September 21: Random Thoughts

Here we go again!  Can't upload with this program.  Wonder how long it will take for Blogger to get it fixed.  GRRRRRRRRR...... The major reason for writing this post was to share a few photos.  I will when the system starts working again.

Considered dropping out of school for a few hours on Tuesday.  Computer was driving me crazy, I had created the problems myself and also corrected them myself.  Got back on track!

Had to take a series of random photos with strangers for models.  Had to tell them what I was doing and have them sign a model release.  I am not so good with walking up to strangers for this kind of thing, but everyone of them accepted.

Homework this week has mostly been enjoyable and easy to accomplish - just time consuming for a few assignments.

Worked in the shop Wednesday morning.  Stained my new creations, sanded picture frames, and held the ends of long boards for cutting.  Did homework whenever I took a 10 minute break.

Photos should go here.

Did my share of painting the house, or at least the low parts of the addition.  Now that is done, our place looks like it fits into the neighborhood.

Yesterday, I working in the shop, did homework, did laundry, and helped a bit at a rehearsal dinner.

Photo should go here.

Thought I would share one photo of how my new creation will be used,  Kevin and I collaborated on building wooden stands to display small embroidered projects that Dad will be selling a couple of craft shows.  The design is our creation so I am not revealing how it is put together - copyrighted.  We are planning to sell these stands to customers for a variety of different handcrafted fabric projects.  I can envision them with miniature quilts, Dad's embroidery projects, needlepoint, and appliqued pieces.  Why not just buy something out there? 

• Well, having handwork framed can be very expensive.
• Wooden frames don't display these projects as something fully completed by the "artist".
• Designs can be changed regularly.
• Just a couple of changes and a larger or smaller piece can be used.
• The stand looks great on the fireplace mantle or on a shelf.
• Handmade gifts are showcased, not the frames,
• Etc.
• Etc.

Even if the system is not working............

Life is GOOD!

September 15: Enjoying Sunday

We began the day with church, and then I was on the "corn" team for our annual church turkey dinner.  We used lobster size stockpots and prepared pan after pan of it.  After my 2 hour shift, Kevin and Dad joined me for a delicious dinner.  Great way to spend the morning!

Afterwards, it was time to work on a design in the shop.  Sunday is our day to be creative and do what we enjoy.  We designed a stand for displaying small quilts and other needlework designs.  Dad loves to embroider and I love quilts, so these stands are a great idea.  We also made very simple frames to use in a like manner.  4 hours of work/play was well worth it.

After a huge turkey dinner, we did not really need or want a real dinner, so we made popcorn, played with our laptops, and are still watching Avatar. This is the way to end this day of rest. 

Life is GOOD!

September 8: Quilting and Relaxing

Today is our day to step back from the hectic parts of our life.  Kevin and I have decided that we will use Sunday, each week, to do things that we love.  It can be woodworking or quilting or pontooning (if the wind and weather cooperate) or even homework, but what we are doing must be relaxing.

I started out with feeling miserable because of this cold, but I got up and knew I could do whatever I wanted today and that the world would not fall apart if I did nothing at all.  I put a roast in the crockpot, spent a few hours taking pictures with my camera for my photography class - lots of fun! Then I went down to the studio and decided to do brainless piecing.  My cold makes me feel a little fuzzy!

I am making another half-square triangle quilt - a pinwheel.  It is being made up of coin strips that are made from
all kinds of leftover strips and some green fabric that will never be used for anything else.  This quilt will be the last of the quilts needed for the grandkids' bunk room.
 Each pinwheel measures 10" x 10".  Many of the strips are leftover from the Byrnes cousin quilts, but there are quite a few other memories being sewn into this one.  When I quilt it, I plan to use loops or swirls, but as always, the goal will be to make it light and airy.

Just think of it is a HAPPY quilt.

Life is GOOD!