Chaos.. that is perfect

Chaos .. Jen described it just perfect. I did get one of my challenge blocks sewn for an online group. I will post a picture later as I am having some issues loading it today.. I think that I am just burnt out and a little brain dead so that would be why the picture thing isn't working.

I have some projects that I need to work on for a Cupid Swap.. and then I will have all my obligations taken care of as far as my quilting group goes yeah. I'm looking forward to trying to get some sewing in this weekend. My favorite part of the swaps is hearing how much some one likes what you sent them. I wish some times that I was there to see the look on their face in person though.

Cindy I would let the military move me but they cut my orders too close to the time that I am supposed to be moving so there wasn't time to schedule that. Right now its not the packing that is killing me its the having to work until all hours of the night and then having to go in to work early to deal with check out stuff. Normal people would be focused on checking out but my work center is not really allowing me to do that, I get assignments first thing when I walk in and am told that they have to be done.. Ugh..

The good thing is that there are several people at work that are really excited to help me move and then there are also others that are willing to make the drive with me which is super awesome.. one guy was all excited to and said that he and his girlfriend were looking forward to it.

Need to find that HAPPY place!!

I haven't had much time to sit down and write, its not that I haven't wanted to but, things just haven't gone my way. I have been workin nights at work as well as trying to get my ducks in a row to make this transition smooth and its just not happening for me.. frown. But I will make it work one way or another.

Tonight I took a deep breath, sat back in my chair and decided that I was going to take a few minutes to myself, to make me happy. So I have hunted for a few bunnies (I have 116 left to find) for the FabShopHop and browsed the fabrics. I am part of my LQS Thimbleberries Club so I have been looking for deals on Thimbleberries fabrics, I have grown to love their patterns as well as the country feel of their fabric lines. But tonight I ran across a fabric line that I love by Wilmington Prints. Its called "Back in the Saddle" I thought that you guys would like it too.. Kristie I know that you will.

Well I have got to get back to working or trying to. I just can't focus on much of anything lately. Hope everyone is staying warm and dry. Jen you take care of your bum.. LOL.. Moneik.. hope you get some good quilty time in this week.

That does it!!

I am going to learn to paper piece this year even if it kills me. I have to finish a block for one of my groups challenge fabric block and though I found ALOT of blocks that woul look awesome with this bit of fabric alot of them are paper piece. If I hadn't procrastinated I would have had a couple weeks to practice and get it right before cutting up the fabric.
So I am going to have to settle for something else this time. I think I have it all figured out now to find the complimentary fabric (not sure where I put it) after that its on to sewing and then to bed I have Thimbleberries club tomorrow morning bright and early.

Prospective New Place

Since I haven't been doing much sewing.. though that may change because it is going to drive me crazy I have been thinking about the projects that I want to try to get done. I have a valentines project that I have to get done for a swap I can only hope that my secret pal will be as happy with it as I was picking it out.

When you move into a new house there are always new things to go along with it right? So you can see what I have been looking at here is the website for one of the apartments that I am going to consider... Willow Lake Apartments. They are really nice I'm going to be looking at one of the 2 bedrooms. Then there are a couple other complexes

More EQ

Well since I have been trying to keep things cleaned up and packed up I have been spending more time playing with my computer and EQ. I know they are not super fantastic pictures and they don't replace the real thing.. but I wanted to share any way.. smiles .. I'm having fun and it tends to help me end the day on a good note.

EQ Fun

Just thought that I would pass this along. I was playing on EQ a couple of days ago not finished by any means but I liked it. I have better colors in mind.

Much Better Progress

Well today I have done alot better I got up early, called in off leave, took a little nap and then got up again to start my day. I have cleaned out 2 of my rubbermaid containers and almost a third. Once I get the containers out of the closets then I can stack the boxes that are in the living room in the closets to get them out of the way.

To the best of my ability I am going to have everything packed and ready to go. I am debating calling one of those starving students things or perhaps bribing one of the guys at work. I bet a case of beer would get me a couple helpers.. smiles. I want to try to move everything before asking my dad to help.. that would be perfect. To only ask mom and dad to help to unload a truck and drive a vehicle from San Diego to Lemoore or at least to their house.

So along with getting things organized, packed and put away I have been thinking about my quilting and craft projects of course!! So I figured that I would share with everyone what was talked about on my online quilting group today. Has everyone seen those mugs that they sell at Michaels .. the ones that you can either let your kids color a little pantograph or stitch a sleeve and put in it .. you know to personalize your mug??

Well here is your very own quilt in a cup:

There are several places that it says that you can order the kit from. Or there is a site that has a listing of shops that offer the kit. So here's my idea. Since Jen and Jill are so excited that they get to go to a retreat together, and Moneik mentioned having a quilt retreat on line so what if we all ordered or picked up one of these kits? (That is if everyone is as facinated as I am) We could all complete this project that weekend.. even Jen and Jill. Just a thought.. Smiles

Thursday Procrastination

Well today wasn’t productive at all. I’m hoping that I can get a few things done before I head to bed and that tomorrow I can get an early start in the morning. I am still trying to get things organized and packed and put away so that when the meows are in the window you can’t see the stacks of boxes sitting everywhere.
I was frustrated with the whole apartment search and the fact that a few of the places that I have called said that by the time I move up to Lemoore they doubt that they are going to have any openings. I think I have figured out how to fix my moving furniture problem. I think I might be able to pay some of those starving students type of guys to move the heavy furniture so that Dad wont have to. That all depends on how much they are going to charge.
So after a few frustrating phone calls and some cleaning up I sat down to play with EQ6 and do some designing. I have a few big block quilts that I have designed though I don’t think that they are quilt shop worthy. When I figure out how to put those on the blog I will try to do that too.
Last I thought that I would leave everyone with a couple recipes that I have found on http://www.kraftfoods.com/


Cheesy Fajita Quesadillas
Prep Time:15 min
Total Time:32 min
Makes:6 servings, one quesadilla each
1/2 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
1 green or red pepper, cut into strips
1/2 cup sliced onions
1/2 cup salsa
1/2 cup drained canned black beans, rinsed
6 flour tortillas (6 inch)
1-1/2 cups KRAFT 2% Milk Shredded Reduced Fat Sharp Cheddar Cheese
SPRAY large skillet with cooking spray. Add chicken; cook on medium-high heat 5 min., stirring frequently.
ADD peppers and onions; cook 4 to 5 min. or until crisp-tender. Stir in salsa and beans; cook an additional 3 min. or until heated through, stirring occasionally.
SPOON 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture onto half of each tortilla. Sprinkle evenly with cheese. Fold tortillas in half to enclose filling. Spray second large skillet with cooking spray. Heat on medium heat. Add quesadillas, in batches; cook 2 min. on each side or until lightly browned on both sides. Fold each quesadilla in half or cut into wedges to serve.

What is mexican food with out margaritas?

Pink Lemonade Margarita
Prep Time:5 min
Total Time:5 min
Makes:5 servings, 1 cup each
1 tub CRYSTAL LIGHT Pink Lemonade Flavor Low Calorie Soft Drink Mix
1-1/2 cups cold water
1/2 cup cold orange juice
2 Tbsp. tequila
1 Tbsp. lime juice
5 cups crushed ice
PLACE drink mix, water, orange juice, tequila and lime juice in blender container; cover.
BLEND on high speed until drink mix is dissolved.
ADD ice; cover. Blend on high speed until thickened and smooth. Serve immediately.


Well I am off to do some little things before heading to bed. Vacation is over, I have to check in to work tomorrow just before a 3 day weekend.. Yeah

My day

Well even though today didn't feel productive I did get alot done. I emailed and called several apartment/ townhouse complexes about vacancies. I'm hoping to get a reply from one of them tomorrow. The sooner I get a reply and can get things in order there in Lemoore the better because they just seem all screwed up here. Although I just got a call from one of the rental places and they say they have no openings. Ugh
So it is one of those days where I felt like I have been running around doing all sorts of things and yet I still feel swamped. Well I am off to go through more paperwork and hopefully get things cleaned up enough so that I can watch a movie or something tonight.

What I did today...

Well in the quilting world I haven't done anything today. Unless you count going to the LQS to see if they had the Lazy Girls Miranda Bag Pattern. No luck I guess I will have to order one online or something.

I did my research last night and figured out that U-haul does not give you a discount when you buy one of their special box package deals. So I went to one of the local store here and bought about 10 boxes to pack some things up. So that is what I have been working on today. Haven't gotten too far but I was also started typing up a list of my pattern books before I pack them up. I figure if I can't look through them I can at least get all the information for my listing to share with everyone. Some day I hope to be able to scan a bunch of my stuff so that I can browse on the computer rather then breaking out 1000 books just to make a mess and have to clean it up.

So I am off to continue packing and try to get some dinner cooking. The babies were playing hide and seek in the boxes and I guess tired themselves out because they are all passed out on the couch.

Jen's Post about selling yourself short..

After reading Jens post about selling yourself short I will be sure to watch my stitch legnth and also to lock my stitches. I was just curious how many people out there were like me and had several tops completed but had yet to have them quilted? Why have you waited? I'll tell you why I waited.. I was in a shop or something one day maybe it was in one of my online groups, I don't remember but I remember people commenting on other peoples workmanship and the quality.

I know I'm learning and I know that it all comes with practice and time.. I guess I just didn't want to be picked on for those quilts in the begining (the ones that are really ugly) so I have waited and waitied hoping one day I can quilt my own. I only wish that there were others out there that wanted to be helpful but unfortunately I have run into some quilt police in the past that make me want to fold up the top and wait until I can quilt it myself.

On the note of selling yourself short. I don't remember what magazine I was reading and I would credit the right sourse if I could remember. Remember a little while back Kristie was fixing Hunter's horse quilt and was trying to decided what fabric to use. One of last months quilt magazines suggests when you sew your label on to tuck some scraps of the different fabric behind the label before completely sewing it on. That way you have fabric that is the same as the quilt for repairs later and it says that it should fade to match the quilt because you are washing it with the quilt.

Just a thought. I am off to clean up and head out in to town to get some boxes. I have packed 2 boxes and have decided that despite the fact that the navy/ marine corps is supposed to come in and move my belongings that I am going to start packing myself. There is something about strangers coming in and going through my belongings that doesn't sit well with me.

Thursday is gone

Well I have to admit I have been super lazy. I haven't gotten hardley anything that I had planned done and still have yet to go to mom and dads to look at houses. I will be going Sunday night/ Monday morning we figure that if we go then we canstill get a sunday news paper. (You know the left over ones that they sometimes have at the gas stations and what not).

I guess if you consider quality time with my fur babies getting something done.. Then I have done alot, I have been playing with them and we cuddled all afternoon.. fell asleep together.. lol.

So now I am awake and ready to get down and dirty into some things. I don't know yet what I am going to get done but I have an apartment to pack and things to be sewn. I am off to go try to get something done. Until later

Quilting with the Muppets

I just wanted to pass on to those that read Jen's blog and saw the Quilting with the Muppets. If your interested in owning a muppets quilting book of your very own there are several listed on ebay and if they are listed there I'm sure that they are listed on amazon too.

I am thinking about picking one up for myself. The thought of a muppet quilt and trading blocks with everyone sounds like it might be a fun addition to my to do list.

Smiles...



P.S Yes Jen and Cindy I borrowed your cool signature too

Wednesday Fun!

Imagine that I am a mint chocolate chip ice cream girl. Could it be a coincidence that mint chocolate chip is my favorite. I thought that I would join Jen in posting fun little tidbits. Happy Wednesday!

You Are A Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Girl

Creative. Expressive. Unique.

What Flavor Ice Cream Girl Are You?

I DID IT!!

I finally finished moving everything over to blogger. Everyone please forgive me for the huge font I think it just makes it easier to read. I'm like Jen I rarely wear my glasses and think I even left them at work Monday morning when I checked out of there. They might be in my truck but who knows at this point.

Jen I did see your message that you tagged me and when I get the chance to I will copy and past my answers. Unfortunatley I will have to tag a bunch of the same people that you tagged because I really don't talk to that many people on the blogs.. Well I mean I talk to all of the quilt group. But we all talk to each other.. LOL.

Well I am off to see if I can get some sewing in while the girls are sleeping. I love Lillys help but read about all the horror stories of the kitties that got in to their owners thread. Lets just say I'm a paranoid parent now!! So afraid that they are going to hurt themselves and it will be my fault.

Until Later,

Finally Have everything Moved!!

I just moved the last of my posts over to blogger. I will continue to visit things here as there are alot of people that I get ideas and inspiration from that I will dearly miss if I don't check back in.
I do agree with the majority that this site is easy to use and simple. I have no problems with this site or the blog but there are things that I want to be able to learn and play with and I can do that over at blogger. and I haven't been able to manage here.
I am currently on leave from work.. Yeah!!! I have sewn a few seams here and there but have not finished things to post pictures of yet.
Coming soon are some belated christmas pillow cases, and a mystery quilt that I started for new years that I have not been able to work on (way out of my comfort zone by the way 2 color quilt black and grey) my brother and sister-in-law helped me pick out the fabrics. They went shopping with me and I didn't want to make them wait while I decided so I asked what they thought about it. Ryan picked the black and grey (the quilt asks for a contrast color for a flang.. I'll leave that for a suprise he picked that too) and then his soon to be wife picked out colors for another quilt that I haven't cut yet.
I just realised that there are a couple other little projects that I have done that I will take pictures of and get those posted over at blogger.. so come visit me!!

http://cowgirl4ever.blogspot.com/

Smiles....
Heather

So after the encouraging words from Jen about how easy blogger is I finally got off my butt and finished setting up my blog. I have started moving my things over and will post a link when I get closer to being done. I have only moved 2 or 3 posts over it takes a little while to do so. Thankgoodness I only have a few compared to the hundreds that Jen had to move over.
What does everyone have planned for the week? I of course have to work tonight at 10pm and will be out of there checked out on leave at about 6am or so. The plan? Well I know that I will need to come home and get some sleep but who knows how much I will need.. LOL that depends on how much coffee I drink tonight at work. I have to call the vet in the morning to get an appontment to take Wheezy in so that I can get some tranquilizers for her. She gets car sick and when I asked them about it they said that was the only way to help her other than the herbal stuff that you can buy at the pet store.. I tried that but it didn't work.
After that and some sleep.. I am looking at 4 pillow cases that I started before christmas for my family but due to being a clutz I couldn't finish them because of my shoulder. So those I will finish tomorrow so that I can take them to them this week. Until later.. LOL

Heather

Comments:

Monday, January 7, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by sweetnstacked72
glad to hear shoulder is better. for this week, I am hoping to sew, and get my oldest daughters quilt top done.. started it saturday.I hope after you get blogger working, we still hear from ya. I like this site, simple for me.. I would rather devote my time to sewing and just hopping in to see whats going on and chit chat a bit.I enjoy hearing about your work and things, my husband was Navy.. but didnt retire.. happy stitching!!

School and Lemoore

Wow how to explain Lemoore. Lemoore is a Naval Air Station that is about 5+ hours drive north from where I'm stationed here in San Diego. Thats with NO traffic, you hit traffic on the grapevine and you'll be there any where from 6 to 10 hours. Mom and Dad live half way inbetween the two mileage wise but as far as the drive its shorter to Lemoore (I miss that). I was stationed in Lemoore for F-18 Legacy school. It's not a bad place, except for the small fact that there is not many quilting stores there.. I hope to be able to get past that with the internet and what not.
I am going back to school to learn to work on F-18 Super Hornets, the systems are different so I have to go back to school. It will be a nice break from the ground hog schedule that I live now. Hopefully I will be on days for school but that always depends on who the instructor is and what shift they need supervision on.
Jen thans for the idea of putting felt squares between the dishes I saw that they had used something in the pattern but had yet to figure out what it was. Rhoda I wasn't planning on using them for the everyday dishes, just for the ones that I don't use on a regular bases. Otherwise your right it would become a big pain in the butt.
I can't wait to go house hunting with mom. I really hope to find a great house. I am the only one of 5 kids that still lives in a little tiny apartment. Now I don't mind it being an apartment but I wish that I could have afforded a bigger one here. My kitties need more room and well it would be nice to have a little more space to spread things out so my furniture is not on top of each other.. Oh central air/ heat would be nice for a change rather than the little heater under the window.. LOL
Here is a picture I took of the girls:

Thelma almost always has that disgusted look.. I think maybe its the coloring in her face that makes it look like that. Lilly couldn't lay by herself with me she had to climb up there between her sisters and stretch all out. Louise (Wheezy) is very patient with Lilly and cuddles with her.. they all play together I love it that they get along

Heather

Comments:

Sunday, January 6, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by 51050
thanks for 'splaining! Your cats are adorable. I miss my kitty. Walter was 14 when he died over a year ago. He was a big orange and white cat who adopted us when he was about half grown - the day our other cat was killed on the road. It was kind of a weird thing. He was a good old boy who really enjoyed helping me sew. Pin a seam, slide the cat away from the needle. Pin a seam, slide the cat. Rhoda

Monday, January 7, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by SewAndSnip
Oh your kids are adorable and it's good that they get along so well. Thanks for explaining where it is you're going. I've never heard of that base before. Good luck on the house hunting and keep us informed.

Tuesday, January 8, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Cre8tiveQuilter
Oh my gosh, they're adorable all together! http://cre8tivequilter.blogspot.com/2008/01/7-random-and-wacky-things-about-me.html Tag, You're it!!

New Years Resolutions?

Did everyone decide what they were doing for their resolutions? I hate trying to pick one.. First I never stick to it and second 3 months from no I will have already forgotten what it was to begin with. I know that Jen periodically lists the things that she has started, completed and what she wants to get done.
For the new year... I would like to move my blog over like the other ladies have just so that I can keep track of Jen, Cindy, Moneik, Kristie and some of the others easier. Along with that goes with wanting to learn more about the blog and how to make it spiffy like Jen's with all the extra information on the sides of the blog. I know that is a BIG wish right?
I would also like to be more organized in everything that I do. I am great at organizing things and doing things at work but my personal life suffers because of it. I have already started with alot of my crafting making sure that when I pick them up they don't get tossed into a box or basket that I actually put them in zip lock bags and label them.
I already know that I have my brother Sean and his wife (Christy) for our family christmas exchange. I have a quilt top minus borders already complete for Sean. I'll need to figure something out for Christy.. and want to have those done and put away. Should be easy enough right?
That is my list to start of the things that I would like to do with my new year. Now as far as my quilting projects and what I want to do I won't even list those.
Well I am off to do some of my 5 minute chores and then catch a nap before having to go in to work tonight.

Heather

Comments:

Sunday, January 6, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by 51050
I don't do new year's resolutions. I have gained a couple of pounds back and I need to work on that again, but that's old news. I hope you had a great Christmas! Rhoda

Sunday, January 6, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by SewAndSnip
I personally gave up New Years resolutions years ago. I always had good intentions and then I'd fluff off. This way if you don't make any you dont' feel bad. I too would like to be more organized at home. I'm great at being organized at work but here lately not so much. I do want to use more of my stash for quilting and my moto is going to be stash first shop second.

Sunday, January 6, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Cre8tiveQuilter
The new blog is definitely easy. Blogger is super simple to use.

Monday, January 7, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by MoneikQuilts
My resolution if you can call it that is to prepare early and not stress about the wedding. I'm sure I'll be the worst, but I can always hope. Goodluck with the move to blogger. I'll be looking for you there.

Thoughts of a new place to call home

So I sat here thinking about my upcoming move to Lemoore California. Mom and I have talked about alot of things you know the usual safe neighborhood.. the idea of buying instead of renting or renting to own. There are ALOT of forclosures so Dad seems to think that I can get in a rent with the option to buy and really get things off to a good start. We talked about it and though I am able to live and function in a 2 story.. its getting old. So we really want to find a 1 story 2 or 3 bedroom (I have a 2 bedroom now) if possible a garage to hide one of my vehicles (or some of the things I don't want in the house). I have decided that it has to have a washer and dryer!! I am tired of paying $3 a load of laundry and would like to do it when I have time and not when the laundry room is open (even if I have to save for a couple of months before that can come true). Yeah I know that is alot to ask but I guess I just want a normal life to come home to when I leave the squadron at night.
Any way I don't know if your like me but I am always thinking about things that I can design or make to put in my house. (If you like me you always start with good intentions and then the fruits of your labor end up being gifts for some one else) Where am I going with this? Well I want to make some things to start things off right in a new home.. I'm not going to beat myself up about a deadline because that defeats the purpose of having fun with it. I will get what I can done when I can and will little by little make my new house ... HOME.
So while surfing the net I found these:

http://www.joann.com/static/project/0801/P488360.pdf
I thought that they were a great idea. I have an extra set of dishes packed away in a box that I could put in these and store them decoratively in my cabinets.. Pretty cool huh? I haven't decided yet but I have some John Deere Fabric that I'm debating would make these look great and I can always get more. I had originally planned to make placemats and pot holders and things but I think that this would fit the theme too.. smiles.
Then I came across this http://www.joann.com/static/project/0801/P488361.pdf and though I don't have special silverware to store in it I thought that a smaller version could be made. I'm thinking to go in Cindy's Miranda bag with her lunch? There are a couple other silverware/ plasticware pouches that I thought up in my head that would go great too.
Well I guess I have dragged on enough with everything. I'm feeling in the creative mood but don't want to pull everything out since I have to nap and head to work tonight. So I will sit here and write post after post thinking that some day I will catch up with Jen's 500 but I won't at least not before she hits 1500.. LOL

Heather

Comments:

Sunday, January 6, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by 51050
Keeping up with Jen isn't an option in my book. She is so funny to read though. Those things look pretty neat. I would tend to just stack the dishes in my cupboard if I had the room because otherwise it would be a pain to get them out everytime, but it would definately be more protection for them. Rhoda

Sunday, January 6, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by SewAndSnip
Those storage containers are awesome. I especially like the silverware one. Next I need to make a new lunch bag not anything huge just enough to hold my lunch and fit in Miranda. Happy house or apartment hunting.

Sunday, January 6, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Cre8tiveQuilter
I have some of those for my christms dishes. The I buy felt squares to put between the plates/bowls, etc. Happy house/apartment hunting!!

Christmas is over

Wow christmas is over! Though I am glad I still have some lingering gifts to finish and have new years to think about. Christmas eve I took a spill at mom and dad's and hurt my shoulder so sewing is on the back burner for now.. my sewing machine is still in the car that I took to mom and dads.. its to heavy and painful for me to bring up the stairs right now.. if I can't get it up the stairs by saterday I'll ask my brother to carry it.
Plans for new years? Well Ryan and Molly (my brother and sister in law) Are coming down to see me and spend a couple of relaxing days. Since the last time they were here was for the Ball and things were crazy. They are coming down on sunday and will be leaving on tuesday. Any ideas for things to do? Or meals? We talked about spending a quiet new years ordering a pizza and renting a movie.
I hope to be off the pain meds and able to sew a little.. but that is going to be a little by little thing... maybe a couple wonder wallets to put away for gifts and things?

Heather

Comments:

Thursday, December 27, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by lori
Ouch that sounds painful ,hope you feel better soon .Its funny you should mention wunder wallets I just finished my first one ,Hope you get to do some sewing but just try to relax and take care of yourself .

Friday, December 28, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by SewAndSnip
Ouch I hope the soreness goes away soon. Just take it easy and be good to yourself. I think your New Years Eve sounds great. I like to stay home, have a lot of snacks and watch movies.

Saturday, December 29, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Cre8tiveQuilter
How's your shoulder doing?

Tuesday, January 1, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by jillquilts
I hope that your shoulder is doing better and that you have been able to get some sewing this week! I am glad that you had a nice Christmas! Happy New Year! Jill http://jillquilts.blogspot.com

The Weekend is GONE!! Already?

I honestly couldn’t tell you what happened this weekend. Thursday night/ Friday morning I came home from work all ready to jump in a sew and “get things done”.
First I wanted to try to get my thimbleberries club stuff together for club Saturday Morning. I was up until the wee hours Friday morning cutting fabric. Then I got up Friday (supposed to be a PJ day) and went and did my Christmas shopping. I’m done except for the gift certificate for my brother That should have been bought and mailed out already.. Ugh. I’m hoping that if I can get the certificate today on my way into work that I can get their stuff mailed out Monday priority. When I was done with shopping I went back to cutting but I know that I was really wiped out from the rest of the week because I couldn’t keep my eyes open.
To make a long story short I napped off and on the entire weekend got nothing accomplished except one block for thimbleberries and some light cleaning. Oh and the Christmas shopping if you can count that.
So the plan for today is to get some extra things cut out and bagged (organized) so that I can sew a little during the week. Friday I have off (as of right now just have to call in that may change). Saturday and Sunday are squadron free and Monday I have to drive North to my brothers house for our family Christmas Eve. Christmas morning will be spent with my parents and then they are getting ready to go to Colorado, Ryan is spending Christmas with his soon to be in-laws and I will head home to spend the rest of the day and evening with my meows. My plan is to get some great movies, pull out some nice warm pj’s have some fabric cut to sew that doesn’t have a deadline and enjoy my time sewing.
So I am off to do some ironing and cutting then headed to work. If I have time I will post some more pictures later

Heather

Comments:

Wednesday, December 26, 2007 - thimbleberries
Posted by sweetnstacked72
Hello, thanks for your comment, but the pic was taken at my local quilt shop. and they have them on display. good luck with your project,the LQS jsut did showing on the new stuff, that is a group I m not a member of, actually I am not a member of anything, yet,, cept' for here.

My Purr..fect Cat fabric!!

Okay!! Well because of the rain I wanted to get a couple of magazines from Joann's before heading back up the hill to my apartment. Well you know how it goes it's like going in to walmart.. you go in with a list of like 3 things and come out with a cart full. Well I went in for a couple magazines and saw that the fiskars coastal collection was still on sale and then walking down the notions isle there were a bunch of things on clearance.. like elastic, and needles things like that... so I just had to pick those up.. and there was a fiskars ruler for fleece that was on clearance for $5 couldn't pass that up.
So there I was walking through Joanns and I stumbled across the PURR-fect cat fabric... Really it doesn't get any more perfect than this. Here are some pictures.. I got 2 yards of each and don't know what I am going to do with them yet but I LOVE IT!!!

I bought 7 different fabrics of this line I know the 4th one in the first picture looks the same as the first one in the second but they are different the second has purses and things. (Hmm.. a purse/ tote bag?) I love the fabrics I described the fabrics to my mom as being more of a neopolitan mix they are brown and pink.. the pictures don't do the fabrics justice I really really love them.. can you tell?

Heather

Comments:

Sunday, January 6, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by 51050
That is too cute! My daughter Kim loves cats and pink and green combos. I had thought about making a lap quilt. That would be great! Rhoda

Sunday, January 6, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by SewAndSnip
Oh I really like the new fabrics and I can't wait to see what you are going to make out of them. Maybe a quilt, or a tote bag or several tote bags.

Sunday, January 6, 2008 - pretty
Posted by sweetnstacked72
very pretty fabric... maybe the Joanns in my area will have some.. My kids bought me a gift card there,, and I live about 60 miles, so going next weekend. if not I am sure I will find something.. hope to see pics of what you make.

Sunday, January 6, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by bobbinhead
My sister would DIE for those fabrics. Those are so cute and even though I'm not a big cat fan, I even like them. Glad you found a treasure trove.

Sunday, January 6, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Cre8tiveQuilter
THose are GREAT fabrics and I'm not even a cat lover. They just look so pretty!!!

Sunday, January 6, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Trina
Cute!! I especially love the first one with the stripes.

Monday, January 7, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by MoneikQuilts
The fabrics are so pretty. They would make a really nice YBR quilt!

My Weekend .. or lack of one

Well things at work were pretty messed up schedules messed up etc. I guess that is normal for things arpound here. I planned absolutely nothing for this weekend except a quilt lecture at the LQS. It was great. It was all about creating quick and easy quilts with 10 inch squares. The one that they demonstrated was called "Baby Cakes" it was yellow and white and when I can get a picture I'll post it. The weather was perfect quilting weather but I have slept most of the time that I had off and have to be back to work tonight at 10 pm.
I did get some little house cleaning chores done and I'm pretty excited about that! I have my little list of 5 minute chores to do in between all the other things I'm doing or not doing.. LOL.
Okay so here is for the BIG news. I should be getting a paper copy of my orders this week!! My detailer said that I can leave San Diego as soon as February 10th!! and have to check in to my school up in Lemoore California no later than March 10th. I am going on leave Tomorrow morning and will be going up north to pick up my mom and drive to Lemoore to look for apartments/ Houses. If we can find one and get things lined up I will be trying to get my things moved out of here and up there as quick as we can so that I can get some relax and quilting time before I start school. That and get my meows settled in a new place.. it really messes them up when I change schedules and am not home.
So here are some pictures that I took this weekend:

This would be the lake that I woke up to find my truck in the middle of yesterday morning.. I actually waded through the water on the right hand side because my Honda was parked in that spot backwards.. I figured the truck was high enough but didn't want to worry about the car. The water is 2 -3 inched deep and in some areas more.

Well that's it for my news and weather.. Hope everyone is having a great weekend and that you have gotten a lot of sewing done.

Heather

Comments:

Sunday, January 6, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by SewAndSnip
It sounds like you have things all under control. OK so I must have missed something along the way. What type of school are you going to? And where is Lemoore California? I take it that it's more north?

Sunday, January 6, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by 51050
Ditto on the questions. Rhoda

Re-enlisting

Okay this is a long and some what painful story. I was getting out in March/ April. But I found out on November 17th that I made First Class Petty Officer (E-6). This was the hurdle that I was trying to over come and was one of the many reasons that I was getting out.
Some of the other reasons included my parents health. My mom had a not so great appointment with they Lymphoma doctor back in July so I was afraid that things were going to get worse. At her appointment in October the doctor said that her counts (blood cell) were back to a level that was acceptable. When he says acceptable he means that they aren't bad enough to start any abrasive treatment. Right now we stand at she's not sick and treatment may only weaken the immune system and make things worse. Dad on the other hand has health issues of his own. He is on meds for his heart and I think that once he retires (in January) that things will get a little better for him.
Anyway (Since the train of thought on this was long gone 2 days ago) I called my parents after I found out that I made E-6 and we talked about things. They both feel that since I finally passed the hurdle that I had been struggling with and I'm already at 10 years that I should keep going. 10 more years really isn't that long when you think about it and to be able to get a military retirement and all the benifits that go along with it... medical, commisary, exchange and others.. it might be worth it to stick with it just a little longer.
I'm sorry that this half written post has been here so long I have been trying to get some of my christmas projects worked on and finished. I'll try to catch up again later

Heather

Comments:

Saturday, December 15, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Cre8tiveQuilter
I've been waiting for you to finish! Hopefully your parents will continue to do well. You brought up a lot of good points with the retirement benefits. It'll work out. Just stay safe. =)

Sunday, December 16, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by SewAndSnip
As long as you're happy that's all that counts. You brought up alot of valid points for staying in. I'm sure your parents health will continue to improve too. So congratulations and way to go.

Chickens

A couple years ago I went on the San Diego Crusin Quilters quilt run and picked up this patten for a little chicken pin cushion. They had it all tucked in a take out box and called it Take out Chicken or something cute like that. Well a couple months ago I finally pulled it out and decided to figure out how to sew it together. It was really easy infact I have some ideas to change it and make it different. So here is my Chicken:
Cute huh? the hardest part was the filling.. All those little pebbles.. lol

Heather

Comments:

Thursday, December 13, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Cre8tiveQuilter
He is just adorable!!!!!!!

Thursday, December 13, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by quilter
oh my goodness! that is the exact same pattern as a chicken pin cushion i received in a pin cushion swap with a lady in the US, wow, i will upload a pic in my next blog to show you... can the pattern be found anywhere on the net?

Thursday, December 13, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by 51050
That is too cute! What a great little novelty gift. Rhoda

Friday, December 14, 2007 - chicken
Posted by sweetnstacked72
Thas is so cute.. I have seen them , who makes the pattern? I have made the cupcake ones ,, but can u have to many pincushions? have a great weekend and happy stitching

Saturday, December 15, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by cowgirl4ever
The pattern that I had was a hand written one so I really don't know who it belongs to Heather

My Brother

Okay so I showed you a picture of Ryan. He is my younger brother and at one point in time people thought that he and I were twins (Twins born 11 months apart). I thought that I had more pictures loaded into webshots but I don't. I do have one of us all at the Ball, I'll for sure take some this year at christmas since there is a chance that this will be the last one at home for a few years depending on my next set of orders.

Here is Ryan again and you can see SSgt in the background making faces.

Here is Molly, Ryan, and Myself


Oh and just to show you that I am ready to go out side and make Snowmen!! Here is a picture me in the Colorado snow!! I love it. It looks like this year I am going to miss it but I still love it anyway.


Really if I knew that it was this easy to add pictures I would have done it before. Now I just need to wade through the pictures that I have so that I can show all the great things that I have made.. smiles

Heather

Comments:

Thursday, December 13, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Cre8tiveQuilter
Wait..what do you mean you won't be home for christms for a few years? I thought you were getting out in spring. Did you re-enlist afterall?

Thursday, December 13, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by 51050
Yes, I thought the same thing as Jen. Did I misunderstand or did something change? Rhoda You are a doll, by the way. I love your smile. And I can't wait to see the things you've made.

Friday, December 14, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Vesuviusmama
Start wading through those pictures! I would love to see more of what you have made!

Snowman

So I always talk about my kitties being little helpers. We all know that some times that can be fun and other times well its questionable. Lillybeth (most often refered to as Lilly) seems to be my biggest helper. It doesn't matter what she was doing before I started but usually with in a few minutes or seconds of starting to cut shes there. Here is Lilly helping

Lilly's Thoughts? Here mom let me help you with this.. she backs up and pulls it around in front of here until one of the other 2 start chasing here with it.

Back to my snomen really quick. MY online group did a snowman quilt block swap. We were all required (the ones signed up) to make 6 snowmen blocks per set (max 2 sets) I only got a chance to make 1 set of snowmen and got a total of 6 snowmen back. I will get pictures taken of those soon but here is a pic of my snowman block


And like always here is my helper



She is a cutie.. is very talkitive and cuddly. I will try to get some more things posted for you to see later I have to get ready to head out to work. Yesterday I left work about 4 am or so so I'm crossing my fingers for an early day

Heather

Comments:

Thursday, December 13, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by CountryQuilter
Your kitty is soooo cute! I love your snowman block! I really like the idea, I may have to use it for a wallhanging or something for next year! Kristie

Thursday, December 13, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by cowgirl4ever
I really got lucky with my kitties. There was just something that called to me when I went to get them. The other 2 (Thelma and Louise are a little over a year) are sisters from the same litter. I got them at the pound at first I only reserved one and then Dad said to go get her sister. We debated and debated about names had they been siamese they would have been ying and yang. Lilly I got from the San Diego Cat Adoption Agency I saw her advertised online and saw that her brother and sister had already been adopted but she was left there so I just had to take her home.. Mom says she needed me and that she chose me. They are all good girls and don't scratch the furniture which is amazing to me. Heather

Thursday, December 13, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Cre8tiveQuilter
I think all fur kids love to quilt!! Those snowmen blocks that you made are adorable!! I wouldn't have thought to throw a face on a block like that!!!

Thursday, December 13, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by 51050
Lily is such a beautiful kitty! They do wind their way into your heart, don't they? That snowman block is just too cute. What fun. Rhoda

Friday, December 14, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Vesuviusmama
Your snowman block is so cute! I think I say this every year, but I really want to make something seasonal. That looks easy enough that I could do it but fun enough that I will want to do it. Thanks for sharing!

Pictures

Okay So I have been promising pictures left and right and I just finished uploading them to Webshots. Well Not all of them I have uploaded alot but I have more to do when I get the chance to. Some days I just wish that I didn't have to go to work and today is one of them. I would much rather stay home in bed, or use my computer whatever something other than go to work.
So lets see if this works here are some pictures of our Shooter Ball this is my brother (Ryan) and his soon to be wife (Molly)





And here is one of our Color Guard. I was trying to be serious ... honest



I guess that will be all for today .. I really need to get to work I have a LONG LONG day ahead of me.

Heather


Comments:


Thursday, December 13, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by 51050
Your brother and his fiance make an attractive couple. They look very happy. Your color guard looks good. Well, the guy on the left isn't eyes front, but ok. I'm curious to know what your medals are for. Remember, I'm new to military stuff. Rhoda Thanks for the pictures.

Thursday, December 13, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by cowgirl4ever
I will have to sit down and remember what all the medals are for and let you know Rhoda, with out looking I know I have 3 Good Conduct for not getting in trouble (or most say for not getting caught), 2 Navy Achievement medals for somethings that I have done, Global War on Terrorism Service medal (this ones for being in the service), Global war on terrorism expiditionary medal (this one is for being deployed to the gulf for the war on terrorism), Armed Forces Expiditionary for participating in some activities one of the times I was over seas, and then the National Defense Medal that everyone gets out of book camp but they weren't giving that when I got out of boot camp it was awarded to me after going to the Gulf. I have various other ribbons for other things and My Surface Warfare that is the big Ship pin below my medals (this one is for being Knowledgeable on the workings of my ship.. subject expert on some things ) and then my Air Warfare that is above the metals same concept as surfact but on my Aircraft. I think that is about all. Heather

Thursday, December 13, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Cre8tiveQuilter
I don't know much about ribbons and medals but wow that sure sounds really, really impressive!!!!!!

Holiday Ideas Part 2

Well this weekend wasn’t as productive as I had wanted it to be. I came home from work on Friday and felt miserable so I ran the errands that I could and came home and slept.
I went to quilt class this morning and though the atmosphere of the LQS always makes me feel better I still didn’t feel great.
My accomplishments for this weekend? 6 of those can insulators for my family’s stockings ( that took a whole 5 minutes or it seemed). I have sewn 3 tissue covers (not the same as the ones I sent) and have 3 more cut out. I cut fabric for a quilt called Cactus Wreath (http://www.cozyquilt.com/Aspx/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=456 ). I have yet to start sewing but figure maybe I can get some bits and pieces sewing done through out the week but its cut so thats a start.
So I got to thinking about the things I liked about the Holidays and like I mentioned before, I like giving gifts. Especially the ones that mean some thing special. I know that many people have been touched by cancer and though I haven’t done it in a while, this is a great charity pattern for chemo caps.. and it doesn’t have to be just for that I’m sure the children’s hospital would love them as well as other places. And you know I would wear them if they were in the right colors. Some of the patterns are really cute
http://www.hancockfabrics.com/images/us/local/page_specific/freeprojects/chemocap/chemocap.pdf
http://www.headhuggers.org/patterns/patterns.htm - for those that crochet as well as quilt.
http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/adult-cancercaps.html - more crochet

Now on to some more Project ideas. I can’t say they are quick and easy but we all know that if it really needs to get done.. if there is a will we will find a way.
Arm chair organizer – so you won’t lose the remote and tv guide.. ha ha didn’t work for me. There are also some other organizer patterns. I love the organizers but have yet to organize myself.. still trying.
http://sewing.about.com/od/homedecprojects/ss/armchairorganiz_3.htm
http://www.sewing.org/enthusiast/html/ef_wallorganizer.html

That easy stocking pattern to make last minute when you realize that one of your Christmas morning guests doesn’t have a stocking.

http://sewing.about.com/od/holidaysewingprojects/ss/xmasstocking.htm

Bottle bags for that special wine or maybe a bottle of sparkling cider? Great for Hostess gifts. Or maybe an office party?
http://sewing.about.com/od/holidaysewingprojects/ss/bottlebag.htm
http://www.janome.com/index.cfm/ProjectCenter/Project_Detail/Christmas_Stocking_Bottle_Caddy_Pattern
http://www.sewing.org/enthusiast/html/ef_winesack.html

An insulated lunch sack, so you can be different. Who couldn’t use a personalized lunch bag?
http://sewing.about.com/library/weekly/aa072100a.htm

Those famous rice heating bags. I made these for mom one year and my sister inlaw ended up taking it home with her. I of course made mom another one.
http://sewing.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ/Ya&sdn=sewing&cdn=hobbies&tm=36&gps=64_756_1148_711&f=00&su=p445.92.150.ip_&tt=14&bt=1&bts=1&zu=http%3A//quilt.com/MiscQuilting/RiceBags.html
http://www.sewing.org/enthusiast/html/ef_ricebags.html

For the crafter ..
http://www.janome.com/index.cfm/ProjectCenter/Project_Detail/Pocket_Pal
http://www.janome.com/index.cfm/ProjectCenter/Project_Detail/Serger_Companion
http://www.janome.com/index.cfm/ProjectCenter/Project_Detail/Thimbles_&_Thread_Organizer
http://www.sewing.org/enthusiast/html/ef_notionette.html
http://www.sewing.org/enthusiast/html/ef_sewing_room_accessories.html

Pillow Case Patterns
http://www.sewing.org/enthusiast/beehappy_pillowcase.pdf
http://craftandfabriclinks.com/pillowcases/cases.html
http://craftandfabriclinks.com/pupcases/pupcase.html
http://www.logcabinquilts.com/freepattern.html

More for you Pet
http://www.sewing.org/enthusiast/pet_placemats.pdf
http://www.sewing.org/enthusiast/html/e_pets.html

heres a collection of patterns to outfit almost the entire kitchen. Also great smaller projects for secret sister exchanges and such
http://www.hancockfabrics.com/jump.jsp?itemID=714&itemType=CONTENT

A Festive Santa hat – warning this one is crochet
http://www.hancockfabrics.com/jump.jsp?itemID=364&itemType=CONTENT

Advent Calendar - maybe for next year I have 3 or four ready to sew like I needed that many
http://www.sewing.org/enthusiast/html/eo_advent_calendar.html

Well its almost midnight here so I am off to get some last minute things done before heading to bed. Its back to work tomorrow. Hopefully this week will be less hectic than last. Take care !!

Heather

Comments:

Monday, December 10, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by SewAndSnip
Thanks for all the great links. I just spent about half an hour going from site to site and getting great ideas for next years sewing.

Wednesday, December 12, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by sweetnstacked72
love the links you posted, already made 5 steering wheel covers, out of pro football fleece. yes the quilt was strip pieced , using Eleanor Burns book Quick Trip Quilts

This Weekend

Well I hope that everyone enjoyed my 12 Days of Christmas Part 1. I know I had fun looking at everything. I am infact going to be working on some of those things my self this weekend.
I have Strip Club this weekend at the LQS and have heard nothing but raves about the new pattern that I will get by just showing up. I also bought the strip set to make the quilt when I have time. Depending on how well I like the quilt will decide where on the list of to dos it gets put. Right now having not seen it, it’s pretty close to the bottom.
This weekend I have to get my Fat Quarters ready for our Birthday fat quarter swap and get those mailed out to our swap hostess. Next on the list would be getting things together to mail a Christmas box to my brother Jeremy who isn’t coming home this year. Not sure yet what that will entail. I have intentions of making candy and trying to get some Christmas cookies baked so that he doesn’t miss out on all the family festivities. I also had intentions of making stockings for them but am not sure that I am going to have time to get that done.
They sprung a last minute work schedule on us at the squadron so I am loosing one of my days off to work this weekend, giving me even less time to work on my projects. In fact I am headed to go take a power nap right after this so that I can get up at 5 to head back to work. I guess I should be happy that it is SUPPOSED to be a short day today. We’ll see about that, I need to try to get some laundry done (ugh) and the list keeps going.. smiles
Have a great weekend and stay tuned for more 12 days.. Ha ha I already have part of that started. After I posted I realized that I probably should of put a few ideas and called it Day one, instead of swamping everyone with 12, but maybe having 12 won’t be so bad more choices more ideas.. as my brother says more stocking stuffers.. He’s supposed to be helping this year to make things easier on me since my schedule has been so crazy. I try not to count down to Christmas because it just stresses me out, the to do list is long and the completed list is way too short at this point.

Heather

Comments:

Friday, December 7, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by 51050
Hi Heather, Where did you find all those great websites? there were some really good projects there. Ok, I've been patiently waiting for pictures of the ball. Did you guys take any? I really wanted to see you all dressed up! Rhoda

Saturday, December 8, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by SewAndSnip
I just loved the 12 days of Christmas and had lots of fun looking at all the sites. I've decided this year not to let Christmas stress me out I sure hope I can keep my Promise to myself.

Saturday, December 8, 2007 - Love those patterns
Posted by Paddy
I love the patterns you put on here. That was great! I found some last minute gifts! Thank you Paddy

Twelve Days of Christmas.. Part 1 (Holiday gifts)

Looking for that last minute gift for some one you forgot? Or how about that some one that you didn’t know was coming for the holidays and you want to make sure that they are included in the festivities. My family always tries to remember those that don’t have some place to spend the holidays, being in the military I have moved around a few times and have quite a few friends that don’t spend the holidays with their family and we have never felt that it was right for them to spend it by themselves. So we almost always have last minute guests, and on more than one occasion have been one of those shoppers that is running through the store Christmas eve to get those last minute gifts and don’t forget stocking stuffers.
Stocking stuffers is a whole different evolouton at my house. Mom and Dad used to be Santa’s helper and we would get candies and silly socks and batteries (for those gifts everyone forgets to look and see if they were included.. ha ha) you name it and we have tried to fit it in some ones stocking. One year I guess santa laid his helpers off or something because Christmas morning our stocking hung there by the chimney lifeless. So that became my thing. I tried to make sure that I knew who all was going to be at Mom and Dads Christmas morning and try to have a stocking for everyone. I made the mistake last year of letting my younger brother help me out stuffing things and when he realized that I wasn’t stuffing my own (no point in my opinion) he made the last minute trip to walgreen’s or what ever happened to be open and picked up a bunch of stuff so that I wouldn’t be left out. So to make to very long stories a little shorter (Not much) I have decided to share with everyone the things that I have been finding while surfing the glorious web of unending inspiration and ever changing ideas.

First we’ll start off with the gift for yourself, or maybe a gift for a fellow crafter that like any other has the ever ending list of bookmarked pages to go back to the patterns later. Here’s tips on how to organize all those patterns that you find and print out on the web. May I suggest to go along with it that you make a binder cover out of simple fabric scraps for that favorite crafter in your life. Heck print out the tips on how to organize and insert them in the binder.
http://sewing.about.com/od/freeprojects/a/patternorganize.htm

Another tip from me... when you know that you are looking on the internet for patterns (or even when you don’t) create a folder some where on your computer with those patterns when it is full and yes they get full transfer them right away to a disk/ CD/ DVD. Don’t procrastinate and say that you will organize them later because we all know that will NEVER happen.

Have you ever been in the auto section of a store and looked at the accessories and decided that the selection just wasn’t what you wanted? I myself have tree frogs but here you can make a steering wheel cover out of what ever you want!!

http://sewing.about.com/od/freeprojects/ss/fursteeringwhee.htm

For the old car enthusiast or maybe not here is a pattern for fuzzy dice.

http://sewing.about.com/od/freeprojects/ss/fuzzydice.htm

One of many pot holder patterns. Good project for beginners, great stocking stuffer or perhaps add to a gift basket with some pancake mix and a couple of other kitchen items.

http://sewing.about.com/od/freeprojects/ss/potholder.htm

Don’t forget your pets at Christmas, even if they are like my brothers cat and hid under the bed all day long never to see the light of day. I have 3 kitties myself and mom calls them her grand kitties, and yes I sign over custody to her when I have to go on detachment.. ha ha ha.

http://sewing.about.com/od/freeprojects/ss/catmousetoy.htm

For that crafter on your list. Everyone could use a sewing machine cover and you can personalize it to the receiver. Another thought at moms house we have covers for all of our kitchen appliances, coffee pot, toaster, dehydrator you name it if it gets left out where it can be seen design your own covers. Mom did she designed crochet covers for everything yet she still doesn't believe shes a designer. Now those cover are pretty old and some one has probably already copyrighted similar designs but I am happy to say I saw them in Mom's kitchen before I ever saw them in a printed pattern.

http://sewing.about.com/od/freeprojects/ss/machinecoverins.htm
http://sewing.about.com/library/weekly/aa011801b.htm

A simple sachet for a stocking stuffer, or maybe to place in with a pretty dress that you give some one. My grandma loves them.

http://sewing.about.com/od/freeprojects/ht/sachetht.htm

Here is a link for some aprons. I have seen so many patterns for aprons this year. I guess they are the style now. I remember baking with mom for the holidays and putting on aprons. While I was in school I remember the cook in the cafeteria having aprons for every holiday. I bet your thinking why on earth would this girl remember the lunch lady.. because mom was one of the lunch ladies and worked at my school and later I was one of the lunch ladies and worked not only at my elementary school, but my junior high and even in my mom's kitchen (she was the boss.. smiles) there for a few years before joining the service. Though the job wasn't glorious I had fun and met alot of great people and working with mom really wasn't bad we had fun together. I think that this would be a perfect gift for the cook/ baker in your life. Or maybe the BBQ’er. Also listed are garden aprons, art aprons and liquid dish soap aprons for the kitchen.

http://sewing.about.com/od/aprons/Apron_Sewing.htm
http://craftandfabriclinks.com/freepatterns/aprons.html
http://richpennypincher.com/freeapron.pdf
http://tipnut.com/56-free-apron-patterns-you-can-make/

Kitchen patterns, Table runners, pot holders, placemats, wallhangings, ovenmits. You name it, it might be there.

http://bomquilts.com/Free-Quilted-Kitchen-Patterns.php

Tote bags also the rage now. I know we could all use them to carry things back and forth to work or school. I have one that I intend to make to organize and carry my quilting stuff in the hopes that the new year will allow me to take some classes.

http://sewing.about.com/od/bagstotespurseproject/ss/grocerybag.htm - your own grocery bag
http://sewing.about.com/od/bagstotespurseproject/ss/totebagzipper.htm
http://sewing.about.com/od/bagstotespurseproject/ss/tote2.htm

Soda Can insulator, Juice box wrap, - perfect for the holidays that way everyone knows what cup, can juice box belongs to them. They may not remember where they left it last but this might help. (Stocking Stuffer?? )

http://sewing.about.com/od/bagstotespurseproject/ss/canwrap.htm

Fabric Wallets, Check book covers, Travel tissue covers, eye glasses case.

http://sewing.about.com/od/freeprojects/ss/eyeglasscase_2.htm
http://sewing.about.com/od/bagstotespurseproject/ss/menswallet.htm
http://sewing.about.com/od/bagstotespurseproject/ss/clothwallet.htm
http://sewing.about.com/od/bagstotespurseproject/ss/envelopetissue.htm
http://sewing.about.com/od/bagstotespurseproject/ss/slittissuecover.htm
http://sewing.about.com/od/bagstotespurseproject/ss/checkbookcover.htm
http://sewing.about.com/od/bagstotespurseproject/ig/Free-Bag---Purse-Patterns/

Do you know some one that paints? Maybe this could be modified for crochet hooks or pens, pencils markers? Do you have disappearing ink pens for your sewing? Or the identi-pens for embellishing?

http://sewing.about.com/od/freeprojects/ss/brushrollup.htm

So there it is my 12 days of Christmas Part 1. I love the Christmas season especially since I get to give gifts to everyone. Forgive me I know some of the links aren't showing up as hyperlinks, I’m not sure why I tried to fix them. The show up fine in my email and on my Word program. Stay tuned for more gift ideas, that is if I don’t get swamped making my gifts.. smiles.. Hope this starts your weekend off well

Heather

Comments:

Friday, December 7, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by quilt4younow
there is sew much out there to do! I think I get around to making a couple of sewing machine covers this year- might be fun to do in scraps and have kinda a mini-quilt-let cover to decorate once I finally get the sewing room organized. thanks for sharing cheryl

Friday, December 7, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by lori
Thank's Heather there was a few patterns there I have never seen before .Aren't brothers special I can just see your younger brother running around trying to find stocking stuffers for you .What a sweet think to do .

Monday, December 10, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by jillquilts
Thanks for all the links! I think that I am going to have to make some checkbook covers this year for other spenders like me! Jill www.jillquilts.blogspot.com

Thanks Everyone!!

I just wanted to thank everyone for all the great help on how to upload pictures. I wish that I had had time when I got home from work but the schedule this week is a little weird and at 0300 in the morning I just didn't feel like it.
My meows were really needy when I got home and wanted to sit and cuddle and be lovie so that is what I did for a little while and then went to bed because I knew that I had to get uniforms and things ready for today.
Today they made it offical, had a ceremony and everything. So as of today I am officially AT1(AW/SW) Ridges. I doesn't feel any different even though everyone thinks that it should. I am trying to figure out what I can do to leave my mark here at this command. I'm thinking that I might see what needs to be done to start a volenteer program at the local elementary school. I would go over there a couple times a week and spend time with the kids I think that it would be great. I like the kids anyway I just hate to start something and then have to transfer.
Does anyone have plans for this weekend? I am planning on working on some christmas stuff. I really need to finish what I can for my brother and get it in the mail before next week. Oh and this weekend is strip club weekend at the quilt shop so I will be over there. I wish that our LQS would play strip poker like Jen talks about, maybe there is hope yet.

Heather

Comments:

Tuesday, December 4, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Vesuviusmama
I'm working like crazy on hand quilting a quilt for my mother with hopes that I can get it under her tree this month. So that's what I'll be doing this weekend, along with a quilt guild meeting and a neighborhood holiday christmas party (that I am hosting). I'll be busy, busy, busy! I hope my kids will cooperate. Enjoy your busy weekend!

Tuesday, December 4, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by 51050
We're getting together Friday night with some of our friends from college. We graduated 35 years ago, so it's a long-standing friendship. Rhoda (gosh that makes me sound old!)

Sunday/Monday Again

Well its that day of the Week AGAIN!! My Monday begining of the week. I had full intentions of putting some pictures on here and well when I sat down to do it I couldn't remember how. Darn it!! So here is my plea... HELP HELP can some one point me to where Jen wrote out directions on how to add pictures? I have a few to share from before and a few more from this weekend. I finished snowman blocks that are really cute and can't wait to show them off. Oh and I almost forgot I made a tissue cover too it was little and really easy but hey it was a finished project.
I have some placemats, and aprons that I am going to work on here in the next couple of days, a round robin to finish putting the last row on and then there are some other odds and ends that I want to try to get done. I want to make some more ornaments for family and some friends.. and stockings for work. I'm not sure if it wouldn't be easier to just buy those cheap stockings and write with glitter paint on them names... I just thought that being my last christmas at this command that I would leave them something to remember. I am also looking to make candy and possably cookies to send to my brother since he is not coming home for christmas this year.
I still don't know what to get him for a gift last year I gave him a Best Buy gift certificate and if any of you have heard of it the video game world of warcraft (don't get started on that game you get sucked in and loose all track of time.. trust me I know.. LOL) I was trying to think of something that I could make him and am drawing a blank

Well I have got to run its really late and they said I could go home finally

Heather

Comments:

Monday, December 3, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by quilter
Hi there, sounds like you are pretty busy! My boyfriend explained to me that to add pics u click on the link and the URL is the link that you get when you upload your pics on a website such as photobucket.com each pic u upload there is given a URL which you then can copy and paste into your blog..... I hope that makes sense. I am sure there are countless other ways you can do it, thats just one. :-) Hope you Monday isnt too bad! :-)

Monday, December 3, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by 51050
I'm the worst at explaining, I just know how to do it. I think there's a file upload button on the menu at the left when you're logged in. Then you hit browse at the top and it will connect you to where your pictures are stored. You attach what you want and then you put a check on it and choose "post" and you can add your comments. I hope that helps. Jen is so much more technical than I am it stinks. (Love you Jen!) Rhoda

Monday, December 3, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
log in you will get a new screen look down the left hand side where is says My Web Blog Click up load files look where is says New File I use My Pictures so thats the file that is there .If you save your pictures some where different click the little arrow to find the file name . Once you find you pictures highlight the one you want then click open You will be back on the web log page now click upload you will see the name of the picture on the top of the list click Post another screen will come up where you will see the picture ,do some writing if you like and at the bottom click Post. Why they make this so difficult is beyond me ,hope this helps Hazel

Sunday - My Monday

Well I see that Jen asked where my pictures were. I have a good excuse I promise. I have been so busy with color guard practice/ ball practice that I barely had time to sleep. I was going into work at 11am and then staying to work my regular shift some times getting out a little early and then there were a couple days that it was impossible to leave there were too many things going on.
So our squadron ball was Saturday.. I made it through the color guard with flying colors.. the command was pretty happy about it all. It was pretty awesome.
That wasn't even the best part though... Friday morning I got a phone call that I made 1st Class Petty Officer (E-6). YEAH!! So we were pretty excited about that. I really haven't celebrated.. if I had my choice I would celebrate with all my quilty friends but we are just too far away from each other to do anything together.
So that was my weekend.. things should slow down for me but we'll see about that

Heather

Comments:

Monday, November 19, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by 51050
Wow! Big weekend for you. Did you get any pictures of the ball or color guard? I would love to see you all dressed up - either civilian or military. CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR PROMOTION!! I know you were frustrated about that. Very wonderful. Rhoda

Monday, November 19, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by SewAndSnip
Congratulations on the promotion. I hope you enjoyed the ball too.

Monday .. Back at work

Yesterdays sew in. I got what I inteded to get done. I made ornaments for our christmas ornament swap. Only 7 people signed up for it this year so it was easy. I wish that I had taken more things with me to Yuma. I could have made Plastic canvas ornaments or something while I was there. Though I thought that I was going to get alot of seing done and that didn't happen. Anyway yesterday I made my 6 ornaments (still need to finish one for myself.. I like them though so I will probably make a few more to hang in my window or something) and picked up some more fabric to be able to make snowman blocks. I found a couple blocks that are adorable, one that Kathy has already done that I may do aswell but in different fabrics. Then I am still looking for my other snowman.
I found my camera (yeah) and the battery charger (double yeah).. and to make it even better I even found the spare battery. So in the next week or so I intend to get some pictures posted to this pictureless blog. The only thing that I see standing in my way would be that I have PFA (physical fitness acessment) tomorrow morning, and color guard practice all week. Then there is the ball on Saturday. I'm thinking that things will be so busy that after the ceremony and dinner and what not that I will just want to GO HOME!! and RELAX!! I don't think that my brother will have a problem with that. He even said that he would drive but, I promised to be their sober driver. Well I am back at work and have reading and things to do.. until later

Heather

Comments:

Tuesday, November 13, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by 51050
I'm glad you found your camara and batteries. We do love to see pictures! I think you're going to have an extremely busy week, so don't be too hard on yourself. Rhoda

Thursday, November 15, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Cre8tiveQuilter
I"m glad you found your camera and batteries...now where are your pictures?!?! How did the assessment go?

Sunday Sew in

Well my online group decided to have a sunday sew in.. I am lucky enough to be able to participate today since I don't have to go to work until tomorrow. Back to night crew tomorrow.. not exactly what I want to do but at this point it doesn't matter.. I only have a few more months of this and then I'll be away from these people that get on that last nerve you know the one that is always irritated..lol
So projects for today .. I need to make snowman blocks and ornaments... I think I have my ornaments picked I have started making them they aren't going as planned but they will work. Any one have any ideas for me? Has anyone made any ornaments that they love? Seen any cute snowmen?

Heather

Comments:

Monday, November 12, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Cre8tiveQuilter
What did you all get accomplished? Happy Belated USMC Birthday. -Jen www.cre8tivequilter.blogspot.com

New Computer and the Ball

Well the new computer didn't fair so well.. It has to be mailed back to HP this week with the holidays and all I'll be lucky to get it back before Thanksgiving. What a pain.. But at least I have my desk top.
The ball was great we got a couple pictures taken but they are at Phils house. My ball on the other hand well Umm I'm going to be color detail. So we'll see how this works.. I have practice today and probably tomorrow and then Tuesday too.. On comes the fun... :-)

Heather

Comments:

Thursday, November 8, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by 51050
I can't wait to see pictures of you all dressed up for the ball. Son Kevin was in the color guard for his OIS graduation. Pretty cool. Rhoda

Monday, November 12, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Cre8tiveQuilter
I'm dying to see pictures! I hope they get your computer back to you soon. -Jen www.cre8tivequilter.blogspot.com

New Computer... Ugg

Well this new computer (laptop) is turning out to be a big pain in the rear. I shut it down Thursday night after making sure that it could connect to the house network and When I tried to use it on Friday it says that a Bootmgr is missing... How did I loose that I'll never know.. I'm thinking I'll blame it on windows vista... So it's looking like I am going to loose everything that was saved on there.. not much really other than some great quilt websites and patterns... you know the ones that you figure you can't live with out even though you can?
Well I have a little more time to play with that darn computer and then its off to the LQS for a little while and then to get my nails done and feet pedicure so that they don't look to horrible in those strappy sandal shoes. Tomorrow is the Ball I should have pictures but am thinking that they will have to be scanned in unless I can find my camera between now and tomorrow.
In the mean time I'm hoping to atleast get the computer back up and running. And try to find some of those great links that I had found before.. smiles

Heather

Comments:

Saturday, November 3, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by jillquilts
I hope that you are able to get it figured out! Laptops, while great a lot of the time, can become great pains in the rear! Jill www.jillquilts.blogspot.com

Saturday, November 3, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by CountryQuilter
I sure hope you get your computer figured out. I bought a new desktop around March with the Vista program. I ended up having to send the first computer back and it took a while to get this one going. The first few months I hated Vista, now its fine. Kristie

Wednesday, November 7, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Cre8tiveQuilter
I can't wait to see the pictures!!!