On the Up Side

It’s now on the up side of the Winter Solstice! Once again, the days are getting longer. And, before we know it, this winter will be over! Spring is just around the corner!

The last time I posted, it was about the Promises I made to myself. I’m thrilled to report: I had the honor of covering three Veterans at the American Legion Post #116 Christmas Party!

Doing the math, I have one quilt finished/ready and safely stored (because I had 4 ready for the party but only 3 new Veterans attended)!

And, my friend’s quilt will be ready for the January’s Post meeting! We have 2 new members I’m hoping will attend!

Once I get back to the sewing room…

This is what 1080 pieces sewn together looks like! It’s called a “Beggars Quilt” or “Charm Quilt” and some call it a “Postage Stamp Quilt”. 

It’s taken me a little over a year to complete it thus far. I put a call out for scraps back in May 2016 in the article “Begging for the Beggar” and the response was overwhelming! Thank you again to my family and friends that now have a bit of their scraps in this quilt!

I quickly discovered, however, I can do just so much cutting (holding/using a rotary cutter) at one time and is why it’s taken me so long! I didn’t make it for the 2017 Dallas Quilt Show, but that’s okay.

With this quilt, I plan on covering a Veteran ~ not a member of our Post ~ but a member of our community. I’ve been acquainted with him for many years now. Back in March, his sought after advice meant the world to me and brought me inner peace I haven’t had since my daddy was called home. It’s past time I cover him.

Promises

Another month, flown by in the blink of an eye!

The original quilting machine and set up have left the building! We get our living room back and a new quilter begins her journey. Win-Win!

Although purchased in October 2016, the new machine and shorter frame in my dedicated sewing room has been set up since April 2017. I promised myself not to use it until the original was sold. I kept that promise.

Now I’m almost ready for a “Quilt Fest”!

The past few weeks I’ve been scrambling to get quilts done, to cover Veterans at our upcoming American Legion Post’s Christmas party in December. I’m on my 4th top and a friend is also making one for the cause. Soon I will have a quilt fest and get them all quilted using my new machine! I can hardly wait!

In October, I made another promise to myself… from now on I will make at least one Veteran’s quilt a month. I then will have spares for new members, or current members that come back to a meeting! Not to mention all the veterans in Lampasas County and beyond who need to be covered!

Because winter is coming, it will be an easy promise to keep. Maybe I can even push it to get more than one done per month, to carry me over the spring when it’s time to get back to yard work, and keeping chickens!

First Full Day of Fall - 2017

Fall began yesterday afternoon. Already.

Finally.

I’m looking forward to cooler days, and praying for a bit of much needed rain.

Although September is National Sewing Month, something I’ve “celebrated” in years past with a daily blog article, this year caught me off guard!

I found their theme: “Sew for the Beauty of it” perplexing!

I don’t decide the theme. In partnership with the American Sewing Guild, National Sewing Month is presented by the Sewing & Craft Alliance. They make the decision of what to focus upon.

Back in the summer, I discovered the theme for 2017. It was then I began to ponder, gather, and prepare what I wanted to share throughout September. I love celebrating the act of sewing!

I found the prior years easy:

2012 – Sew for the Fun of it

2013 – Sew for the Skill of it

2014 – Sew for the Creativity of it

2015 – Sew for the Charity of it

2016 – Sew for the Experience of it

However, this year’s theme “Sew for the Beauty of it” was certainly thought provoking! It’s not easy!

I reached out to family and friends on Lanetta’s Creations Facebook page and a couple of groups, asking what “Sew for the Beauty of it” meant to them…

Some feedback I received:

Sherry answered:

Beauty of the craft, history, art, further generations, love, most is beauty of giving and making. And beauty of the heart that’s put into it.

Valarie wrote:

The beauty of the end result but also the beauty of the process that results in that end result. And can't forget the beauty of the souls who make crafts and share their art with others!

Linda shared:

One way it would have meaning to me is: The sewn project provides a visual time of pleasure in looking at the final result. During the sewing of an item… the touching of the fabric and putting the seams together brings satisfaction in the completion of an item.

Pat replied:

It would encourage me to sew for the sheer pleasure or beauty of the experience and for the pleasure of the finished project.

“Sew for the Beauty of it.” 

What does that phrase mean to you?

How would/do you sew for the beauty of it?

Bottom line, it’s subjective. It is what one brings to the table…

Most unusual for me, I’ve not had the motivation to sew but one time so far this month. That was when my sweet Momma came to visit. She was a huge help organizing a couple of tubs filled with fabric. 

I got the 11^th and final drawstring backpack done and all mailed out for the kids at Marty Indian School in South Dakota.

Too much going on to focus, even for the beauty of it.

Isn't Enough

Sometimes thinking and dreaming of what to create next isn’t enough.

Sewing for the children attending Marty Indian School in Marty, South Dakota

Creating Veteran’s quilts

Creating Memory Quilts for a friend

Making walker bags

Making aprons

Preparing for an upcoming Christmas Bazaar

One would think it’s enough.

But it isn’t.

My mind races while thinking of all those things going on around me in which I have no control.

I must STOP fretting and worrying about other’s problems along with all the hatred in this world. It’s not doing me any good. In fact, it’s causing me to have issues I certainly don’t need!

Like…

I catch myself clenching my teeth together ~ hard! I have to consciously tell myself to relax.

I catch myself holding my breath. I must tell myself to just breathe. Over and Over.

I have recently discovered a very relaxing thing to ponder. It seems to be working!!! It is…

Keeping Chickens!

Yes!

I’ve subscribed to numerous contributors and watched BUNCHES of youtube videos while in Dallas over the past couple of weeks. I’ve pinned on Pinterest a lot of ideas on this and that. I found & joined two Facebook groups about Keeping Chickens. And, I have read many blog articles on Keeping Chickens.

BUT, the BIGGEST plus of all – Bud (DH) is on board with the idea of us Keeping Chickens!!!

We’ve selected the area for the permanent coop and run! Making plans. Studying what/when to do this and that. Preparing!

Come next spring…

No matter what I’m doing, what I’m sewing on, this is what I now turn my mind to focus upon when the negative tries to enter! It seems to be working things out much better for me!

I’ve created another blog site about our Journey in the Yolk Yard – so I won’t bore you here!

National Doll Day - 2017

The first Sunday in August of 2017 is already here! Goodness gracious! For over six decades, the love of dolls has been a huge part of my life. If you are reading this, I would imagine you have also found joy and comfort through dolls!

I recently discovered, and am thrilled to share with everyone, the “Doll Project” for our Native Americans living on reservations in South Dakota!

Although the article is from 2011, Give a Doll for Christmas it is an ongoing project! This article provides lots and lots of fabulous information and links. Actually, the entire blog is a worthwhile read! Also, I would encourage you to join the Facebook group: Sew For Kids Volunteers and you’ll find a bunch more information about the 2017 Doll Project – among other focuses for our Native Americans!

Will you donate a doll? An outfit for the doll to wear would also be a great thing!

What was I thinking?

I consider myself a “smart” person, one with a bit of common sense. On extremely rare occasions, however, I have slipped up, telling myself, “Oh, just one more.”

Again.

And, again.

Then yet again.

Too much of anything is not good. Change it up. Mix it up.

When friends post on Facebook how they’ve racked up their hands or shoulders or this and that while doing what they love, I’ve commented my suggestion: change it up.

Yes. Continuous repetition will come back and bite you! Sometimes Big Time!

How many have heard the saying:

“Do as I say. Not as I do.”

A couple of days ago I really messed up. I spent HOURS off/on cutting 1.5” fabric strips to make more Scrappy Heart Blocks (I need a total of 20 for a small lap quilt).

A total of 6 are now done - 14 left to do!

What was I thinking?

Oh, yes. I kept telling myself, “Just One More!”

The pressure applied to the ruler, lining up to rotary cut a straight edge, has torn up my left hand, shooting pains up my arm. OTC meds (oral and topical) are not helping this time. This morning I’ve put on my hand brace. Something I should have done when I first felt the pain.

Yesterday I did very little cutting as I had a few items ready just to stitch. I took my time. I managed to finish two placemats, the embroidery work on another, and finished the forth amulet bag.   

And, I changed it up.

 - read a bit of The Lakota Way,

 - colored some on the 2017-2018 day planner I found at Walmart (similar to this one at Amazon)

- simply sat with my hands in my lap while watching television – rather than crocheting on an afghan.

Yet still. This morning I know I will probably stay out of the sewing room all together. I need to keep the door closed. I keep pushing myself. I cannot do that.

I need to practice what I preach!

Beyond Excited

I’m so excited! I’ve never been a “Classroom Mom” before!

Although I know better to be the Mom because life will get in the way and I don’t want to disappoint, but I can ~ and did ~ volunteer to be the “assistant” mom!

This is the second year the “Room Parent Program” has been done for grades K – 5^th at the Marty Indian School in South Dakota. Because it is long distance, actual hugs can’t be given. According to Google Maps from my ranch to there is about 970 miles – one way! Rather it is a snail mail experience, sending goodies and handmade items all wrapped in loving prayers and hugs.

The Facebook group Sew for Kids Volunteers led me to this opportunity of a lifetime. I am humbled to now be the Assistant Classroom Mom for the Second Grade!

Never having a second grader and not knowing what kids are like at that age (and what that “age” might be as it’s been a long time since my nieces were in 2^nd grade!) I put this news out on my Facebook wall, asking for clues! I received some great input! Thanks to all!

My sister reminded me, everything I create can have an educational foundation… like words embroidered on items to reinforce what they are learning…

But what will they be learning in 2^nd grade?

I took my laptop into town and downloaded the Content Standards for South Dakota (like the Texas TEKS). Something within their list caught my eye ~ the Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings and Standards.

What a wealth of information! I will re-read several times, to learn more truths about our Native Americans.

I came back home and ordered two books listed within the resources (oh, I wish I could buy them all….)

The Lakota Way: Stories & Lessons for Living by Joseph Marshall III

The Great Race of the Birds and Animals by Paul Goble

From what I’ve read so far, I truly believe everyone, every child in the U.S.A., should read Mr. Marshall’s book, The Lakota Way: Stories & Lessons for Living.

It’s beyond Powerful.

A Tub Full

Here lately I’ve been doing quite a bit of sewing. It all started on Sunday, May 8^th and I have thoroughly enjoyed every moment! A few days before I had discovered the closed Facebook group Sew for Kids Volunteers. After reading through their blog, I knew it was a mission I wanted to support.

It’s not just for kids! The woman’s shelter, the Elder Center, and the Veterans are also in need for things I can create and send!

It’s like I’m obsessed with getting things done and mailed off to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation!

I’ve sent two boxes already in the USPS large mailers that “if it fits, it ships” for a bit less than $19.00 (the USPS taking my money said they would have cost over $40 EACH had I not used that special box!). They were filled with children’s books, several fun pillowcases I had made a while back, and a little dress freshly created: 

Anyway, for me, it’s the perfect cause to use up my stash of fabric I’ve had for years!

Although I have a “door full” of items ready to mail, it’s not enough to fill up a box!

Once we got back from Dallas yesterday, I pulled out a tub full of fabric and will work through it this week… 

I just found this list of ways to help provided by the Friends of Pine Ridge Reservation! So many ideas!

Now… off to get busy!

Time

During the recent time spent on the “Denver Road Trip” with my 88 year young mother, I created so many blessed memories that will last a lifetime. I am thankful we both agreed on taking her car rather than flying.

Yes.

We could have arrived there and home much quicker had we flown. But, I couldn’t see how I could manage all our “stuff” and her wheelchair and her walker and her!

Even after driving almost 1800 miles over the past week, I would do it again in a heartbeat – for her. I am beyond thrilled she was physically and mentally capable to see her FOURTH Great Grandchild graduate from High School!

She’s made them all… either in St. Louis for the twins and now twice in Denver.

Before, she had flown with my sister and Sarah.

It worked out that this final graduation trip she & I would go together.

I am blessed.

The time driving up there

The time while there

The time driving home

Has filled me with an even greater admiration and appreciation of the woman I call Momma.

Sunday

Sunday ~ yesterday ~ I got the urge to create a dress for a little girl. So I did. Although it’s for a little girl I don’t know, one I’ll never meet, I prayed for her the entire time.

It felt right. It was what I needed to do.

I absolutely love making things.

I love sewing for others.

Sewing for charity is a great way to spend a Sunday, and everyday!

Happy Easter!

He is risen!

It's Time

It’s heart wrenching to “de-stash” my stash of

fabric

and trims

and lace

and notions

and all the goodies forwarded to me over the years.

While going through it all, I dream ~ a lot ~ of what I could make with this and that.

But then I ask myself, why?

Why do I make things?

I remind myself how much I love to sew

to quilt

to cross-stitch

to crochet

to spin

So through the tears of letting go and sorting into stacks for this person or this group or this project for whatever reason or cause, I’ve made some life-changing decisions.

Really, it’s a re-focus.

It’s time to move on.

National Quilting Month

I know, March is almost half over and I’m just now realizing it is National Quilting Month! And, this Saturday (3/18/2017) is National Quilting Day!

Maybe I can find a bit of time to work on a quilt! I haven’t had the opportunity in a couple of months and I’m struggling with sewing/quilting withdrawals! But, all for good reasons…

 Anyway, a day late and a dollar short, I discovered this morning Missouri Star Quilt Co. was hosting a contest (deadline was YESTERDAY!) for your quilting story. Maybe next year…

While searching around the Internet this morning, I discovered The Kentucky Quilt Project ~

Why Quilts Matter

[You can see snippets of their series on YouTube, and follow their link to purchase the complete set.] 

For the time being I plan,
dream,
and wait
until I get back to sewing/quilting!

Happy National Quilting Month!

A Week Later

My goodness. This week has flown by much too quickly! This afternoon I head back to Dallas, to again help my mother during her rehab period after breaking her right wrist on January 13^th. Yes. It was a “Friday the 13^th” freak episode of tripping over her feet.

I got a week respite after spending 29 days there (three days during this time I had two special visitors)! For a blessed 7 days I came home ~ to regroup, to spend time here at home with my family, and get some remodeling done on the dedicated sewing room! Thank the Lord for my sister!!!

Back to the renovation update ~ I had to basically empty the room first, before we could install the new flooring, which took a couple of days while DH had a few projects to do outside. You can see the absolute mess I faced in my previous post.

The Allen & Roth laminate flooring was a BUGGER to install. Last year we installed the same principled type flooring in our living room, but a different brand. It was a room three times bigger and it went down beautifully with hardly any issues. But, not this stuff.

Anyway. It’s done.

We put the bookcases back in the room and I reloaded the shelves with most of my collection. I’m selling the knitting books. I know I will never learn to knit.

Did you happen to notice the tv trays leaning against the wall next to the bookcases?

These are older than me! They also still work! I have precious memories of using them at my grandparents when they lived behind us, and then at the farm. They will NEVER get painted, nor thrown away.

We then moved the new HEAVY SUCKER quilting frame and machine boxes from the living room! (Yes. They’ve been there since arrival in November 2016)!

I’ve order wall cabinets – white Shaker style – for this wall. I will pick up from Lowe’s and we will get them installed once I get back.

If I can find oil-based paint, I may eventually paint the remaining walls white. I know from lessons learned latex paint will peel off the paneling.

To the right of the door was once a window. It’s been filled in, and will have a wall cabinet, but it won’t totally cover the ‘pieced’ section. I’m still thinking about how to cover it as my Plan A didn’t work. I saw on Fixer Upper where Chip used a “peel and stick” type of flooring on a wall. Well, it wouldn’t stick to the varnished paneling like I’d hoped. I am NOT ABOUT to strip the varnish, so am back to the drawing board on this one! Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated!

I cleaned out a closet. I should have taken a “before picture”…

But, I didn’t.

It’s cool to clean out a closet after having stuff buried for 15-20 years! It’s amazing the things that are rediscovered!  

Now it’s time to de-clutter!

While going through the all stuff taken out of the room, I set up two boxes…

1)    donation to the local Senior Center

2)    donation for the American Legion Post #116’s annual “garage sale” at the Diamondback Jubilee (Rattlesnake Roundup) in Lometa Regional Park on 3/25/17

I also have a HUGE trash bag.

It’s a start.

It’s only been a week.

Until the next time I’m back home…

Dedicated Sewing Room - Progress Report

It's been a long time coming, one of the last rooms to renovate in this 1918 house. What I've lovingly referred to as my "walk-in closet" is now changing!

What it looked like in November 2014:

Trust me. It only got worse.

I know.
I have too much "stuff" !!!
But, but, I have so many things I want to do.
Eventually.

Over the years, there have been many passions, wants, desires to create various projects.

When taking everything possible out of the room, I know there will be a few items totally tossed. Some will donated.
Some will be put up for sale... like all my knitting books because I know my brain doesn't work that way, and my hands can't take it. No. I'll simply crochet.

I haven't yet gone through the "stuff" as I had to clear the room for the new flooring:

Anna had never been able to look out this window!

The fun begins this afternoon!!!

Creating Your Own Organizer - Free Printables Found!

Just before Christmas a friend called my attention to a 2017 quilt planner she’d come across on the internet. I took a look and decided it wasn’t for me, not just because of the hefty price (even when multiples were ordered together), it was because I knew I wouldn’t use all the various pages included. It would be a waste.

I decided to create a planner myself, to customize it to fit my needs and wants. That’s when I went searching for ideas and free printables on the internet.

I came across Just a Girl and Her Blog. Abby has wonderful ideas and I signed up on her website for additional printables exclusive to her newsletter subscribers! Trust me! Worth it!

In addition to printable pages readily available, she provides a tutorial how create one in MS Word from scratch! Totally custom! Totally me!

Oh, and also, she shares “Plan to Achieve Your Goals this Year!” asking some great SMART questions:

In January I saw the original planner in person. I’m so thankful I didn’t get it because it would be much too heavy for me. Also, I realized it had a spiral binding. I hadn’t noticed that back in December. And, is another reason I wouldn’t want it as it’s too limiting. I’m thinking a one inch three ring binder will be perfect. When September comes, would I really need to be carrying around March stuff?

Anyway…

At No Side Bar, they have a few printables, like the Weekly Planner – perfect for my custom planner!

Blooming Homestead not only offers numerous brightly colored printables, but also shares her method of getting organized! You’ll find a 28 page .pdf download – pick and chose!!!

Oh. My. Goodness. If I can’t find everything I need on Organized Home, I don’t need a planner! They even have a “Fabric Organizer Page” !!!!

Life Your Way has a Home Management Notebook system with sheets for Birthday Organizer and Basic Medical Information among many others!

I also found many printables at Organizing Home Life! 

Fab n Free created lovely printables for Home-Family organization like Meal Planner and Cleaning Planner. I especially like her “Daily Planner” as it has check boxes for water and exercise (a reminder I need on a daily basis)!

I happened across a website that had a YouTube video about creating planners so got me to thinking…

Who would have thought? Oh, Yes! Check out the variety!!!

I guess everything you ever wanted to know can be found on YouTube!!!

This is not for a binder, but for the sewing room! How fun is this one I found on Crafterhours!

I so appreciate all the talented and good-hearted folks for creating a multitude of free printables!

Now to get started printing…

Top 7 Articles of 2016

#7 – The Gift to Give

....Instead of asking her [my sister] last Christmas, I simply prepared and gave her “Blessing Bags” for her to pass along to those in need. I don’t think I’ve ever given her anything she liked and appreciated better – ever!

Read the complete article.

#6 - Introducing the Wings Quilt Block!

...Have you ever created a quilt block and didn’t like the way it looked? Maybe the color scheme used or the size of individual pieces within the block just didn’t look like the way you envisioned?

Read the complete article.

#5 – Just Shy of a full blown addiction

…finding free “Block of the Month” (or bi-weekly) (BOM) websites and the Facebook support groups that go along with them! I’m a happy camper that they are out there by the droves!

Read the complete article.

#4 – Crumb Quilts

...Those itty bitty tiny scraps are not just for stuffing pillows or pet beds any longer!

Read the complete article.

#3 – When Sisters Work Together

…a story I want to share…

Read the complete article.

#2 – Whispers in the Wind

 …each time I feel the wind on my face, I will be absorbing the prayer from a Prayer Flag someone, somewhere in this world, has made. Because, now I know about the whispers in the wind!

Read the complete article.

And, the Number One article for 2016:

#1 - Labor Day - Labor of Love

 …There are a multitude of those giving from the heart ~ a labor of love ~ their creativeness, expertise, and devotion through making quilts, dresses, shorts, pillowcases, bags, and on and on for whatever the need may be! 

Read the complete article.

Which is your favorite?