Baby Quilter

Happy 2009

2009-01-02T09:31:00.003-06:00

Happy 2009!!!

Well, what have you decided to do differently this year?

I try not to make resolutions because I always fail usually by the second day. I went to the gym this morning and didn't even go it....there were so many people there I thought....oh no!! It is usually like that for the first two weeks then it returns to normal by the end of the month..smile!

I will take my walk in the neighborhood during my least favorite show....Today's show 9 -10AM...can't stand Kathy Lee!!! That is if my stomach returns to normal....I think I have a little virus....I don't feel sick just keeping the bathroom really busy, if you get my drift.

Okay...back to starting off the year right!!

I have a problem....shopping. I know this , everyone who knows me knows this and I have had it for a long, long time. Probably since I was in my early 20's.

Nothing really spurs my shopping habit...it is just a way of life. Well, I need to stop and I will. Well...not stop, let's not get crazy just slow down some.

Another issue...is I am running out of storage room. Just that thought of packing and moving...really scares me.Every closet in my house is full of stuff. I need to make time to purge and clean, purge and clean...that is my goal for 2009.

1. Purge and Clean.
No room will be left untouched, closets will be cleaned out and lots of things will be donated to local charities.

A few bloggers are trying to complete at least on craft project a month...I thought about that and decided not to join...simply because I did that one year and that was a complete failure. I do travel a lot. My job hours are long and to have to complete another job is just problematic!

2. Learn how to hand applique.
I love hand work....and my stitching is so bad with applique. So practice, practice!

3. Decrease shopping and collecting habit.
Several businesses may go under if I stop completely...hehe!!

What are you changing in 2009?

Happy New Year and many blessings!

Traci

New Year's Eve Myster

2008-12-27T15:10:00.003-06:00

Well...I was looking for a mystery and Bonnie supplied one. Quiltville.com (aka Bonnie) will be hosting a mystery New Year's Eve...hehe! I will probably not work on mine on the 31st due to work...but I will do a little sewing on the 1st....football is a must that evening. USC!!!

Anyway, come join us....now to find some Traci friendly colors.....I don't have anything in double pink and cheddar in my sewing room, smile!!! I don't mind those colors....I just don't have any....I am a brights and batiks girl...but I am going to spread my wings in the New Year and work with something new and different....outside of my box.

Hugs!

Traci

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T19:06:00.002-06:00

Merry Christmas to Blogland!!!

I have not been a good blogger lately....the holidays caught up with me and then I just gave up.

I did make some little gifts this year for my sewing buds...but I haven't given them out yet...so no pictures, smile!

I promise to improve my blogging in the new year....I am going to scale back my buying of fabric this year since I have run out of storage in my sewing room. Actually in every room.
This year will be devoted to organizing and stashbusting....I really want to complete some of my UFOs that I have lovely put in storage...where I can't get to them...hehe!!

I am also planning on making handmade gifts for two people on my list...I know there are those of you who make all your gifts but you have to start somewhere...smile!! I even have the fabric for my two holiday projects for 2009....isn't that strange to type out...where does time go????

Blessing to you all and Happy New Year!!

T.

New Block of the Month and Chance to Win a Quilt!

2008-11-16T17:53:00.002-06:00

Block of the Month Classes and chance to win a beautiful quilt. That is right....win a quilt. Just click on the picture or visit Stitching Cow.

Weekend Update

2008-11-16T17:32:00.002-06:00

Times are scary. Today I filled up my little car for under $15! Wow...now that is cheap. I like the low gas prices but how long will it last? Food here has gotten pricey but it still doesn't compare to the prices that my parents are paying for food back home in California.

In the bulletin from my church there is a list of needed items for the food bank....there has been a increase in people seeking out food this year. They estimate a 50% increase. Please if you can...donate to your local food bank.

Speaking of my parents....the Hills are burning. They evacuated a short time due to the raging fires....scary!!!

Well the majority of this weekend was spent relaxing and planning. I wanted to sew but laundry needed to be done and I needed some downtime. I do plan on sewing this upcoming weekend....I have to start on my little gifts for my TNT (Thursday Night Therapy) sewing group members.

I took a long walk just before sun up on Saturday morning. We had a storm Friday night so there were leaves in a multitude of colors on the ground....gold, amber, red, green and brown....it was an absolute wonderful sight. So quiet...no one but me out there walking....and then daylight....it was a great start to a wonderful day. Can you tell I love this time of the year!!!

Hugs and Blessings!

T.

Fall

2008-11-07T18:43:00.002-06:00

I was asked this year what I wanted for my birthday and Christmas...wow, really early for such a request. I have an Amazon Wishlish...so why the questions. Well, it seems that wasn't good enough.

So this month, I am celebrating my birthday and Christmas early with so early gifts. One I absolutely love!!! The Amazon Kindle....love it! I first read about the Kindle on Mary's Site and then on Amazon. My friend Gail said that it is one of Oprah's favorite things...I missed that show unfortunately. The Kindle is great! I love to use it at the gym....no problem with the page flipping over or loosing my place. I love it!! No problem with taking in on the plane, no problem with running out of things to read....just order something from Amazon...it will download almost automatically on your Kindle...no need to connect to the computer either.

I also got other things...my camera is beyond dead unfortunately. My Designer SE has a new friend.....not as pricey as she was but super reliable.

As we drove over Northern Alabama and Southern Tennessee....we notice how beautiful the fall colors were. Just beautiful!!!

So,So Behind

2008-10-18T19:52:00.003-05:00

Our guild hosted Judy Niemeyer this week. She taught two great workshops...Sunflower Illusion and Indian Summer. I attended the Sunflower Illusion workshop....I learned so much!! Her techniques are amazing. Now paper piecing isn't my thing....I would love to do it and enjoy the process but up until now I have not be able to do it.

I purchased lots of patterns so I am invested...smile.

I really enjoyed her teaching technique but my confidence in knowing what I am doing is truly lacking....badly.

I plan to attend a class utilizing her techniques in January. Hopefully I will improve.

No pictures to share of her beautiful quilts, sorry....I was really stressing about understanding everything and getting my block made. I made the block but one small piece was short so I will redo.

I am so behind on everything, my blocks of the month....everything.

I spoke with a quilting friend about how she is able to get so much done. She tries to sew everyday....hmm, could I do that I wonder?She also sews a lot on the weekend. I work incredibly long hours and usually by the time I do get home and feed myself, the furry friends, answer mail, email and phone calls. It is time to stop, go to bed and start the day all over again.

I am going to try to sew at least on my days off.....I don't think I will be able to sew after work....I do believe I will be unsewing a lot.

This week I am scheduled to attend a girls getaway.....I am hoping to rest, relax, eat and sew...maybe I can caught up on my blocks of the month....smile!

Hugs and Blessings!

Traci

Athens Guild

2008-10-07T14:03:00.002-05:00

Hi!

Go to the end of the blog and view some photos from the Athens Quilt Show. I am a little late posting..sorry.

Hugs,

Traci

So Much for Stashbusting

2008-10-03T22:28:00.004-05:00

Okay...I am supposed to be busting my fabric stash right...well, that is and was the plan.

So why did I purchase....uggh!!! Nearly $500 worth of books and fabric???? I am a stress shopper and eater. I am trying to drop 10 pounds ....so eating was out of the question, so shopping it had to be.

My mother had a biopsy today...I wasn't worried originally but then I thought...I need to be there. I really need to be there. Instead of traveling the 3,000 miles back to the West Coast I went shopping for a quilt class later this month.....and apparently for a lot of other projects as well.

I decided to stop by Judy's Blog and see what I needed to gather for the Quilt an Hour project and was shocked that someone had the nerve to complain about Judy.

Called her selfish!!!??? What! She gives free patterns to everyone....we are currently doing a Star BOM...she provides two patterns FREE!! every month. She has designed a Quilt for an Hour project...once again FREEE!!! Perhaps whoever you are....you need to get out your dictionary and look up the meaning of SELFISH because it just may be you!

Disappointment

2008-09-08T12:40:00.002-05:00

Hello All!

Twice this week I had a change of plans....the most disappointing change was the cancellation of a retreat....a week long retreat. Yes, I had taken off work...yes, I had projects planned...but it is okay.

Now I will have a modified retreat....at home.

Pictures to follow.

Hugs and Blessings.

Me

GiveAway!!! GiveAway!!

2008-08-30T12:35:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone!

Here is a link to a fabulous fabric giveaway from one of my favorite bloggers.
http://sugarshop.typepad.com/sugar_shop/2008/08/guess-what-ive.html

Please stop by and tell them Traci sent you...hehe!

Football is here!!! Yipee! Go Trojans!!!

The Ladies At Night...smile!

2008-08-24T11:28:00.003-05:00

Well, Thursday...we all got together for drinks, dinner and fun. Here is a picture of some of us.

It was Shana's Birthday....Happy Birthday Shana!! Happy Birthday to you!

No Nashville For Me

2008-08-20T14:57:00.003-05:00

No Nashville for me. I so wanted to attend the last AQS show in Nashville...plans had been made and I was on my way tonight returning home tomorrow evening. Then life took over.

My co-worker's son was diagnosed Monday with a brain tumor. He had surgery on yesterday and is now recovering. There is no word yet on whether or not the tumor was malignant or not but Caleb is talking and interacting with his family. There is some facial paralysis and weakness which hopefully is a result of the surgery and will not be permanent.

I am a shopaholic..I know it and all my friends know it. It is sort of like a hobby for me..smile.

I have decided to give my co-worker the money I would have spent on my quilt show trip.

I need nothing and have been blessed so much in my life.

Please pray for Caleb and his family.

Hugs and Blessings to All!

Traci

Star BOM #2

2008-08-15T23:20:00.003-05:00

I received my new ruler today and decided to tackle Star BOM #2. Success!!! All is well.

I will redo Star BOM #1 at a later date....it is Olympics time!

Thanks to everyone who sent messages...I truly appreciate all of your encouraging words and suggestions.

I will be using the "coping" strips around the blocks to bring them up to the 12 1/2 inch size...actually this one measured out to be a little larger than 12 1/2 inches.

Have a great weekend all! Thanks so much Judy!

Hugs and Blessings!

Traci

Wow...Exciting Giveaway!!!

2008-08-11T12:53:00.002-05:00

Okay...I found this amazing blog. You must go check this one out and while you are there enter in the drawing for several prizes....amazing!!!!

Ah...Houston, We Have A Problem....

2008-08-10T17:17:00.005-05:00

More Like Traci you have a problem....with your ruler!!!

Here are my fabrics I will be using for Star BOM...all batiks, all from stash. I will be adding some pinks as well.

Here is my completed Block # 1...major problems. I thought I measured so carefully!!! Not!

Well, more like Traci....you have a serious measuring problem.

I can't be the only one that is having problems with the 16th measurements....yuck. Maybe if I had a ruler with the 16th marks! I know...it is me, just me. I have always been measuring challenged...smile, actually smiling through my tears. I so wanted this BOM to be a success for me. No, I haven't given up...but I am very disappointed.

Hugs and Blessings....Suggestions always welcomed!!!

Traci

Whew....Is Fall Here Yet!??

2008-08-09T11:00:00.002-05:00

Hi All!

I finally see the light at the end of the tunnel!! Summer is coming to an end...thank goodness.

This summer has been one for the records for me...work has exploded, I will be changing positions soon and life is ever changing all around me.

Not much to show in regards to quilting...just a huge and ever growing fabric collection. I was so trying to reduce my stash this year...but I am so far in the fabric hole there is no climbing out for me.

Since I wasn't able to sit at the sewing machine as much as I wanted to....I have been doing a lot, and I do mean....a lot of shopping. Everyplace I went if there was a quilt shop within 100 miles I was there. The Internet has always been a friend to me but we are even closer now...smile!!

Hopefully as summer comes to an end...I will be able to spent less time Internet shopping and more time at the sewing machine.

Last night I attended a big fund raising event for work The Miracle Bash. Lots of good food, drink and dancing. Standing 4 hours in 4 inch heels was a mistake....my feet were throbbing as I was walking to the car after the event. How nice that I had my feet rubbed that night....sad that I fell asleep right after...hehe!

Hugs and Blessings!!

Traci ( ohhh...soccer is on)

Where Has Time Gone??

2008-07-06T13:28:00.002-05:00

My life is one big blurry mess. At least this year is! Work has been so busy...I have been working overtime. That word "overtime" is really night in my vocabulary. I don't like it and my body doesn't like it. My social life and sewing have taken really big hits due to working so much. The extra money is great but what happens when you are too tired to spend it?

I have so enjoyed visiting blogs and staying connected with sewing and quilting. I look at my sewing room (still in total disarray) and promise myself that one day I will return to my now second favorite room....my bedroom is now my favorite.

I do plan on participating in Judy's BOM. I love stars and have fabric that I want to use for it. I am now trying to decide what background I want to use, I will be using a collection of batik fat quarters(1895 Hoffman Batiks..I have a yard of all of them) for the stars and a golden orange batik for the star points. Should I bust some stash for the background fabric or should I splurge and purchase something new???? I have a navy blue batik that would work great and there is always my my favorite black batik...hmmm. No idea which direction I will go.

I have made a list of projects I want to start just from visiting my favorite blogs..hehe! One is the Run Around Bag from Lazy Girl Designs. I also want to start two patriot quilts. A simple red, white and blue Jewel Box or another simple pattern. Another patriotic quilt from this Cozy Quilt Pattern...and perhaps a third one, smile. I also need to get busy, purchase some Christmas fabric for two Christmas quilts....how did I get talked into that!!

I need to make a list of my UFOs...and start to work on them weekly or at least monthly. I am so jealous of people who can sew daily....wow!

My next dream is for a clean and organized house. My mom is coming to visit soon...can't wait.

Until next time!

Me!

Busy As a Bumblebee

2008-06-21T17:40:00.002-05:00

Life here has been super busy. Work has exploded and the house...too has exploded in a not so pleasing way...if you get my drift.

I promise to update you on my Paducah outing etc. I know....I am so so late with pictures. I decided to put the Orange Crush mystery on the back burner....simply because I have no time.

I have been stitching...or trying too. I am not very good but I am trying daily to get better. Really how hard can it be right.. smile!

Hugs and Blessings!

Traci

So Sorry

2008-05-31T22:12:00.002-05:00

I have been across the country and back! May was (since there are only hours left) a really busy month for me. Graduations, surprise visits, family get togthers...work.. too much. I now have one month with nothing planned..that is that requires traveling more than 2 hours from home.

There is so much more I wanted to accomplish this month but never got around to it...cleaning, planting my tomato plants ( my Topsy Turvey planter was recalled by QVC), giving Izzy a summer hair cut and organizing my closets. It seems my entire wardrobe is in three suitcases or in the laundry room. I need a few more outfits to complete my summer wardrobe....but I am not in a hurry to find them, smile.

Blogging and sewing have both taken a back seat....I promised that June will bring more of both.

Hugs and Blessings!

Traci

Happy Mother's Day

2008-05-09T10:11:00.002-05:00

Happy Mother's Day Everyone!!!

This has been a "flying"month for me. My sister-in -law's graduation in Minnesota and finally my surprise for my mother on yesterday...me, for Mother's Day! I flew in to surprise her....boy was she shocked! Hehe!

Needless to say...I however am exhausted! I would not recommend flying this much and working this much to anyone. I am so happy that I don't have to routinely travel with my current job. I always pack the wrong things and this trip was no different. I was expecting warm balmy temps...no, it is serious sweatshirt weather here! I did bring some jeans but no long sleeves. My best friend remembered that she did pick me up a sweatshirt on one of her shopping trips a few months ago , I now have one lightweight jacket and a sweatshirt.

Tomorrow, I am walking/running...Kim says we are walking...in the Entertainment Industry Foundation Revlon Run/Walk for Women. This aids the fight against all Women's Cancers. Pictures to follow.

Happy Mother's Day!!

Love and Kisses!

Traci

Paducah Aftermath

2008-04-27T11:58:00.003-05:00

Went to Paducah this year armed with a list! Yes, a list.

Usually I am a person that doesn't have a shopping plan unless it is for food or things I need for my house. I just go and let whatever guide me.

Well, not this year....Paducah had a list and limits were set.

I got the threads I wanted and the fabric I wanted.

A friend is having a baby so...a quilt is planned. Found the perfect border fabric...yipee. Now to decide on the pattern...hmmm. Didn't find one that I liked.
I also found fabric I needed for a wallhanging in the works.

I went to Hancock's of Paducah and spent....$71....that is it! WEll...not the total for the trip but that is all I spent at Hancock's.

Another item on my list was to test drive long arm machines. So far I like the Gammill Premiere Plus or the Classic Plus and the Tin Lizzie. I was really surprised about the Tin Lizzie LS really smooth...there was a big difference in price so I will not rush into a decision too fast. I will test drive the machines again before making a decision. The other machines I tested had a lot of vibrations that were hard on my hands. I have no problems with my hands or wrist...so I was surprised when I felt the discomfort.

Off to the gym....Paducah food it bad, but oh so good!!!
Will post photos of my goods!

Hugs and Blessings...off to the gym!

Traci

Stash Reduction Effort

2008-04-20T16:14:00.003-05:00

Well, I didn't purchase any fabric this week...smile. Paducah is this week...I will have a lot to report after that.

I started the Quiltville Orange Crush Mystery as planned..all from stash!

I attend two workshops using all stash fabric...nothing new was purchased. I wanted something new and different...there are so many new and exciting floral prints now but I didn't purchase anything at all.

This week was a trying one...work, work and more work. The unit is gratefully not super busy but the other stuff that I must do simply drained me. It didn't help that I had the crud...I don't usually get sick so when I do it becomes a big production. It doesn't help that the valley is blooming! I have allergies...bad allergies. So the crud coupled with my allergies is something like having a quart of ice cream up your nose and cottage cheese stuck in your throat...all at the same time. My throat felt like a grater attacked me then someone poured gasoline on it then set it on fire. Misery!!

I am allergic to every grass known to man....spring, not my favorite time of year.

Just a reminder that summer another unpleasant time of the year is on the way....yuck!!!

On a good note...I feel much better!

Hugs,
Traci

Barbara Olson Workshop Continues

2008-04-20T16:10:00.000-05:00

Barbara Olson Workshop Photos

Barbara Olson Visits The Guild

2008-04-20T15:02:00.005-05:00

With great pleasure we hosted Barbara Olson at the guild on Thursday. Her lecture and quilts were an inspiration. Her use of color was outstanding.

I was fortunate to take two workshops with Barbara. Jump Start you Creativity and Cosmic Spirals. The spirals are interesting....foundation piecing. She uses Sulky Totally Stable as her foundation...hard initially to use but I like it a lot better than freezer paper or paper. The picture above is Cosmic Spirals by Barbara Olsen. It will be a long long time before my wall hanging is photographed. I did finish up the black and white spiral for the top block...only!

The above wallhanging is Barbara's Wild Thing. This is a machine appliqued project. She used glue stick and the blanket stitch. She uses Invisible Thread (smoke) Monopoly and Bottom Line in the bobbin.

If any of you have a Viking....my $6,000 sewing machine doesn't like glue stick. I love the control you have with the glue stick...but I wonder if I could use spray starch or something else instead. Exposing my machine to that much glue kind of makes me nervous. Barbara assured me that cleaning the needle with an alcohol swab and also cleaning it after each bobbin change would be enough...hmmm.

Hugs and Blessings!

Traci