Monday?

It's so easy to lose track of time and days now.  I had to look back, I started curtailing my schedule the first week in March.  I came back from Finishing School and I was totally exhausted.  You know how you catch everything when you are run down ... TaiChi was cancelled that week because our teacher was unavailable.  So I took the week off!  And have only been out of the house about 1 time each week since.  I don't count walks around our complex or down the Coastal Trail with DH.  Cabin Fever is a real thing, though!

I didn't get any photos back from the kids yesterday, Here are the reveals from yesterday:

 

And here is today's photos:

I haven't made my block of the day quite yet!  Big outing this morning - when to the grocery store!!!

I worked on my ModSquad Quarantine project yesterday, normally these are secret because we try to guess who made what at our meetings. But I have to show someone!!!

Quarantine theme - I could come up with dozens of ideas that were dark and negative.  Remember how awful it was to watch the news every night.  I still tear up alot, but I was devastated some nights before we got used to the new normal??  So I really had to put my mind to finding a more positive outlook, which is odd for me, I've been nicknamed "Pollyanna" by family!

So universal experience.  Majority in same situation globally!  That is odd. So all sorts of people staying home, some with kids, some with pets, but all staying in.

Our building is 'redwood'; my first thought was to use a fabric by Jo Morton - old fashioned women busts.  Pardon me for saying the obvious - but that was a bust!  Then I had a fabric of "Many faces of Dr Who"  colorful but weird!  Hmm, went to my computer and found avatars - had to reduce them and transfer them to fusible ... it was a learning curve but I liked the look.  Incorporated the Teddy Bear Parade that went on in towns for kids to spy while walking.  This isn't done yet - I found some dogs on fabric that might be the right size to add to the windows.  And some spring green leaves and maybe a bird on the tree.  Started quilting it to hold the fusible on.  The back is a cartoon fabric of NYC, God bless them.  So - what do you think???

Stay safe & QUILT ON!

Happy Quiet Easter!

We had a beautiful day here yesterday.  Sun was out during the morning low tide ... so we headed down to walk the beach.  We had to wade thru some creeks crossing the beach but it felt wonderful!

The star fish are making a comeback from the die-off and it cheers my heart to see them again.  I took many pictures of things and will probably have a week of "what Nana and Papa saw on the beach" photos in our game.

Yesterday's pictures:

 

Today's pictures:

 

Pictures sent back from the kids, both were hard!  I had to ask for hints!

 

My 'block program' is going well.  All the scraps, okay, most of the scraps are out in the open.  - You saw my 'system' yesterday.  So it only takes about 15 minutes to put a block together!!  A word to the wise:  sew the corners on the 4 1/2" squares first.  Change to 1/4 inch foot, sew the plus pieces together.  Stop chain sewing and lay out the block!  Especially when you have directional fabrics in the block. Then proceed!!  You'll save yourself a lot of ripping, trust me!!

Dang!  And don't think it was an easy fix!  Two directional fabrics ... ripped it down to 7 pieces!

But put it back together, not happy with Elvis blending in with the Dr Whos ... but move on!!

Today's block, I used the long piece of the plus as the horizontal so the words would read across it.  I have to remember to look at it sideways, so I don't get both 'dark' squares on top!!   I'm sure it won't be the last time!  And of course, with this busy of a quilt - no one but me is going to notice.

Stay Safe and QUILT ON!

April - the month suspended in time

The feeling around here reminds me of "Chicago's" famous song "Does anyone really know what time it is?"  What time, what day, what month??? Its all blurring.

Yesterday's picture puzzles reveals:

 

And Today's photos

 

I had a 'terrible, horrible, no good very bad day'.  I hate bias tape and I'm convinced it hates me!!  There is an elastic shortage because of all the makers making medical masks.  Time to go to bias tape to continue production.

I even bought the Clover 1/2" bias tape maker.  I think I got a lemon!!  It did not work like it used to!  Or maybe it's me that doesn't work like I used to!  I spent hours this week, trying to get a usable piece of bias tape.  I told you part of that yesterday.  Bias tape in the bobbin area!?!

But I had orders for 12 masks for my DD and DSIL's work staff.  I love them dearly, and I don't mind making masks.  But learning something new (or not) and a time line just drives me crazy!!  Add to Week 'I've lost count' in self-quarantine ... well, I can't dwell on that!

I finally cut 2 inch bias strips and ironed the edges in by hand.  Caution - watch out for the steam!!  The box went to the post office today - will go out tomorrow.  Our PO isn't open on Saturday, so if I missed the deadline today, it wouldn't go out until Monday - that doesn't work!

I took the picture.  I packed them, and when I was at the PO I remembered I'd only tied the ends of the strips on one mask!  Luckily (?) there was a line and I stood there and tied all the strips I could get to.  Um, DD you have to finish tying the knots - love ya!!

I've been having fun raiding my stash for fabrics!  Two different fabrics in each, and you can use either side out!  Washable, a twist tie zig-zag stitched into top seam allowance to shape the mask around your nose - so you don't fog up your glasses!

Lots of sports today - because the work staff are men - but my favorites are the sharks, Mickey Mouse, and the Dr Who fabric!

I've got to share the fun txt conversation I had with DD / DSIL - I sent them a picture of fabric choices.  DSIL originally wanted all Avenger fabric masks.

ME:  Your choices?

DD: Mickey for me!

DSIL:  Same for me!

ME:  What about the crew? sports, cars, guitars, sharks, fish, dog treats??

DD:  The sports balls may be cute

DSIL:  Yes, fish, dog treats, guitars for sure.  I didn't see any baseballs!  I choose baseballs.  And the 7 dwarfs if I am allowed 2.  Oh, and Mickey!  Too many choices!! Ahhhh!

Me:  We got baseballs.  You know I loaded all my superhero fabric into a basket for a raffle just last month.  You have NOT perfect timing!  There are 2 sides, I'll add Harry Potter fabric for the kids.  No, you don't get to pick both sides!

DD:  Wait!?!  Harry Potter???  I want Harry Potter!

ME:  Whine, whine!  I also have NYC taxi!

DD:  I want taxi!

ME:  Good thing you are so cute! (this is what she says when you request something she is NOT going to permit!!)

DD:  smiley faces with angel halos

ME:  Too late - it's not believable!  Gotta go make masks!

They are cute with good sense of humor!  Who can say "No!"

After I got back from my one outing to the PO, I started on my daily X/+ block.  It went like the rest of the day!!  Just wrong #Alldaylong!  I was timing myself - 15 minutes - if you don't count that I had to rip the block apart and resew!!  Anyone playing along ... try to include just ONE directional block if possible.  Elvis it facing the wrong way.  I don't want him upside down, so, I had to rip the columns apart.  Then take the corners completely off, because the + is also directional.  And I have a subtle little plan.  To have the fabrics that are alike to go in the X.  So the orange fabric is upper right / lower left.  While muttering I ripped this whole block out while watching TV after dinner.  I'll show you tomorrow!

I'd really like to say that this won't happen again ... but we know it will!  Sigh!

Stay Safe and QUILT ON!

It was a beautiful morning and then ... BAM! winter was back

It was 60, we had the door open, we were listening to the ocean and suddenly the weather turned on a dime!!  Brrrr!  Shut the door, changed into sweatshirts and back in winter!  The forecast is nice again tomorrow - and we'll fall for it again!  Fingers crossed!

Here's yesterday's answers!

 

The turtle is a boot scrapper that we've had since we moved here.

I also sent a picture of the friendship lamp we share to the Panama bunch.

 New puzzle pictures today:

 

Here's what I got back from the kids:

 

Dear Evan Hanson poster                      Family picture wall

This was hard!! I guessed pillow?  Hat?   Surprise -  it's a table!

Today was hard - I argued with face masks and dreaded bias tape ... really, it was not fun.  At one time, my 1/2" tape disappeared into the bobbin case!!  My eyes were popping out of my head. You'd think I would have taken a picture ... no one would have guessed!!  But did not take a picture!!  Wrong generation!!

Here is my Plus / X block for the day.  I only have 2" of that Jacks fabric left - it was my favorite 'now extinct' fabric!!

And here is the famous working scrap system!!  Yep, box of gallon baggies under the ironing board!!  The baggies are divided into colors.  Hey, I didn't say it was elegant ... just working!!  Tee-hee!

Stay Safe and QUILT ON!!

   

Day 2!! and still going!

I honestly think I'm getting into my "quarantine" groove!!  (I know, it's only the 2nd day ...) The photo game is really helping!  I go for a walk everyday to find good subjects for the photos.  And they are everywhere!!!

Here's yesterday's photos revealed!

  

And here are today's puzzles

  

Pictures I got back!

  

Feel free to play along!

Meanwhile, I cleaned out the spice cupboard - what a mess.  We use the table grinder for pepper and it leaks pepper everywhere!  I had spices from 16 years ago??  AND 3 jars of bay leaves!!  I use 1 leaf, maybe every year!  DH had a close encounter with one of those years ago - still not a fan!

Today is the kitchen junk drawer!!

In the sewing room - I finally started working on my quarantine challenge for ModSquad.  Had to switch things around already, but I'm liking the way it's going!  It's all hush-hush of course, but I see possibilities galore!  It's exciting ... or maybe I'm just a little cabin-fevered!

I sewed my second block of Plus blocks.  I know it's too soon to get bogged down, but this doesn't feel like it will.  Working out of my charms bin - oh, yea!  I have THAT many!  I used to coordinate the charm exchange in the Lincoln guild.  We exchanged for 3(?) years!  And I always cut extra fabric, to get a good number of exchanges available each month.  And there are other scraps, just right for cutting 2 1/2 inch squares.

Back when I was actively cutting scraps - Bonnie Hunter style - I always cut 5" squares if the fabric was big enough.  On my 'waiting list' is a Nickel Quilt King's Crown UFO that is started.  That block is set on the diagonal, so the start is a corner to encourage nickel use.  Hope I can keep this enthusiasm going when we can finally wander about in normal life!!

Tomorrow I'll show you my 'scraps storage' it's not perfect, but I can rake it back into the categories at the end of the day!  And yes, sometimes a rake would come in handy.

Presenting block 2  

Stay safe and QUILT ON!

#100dayproject 2020

I have participated in this Creative Art challenge on Instagram for a few years.  I always start out like gang-busters ... and you know the rest!  This year, we're in quarantine for 'who knows how long'!  My days are becoming kind-of hit and miss as to getting anything done vs playing Wheel of Fortune all day!!

I wanted to do better while in the quarantine mode.  But after a bit of a drive at the beginning I find myself drifting.

What do I want to do during the next 100 days??  Well, I miss our visits to see Grandkids.  We were DUE in March, rats!  So as one part of #100dayproject I'm playing a photo game with the GKs.  The age spread is from 13 to 3!  So obviously I'll have to send at least a couple of pix each day.

My idea is to take extreme close-ups of things here on the coast.  Some in our house, some in our complex and some on the path to the beach.  The kids are here often in the summer at 'Camp Nana / Papa'  Our complex is being re-roofed!!  Quarantined next to an ongoing construction zone!  Let's not go there!

Every day I will take a close-up picture and send it. for the Panama gang, I'm messaging it to DS.  He'll handle any photos that are sent back.  The older GKs are in Portland and on Instagram!  So I'll post their pix online.

When I take the photo, I take a 'reveal' photo at the same time.  So - I'll post the reveal after they have guessed!  Why?? - well, I feel isolated and like I'm loosing touch with them.  I'm hoping we can start a back and forth conversation doing something creative but easy.  Some ongoing joke between us for years to come? One can only hope!

Here's the photos I sent/posted today!  Remember ages 3 to 13!!  I have no idea how much interest I'll get. I'm starting off easy, don't judge!!  LOL!

For Portland kids  Ages 13 & 11

For Panama kids   Ages 9,7&3

I'll keep you posted!!

Meanwhile, do you have projects that you love?  That you have all the supplies somewhere, that you never have time to work on???  Boy, I do.

I have a Quarantine project for ModSquad that I have desperately tried to keep in my brain while I work on 100 different things.  Is it 'Squirrel!' syndrome??  What ever it is I have it bad!

During past #100dayprojects,  I have tried and tried to work on one project - preferably to completion.  HA!  What I decided might work this year for the whole 100 days is:  I need time to work on what I want to!!  Time to strike while the iron's hot.  While I still have that idea in my brain ... when I come across that fabulous fabric somewhere safe - I get it ready to go and then I GO!  

It should boost my mood, my creativity and possibly (I'll believe it when I see it!)  help fence in the piles in the sewing space??  My goal is to work on the project I choose that day for at least 1 hour!

That being said, there are two quilts I have been aching to start for YEARS.  I love scrap quilts (but YOU know that!)  So I'm going to make 1 10" plus/x-plus block every day.  I can't believe how easy it is!!  Yep, made one today!!

For a 10" block you start with 

4 - 4 1/2 squares for the corners; 

10 - 2 1/2 squares background; 

2 - 2 1/2 squares for cross; 

1 - 2 1/2 x 6 1/2 for cross.  That's it!   And it's a blast choosing fabrics!

I don't know how big I'll make it - probably not 100 blocks!  Although that would not even put a dent in my scrap stash!!  When it get's big enough, I'll move on!  I need to make a summer baby quilt, that quarantine Modsquad project, I'll need a silent auction item (I'm thinking another spring challenge wall quilt - I'd like to do it again in other colors.) for the Newport August Quilt Show - surely this will all be over by then!!!  Please??

Stripe Me Lucky by Jen Kingwell Designs is calling me too!  This could be the year!!! I know it won't go as smooth as I'd like ... that's SOP!  But even if I don't make it the 100 days AGAIN this year - it will be X number of days I did more!

There's Sue Spargo's BOM from a few years back.  I digressed from the pattern, not a surprise! So now I'm trying to fit the blocks together when I have some time and a free design board.

I was making Jen Kingwell's BOM mystery last year (lost interest when we didn't really like the final layout!) and My Small World, both bogged down.  Love to get at least the tops done. 

And of course, after I finish 2 sets of blocks in Edyta's Quarantine mystery, I'd like to put that one together ...

It all starts tomorrow!!  Good night! Stay safe and QUILT ON!

Suspended in Quarantine ... still

Sunset from our deck last week!

I don't know if you can see this - but yesterday, the St George lighthouse looked like it was levitating!!  Make the photo larger - look on the horizon about 3/4 across from the left side.  That lighthouse can look closer, farther, bigger, smaller and now flying!!!  Always entertaining to spot it's shenanigans!

My DS and his family is living in Central America, DDIL teaches for the American School there.  Quarantine in the United States and Quarantine in a Martial Law country are quite different!!

We have suggestions and they have strictly enforced rules.   No children outside.  Women can be out for 1 hour if shopping MWF.  Men out for 1 hour if shopping TTS.  No one can be out on Sundays!  They have 3 children  9, 7, and 3!  That's a lot of energy in a 12th floor apartment!!  But they are doing fine.  And have less chance of contracting the virus than we have.

I had big plans for my free time this month!  I was going to finish an UFO each week!  Clean the sewing room - again!  Walk and exercise every day ... And, well, insert your favorite unreachable goal here!

I joined Edyta's Mystery, and then there were calls for face masks!  So, I'm out of elastic; and 8 1/2 blocks behind on the mystery!  My sports loving husband tells me he's watching football games all weekend(?)  Apparently they are showing old championships ... since it's due to start raining again this weekend, at least reliving the victories will keep him busy.

Last week I was up early one day and he was watching Sports Center.  I kid you not ... they were doing the play by play of 2 Labradors eating!  DH was rooting for the Yellow Lab??  LOL!

Face masks:  The call went out and I opened up the stash and cut an 8 inch pile of 9 x 6.5 cottons.  Went to meet someone with QOVs to have quilted and pick up some group-ordered elastic.  We were early, and the gal asked if I had any masks ready.  Yes, I did!  I got them out of the car and she took them ALL!! Okay - that's sub-contracting at it's best!!

Then I picked up elastic for 30 masks and 60 fabrics that were scissor cut by our HS Leadership group. OYE!  They were every size!  Instead of putting them together, and sizing them way down,  I cut 60 9 x 6.5 of my light fabrics and sized each pair as big as I could.  33 masks were done, then I got a little more elastic and made 10 more.  I'm out again - and I'm taking it as a sign I should sew other things ... see list!

Jenny Doan has a good tutorial on Missouri Stars.  I adjusted it, of course, from hearing different ideas.  I cut the fabrics 9 x 6.5 because that's the size of my ruler.  I cut a twist tie, from the produce section of the grocery store, in half and zig-zag stitched it in the middle along the top seam allowance for mask.  It has just enough staying power to hug the bridge of your nose and keep your glasses from fogging over!!

I don't top stitch all the way around until I have my pleats in place.  I iron my pleats down after pinning, before sewing.

 

By the way, our little guild made over 400 masks in a week!!  Whoo-hoo!

We've binge watched NewsRoom on HBO, all three seasons.
We finished watching The Kominsky Method on Netflix, both seasons.
Got Yellowstone series from Netflix DVDs, awaiting the last disk for Season One.
What do you recommend?

I have also been reading. Thank goodness I was able to pick up 7 books at the library before they had to close.

My favorites have been:
The Pull of the Moon by Elizabeth Berg
The Lost Man by Jane Harper
Atomic Habits by James Clear
The Last Child by John Hart

Stay Safe and QUILT ON!