somehow I ended up with not enough of one color, so I either need to find a suitable substitute in my stash or find one at the fabric store. I have also been working on my postage stamp quilt, which has thrilled my son because it is going to him when its done. I'll post a picture of my progress on it soon. After looking at my stash again, I have decided that some of the fabrics I have would be perfect for handbags, totes and other non-quilty things so I am making a list of those kinds of things I want to make as well. So I see some real sewing in my future again :cD

I also realized this month is my one year knitaversary. I am amazed at how far I've come in just a year when it comes to working with yarn. I remember buying the teach yourself to knit book and posting my simple garter stitch swatch I had made with yarn that had been bought for poncho ties that I had laying around. I have made toys, purses, hats, sweaters, and even socks (I never thought I would be able to learn to use double pointed needles!).

Here are just a few projects to see where I've come from and where I'm at now....

I've come a long way!!

------------ Non-quilt or yarn related content ahead------------------------------

I usually don't talk about much about how things were before my divorce. I don't think you all come and visit me to read about any of that, and I don't want to be seen as a whiner or complainer. Life happens, you make choices, you move on. But I had something bring things back to mind that I just wanted to write down. I have been hit with some spring cleaning fever (I figured I better take advantage of it since play-with-yarn fever or play-with-fabric-fever hits me FAR more often) and decided to get the kitchen clean from top to bottom. I was mopping the floor when memories came flooding back. I don't like mopping the floor for that reason. When I was working on some of the stickier spots...floors get those, they are floors after all...I couldn't help but remember the times when a sticky spot like that would get a "this is why we don't deserve nice things, we can't keep what we've got nice" comment. Those words would rip at me every time I heard them. I had tried my best to make my home a nice one. It made me feel like I would never have any better, be any better, deserve any better. Those kind of words hurt more than people realize, and usually come from people who think they're justified in stating them. Its been hard for me to get to the point I am where I feel confident in who I am and what I am capeable of, all considered. I took a moment after getting the floor done and just looked at it. Not perfect, but nice and clean and much improved. Then I took a moment and thought about where I am now and where I was a couple years ago. And although the words that were ringing through my head the entire time I mopped brought back emotional pain I thought I was over, I realized that I was OK. I can have better, be better and deserve better and I just need to remember that and continue to move forward. And just know it will all work out the way its supposed to in the end.

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I'm going to get on my way and jump back into the craziness that is my life, and will be back with more projects to share. I hope you all find some time this weekend to do the things that make you happy...you deserve it!! Warmest wishes!!

Country Mouse

I think spring is finally springing!!

2011-03-18T14:07:00.000-04:00

Hi all hope you are gearing up for the weekend, or gearing down, whichever the case may be. Me, well, I'll be working all weekend, but that's OK because I think spring is finally here!! We have had one of the most drab stretches I can remember...lots of rain, gray skies, even some snow...but we are finally sunny and in the 60's. Wooohooo!! Just to give you an idea of what we've seen, here are two pictures taken out our back window. The first one is date stamped 3/11/2011 and the second was taken today.

That's Ohio for you!!

To continue the spring-y love, here are the two latest blocks I've completed for the crochet a-long on Ravelry. This is one of the two colorways I've chosen, but I think this one is my favorite. And it goes along well with the springtime feel of the day.

With those done, I've caught up on my knitting and crochet for the month so I am going to make a conscious effort to work on my quilts. I have a row by row challenge that I am woefully behind on, so that is my first goal. Then I have fabric for a dragon quilt for my fiancee that is goal number two, so I hope to have pictures of those soon.

Just a quick update on my car problems. I had my check engine light come on the other day, I tightened the gas cap and it went off. Then it came back on then went off again. Weird. Took it to the mechanic yesterday and even though the light was off the computer threw a code for a problem anyway. Double weird. So I am facing a relatively minor repair, but it could be a lot worse so I can't really complain.

Well, I am off to enjoy the weather before I head into work. I was just so excited I had to share (well that and I really want to try to be a more consistent blogger so I wanted to work on that too :cD) Hope you all have a great day. Warmest wishes!!

Country Mouse

To and fro, stop and go, that's what makes the world go round.

2011-03-16T09:12:00.000-04:00

OK, so I've been watching too many kids shows lately (the title comes from a song in Disney's Sword in the Stone) but its the kind of thing that's been keeping me going lately. I really meant to be on here blogging more this year, but it just hasn't happened yet. I'm sure you've all heard the saying "sometimes you ride the wheel and sometimes it rides you"? Or I like the one "sometimes you're the windshield and sometimes you're the bug". Well, right now I feel like the bug. Its just been one of those times when everything has been coming at me at once. Foot problems, I broke a tooth, my check engine light came on, a rough patch in relationships, just to mention some of it. Ugh! Sometimes it just seems like it will never end! When it comes down to it though, I know life is like the song above. For all those rainy patches, you just know there will be sunshine on the other side. So to anyone else out there going through the rain with me, keep your head held high and know that sunshine is around the corner :cD

Alright, enough of the whining :cP I have been trying to make the best of it and getting stuff done. I have been trying to get out and walk (although the weather hasn't been helping!), I have been keeping the house under control, and I have been working on my CAL projects. I have really enjoyed being part of the 101 Crochet Blocks CAL on Ravelry. That group is just so helpful and fun to be in. Our block this week was block 100, and it was quite a challenge for me. I made 4 of them before I got it figured out, but here is the finished product...

I also made a new toy for my daughter. My kids have been playing Viva Pinata and the other day she came up to me and asked "Mom, can you make me a mousemallow?" Sure, I thought, the character lends itself to amigurumi type crochet so I sat down and worked up this little fellow...

He is my own design, and I was thinking about writing it down so I could share the patten here, but I haven't done that yet. Finally I finished this fellow for a friend of mine...

He is based on the patten Night Owl by Alan Dart. Funny (well, sort of) story...I took this owl to where my friend works to give it to her, and someone she showed it to had made the comment that she was going to take it. We all thought she was joking. Well, a little later my friend was trying to find the owl to show it to someone else and he was nowhere to be found. Ends up that the person we thought was joking about taking the owl had stuffed it in her purse and really was going to walk out with him!! Luckily he was found and he is now safe and sound with his new owner.

Last night was my son's blue and gold banquet. This is his first year in Boy Scouts and I am so proud of him. He is very shy and usually needs a little nudge to get involved with social activities. A few months ago he brought home a paper and said "Mom, I want to join the Boy Scouts." I was a little surprised, but made sure we made it to the meeting and got him signed up, and I am so glad we did!! He has had a lot of fun, made some new friends, participated in his first pine wood derby, been to new places. It has been very good for him. He got an award for art, and his citizenship pin among other things. We are soooo proud. On a side note, it was a pot luck type dinner. I haven't been to one of those for AGES and I forgot how much I loved them. So much good food and different foods too, so much fun!!

Well, the weather is cruddy today, I am ready for spring to spring already!! But it is the perfect day to work on some knitting and some sewing, some housework (its laundry day here), and maybe squeeze a walk or run in between the raindrops before picking the kiddos up from school. Hope you all have a great day!! Warmest country wishes!!

Country Mouse

Getting back to life

2011-03-09T09:39:00.000-05:00

Hi all, I hope you have all been making lots of progress on projects old and new, and that you have been making progress on all that you have been wanting to. I ended up losing almost a month of progress of all I had been working toward this year. A tough start to be sure, but I am doing well regaining ground that I lost. So so much has been going on around here...OK, maybe nothing all that new, but it is always busy and it keeps me moving!!

I am excited to share a picture of my first block for this month for my CAL blocks for this month. This was quite an interesting block in my opinion. I've never done one with this kind of technique for the center. The directions are nice and clear, and worked up relatively quickly. It is called Starburst Flower and can be found here

I have also been playing catch-up with another group I joined on Ravelry. We are making blocks out of Jean Leinhauser's 101 Crochet blocks book. Now the book is out of print, and I had been trying to find a copy with not much luck, but the members of this group have been wonderful when it comes to helping find copies for members without. I was lucky enough to get a copy through one of the moderators of the group, Sandy, who was able to find a friend willing to part with her copy. We're only on week 9, but I have learned sooo many new stitches and am having an absolute blast making the blocks, and I am almost caught up. Now to decide what to do with all of them ;cD Oh, and they are different sizes too, so I'm looking forward to the challenge of figuring out how to fit them together.

block 96

block 40

block 3

block 23

block 30

block 81 (I love this block! I may make an entire afghan out of this block eventually.)

block 88

I am disappointed in myself for falling off the wagon with my fitness program. Its so easy to let it go when you have had a period when you couldn't exercise. I am doing my best to get back on track. I am hoping the weather breaks soon so I can get back outside, but so far no luck. Between thunderstorms, ice, snow, flooding and temperatures ranging from the 20's up to nearly 60 over the last week or so it has been a total crazy mess around here. My goal for the month is to get some aerobic activity in 4 days a week and to begin stretching more.

Well, I am off to get things done today, I have a surprising amount of energy today so I am going to take advantage of it. A little cleaning, a little exercise, and hopefully a lot of stitching :cD (I'm working on my first toy pattern for my daughter based on a video game she is playing right now) So with that I am going to wish you all warmest wishes for a wonderful day!!

Country Mouse

Back to the land of the living....or the almost never ending flu!

2011-02-18T00:29:00.000-05:00

Oh my goodness, I can't believe how much of February is already gone, and I'm just now getting around to doing simple things like crafting and blogging, heck throw working and exercising in there too!! DS's birthday was the end of January, and he was with us this year...we went out to eat and had a great time, but by the end of the evening I started feeling not-so-well. I tried to get some extra rest, but ended up with a fever the following morning anyway. I started to feel better enough to try to work later the next week, but ended up with a second bout of fever knock me on my butt. Found out later that DD had Influenza A and that is what had me down as well. Down for nearly 3 weeks!!! I hate being sick!! Thankfully I am feeling better, still have a bit of a cough that just won't go away, but I've been able to get things done around the house, work and even get out to go walking. Oh does it feel good to be back on my feet!!

I have gotten a few things done to share. I got three of the 12 inch blocks for the BOM CAL 2011 on Ravelry. These are for the "second" afghan.

I've gotten one of the blocks for the "first" afghan and am going to try and get the other done soon.

I am debating on starting to sew these together so I don't have a ton of blocks to sew together at the end of the year.

I also got brave and finally gave knitting with double pointed needles a try :cD I decided to give yoga socks a go since they did not involve turning a heel or using a special stitch to knit the toes together. I am really pleased with how they turned out. I think I may use the rest of the skein of sock yarn to try making a "real" sock (i.e. with a heel and toe) just for practice.

I made the "foot" part a little shorter than the pattern called for so I knew my forefoot would be able to make contact directly to the floor. I think they turned out well, and I'm totally proud of myself for finally tackling those DPNs ;cD
We are enjoying a little stretch of warmer weather...up into the 60s today, woohoo!! I made sure to get out and enjoy the weather. I also had an unexpected day off work so made sure to make some time for myself amongst all the overdue cleaning. I really need it since amongst everything else I have been having some ex issues of late. One of those "when it rains it pours" starts to the month. Well, I hope you all have been off to a better start than we have been here. On a positive note, it can only get better, right? Right!! Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!!

Country Mouse

Hi, I'm Country Mouse and I have a "problem" ;cD

2011-01-25T23:38:00.000-05:00

I have a bit of an addiction you could say. Its with all those little papers there in the yarn department of craft stores that have the four most lovely little letters in the world printed on them "f-r-e-e".

In today's world of trying to be financially responsible, those four little letters just call out to me like a siren's call. I have picked up more patterns than I could possible ever make, but dispite that fact I just keep picking up more. I've got patterns for sweaters, afghans, socks, baby bibs and sweaters, mittens, you name it. Not that I don't buy magazines or books, but well, the pictures on these little slips of paper are just too wonderful to pass up, and I am oh so greatful to the companys that make these possible. I can tell you I plan on making the yoga socks in the bottom right corner, the sweater in the lower left, and at least one of the ripple afghans. At least I know I'll have plenty to keep me busy. So that's my problem, if you want to call it that, I call it being frugal, and that's not so bad :cD....now if I could just find a better way to organize them than just a folder ;cD

Now on to progress news. I am moving right along on my short sleeve cable sweater. Its knitted sideways (meaning cast on is the right sleeve and you work across to the cast off which is the left sleeve) which has been interesting and in its own way challenging. Actually the biggest challenge is working with an odd shaped sweater hanging from the needles after casting off the right front then working the rest of the way across. The nice part will be that in the end the only seams will be two long seams that run down either side of the sweater. Here is my progress up to tonight...

with right side folded over

laid out flat as it is when I'm working on it.

I have gotten my son's knitted cat finished as well, and he is very happy to have a new kitty to add to his collection...he is a cat person just like mom. I've gotten 6 of 12 squares outline quilted on the blue and yellow quilt, and I am working on a blue and white charm bracelette, so I am really happy with where I am on my goals for the month. And I still have almost a week left, so I'm gonna see just how much I can get done. And I'm already thinking of whay I would like to get done next month. Like working on the stained glass afghan I saw recently on Knit and Crochet Now ;cD

As for life in general, all has been pretty smooth, so I can't complain. Would I like to be able to take a month and have no worry about housework, ex issues, work, bills and all that stuff? Of course I would, but every once in a while I get so much satisfaction from being my own person, getting stuff done, taking care of things. I know that may sound odd, but after several years of being made to feel I couldn't handle all of that, it makes me feel so good to know that yes, I can. So even when things get tough, I focus on that and that helps me to get through anything.

Well, I'm going to get on my way, gonna try to get a few more rows done on that sweater :cD Hope you all have a great day!! Warmest country wishes!!

Country Mouse

Strange noises and proof I'm not a math major

2011-01-20T00:27:00.000-05:00

There's been a strange noise in my house. Did you hear that? It's kind of a humming. It goes on for a little bit then stops, then starts hums for a bit then stops. What the heck is it? Its just my poor, neglected for the last 9 months sewing machine. Its happily humming along feeling useful once again :cD

I'm making nice progress on this star quilt. The top has been done for probably a couple years, patiently waiting for me to baste and quilt it. It was a $5 quilt block a month my LQS did ages ago.

I finished up the blocks then sent them away for a swap I did with an Internet group I belonged to before my divorce where my partner set them and turned them into a completed top then mailed it back to me.

It then waited for me to go through what I did. Then the happy day came when I was gifted with almost a whole bolt of cotton fabric I could use for backing. I got it basted earlier this month and now am quilting away :cD

I am hoping to have at least the quilting on this one done by month's end. I will probably gift or sell this one. I love it, but there is no way I can keep all of the quilts I love since I end up falling in love with almost every one I make :cP

Now it has been a while since I have quilted and I do remember the basics, but I have to share this little story...hope you get a giggle out of it.

I joined a challenge posted by an on-line group I belong to where we are going to do a "row by row" quilt. The first block was posted (they are doing 12 inch blocks) but one of my all time favorite quilts uses 6 inch blocks, so I decided that I wanted to do that size instead. Looking at the block it is a 4x4 block so I figured "OK, 1 1/2 inch squared instead of 3 inches." So I cut out the pieces for 3 of the blocks in my first row, then set about sewing the first one together tonight. I ended up with a pretty nice little square....

Yeah, a 2 inches too small little square!! Not thinking that 1 1/2 inches was the finished size I cut my squares at 1 1/2 inches for the solid blocks and 1 7/8 inches for the HSTs....DUH, there's that thing called a seam allowance I didn't think of :cP Now be it either temporarily crappy math skills, haste, or just plain being an airhead I just couldn't believe I did that. I did sit down and figure out the correct size squares I needed to cut and am going to go raid the scrap bin again and give it another go :cD The quilting is giving me something to do while I'm patiently waiting for February's CAL blocks to be announced and while I am looking for a book of squares so I can get started with another CAL that I joined on Ravelry. Not that I'm not knitting either....I actually knitted through one whole skein of yarn for my sweater in about 2 days. I'm really enjoying that project so far.

Well that pretty much sums up most of what's going on here. We did get the furnace fixed and are all nice and cozy again which is awesome considering we're getting more snow. Call me crazy, but I do love it. All white and clean :cD I'm also doing pretty well on the fitness front. Nothing wild and crazy, but doing my best to stick with it. I'm gonna get on my way, and maybe try to get a few more rows done on that sweater :cD Hope you all have a great one. Warmest country wishes!!!

Country Mouse

Baby, its cold INSIDE!!

2011-01-17T01:40:00.001-05:00

Hi all, hope you're all having a great weekend. Me? Well.....let me explain my title.

I work weekends. No big deal. My Saturday started off as usual, got up, dropped my fiancee off at his job, walked on the treadmill, took care of some things around the house. All was going pretty well. So off to work I go. Fast forward 8 hours....when we get home the house is COLD. Our furnace had shut off. We flipped a reset switch and figured it would be fine. The furnace shut off 2 minutes later. We flipped the switch again. Again the furnace shut off 2 minutes later. And again, and again, and one more time. Finally we just decided to start a fire in the fireplace, warmed up the house that way then headed off to bed when the fire was out. Well, we woke up to this....

Yup, that is a crappy picture, and yup that reads 50 degrees! So we called and got a repair man here asap. After looking at the furnace he informed us the induction motor is bad and needs replaced. Aaaaarrrrggggg! So since he is unable to get the motor needed until tomorrow morning DF and I are playing camp out in the living room, and the mouselings are having a sleepover at grandma and grandpa's for the night. I've never been so thankful to have a fireplace in my whole life!!

It hasn't all been bad though. My mom and dad made a visit and brought me a present.

I am so totally excited! Its all the yarn I need to make my short sleeve cable sweater. I'm so glad I had mentioned it to my mom, especially since they never did restock at my local Jo-Anns store :( So I have been sitting by the fire working on my sweater tonight.

I also started a second group of blocks for the Ravelry crochet a-long 2011. I really like these colors, they are just soft white and mellonberry both Red Heart Super Saver yarns. I am making both the 12 inch and 6 inch blocks for this one.

I also got some quilting started on the blue and yellow quilt. Yes, I said quilting....now no one faint on me out there. I will have pictures to share next post.

Well, its getting late in our neck of the woods and everyone has the day off tomorrow so I am gonna head off and rest up for what should be a day full of fun and family. Hope you all have a great one. Warmest country wishes!!

Country Mouse

Some progress already!!

2011-01-05T10:18:00.000-05:00

Hi all, I'm finally settling back into a rythm with the kids going back to school .Winter break was over Monday, YEAH....oh, I mean aaawwwww (that's just in case the kids see that ;cD) I've had the chance to sit down and make a list of monthly goals for January. It's not intimidating, and covers a little of everything. I posted it in the sidebar, and hopefully will be able to cross them all off by month's end. I actually left one off because I got it done already. This is the lace bag that I had started a while back. It sat with the lining pinned in and handles beside it for way too long. Its just a little one, but it will be great for an afternoon out where I won't need to be carrying too much.

I aslo wanted to share pictures of the scarf and mittens I got done right before Christmas. The scarf is scraps of worsted weight yarn in a color combo I like to call sugar rush because it makes me think of jars full of candies you would see on a candy store shelf.

The mittens are knitted from a pattern in Simply Knitting Magazine, and made out of Caron's Simply Soft Eco in Ocean. I have to admit the pattern threw me for a little bit of a loop...it had a couple lines that made no sense to me, but I just kind of figured out my own parts of the patten. They worked up quite quickly too. I personally love mittens, especially when I'm running, so I can see me making several pairs but maybe from a different pattern.

I'm eager to get back to quilting as well. A couple months ago when we were visiting with my fiencee's aunt she looked at me and said "hey, I've got something for you." She left the room and returned with this....

It's a nice cotton, not sure how many yards but its several, and will be perfect for backing a few quilts. So now I have backing, I have a couple packaged battings and thread, now I just have to pick which quilt I'm going to baste first :cD

I joined a crochet-along on Ravelry this year too. We are doing one block a month, and there is an optional filler. Now, although the filler block is really pretty I don't know that I'm going to give it a try just yet. There is lots of talk about fixing this line, or reworking that part so I may pick another square and come back to the chosen filler square later. The main monthly square, however, is done. The instructions are clear, and well written. I chose to use a pink, brown, soft white color scheme for mine...

Finally, I would like to share a picture of my next sweater project. It is the Short Sleeve Cable Sweater published in Knit n Style. I am making it in Red Heart Eco-Ways Lichen.

The only downside to this project so far is that I bought the yarn during Jo-Anns big yarn sale. There was only one skein, but figuring since the yarn is a no dye lot yarn I would just pick more up later. Well, I purchased that skein during the first day of the sale, and they still have not restocked the yarn, not that I know of anyway, and I've checked back several times. I have to say I'm really dissapointed that they have not done so. They know that they are having a sale, that things will probably sell, and even when an associate told me "Oh, they just restocked today." this particular yarn bin still sat empty. Lots and lots of other yarns, just no more of this one. Oh well, I do have my mom checking the Jo-Anns in her neck of the woods, and I'm sure they'll restock eventually. I'm just dissapointed that I'm unable to take advantage of the sale price :(

I've been doing well with my wellness goals so far too. I know its still early in the year, but I know of many people who have given up on their resolutions in this short of a time. Hopefully I can keep the momentum going :cD

Well, I am off to choose a quilt to baste, get in a run, and get some housework done on my last day off before a long work weekend. I hope you all find a little time to do the things you love today. Warmest country wishes!!

Country Mouse

Happy New Year....looking to the future

2011-01-01T15:23:00.000-05:00

Hi all, I hope you all had a great holiday season! Ours was great, busy, but great! I wanted to show a picture of a couple of the projects I got finished up before we rang in the new year here. First is a crochet hat. Its a really simple design, and I just love the colors. I made it out of Red Heart (love the hard wearing-ness for things that will be worn a lot) in Mellonberry.

And a teeny-tiny tiger I made for my DD. I may have to make another since he didn't take too much yarn and ended up so darn cute ;cD

I also got a pair of mittens made up from an extra skein of Simply Soft that I had as well as started a new sweater, but don't have pictures yet. Why? Cause I don't have my camera battery charged up yet. Yup, I got a camera for Christmas and am so excited to start sharing better pictures!!! *super big smile* So I will get that all ready to go so I can share those pictures next post.

So with the new year I have been thinking about how I want to improve my life and myself and have come up with a bit of a plan. One of my goals for this year is to focus on myself both health-wise and emotionally. After thinking about the past couple years I realized I really let myself go and need to try to spend time taking care of myself so I can better take care of those around me. I have started a second blog (OK, restarted but anyway) you can visit if you feel so inclined. I am using it to keep track of my fitness over the year. On the crafting front, I am also going to focus on being a little more rounded in the projects I work on. I am going to try to get a little done each month on knitting, crocheting, quilting and jewelry making. I know the way I am and that I have a hard time working on things I may have set aside, but I need to make an effort to make progress on those things. I am also going to try to be more consistent with my blogging. I love to write, and have several journals partially filled and think to myself "I should blog this" but never get around to getting the computer out. So I am going to try to be better about do that as well.

I know this is a bit of a shorter post, but I have to get going since I do have to work today. This is a busy week in the service industry. So I am going to get going. I hope you all have a wonderful day!! Warmest country wishes!!

today's post is brought to you by the letter "F"

2010-11-30T11:18:00.000-05:00

"F" is for.... Finishes!!
I have been working along on projects lately large and small, and have some finishes to share. First off are some amigurumi I have made from the book I bought.
I love tigers. I think they are some of the most beautiful, powerful and graceful creatures on the planet. So I couldn't pass up making these little ones. One is mine, and the other is for my son who ,bless his heart, is incredibly patient when it comes to getting some of mom's projects (little sister usually swoops in and tries to claim all of them).

Next is something for my daughter who has a birthday next month. When I picked up the book she saw this cake and told me "Mom, you have to make me one of these for my birthday!!" I just looked at her and said "We'll see." She still doesn't know I've made it for her, I am planning to present it to her along with her edible birthday cake :cD

This is a simple scarf I made from Lion Brand Homespun yarn. I LOVE this yarn...OK the way it feels anyway. My first intention was to make a ripple afghan (still on my to do list) but had one heck of a time seeing the "v"s to determine where the stitches were. So after some frustration I decided that my first ripple afghan will be made with smoother yarn. This yarn was, however, perfect for a scarf that will be donated by by son's boy scout troop...and I may make more with this yarn as well, we'll see.

Finally, I got my sweater done. It is from the pattern Stay Cool which was published in Simply Knitting issue 68. I used Caron simply soft in country blue, and since it is a slightly heavier yarn than the pattern calls for by following the medium size directions I ended up with the perfect size for me. I'm pretty happy with it. I wish the lace section was a little more flat, it is curling up a bit yet. I wore it to Thanksgiving dinner and got compliments from friends and family :cD

"F" is also for...my feet...

I would love to know what is going on with the body part beyond my ankles, but alas, I'm still rather clueless. The good news is that after a couple weeks away from running (I have still been trying to get out there and walk) they are feeling much better. I am hoping that in another week or so I can try to run a little again. The bad news is that I feel as big as a house since I haven't been running.

"F" number three... false starts
I started my next project about a week ago. It is a knitted stole called Blue Topaz published in Simply Knitting issue 71. I got going and was all excited about a "simple" project...some easy-ish lace, no shaping. Then about 20-something rows into it I noticed an error in my knitting. Thinking I could just frog a couple rows I pulled the needles out and yanked away. Then realized I couldn't tell yarn overs from other stitches or dropped stitches. I got frustrated, frogged the WHOLE thing, cried for a minute then restarted. I will try to get a couple pictures to share next post.

"F" number four... fun stuff!!
The weekend before Thanksgiving the local garden center has an event called Holly-Pine Lane which is free to the public. There are lots of themed decorated Christmas trees there as well as demonstrations, refreshments and Santa. Since that Sunday the kiddos were here we decided to check it out.

This is the tree that was at the entrance. It was covered in beautiful ornaments like this cut paper ornament, below, as well as others.

One of my daughter's favorites...covered in teddy bears.

One of my son's favories with lots of country style ornaments.

One of my favorites. One decorated with beautiful red work ornaments done by the local quilter's society.

Finally, one that was a favorite of all of us kids and kids at heart... one covered in candy and candy shaped ornaments :cD

This is just a few of the many themed trees there. It is such a nice event and free to the public each year. I just love to go when I am able. (Oh, and don't ask me why my dd looks like she isn't having fun in the photos, I can't really tell you. She had a great time, I think my picture taking timing was just off :cS)

Well, I am off to enjoy one more "F".... free time! I have a little today between the chores and picking the kids up from school, so I am off to try to get a walk and some crafting time in today. Hope you all have a wonderful day!! Warmest wishes!!

Life...the good, the bad and the interesting

2010-11-16T22:57:00.000-05:00

Hi all, its the beginning of another week and things are crazy as ever. Let me start off and get the "bad" part of my title out of the way. Even after getting new shoes, both running and work, my left foot is still bugging me. Long story short, as much as I hate the thought of it, I am going to HAVE TO take some time off from running. I'm still going to try to get out there and walk since its lower impact, and try to do some yoga just in case it is muscular and/or due to inflexibility, but boy does that just suck!! I was really starting to make progress again, and now I'm just hoping to maintain and recover. Weird part is, the pain is worse after I've been sitting for a while. When I'm on my feet and moving around (like doing housework and such) its pretty much OK...odd. Hopefully I'll be able to get back out there again soon.

The good is that I've been crafting away and coming up with new ideas that will get me digging into my fabrics again :cD I've been making progress on my sweater, and am hoping to have it done in time to wear to the family get together on Thanksgiving...wish me luck! I've also been playing around with the amigurumi. I recently bought Amigurumi Two and have made a couple little cuties from it.

Then I got brave and modified and combined a couple patterns to come up with this little octo-cutie :cD

Finally, on to the interesting. First off we had school conferences which went well, and interestingly enough the conversation with my daughter's teacher turned toward crafting. I had mentioned that I sew as well as knit and recently started crocheting. It turns out her teacher is a knitter as well, and raises sheep and spins the wool into yarn herself. How cool is that. She even has pictures of her sheep in her classroom :) Then it was time for my son's teacher. About a year ago my son was diagnosed with PDD. It is a condition just outside the autism spectrum. Academically, he is very bright, but he can have problems on the social side. Well, we came to find out his homeroom teacher (his grade has 2 teachers they work with) has a child with the same condition so he totally "gets" my son. I can't tell you how nice it is to know he has such an understanding teacher. I am so thankful for that!!

Speaking of being thankful, I just have to share this. Believe it or not, we have a radio station that is playing all Christmas music already! Now not that I don't like Christmas music, I love it in fact, but I can't help but want to scream "Hey, there IS a holiday between Halloween and Christmas, you know?!?!" I sometimes think its kind of sad how Thanksgiving gets overlooked. Its one of my favorite holidays. I have lots to be thankful for, and love the time to reflect on that with friends and family. And as one of my friends likes to say, it may just be the best holiday of the year...all the friends, family, togetherness and food of other holidays without the financial burden. Just a time to be together, and I love that.

Well, I am off again. Hope you all have a great week!!
Country Mouse

Oh dear, I think I did it again...

2010-11-09T09:56:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I think I have crafter's ADD. I just can't help floating from craft to craft and project to project, sometimes at the expense of not finishing one that I've started. I have always loved art and crafting. When I was growing up my mom did a lot of knitting, crocheting and sewing. She was involved with a company called Creative Circle years and years ago, and taught me how to cross stitch, embroider, and do other needle work. I loved making "friendship bracelets" back in the day with embroidery floss. I think I had committed at least 15 different knotted designs to memory, and could probably still create a lot of them. I remember making a hand sewn dinosaur for my sister for Christmas one year. I took art class all through high school. I loved fabric and collected fat quarters with no particular project in mind. Then when my son was born I started quilting, and even though I would dabble with other crafts here and there after that, quilting dominated most of my crafting. Now several years later, I can't seem to see another type of craft and not give it a try. First it was jewelry making, then knitting, now its crochet. I joined ravelry shortly after starting knitting, and while browsing through the patters, I kept coming across the cutest little softies. Unfortunately (or so I thought) many of them were crocheted. I'm sure most of you are familiar with them, they are called amigurumi. Well, the last time my parents came to visit I had my mom show me the simple single, double and treble crochet, and true to form, I took that information and ran with it. I was bound and determined to learn to crochet because I was going to make some of those amigurumi. Well.... I am thrilled to show off my first little cutie!

This little puppy was made from a free pattern from my local Jo-Anns store and scrap yarn. He's about 4 inches tall and has already been claimed by my dd. Now my son wants me to find and make him a cat :cD I also think I may have found my next project, maybe, I picked up another free patten flyer at Jo-Anns (I love free patterns) and made this for an afghan from it. I don't know about the colors yet, but I would love to have a beautiful, retro style granny square afghan.

I also remembered how to use my sewing machine!! OK, I've never really forgot, of course, but it has been a looong time since I've sewn anything. My daughter was thrilled when she came over and saw this..

I actually have lots of fleece left over, so I am thinking I will probably make the arm warmers that came with this pattern and maybe a hat and/or scarf too. Being with my sewing machine also made me want to get one of those quilts there in my sidebar done too. Actually, I have to change that up a bit because after some thought, I think I will get those quilts done (rather than purge the tops) and donate or gift a lot of them out.
I've been trying to get out there and run, but a sore ankle has kind of kept me down (but not out) for a while. I know some of it is due to the extra weight I carry, and I really think its mostly due to really tight muscles...I really need to stretch more consistently. Another big factor were my shoes. They were way past their prime, so I invested in a new pair of running shoes.

I ran in them for the first time yesterday, and there has always been something about new shoes that makes me feel so much lighter and faster. They also make a huge difference. Today is the first day that I have not woken up with a sore ankle after running in almost 2 weeks so I am thrilled!!

Other than that life has been pretty quiet, which is nice. Especially after so much drama for the last couple years, so I can't complain. Nothing too exciting, not too boring, just enough to keep life interesting which is always good. Well, I am off to enjoy the day, and try to fit in all that needs to be done. Hope you all have great one!! Warmest country wishes!!
Country Mouse

My favorite time of the year

2010-11-02T12:56:00.000-04:00

I love fall. Everything about it. The changing leaves, the colors, the cooler weather, the feeling of coming in from the cold to a nice warm house, fires in the fireplace....oh, I could go on and on. My favorite thing? How about a couple pictures clues...

Yup, pumpkins! To me they are the ultimate symbol of fall. They are everywhere right now, and I just love the color, and smell, and yumminess of them. With Halloween just past we made sure we made some jack-o-lanterns, roasted pumpkin seeds and made some yummy pumpkin muffins to enjoy along with my coffee with (what else) pumpkin spice creamer in it. We did go trick-or-treating this last weekend, and the kids had a blast. We came home with enough candy that we shouldn't have to buy any for the rest of the year, lol!! We just made a single loop around the neighborhood. Right before we were back to our house we were greeted by a familiar face handing out candy right across the street. OK, not really anyone we knew but I think most everyone will recognize this fellow...

On the crafting front, I have made some progress on my sweater. I need to go out and get a couple more skeins of yarn to get the rest done. Thankfully this yarn is no dye lot. I know that doesn't guarantee an exact color match, and I should buy enough for the whole project at once, but so far I have been very fortunate that usually Caron's yarn has been very consistent color wise.

I have also been playing around with crochet. I would love to learn crochet so after watching an episode of Knit and Crochet Today I fiddled around and made some of these to use up some scraps...

Finally I have been making myself a pair of simple fingerless mitts. These are really fast to make up, and I love the cables :cD

(Oh, and I am totally embarrassed to say I haven't gotten that poncho done yet :( )

On the running front I finally reached the 30 minute goal I had set for myself. Saturday I ran for 30 minutes non stop. Yeah!! Its not anywhere near my old distance, but its that's OK, its the furthest I've run since my divorce and all that other stuff so I am totally thrilled!! Its another step toward my ultimate goal of running a half or even a full marathon next fall.

Speaking of running, I am about to head out to get a run in before I pick up the kiddos from school, then get some crafting in too. Hope you all have a great day!! Warmest country wishes!!

Unexpected surprises and keeping busy

2010-10-21T13:06:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone! The last week plus has just flown by, and its been quite full of surprises. It started Saturday (Sweetest's Day) when my fiancee brought these into work for me...

Then I ended up with an unexpected day off all to myself on Sunday...can't remember when I had one of those! I took my time in the stores I wanted to look around, treated myself to lunch out, and spent some time working on finishing up some knitting projects and took a nice run. Then we had some good fortune come our way via the mail which meant our monthly expenses being lowered a bit. Unfortunately all surprises can't be good and right now I am trying to figure out how I'm going to handle a scheduling problem at work, but I'll get it figured out one way or another :cD Life is all about give and take, ups and downs, and without fail it always works out in the end so I am trying to learn not to let myself get too overstressed.

Now I had mentioned running? I am sooo glad to be back to running consistently again. I may not be running far (right now I am running about 1 1/2 to 3 miles at a time), but I am losing some weight and feeling so much better. So far I am down about 7 lbs, and just love getting out in the fall air. How can you not like seeing this?

We even took the kids out to hike at the park. Our goal is to hike all the trails on our county park's "healthy hikes" list by next spring. The kids have been doing so good, I am so proud of them!!

I have been making time for projects too. I recently finished, well almost I still need to sew the eyes on, another teddy. The pattern has a sweater for him too which I may make yet, but for now I think he turned out pretty well. My seaming sure has come a long way :cD

I have been making progress on my sweater. It brings up another surprise this week. When I made this the first time I ended up with a few errors in the lace section. I just didn't get it. This time, after getting into the pattern, the lace part just "clicked". I finally got it, and it came out really well. Yea!! I am using Caron Simply Soft in Country Blue. I would love to use some of the fancier yarns out there, but I just can't afford them at this point. I do like the way this yarn feels, and the color, so if all continues to go well, I'm sure I'll love the sweater.

Finally, my daughter has been asking for a fleece poncho. She knows what fleece she wants and everything. Well, when I was at our local Jo-Ann's the fleece she has been asking for for weeks was on sale, as well as the pattern. So I went ahead and picked them up and hope to have it done over the weekend if I can squeeze the time in. I think is going to be super cute ;cD

Well, I'm off to get a run in and start my work week. Hope you all have a great day. Warmest country wishes!!

A little perspective

2010-10-11T13:05:00.000-04:00

Hi all, sorry I've been gone so long. I wanted to give you all a heads up and let you know that the first paragraph is a bit of an explanation of where I've been. Its a little rambling and borders on a bit of a rant so if you want to skip it, feel free. I won't be upset, its just stuff I felt I had to get off my chest. Just skip down to the first picture and check out what I've been working on over the summer. Thanks :cD

Have you seen the movie Ratatouille? There is a scene when Anton Ego comes into Gusteau's and when asked what he wants (he is going to write a review about the restaurant) he tells the waiter something along the lines of '...some perspective...do you have a wine that would be a good accompaniment to that?' And he gets it. He not only gets a meal that reminds him of simpler, happier times, he finds out that cooking genius can take unexpected forms. What does this have to do with me? Well, over my hiatus I have taken a step back and given myself the chance to gain a little perspective. I have to admit to almost giving up the blogging thing and just disappearing into obscurity. Why? Because, for whatever reason, I found myself falling into the trap (if you will) of thinking my joy in blogging was based on number of visitors or comments. I was getting absolutely discouraged and thinking I was doing something wrong or was just plain boring (either of which may be true...those can be subjective terms of course) because I wasn't getting lots of visitors, or lots of commenters. I mean hey, I do wonder how come some bloggers out there are capable of having 40 comments within the first 30 minutes after a post and I'm lucky to get 40 comments over the course of a couple months. I also have to admit to becoming a bit disenchanted with the world of quilting. I don't care to elaborate more because I really don't want to hurt any feelings or get any feathers ruffled, but let me just say I am not too very excited to get all involved with some of the online quilting stuff anymore (OK maybe there are a couple of exceptions). I am still totally enamored with knitting and that has been the bulk of my crafting for the last 6 months or so, as well as Ravelry and learning how to crochet too. Anyhoo....after taking that step back I have come to some conclusions. First, I've gotten back to the mindset that blogging (for me at least) is about having fun and sharing my passion for my craft of choice at the moment as well as life in general, not numbers and visitors and comments. If I even have one person come and visit and leave a comment that brings me joy. To know I've made a connection with at least one person out there....that's pretty darn cool! Second is not to get so easily discouraged. Life can be tough, mine has had its share of ups and downs, and just cause something isn't going how I think it should doesn't mean I should give it up. Finally, I've learned to quit comparing myself to everyone else. I have a competitive streak in me, and in my younger days I constantly compared myself to everyone, and made grand plans of how I could be better. Even just a short time ago I would be running and be passed by younger, faster runners and think "what wrong with me?' The honest answer...nothing. I just had to reach the point in my life where I realize that a lot of those runners are probably 10 years younger than me, haven't been through what I have, and may not have all the responsibilities I do...and besides that, I'm doing the best I can do and no matter what that is in comparison to them, its MY best and I should be proud. I am finally at the point in my life where I can look at the things I do and be happy with them for their own merit, not compared to everyone else. There is truth in the saying about there will always be someone prettier, smarter, faster yada yada yada. And so, I would like to thank any of you that took the time to listen to me ramble and am happy to say that I am ready to get back to doing what makes me happy....knitting, sewing, running, creating, and blogging :cD

On to the fun stuff!!

I've been doing lots of knitting. These are two little cuties I whipped up. The bumblebee was for a co-worker. They are so cute and quick I've though about knitting some up for unexpected surprises. My first thought (being someone in the service industry) is a little something cute to leave for a good server along with a tip. It's always fun getting something unexpected...my favorite story was I waited on a gentleman who had brought in a beautiful vase of flowers. I thought it was for the couple he was dining with, but when the meal was over he looked at me and said "Here, these are for you. You did a wonderful job." It ended up he was a gardener who liked to make bouquets of the flowers he grew to leave as part of the tip he left for service staff. How cool is that?!?!

I have continued to make toys. LOVE them, so fun and so (relatively) fast. The pig is going to be a gift, the zebra may end up as one well, and the teddies are going to be added to my growing collection of knitted teddies. I am working on another teddy now and hope to have pics soon..

Also got a hat done for the cooler weather coming up.

Also I finally got brave and gave making sweaters a try. My first attempt is the blue cardigan, which ended up not fitting me :( ...but was perfect for my mom! Then I found the pattern for the pink sweater and had to give it a try and I am thrilled with it. I've actually worn it several times already. My next sweater project? One like the blue one in my size. Both sweater patters were published in Simply Knitting magazine.

So as you can see I've been keeping myself busy. Now we are finally getting back into a routine with school, and I am getting better at finding time for all the household chores and stuff as well as running and hobby stuff and enjoying the evenings with the kiddos. I think I am finally coming into my own in a lot of ways so I am one happy mouse!!
Well, I am going to get on my way. Life is so busy, even on my days off. Hope you all have a wonderful day!! Warmest country wishes!!

Country Mouse

Have you ever...

2010-06-20T16:06:00.000-04:00

gone though a period where you just didn't feel anything was blog worthy? Not that there isn't anything going on around here. I have been dealing with all kinds of stuff on the personal side of life, but I made a promise to myself that I wouldn't post any of that "downer" type stuff that may come up. I will say that the things I have been dealing with have helped to make me stronger, strengthened my resolve, brought life into even better focus, opened my eyes even more to who I want to be and what I want to do, and the stress has led to a considerable amount of working on projects. Now my poor sewing machine has been sitting dormant for about 2 1/2 months now, but I think I have gotten to the point where I am starting to feel the pull to finish a quilty project. For now I have some knitting finishes to share. I have become totally enamored with toy knitting, and just love watching these little guys come to life.

First let me introduce you to Sox. He is an Alan Dart design from Simply Knitting magazine. I just love his patterns. The detail is just wonderful. Right now he is resting comfortably in my son's room :cD

Next up is baby bear. His pattern is from a leaflet that came with a magazine. I was originally going to keep him but I may gift him away since I got this next guy finished and he is definitely staying here...

This is Ezio the yarn guarding bunny. He is from the book Knitted Toys...21 easy-to-knit patterns for irresistible soft toys by Fiona McTague. I will admit to modifying the pattern just a bit because I didn't like the way his head turned out the first time. But I am thrilled with him now and he sits on top of the bin I have my small yarn stash in.

Finally, this is Snowman II who was made for my daughter. Why Snowman II you ask. Well, when she was little we met some friends for dinner. While waiting at the restaurant she fell in love with a toy snowman. We ended up buying that snowman and she has carried him everywhere for years. Recently Snowman went missing. We are hoping he turns up somewhere, but I made her this one to keep her company until Snowman's return. He will never replace that snowman from the restaurant, but my little one loves this one too, so that makes me happy.

The weather around here has been very nice as of late, and I am making efforts to get my running back on track so I think that is what I will be doing later today. I have been wanting to get back to a local park I used to run at regularly and I am excited to get back out there. I hope you are all having a great summer so far and have a wonderful day full of your favorite things :cD Warmest country wishes!!

Say hello to my little friend

2010-05-13T11:57:00.001-04:00

OK, couldn't help myself there :cP I wanted to share some pictures of the chimp I have been working on. I'm not real thrilled with my seaming job, but my daughter loves it so its all good.

She is a pattern from Alan Dart and was published in Issue 66 of Simply Knitting. I used Red Heart worsted weight yarn and knitted her on size 5 needles. The pattern called for a lighter weight yarn and smaller needles, but I wanted her to be a bit bigger than the published finished size of 13 inches. Using what I did she ended up at 18 inches from top of head to feet.

Here is a close up of her foot. Probably the most advanced shaping I've done so far. I look at it and still can't believe I made it :cD

The pattern also includes a skirt, necklace and hat. I am in the process of making the skirt ( dd chose a variegated pink and purple yarn), but didn't like the necklace or hat. She decided she liked the "pom pom headband" that she is wearing now better...and that she wants me to make her 3 more :cS We'll see about that. Actually, I think I may make another Alan Dart pattern for a cat for my son next.

I am down to only adding the border on the dino quilt, and hope to get out to the store to get batting and backing to get it done. Also hoping to get batting for the love beads quilt (I think I'm going to use the peiced backing for that quilt) and get it done too. For now I am going to get back to the grind. Hope you all have a great day!! Warmest country wishes!!

Country Mouse

Makes me happy Monday

2010-05-10T11:53:00.000-04:00

Hi all, its another Monday and today for makes me happy Monday, I thought since I don't really have any big exciting topic, I am going to share my list of little happy makers for me today :cD

1. The kids are here, and I am heading into a 3 day in a row off stretch. We were at Jo-Anns yesterday and bought some things to make together, and some things they can work on when I am sewing / knitting, so I am looking forward to a fun couple days.

2. A good cup of coffee with peppermint mocha creamer (which is now available all year long...yippee!)

3. The sun is shining, and I am going to try to get out and enjoy it!

4. My neighborhood. After my divorce I moved a bit further towards suburbia...its not as crowded, we have more yard, and its way more quiet...happy, happy, happy. Oh, and the tree outside my living room finally has leaves!! I know that sounds a bit silly, but that tree is the last one in the neighborhood to get leaves for some reason, and I look forward to the shade they provide so when the finally appear I am thrilled.

5. Time to work on projects. The kids are in school just yet so that means I still have some uninterrupted time to work on things. Alas I have no pictures to share just yet (I apologize, I know no pictures can be a pretty boring post), but hopefully I'll be back later tonight with a couple to share. I am nearly done with the dinosaur quilt top, and I am also working on knitted chimpanzee toy for my little one. I'm not real thrilled with my seaming, but for a first try, its coming out pretty well.

I hope all you moms out there had a great Mother's Day. I was just happy to have my little ones with me. They both gave me special projects they made in school (which in my opinion is far better and more valuable to me than anything they could buy me) We went out and did some shopping and since my mom couldn't make it up we all got to video chat with her for a little while, which was very cool...it was the first time I ever did a video chat thing. Then we had veggie lasagna for dinner which I had been looking forward to all weekend. It was a pretty darn awesome day.

Well, I'm on my way for now to try to get those projects done so I can come back and share some photos. Hope you have a wonderful Monday!! Warmest country wishes!!

Time management...

2010-05-05T00:54:00.000-04:00

...OK, I'll be the first to say I suck at it! I can't believe its been almost a week since I've posted. I remember when I was in college they did a "test" to determine how you managed time and how to make changes so you would do better in school. I am totally a task oriented (as opposed to a time oriented) person. I get going on something and just keep at it and don't really keep an eye on the clock. There are times I don't have a problem being this way, then there are other times I think I should set a timer so I at least dedicate at least a little time on all the little (and big) things I need to get done. At least I have some things to show for the time I've been gone :cD
I have a co-worker that is pregnant with her first baby, a boy, and I have been working on things for her. I have gotten a sort of little layette done...hat, bib, and booties. I'm happy with them, but I am thinking I may still try to make a second hat with my circular needles so there is one without a seam. I finally found how to do the magic loop technique on line and want to give it a try. I hope she likes what I've made so far...

I've also made progress on the dinosaur quilt. I have the fabric for the bones that go around the outside. Now to get to work on them.

Other than that, its been spring cleaning time. I love being able to leave the window open and get the fresh air in the house! We did get out and take a walk on the local trail yesterday. It was gorgeous, couldn't help but snap a couple pictures.

This is actually the back half of someones property. They were mowing it as we were walking. I would love to have this as part of my back yard.

One of the many "tree bridges" that we passed...my son thought these were really cool. I have to say, I think they're pretty cool too.

I just though this was a pretty photo ;cD

I think we're going to make this a weekly trip, its nice to be outside, a great place to take the dog walking, and just so lovely and relaxing...not to mention only about 20 minutes away.

Well, I am going to take off and try to get a few more things done. Maybe I'll set that timer, maybe not ;cD

Hope you all have a great day. Warmest country wishes!!
Country Mouse

Just thinking out loud

2010-04-29T00:15:00.000-04:00

Hi all, I can't say its been an interesting day at the Country Mouse homestead (I did have a mouseling home sick today). I did get a start on another knitted project. It is another handbag that is a lace pattern. Its not necessarily hard, but I do need to keep my focus or I can get lost. So far so good, though.

Unfortunately, my carpal tunnel started to flare, so I decided to look for a pattern for the baby quilt I want to make. I finally decided on the Old Bones pattern in the book More Quick Rotary Cutter Quilts, then went to my stash and started looking for fabrics I could use. Now for the thinking out loud part...as I was going through everything I started to wonder, "I wonder if I could ever really use up most of my stash?" And honestly, I don't think mine is all that big. I have a three drawer bin with yardage (only 2 actually have fabric in them, the other is templates, tools, and a couple ongoing projects), a shoe box sized box with fat quarters, and 2 decent sized boxes with scraps. I also have about 5 boxes (shoe box sized again and only about 1/2 full) with pre-cut strips, and 1 with strings and crumbs. As weired as it may sound, I would love to knock that in half or better. I love buying fabric, but I also love using it and I hate seeing it sitting there. I want it to be a quilt, or pillowcase, or handbag, or something!! And I want to use it all. That's part of why I adore scrap quilts so much. I was wondering how others feel about their stash? Do you feel the way I do? Do you like having the fabric there for inspiration? Do you think its possible for a quilter to really use only from stash and really really reduce it down? It never fails for me that I still have to go to the store and find a fabric or two that I just don't seem to already have, but want to use. I'm sure I can't be the only one that happens to. I have to admit there are a few fabrics that just make my heart sing and I have such a hard time wanting to cut it up, but I know deep down I did buy it to use in a project some day. Maybe I just feel a little overwhelmed when I look at my sewing area and see the clutter, but then again let's be honest, how many people have a clean, neat, and organized sewing area all the time? Not me! Heck, I'm happy if even half my house is organized enough that I can find what I need some days. Maybe its the fact that I still have a lot of fabric that was purchased before my LCE and I want to get it out of here, or maybe its that my tastes have changed a bit and I want to buy more of what I would like to use now but my space is so limited I don't know where I'm going to squeeze it in. Oh well, despite all of that thought...I know I'll still buy more. Maybe just not at too fast a rate ;cD Come on, I'm a quilter and just can't help myself :cP Oh, and speaking of buying, even after I went through all I had, I probably will go out a buy just a couple "perfect" fat quarters for this quilt.

Well, thank for letting me ramble a bit. Right now I am strangely achy and sore so I think I'm just gonna take it easy and relax on the couch and watch some T.V. Hopefully it will pass so I can get out for my walk tomorrow, and get my sewing machine humming. Hope you all have a wonderful day, warmest country wishes!!

Makes me Happy Monday...on Tuesday (or Where have I been?)

2010-04-27T23:03:00.001-04:00

Hi all, I know its been a while since I've been around but I have been in a bit of an emotional slump up until about a day ago. I really try to keep my blog upbeat...I figure you all probably have enough drama without hearing about my dealing with ex issues, disappointment with on-line sites and life issues and stuff...so I thought it just better to keep a little distance until it all blew over for the most part. I have been trying to get out and walk to get some fresh air, and keep myself busy. So anyway, here I am feeling much happier and ready to spread the cheer, even if it is a day late ;cD

So, despite the "stuff" going on around here I have been trying to keep an eye on what makes me happy, and what is that? Well, right now it is the creative process. I know that no matter how stressful life gets I can pick up a needle, thread and fabric or some yarn and sticks and create something special. I remember when I used to watch my mom knit and think I could never do that. I remember going to shops and seeing beautiful quilts and thinking I would never be able to make one. Now here I am doing both, even if I am concentrating on one more than the other right now, just the feeling of making something is sooo satisfying, and happiness inducing. I have been keeping my hands busy and my mind soothed by knitting for a couple friends the last week and a half. First I made a second cable bag as well as a cute little bag for a friend.

Then I made a bib and baby booties for a co-worker who is expecting her first baby. I plan on making a hat to go with it yet, and maybe I'll try a little sweater. I figure it would give me some garment experience without undertaking something too big. I'm also pulling fabric for a quilt for her (him). I was going to give her the star quilt, but every time I look at it all I see is the pink and can't help but think "girl".

I also got to check out one of the local yarn stores, and am looking forward to squeezing in some time to check out the one that is less than 10 minutes from me. It is a yarn shop and cafe...sounds PERFECT :cD

I have also been doing much better about getting out and walking. It is another thing that helps me to feel better. I had gotten into the habit of just closing myself off and staying inside when I was feeling down. Totally the wrong thing to do, I KNOW the sunshine (if its out there) and fresh air will help immensely...and it has. As the days are going by and walking is becoming habit I have a faint glimmer of hope that maybe just maybe I'll be able to get myself back into running again :cD How could anyone not want to get out and see stuff like this?

I've also gotten myself involved over at Ravelry. What a great site!! I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is into knitting or crochet. Lots of projects, inspiration and great people!

Other than that my life feels a bit like the movie Groundhog Day. You know, a bit of a repeat of the day before and the day before that and the day before that and....not necessarily a bad thing, but sometimes a bit boring :cP Right now I am off to catch up on some blog reading and maybe a little more crafting. Hope you all have a great one. Warmest country wishes!!

Country Mouse

Well well, would you look at what I found...

2010-04-15T14:02:00.001-04:00

my motivation! I have been knitting and sewing a lot more this last week. I knew it would eventually come back, I'm just glad it wasn't one of those long slumps :cD I don't feel "normal" if I'm not creating something, you know? First I want to show you what I did with the fabric I bought during the shop hop. It went from this...

to this...

and finally became this...

This is the "Love Beads" pattern from the Modern Quilt Workshop book. I love it, it reminds me of when I was little. My grandparents had a semi-finished basement with a little bar, fireplace, pool table and dart board. When I was little we would go over there and hang out, and one of the things I remember was the beaded curtain they had at the bottom of their stairs. This reminds me of that. I'm really happy with it. I am still deciding how I am going to quilt it, but once I do, it probably won't be long before I get it all done :cD I will try to get some better pictures when I do too, but I was so excited to show it I just posted what I had.

I've also gotten my cable bag done, which I am all excited about.

I am looking forward to my next knitting project. I would love to try a sweater sometime, but don't think I'm quite up to it yet, so I am looking for another smaller project and I think I may have found it. I'll share that one as soon as I decide and get started.

Finally, I entered the quilting bloggers weekly themed quilt contest once again. There theme this week is scrappy quilts, which are my favorites and describe many that I have made. The one I chose to enter is this one.

I call it a bond between quilters. I made this one a couple years ago when I was doing a secret sister swap with an on-line group I used to be with. I did a block or two a month as part of my secret sister's gift and made "matching" ones for myself. I got my set done a little early so I could get the whole quilt together. Then when it came time to reveal who we were I posted this picture and let her know "If you have these blocks I was your secret sister." so when she put the blocks together we could have "matching" quilts to remember the swap by. It was, and still is, one of my most cherished quilts. If you get the chance, please stop by their site this weekend and vote for me. You can click on the button on my sidebar to get there. Thanks!!

Well, I am off to have a last little bit of fun before my working weekend starts. I hope you all have a wonderful afternoon, and get to find a little fun time for yourselves as well. Warmest country wishes!!

Makes me happy Monday #5

2010-04-12T16:09:00.001-04:00

Hi everyone, another Monday is upon us already. Let me start off with sharing a picture of spring "springing". The shopping area of our city has tons of these trees planted all over and they are all in full bloom...just beautiful!!

I kept busy all weekend with work and projects, but more about that in a bit. Toady is Makes me Happy Monday, and what is it today that is making me happy? Simplicity :cD Let me explain...we have a video game system here, and a couple days ago a friend of mine tried to get me to join in. Now mind you I have nothing against video games necessarily, but I enjoy puzzle games and the like. My friend on the other hand enjoys RPGs and this is what he was playing. "Here, check this out. Give this a try." he said as he handed me a controller. He went through how everything works, what the million buttons and triggers and bumpers did. I was completely lost, but thought what the heck, I'll give it a try. Well, after two failed attempts and many "What are you doing?"s, Where are you?"s, and "That's not the right button."s I handed back the controller and said he could have it. That's his thing, what makes him happy. "Just give me something sweet and simple" I told him, "that's what makes me happy" I sometimes think society today overcomplicates so much, or we lose out on some of the joy of simple everyday things due to modern convience. One example that comes to mind is the simple pleasure of a from scratch meal or baked goods. Cooking is not really that hard, give most people a recipe and they can make something. But in today's day and age, so many will just say they can't cook and grab quick frozen dinners or fast food. For me there is something soothing about taking raw ingredients and turning them into something delicious. And while frozed dinners are ok, they just don't compare to something made from scratch (in my opinion anyway.) Same can be said for my sewing and knitting. Yes, you can buy a quilt or sweater or handbag, but I get so much happiness from working with a simple pair of knitting needles and yarn, or fabirc and thread. I sometimes wish I could go back in time and live when things were not so complicated. I've often thought it would be refreshing to live the simple Amish lifestyle for just a little bit. Enjoying the outdoors, the rewards of hard work well done, home made meals, simple games and hobbies in the spare time you have without the distractions of blaring radios, blinking lights, glowing tvs and the rush rush rush of life in a mid-sized city. I am, however, "stuck" in a more modern world, if you will, so I have learned to find a lot happiness in my own life by learning to enjoy the simple things. So making me happy today is the time I get to enjoy those simple things :cD
I have made a lot of progress on my cable bag. I have the bag done and seemed together. I have the lining cut and ready to go so I should be able to get it done here tonight.

I love how its turned out. The knitted bag brings back memories of when I was little, and I think it has a little bit of a retro feel to it, so I chose a kind of retro fabric to line it with. I also bought a lovely chocolate brown to go with the Amy Butler fabrics, and I have most of the peices cut. Have I ever mentioned I'm not fond of templates? Well, just in case I haven't, I'm not, but the quilt I am making uses them so I am trudging thorough the cutting the blocks by hand thing. I can't complain too much though, because I have laid out the peices I have cut so far, and just looking at it is making me giddy!

Well, I am taking off here. The mouselings and I are going to go watch How to Train Your Dragon. Sould be lots of fun. Then I am hoping to squeeze in some crafting time after they turn in for the night. Hope you all have a happy Monday. Warmest country wishes!!

Country Mouse

In with the new

2010-04-08T00:09:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone, hope your weather is treating you as nicely as ours has been treating us. It was another great day for the mouselings to be on spring break. We spent time outside, rode bikes, made sidewalk drawings with chalk that came in the kiddos Easter baskets, and went to the park. Now that I'm sitting here at my computer, I am realizing I really should take more pictures :cS We all had a great time getting a little taste of the summer to come :cD

I am excited to share a couple new projects with you. The first is the start of a new quilt :cD

I finally started cutting into the beautiful Amy Butler fabrics I bought. These are just the scraps left from the start of my project, which I am going to try to keep a surprise until I get it finished. (Don't know how that will go as I love to share pictues, and the quilt I am making is one of those "I just gotta make it" types.) It is a quilt in the Modern Quilt Workshop book I bought recently, and one that just cried out to be made as soon as I saw it. I am really excited to have something new underway!! I still have to buy background fabric, but I know once I do the quilt will probably go together relatively quickly due to my eagerness to see it all finished.

Next is a picture of the start of my knitted cable bag. It is done in two panels then stitched together. Finally a fabric lining and handles are added.

After working on this a while I have a couple things I just have to mention. First I have such a hard time putting it down because it still amazes me how something my cat could drag all over the house and make a huge mess with, can be turned into fabric...its like magic to me! Second, to all of you knitters out there that can come up with your own patterns, you are absolutely amazing!! I am just proud of myself that I can read a knitting pattern. I am just in awe of those of you out there that can visualize the stitches and patterns and then write them down. I want to send a huge thank you to each and every one of you that shares those patterns be it through blogs, magazines, books, or whatever.

Well, other than that things aren't too horribly exciting otherwise, which isn't necessarily a bad thing around here ;cD Here's hoping your days are sunny and full of fun, family and all the things you love. Warmest country wishes!!

Makes me happy Monday #4

2010-04-06T00:42:00.000-04:00

Woah! Kinda fell off the grid there for a bit. I really didn't mean to, really. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I think it would be interesting to do a study on how the mind perceives time. When you are little a day seems soooo long, now that I'm in my 30s the days just fly, and before you know it a week is gone! Anyway...I'm back for Makes me Happy Monday #4, and just what is it this week? The changing seasons :cD Now I'm not talking just the "oh-thank-goodness-winter-is-over-let's-get-on-to-spring" seasonal change, I'm talking ALL of them. I have grown up in Ohio where we get a very pronounced change of seasons, and I couldn't imagine living somewhere where that didn't happen. Here is one of the big indicators of spring around here (well, in my mind anyway)

I love the burst of color daffodils make against the green...those and the crocuses. Its a lovely trasformation from white, white and more white to the beautiful greens, golds, and purples of the first spring flowers. Love it! Even the spring cleaning makes me happy. I really enjoy being able to open up the windows and let the summer breezes in. Then we transition into the hazy, hot days of summer. Lawns are lush and green, flowers are everywhere, gardens are gowing. Going to the park, or the pool, or even on a long (air-conditioned) car ride is a wonderful thing. Then there are those summer rain showers that come and cool everythng off, and the smell after the rain....mmmmm, another thing I just adore. Then comes the crisp breezes of autumn. Without a doubt my favorite time of year. Changing leaves, that cool-but-not-cold weather, the getting out of sweaters and drinking the occasional hot cocoa when the weather is just cold enough, bonfires and cook-outs around the fire. I get giddy thinking about it. Then before you know it, you see that first snowflake of winter appear, and it is just magical. I remember being a kid and getting sooo excited when you saw that snow for the first time of the season. Still do. You knew that snowman building, sledding and Christmas were not that far away. I just love the whole cycle. I have friends who'll say "I just want to live somewhere where its sunny and 80 all the time" I just smile at them and say, "If that's what makes you happy, cool. But I'm happy to be where I am." So right now I am happy to be witnessing those changes of springtime and enjoying the colors and warmer weather it brings!!

Well, I wanted to thank those of you that offered me such encouraging comments. I have had lots of fun knitting and trying to figure out stitches. I haven't made anything too impressive, but I have made a couple of cute, usefull things.

I know what project I am going to attempt next too. I did a little headband for my daughter to practice cable stitches, and now that I am pretty comfortable with them I am going to attempt to make a cable handbag. I will let you know how that goes ;cD Also after reading Renee's comment, I've done some thinking, and come the conclusion that maybe I'm pushing myself a bit too hard to get that BLCE list done. I have been making strides in my personal life moving foreward so maybe my quilting should too. So I am thinking I am going to work on some of my newer quilts, and maybe even get a new one started. The thought of it has me excited!

Finally, I hope you all had a wonderful Easter. Ours was filled with fun and family. My little ones got not one, but three Easter baskets (we have enough candy to last us til Halloween now :cS) and I even got a pretty nice one myself.

The kids are on spring break, so we will have lots of time to have some fun before I have to get back to the daily grind (or should I say mid-week through weekend grind) so I am looking forward to that. Well, I'm off to get some sewing started. Hope you all have a wonderful day. Warmest country wishes!!

Where did it go??

2010-03-31T12:31:00.000-04:00

Has anyone seen it? I just can't seem to find it anywhere right now. I usually keep it somewhere near where I keep inspiration and creativitiy, but it just doesn't seem to be there. Oh, what am I looking for...my motivation. My quilting motivation to be more precise. I think it made a jump over to my knitting needles, cause I've been working on that a little every day. I was doing so well getting those UFOs done, but my motivation has kind of fallen off. I guess we all have peaks and valleys, so I'm wandering trough a valley. I think I'm going to go look through my stash and see if I can find that motivation somewhere, and hopefully I'll be back with some quilty goodness when I find it :cD Have a wonderful Wednesday. Warmest country wishes!!

Makes me happy Monday #3

2010-03-29T21:09:00.001-04:00

Hi everyone, boy did this weekend fly by!! It was a great weekend, and is the topic of my Makes me happy Monday. This whole past weekend made me happy right down to my little toes. First off, on Saturday was the Quilt and Cuisine shop hop.

These are some of the shops that participated, unfortunately most of the stores won't let you take pictures inside. Sooooo many beautiful quilts and fabric. I got a new thimble at the first shop. (I tried to get a picture, but none of them came out very good) And bought some new fabrics to use in my first attempt at making my first modern quilt.

The bundle is Amy Butler, and the fat quarters, well, I'm not really sure who the designer is but I thought they were cute. I also got recipes for ham loaf with glaze, scalloped potatoes, country green beans, wheat bread, and date pudding. Each shop also gave one part of a mystery quilt pattern with the last step given at the last stop. It was a great time, I'll defintely be doing this one again!! I also had to snap a photo of this.... we still aren't sure how they get the horse up there and get him to stay so still. :cP

(OK, of course I'm joking, its actually decoration on top of the restrooms at one of the stops we made ;cD) With the shop hop over by 4pm I had time to go look around some shops in town. I didn't come home with very much, but I did come home with this little guy...

What did I do with him, you ask? I'll show you in a little bit :cD

Then to add to the happy of the weekend we had a great Sunday with the kids! We just hung around home for a little bit, watched a movie, and did some of our respective "me" time hobbies. I wanted to make a pin cushion, amongst other things, so I got ready for that. As I was doing so my daughter asked if she could make one too. So here she is working away on hers...too cute!

...and my pin cushion?

Both are now proudly displayed on my sewing cabnet :cD

Finally, we made a trip to Chuck E. Cheese for a little fun. I'm starting to wonder if my mousling may work in the broadcasting field. Here's my son the director...

And my daughter the camera operator...

I also got to work on my knitting, and I must say as a knitter teaching herself the hobby, I love YouTube. I found a video on how to do the slip slip knit stitch....and also that I was doing my knit stitch not quite right. Now that I am, I am getting those pretty little "v"s and I am incredibly excited. I also worked on my postage stamp quilt and am now up to 7 of 20 sections done. All in all it was a wonderful weekend.

Well, after a whole weekend of fun the house shows it, so I am off to get the things done that need to be done, but it is well worth the extra work today around home for such a great weekend. Also to catch up on some blog reading, and maybe squeeze in a bit more fun. Hope you all had a great weekend too, and a happy Monday. Warmest country wishes all!!

One last look at winter's beauty

2010-03-26T09:28:00.000-04:00

Good morning everyone! After the big thaw and all the warmer weather, this is what we woke up to this morning!

Actually it started falling last night as the temprature dipped below freezing, and working where I do there were plenty of windows there for me to be able to watch it fall. Big, beautiful, fluffy flakes.

Don't get me wrong, I am ready for spring. I love to be able to get outside in the warmth without a jacket and take in the sunshine and springtime flowers, but I have always thought a soft blanket of white fluffy snow covering everything is so beautiful and peaceful. Especially when it is the wetter kind of snow that sticks to all the tree branches and bushes. Just beautiful!!

Its supposed to warm back up, so this snow probably won't last the day, which actually isn't all that bad. Tomorrow is the shop hop, and no snow or ice would make the trip easier, but I have to say I'm torn as to wheather I would like to see the countryside bursting with spring colors or covered in a lovely blanket of white.

Either way, being a lover of winter, I'm glad to have gotten to see winter's beauty one last time.

Well, I am on my way to get things done before work today. I hope to have lots of things to share after my trip tomorrow. Hope you all have a great day!! Warmest country wishes!

I'm sew excited!

2010-03-24T12:15:00.000-04:00

Hi all, not a whole lot new on the sewing front here, but I think that's gonna change. Every year there is a large shop hop in Amish country that I participate in. Its a lot of fun, but some of the shops are a little far flung, and I usually have to work most evenings, so I rarely ever get to them all. Well, when I was visiting the shops this past fall, I found a flyer for this...

Quilts and food. Two of my favorite things together? How could I pass this one up! Its this Saturday, and I have the day off! I am so excited I am about to burst :cD I'm not exactly sure what to expect at each of the stores, but I'm pretty sure there is a pattern and recipe you receive from each shop, a quilt show and food sampling afterwards and prizes. And on top of that the shops are relatively close so I know I can get to them all. Yippee!!! I'll be sure to do a show and tell about my weekend ;cD

My poor sewing machine is probably feeling a bit neglected of late, but my knitting needles are getting quite a workout. I just can't seem to put them down! I did some more practicing, and even tried a knitted cable (which came out pretty well for a first attempt, but the picture I tried to take doesn't show up too well). I did find a very simple pattern for something cute I'm trying to make, so when it comes together, I'll share a picture of that too. I do, however, have another picture to share. I had someone ask me how big my pin toppers are, so I tried to get a decent picture to show their relative size.

Some are a little bigger, some are a little smaller, but these are about average size toppers.

Finally, on the home front, I am going through one of those stretches where you find yourself asking "why?"....a lot. Things have been stressful, and I feel like my options are so limited sometimes. I have very little family in the area, work is never ending (be it in the home or outside the home) and responsibilites can feel overwhelming. I feel like I follow down a path to realize I should have taken a right when I took a left, then have to backtrack. Ever have those days? I am trying to keep a positive attitude because I know full well life always has a way of evening its self out. I am a firm believer that when something bad or stressful happens, something good is around the corner to balance it all out. I know you don't go through trials for no reason, everything you experience is to help you learn and grow. But, boy sometimes getting through those experiences.... I know I will emerge from this sronger and smarter, and that is what keeps me going. I did make it outside for a walk today to help relieve some stress, now I think I may spend some time with my sewing machine to help too. Come on, who can say playing with fabric doesn't help them feel better ;cD

Well, I'm off again, I hope wherever you are the sun is shining, your sewing machine is humming, and things are happy. Warmest country wishes!!

Makes me Happy Monday #2

2010-03-22T18:31:00.001-04:00

What makes me happy this Monday....two words....FREE TIME! It was a very long weekend at work and now that Monday is here I have the whole day off and plenty of free time to relax and enjoy myself. What do I plan to do with my free time today? Well, I am going to work on my knitting a little bit. In the little bit of time I had to have fun between my shifts this past weekend, I have been playing with yarn and knitting needles more than my sewing machine. I am just so excited to be learning something new!! I can't believe I didn't learn earlier being the daugher of a long line of knitters and crocheters. So far I have been learned the simple knit stitch, purl stitch, the stockenette stitch and now am practicing a couple types of ribbing. So far just samples, but I am hoping to try a simple project soon.

I did go out and buy myself a magazine too. This one is published in the UK, so its a bit pricy, but it came with free purse handles (along with 4 purse patterns in the magazine) and lots of inspiration. I don't think there are many projects in there that I could tackle just yet, but oh do I love looking at all the beautiful projects :cD

I've also gotten a few more strip sets done for my postage stamp quilt along. I am sooo excited about this one. Every time I get more squares done and lay them out I just get absolutely giddy!

And I just might squeeze in some time to make some more little pin toppers. These are ones I made last week, with my daughter. I love having her work with me because sometimes she'll say something and it sets off a creative spark. Like when we were working on these she said something about "three peas in a pod", I looked at her and said, ooohh I could make one of those! Hence the peas in a pod topper ;cD

And of course spend as much time with my family as I can. I know for many people Monday signals the beginning of the work week and stress, but for me it is just the opposite...its the beginning of my "weekend" so I feel like a weight is lifted off my shoulders and I am just relaxed and happy.

Well, I am on my way to enjoy more of my day. Hope you all have a great one. Warmest country wishes everyone!!

A finish and taking the plunge part 2

2010-03-19T11:58:00.001-04:00

Hi everyone. Just a quick little post today as I am heading into a busy weekend. Its a beautiful sunny day here, and I've got another finish to share. The 30's baby quilt is done!

So this brings my finishes from the BLCE list up to 6...one more down several to go...but at least I'm still moving forward :cD

Now to part two of taking the plunge. I know I visit many blogs where I've seen beautiful sweaters, socks, and other awesome knitted and crocheted items and say "one of these days I'm going to learn." Well, "one of these days" finally came. When I was at Jo-Anns the other day looking for fabric (nothing jumped out at me though) I wandered over to the yarns and such and found a little teach yourself to knit book that came with needles as well. I knew I had yarn at home (I usually have some for embellishing and simple ties like for a pancho I made) so I went ahead and bought the book. Now mind you its nothing fancy or anything, but I have learned the simple knit stitch :cD

Like I said, nothing fancy and not perfect, but its a start, and I'm pretty happy with it. The little book is pretty cool...clear instructions, good illustrations, and goes through things in logical step by step order. Now I am practicing the purl stitch, and am just going to practice the simple stuff before I try anything else. But hey, I'm pretty darn excited :cD

Well, here at the Country Mouse homestead, weekend = work for me. I'm going to try to squeeze in time for fun stuff between my shifts, and try to keep making progress. Hope you all have a great day! Warmest country wishes.

Taking the plunge

2010-03-17T09:10:00.000-04:00

I have always admired modern quilts. Maybe its because, being a child born in the early 1970s, the designs and fabrics that are so popular now remind me of when I was little. I see those fabrics and just feel warm and fuzzy. I've even bought a few, not many though...yet, with all intentions of making a quilt with them. The patterns, the colors, the designs all remind me of things I either had or saw when I was little. And even though I am usually quite confident in undertaking new projects, there are a few I for some reason I just can't seem to find the confidence to start. Take batiks, for example. The beautiful hues and subtle (or not so subtle) patterning on the fabrics are gorgeous, and the quilts are breathtaking, but for some reason I just can't seem to figure out where to start to make one. I tend to feel the same way about the modern quilts I see. Well, I happened to be shopping at a local closeout store and was lucky enough to come across this...

I couldn't believe I found this, and for the hefty price of 6 whole dollars! Needless to say it came home with me :cD I have been pouring over the pages, admiring the quilts and deciding which one I want to try first. There are a couple I want to try for sure....heck, who am I kidding, I want to try them all. Now if I needed any more motivation to get those UFOs finished up, this was it. Not to mention there is a shop hop coming up in Amish country the end of this month and I have been saving some money back to be able to splurge a little :cD

On the home front, I have a mouseling home with me today. When she came over last week I noticed what looked like a bite on her arm. We put some calomine lotion on it because it itched and didn't think too much more of it. Well, when she came back this week it was worse. She showed it to us and we thought it might be ringworm. She went to school Monday where the school nurse looked at it and said the same thing. So yesterday we went to the doctor and lo and behold, ringworm it is. YUCK! So he suggested she stay home today while we started treating it since at this point its still quite contageous. What was she most upset about when she found out? That she wasn't going to get to wear her new green shirt to school today. "Mommy, I can wear my green shrit at home tomorrow right?" was the first thing she asked me "Of course!!" was my reply. So she'll be wearing her new green shirt while she helps me around the house and enjoys her extra day off. So with that I got an unexpected day off as well, so I am going to try to make the most of it.

Finally I want to wish you all a

I have to say I never really knew the story of Saint Patrick until my son got the Sumo of the Opera Veggietales DVD. It has the story of Saint Patrick at the beginning of the DVD before the main story, and they did a good job telling it too..not to mention it was quite fun to watch. So anyhow, however you celebrate, I hope you all have a fun, safe, enjoyable day. Warmest country wishes!!

Country Mouse

Happy Monday!!

2010-03-15T09:40:00.001-04:00

Good morning! Oh I am so glad its Monday, its been a looooong weekend here. I usually work most of the weekend and this weekend was no exception. The exception was I worked for 13+ hours on Saturday, that then kind of wiped me out yesterday. So today I have such plans for the day, hopefully I'll be able to get a lot of it done. It continues to just be gray and dreary here, so I know I'll probably be able to get a lot of my indoor stuff done. The normal cleaning, I hope to make a bit more progress on my postage stamp quilt today, and I have a couple small projects in mind among other things. Speaking of progress, I am on the verge of having another project go from the "to do" list to the "done" list! :cD I was able to squeeze in enough sewing time this weekend to finish quilting the 30s baby quilt and stitch the binding on.

Here is a close up of the quilting. I like it, but I am really feeling the need to practice my machine quilting skills so I can do some different kinds of free motion quilting. I added the green binding in hopes of making it a little more gender un-specific.

This one may already have a home too. A co-worker of mine is expecting her first baby, so it will probably be heading to her house. I am going to try to at least start hand stitching the binding down today. Next small project on the list before I tackle another big quilt? This one :cD....

Now that we've hopefully said good-bye to the snow outside, I can work on saying good-bye to the snow quilt on the BLCE list ;cD Also, please take just a second or two and cast a vote on my little poll in my side bar about which of those large quilts I should tackle next. Thanks!!

Now for a bit of Monday morning cheer! I was visiting SweetP's blog and she has a button to a site that is doing Makes Me Happy Monday. I think its a wonderful idea and a way to start the week off on a postitive note so I am participating too. If you would like to participate too, please click on the button to find out more. So what is making me happy this Monday? This...

No, not shoes :cP the little feet that fill these shoes. I have been blessed with two wonderful children, and although they have their moments, they bring me so much happiness. Also, Mondays is always our family day. They are with their dad every Saturday and every other Sunday, but I know Monday is ours, and that makes me all bubbly with happiness. Not to mention that they are just the sweetest kids in the world.

Thats them across from each other when they got to ride ponys at the state fair last summer.

Just to give you an idea of how sweet they are, I bought my son a typical boy t-shirt that had a list of "things to do", one of them was "Annoy sister". He was talking about the shirt and said "It shouldn't say that, it should say "love sister"." How cute is that?!? My son is a typical boy...loves his video games, cars (he can tell you all you could want to know about makes and models), and Bakugan. My daugher is a tomboy with a very girly side. What else can you say about a girl who wants to play "makeover" then go out and ride her bike in her skirt and freshly painted nails? They are both so unique, it makes me smile to think about how they've grown. One thing that thrills me is that they both inherited their mom's love of arts and crafts. DS loves to draw, coming up with concept cars is his big thing right now, and DD loves to do whatever mom is doing. She loves to help me sew, and even made me a pin topper to go with the others I have made...now she wants to make a pin cushion to put them in :cD

They have grown so much, and I know it won't ever slow down. I always tell new moms there is no lie in saying "They grow up so fast" and to enjoy every minute they can with their children. For now I am just thankful its Monday, and I am going to soak up every minute of time I can with them.

Well, I am off to try to get things underway today. I hope you all have a wonderful day and find something that makes you happy this Monday. Warmest country wishes!!!

Who's ready for spring?

2010-03-10T09:25:00.000-05:00

Me, me, ooohhh pick me! (Can you see me bouncing around over here?) I am so excited to see the grass peeking through the snow, to be able to go outside without a coat, to be able to drive with the windows down, to hear the birds....oh, I could go on and on :cD Now, granted, I live in Ohio and we got a snow storm last year around Easter (I remember joking why color the eggs? Its easier to hide white, uncolored eggs in the snow LOL) but I am hoping that we won't get a repeat of last year. I even made a new set of pin toppers to show my excitement. What do you think?

Ok, I need a real camera, I know. But besides that? :cP I'm pretty happy with them. I'd have to say my favorite is the little caterpiller, he's just cuter than cute. I think I've definetly found a "new" hobby too. I love working with the clay in a smaller scale. They are just fun to make. Got another small project done. I have about a zillion safety pins for basting and have been wanting something cute to hold them all, so I turned this....

into this...

It looks a lot prettier sitting wherever it is I'm working than the plastic box I had, and wont spill like the other basket I was using for a while. I got to put this to use, too, when I got this quilt basted and was able to start the quilting too.

This is the 30s baby quilt on the BLCE list. I knew how I wanted to quilt the stars, I'm still deciding on the open space, but I know I'm going to fill it in somehow.

Finally, I just have to say how thankful and content I am feeling today. Although I still have some very tough days and things aren't always easy, today is one of the days I woke up just feeling good. When I think about it all, I do have so much to be thankful for...two wonderful kids, a cozy home, food in my belly, time and energy to devote to my hobbies, warmer weather that lets me get outside to exercise. I am also thankful to all of you who visit me here, and let me just chatter away. I know there is someone up there who is looking out for me, and even the trials I go through are for a reason, and help to make me who I am. This is one of the days I know I can face anything, and get through it! I hope all of you out there, no matter what situations you face today, can find something to be thankful for, and find a sense of contentment today.

Well, I am going to get on my way here, so much to do and I actually have the spring in my step today to try to get it all done :cD Hope you all have a wonderful day. Warmest counry wishes!!

Users and keepers...and other random stuff...

2010-03-07T18:33:00.001-05:00

"Mommy, can I paint my nails?" a little voice asked me. Thinking what harm can be done, I answered back, "Sure honey, just be careful not to get your nail polish on stuff, ok?" "OK, thanks mom." my mouseling answered and away she went. A little while later, she came to me, stuck out her hands and feet and with a big smile said, "How does it look?" "Beautiful!" I said, "Were you careful?" "Yes mom. Well, I got a little bit on the toilet seat though." Ok, no problem, I'm thinking...a little nail polish remover and all is well. So I get that cleaned up and think nothing more of the whole thing. Everyone's happy. Wellll......I went to strip the beds yesterday to do laundry and found a little red spot on the matress pad, it didn't occur to me what it was until I saw this....

and this...

Yes, that is red nail polish. It must have spilled and soaked the whole way through a fleece blanket, the quilt and sheets on her bed the whole way through! Now, you're probably looking at that and thinking "Did you freak out or what?!?" And honestly.....or what. This incident got me thinking on the whole why-I-make-quilts line of thought again. This quilt was made for my daughter. Yes, its hand quilted, but its far from perfect. Uneven stitches, puckering, seams coming apart in a couple places, even patched once, but she loves it. And loves that its on her bed, and isn't that the point? It is defintly one I would call a "user" quilt, (one that is made for being used) as opposed to a "keeper" (one that I have put a lot of time and effort into and that has special meaning enough that I don't want to see it ruined in any way and that I hope to pass to future generations). I remember hearing those terms used on Simply Quilts ages ago, and think they are something to keep in mind when making a new quilt. If its a keeper, I make sure its put up. If its a user, well, as soon as the binding is on, its on a bed, couch, table, etc and being used. I tend to make a lot more user quilts than keepers. I really enjoy seeing my quilts being used, so if it gets damaged a little, I honestly feel "so what" at least its loved and being used...that's one of my main goals.

Its been a bit of a slow weekend here, sewing wise anyway. I work all weekend and not until Sunday evening do I really get the chance to get some sewing done. I did however get to make some progress on my postage stamp quilt along. I am now up to 4 sections (I need 20 total) and am really excited about this project. I'm still not crazy about the first section I made (the bottom left), its not nearly as random as the others... which I love...so I'm not sure it's going to end up in the finished quilt. If it doesn't, it will probably end up as a throw pillow.

Finally, I did make it over to Jo-Anns yesterday. I wanted to pick up a brown fat quarter for the postage stamps. It never ceases to amaze me how when you think you have everything you'll need, you find out you have no fabric of one color you want to use. That's got to be one of those Murphy's Laws of Quilting. I thought I had plenty of brown scraps...I didn't :c( But on the way in I was greeted by the sweetest little girl scout selling cookies and couldn't resist. So I am going to be getting on my way to get some more done, but I want to share 3 things a lot of us could agree are essential for great sewing...coffee, a little something sweet and fabric (of course :cD)

Hope you all have a great one! Warmest country wishes!!

Well, I went and did it again...

2010-03-05T11:54:00.001-05:00

Yup, I went and entered the quilting bloggers quilt contest. This week's theme is Little Girls and there are lots of entries. Among all those beautiful quilts is my little quilt, and I would be most appreciative if you would please take a little time and vote for my little creation. Here is a picture...

I call it G's baby quilt on the contest. I made it a couple of years ago for a friend of mine at work who was pregnant with her first baby I used patterns from several different places and put them together to make this little medallion quilt. I don't know if I'll win, but every vote helps :cD Thanks in advance!

Speaking of polls I did go ahead and post a poll in my side bar about which larger quilt I should finish next. I have 2 baby quilts on the BLCE list that I am going to get done first then whichever quilt wins on the poll. After posting it, I realized I should probably post pictures so you all know which one you're voting for (especially if you're a new visitor and haven't seen pictures of them yet), so here ya go...

the hunter green / maroon/ brown quilt

the black and white quilt

the 30's sampler

the blue and yellow stars

My motivation to finish the UFOs is still high, its my decision making skills that are lacking a bit. Every once in a while it can feel just a little overwhelming. There are still times I look at all the tops and blocks in my closet and just think "Wow! How did I end up with so many unfinished projects?" Not that an unfinished project is bad in its self, I have many orphan blocks that where very helpful in developing my sewing skills, but part of the reason I got into this hobby was I loved the balance of artistic and utilitarian...and if I don't get them done, where's the "utilitarian" part, right? So anyhoo, if you would all be so kind, please take a couple seconds to vote on my next big quilt finish.

Well, another weekend is upon us, and we actually have SUNSHINE!!! The sky here has been so gray, I almost forgot how blue it is...just beautiful. So in honor of the impending spring weather, I spruced up my blog a bit. I like the cheery colors and bright color scheme. I am scheduled to work all weekend, so hopefully I'll be able to squeeze in some sewing, blogging, and running time between it all. I am on my way to cut strips for the postage stamp quilt along and try to make a little more progress on it. I hope you all have a great weekend. Warmest country wishes!!

Someone do the happy dance with me...my first finish of March!

2010-03-03T12:55:00.000-05:00

When I first started out blogging one of the first blogs I found was Crazy Mom Quilts. Amandajean's blog was always full of inspiration and bright happy quilts. At one point she did a giveaway and the winner would win a bundle of fat quarters if they guessed how many quilts Amandajean had in her house. Well, I put in my guess and much to my surprise, I won!! A beautiful stack of fat quarters came in the mail. I wasn't sure what I was going to do with them, but I wanted to do something special. Then a few weeks later she started a star quilt along... I saw it and, I KNEW WHAT I WAS GOING TO DO WITH THOSE FAT QUARTERS!!! I worked on those blocks and kept up really well, I got the top together, then life happened. That poor top sat and waited for me patiently. Back on my feet and able to get to spend some time indulging in my passion, that happy little top is now a QUILT! and my first finish of March :oD

They are not fabrics I would have nessecarily bought myself, but I think its just beautiful. I can never thank Amandajean enough for the fabrics, and that she even sent me more of the setting block/binding fabric when I had mentioned I didn't have enough to finish the quilt the way I wanted too.

Here is a close-up of the meandering, loopy quilting I did. I know I mentioned that many of the quilts on the BLCE list will probably be gifted and/or donated, but this is one that is staying at my house for sure!

Although Amandajean has taken an indefinite break from blogging, I am thankful she has left her blog up for reference and inspiration. I miss her, and if she still floats around visiting blogland and sees this, I hope it makes her proud.

I think I am going to focus on a couple smaller projects on my list next. I have a few bigger quilts that I want to get done, but can't decide which one to finish up next. Maybe I'll put a poll on my side bar and you all can vote, that might be fun. I also want to get more strips cut so I can do a little more work on my postage stamp quilt sections. For now I am going to take a day to myself and relax, probably clean my machine, organize and set up for the next project rather than sew today. I also have to do all those chores that pop up in between quilting....you know, dishes, laundry, cleaning the bathroom, on and on and on :cP I hope you all have a wonderful day and as always send you warmest country wishes.

My month in review..February, and what I'm working on now.

2010-02-28T22:53:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone, I can't believe we are at the end of the month already. Its been a pretty good month here, I feel like I've been making real progress in quilting and life in general. As far as quilting goes I have 2 finishes for the month, and made progress of a couple of other quilts. I still have several to go before that BLCE list is even half way done, but I'm happy to have a few more crossed off the list. I've also been having fun making the pin toppers. Thank you for the compliments on them. I'm still working on making smaller and more detailed toppers, but I am having a blast. I had almost forgotten how much I enjoy working with clay. Heck, what can I say, I just love the artistic process in just about any form. I've gotten 8 done, and 1 waiting to be fired once I get a couple more done. Here is a picture of the second set of 4 I finished.

The little lady bug is going to my mom, and the piggy bank was inspired by a piggy bank my mouseling saves her coins in. The teapot I'm pretty pleased with, the tea cup however, could be a little better. But overall I think they turned out nice...consdering they are all the size of a penny or smaller. I have also been getting more consistant with my exercising. I have been walking or running 4 to 5 days a week. Once that becomes habit I want to start incorporating some floorwork or weights, but I am just taking it one step at a time. Life in general has been going pretty smooth for the most part so I really can't complain. So bring on March, and hopefully some spring weather (!!!) I'm ready!

So what have I been working on today? Here ya go...

I've been machine quilting the star quilt along quilt. I am doing a meander with lots of loopy goodness. So far so good. I'm about 80% of the way done, and hope to have a finish in early March. I think after this one I am going to concentrate on getting a couple of the smaller projects off the list. I know I have 2 baby quilts as well as a couple wall hangings I could probably finish up relatively quickly.

So in off topic chatter, I have been thinking a lot lately (especially while walking) about life in general. How do you handle what life hands you? How do you handle when you are emotionally hurt? How do you move on? Its been topics I've thought about a lot since my divorce. The emotional pain can be so incredibly deep. There are times I just want to cry, times I want to ask the hows and whys...and get answers, times I am so angry, times I just have questions about how I should handle it all. I don't think there are any easy answers to any of it. Some of the things I have learned, however, are you just take it day by day. Don't let your anger consume you. I think of a line in a Will Smith song where he says "Let God deal with the things they do, cause hate in your heart will consume you too." No truer words have ever been spoken, in my humble opinion. Negative emotions will just drag you down if you let them. They are unavoidable, but the key (for me at least) is to try to acknowledge them, then step back and look at the situation (at which point I start to realize that they really don't do anyone any good) then let go. Its not always easy, but I've found when I am able to do this I feel sooo much better. Learn to find joy in the everyday. I have learned to really enjoy my time when I am walking or sewing or even doing chores around the house. I know this sounds silly, but sometimes even when I'm just doing the dishes or laundry, I find myself thinking "I'm really doing this on my own. I really am strong and capeable. I know things will get better." I've also come to the realization that some of my questions may never get an answer. I'm not going to go into details, but there are many things that have happened and that I have gone through that I just keep wondering "why". And even though I know I may never get an answer, I also believe that everything has happened for a reason. Again, I may not know what that reason is now, but I know that someday it will be revealed to me. I try to focus on the positive and be thankful for what I do have and where I am, and have faith that things will get easier and better times are ahead :oD

Thank you all for letting me discuss a little of the non-quilty stuff thats been rattleing around inside my head for a while. I think I'm going to head on over to my sewing machine now and see if maybe I just might be able to get the quilting finished up on that quilt along quilt. If not today, hopefully sometime during my long "weekend". And with any luck I'll have a finished quilt to show you all real soon. I hope you all have a great day. Warmest country wishes!!

Wednesday weekly work-out check in.....and pin cushion fun.

2010-02-24T23:42:00.000-05:00

Once upon a time, I used to run marathons, and was a personal trainer. ACE certified and everything.(I was always athletic, played softball, basketball, volleyball, track and field, power lifting...the list goes on). Once I started a family I tried my best to stay in shape as best I could. Then along came the big LCE and I really let myself go. I've been feeling just aweful. One of the things I left behind after the divorce (that I wish I hadn't) was my treadmill. (Another thing that I think may have gotten left behind was a weight lifter Precious Moments figurine my mom and dad had bought for me years ago. I'm afraid it is forever lost now, and that breaks my heart, but I digress....) After some considerable time saving, I was finally able to purchase a new treadmill. I'm very excited about it! I'm also very excited to try to get back in shape, and I'm going to try to check in with my progress once a week. Hopefully it will keep me motivated, not bore you (since it will only be once a week) and all of you out there can feel free to help keep me motivated and on track as well if you wish. So here is my first weekly progress report. Not particularly impressive, but its a start...
Friday 2/ 19 - 1 mile run - plus walking to finish at 30 min. total aerobic time
Saturday 2 / 20 - 40 min. walk
Sunday 2 / 21 - 1 mile run - plus walking to finish at 30 min total aerobic time
Monday 2 / 22 - 30 min. walk
Tuesday 2 / 23 - Day Off
Wednesday 2 / 24 - 1 mile run - plus walking to finish at 25 min. total aerobic time

Now on to a little quilting related stuff. I remember seeing a picture of a decorated pin in a magazine. They called it "pin cushion bling". I thought it was the cutest thing. It was made of polymer clay, and I though "hey, maybe I'll give it a try. See what I can do." I surfed around the internet a little bit and found some pictures of decorated pins. Now I am nowhere near as talented as this artist, (she is amazing!) but here is my try at making a few.

I couldn't resist trying to make a little mouse to perch on my pincusion. They are just cute and cheery, and something fun for my pin cushions. I think I'm going to go out and get some glaze to make them nice and shiny. It was fun to play with my polymer clay a little bit too. The only sewing I can say I've gotten done is a second section for the postage stamp quilt :( I'm debating how I'm going to quilt the quilt along stars. I'm tempted to do an all over meander, or maybe come up with a type of pantograph. All I know is I want to get the quilting started before the end of the month.

Not too much more going on around here, the same old same old, if you will. The snow just doesn't seem to want to go away, chores to do, work, school, the list goes on. Glad I can find some "me time" to sew, blog, craft, and just have a little fun. Hopefully you are all finding some "me time" too, to do the things that make you happy. Warmest country wishes.

strips, strips, and more strips :oD

2010-02-22T23:05:00.000-05:00

Ok, one of the first quilts I ever saw was a postage stamp quilt. I thought it was about the coolest thing I'd ever seen. I wanted to take it home with me, but alas it belonged to someone else. Now with the help of Heidi and her tutorial, I am making one myself! YIPPEE. All those little squares look intimidating, but with a little effort you can go from these strips...

to this...

I've got several more sections to go, but the process is actually pretty simple. Please check out her blog by clicking on the button on my sidebar to get all the details. So as you can see I've been taking a little break from the UFOs to play with lots and lots and lots of strips. I would love to know if you are joining in, and see your progress. And as much as I would love to say this one will be mine, I think it is going to end up going to my son...he went crazy for it and only one section is done :cD I also found a clever way to wrangle all those little stips. Check this out...

Any ideas what it is? Well, I am horrible about throwing away the plastic packaging that things come from the store in. Especially when they have snaps or zippers. I figure I can find another use for them rather than chuck them in the trash. What my strips are in, believe it or not, is a plastic bag that undergarments came in! I bought what I needed from the store, couldn't part with the heavy plastic bag, then found out they are almost exactly 1 1/2 inches wide! Perfect for storing 1 1/2 inch strips for this project! Imagine that!!

On the UFO front, the star quilt along top is basted and ready for quilting. I am off tomorrow yet, so after getting another section or two done for the postage stamp quilt along done, I will be starting that. I have also pulled out the scrappy bargello to work on it some more. I am hand quilting that one, and I figure even if I just get a thread or two done a day, hey that's progress ;oD

Speaking of progress, I'm off again to try to make a little more. Hope you all have a great day, and find some time to make some progress on your projects too. Warmest country wishes!!

Its done, its done, its finally done!!

2010-02-19T12:34:00.000-05:00

Well, it was starting to feel like it was never going to happen, but I finally did get the behemoth finished. Got the last of the binding sewn down last night :cD

Its huge, its heavy, and its DONE!! I so love these types of quilts. I think its both because I love scrappy quilts, but also because I don't like to waste ANYTHING if I can help it. So although I don't think I'm going to make one this size again (famous last words...I'll probably make one just as big some other time now that I said that) I know I'll be making more of these when the strings bin starts to overflow. I also have to admit I'm pretty excited because now that this one is done, the biggest quilts on my UFO list are done.

Now I am going to get going on the quilt along quilt, its all basted now :cD and get ready for the postage stamp quilt along. If you would like to join in on the postage stamp quilt along please click the button on my sidebar. Heidi already has all the "getting ready" info posted and will post the first installment for the first two sections on the 21st. My fabrics are cut and ready to go, and I am excited to get going on something new. With that I'm on my way to get things done before I have to go into work. Hope you all have a great Friday! Warmest country wishes!!!

Snow day, sewing and finding myself

2010-02-16T23:09:00.000-05:00

I was woken up this morning by a knock on my door and a small voice. "Mom, we don't have school today." "Ok, honey, thanks" I replied. Still a little groggy, I turned on my radio and lo and behold we did have a snow day today. I can't believe the amount of snow that has fallen in the last few weeks. I looked out my window this morning and took this shot (with the camera in my cell phone...sorry for the less than clear pictures, but I think you'll get the idea.)

Well, it snowed all day. We had a great time just being inside, getting things cleaned up, watching movies, playing video games and sewing. I went out at night to take this picture, again not so great, but for anyone wondering, the fence in the picture is nearly waist high to me, and its almost not visable. Now granted its near the street and has had some snow plowed up next to it, but still....

They say we are probably going to set a record for snowfall in February. We were at 22 inches for the month BEFORE the snow started flying last night. The record is 25. I think we've probably beat that. I know I'm weird, but I still love the snow.

On to quilty news. I spent part of the day sewing the binding down on the behemoth, my hands are finally letting me get some work done again. I love it, but don't think I'll ever undertake a project that big and heavy again any time soon. I've rounded the third corner and gotten about 1/3 of the way done on that side so I'm getting oh so close to another finish. :oD I also got some 1 1/2 inch strips cut for the postage stamp quilt along. I'm doing a bit of a controlled scrappy. I'm using a white on cream for the "background" and reds, browns, greens, blues and yellows for the rest. Here is what I have so far.

I know I have more than enough for the first part of the quilt along, but am going to keep cutting strips as I'm not sure how big I want this quilt to end up. I am excited, though, because the first quilt I ever remember seeing was a postage stamp quilt and I just thought it was the most beautiful thing. I soooo wanted it, and now I am going to make one myself. I also got to basting on the quilt along I did a while back on Amandajean's blog.

All the blues and greens were fat quarters I won from a give away she did. After I got it all together I realized I didn't have enough fabric to bind it and she was kind enough to send me a half yard of coordinating fabric so I even have the binding fabric ready to go.

Now to the "finding me" part of the post. While I was basting I started thinking about all I've been through, where I'm at and where I want to be. When I was younger I was so strong. Never backed down from a fight, was never afraid to voice my opinion, faced every new challenge with excitement. I got married young, and never got the experiences others have had. Some I wish I would have. Like college, my ex got to go, graduated, even studied overseas. Every time I would mention how I felt I missed out on the college experience he would make a remark along the lines of "You really didn't miss out on much, trust me." Over the years I did get to do some of the things I wanted. Some of the things that made me "me", but especially the last few year of my marriage were not "me". I can look back now and see where I would cave during arguements no matter how strongly I felt, I would put myself absolutely last, put up with things I never would have when I was younger. Even my family saw it and would ask all kinds of "why do you" questions and I would just dance around an answer. I would have panic attacks, my self esteem was terribly low, and even though I found the courage to leave that situation I still have bad days. Days where I question what I've done. Today, however, was not one of those days. Today was one of the days where I was able to look at myself and see the old me. I have more responsiblites now that I ever did in the past, but I face that challenge with strength and know that I can do it. I AM doing it. I feel emotionally better that I have in a long time. I haven't had a panic attack in over a year. I am still working on the self esteem issues, but I know I can't fix everything in just a short ammount of time. I am finding myself again. The one who isn't afraid, who knows she is strong and can do whatever it is she sets her mind to. I'm not afraid of the future anymore. I can see the sunshine and the positive and it feels good! I know there are still tough times and situations ahead of me, but I know what it feels like to let myself get under my circumstances and I have to do what I can to make sure I don't let myself get there again. The old me...the real me...would never let herself do that. She would take those challenges by the horns and do what she needed to do to get her footing, deal with the problem and get moving foreward again. I'm glad I can see that me in the mirror again :oD

Well, I am off again. It's getting late and I have a few more things I need to get done yet tonight. I hope everyone has a great day, is staying warm, and makes sure to make a little time for themselves. Warmest country wishes!!

A quick hello from Country Mouse's house!

2010-02-15T20:37:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone, yup, it's me...I'm posting in the evening, in my pajamas, sipping some coffee and enjoying the fact that I finally have internet at home!! WAAAHOOOO!! Especially considering that it is snowing like crazy here again. I'm looking forward to just enjoying the evening with a fire roaring and surfing all over the place. I'll be back tomorrow with some more interesting things for y'all, but just couldn't wait to post and share the news...from home! :oD Hope you all have a great evening. Warmest country wishes.

Country Mouse

What I've been doing durring the snow

2010-02-11T09:23:00.000-05:00

Wow, did we get a lot of snow! It seems that once a year we get a really good, heavy snowfall, and I think this was it. The kids had a snow day yesterday and we had lots of fun just hanging out, watching movies, and enjoying the fireplace. Had it been just a touch warmer, we may have had packing snow and we would have gone outside for snowman building, or a good old fashioned snowball fight ;o) It hasn't been a lot of fun to get around in (if not for impassabale roads, for inexperienced drivers that don't know how to handle the conditions and pose a hazzard) but it has given me reason to stay indoors a bit more than usual and get some work done. Unfortunately it also means limited internet access....for now. I am all excited, though, because we are getting the internet hooked up at our house this comming week!! No more driving somewhere to find a connection, no more waiting to post or surf or e-mail. YAHOO!!

Now, you all know that I am on a mission this year to get my UFOs done, and I have been working away on the hunter green/maroon/brown quilt top. This is the setting I've chosen, now I'm trying to decide what border to put on. At first I was thinking of not adding one, but then it would feel horribly unfinished to me. So now I'm deciding ok, what color, solid or peiced, thin or wide? I'm sure it will come to me, but I am also willing to hear some ideas, I always seem to do so many similar things, I would love to try something different.

Oh my, looking at that picture really makes me want to get a new digital camera!! :oS Also, while getting my machine ready to work on my G/M/B top the other day, I found this curious little note...

Dear Country Mouse,
We have been feeling rather neglected as of late. Although we admire your perserverence and resolve to complete your list of UFOs, we are afraid you have forgotten about us in the process. We respectfully ask that you take a little time out of your busy schedule to visit us, look us over, touch us and maybe, just maybe, let us out to play in a new project. Please, please, please do not forget we are here, and we miss you.
Respectfully yours,
The fabrics of your stash and scrap boxes

It got me thinking...not that I need a new project, but I am getting a bit tired of looking at the same projects. Maybe a new project wouldn't be so bad? I have finished 3 UFOs and have one more very close and several well on their way. Sooooo....when I was visiting Paula's blog she had a link to this postage stamp quilt along! I love it! Its perfect for using up scraps and those fat quarters I've bought with no particular purpose in mind, and I've already got a start on cutting 1 1/2 inch strips because when I've been sorting my scraps that is one of the sizes I've been cutting anyway. It looks like fun, so I'm excited to give it a go. Please feel free to join in the fun too :oD

Well, Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and I am going to try to get a little something special done today for the mouselings to hand out to their classes, so I am going to be getting on my way. Hope you all have a wonderful day! Warmest country wishes!!

My weekend in pictures...mostly

2010-02-07T12:38:00.000-05:00

Got lots of this...like 12 inches overnight!

Stayed inside and made this to stay warm :)

Treated myself to one of these. Done at home, but still just as nice.

Worked on this a little, and got to ALMOST the half way point on finishing the binding.

I DID get this one finished...my girl is gonna be sooo excited!

Pulled out these blocks and bought fabric for the sashing and such so I can do some machine work and give my poor hands a break.

Bought the backing and batting so I can get this one basted and be on my way toward finishing another UFO.

We also enjoyed the fact that we have a wood burning fireplace. I love the smell of the fire and the heat it gives off. (Didn't get a picture of that one though :o( ) They have done a really good job of clearing the roads around here, and since I have the day off, and to myself, I think I am going to try and get out there and enjoy every second ;o) Got another busy week ahead of us. Hope you all have a great weekend! Warmest country wishes!

I think I have a new favorite block...

2010-02-02T09:11:00.000-05:00

I remember when I was little, seeing all kinds of granny square afgans. At the time I just thought "what a pretty blanket with lots of colors", now I love them for their nostalgic feeling. I think just about everyone has seen or had one at one time or another. I remember my mom making granny squares out of little bits of (what I now realize was) left over yarn, and trying to teach me how to crochet them. She made it look sooooo easy, alas I could never get the hang of it. To this day I still don't know how to knit or crochet...both skills I would love to learn. And knowing now that that is how those who work with yarn use up their scraps, they are even cooler. When I had to take my son to the library to choose a book for his first research project, I couldn't help but wander over to the quilting books. Marsha McCloskey's Block Party caught my eye, and I went ahead and borrowed it. Glancing through the pages and remembering all my scraps, I thought about a 9" block scrappy sampler (which is still very much a project I plan to do), then I came across a block which is probably traditional, but was new to me. I believe its called Grandmother's Favorite. Anyway, I looked at it, let out an excited giggle and made a couple...tell me what you see :)

do you see it?

Yup, to me it looks like a quilter's version of a granny square! I am in love and thinking this is the perfect project for some of those scraps. I think I am going to flip-flop the lights and darks and make them more scrappy by using more than the "light dark light dark" color layout here. I'm thinking about just having fun and in the end, having a quilt that reminds me of the granny square afgans that make me think of when I was little and the world was all happy and good. mmmmmm....I get warm fuzzies just thinking of it ;)

Oh, if only we could return to those days, or maybe just the mind set. Unfortunately life doesn't work that way, and things have been tough. It always amazes me how life balences itsself out. Things are going so well, then can crash and burn, then just when everything looks bleak and ominous the sun breaks through and life gets easier. Right now I'm in a bit of a valley and slowly but surely trying hike to make my way out of it. I guess my biggest thing right now is trying to understand why people do and act the way they do. Why some feel it is their place to be in control of everyone and everything and use the tactic of fear or condecention to get what they want. I'm sure its something I'll never fully understand, but continue to cope with and do my best to make the best of what I do have, and try to not let it get me too far down in that valley. Life, if nothing else, will always move foreward. I need to keep looking that way too.

Ok, sorry for that little side jaunt there, and I don't want to leave on a "down" note so I wanted to share just a couple more pictures with you. I did get another block done for the sampler besides the "granny square" one. I think its called Spinning Star. Its another one with a partial seam. I'm getting better at them, but still have room for improvement.

I was also able to get the tesselating cats quilt all quilted and the binding is ready to attatch. I think I see lots of binding in my future. I am still working on hand sewing the binding to the behemoth and my carpal tunel has made the whole process slow going. I am happy, though, to know that I have TWO quilts so close to finished. Finally, I have heard it said keep your eyes open for quilt inspiration everywhere. Well the other day I noticed this...

This is a coaster I've had for a while, made of small peices of inlaid wood and never noticed the pattern its self. I think it would make a nice quilt...a wall hanging maybe? Possibly different colors? I'm still thinking on this one (lots of other projects to be working on right now) but it goes to show there is inspiration everywhere :)
Well, that's about all that's exciting from this end of the world, so I am off again to enjoy a day off and get some sewing done in between all the other "need to dos" of the day. Hope you all have a great one. Warmest country wishes.
Country Mouse
p.s. I apologize for any misspellings, spelling is NOT my strong suit. Does anyone out there know if they got rid of the spell checker on the post tool bar, or tell me where it is? ( Yes my computer illiteracy is nice and strong today )Thanks!

My month in review....is it really the end of the month already?

2010-01-30T12:59:00.002-05:00

Hi out there in blogland! I can't believe the month is almost gone. It never ceases to amaze me how the time flies. I remember being a kid and time seemed to crawl and now that I'm older I wish it would slow down! I was looking back on my goals for the month and have to admit that I have fallen short on some. I'm not going to get down about it, I am going to look at the new month as a fresh start and give it another go. I have done well as far as my quilting goals go. I have one finish, the binding is on the string quilt (hand sewing will probably be slow going, but its nice to know its at that point, finally) I turned one stack of blocks into a quilt top and it is basted and ready for quilting. Not too bad :) I have been able to get on and blog pretty consistantly so I'm happy about that too. I also got up enough guts to enter a quilt in the Quilting Bloggers Weekly Themed Contest. You can check out the contest rules and get to their blog, see the quilts and vote by clicking on the button here
.
I would love for you to vote for my quilt, but vote for your favorite. They are all beautiful. I haven't bought any fabric yet this year either. I think I am going to save up for a shop hop that is going on in Amish country in March. Maybe by then I'll have a few more finishes and more of my stash used up ;)
   As far as some of my more personal goals, well, I still have to work on those. I'm thinking in addition to my quilting, I am going to focus on exercising next month. I have very much let myself go since my LCE and feel that is the next big area to get back on track. I've thought about joining a walking program sponsered by the parks, but am still not sure. It would defintly be a motivator. Or if any of you out there are in the same boat as me, maybe we could help to motivate each other. Maybe a weekly check in? Anyhoo, that's big focus for February.
   Other than that, life has been pretty quiet...don't know weather to breathe a sigh of relief or start to worry what's about to go down next. I think I am going to pick the first. We all know tomorrow will worry about itself, no need to borrow tomorrow's worries for today. So with that I look at the beautiful blue skies above me today, take a deep breath and head out the door for some fresh air. Hope you all have a great weekend. Warmest country wishes.

A little of this and a little of that

2010-01-28T10:21:00.002-05:00

Good morning everyone! Well, I'm happy to report that my carpal tunel has calmed down a bit. I am very thankful that it can be dealt with by just resting! I have been doing a little of everything to still be working on my quilting and not stress my hands too much. First off, I have been trying to get things organized. Organization seems to be a constant battle waged in my sewing area. And no matter how dilligently and valiently I try to fight, the foe of clutter just seems to end up kicking my butt! Not that I'm not going to keep trying, especially as I am getting things done it makes for less I need to try to find a place for. I have gone through my huge box of scraps and sorted them into lights and darks and put them in clear boxes so I know what I have and where. I also went through some of the stuff in DD's closet and tried to condense things. Since I have been working on that UFO list there is less clutter, and now its finally starting to show :D

I did break down and get started on my 9 inch scrappy sampler here are the first two block I've made. The one above is called Westland and has inset seams, so it was a bit of a challenge, but enjoyable! The one below is just a Flying Geese block. Both of these helped me to use up a few of those scraps in the "light" and "dark" bins. I'm not sure how big I am going to make this quilt, but I am going to do some calculating and figure out how many blocks in what size setting I would like to end up with.

Finally, I did get the tying on the behemoth done and the binding made. For the binding I just went into my 2 1/2 inch scrap bin and started sewing strips together. I figured if I had extra, great, if I am a little short I have a whole drawer of peices I can add.

In a little bit of fun news, my eldest mouseling turns 9 today! I can't believe its been 9 years since I welcomed a precious bundle of joy into the world! He will be spending his birthday with his dad today, but we had fun and celebrated a little bit all week, so that's cool. Happy birthday, buddy!!

Well, I am going to get on my way, I need to run and make sure I have a photo downloaded (which I thought I already had) because I am going to try to enter the weekly contest the Quilting Bloggers site is doing. I am also hoping to get the binding on the behemoth before I have to go to work today. I hope you all have a wonderful day, and get to make some time for yourself. Warmest country wishes!!

And number one is.....

2010-01-26T09:41:00.001-05:00

Good morning everyone. It is bitter and chilly here, but I think we missed the brunt of the new snow today. Listening to the radio on the way to taking my mouselings to school I heard there were several delays and a few closings south of us, so I am thankful we only got a dusting of the white stuff. I also found a new background for my blog. I think its cute and fitting for my style of quilting. I almost didn't get it to work, my computer illiteracy was really showing this morning :( and had a couple unsuccessful tries, but here it is, and I'm happy!
Now to my post title and why I don't have any quilty pictures to share just yet....
COUNTRY MOUSE'S TOP 5 LIST OF THINGS THAT MAKE A QUILTER WANT TO CRY....
5. Waking up sick on your day off...when you planned to sew all day.
4. Having car trouble while you're quilt shop hopping.
3. Running out of thread a mere 2" before you finish the last seam you're working on.
2. Running out of the fabric you thought you had enough of for your quilt's border...then not being able to find any more of it. (Oh my, have I been there done that!!)
And number one on the list of things that make a quilter want to cry.....
1. Three words "CARPAL TUNEL SYNDROME" !!!!

Yup, my carpal has been flaring horrendously. I have been able to get a little work done on the behemoth (its about half way tied) and I did get the tessellating cats basted, but thats about it other than organizing.(I"ll post on that another day) And all I can say is I'll never doubt a person when they say they're in pain. People joke about carpal tunel, and I uesd to think "Yeah, right, how bad can it be?" but now I know first hand how painful it is and how it can affect what you do. The sad part....I developed it when I was working as a baker, not from excessive ammounts of hand quilting or typing, but that is what it affects now. Anyhow, no point in stewing over it, just though y'all should know why there isn't anything pretty to look at this time.

I do hope to have some pictures next time. I was at the library last week and borrowed the Block Party book and am starting to think hmmmm.....9 inch scrappy sampler? I think I am going to cut and piece a few blocks here today yet. Not that I need another new project, but hey, I have a finish for the year already and two others that are getting close. And to be completely honest, I'm kinda getting tired of looking at the same quilts day in and day out, I'm ready for something new and fun (for just a little bit). After a little break, its back to tackling that list of UFOs ;)

Well, I'm off to do some blog hopping then to enjoy the rest of my day. I hope you all have a wonderful afternoon. Warmest country wishes!

Finally tally for my quiltathon

2010-01-21T09:10:00.005-05:00

Hi everyone, hope your week has been good so far. I have had a relatively relaxing week, I did end up with 4 days off in a row, so I was able to get a lot done...ok, "a lot" is a relative term, but I'm happy with what I accomplished. I got lots of sewing time in, plenty of time with the kids, and my house still looks like a house, so how can I not be happy ;)

Since my last post I did go ahead and finish the tessellating cats top the way I had originally started to. DD loved the squares and now that the border is on, I think I like it too. It finished at 44" x 56", a nice size to carry around. I have a piece of flannel that I think will work as a backing, I just have to wash and iron it and see if will still be the right size. Then I need to get some batting and this one will be ready for quilting. I did get some of the behemoth tied, about 1/3 of it. Sometimes I don't realize how big something is until I'm sitting under it. This one is HUGE! I know I keep saying that, but honestly every time I go to drag this (probably)6 lb giant out, I still can't get over the size of it :O I was also able to get a couple quilt labels done. The kitty one is for the quilt above and the other is just one that goes into the collection ready to be used once I get a quilt finished. Ok, and I just realized the picture loaded sideways, sorry :S

Even had time to make one of these.....yummy!

So all told for my quiltathon days, here is my tally:

1. Finished the Irish Chain quilt

2. finished one quilt top

3. Made considerable progress in tying the string quilt

4. Made one quilt backing

5. Made two quilt lables

..... and made one yummy winterberry pie ;) I'm also proud to report that as of yet, I have not bought any new fabric this year. One of my big goals is to use up what I have on hand before I start buying new. I went to the library Tuesday and picked up the Block Party book and am going to try something Eileen mentioned in her blog. As I am sorting through everything I am going to cut pieces to make blocks and make them into kits and set them aside for when I am ready to move on to something new. That way I just pull out the kit and everything is ready to sew. I think its a pretty cool idea. At this point, though, I think I am just going to relax today. I have been feeling a little down the last day or so. I wish I could explain it, sometimes I just feel overwhelmed and some of the feelings I had before my LCE creep back. Its been tough, but I know this too, will pass. Just been tough to keep my eyes forward, and not fear the "what ifs", but I know I can't let that fear overwhelm me. I need to focus on what I can do, what I can change, what is positive and where I am going so I can reach the goal I want to reach :)

I can't believe the weekend is upon us already! I am going to try to get out there and enjoy the sunshine while it lasts. Its appearance has been pretty fleeting around here lately. I hope you all have a good one, and find a little time for friends, family and all the things that make you happy. Warmest country wishes!!

Checking in :)

2010-01-19T09:14:00.006-05:00

Good morning everyone! Its an absolutely yucky, gray, dreary day here. I heard on the radio this morning that we are in for more snow. Not that I don't like snow, but I hate the pressure shifts that come with the changing weather. Lets me know I'm getting older...can't believe the aches and pains I can get sometimes...oh, well. I still like the saying, "I may grow old, but I'll never grow up." No matter how "old" I get, I hope I always keep a young spirit :)

Yesterday the mouselings were off from school. We decided to just have a pajama day and hung out at home and watched movies and played. We watched everything from Nickelodeon movies, to Veggie Tales to the original Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was especially fun since my little ones have only seen the newer version with Johnny Depp. It was fun to listen to them compare the two. I also got to spend plenty of time sewing, although judging by what I've actually accomplished so far, it doesn't seem that way :S

First off, who has a pile of this laying around? Yup, its a big pile of scrap muslin. I like to back my quilts with muslin sometimes (not too expensive and can give me one big solid backing) but I end up with all this scrap, and hate to waste it. Ok now, who has this around the house too? Shame on you if you didn't raise your hand...or maybe lucky or well organized you ;) Yes, this is just one box of the many scrap boxes I have.

Wanna see what happens at my house when the two of these things get together?

Ta Daaaa! One creative quilt backing! This one used up most of my bleached muslin scraps. Ok, I think this would be a pretty cool quilt in its own right, so I may develop a pattern for one kind of like it. I was thinking that if this were an actual quilt top I would call it "On a Wing and a Prayer" because that's pretty much how it came together. Just starting sewing and sewing and half way measuring then sewing some more.... and the shocking thing to me was that it came out pretty square! I really like it though so this one will have to go on the back of something I know I'm keeping. I still have enough scraps to make another one too.

Oh happy day the binding is done on the triple Irish Chain too!! Somebody do the happy dance with me, celebrating my first finish of 2010!! (I figured y'all have seen enough pictures of this one that I just wanted to show one more of four pretty, bound corners)
Finally, I got a good start on the tessellating cats top. This one is going to be a cuddle/car quilt for my daugheter so she can have one she can carry around, take in the car, and feel free to use for anything. I don't know if I'm crazy about the squares at the top (there is going to be another row at the bottom as well) but she likes them. And if she likes them, that's all that matters.

I still have today off, and possibly tomorrow (there was a death in my babysitter's family) so I am going to try to get more done today while I still have some time to myself. My goals for today are to get the kitty top finished and to start tying the string quilt. So with that I am heading on my way. I hope you all have a wonderful day and find some time to do what you love. Warmest country wishes!

Sewing away the "weekend"

2010-01-16T12:20:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone, hope your weekend has started off well. Here in my corner of the world it has warmed up quite a bit. There is still a little snow on the ground, but for the most part it is all melting away. Its still gray and dreary outside and after my shift tonight I am off Sunday, Monday AND Tuesday, so I am going to do my own quiltathon. Well actually I am inspired by Judy's blog, and although I am not "officially" joining in, I am quilting along in spirit and extending my quiltathon til Wednesday afternoon when I have to go to work. I am hoping to get the Irish chain done, the behemoth tied, and I am thinking I may work on blocks as well as setting some blocks into tops, and piecing some backings so I know where I stand when it comes time to baste some of these. The picture above is the one I am using as a "UFO buster" banner and shows some of the quilts I want to get done. Well, I am taking off again. Gonna try to get my car washed while the weather is still nice :) and I will be back soon with progress pictures. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend. Warmest country wishes,

Some progress and a quilty question

2010-01-14T08:56:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone! Well, first off I am happy to report that the behemoth is BASTED!! Yippee!! It went surprisingly well. And I think I have found my favorite surface to baste on...my comforter covered bed. (Yes, I don't have a quilt on my bed right now...yes, I can hear the audible gasp. lol) Actually the comforter on my bed has velour on both the right hand and left hand side and boy does it GRIP the fabric. I can get the backing nice and tight and it stays pretty darn well. So even though I had to baste this monster in chunks and move it from area to area to do it, it ended up basted very nicely. Now to get to the local Jo-Anns to get some pearl cotton to tie it...I couldn't imagine quilting something this huge and this heavy ;) Now, as I was basting this one the question came to mind, why do I do what I do...why do I quilt. I have had people ask me this before, and since my mind tends to wander when I'm basting or sewing down binding, I've been thinking on it, and have come up with several reasons. First off, I, like I'm sure many of you out there, tend to have a very giving spirit, and quilting allows me to give something from the heart. I have made several gifts for friends, family members, and others I thought could use a lift, as well as for raffles and give-aways. There is nothing like the reaction of when someone receives a quilt and realizes how much time and effort was put into it. It lets them know they are special.

a baby quilt I made for a co-worker

Second, it gives me a sense of healing and sanity. I'm not quite exactly sure how taking a perfectly good piece of fabric, cutting it into tiny pieces, then sewing it back together again can accomplish this...but it does! I guess in my mind, maybe its that is shows that something beautiful can come from something broken and chaotic. And if that can happen with fabric, then it gives me hope that it can happen in life as well. The last bit of my life definitely falls into the "broken and chaotic" category, but I keep working away and slowly but surly it is beginning to look like it is turning into something beautiful once again.

quilt I made and donated for a raffle / fundraiser at work.

Third, I love the feeling of having a connection to the past. Now in the past our grandmothers, great-grandmothers and others may have made them purely for functionality, but in their way, those quilts were still beautiful. I love having something that ties the past and present together, and looking at a quilt covered bed does that for me. I guess another thought I have on that is we live in a world where so many people want instant gratification. So many can't imagine taking months or even years (or heck, even a week) to work on something. They want it NOW. I look at the on-line quilting community, as large as it is, and suppose I still fear that with a younger generation wanting everything instantaneously that quilting will become a lost art. I can happily say I am keeping it alive, and hope to pass that love to my daughter, and even my son! As a matter of fact my little one helped me with the "unpinning" process on the Irish chain quilt, and wanted to know when she could help me with pinning again :D

quilt made for the house I used to live in made especially for the space it occupies.

Finally, quilting just make me happy! I love the feel of fabric in my hands. I love going into a fabric shop and seeing all those colors and textures. Like the old saying goes, I feel like a kid in a candy shop! I love the creative process and being able to express myself in fabric. I love the whole quilting process from creating (or picking out) a pattern to choosing fabrics to cutting and sewing the blocks, to the actual quilting and binding. I feel like I've accomplished something wonderful when I put that last stitch in the binding. It just warms me heart and soul.

Well, it is a beautiful day here in my neck of the woods. Its supposed to warm up into the 30s and the sun is shining. I think I'm going to make my way to Jo-Anns, purchase what I need then drill away at the house work as well as quilting :) I am also going to go check out a blog mentioned in one of my friend's blogs about a quiltathon weekend. I have a good chunk of Saturday off as well as all day Sunday so I may just join in. If not officially, in spirit anyway.
I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday!! Warm country wishes!!

Country Mouse

Ta Daaaaa.....

2010-01-12T13:19:00.000-05:00

Ok, well, almost "ta da"...to be completely honest the binding isn't totally stitched down yet, but it is on, and I just couldn't wait to share a picture. I am excited because the end is in sight and a few more nights of hand stitching and this one will go in the "done" column!!

Here is a close up of the baskets and the vine work I did around them.
Next on the agenda is this group of blocks. I have to set them yet and just can't quite decide how to do it. I set so many in the "traditional" way that I think I want to try something different. I am going to be spending some time perusing some quilt books, magazines and blogs to see if something strikes my fancy.

I am still trying to get the behemoth basted, jeez what a task!! But I keep working steadily towards that goal. Slow and steady wins the race (or finishes the quilt) right? ;)

Finally, I wanted to share a joke I heard on an inspirational program I was watching...made me giggle. There were three men traveling through the wilderness when they came upon a raging river. The first one prayed, "God, please give me the strength to cross this river." He then dove in and swam across in about 2 hours. The second one prayed, "God, please give me the strength and the tools to cross this river." POOF a boat appeared, he climbed in and rowed across the river in a little more than an hour. The third man prayed, "God, please give me the strength, tools and intelligence to cross this river." POOF he became a woman, took out a map, looked at it, then walked 5 minutes up the trail and walked across the bridge there over the river.

Sorry for such a short post, but I am terribly time crunched today, I just couldn't wait to share some pictures though. Hopefully next time I will be able to visit a little longer and have more good stuff to share :) I am off again, hope you all have a wonderful day! Warmest country wishes,

Country Mouse

Aaaaahhhhh.....a me morning :D

2010-01-09T08:38:00.001-05:00

Good morning, all! I actually have a morning to myself. The kids are with their dad, and although I miss them terribly when they aren't with me, its nice to have some time to just relax and BREATHE! Good morning from Kilala too. Yup, that's my kitty looking at ya there. One of the things that my ex kept after the split was the cat. Xerxes was an awesome kitty, and I miss him terribly. So much so that I went out on my birthday a few months ago and got this cutie. She was only about 6 weeks when she came home with me, and although she's about 6 1/2 months old she is still totally kitten! Zipping around the house and getting into all kinds of stuff...and boy do I love her. She gets along well with our dog too. Here is a picture of the two of them. Can you believe it?

Sheba, our dog, is a lab/mastiff mix and is such a good girl. She is a great protector and loyal friend. When I'm done here I'm making sure to make time for them too. Despite the cold I'm thinking a walk with Sheba and some lap time for Kilala. Since I had time to myself, I'm enjoying a yummy breakfast out while I'm dropping in today.

Now, I was thinking to myself, "What fun is a quilt blog if there aren't any quilt pictures?" Well, they can still be pretty darn fun, but a quilt definitely adds a little more, so I wanted to share a picture of a little quilt that will be getting the binding attached when I go to attach the binding to the triple Irish chain. Yes, you heard right, the triple Irish chain is quilted and ready to have the binding attached. I am sooo excited! I am trying to find the best place to take a picture of the whole quilt so you can see all the quilting (almost 2 whole spools worth of it) and as soon as I do, I will get it posted. I have already decided that I'm gifting this one to my boyfriend's mom. I think she'll like it. As I was finishing up I started thinking about the next one I am going to baste (the string quilt), and I think I'm going to call it the behemoth. It's huge (102" x 108"), heavy (foundation pieced on muslin with a flannel backing) and I have to admit a bit intimidating :S But then I started thinking, so was my life after my LCE, and one lesson I've learned is to you have to try to move ahead without fear. For me this can be particularly challenging, but the truth is very often things are not as impossible as they may first appear to be. And you can make it through even the toughest situations and be stronger for it in the end. So with a deep breath and a positive attitude I am going to attempt to get the behemoth basted tomorrow :)

Well, I am going to take some time to cruise around blog land before I go ahead and get on with my day. I hope all of you have a wonderful weekend and can find a little "me" time of your own to relax and enjoy! Warmest country wishes,

Country Mouse

As if I needed more motivation ;)

2010-01-07T11:15:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone! First let me say I can't believe how much snow we've gotten and we are due for more! Yes, I know I'm strange, but I just love the snow and how beautiful everything is when it is covered with it...well, except maybe the roads :S The other day we had perfect "snowman snow" so my little one went out and made her first snowman of the year. I wanted to share a picture of her with her creation as well as a few other snowmen we found in the neighborhood. Hope they make you smile like they do us :D

On to quilty news. I am making great progress on the triple Irish chain quilt. I decided to do heirloom style quilting in the large open squares...well, my version of heirloom quilting anyway. I tried to take a picture to show, but I don't know that its that good. Hopefully you can see the "square" vine with leaves and the flower in the center. I have 12 of the 13 open spaces done and hope to get the last one done today before work. It never ceases to amaze me how quickly the quilting goes once I get motivated! Makes me wonder why I don't get to finishing my quilts sooner.

I have the batting for the king size string quilt, and am deciding on the setting for the black and white quilt. I also recently found out a co-worker of mine is pregnant with a girl, so I am thinking I am going to get the baby Irish chain done for her. Yeah, making progress!!! :D

Finally, to explain my post title....as if the weather and desire to move on with my new life aren't enough for motivation, I was going through my quilting stuff earlier this week (now mind you I live in a smaller place now, so some of this stuff is stored in my little one's room). As I'm taking inventory, she comes up to me, looks me in the eye and says, "Mommy, can you get your quilting stuff out of my room? Its getting crowded." :S lololol So now, if nothing else I am on a mission to make my mouseling's room "less crowded" :D

Well, I am off to get some stuff done before I have to head into work. I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday!! Warmest country wishes,

Country Mouse

Looking forward

2010-01-02T12:12:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone, its hard to believe a new year is upon us already!! I've been spending the last week or so contemplating the last year. So much has happened! Then I thought of something I said to my son that got me thinking even more. My son likes to dawdle...loves to look at EVERYTHING around him and take it all in. Now this isn't necessarily a bad thing, but he tends to fall behind. So one day while we were out, he was falling behind and I looked at him and said "Hey buddy, I need you to keep up. You need to watch where you're going. If you're always looking at where you've been, how will you know where you're going?" That last part is what made me think. If you're always looking at where you've been, how will you know where you're going? So that being said, I have made a promise to myself...to look forward. Not that I won't remember where I've been...I just am making the choice that I don't want to live there anymore. Despite the hardships I've faced, I've seen the sunlight peeking through and that's where I want to go, so that is where I will focus. On whats ahead, where I want to be, where I am going :)
That being said, I have set some goals for myself in the coming year. I have made a list of all the quilts I had started before my LCE and am determined to either finish them or purge them by November 24 of this year. I can't help but think about where I was when I work on them, but they're all beautiful and deserve to be finished by someone. I have updated my list on the side to keep track of these. I have also set some personal goals for myself. I have to admit I have really let myself go in some areas and I just want to get back on track. Among these are to exercise regularly, begin reading from Day by Day with your Health Coach (a devotional written by a Christian exercise instructor) and the Bible, to try to save a little money each week, and finally to do a little something everyday that will give me a lift (this could be blogging, cooking myself a good meal, making sure I make time to sew, getting a little trinket gift...as long as it is something that gives me a lift). I think these are perfectly attainable and will do my best to stick to them.
Finally, on the quilt front, I have basted and started to quilt the Triple Irish Chain. I'm pretty happy with it so far, and promise to have some pictures to share soon. I also have everything I need to get my string quilt done, and have decided I will also try to get my Black and White quilt together as well. It feels sooooo good to be making progress towards my goals:)
Well, its cold and snowy here today, so its the perfect day to get some more quilting done and that's were I'm headed. I hope that the new year will bring you all much happiness, health and wonderful wonderful things. Here's to looking forward to a great 2010! Warmest country wishes.
Country Mouse

Some progress and a finish!

2009-12-05T12:26:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone! Boy did this past week fly, I can't believe its been a week already since my last post. Things have been going pretty well. Its nice to have a breather once in a while :) Life has been busy, school, work, keeping up with the housework, and still finding time to sew. But I have to say that overall I'm quite happy with things right now. Could they be better, yes...but they could always be worse so I'm pretty darned content ;) I've been able to make some progress on my Charming Windows. I was able to add two rows this past week. I was in the mood for some hand sewing this week so this is the project that came out to play. I am so in love with this quilt, I'm not sure how big its going to end up, I've just decided that I'm going to buy a yard of the background I'm using and when its all gone (or the quilt has gotten big enough for my taste) then it will be done. I also love the fact that I'm actually making one of those "someday-I'm-gonna" type quilts (you know the type...Grandma's flower garden, Double wedding ring, Cathedral windows, Apple core...you know;) )

I'm also happy to share a finish! I got the kitty quilt done. I did go ahead and add hearts to the kitty bellies. I think its a cute one. I'm still deciding where its going to end up, gifted, sold, or staying with us since my one mouseling just loves kitty cats:D

Finally the family and I got to watch Kung Fu Panda this past week, we hadn't seen it before and all thought it was a very cute movie. One line stuck out to me and I thought it was a great line to live by. I don't remember the character who said it (I think it was the turtle) but it went something like this....Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift...that is why it is called the present. I try to remember that each day IS a gift. No matter what hardships I may face there is someone above who is watching out for me and will help me make it through any situation I may face. I try to remember that everything happens for a reason, and everything I experience I can learn and grow from. That it may be something I can help someone else with in the future. That in the end I should always be thankful for the gift that is "the present" and live with gratitude and joy.

Well, I am off again. We have a busy week ahead of us...field trip on Monday, a birthday mid-week, shopping, and of course all the regular day to day stuff. I have my flannel washed for the string quilt and found out I have backing AND batting for a top already at home so hopefully I can get another finish in before the end of the year. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!! Warmest country wishes,

Country Mouse

Ok, now I know I'm crazy ;)

2009-11-28T11:37:00.001-05:00

Let me start by saying I had a very nice Thanksgiving. Lots of food, friends, family and laughs. Let me also say that, by nature, I am not a black Friday shopper...just too busy for me. I'd usually rather unwind at home and take it easy. Did you notice I said "usually"? I happened to get the Jo-Anns add in the mail on Wednesday, and.....well..... They were having a huge sale on flannel, just what I needed to back my string quilt! Now this is another quilt from before my LCE so it is on my list to get done, it's BIG 102 x 108 so I need about 9 yards of flannel, sooooo....I braved the crowds. What a time! I knew it was going to be busy, but I didn't realize just how busy. Here's the story. I got there and had a fairly easy time finding a parking spot, yeah! Then I walked in and saw the check out line...stretching all the way to the back of the store! YIKES!! "OK" I thought "just find your flannel, get your ticket for the cutting table and maybe it won't be that long" So I found some fabric (which I will share in the next post cause I'm a dork and forgot to download the pics to my computer) found the ticket reel and grabbed a ticket. The available cutter called out the next number, "F 92" I looked at my number "G 84" OH BOY!! I spent the better part of my wait time wandering up and down the isles, I changed my mind on the final backing fabric 4 times while I was waiting and found a couple prints for the back of baby quilts and some fleece for a throw as well. 90 minutes later my number was finally called. I was utterly amazed by the friendliness of the ladies cutting the fabric. They were cheery and so polite, very professional. I can only imagine how busy and hectic their day was! Now that I finally had my treasures I headed for the checkout...not as bad as I thought it would be :D 2 hours later I had the fabric I needed, and had spent about $25 for about $100 worth of fabric! Would I do it again? I don't know, but for this year at least, it was worth the trip!
I am, well, "done" with my kitty quilt...sort of. I got it quilted and bound, threw it in the washer, dried it, took a look at it and think I'm going to stitch some free form hearts in the kitty's bellies. They just look too puffy for me. I have also been working on the cathedral windows. I think I'm going to call it Charming Windows because it is my version of a charm quilt, no two windows the same. I promise to have pictures of all of these next post. I'm also getting some serious work done on my scrappy bargello. Its taken a bit longer because I decided to hand quilt it, but I love the way its turning out.
I am going to be on my way here, I think I am going to get that flannel in the washer and get working on that string quilt. Maybe I can get another finish yet this year :) Hope you all have a wonderful Saturday!! Warmest country wishes,
Country Mouse

Maybe I'm just a little crazy, but....

2009-11-25T12:32:00.001-05:00

I can't help but wonder. I was watching a quilting show on t.v. and my mind just started to wander, or maybe that should be wonder, and I just had to ask the question. Now let me start by saying that I love how technology helps us quilters. Being able to have a machine help you do embroidery, or to use one to quilt to help you finish your tops a bit quicker. (I personally machine quilt a lot of my quilts now because of my carpal tunnel, and have learned it takes a LOT of talent to machine quilt well! I'm still not there, but I keep working) Anyhow, the guest was talking about technological advances and how they make quilting quicker and easier, (here's the part that got me) able to get more done without having to do much work. Ok, maybe its just me, but I thought quilting was all about the process. Learning from your mistakes, practicing techniques, exploring the possibilities and finding your strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes, and learning about yourself along the way. I love the journey I've been on since I've stared quilting. I still have lots of my "first tries" at home in a box to remind me just how far I've come. Let me tell you, my first attempt at hand applique was absolutely AWFUL!! lol :) But it was mine. Along with my first attempt at machine quilting, curved piecing and inset seams. I like looking back and seeing how far I've progressed. Now I'm not saying I won't incorporate machines to help me, but I hope I never rely on them to " get more done without having to do much work" Ok, enough from the crazy mouse there ;)
Now on to the category of "I probably shouldn't have, but did any way" here's my story.... Every year there is a quilt shop hop in Amish County, and living near enough by I visit several of the shops. Every year I go and think to myself, I'm just gonna get the free patterns, not buy any kits for blocks....and every year I walk in to the first shop, see the quilt made from that year's blocks and think, "Oooohhhhh, I have GOT to make this one" and cave and start buying kits :P Such was the case this year. Below is a picture of the kits I bought. The quilt is made with beautiful dark country colors. I just couldn't help myself. I am going to try to get at least one more quilt finished before I start making the blocks. Don't know if I'll be able to though, but I'm sure gonna try :)
Finally before I hop off here, I want to wish everyone a very happy Thanksgiving. Make sure to count your blessings. I have learned in the last year, which has probably been one of the toughest I've ever had, that even when things seem bleak, there are still blessings to count. This is something I try to never forget. So with warmest country wishes to all, I am off to celebrate my favorite holiday of the year!
Country Mouse

finding happiness

2009-11-17T09:12:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I think one of the most elusive things to find on the planet when you are facing difficult time is happiness. In the face of adversity there are so many things that can steal your joy. I know, trust me. These are the time I really try to step back and look at things. Sometimes when you are in the middle of a tough spot all you can see is more rough patches heading your way. Its kind of like in the book The Hobbit where they sent Bilbo up a tree when they were lost in the middle of the forest. When he got to the top all he could see was nothing but trees all around. They all thought all was hopeless and they would be lost forever. But had Bilbo been able to take a bird's eye view he would have seen that he had climbed a tree in the very center of a bowl shaped valley and that they were nearing the edge of the forest. Sometimes I try to remember I may just be climbing that tree at the middle of the bowl shaped valley and need to try to get that bird's eye view. I try to take joy in the simple things...a beautiful day, fresh air, knowing that I have a roof over my head, food in my belly and people who care about me. To remember that better things ARE on the way and I just need to persevere :)

Of course on of the things that I do to make me feel happy is sew ;) and I'm happy to report that I did reach my goal of getting a backing done and basting one quilt. It's not a big one, but it is one that is on my list of "get it done so you can move on" quilts. Here is a picture of the front and back. (I apologize for the picture quality. These are taken with my phone as I don't have a camera just yet. I know it can take better pictures, I just haven't played with the settings enough to quite figure them out yet.)

I've also been playing around with making jewelery too. These are two of the bracelets I've recently made. One is a bead work bangle and the other is made with semi-precious stone chips.

Although the last few days have been a bit tough, I know I am nearing the edge of that forest. I continue on, and make sure I make time for the people and the activities that bring me joy. I hope that all of you find that joy in your life that helps you on your journey as well. Warmest country wishes,

Country Mouse

A belated thank you and a finish

2009-11-12T09:28:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone. I want to start off by saying Happy Veterans Day. Yes, I know I'm a day behind, but I wasn't able to get to the computer yesterday. But there is no way I wasn't going to make sure I made time to say thank you to all those who have served and are currently serving in our country's military. I have known many who have served. My grandfather is a Korean War veteran, I have several uncles who have served, some during war time. I have had several friends who have served. I have known one Navy SEAL, one who is a Green Beret, and one friend is a reservist with two young children who's unit was activated about a year ago. One of my managers at work is a former Marine. That's just a few. So many people are willing to give so much to defend my freedom and I can never thank them enough for what they do.

On to quilty things...I am happy to say I do have at least one finish to show for the year :) This is a fall themed quilt from a swap I did with a group I used to be a member of. I thought I would have some fun and play around with free motion quilting. I quilted a different motif in many of the blocks. I am particularly proud of the leaf and wave design I came up with :D (Not sure if its an original design, but I've not seen it before.) Kind of reminds me of a beaded curtain, just so fun. I also think it might make a good pantograph type quilting for a future quilt. I used it in 2 blocks as well as on the borders. It is especially noticeable in the bottom picture since I used plain muslin for the back and quilted with a dark thread. After I had thought about it it was rather bold on my part (boy does the quilting show!!) but I was pretty pleased with it. (Actually I think I was lucky I was "in the zone" while quilting cause if I know if I wouldn't have been any little flaw would have shown on this backing!)

It feels so good to have a finish under my belt. I am working towards another, but have to admit that I am so bad when it comes to buying backing. It is a purchase that I tend to put off, and I don't know why. I know I need to put a back on the tops, but why I don't buy up that fabric, I can't tell you. I am actually thinking of shrinking my stash by cutting up a bunch of 10 1/2 or 12 1/2 in squares and piecing some backs. I love the look of pieced backings. I have seen so many of them in blogs and get so inspired to do it. Actually, now that I'm thinking of it, that sounds like a good way to spend my afternoon ;) I'm off to raid my stash for backing fabric and hopefully will have wrangled with a quilt top and have it basted by my next post. Hope everyone has a great day and finds a little time to find some quilting bliss. Warm country wishes.

Country Mouse

A post with pictures...yeah!! :)

2009-11-10T08:47:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone. First let me say how giddy I am to be able to post whenever I want :) I have so missed blogging and all my friends here in blogland. I had mentioned in my previous post about working on a bunch of UFOs I had before my LCE (life changing event) and wanted to share some pictures of the tops I have done...well a few anyway. First is a blue and yellow star quilt that was put together by a friend during a swap

Next is a picture of a 30s sampler. I don't have the outer borders on it yet. I am thinking of a simple white border with some leaves and yo yo flowers.

Finally here is the finished top I made from fabrics I won from Amandajean AGES ago used in a quilt-along she was doing. Along with my attempt to do some sort of free piecing....sort of. I just loved the fabric so much I didn't want to waste a single piece. ;)

Now I am still deciding what to do with some of the other quilts. It is so hard to decide. I have to admit when I look at all of them I do feel a little sad because I think of where I was when I made them. Sometimes I don't want to keep any of them because I don't want a constant reminder of my past. Other times I look at them and just love the colors and patterns and they make me happy. One thing I do know is that I want to get them done or donated because I feel like it will give me some sense of closure. Then I can move on with the new :) Not that I'm letting that hold me back...I have been working on smaller projects as well. Here is a picture of a purse made for a friend (by the way if anyone has seen this pink and black fabric PLEASE let me know. I so wanted one for myself, but only found 2 fat quarters in the whole store) and a carrier I made for my net book. Love love love the fabric! Reminds me of the colors and patterns popular when I was little. They make me feel all warm and happy.

Life on the home front has been busy and I just keep plugging away day by day. I just trying to keep finding the time to do at least a little something for myself each day. Usually that means sewing time ;) and I'm off to find a little of that now. Take care all!

Warmest country wishes,

Country Mouse

Ok, here we go

2009-11-08T12:12:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone, first let me start off by saying this is the last name change, I PROMISE! After thinking about the last change I started thinking that the name just didn't "jive" with me. As I thought about it I realized that I really need to just be me and do what I need to do. So why this final name change you may ask? Well, let me start off and just say first off that I wasn't going to talk about what I've been through and just try to move on, but I realized that I was just trying to move on and hold everything in at the same time...you really can't do that. So without getting into details, I had gone through a divorce around the time of my last post on my country mouse in the city blog. It has been a hard road, and even though I have come a long way, there are still times I feel I've only taken a few baby steps. So I feel the name of this blog much more suits me. I am glad to have my quilting, it has helped me to relax during such a rough time in my life. Its funny how life and quilting can parallel each other. In quilting you start with a large piece of cloth, cut your pieces and sew them back together to make something wonderful. Well right now I just have pieces of my life, they are tattered and jagged in some places, but now I am facing the task of picking up those pieces, trimming the edges, and sewing them back together to try to created that something wonderful. Right now my biggest goal is to finish UFOs I had before the divorce. I have decided that I am going to finish those that really speak to me and probably donate the rest. Its just something I feel I need to do to be able to move on. I am so glad to be truly back. (I lost my computer in the split and finally was able to get another so I WILL be around a whole lot more!!) I look forward to catching up with everyone and sharing lots of stories, quilts and laughs as I continue my journey.
warmest country wishes,
Country Mouse