I spent the day working in my sewing room (when I was not doing laundry and IMing with Denise). I purchased these hats on sale last year and wanted to puts the kids' names on them. I have some stockings that I want to add names on, but they have a bit smaller opening and I am afraid are going to be somewhat of a challenge. I knew that I could do the hats without too much trouble, but the thread did keep breaking due to the sticky stabilizer I was using.

Since the Inspira frame that I was planning on buying did not get ordered and the Pfaff Grandquilter is not in my possession, I guess I need to get back to regular quilting. I was expecting to pick up both when we were at the grandkids house, but that did not happen. I should have picked up the machine, but I let it go with the hopes the frame would show up the next day. Ahhhhhh well, give me something to focus on for the new year.

Later . . .

I was busy today working on scarves to send to Ireland for Adrianne's girls. I picked up several things that she wanted from WalMart and Costco and I decided since the younger girls are into Dora the Explorer I would do some embroidery on scarves for them. The oldest likes horses - so there you go. I did the designs on one end and put their initials on the other (since the two scarves are the same the will be able to tell them apart). I would like to get the package in the mail tomorrow - so it will arrive before Christmas!

I am not sure where this week has gone, but I am glad that tomorrow is Friday. Max has to work, but we are looking forward to a restful weekend.

Later . . .

Why in the world does it take some much time and effort to stay up on the blog?????

Max and I went to see Duane and family for Thanksgiving. We went down on Wednesday and had a nice long visit. We did leave Saturday night to make the drive home with the intent to miss the heavy traffic on Sunday. The traffic was pretty heavy going down and was heavier coming home than we expected - I guess we came back with all the people we went down there with.

Max and Duane had some time to take some pictures and I got to spend some quality time with Denise, which was VERY nice. Max ended up taking pictures of Duane taking pictures and that was kind of fun. I was helping Desirae to perform the way Duane wanted her to. Denise and I got to go shopping for fabric while Duane and Max herded the kids. We met up at the park and the kids enjoyed some time to play and run free (that would be Deanna).

Thanksgiving dinner was the greatest, but that kind of goes without saying when it comes to having meals prepared by Denise. However, I did get to share in some of the preparation as we spent time in the kitchen together. We stayed in the "guest house" and it was very comfortable.

It really was a nice visit and we are looking forward to going back for Christmas. The kids are growing so quickly and they are so much fun to be around (Denise and Duane are fun too).

Later . . .

Max's new lenses arrived today and she is a very happy camper. She bought a new camera case/backpack in preparation for their arrival. We are going to the grandkids for Thanksgiving and she will be able to play with Duane and hopefully they will get to do some photo shooting.

I have been working on some embroidery for quilts that I have planned for the kids and have not been working on the dog quilts. I need to get them at least sandwiched together so I can get them finished.

I will post a link for the designs of the embroidery that I am doing later. There are ten separate designs for each set and it is easier to just post them on Shutterfly.

Later . . .

Kodi's Quilt

Kodi's Quilt
Originally uploaded by msdrae

I finally finished the tops for the dogs quilts. Now comes the part that I am not that crazy about - batting, backing & binding! The one pictured is for Kodi, as it has the red border. I have started cutting denim squares for quilt projects I have in mind for the grandkids. As usual, I am a bit overwhelmed with all the projects I have stacked up - not to mention things I still need to learn how to do. I guess the only way to tackle the situation is - one thing at a time. Unfortunately, I get so easily side tracked and then end up scattered with many things started and nothing finished. I am hoping that I will build some confidence with the quilting and embroidery and then things will move more smoothly - ha, and that could be wishful/magical thinking on my part (which I am known for).

Later . . .

Dog quilt #2

Dog quilt #2
Originally uploaded by msdrae

It is hard to see the actual designs of the materials, but this will have a blue border and it is for Darci.

Later . . .

Dog quilt #1

Dog quilt #1
Originally uploaded by msdrae

I finally finished sewing the blocks for the dog's quilts. This one will have a red border and it is for Kodi.

Later . . .

Wild Fabric

Wild Fabric
Originally uploaded by msdrae

I stopped by a couple of Thrift Stores will I was out yesterday and found 4 yards of good denim and 2 yards of this WILD fabric. I also picked up several hard bound books - if I ever find time to read again.

Later . . .

Flickr Test

IMG_0040.JPG
Originally uploaded by msdrae

I am thinking about using the new Flickr site for some of my photos and it has a direct blog link. This is just an old picture of Joy and I at a gargae sale when she was here visiting.

Later . . .

I decided to tackle a little embroidery today - as I am feeling at least well enough to think. Kathy had asked if I might be able to work on her favorite pair of jeans that had a couple of thread bare spots. It was a bit of a challenge to work around the rivets, but I think I did an okay repair job and she will be able to wear them for a bit longer. Actually it turns out to be a pretty cool way of darning.

Later . . .

Well, this is what 21 pair of jeans looks like after I have cut them up into 6 1/2 inch squares. There are some pockets and a few 4 inch squares in the mix. Wish I could say I was finished with all the jeans I have, but that would not be true. This time around it did not seem to be such a tedious task, but it sure does make a mess. There seems to be little pieces of jeans everywhere. It probably does not help that Darci has to be under foot and not only does she track things out of the room she also carries them on her body!

I had my colonoscopy yesterday and it came out fine. The procedure itself was not bad, but the preparation was not much fun.

I do have a full head/chest cold right now, but I hope to get back to sewing the beginning of next week when I feel better. I really do want to get the dog quilts put together. We don't really have any plans for the weekend - rest and relax.

Later . . .