Wilma's World

Making Headway

2012-01-26T06:29:00.000-05:00

I'm onto finishing my 3rd quilt now, yay!! The first one is a donation quilt that will be going to the Guardian as Litem office today. My friend, Nancy, made the top, and I quilted and bound it.

The yellow/purple quilt I showed you on the frame last post is now quilted, the binding is made and ready to go to go on. This one is kind of big.

And the 3rd is the loud one I made at a retreat in 2010. It's on the frame and ready to go.

Once I got the frame cleared off, I have really been productive. I have several more smaller things to do, maybe I will keep on this roll for a while.

Later,
WilmaNC

Floating My Quilt and My Boat

2012-01-23T09:08:00.000-05:00

I have recently got into a finishing mode, so I cleaned off the quilting frame, cleaned and oiled the machine, and decided to get some quilting done. I always float my quilt top, and usually pin the edges, but I found these things I had purchased a while back and decided I would give them another go. They are working great!!! I got them from a greenhouse supply somewhere online. They are used to hold the plastic to the pole on ready to assemble greenhouses and seemed like they would work for anchoring my quilt top. I'm so glad I found them!! Sometimes it's good to give things a second try. Can you see how they work?

Any Rizzoli and Isles fans out there? I absolutely love that show, so much so that I purchased the t-shirt that they wear on their ball team. Now, this floats my boat!!! LOL. Am I too old to be such a fangirl???

Have a great day.

WilmaNC

Pincushions

2012-01-17T08:03:00.000-05:00

Who doesn't love pincushions?? I didn't start out to, but for some reason I seem to be getting a pincushion collection. And I hope to get more!

I won a give-a-way from Rana's and received a pattern for her Heirloom Tomatoes Pincushion pattern. Go visit her site!! I hope to get to it soon, but that got me to looking at all of the ones I already have.

Then, while reading one of my favorite blogs, Love Laugh Quilt, I saw that she is showcasing pin cushions, so thought I would post pictures of mine. So here goes:

I have received most of these as gifts, except the giant one which I made during a sew-a-long. You can see that the one I use most is the one with the thread catcher. It is by my seat where I watch TV. Must. keep. hands. busy....LOL.

Go check out all of the rest of the pin cushion links at Love Laugh Quilt.

WilmaNC

My Newest Doll Quilt

2012-01-15T06:39:00.000-05:00

As an addendum to my last post, I received my doll quilt in the swap, from Freida in Tennessee. It is beautiful! Had to add this picture for you to see.

WilmaNC

Little Quilts

2012-01-09T17:46:00.000-05:00

I just love making little quilts, or doll quilts. They are so cute and don't take very long, and they give you something on which to practice your flatbed machine quilting. I sometimes join in the Doll Quilt swaps at The Quilting Bee (see sidebar for link), and just finished one for February. The theme was hearts, and this is what I came up with.

It went in the mail to the recipient today. Hope she likes it, and hope she isn't one of those people who are opposed to playing cards, lol.

I have made several and have received some really nice ones. Here are some pictures.

I didn't make this one, received it in a swap. Pretty embroidery!!

They can be displayed either hung on the wall: (Received these in swaps)

Or if you have one, on a doll bed: (received in swap)

Fun stuff eh?? Most of the little quilts I have made have been made for others, though I did keep a few.

Give them a try.

Later,

WilmaNC

NY

2011-12-29T08:20:00.000-05:00

Christmas is over, and now we are looking forward to a New Year. My wedding anniversary is January 3 (39 yrs), and my birthday is January 15 (61 yo), so all of my milestones are right at the beginning of the year. I'm looking forward to this year. Lots of good things to come I'm sure.

I have signed up for a Free Motion Quilting challenge for 2012. There will be tutorials on quilting with your regular sewing machine on a monthly basis. (See sidebar for link). I do well with my mid arm quilter, but I have never mastered doing small things, as well as marking the quilting patterns. I hope to learn a thing or 2. Or 3.

Dave's brother was here for Christmas. We nor his mother hadn't seen him for over 20 years, but he came back into the fold this year. We got to talking about the old days, and I drug out this picture from when I was 24. What a motley looking group. I am on the far left, and Dave is the one on the bottom right (with the long hair) and our 2 kids, Jack and Cari. Why they separated us I will never know, probably because I am short and the picture needed to be balanced. His brother is the tallest one standing.

Dave went for many years after that with short hair, but when Bush sent the military to Iraq, he started letting his hair grow again and said he wouldn't cut it til the troops came home. He got it cut last Friday. (Can I hear a loud collective YAY!!!!?? For the troops coming home, not his haircut...) Needless to say, it was quite long. But now I told him he can't let it grow again til we get a house where he has his own bathroom. I hated dealing with all that hair in the bathtub, lol.

I hope to have lots of quilty things to show you all this year. And I hope 2012 holds many good things for you all too.

Later,
WilmaNC

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T06:40:00.000-05:00

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and goodwill towards men.'"

"...And that's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown."

A great idea, but of course not from me. :)

2011-12-18T06:55:00.001-05:00

Just a quick post to let you all know I am still here. I've just been really busy with holiday stuff and visitors etc, but found this tutorial that i just had to share.

I always reuse my plastic bags from the grocery etc for can liners in the TV room and the bathroom. (I try to always use my cloth bags, but sometimes I just forget!!) I have one of those bag holders that all quilters own I'm sure. It gets full and then the elastic stretches out and the bags fall to the floor.

Look familiar?

This is what my bags look like now...

Remember playing table football with the folded paper? Well, fold your bag like that and they are tiny!!! You can store them in a clothespin bag or any small container. It only takes a minute to fold

I didn't make the tutorial, but here is a link: Click Right Here!! Once you're there, click on the tut and it gets big enough to read well. Ingenious, right??

Hope your holidays are going well and you are staying sane.

Later,
WilmaNC

Christmasy Things and a Request for Knitters

2011-12-06T07:52:00.000-05:00

I entered a table runner in the contest at the Quilting Gallery. It is one of my favorites from the monthly table runners that were put out by Cotton Way. I love all of the patterns they make. It is machine appliquéd and machine quilted. I have only one more to do and then I will have the entire year done.

In my little online group, ABC Quilters, we did a fabric challenge. My sister Roma sent us each a half yard of Christmas fabric and we were to make something out of it to swap. The rule was to make something you would like to receive. I made pillows from mine. Well, when the challenge was over, we were told that we each keep what we made for ourself!!!! Cool, eh? (We are always looking for a few new members who will participate in our little projects.)

I was in a doll quilt swap at the Quilting Bee Forum (see sidebar) and this is the quilt I received. It is so cute!!!! Thanks, Kim Duggin, for the sweet quilt that will go on the wall with my others.

We also did a Secret Santa on the ABC group. We used the word Christmas, and had to give something that started with each letter of the word. I got some really nice things from my sister, Roma.

Oh, and I got this pattern for a Swirl Christmas tree from Frivolous Necessity. It is sooo sweet. I am in the process of sewing down all of the pieces. My sister Patty did one in a red/green color way. It is such a unique pattern.

So, that's all of the pics I have to share right now.

KNITTERS
I have a request. I want to knit toe up socks. I have googled and watched youtube videos up the ying yang and can't seem to get the toe started. I tried the figure 8, which everything said was the easiest. Do any of you have a preferred way? And if you do, will you share with me. Thanks!!!!

Later!
WilmaNC

Tis the Season

2011-11-29T06:55:00.002-05:00

Thanksgiving is over, and now the countdown to Christmas has begun. My favorite quilty things are hung, and today we will set up the tree. It usually takes us several days to get all the ornaments placed as Dave and MIL are so picky about where they go. But the tree is always very pretty.

I am entering the 2011 Christmas Quilt Show hosted by Sewcalgal. Go check out her site and see all of the beautiful Christmas projects done by your fellow quilters.

Here is my most favorite, Countdown to Christmas. I love this one and make sure I change the numbers every morning!!

Here's the mantel so far. I love the banner we made in the stitch-a-long. The other stuff will be moved as we get the rest of our decorations out. We have gas logs this year so we can enjoy a fire without burning the banner, lol.

The Patchabilities snowmen are another favorite. I thought I had lost these, but found them all by themselves in a box in the attic. Whew!!!!

And my Christmas Houses quilt will hang this year. I alternate between this one and the large embroidered rework Christmas quilt.

Than't pretty much all I put out of quilty stuff. Don't want to inundate the place with my stuff so MIL can have room for some of her favorites too.

BTW, MIL has been in the best of humors since she took her last trip to Ohio in the fall. I think she started to realize how much we do for her and how much she loves her simple routines and commotion free life here with us. I hope it continues ad infinitum.

More decorations and Christmas stuff to come I'm sure.

WilmaNC

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T07:04:00.000-05:00

Hope you all have a great day with family. And to all my WW friends. enjoy, but remember, moderation is the key!!!

wilmaNC

Another Christmas thing

2011-11-17T06:52:00.000-05:00

Made this little tree from a tutorial here. It's called a no sew tree. I did mine differently in that I used 2.5" fabric squares, mainly because I bought cheap cotton balls and they were smaller, and I just used regular pins as they felt more secure to me. No matter, it came out just as cute as the tutorial promised!! The styrofoam cone was only $4.00 so this was a really inexpensive project. It looks so cute on the dining room table.

Later,
WilmaNC

Christmas finishes.

2011-11-16T07:33:00.001-05:00

I love doing Christmas projects, and have finished a few. First, here is a wreath made from the Floating Geese pattern. I found this somewhere on the internet, and just kind of went with it. Can't take credit for the idea though. I made this for Val in a doll quilt swap on the Quilting Bee forum.

I also finished the Christmas Stitchery redwork banner. It came out so cute and will look so nice draped across the mantel for the holidays.

I also made a bunch of the felt pins/brooches. They look so much better in person, my picture taking skills are non existent, lol.

Now on to making a new carryall for my next great grandchild (a girl!!)to come in December.

OOPS!!! Had to come back to show you my latest finished pair of knitted socks!!! The stripes didn't match up this time, must have been a different lot. Dave wants me to make him a pair, but I don't know if I want to spend all that time on socks for him, I want them all for me, lol. Do any of you knit socks and give them away??

Later,
WilmaNC

kleenex holders

2011-11-04T07:01:00.002-04:00

Haven't been doing too much other than working in the yard hauling rocks. But I did take enough time to make a bunch of tissue holders. I really like the squared corners better!!

I'm going to get them down to the store one day soon.

wilmaNC

I'm back!!!

2011-10-29T06:54:00.000-04:00

MIL went to Ohio for a few weeks, so Dave and I are enjoying having the house to ourselves, and also the freedom from worry. We took advantage of the freedom by taking off and spending a few days at the beach, and we were blessed with beautiful weather, and had a great time. There's nothing like the beach and the ocean to make you feel humble.

There is nothing like a sunrise at the beach. We got up and walked to watch the sun come up every day.

Here's a couple more pics. This time of year the beach is quite empty most of the time, but it sure was hot enough to swim.

Can you see that Sky Wheel way off in the distance in the picture above? We walked all the way there on the beach (3 miles) then walked the length of the Boardwalk (2.4 round trip), then walked back to the hotel on the beach. That, plus our 2 mile walk in the morning, mad our walking distance for that day 11 miles!!!! I was tired, but took the opportunity to eat some really good food to offset all that exercise, lol.

We still have a week and a half before we go to pick up MIL, so I will enjoy making messes and not having to clean them up right away, lol.

So, I have made progress on a few things. I had received this kit for a pin cushion at a retreat in 2009, given to me by my sister, and I finally got it made. Man, sometimes I am a slacker.

I also have made some more wool lapel pins. These are so cute, and you can buy similar ones from Land's End for a whopping 20 bucks!!!!! I sell mine for $5.00, lol.

I only had a few pieces of wool for the pins, so my friend, Marcia, from Montana, sent me a box full of wools. I think I have plenty now, and the colors are great!!!! I can't wait to make some pastel pins. Thanks so much Marcia!!!!!

And I am caught up with the Christmas Stitcheries. Only 2 more to go. (The last one isn't trimmed up yet...)

I am working on my second barn embroidery, and am nearly finished with my second pair of knitted socks, so should have more finished things to show in a few.

Think I will keep my pajamas on for most of the day today, lol.

wilmaNC

Appalachian Memories started!!!!!

2011-10-21T08:24:00.000-04:00

I mentioned an awesome project in my last post that I would be starting soon. Well, I'm started!!! It is going to be so sweet when finished, and I don't mean sweet, I mean SWEET!!!! Do you love the mountains? Do you love quilts blocks? Do you love barns?? I love them all. So, here is my first block, as well as the link to the page where this pattern can be purchased. (I am not affiliated in any way!!).

It is a quilt pattern with 12 embroidered barns that Beth Dix has drawn herself. What an amazing talent!!! And she lives right down the 40 from me in Black Mountain. (Maybe I can meet her someday...) The setting is in the Hole in the Barndoor pattern and will be an awesome quilt.

Here's the picture on the pattern front. I saw this and immediately fell in love!!!

So, if you love all of the aforementioned things, you should get this pattern. Don't you love to support really talented artists who happen to come up with something so different and original?

Here is the link to where you can purchase "Appalachian Memories".

I am doing the embroidery in all brown, except each quilt block on the barns will be in a different color. I will post each block as I get it done. I am so excited!!!

Later,
WilmaNC

I love fall, and some more finishes

2011-10-17T07:43:00.001-04:00

We have been enjoying the weather here in western NC so much this past week. It is clear and crisp and the leaves are just beautiful. I think this week will pretty much be the end of it, so we plan to enjoy being outside as much as we can.

Took this picture on the Mountains to Sea Trail going to Rattlesnake Lodge on Friday. I call it: Where's Dave? He's in there, lol.

And on Thursday, we went and walked around Biltmore and had lunch there. It was so nice. Here's me by one of the lakes there. Dave liked the reflection of the trees in the water.

As you know I am working on the Christmas Sewalong (see sidebar). There are 4 blocks so far and I am all caught up.

And last but not least, here is what I made for my great grandson, Carter, for Christmas. I found this on the net and just had to make it. Was pretty quick actually, took all day yesterday.

Shoot, the picture is sideways, but you can still see. The eyes of the fish are velcro, and there is velcro on the hook, so he can go fishin!!! The fish are made from felt, so even if he can't catch the eye, it will stick anywhere else on the fish, except the print. I even made a little bag to store the fishies. This is so cute!!! You can see the tutorial here. It was even easy to do the stuffing, and I usually hate that part.

I have started working on the most awesome quilt. I will share with you the blocks as I get them done. It is embroidered blocks set in a quilt, and awesome is an understatement!!! I'll share more later.

Oh, if you don't read the blog of the Bitchy Stitcher, you should. She made a calendar made up of men wrapped in quilts and holding a burrito that is awesome, and the proceeds go to charity. Check it out.

You can purchase it here. I ordered mine today.

Have a great day, WilmaNC

More gifts finished

2011-10-12T06:49:00.000-04:00

I finished up a couple of more things. Thought you might like to see.

This is a little diddy made as a thank you to a friend for sending me a pattern. It's about 6" square. The pattern came from jmddesigns

O also quilted and bound this panel as a Christmas gift for my grandson's family.

I embroidered each child's name on the top of each sock. Added a hanging sleeve too so they can either hang it or use as a table runner.

Don't know if I told you but I am going to have a homemade Christmas this year. Although I did buy one thing already for the oldest boy. It is from Hallmark and is called a Merry-okee. It's a microphone that changes your voice to sound like an elf. I loved it and thought it would be something to drive the parents crazy, lol.

I have many other things to get made, and I will show you every one!!

Later,

WilmaNC

Holiday fun

2011-10-03T06:40:00.000-04:00

I love this time of year, not only for the fall weather and the beautiful scenery, but also all of the holidays!!! So much fun to make decorations and gifts.

I made this reversible wall hanging from a panel by Deb Strain for Halloween. I love the colors. I did straight line quilting on the sides and a meander in the middle. I love it!!!

And I finished the second little block in the Christmas stitchery sew along.

Now to keep working on my "Homemade Christmas" gifts for this year.

wilmaNC

Beautiful day yesterday

2011-09-28T07:57:00.000-04:00

Yesterday we decided to take off and go up on the Blue Ridge Parkway and drive north. We stopped at Mount Mitchell since it was on the way, then headed to Linville Falls. The weather was perfect, and the views beautiful. The leaves are just starting to turn, which always brings on the tourists in this area.

But we were very lucky and had over 20 minutes at this top overlook all to ourselves. Between Mitchell and here we walked about 3 miles, over half of it uphill, lol.

Then on the way back we stopped at Alta Pass Orchard for some apples. I bought 2 pecks to make applesauce on Friday. Another thing I love about fall.

Then of course on the way back through Burnsville, I had to stop at the quilt shop, Needle Me This, just to "look around". I love this quilt shop. It is so light and breezy inside, and the owners are soooo nice and friendly, and of course I love their fabric selection. Dave was with me, so of course I ended up buying stuff, lol.

I got a Halloween panel that has 2 different panels. A lady shopping there told me she made a wallhanging using one on each side and it came out really cute. Didn't take much to talk me into buying it.

The stripey fabric above will be a border. I think it's so cute!!

Then Dave found some bins marked "orphan fat quarters" with a little label that said they needed a home. $1.50 each. He picked out 4 and said I needed them. He also liked the packet of fall fat quarters, and I just had to get the charm pack of Sunkissed fabrics.

All in all it was a fun day out.

Oh, I made another snap bag. I like them with the longer handles. I think I will make more in fall colors and try to sell a few at the shop. Although, it seems that what folks usually buy are the kleenex holders, and bookmarks. Cheap I guess, lol.

This weekend is the Asheville Quilt Show. I want to go. Will see if sister Roma would want to go with me on Saturday, but if she is busy, I know that Dave will go with me on Friday. We'll see.

Later,
WilmaNC

Christmas Sew-a-Long

2011-09-26T07:18:00.000-04:00

I doing a Christmas Stitchery sew-a-long from sewhappy.me. It looks to be fun. Thought I would share the first block. I am not the best at embroidery, but my things usually turn out to be pretty.

There are only 7 panels to do, and they are small. Join in the fun!!

WilmaNC

Bracelet tutorial

2011-09-23T08:37:00.000-04:00

Here's how I made my bracelet, though the one with my name was given to me by my sister in a little kit at our retreat.

First, cut out a plain rectangle about 2 inches long and a little wider than you want your bracelet. Using the alphabet setting on your machine embroider the name you would like on the bracelet. You can use a piece of stabilizer of you like.

Cut scraps of materials you would like in your bracelet. Make them as wide as you would like your bracelet. I made mine about 2 inches wide. Cut 4 pieces for each bracelet, 2 for each side of name patch.

Sew patches together in sets of 2.

Each set will be sewn to sides of name patch.

Cut a piece of batting and a piece of backing the same size as your bracelet top (I trimmed to 7 inches long, I like my bracelets loose) and layer, fabrics right sides together with batting on top.

Sew around sides using 1/4" seam allowance leaving an opening for turning.

Turn.

An option to turning is to just layer normally and do a blanket stitch around the edges. Turning these little tubes is hard!! At least for me, lol. After deciding what closure you would like, sew the ends closed.

You can make whatever closure you like. For Sarrah's I put on a snap. For Kenzie's (she only 2) I sewed on a button and a small elastic loop. (Note: I sewed the button on so securely that I could barely get the elastic around it!! Didn't want a choking hazard.) I like to top stitch around the edges for a nice finished look.

Here are the finished bracelets.

Hope you can follow this easily. I am definitely NOT a tech writer, lol.

These will make very cute Christmas gifts for the girls in your life.

WilmaNC

Fall and Pumpkins

2011-09-21T13:21:00.000-04:00

Fall is almost here, I love the coolness in the air, and the trees are just beginning to turn. I even like wearing long pants for a change.

So I was looking for some fall decorations and found these 2 styrofoam pumpkins that I bought years ago. They have become very faded so I decided to find a way to spruce them up. Lo and behold, I got an issue of Southern Living in the mail (bought the subscription with Coke rewards) that had an article about decorating pumpkins.

I found some fallish fabrics, put them on the printer plate and made color copies. Then I cut the papers into strips, and with Mod Podge, I stuck them to the outside of the fake pumpkins. They are cute.

And easy peasy. Sweet!!

Still working on the bracelet tutorial. Soon....

WilmaNC

A couple of new things

2011-09-20T08:57:00.001-04:00

Thanks for all the nice comments on my weight loss post. Just wanted to pass on that I did try tucking in my shirt, and I don't like the way it feels with all that stuff around my waist, plus I hate wearing belts. I did try though.....

I finished a couple of things recently. The first is the July tablerunner from the Cotton Way series. I love all of these. I had the top made for a while, and I finished up the quilting and the binding while at the Ohio retreat. It looks kinda 3D up close.

I purchased a pattern for a Christmas mug rug from Pleasant Home a couple of weeks ago. It is so cute, and very easy, but I like to support folks' business endeavors when I can.

There is a pocket on the left for a letter to Santa, or a cookie or 2. My little patches on the right are wavy. While sewing I kept wondering why it was so hard to keep them straight while quilting, then realized that when I attached my walking foot, I didn't get the little lifter bar on the screw, so it was feeding normally instead of evenly, lol. This one will go to the grandkids, they won't care.

I have taken all of the pictures for the bracelet tutorial, but still have to write the instructions. It will be up by the end of the week.

Later,
WilmaNC

My Weight Loss Journey...

2011-09-18T07:03:00.000-04:00

is getting close to goal!!! Only 8 more pounds to lose,I am so excited. But it will never be over if I want to stay this way, and I have adjusted my mind to that. I'm posting pictures to show my progress. (Thank You Weight Watchers!!!)

Before I started.

One month after I started:

Yesterday:

I feel so much better!! But you know, I always had a theory that when one person loses weight, it has to go somewhere, so it must go to another person. So beware!!! My fat is looking for you!!! LOL.

Someone asked for instructions for the bracelet we made at the retreat. I have to take son to the airport in Atlanta today, then hope to get back to normal this week. I will write up a tutorial really soon. I plan to make them for all the girls in my life for Christmas.

Later.
WilmaNC

Back from Retreat

2011-09-13T07:58:00.000-04:00

Had a great time at the retreat. Just realized that the one thing we didn't do is take a group picture, just too busy I guess, lol.

First thing we did was make a little name band bracelet. I really like this, and plan to make several for Christmas presents. (Pay no attention to the hand with all the age spots!!!)

Next day we had the class with Edith Dyke. I only used 3 fabrics (wild ones!!) from my stash. It came out very nice I think. I worked on this most of the time.

The nine patch border was a pain to get attached. The center blocks were 9 patches that were cut and reassembled, cool huh?

Here's a picture of myself and my sister Patty.

We went shopping and I bought some stuff, but haven't taken pictures yet. Maybe in a couple of days, as today we are driving to Atlanta to pick up my son at the airport (actually the Chamblee Marta station) and he will be coming for a week.

I'm tired, but happy.

Later,
WilmaNC

Retreat time!!!!

2011-09-01T07:07:00.000-04:00

I'm getting ready to go to our semi annual retreat of the ABC Quilters in Ohio at Round Lake. It is a beautiful spot, and is near to the Amish quilt country, so lots of shopping and good food, as well as a bunch of sewing. I am leaving on Monday, and for 2 days will visit with my grandson and his family, then head to the retreat on Wednesday morning where I will stay until Sunday morning, then head home. There aren't many of us coming this year, but our 2 members from Scotland, Betty and Robina, will be there. And Arlene and Lolly from Chicago, me from NC, and 3 from Ohio. It will be fun, and I am so excited to get away and just sew for a few days.

I bought a little kit to make an apron from Pleasant Home to take along. It is so cute, and she always picks such neat fabric combinations. These aren't the fabrics I bought, but you can get the gist.

And we are having a teacher, Edith Dyke, come in to teach a class for a quilt called "You want me to make a what??". Should be interesting.

I think I will also take along a tablerunner I need to get quilted. Don't want to have any spare time on my hands, lol.

The blocks for the BLOCK LOTTO this month are interesting. Although batiks are my least favorite fabric, I seem to have a lot of it. I think the name of the block is curved rails, and they were so easy to make. I made 9. The perspective on this picture is really off. I should have kneeled down to take it.....

I am reading a book about John Muir called A Passion for Nature, that I find fascinating, especially after having visited Yosemite this summer.

(He was the founder of the Sierra Club). There is an area in Yosemite called Hetch Hetchy that was a beautiful valley similar to Yosemite Valley, that the government allowed to be flooded by damming a river in the early 1900's to provide a reservoir for the San Francisco area. Here are before and after pictures. Muir fought a long and hard fight to save this valley that ultimately failed. Sad. Under 300 feet of water. We didn't have time to explore that area, hopefully we can take another trip out there and spend more time.

One thing he says that I totally agree with is that he didn't think this earth was created just for the use of humans, it was for all of nature. And that each animal, plant etc is just as important as each human being. Nuff said.

Hope you all have a really nice day, and get outside and enjoy the end of summer. There are some beautiful things out there just waiting for you to come and see!!!!

Later,
WilmaNC

Rag Dolls

2011-08-24T07:13:00.000-04:00

Beth from Love Laugh Quilt has made some of the cutest rag dolls, and she was kind enough to share her method. I just had to make one. She's a funny looking little thing, but the next one will have a rounder head, and shorter arms, lol.

It was fun to make. Now I need to get more stuffing.

WilmaNC

Socks!!!!

2011-08-22T15:20:00.001-04:00

Finally finished my first pair of socks. I'm so proud. I love the variegated yarns. Isn't it weird how the stripes ended up almost the same? Believe me, I didn't plan it, lol.

Later,
WilmaNC

Before and after and a few finishes

2011-08-13T07:19:00.001-04:00

Most of you know that I have been going to Weight Watchers since March. I love the program, and it has been working well for me. I eat plenty, and am losing weight at a nice steady pace. Thought I might show you a before and after. 38 pounds so far but I do still have about 20 pounds to go....

I made a set of the citrus coasters that I talked about. I did mine on machine though. They are so cute and bright.

And I wanted to make some mittens out of fleece to sell at the shop. I couldn't find any berber fleece (I have since ordered and received some), so I used some that I found at Hancocks. I messed up the first pair by not adding a seam allowance, so they are a bit small, and if you notice I forgot to flip the logo, so the "N" is backwards (took me a long time to notice that, lol. ) Then I got to thinking that I might not be able to sell these because I'm not sure if the NC logo is a registered trademark, so I will finish these by putting in elastic around the band and adding buttons to the cuff, and give them to someone. They were good practice though.

I also made a few kleenex holders. These are so fun and easy. And they seem to be the best seller at the shop.

I am getting ready to go take my daily 2 mile walk, then go to my WW meeting. The rest of the day I plan to sew. I want to make some of the pumpkin coasters I made last year from a pattern at Brandie's blog.

Later,
WilmaNC

I love Asheville

2011-08-10T07:29:00.000-04:00

Had a great day yesterday. There is a new quilt shop in Asheville called Tipsy Star Quilts. It's in a neat location right across from the Grove Arcade, in a beautiful building. I just had to go visit, but when we got there, it was not open yet, so we just HAD to walk around downtown.

Asheville has such a vibrant downtown.

There were lots of people walking around even before 9am. We stopped and had a cup of coffee and sat outside in the pleasant weather (finally) and leisurely read a USA Today while we drank our coffee. Then we continued towards the center of town. I was walking past this clothing store I always liked, Ad Lib, but was never able to shop there because nothing ever fit me, when this lady came out with a really nice linen outfit and saying how cool it felt. So, since I have recently lost 38 pounds (Thank you Weight Watchers!!!), I thought I would go in. Well, I came out with a really neato outfit. Pants size medium!!! WooHoo.

Stopped in at a store with crafty stuff and bought a piece of real felt. I want to make some of the citrus coasters I saw on SLIKstitches. They are so cute.

The we walked on farther, and went to Mast General Store, where Dave found a really nice shirt on sale and I found a really strange little measuring thingy. That store is so fun, and it has big barrels of old fashioned candies, which I just look at and drool, lol.

Then we headed back towards the quilt shop. It was lunch time then and all of the restaurants were busy and all of the sidewalk seating was full. About every block was a street musician to entertain you. So fun!!!

The quilt shop is really nice, has a lot of Moda fabrics, and they have a top of the line Gammill on which they do quilting for others. I bought a few things, a Moda Christmas charm pack (I love the non-traditional Christmas colors in the fabrics), and 2 half yard pieces that just struck my eye, or should I say, Dave's eye, lol. The girl who was working there was so friendly and talkative and excited about the new business. It was refreshing!! I will definitely go back there.

We had our hearts set on some gelato (which we had for the first time in California), and had found a place from an internet search in West Asheville. It's called Pizzeria Ritrovo. It had wonderful gelato, and the atmosphere there was so nice. We checked out the menu, which was awesome. They bake their own bread, so we had to buy a loaf of Ciabatta. It was freshly made, and was so soft and smelled wonderful. We had that for supper. The waitress there was so nice, even though we only had the gelato, and answered all of our questions about the menu. We plan on going there next week for supper, and I will get to wear my new clothes, lol.

I really do love Asheville. It is so progressive and liberal and full of granola-type people. Sometimes I want to move, but then, where could we go that even comes close to here?

I also made a few things, but that will be another post.

Later,
WilmaNC

August Block Lotto

2011-08-03T09:16:00.000-04:00

The blocks for the August Block Lotto are really cute. here are my 8 African Violets.

I thought they were a little tricky getting the centers lined up, not all are perfect....

wilmaNC

Snap Shut Bag Tutorial

2011-07-24T10:52:00.000-04:00

I'm going to give it a try anyway. So here goes:

I layered and quilted a piece I wanted for the front and back, and a piece of batting. This one I cut to 5x8". You can make these any size you want.

Cut 2 pieces of fabric for the casings, 3 1/2" wide.

Lay those pieces at both ends of lining side of quilted piece, right side down.

Sew both in place using 1/2" seam.

Press away from body.

Turn piece over and fold edges down to meet edge of body, press.

Using 2 squares of fabric, fold each in half and press.

Then fold edges to middle to make 2 prairie points. (You can make tabs, or use other shapes for these, they are what you pull to open purse.)

Place the prairie points about 1/4" below the half inch seam from the casings.

Then fold casing over to cover edge of prairie point and secure.

Of course, do both sides.

Topstitch casings catching top of prairie points.

Trim excess at sides.

Using very old scissors and a 3/4" metal tape measure, cut 2 pieces of the metal to about 3/4" shorter that width of casing.

Round off the edges and cover with small pieces of tape to make sure they don't rip your fabric.

Slip them into the casings with the numbers facing the lining side.

Fold up RST and stitch up sides of bag using 1/4" seam.

Make sure metal tape is far enough in from your needle. I have it sticking out one side as I sew up the first seam, then push it in as far as it will go when sewing the other side.

Finish seam using serger or zig zag stitch. ( I sure wish I had a serger...)

Turn inside out.

And you have a snap shut bag!!! Easy peasy.

You can embellish all you want, and a nice little handle is cute too.

There are many ways to make these bags, but I just hate to use interfacing and make separate linings, so I found this pretty easy.

Took all of about 20 minutes once you have your fabric ready. Purchased pre- quilted stuff works just as well, but it's cheaper to make your own using all of these small pieces of scraps.

WilmaNC

Some sewing, finally!!!!

2011-07-23T07:42:00.000-04:00

I finally got to do some sewing. A few stolen moments when dave was off doing something else, or when he was sleeping in his chair, lol.

A friend in my ABC group started making those snap bags with the metal tape measure pieces used to close the bag. I was intrigued, so I ordered the pattern, then decided to make one my own way. I hate using interfacing. Need I say more?
Here's a picture of my first one, which will be given to my sister, Roma, for the Pay It Forward I promised. (Not sure what I will send you other folks on my list...) I will do up a tutorial soon, maybe tomorrow. Cute eh? I also plan to make some for the shop where I sell some of my things.

I also made some blocks for the Block Lotto. I donated all of them this month as I have won twice already this year.

I still have to finish piecing a top from my Bliss winnings, and finish hand quilting the TipToe Through the Tulips quilt. PLUS, I came home to 23 episodes of General Hospital to catch up on, lol.

Already did my walk this morning in the fog, and my Weight Watchers meeting is at 9:30. I think I lost a little more. yay! Then need to go to Roma's house to drop off some clothes and her snap bag :^) Then come home and fry up some bacon for BLT's this evening, using tomatos from the garden. YUM!!!! Tomorrow I hope to spend most of the day sewing.

Later,
WilmaNC

More Pictures

2011-07-20T08:17:00.000-04:00

I think this will be it for the pictures as I could post every day the reat of the year and still not show them all to you. I am anxious to get back to my "normal" life and routine. We finally got the yard back to order, it wasn't mowed for 3 weeks!!! And I actually sewed a little yesterday making lotto blocks for July.

So, here's more pictures:

Dave and I walking on the beach for the first time. Love the Pacific Ocean. It's such a pretty blue, and the shoreline is beautiful. The NC beaches are lined with solid condos and very little public access.

Graumann's Chinese Theater in Hollywood.

At Laguna Beach. The little kid just ran over to me. Dave said it was my new family, lol. I thought that tree was interesting.

Dave and I at Laguna Beach.

Sunset at Laguna Beach. It was so exciting and vibrant there. Lots of people to watch. I had my first gelato, OMG!!! Was it ever good!! And we ate at a Chipolte's. We need one of those in Asheville for sure.

Dave and Jack on a rock at Torrey Pines State Beach. Getting to the rock is when Dave got drenched by a wave and had forgotten his cell phone was in his pocket. That was the last she wrote for the cell phone, lol.

Another beach pic of us.

Vista at Yosemite. It was in the 90's but there was still snow on top of the mountains. On the hike we took we had to scramble over a lot of snow that hadn't melted yet. I was afraid we would lose the trail but Jack got us there safely, and back!!

Had to go down into the Valley to see the touristy stuff too. This is Lower Yosemite Falls.

And the last place we visited was Sequoia National Forest. Hiked about 3 miles there. Makes a person feel like a Hobbit in the forest of the Ents.

Pic of Dave and I by a fallen tree with an opening to walk through.

Jack by a big "ol tree. The forest was just full of them, each one bigger than the last.

Another of Jack by a tree.

We left for home the next day, taking 5 days to get here. We wanted to stop and see the Meteor Crater near Flagstaff, but it was raining so hard we had to pass it by.

This trip was so much fun. I so enjoyed spending time with both Dave and Jack. I will have these memories forever.

Next year Jack wants us to fly out to LA. Then we would rent a car and drive up the coast, stopping in San Francisco, go up to Oregon, then to Seattle. We would fly home from there.

Dave and I are actually thinking of maybe moving to California in a few years. I loved the San Diego area, and can see myself taking my daily walks on the beach. Who knows.

Later,
WilmaNC

pictures

2011-07-17T06:57:00.000-04:00

OMG. We took so many pictures that I don't know which ones to show you. Here's a few. This is a video of Vernal Falls in Yosemite. It was a very steep hike uphill to see this, but well worth it. We ate lunch on the rocks from where the video was taken.

Here's a picture of Jack, and one of Dave and I, at the Tunnel View overlook. Awesome view!!! That's Bridal Veil falls in the background. El Capitan on the left, and Half Dome in the background. Can you tell it was hot?? LOL.

Still many more pictures to go through. Maybe later...

WilmaNC

We're home!!!

2011-07-16T06:27:00.000-04:00

Where did the time go???? I really did plan to post every day, but you know how the best laid plans go, lol.

We had the best time, and really enjoyed exploring Southern California, and especially Yosemite. We like the San Diego area and are talking over possibly moving there someday, if my son's move ends up being a permanent one.

I have lots of pictures, but of course they are on my laptop, and have to be moved here for ease of use. I will definitely show you the good ones. But first, the yard and garden need taking care of. MIL had company here for 2 weeks while we were gone, but do you think anyone thought to mow the yard??? Of course not. So, a 3 week growth of grass, and weeds in the garden were waiting for us. Dave did a long cut with the riding mower yesterday, and I will mow the final cut today. Hopefully will come back later with more details of the trip.

Everyone MUST visit Yosemite. What an awesome place. We stayed at the west entrance, and hiked up the Dome trail (killer!!), but avoided most of the hordes of people that way. But on the way out we did stop in Yosemite Valley for the day to see all the usual sites not to be missed. El Capitan was awesome, as was Half Dome. But our view of Half Dome from the dome trail was WAY better!!

We were glad we saw the Grand Canyon first as it paled in comparison with Yosemite. I found that I am definitely NOT a desert person.

Here's one picture that I had emailed to myself.

It is us at an overlook with Half Dome in the background.

Later,
WilmaNC

Time is flying by!!!

2011-07-05T18:20:00.000-04:00

We have been so busy trying to keep up with our son Jack, lol. There is so much to see here in California. We went to Hollywood and I got to see the walk of the stars. Nice to visit, but way too busy for me to want to live here. Also went to the Hollywood Hills and walked where the guys hike on Men of a Certain Age. The observatory there is very cool too.

Also went to Laguna Beach which is beautiful and vibrant. Went to Torrey Pines State Park and hiked to the beach, then went to the Golf course too.

Riverside is a neat place. I like where he lives a lot. But once again, too big of a city for me.

We went to the San Diego Zoo, which is awesome!!!

Tomorrow we head out for Yosemite, where we will spend 2 days, then drive back via Sequoia National Park. Here's a few more pictures.

I'm tired already, lol.

Later,
Wilma

In Flagstaff

2011-07-01T08:56:00.001-04:00

We hiked in the Grand Canyon yesterday and I am POOPED!!!! It was awesome. I will probably post a bunch of pictures when we get done with all the activities. Here are a couple of pictures though.

I have hundreds more but need to go through them. Today we're going to Antelope Canyon and going to the Navajo reservation.

Day 2

2011-06-29T07:19:00.000-04:00

I was too tired to blog last night, didn't gain any time through the time zones, so we got here in HOT Amarillo, ate, swam, showered and went to bed. It is hotter than 40 hells here. Why anyone would want to live in north Texas is beyond me.

For some reason blogger won't let me upload pictures right now. Will show you later.

Off to Flagstaff today. Plan to stop at the painted desert on the way. Now it gets a lot more fun!!!

wilmaNC

Day 1 to California

2011-06-27T20:47:00.000-04:00

A pretty uneventful day. Only rained once, really hard, for 10 minutes just west of Knoxville.

A pyramid just east of Memphis. I have no idea what it is for.

The bridge over the Mississippi into Arkansas.

The mighty Mississippi River.

We are now in Lonoke Arkansas, and it it hot!!!! 105 degrees. Tomorrow we go to Amarillo Texas.
It's pretty boring countryside, but the drive has been pleasant.

Later,
WilmaNC

Summer Vacation, and a Patchability

2011-06-22T16:35:00.000-04:00

We are planning a big trip this summer. In fact, we are leaving next Monday for 19, count 'em, 19 days!!! We're driving cross country to Riverside, California to visit our son, Jack, and to see all we can see while we are there. On the way out we are planning a 3 day stop in Flagstaff, AZ to see the Grand Canyon etc. While in California we are also going to go to Yosemite for a couple of days. I plan to blog every day about what we have done, so the family can keep up, but I don't expect all you hundreds and hundreds of folks who follow my blog to read it all, lol. I am excited!!!!

Went to walk up on the Parkway yesterday and stopped at a quilt shop in Burnsville, Needle Me This, on the way home. I saw this Patchability and just had to get it, and I finished it today. Instant gratification. And so cute.

I'll try to get in one more post before we leave. Did I tell you I'm so excited????

WilmaNC

Windows

2011-06-12T10:15:00.000-04:00

I felt the need to get the complaining post down, lost a couple of followers over that one, lol.

Todays project is a window. I was looking on Craig's List one day and found old windows for $2.50. Of course I had to send Dave to get me a couple. One has panes and the other is full glass. So I took the one with panes, and found the most appropriate fabric I could find in my stash, used ModPodge, and voila. A cool window. I want to use the full pane to paint a large quilt square.

Before:

After:

Seed packets, lol.

Oh, I also finished 2 more kites for my great grandkids in Minnesota.

Their names are embroidered on the kites but you can't see it very clearly in the picture.

Now, I think I will finish piecing a quilt top I started a while back, and also catch up on my episodes of General Hospital.

Later,
WilmaNC

Blog Commercials

2011-06-04T07:41:00.000-04:00

I'm becoming quite disappointed in many new blogs I visit, and some of the old ones. Seems they are all selling something, either for themselves, or for one of their "sponsors". Even the give-a-ways are a pain to do as you must first go here and like them then post on your blog then go back there and say you posted on your blog, then come here and tell me that you have liked them and have posted on your blog,....well, you get my drift. I am un-following all of the blogs who use those guidelines as it takes away from time I could spend reading the interesting blogs with tutorials and show and tell. If I want to shop, I will go directly to the online store I want, no commercials needed.

Just sayin....

wilmaNC

Pay it Forward?? And the Jelly Roll Race.

2011-06-03T07:43:00.000-04:00

I signed up the other day for a Pay It Forward thingy with Benta at SlikStitches. I'm supposed to have 3 others sign up to do the same thing, but I find that many people don't want to obligate themselves to making gifts to send on at a later date. So, what I am going to do is to randomly pick 3 people who respond to this post and send them a little something. Now, what you, or they, do with the gift and if you/they decide to send a little something to 3 other people, that's your/their choice. It's always nice to get an unexpected gifty in the mail, right?

I did the jelly roll race last week, it was so much fun. And you ended up with a cute quilt top in just a couple of hours.

I used a Christmas roll. Here are the directions I used from the Heirloom Creations Blog:

Warm Up Lap:
Sew all 2 1/2” strips on a diagonal into one long strip. (Like sewing binding together).

Before the Green Flag Drops…
DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP… From one end, cut off 18″ of the sewn together strip and throw it away. This will randomize the location of the diagonal seams throughout the quilt.

Green Flag = GO!
Find the beginning and ending of the 1,600″ long strip. Placing each of the ends right sides together, start sewing. This will be the longest seam. When the end is reached, cut the jelly roll strip apart and finish the seam.

Pit Stop #1
The strip will now be 800” long. No need to press; it can be all be done at the end.

Lap #2
Locate the beginning and end of the 800” strip and start sewing them together. When the end is reached, cut the jelly roll strip apart and finish the seam.

Lap #3 – 5
Repeat the same process a total of five times! Each “lap” will take half the time to sew as the lap before!

Press all seams the same direction and trim sides even. Borders are totally optional. I personally like the size that this quilt finishes without adding anything extra. Just quilt and bind as desired.

Quick and easy.

Later,

WilmaNC

2 more for GAL

2011-06-02T09:30:00.001-04:00

I finished up 2 more quilts to be donated to the Guardian ad Litem office in Asheville. Someone donated the tops to my sister, and I quilted and bound them. Oh, my sister gave me the backing and batting. Our afternoon walk will be done in Asheville, park on one side of town and walk to the other to deliver the quilts, then, of course, a nice lunch downtown. Plus we're meeting a friend we haven't seen in a while. Should be a nice day.

I have several things I want to make. One is a gift bag from a fat quarter as shown in this tutorial at Em Ay Kay EE. It's so cute, I just have to try one. Check it out, her site is really nice.

Later,
WilmaNC

May is almost over....

2011-05-29T11:18:00.001-04:00

Well, May is about gone, and I think I finished all of the things I wanted to for May for Me.

Here is the quilt I made for the Quilt Book Club. It is all finished and given to the recipient. Fun and easy. I'm looking forward to the next one.

I gave this one to my granddaughter-in-law, Eva, for her graduation. She really liked it. Here's a pic of the label:

And here's a picture of myself, my grandson, Robbie, and other grandson, Cody, with wife Eva and baby, Carter.

I also got the top put together for the May for Me quilt a-long. I love the way this came out.

And lastly, finished today a block for a lotto in my little group, ABCQuilters. It's called Sarah's Block, I think. My sister Patty picked it out, 16" square. Very neat!

Oops!! Forgot one. I made this kite for Carter from a tutorial at Moda Bakeshop. It is so cute, I m going to make one for each of the other great grandkids.

So, I was quite productive this month, doing only things that I wanted to do, but then again, I usually only do what I want to do, lol. Ahhh, retirement.

Later,
WilmaNC

Making Quilt Labels.....

2011-05-19T07:05:00.000-04:00

...without your own graphics program.

I needed a quilt label for a quilt I finished the other day. I usually use Paint Shop Pro for doing graphics, but that program will only work with windows, not on my Mac, and I didn't feel like pulling out the laptop, so...

I went to Avery site, the address label people. They have a really nice free program there to print labels of all kinds. I have used it for many sheets of address labels, small quilt tags, and even business cards.

You start here:

Then pick the category, Specialty Products

Then pick printable fabric sheet from menu.

It brought up this screen, which had the choice I wanted, something for a graduation gift. Click on the picture you want, or upload your own.

It brings up this screen:

Then you rotate and size the picture, remembering it will print on a 8.5 x11" sheet.

Add your text:

Then print it out on pretreated fabric ironed onto freezer paper. Voila, a quilt label!!

Here's mine on the back of the quilt.

I had added a few extra words, but you can get the idea. It was so weird that the one picture from the Avery site was exactly what I wanted and was even the right colors!!!!

No excuse for not putting on a nice label now, is there??

Have a great day.

WilmaNC

And the winner is:

2011-05-15T06:28:00.001-04:00

I numbered the comments in the order in which they were made. (I can't figure out how to get them numbered already in blogger...)

Here are the prizes:

I used the random number generator to pick the winner:

And the winner is:

ROMA
Congratulations Roma.
I'll be sending you an email so I can send you your prizes.

Thanks to all who participated.

WilmaNC

Giveaway on 1 Choice for Quilting

2011-05-14T05:53:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to give you a heads up on a new giveaway on 1 Choice for Quilting. There will be great prizes, plus the shop had great deals. Go see!!!

wilmaNC

Hipster dufus

2011-05-13T17:38:00.000-04:00

First, just to let everyone know, I will draw for the winner of my giveaway on Sunday, early am.

Now on to quilty things. I absolutely hate carrying a purse, or even a shoulder bag ,(I hate the way the bag makes my boob pooch out, lol), and have tried many ways to carry my stuff. So, I finally had to make my own. I used bits and pieces from patterns of other bags I have made, and came up with a nice hipster bag. ( I always think of hipster dufus from Seinfeld...)

I sewed together strips of leftovers from that neverending Bliss fat quarter bundle, layered them and quilted to make a rectangular piece of fabric. I sewed the zipper in, then rotated it down about 3 inches before sewing up the sides and rounded bottom. I made a strap, then sewed the bag to the strap using the area above the zipper. the ends of the strap are connected with 2 d-rings. It workd perfectly, and it hangs right on my hips, and holds my wallet, keys, ipod, and cell phone. I am a happy lady, and my hands are always free.

Oh Oh OH!!!! Look what was in my yard a little bit ago....a storm with hail came through and left this in my yard just for a few minutes.

You could see both ends, but I couldn't get them in the same picture. Very weird. No pot o' gold though.

I will see you all on Sunday for the giveaway announcement.

Later,
WilmaNC

Self Portrait Quilts and a Giveaway

2011-05-09T06:53:00.002-04:00

Tonya, from Hillbilly Handiworks, had wanted me to repost the guest post I did on Stash Manicure for May for Me, about my self portrait quilt. So here it is. If you find it too boring, skip to the bottom, I'm having a little giveaway!!

A few years ago, I was challenged to make a self portrait quilt. What came to mind was a mosaic picture of myself or a piece with my picture on it somewhere, but that just didn't seem to tell much about me, except what I look like. So I went another direction. Here is what I made. I will explain each aspect, and hopefully you will learn a little more about me.

The background is the sky, as well as Tarheel blue, for NC.

The center square shows the things that are in the forefront of my life. The large AT symbol stands for the Appalachian Trail, of which I am a lover and supporter. I love nature, it brings me down to earth and makes me feel very humble. I think that nature also guides me in my choices in fabrics and colors, I don't look at the pattern per se, it just has to be pretty and make me feel happy.

The little red cross denotes my chosen profession, nursing, from which I retired in December after 32 years. ( I just can't say "retirement" enough, to which my regular blog readers can attest.)

The infinity symbol, with the D (Dave) and the W (Wilma) is for the enduring relationship I have with my husband. ( 38 years). He totally supports my quilting and is probably responsible for 80% of the spending I do on fabric.

The elderly people represent the fact that we live with Dave's elderly mother, who is 89. When I made the quilt, his step dad was still alive too, and was the reason we had to move in here.

The sun. Well, what can I say. I love the feel of the sun on my face, even in the dead of winter. I might have a few blemishes on my skin from earlier years, but if I couldn't go out in the sun, I might as well hang it up.

The little person on top of the mountain represents my love for hiking. At first glance of my physique, you wouldn't think I ever got off of the couch, but we hike at least once a week, weather permitting, for anywhere from 3-6 miles. Living in western North Carolina there is no end to the trails available. And the views from the higher elevations are spectacular. I always feel like Rocky when we get to the top. I even love hiking in the winter mainly because there are NO ticks and NO snakes.

The little waving quilt tells it all for me. Quilting is in every aspect of my life. If I see a pretty view, I think what a beautiful quilt it would make. I can't imagine my life without fabric and quilts. I have made at least 1 quilt for each of my family members and friends, and have dozens in piles here at home. My sister asks me what I am going to do with them. (Hmmm. I always thought that when the electric grid fails, I would trade them for food. Without electricity, people will need quilts for warmth......right? )

The symbols in the border show things that have shaped my life in other ways.

First, I am Buckeye at heart, always will be, even though I have come to love NC. Where you are born and bred is where your roots are, it can't be changed.

The ecology symbol represents my passion for this planet, and making it sustainable for all of our generations to come.

The dove....well everyone wants peace, don't they??

And golf. We all have to have one cross to bear, lol. I love golf, but it is a fickle friend, and messes with my head all the time. But it is outdoors, most of the courses are beautiful, and it is very good exercise.

So, this little wall hanging holds much more information about me than a picture ever could. Hopefully someday someone in my family will pull this out and have great insights into the life of Great Great Grandma Wilma, the one who made all the quilts. And with no picture, they will assume that I am beautiful!!!

I challenge you to make a self portrait quilt for yourself. Future quilting generations will be glad you did.

GIVEAWAY

OK!!! Now about that giveaway. I hate the multi-posting requirements for giveaways, so all you have to do is leave a comment to this post. I will pick a winner before I do my next post, probably the end of this week. I will be giving away a charm pack of Bliss fabrics, plus a little key chain, and maybe a couple more little ditties thrown in as a surprise, so that this can be "May for You"!!

Hope everyone has a great week.

Later,

WilmaNC

Mother's Day

2011-05-07T08:12:00.000-04:00

Thinking about my mom this Mother's Day weekend. My mom was the sweetest person, very rarely got angry, and appreciated every card she ever got.

She was widowed at age 30 and left to raise 7 children ( I was about 3 months old) with very little money. Plus her health was bad. She did a great job though, I think. I was the youngest of the 7 kids, so I never realized how tight finances were, as by the time I was old enough to care, most everyone else was gone, and it was a little easier for us. She died at age 58, way too young. I, and my sisters, still miss her every day.

Finished up some pineapple blocks for the block lotto, I love these. I won this past month, again, but I like these blocks so much, that I will take them if I win again, then the rest of the year I will donate my chances for others to win. Can't be too greedy, lol.

And now will start on the Book Club quilt for my grandson's girl.

She wanted light blue and black. It will be very pretty.

Plus, I'm caught up on the May for Me quilt along. I'm using a Strawberry Fields charm pack. I'm excited to see how this one will turn out.

Have to go to Weight watchers this morning. Hope the scale went down.

Later,

WilmaNC

A Hike for Me

2011-05-03T08:05:00.000-04:00

We did a little work around the house in the morning then decided we needed to play instead. Drove up to Julian Price State Park on the Parkway, and hiked a nice (strenuous) 5 mile loop called the Boone Fork Trail. Had a great day.

Was feeling pretty good about the hike, then got pictures from my son, the scientist, in California of his "hike" to the top of Mt. Whitney. Makes ours look like a walk in the woods, lol. And this from a son, who up until the past couple of years, preferred golf to hiking!!! I am so proud!! He's the one in the white shirt.

We're going out there for a visit in July and plan to do some hiking in Yosemite. Nothing like the mountain climb though, lol.

Hoping to get some sewing done today, but I think I will have to help with getting the garden ready. That shouldn't take all day though...

Later,
WilmaNC

It's May!!!!!

2011-05-01T10:56:00.002-04:00

Well, May is finally here!!!! Now to concentrate on me. That shouldn't be too hard, lol.

I finished quilting 2 charity quilts before today so I could do my favorite part, sewing on binding, during this month.

I'm going to participate in the Mystery Quilt and Stitch Along, and also do a project with the Quilting Book Club.

I decided to read Great Expectations again, for pleasure this time instead of an assignment in high school. Good thing I don't remember any of it. I hope to finish it this month.

I think I will also have a little giveaway sometime during the month. I plan to make up a charm pack out of the leftovers from my Bliss winnings from earlier this year. That fat quarter bundle has really gone a LONG way!!!

So for now, that will be it.

Go see all the others who are participating in the May for Me and see what they will be doing..

Oh, I forgot a big important thing, continuing to stick to the Weight watchers program!!! I have lost 20 pounds so far and want to get to my goal weight by the end of summer. Don't think I can do it all in May, lol.

Later,
WilmaNC

May for Me

2011-04-26T06:23:00.001-04:00

I am participating in the May for Me project at Hillbilly Handworks. We are doing a mystery sew along which should be fun!! Got the first stitchery pattern today, and it is a cutie. I'm excited to get this party started, lol. I'll post things as I get them finished.

I'll also be blogging from time to time telling exactly what I am doing "just for me".

Later,
WilmaNC

Another Tote Bag

2011-04-19T16:28:00.000-04:00

I finished another tote bag, and I must say it's way bigger then the last one.

For some reason, probably because I didn't read all the instructions before I started, I thought this was a "tote bag". But it turned out to be an overnight bag, which in the end is way better!! I love it! You would think the name of the pattern:
Weekender Travel Tote would have been a clue. Go here to get the pattern.

Later,
WilmaNC

Tote bag

2011-04-12T07:57:00.000-04:00

I made a cute little tote bag. Seems like everything I make is coming from my Bliss fabric win. I'm trying to see how much I can get out of those fat quarters, and I still have lots left....

Anyway, here's a picture of the tote:

And here you can see how BIG it is:

Thought it made a really sweet key chain. I got this pattern from some really nice tutorials at Em ay kay ee. I have been into bag making for some reason. Using up that Bliss fabric, lol.

In my present quilting frenzy, I have made quite a mess of my work area. But, I never get tired of cleaning up the same space over and over. I always find something I thought I had lost.

Every time I want to put a quilt on the frame, I have to find somewhere to put all the "stuff" I have put there. So, maybe today will be the day for cleaning up.

Might as well get to it....unless I find something else to do.

Later,
WilmaNC

Cute Things!!!!

2011-04-07T10:04:00.000-04:00

I started making a few things yesterday and finished them up today. Let me say that I LOVE having little great granddaughters, they are so fun to sew for.

I saw somewhere a picture about taking a t-shirt, trimming it off, and sewing a skirt to the bottom, and I wanted to try it. So, here are my first two attempts.

They look big, but they are really little dresses, lol. The t-shirts are size 18 months. And I kept the selvedges at the bottom, so I didn't have to hem. She will look so cute in these!!

Then, while looking at blogs, I found this pattern for a "camera case". I'm going to use it for a small wallet though. I love the way the handles loop. Oh, might as well give credit to the designer, lol. I bought it from her Keyka's site:

I will probably make more of those to put in the shop, or give as gifts.

Another beautiful day here in NC. We're going to go play golf here pretty soon.

Later,
WilmaNC

3 more Heartstrings

2011-04-05T11:44:00.000-04:00

I finished quilting and binding 3 more Heartstrings quilts. A volunteer(s) pieced the quilts, my sister, Roma, donated the backing and batting, and I quilted and bound them. All 3 will go to the GAL office in Asheville, NC.

Later,
WilmaNC

Thread!!! But no Trip, sigh.

2011-04-04T07:42:00.000-04:00

I didn't get to go to Ohio, there was some freezing rain that morning, so I decided to stay home. Was really sorry to miss the kids, but I will see them again soon.

Spent the weekend quilting and binding 3 more Heartstrings quilts. They are washed and dried and ready to donate to the Guardian ad Litem office in Asheville. I'll take pictures and show you.

I did try a new thread (to me) while quilting these out. It is Signature thread, 100% Long Staple Cotton 3000/yds, for 6.95 a cone. I didn't have to change any settings or tension when changing from Aurifil to the Signature, and the price is sooo much lower. I have found a new thread for my retirement.

They have a lot of colors too, and for that price, I plan to try to get them all, one or two at a time, lol.

Go to KenQuilt to see the selection.

Today we're going to cash out all of our change and go to the casino in Cherokee. Then after about a half hour (that's how long it takes us to lose out money...) we will go check out the new visitors center and hike a trail for our daily walk. Should be a good day.

Later,
WilmaNC

Happy Birthday Kenzie!!

2011-03-29T08:16:00.001-04:00

Today is my great granddaughter's 2nd birthday. I can't believe the time has gone so fast. She had a birthday party last week, and it totally wore her out, but she wouldn't let go of her balloons, lol. She lives in Minnesota, so I couldn't be there, but I was there in spirit. Happy Birthday Kenz.

Here is what I made her for her birthday.

I made this:

And this:

I added this:

And the finished gift is this:

Sweet! I got the pattern for the basket from Greta's Quilting Studio.

I was hoping to go to Ohio to see all the babies this weekend, as they will be visiting from Minnesota, but it looks like there will be snow in the mountains on the route I take, and since I would be driving alone, the weather has to be decent. But I will wait to decide on Thursday, maybe the forecast will change.

Later,

WilmaNC

A Challenging Finish

2011-03-26T06:01:00.000-04:00

I had mentioned in my last post about doing a quilt for pay that was quite challenging. It was a wedding quilt for a couple in Florida who were married in 2008. They apparently gave a square of fabric to each guest and told them to make a quilt square. Great idea huh? Well, not after you realize that most people don't know how to make a quilt square.

The fabric squares were not of good quality and were frayed a bit from being kept in the box. I am told that the people couldn't find anyone in Florida who would put the blocks together, so the mother brought them to NC with her and asked Marti, of Marti's Patchwork Cottage in Black Mountain, if she knew anyone who would do the job. She immediately thought of my sister, who kept the blocks since last August before deciding she had no idea what to do with them, so as a last ditch effort before sending them back, she gave them to me.

Some of the blocks have a lot of "stuff" sewn and glued on them and some have pictures and some just writing. The blocks were not all the same size so I had to trim them as best I could. There was not much room left so I decided to do them as a QAYG. And because of all the stuff, I had to hand quilt them all, then join them. I used this tutorial from Valerie Custom Quilting (free download!! Check out her site. She does great work!!!)

There were 34 blocks, 1 of which was cut too small before it came to me, and the other just had too much stuff on it. So, I made it 4 blocks x 8 blocks. Long and skinny. Here is the finished product. The 2 extra blocks, I quilted and bound and put a little hanger on so they could be displayed with the quilt. I hope the folks like it.

As usual it looks crooked in the picture, but it's not, lol. I spent 30 hours sewing on this quilt!! It will never be able to be washed, so I didn't do heavy quilting, but I am pleased with the outcome. See how I hung the extra 2 blocks on the front? They could be hung from the ends of the hanging dowel too, or I thought this would lie nicely on top of a twin bed with the extras on the pillow. I like it as a wall hanging though. Whew. I'm glad to be done.

This post went on a little longer than I thought, so assuming your attention spans are as short as mine, I will post about my other finish in the next one.

Later,
WilmaNC

Best Tutorial EVER!!!!

2011-03-21T07:34:00.000-04:00

My sister sent me this link for the best and most original tutorial I have ever seen. It shows you how to make these:

Not the shoes, but the laces, lol. Are those not the neatest things you have ever seen??? I am definitely going to make some. But I'm wondering if I could use a skinny piece of fabric soaked in Elmer's glue to wind around the end instead of the shrink stuff they use in the tutorial.

The tutorial is by Sara and Sarah . You must go see the tutorial. I am sooo impressed.

What a way to use up those fabric strips. Thanks Sara. Thanks Sarah.

Later,
WilmaNC

Heart Strings

2011-03-15T19:00:00.001-04:00

I helped my sister out by finishing up a quilt for the Heartstrings Quilt Project. It's a very worthwhile endeavor. Go see the site if you haven't already.

Anyway, this one was one with a lime green center strip. I quilted it doing a freehand swirl pattern, which mimicked the swirls on the backing. I didn't want to print labels, so I just traced one using my fabric paint pens and used some scraps of pretreated fabric I had. Looks cute. This quilt goes to the Guardian ad Litem office in Asheville.

Getting psyched up to watch the NCAA tournament. I am huge fan of both UNC and Ohio State. OSU has a really good chance to win it all this year. Hope being the favorite doesn't jinx them. UNC-Asheville is playing right now, they are the local UNC campus, but don't think they will go on for long.

As long as the games are on my hands will be busy either knitting my socks or hand quilting on a paid piece. This piece is very interesting and challenging. I will tell you all about it next time.

Later,
WilmaNC

Keen Shoes

2011-03-13T07:22:00.000-04:00

I just wanted to give some praise to the company that makes Keen Shoes. We have been wearing these shoes exclusively for many years. They look a little funny, but the fit is great. I wear the sandals almost all the time,

and my hiking shoes are so comfortable, never had to break them in at all.

I think this style (my favorite) is not being made anymore though. :^(

My husband wears a pair for work and a pair for hiking. He likes one similar to this style:

Well, he had purchased a new pair last year, and recently the seam came apart. Usually we wear them for years and wear out the tread way before the tops get aged. So we contacted the company, and sent them this picture:

They so stand behind their product that they replaced his shoes at no cost!!! Not even any shipping! Now that is customer service!!!! I was so impressed that I felt the need to blog about this great product, (and to use lots of exclamation points....) We are customers for life, that's for sure. We were anyway, but that's beside the point.

Thanks Keen. You are awesome.

Later with some quilting stuff, lol.

WilmaNC

Bliss!!

2011-03-06T06:45:00.000-05:00

I have made a few things with my Bliss winnings. I made MIL a purse, she picked out the fabrics and I kind of made up the purse as I went. Came out cute. There are 2 pockets on the outside on both sides. I didn't put pockets on the inside though. I never put things in my inner pockets anyway, unless it's something that I will never use. PLus, I carry very little in my purses. She liked it a lot, which is the most important thing. She found our I was selling stuff at Stacie's shop and she wanted to be the first person to buy something from me. So I have made my first 20 bucks, lol.

I also made a small quilt from the polka dots in the bundle. I am going to do a bunch of straight line quilting on this one.

And I am in the process of making a larger quilt called Picnic from the Scrap Basket Sensations book. Here's a picture of it done up in Bliss, but this is not mine. I have just started piecing it. Not sure how I will lay mine out though.

I am really getting a lot done from my winnings. Thanks again Cotton Way and Moda!!!

The blocks for the Block Lotto (see sidebar) are the split 4 patch this month, in reds and WOW. I made 4, will see if I get time to make more.

And I made 2 basket blocks for a swap in my small quilt group ABC Quilters. If you like small groups, come join. We're having a retreat in Ohio Amish country in September...)

I guess that's all for now. It's raining quite heavily, so I guess it will be mall walking for me today. Boring.....but I need to keep walking as I started Weight Watchers yesterday and hope to stick with it for a while. Then when I get home, I will continue piecing on the picnic quilt. ( It's not really for a picnic, wonder why they named it that??

Later,
WilmaNC

Purses

2011-02-27T07:43:00.000-05:00

I got on a purse making jag yesterday. I have so many pretty cheerful fabrics that I just felt like making something springlike, and it ended up being these purses. I made one a while back and did OK with the zipper, so thought I would try some more. I'm going to take these to the shop and see if they sell. They are on the small side, about 8 1/2 " wide, so I'm asking 15.00 for the zippered ones, and 10.00 for the other. None have linings, but the edges are zig zagged and look nice. If they sell, I might make some with linings and pockets. The kleenex holders I'm asking 3.00. Prices sound OK?

2 of them I just punted and kind of made up the pattern, but the 3rd I got from here. I made my fabric pieces differently though. Not sure if I like the zipper in the front. Next one I will put it on top, as I got enough for 4 purses from each piece of fabric.

Hey, if nothing else, I'm having fun!!

wilmaNC

Thanks Bonnie of Cotton Way!!!

2011-02-22T18:50:00.000-05:00

I won a giveaway from the Cotton Way blog on Valentine's Day, and my winnings came today.

I won a fat quarter bundle of the Bliss fabrics by Moda. 40, count 'em, 40 fat quarters!!! They are beautiful. Plus a bag made from the same line.

I also got 4 patterns by Bonnie Olaveson of Cotton Way. Go check out the store, she has the most beautiful patterns. I have made one year of table runners, and she has more.

I want to make them all!!! I am so lucky. These are the best prizes ever!

I have some pictures of the shop where I will try to sell some little quilts. Here is the store front.

Here are a couple of pictures inside. They have ordered more shelves so eventually my stuff will have it's own area.

My sign is on the floor, but you can't see it due to glare.

I have had a good day.

Later,
WilmaNC

I'm a Local Craftsperson!!

2011-02-20T06:11:00.000-05:00

A small business opened in downtown Weaverville this past year in the old fire house. It's called Stacie's Home Care. In the front of the office they opened a small craft store , Stacie's Gifts,featuring local crafts people. The first time we went in to check it out the owner
told us how it started and asked if we knew any folks who would want
to show their stuff in the shop, and of course Dave pointed to me. So,
I had to come up with a name for my stuff, and get together some
things to sell. I am now Wilma's Little Quilts. A friend of mine made
me a logo from a self portrait quilt I did a while back, so I also
have business cards. WooHoo!! The manager gave me a small frame to to
fill and place above my stuff, I've attached a picture. Think it looks

OK?

I charge what I want for my quilts, and he takes 30%, no charge for

space. The money he makes from sales he uses to help people who can't

afford home care. Neat huh? The store is quite filled already with

wood working, aroma therapy, knitting and other pretty things. He only

has 2 vendors in each category, so I'm lucky to get in. Later this

year there will be a bike shop and a Pub opening on either side of the

shop, so business should be good. We'll see. I'm excited!!

Wish me luck. I think it will be fun.

I won the block lotto last month, and with my winnings, Benta sent me these cute scissor tags. What a neat idea. Don't you just love that the folks from the UK call batting, wadding? I like that better, lol.

Go see her blog.

Later,
WilmaNC

2 for Donation

2011-02-14T15:16:00.000-05:00

I made these 2 quilts with fabric donated by the members of the Quilting Bee Forum, and some of my own fabric. The pattern is called Pointless Star. You can get the free pattern HERE. I love this pattern as there are, like the name, absolutely no points to match up. I donated these to the Guardian ad Litem program in Asheville NC. This is such a worthy cause, they really take care of the children's interests. Go read about it and you will see. And they always seem so happy to get them.

I made 20 blocks but it seemed way too big, so I separated them and made 2 quilts.

I am going to donate more quilts this year. At least 4 more, hopefully more than that.

2 finishes

2011-02-09T08:08:00.000-05:00

I made some of the Pennie Pockets from the Moda site (I think), to send to the grandkids for Valentines day. I had a hard time with the top point, which ended up not being a point, but they are cute anyway.

And I finished a doll quilt for a swap on The Quilting Bee. It was to be anything appliqued. I saw a big quilt with a similar middle, but I don't remember where, so i thought I would try it on a smaller scale. Does it look like sunlight coming through a window? Oh well, lol. I like it anyway.

Now to finish the binding on the charity quilt and the picnic quilt, and to make 2 more socks.

Later,
WilmaNC

My Productive Weekend

2011-02-07T08:43:00.000-05:00

Pictures!!!! We were walking at the mall last week, and passed by a tobacco shop that smelled sooo good, so we went in to look around. We don't smoke, but they had a lot of neat things. Among them being this stack of cigar boxes that I just couldn't pass up. I got 6 boxes for 14 bucks. They are really nice and some are even made of wood. I'm sure I will find something to do with them....

The charity quilt I did is from the pattern Pointless Stars. It goes together so easily with no points to match. The star fabrics were donated by The Quilting Bee Forum. I call this quilt Cupcakes and Turtle Soup, lol.

I need to get the binding on this one. It will be donated to the Guardian ad Litem program here in Asheville.

The next picture is the back.

Then there is the picnic quilt. This quilt is so cheerful, but it was a pain to quilt cause I had to miss the rick rack. I meandered them both so I could get them done, plus I couldn't decide on another pattern.

The next picture is of the back, which I pieced. The binding is on but needs hand stitched done.

It was so nice to quilt these 2 quilts, my Juki just hummed along, didn't break the thread even once!!! And even ran out of bobbin thread at the end of the rows. I have several more to get quilted.

So there is my show and tell for Monday.

Later,

WilmaNC

Progress, and I won at the Block Lotto!!

2011-02-01T07:23:00.000-05:00

I have made progress on all of my projects. First, I actually finished one of the socks I was knitting. I am so excited about this, and it fits perfectly. Lots of little mistakes but the finished product is OK with me. I did wear it around the house all evening. One more to go.

The February lotto blocks are now posted, so I can show you mine. They are really cute ones.

I have a quilt on the frame ready to go, even basted around the edges. Just can't decide on what pattern to quilt. This one reminds me of a picnic quilt. I want to freemo, any suggestions? I quilt with a Juki, and I float my tops.

The jar cabinet has the "hold it in place " stitching done. (I went brain dead and can't remember the word for that, lol. " I'm going to do it on the Bernina as I think it needs more detail than I can do on the frame.

And I finally won some blocks on the Block Lotto!! I made 8 entries and will just keep mine, and I will get 22 others sent to me. Cool! Here are my 8.

I think I will use these to make a quilt for my favorite charity, Guardian ad Litem.

I think I did pretty well in January. Now to finish up everything in February, and see what else I can get going.

Later,
WilmaNC

Why I am not finishing anything...

2011-01-26T16:58:00.000-05:00

I just seem to be flitting from project to project with little rhyme or reason. I'll show you what I mean, lol.

Today was my 3rd sock knitting class, I actually TURNED THE FLIPPIN HEEL!!!! I have heard that term so many times, and now I not only know what it means, I can do it. See??

Now to do the darned gusset...Knitting socks was my first goal for retirement. So far so good.

I am participating in the Block Lotto (see sidebar) this year with the great hopes of finally winning once, lol. So, this is what I've been working on also, but until February 1st the blocks are a secret!!! So I can't show you all of my mess. But you can see a small pile of my scraps that I'm using for the blocks.

I bought fabric to make this quilt some time ago and work at piecing it in between other things. It is yellow and grey and Kona snow.

And last, I am in the process of piecing a back:

So I can get this quilt top on the frame.

It's from a jar swap, and I put them on shelves in a cupboard. Soon I hope it will be getting quilted.

So, at some point I should be finishing all these things at the same time, right??

Later,
WilmaNC

Mugrugs

2011-01-22T06:22:00.000-05:00

Now don't you just love the mugrugs? They are so cute and fast and fun! I sometimes use old orphan blocks I have laying around. Just make a little quilted block, then trim it up and bind it. I have had non-quilters thank me for the little piece of art that I gave them.

I have a friend, Melanie, who went back to school for her BSN, and graduated with a 4.0. We had a little get together for her at, of all places, the Fun Depot. We played lazer tag and rode the bumper cars and the go carts. Even took a turn in the batting cages. ( Man, I use to be such a good ball player....)

Anyway, I found a mug I wanted to give her, and I just had to make a mugrug to match. (The rug is a bit wrinkled as I had it all rolled up in the mug before I remembered to take a picture.)

She liked it. (The mug says: "A good friend knows how you take your coffee. A GREAT friend adds booze!!)

Today I'm hoping to get a quilt on the frame. I have been itching to run the old Juki and try some new freemo patterns.

Enjoy the weekend.

Wilma NC

My Pretties

2011-01-16T06:50:00.000-05:00

Have I said how much I like retirement?? Oh, I have?? Just wanted to make sure you knew, lol.

Had a nice birthday yesterday. We celebrated on Friday cause Dave had to work the weekend, but my sister, Roma, came over and brought me a little cake and a nice book called Word Play Quilts. Then I had a good outside walk and worked on some table runners. So it was a good day, especially since the sun was shining.

I pieced the July table runner from Cotton Way (it's from an older pattern series), which came out very nice. On Friday I had finished piecing the June runner, so now both need quilting. Then all I have left is the one for August and I am done with all 12!!! I love changing things monthly.

Here's June:

And July:

A couple of weeks ago I helped do inventory for Marti's Patchwork Cottage (her site is under construction) in Black Mountain. She paid me in store credit, which is FINE by me!! I went during her big sale and this is the fabric I got:

I just love it all. I don't usually like hearts but this fabric:

reminded me of a heart attack!! What do you think? Morbid?? I just couldn't pass it up.

Today I think I might try to get a quilt on the frame. I have several to do, might as well get busy.

Hope you all have a great day. And I hope the sun shines wherever you are!!

WilmaNC

Sun!!!

2011-01-15T14:34:00.003-05:00

I'm sick of winter and needed a little sunshine on my blog!! After all it is my birthday.....

wilmaNC

Useful Bargains

2011-01-14T07:32:00.000-05:00

The snow finally let up yesterday and the sun came out and melted off the roads, though I don't know how cause it only got up to 29 degrees. But, it did allow us to go out for a bit. Most people did not clean their sidewalks, so Dave and I decided to walk at the mall just so we could walk normally and be without 6 layers of clothing. We start our walk from Sears ( I think Dave likes to start there because there is a bathroom , lol). We walked about 50 feet and saw the after Christmas sale on decorations, 90% off!!! We just had to look. I found these:

I had noticed them at Christmas but didn't think they looked like Christmas ornaments. They were $2.99 each, sale price: 29 cents!! They are made of felt with a really nice button. Thought they would make a nice embellishment for something. We also got a tree topper that was $14.99 for a whopping $1.49. I felt like a shopping diva.

At Christmas, Dave and I each got ourselves an iPod Touch, but we still wanted to get each other something to open on Christmas Day. So we made a $5.00 limit. (I might have mentioned this before.) He got me $5.00 worth of lottery tickets, and I got him this from Harbor Freight:

It's the long handled thing leaning on the wall. The little round end is a magnet that will pick up 25 pounds!! Well, I found a use for it quickly. I drop my needles and pins all the time, and they invariably go under the love seat. I take this little wand and sweep under there, and it picks them all up!! And I don't have to get on the floor. So it will stay right there. And it was on sale for $4.99!!

Don't you love bargains??

Later,
WilmaNC

I won!

2011-01-11T20:07:00.000-05:00

I finally won a giveaway!! I won this:

from Paula's Sewing Challenges. I am so excited!!

WilmaNC

Paula's Sewing Challenge

2011-01-10T05:59:00.000-05:00

Paula of Paula's Sewing Challenges is hosting a bi-weekly sewing challenge with great prizes. Hop on over and check it out.

This week calls for your favorite quilt that you made. One of mine is my Lighthouse wallhanging. I love the NC lighthouses and found this pattern. It was small, so I just made it bigger .

Since you can enter 2 per week, my second entry is my Geese Quilt. I love this one too. It is huge.

This sounds fun. Thanks for hosting these challenges Paula.

WilmaNC

Device Carrier Tutorial

2011-01-09T08:18:00.001-05:00

I posted a picture of a little impromptu carrier I made for my iPod, and Gari asked me if I was going to do a tutorial. So, I am going to give it a go.

First cut 2 pieces of fabric and use some scrap batting to make a sandwich and quilt as desired. I just used straight lines.

Trim sandwich, and sew binding to top and bottom. I used single binding and turned to other side and top stitched.

Trim binding even with sides.

Lay device on sandwich and pull up edge to just cover top of device.

My iPod is sticking up a bit just to show you.

Turn to opposite side and sew up sides almost to top of pocket. (to sew on strap binding.) I forgot to do this and had to remove a bit of stitching to apply rest of binding.

Turn right side out.

Draw lines where you want your handle to be and cut the shape. The more gradual the curve, the easier it is to apply the binding.

Sew binding to curved sides of handle. This is where I had to snip some stitches...

Now go back and sew the open part at the top of the sides.

Turn right sides out. Almost finished.

Fold top down to just above opening and stitch securely. If you don't want the sewing line on the back, you could make your handle a little longer and secure with a button or snap.

And there you have it.

An Ipod (or iPhone) carrier to hook to your belt.

I hope this is clear. I think you can get the basics of what I am trying to say, but if there are any questions...

Later,
Wilma NC

iPod Touch Carrier

2011-01-07T08:26:00.000-05:00

Dave and I both recently got iPod Touches for our birthdays. He is the non-computer user of the house, so I was surprised when he said he wanted one. But hey, anything to keep him amused while I'm sewing, lol. For the first day he had it, he was quiet as a mouse trying to learn how to navigate the web, but then he found Facetime, and now if he wants me in the house, he uses that to call me. (Facetime is really cool, I got to see my little great granddaughter in Minnesota brush her teeth yesterday!!)

On the second day he downloaded about a third of our music CDs onto his iPod, then was wondering how he would carry it when he goes fishing. He was afraid that if he put it in his pocket and bent over to get that 10 pound fish (yeah right!!) off of his hook, it would fall out. So what does the husband of a quilter do?? He asked me to make him something to carry on his belt. I did my best.

When I first started doing free motion quilting I practiced on a big sandwich doing meander. I couldn't make myself throw if away, as I knew that someday I would have a use for it.So I took it out and traced a pattern for a carrier with a loop for over a belt. It really works well. I planned to do another that is finished much more nicely, but he wanted the original one, and who am I to argue. This is what he got.

I wanted to make one that would be bound and have a snap or velcro closure, but he loved this one. ( He thinks I'm so smart now, lol.). But it will work. He said he will put the iPod in upside down so that the wires for his headphones come out the top and he will be set.

I only hope he doesn't look around on the web and find one that is finished perfectly and compare it to my practice carrier.

Later,
WilmaNC

Lions and Tigers and Bears!!!! Oh My!!

2011-01-06T15:29:00.003-05:00

Had quite a start the other day. I decided to make some applesauce , and when Dave went to take the apple peelings to the compost bin, look what we found. Big old tracks across the driveway, and out compost bins are broken to smithereens. Think it was a bear?? He walked through our garden to get all the mud.

Man!!! He tore up the compost sides and even broke some of the boards.

No more composting for us, lol.

I've been sewing on some blocks for the Block Lotto. I hadn't joined in for quite some time, but figured since I'm retired I might as well. They are always fun.

Getting 3 more Solatubes put in today. Finally this place will not look like evening all the time. These things are the cat's meow. :^)

Now to remove a binding that I screwed up. I tried sewing it from the back and top stitching it down on the front, but I don't like the look, so I'm going to do it over.

I went to my first sock knitting class yesterday. I doing the socks made using

4 double pointed needles. I got a good start, and after an hour and a half, and

making only 6 rounds, I found that I had lost 3 stitches. I asked the teacher

what to do. She looked at me and smiled while others were snickering, then

she pulled it all out!!!! And then she proceeded to replace what I had

done in about 7 minutes, all while she was talking to others, lol. The

ladies there say she just loves to undo mistakes. The teacher is from

England and is a real hoot.

Only 5 more classes to go and I will be able to knit socks, I hope!!!

Later,

WilmaNC

My Anniversary is Today

2011-01-03T07:48:00.001-05:00

Wedding Anniversary that is. I have been married to a wonderful man for 38 years now. We only knew each other for 18 days when we got married, it was obviously love at first sight. We are so lucky to have found each other for sure. Here is a picture of us a couple of weeks after we got married. (My daughter is from a previous marriage that only lasted a minute, so it doesn't count, lol. )

And here is a more recent picture.

Just a little bit different, lol.

Anyway, we hope to make it to our 50th one day.

Happy Anniversary Dave. To celebrate we are going to go on a winter hike, then go to eat some ribs at the Fiddlin Pig . Yum.

Later,
WilmaNC

First Finish for 2011

2011-01-02T06:40:00.000-05:00

I finished up this Patchabilities wall hanging yesterday just in time to change all of the stuff to the January motif in our TV room. I think I might keep track this year to see how many things I do in my first year of retirement. Ahhhh, I love that word.

I love that little hanger. I usually bought the ones with the wooden dowel, but I found these for about 2 bucks a piece, so I grabbed some. Then I took wire cutters and made a snip in the middle so I could slide the hangings on. Way cheaper, and I think it looks great.

Later,
WilmaNC

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T07:04:00.000-05:00

A Happy New Year to all of my friends here

in blogland.

WilmaNC

Christmas and a Comfort Doll

2010-12-29T11:39:00.000-05:00

We finally had our Christmas yesterday, as my son and his wife were finally able to make it here from Atlanta. Unfortunately they had to leave today, but a short visit is better than none. Pictures of:

Jack and Angie

Jack Angie and MIL, Rita

Dave and Jack

It was a really nice day.

I made this little comfort doll from an idea from the blog of a friend. You can see hers here. I'd like to make one for each of my great granddaughters. It is sooo cute.

I think stuffing them is the hardest part.

I think I'm going to do the New Years Day Mystery on Planet Patchwork this year. Check it out, it looks fun.

Later,

WilmaNC

What I did for on my Christmas Vacation

2010-12-25T16:38:00.000-05:00

Well, we definitely are having a white Christmas. It is beautiful to look at, but it is messing with my holiday. Dave had to work, but now has to spend the night at the hospital because they called a snow emergency. So he will be sleeping on a stretcher in his office, but they will give him free food. My son, Jack, was supposed to come tomorrow from Atlanta, but it doesn't look good for travel. I don't think I will ever get to open my presents, lol.

I have been in my sewing room most of the day. I did make this fleece hat, and I sewed together a Patchabilities wall hanging that now needs embroidery and binding.

Here's my hat:

I think I look better without hair, lol.

Hope everyone is having a great Christmas.

WilmaNC

Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T18:45:00.001-05:00

"And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this [shall be] a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

Merry Christmas to all my

blogland friends.

WilmaNC

And Now There Are 2

2010-12-22T06:48:00.000-05:00

I finished my second Patched Jeans little quilt. This one is in blues with a pieced background. I think I am going to do one in each color pathway then finish the rest in multicolored scraps. They are really fun!! In the blue one some of the circles are raw edged applique, and others are kind of reverse applique. It was fun. I seem to have settled on a size of about 12x20.

I also found that with the amount of hand sewing I am doing on these, poly batting is better. The first one I used warm and natural and had to use a needle puller to do the hand stitches. I used poly on the blue one and it was much easier. No circles in the next one. :^) Was wondering if I should attach hanging sleeves?

Later,
WilmaNC

I'm officially retired!!!

2010-12-19T06:33:00.000-05:00

OK, now you don't have to hear anymore about my retirement countdown, lol. It's here, and I think it will take me a while to feel retired. But I'm happy to say I have placed my last IV and inserted my last PICC line, and I am VERY happy. Nuff said.

My friend at work, Hazel, made me a beautiful quilt as a retirement gift from my co-workers. She did a great job and I will treasure it always.

I think this is the first fully finished quilt I have ever received as a gift. Awesome.

I'm pretty much ready for Christmas, at least giftwise. Well, except for the $5.00 gift I have to find for Dave. We each bought what we wanted, so we decided to get each other something with a max of 5 bucks. Do you know how hard this is???? It's easy for him to buy for me, thread, a couple fat quarters etc. But what do I get him?? I'm thinking one of those little gadgets that you use to open those steel ( I swear!!) constructed bubble packages might be nice. So, I will probably go to one of the big Hardware stores to find him something. (OH!!! OH!!! I found out yesterday that we have a Harbor Freight here in Asheville so I can buy my rotary cutter blades locally!!)

And since I don't work anymore, I have to do my walking alone on the weekends. So today I will go walk my 2 miles around Beaver Dam Lake, than go find Dave his gift.

I made another Patchabilities wallhanging. These are so cute and FAST!!

Hope everyone is keeping sane during the holidays. I'm trying, lol.

Later,
WilmaNC

All Caught Up

2010-12-17T07:27:00.002-05:00

Well, I'm all finished with my Christmas Shopping. That's always a relief. All of the packages have been sent and received, so the grand babies should have lots of stuff to unwrap and play with.

Speaking of grandbabies, my little Carter is just the cutest thing, and his mom, thanks to her smart phone, sends all kinds of pictures and movies all the time. Here's a movie of him in the snow for the first time.

He is trying to make a snow angel, lol. Dave and I walked into Weaverville the other day right after the snow storm, and the temperature was in the teems. We had on so many layers that I could barely bend my arms. I felt just like Carter looks, lol. Gosh, I want to hold him so badly!!! I think I will have to make a trip to Ohio as soon as the weather gets nice.

And here he is with the box I sent my presents in. Kids, lol.

OK folks, I am down to 1 more day of work til I retire. Tomorrow I am there as an extra person, so I will have time to go around and say goodbye to all of the nurses I came to know over the past 12 years. It will be sad, and I know I will cry, but I will also be soooo happy not to have to deal with illness anymore.

Oh, I added a page on my blog listing the books I have recently read called, "Books I Have Read", lol. There is a link on the sidebar. I just started doing this and thought if you needed some recommendations for good reading...

Merry Christmas,
WilmaNC

Christmas cheer

2010-12-10T12:29:00.000-05:00

We finally have some decorations up in and on the house. Thought I would show you a few. We had the house painted green this year, so it already looked kinda Christmasy. We decided not to put up everything this year, as we are still enjoying looking at the floors and cabinets and don't want to be distracted, lol.

Oh, the colonscopy went well, one little polyp found and removed. That whole thing was a strange experience. The prep really wasn't bed. I took Colyte. The taste wasn't bad at all. It was hard like it is hard to drink 8 glasses of really cold water in about an hour. I did really want something other than clear liquids after the first day though. The procedure itself was easy. The only thing that hurt was the IV. I think I intimidated the LPN who put it in as she knew I was an RN on the IV team. :^) Anyway, although I didn't say anything, she made a poor vein choice that kinda stung the whole time. But as long as it got me the drugs....and I can't say enough about the drugs. Fentanyl and versed. I swear I talked to the doctor the whole time and even kind of remember looking at the polyp, but it was over before I knew it, so I must have slept some. And absolutely no discomfort. I wonder if that is what the so-called "date rape" drug does. It could really come in handy on those nights that hubby is amorous and I'm not, lol. (Just checking to see if you're still reading this...)

Everyone should have their screening colonoscopy when they are 50. No excuses.

Pictures:

It's a beautiful, sunny day here in NC.

Later,
WilmaNC

colonoscopy

2010-12-08T07:20:00.000-05:00

Well, after procrastinating, and promising my doctor that I would do it before I turned 60, (that would be January 15th, lol. ), I am having a colonoscopy tomorrow at 1:30pm. The hard part is today. I am now on clear liquids until after the procedure , and at 5pm tonight I have to start drinking the Colyte bowel cleanse. Not looking forward to that.

I will be glad to get this over with.

Later,
WilmaNC

1st patched jeans quilt

2010-12-06T19:01:00.000-05:00

I finished the first little quilt in the patched jeans series. I chose orange for the patches because of the orange stitching in Levi's, which was the brand a lot of people wore in the 70's. I am pleased with the outcome of this quilt. It is 12.5" x 17.5". The oranges are hand dyes that I purchased from the Folk Art Center in Asheville. I can't remember the name of the lady who dyed them.

I'm thinking if I would put this in a consignment shop I would like to make $20.00, and they could charge whatever they want. Too much, too little??

Here's a picture of the front and the back.

I did both machine straight line quilting, and hand embroidery quilting. Of course the patches are appliqued.

The next one will be a colorful one I think.

Later,
WilmaNC

Addiction: Cross Stitch

2010-12-03T17:46:00.000-05:00

I always look forward to seeing all of the beautiful counted cross stitch done by Myra at Gr8 Dame's Place . Go visit her blog, really neat stuff. It makes me remember when all I did craftwise was cross stitch and counted cross stitch. I do think that was the gateway for me to move on to harder drugs, like quilting, lol. Now I'm addicted and can't stop. But I still like cross stitch too.

I did many pieces when I was partaking, but most were given away. I do still have several that I have kept hanging in my bathroom since they were done. Thought I would share with you. I did these in the late 70's early 80's . There is one that is plain cross stitch, but I always loved the colors and the fact that it had my name and the year stitched on it too. (1981). It's hanging in my bedroom. Gosh, look at the cobwebs, lol. We just had hardwood floors put in the and dust is still hiding.

So, without further ado:

Have to work this weekend. 5 more shifts!!!

wilmaNC

Baby, It's Cold Outside

2010-11-30T07:10:00.000-05:00

Played golf last week, wearing the winter coat this week. Gotta love the weather in the south, lol. But sometimes I like bad weather so I have an excuse to stay inside and hunker down, watch a movie or 2, and do hand work. We watched The Blind Side last night, and of course I cried. What a good movie, I love Sandra Bullock.

I'm retiring December 18th, so I have been trying to make a Christmas ornament for all of my co-workers. There are 32 of them!!! But I will get them done. Thought I would write a note on a Christmas card to each too. I will miss all of them, except 1 or 2, lol.

A while back I found sites showing how to make a tutu and tutu leggings , and just had to make some for my great granddaughter, Mackenzie. She thinks she is a princess and I was sure she would like them. Here's a picture of her wearing them, and not much else!!! She doesn't like clothes too much, even though she lives in Minnesota. And her hair is bright red, and so cute. She couldn't even wait til her mom smoothed out the tulle from getting smashed in the box. Oh, she's a year and a half old.

Hope you all stay warm and have a great day.

wilmaNC

I'm still full...

2010-11-26T07:20:00.000-05:00

of food, and new ideas. Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving. Now I'm looking forward to Christmas.

I'm sure none of my readers is aware that I am retiring on December 18, (ha!!), or that I am very excited about that. I will have more time to devote to quilting and reading, and have had an idea in my head about a series of small quilts for some time.

I met my husband, Dave, in 1972, through a friend. We hit it off right away, and talked on the phone for a few days about books we had read and numerous other things. I did not have a sewing machine then, but I have always liked to sew. Being hippie type people, we kept our jeans forever, and if they got a hole?? Sew a patch on it! So after talking to Dave for those few days, he came over bringing some jeans for me to patch. That was in the middle of December, and we got married on January 3rd. Everyone was appalled and said it wouldn't last, but this January we will celebrate out 38th anniversary.

(These aren't mine....just to give you an idea of what I'm talking about)

Anyway, I always loved the look of patched jeans, so comes the inspiration for my series of "Patched Jeans". My sister gave me a bolt of soft denim material that is 12 inches wide. I am cutting the roll into pieces about 20-24 inches long, and each will be a small quilt. I'm not sure how many I will get out of the bolt, but it should keep me busy for a while.

I'm excited to start this project and to see how many I can get done. There is a small consignment shop that opened recently in our little town, and the fellow seemed interested in little quilts, so I will take the first one to him and see if he thinks it could sell. We'll see.

Plus, all of the other items in my "To Do" file are calling to me. Need some bad weather to keep me in the house, lol.

Later,
WilmaNC

Happy Thanksgiving, a Change of Plans, and Fried Noodles

2010-11-25T06:52:00.000-05:00

I hope all of you have a great Thanksgiving!!!

We had a little change of plan for our meal. Originally we were going to go to a restaurant for dinner, but as Dave and I were looking through the refrigerator and pantry yesterday, we saw that MIL, Rita, had purchased a turkey breast, stuffing mix, sweet potatoes, potatoes, stuff for pumpkin pie, and rolls. When we asked her why she bought all those things, she said she was going to cook them on Friday so we could have leftovers. Geez. Can you say passive-aggressive?? So we cancelled the reservations last night, and we will be cooking all this food for just the 3 of us. And we WILL have leftovers. LOL.

Dave and I always have noodles in the pantry, as one of his favorite things for Thanksgiving is fried noodles. If you have never had these, you are really missing out. And they are easy peasy.

Use the thicker noodles, (homemade are best but didn't have much time...), we use Kluski noodles which we have to buy every time we go to Ohio.

Anyway, cook the noodles as per instructions and drain, and let cool. In a large frying pan melt butter, and then dump in all the noodles and fry and turn until some are light brown in color. You must always pick at the noodles too, to make sure they taste right. And that's that. On your holiday plate, place the noodles between the turkey and the sweet potatoes. The juice from the sweet potatoes runs a little into the noodles, YUM!!! Or, you can do like my husband, and most other people, and put gravy on them. Go figure. We only have these at Thanksgiving and Christmas, but it's not because they are hard to make, just special.

Later,

WilmaNC