Friday, December 5, 2014

CHRISTMAS PROJECT STORIES, A WILD DAY STORY, AND A SNEAK PEEK AT GROUP PICTURES


Well here we are already to Friday and the 5th of December.  I agree with my friend Kathy over at Empty Nest but Full Heart, in that it has just been a weird week... though maybe for different reasons for me then for her.  I have just had such a hard time getting myself back on track, and finishing up the projects I still needed to complete for Christmas.  I think I pushed myself SOO hard to get what I did get done before Thanksgiving, that I am just kind of burned out and tired, at least with Christmas things.  But I had not made my tree skirt yet, and I still needed something for my youngest sister (who does not read this blog so I can write about this here, lol) whose birthday is Dec. 26th, so I KNEW I needed to get going on those things first this week.  I intend to give her a gift when we all get together here next Sat. for what I hope to be in the future our annual "brother/sister" Christmas celebration. Anyway, not having a lot of time, and being kind of "burned out", I settled on a Christmas runner that I had actually put together last year and then never finished.  All I had to do was get some backing, and some binding, and then quilt it together which would finish it up.  Sooo first, I put together the tree skirt.  This presented a problem or two because you make it with two charm packs.  I needed 81 squares, and the charm packs have 42 squares a piece in them which SHOULD HAVE given me 84 squares and therefore plenty. HOWEVER they did NOT have 42 squares in them and I was short 6 squares.  Sooo I decided (since there was not time to send for another charm pack) to just make it 8 squares across, and 8 squares down for a total of 64 squares instead.  You have to have a square to finish it the way you do, so that was the best I could do.  Then I cut off the corners and put the borders on to make it somewhat rounded like a tree skirt.  Here was my next problem.  I ordered these fabrics weeks ago and I am not sure what I was thinking when I did.  Because my intention from the beginning was to make the first border a 2 and half inch one, and the final border 4 inches. Well, I did NOT have enough fabric to do that!  So the first border is 2 inches, and the second is 3.  Meaning of course the WHOLE skirt is quite a bit smaller then I intended it to be what with both the smaller borders AND the fewer charm squares.  However, we did get a new SLIM tree this year so we could put it in a new place by the fireplace, (our old tree was HUGE and wouldn't fit there...so we just gave it to our church to use instead) and there is not much room there for a skirt anyway, and I am hoping that the smaller skirt will work just fine.  Soo after I got the skirt together, I went to the store and bought the fabric I needed to both finish the runner and for the back of the skirt as well. I never bought that either it seems when I was originally getting my fabric together for it.  Anyway, I came home and put together a plan on how to quilt the runner, and decided to do it first.  It was smaller of course and I figured it would be easier to do, plus get me in the swing of quilting these things myself.  Well.....let's just say this....WAY WAY WAY more fiddly work then I ever dreamed!  I can't say I enjoyed it at all.  Took me ALL afternoon and it wasn't until 8:30 that evening that I was finally sitting down to hand sew the binding on.  All I could think about was that the tree skirt is MUCH bigger and still loomed ahead to do.  Suddenly I didn't care if I EVER had a tree skirt or not, lol.  I just didn't know if I could even MAKE myself do the quilting on it.  Plus anything I felt I could do well enough (such as what I did on the runner) really was not what I had in mind for the skirt anyway.  Sooo on a fluke, I decided to text my quilter gal and see if there was ANY way at all she could do this up for me on such late notice and BEFORE our party here next week-end.  Honestly I figured there was NO WAY she could.  I usually have to give her 3 or 4 weeks for a turn around time, and I know this is one of her busy, busy times of the year. But! she told me since it was small and I just want an edge to edge design she could do it for me by next Wednesday!! I was sooo grateful and drove it out to her yesterday afternoon.  Sooo now let me show you my runner and tree skirt.

SO HERE IT IS!  I DO LOVE THE RICH, DARK COLORS IN THIS RUNNER

I JUST STITCHED AN OUTLINE OF ALL THE HALF TREES AND STAR, AND THEN DREW LINES DOWN THE BACKGROUND FABRIC AND USED A SQUIGGLE STITCH FROM MY DECORATIVE STITCHES AND USED MY WALKING FOOT FOR THAT PART.  I USED A BASTING SPRAY TO SANDWICH MY LAYERS TOGETHER WHICH SEEMED TO WORK WELL.

ON THE BORDERS I USED A BIGGER SQUIGGLE STITCH, AND JUST USED MY SEWING FOOT FOR A GUIDE LINE.   I USED A GREEN THREAD FOR ALL THE STITCHING, AND A RED/BURGUNDY ON THE BACK...I JUST REALIZED I TOOK NO PICTURES OF THE BACK OF THIS.  IT'S A PRETTY FABRIC AND I USED THE SAME ONE FOR THE TREE SKIRT.  SO I WILL TAKE A PICTURE OF IT WHEN I GET THE SKIRT BACK.

AND HERE IS THE SKIRT.  THIS IS A CRUMMY PICTURE, AND THE COLORS ARE NOT VERY GOOD.  THESE ARE THE SAME LINE OF FABRICS THAT I USED IN MY STAR QUILT WHICH I THOUGHT WAS GOOD AS THEY ARE IN THE SAME ROOM.  I WILL TAKE BETTER PICTURES WHEN I GET THIS BACK FROM THE QUILTERS,  IF ANYONE IS INTERESTED, I GOT THIS PATTERN AND TUTORIAL FROM MISSOURI STAR QUILT COMPANY.  AFTER I GET IT BACK FROM THE QUILTER, I WILL STILL HAVE TO CUT IT UP THE MIDDLE AND MAKE A CIRCLE AS WELL FOR IT TO GO AROUND THE TREE, AND THEN BIND IT WITH FABRIC CUT ON THE BIAS (WHICH WILL BE ANOTHER FIRST FOR ME, LOL)
 Then, in between these projects this week I made up a few orders for my niece.  I am just doing the head turbans and bows for her which are quick and easy for me to do.  And considering this gets me free hair colors and cuts, it works for me well.  Let me show you a quick glance at some of these.

THAT'S THE END OF THESE FABRICS, SO THERE WILL BE NO MORE LIKE THESE...CUTE  I ALSO MADE UP THE LAST OF THE GREY AND WHITE STRIPED, BUT DIDN'T TAKE A PICTURE OF THEM FOR SOME REASON

THIS IS THE NEW FABRIC...SOO CUTE.  I THINK THESE MIGHT BE A GOOD SELLER AS SOME OF THESE HAVE SOLD JUST FROM THIS PIC I TOOK AND WORD OF MOUTH,AS  THEY HAVEN'T EVEN OFFERED THEM YET TECHNICALLY, LOL  I AM PLEASED AS THIS FABRIC (UNLIKE SOME OF THE OTHER!) IS REALLY EASY TO WORK WITH

AND  HERE IS THE NEW BOW I CAME UP WITH....PERSONALLY, THIS ONE IS MY FAVORITE, LOL

JUST A COUPLE OF THEIR MODELS SHOWING OFF SOME OF THEIR SHIRTS...SOO CUTE

AND THIS LITTLE CUTIE IS WEARING THEIR NEW "GIRL" SHIRT AND SPORTING ONE OF THE GREY AND WHITE TURBANS,  AGAIN, IF ANYONE MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN THIS LINE OF KID CLOTHING, THEY CAN FIND IT AT WWW.HUNTWESTCLOTHING.STORENVY.COM
And then, I just have to tell you about my WILD day yesterday... I will try and be quick (I know, I know, I NEVER am! lol) but seriously I will do my best....   I had gone yesterday to drop off my quilt and afterwards I met my sister for lunch.  We had a nice visit, (though the food was not very good...won't be going there again too soon!) and then we both left to complete our list of errands.  I was JUST about finished (had only 1 last stop!) when suddenly the lady next to me decided to jump out of the left hand turn lane and back into the flow of traffic where I was (they were all stopped at the light of course) and proceeded to give me a good hit with her car!  I was immediately angry (to be totally honest!) as there was just no excuse for what she had done, and I knew from experience that this might mean a few days of being stiff and sore for me.  Plus, stopping and hassling all an accident involves just was NOT what I felt like doing, not to mention getting the car repaired etc.  I said a quick prayer (honest I did I was soo angry!) and got out of the car to access the damage after we pulled over.  Mine wasn't too bad (hers was much worse) but imagine my surprise when she proceeded to basically flip out on me for hitting her!! I felt like I might be in the twilight zone.  She said (among MANY other things)  "Didn't you see me signaling to get over?" Uumm no, I didn't and let's not forget changing lanes from there is against the law in the first place...  "You were driving WAY too fast!"  I was going maybe 30 in a 50 zone,,there was lots of traffic...And,"you were definitely NOT paying attention"  About this time I came around (I'd been in shock at her attack) and told her, "Lady, there is NO way I hit you...you hit me!!  Just look at the damages on our cars.  It will be very obvious to any insurance company looking at these to KNOW who hit who here."  She then snarled out, (and I mean snarled) "Just give me your information, and we will see about this!"  So we completed our exchange in silence and we drove away.  I of course called and told my husband the story who was horrified and hoping I had taken pictures.  I had thank goodness the presence of mind to do that.  When I got home and called my insurance co they told me it was quite obvious who was at fault and she was just trying to intimidate me and to just call her insurance co. and report it.  Which I did.  To shorten this story up it wasn't long before the insurance adjuster called to tell me that they were accepting total liability for what was obviously her fault accident.  I was then told I would get a rental car and where to take my car etc.  My hubby is handling that for me today.  Honestly I just couldn't believe that woman.  For some reason I want her on the phone ADMITTING she hit me, and apologizing for doing so.  Do you think that might happen?  lol  Yeah, me either.  I am a little sore this morning but nothing like I feared, and I am grateful that it wasn't any worse then it was.  I am also grateful that I felt the Lord's presence when I got out of that car, and he helped me to remain calm.  Just goes to show for the millionth time we really have no idea what might happen just driving from point A to point B.  or for anything else for that matter that might come up in our days.  Nothing is really in our control.  I am soo glad I know who is in control on mine, and that He loves and cares for me.  Just thought I'd show you the pics of our cars...Mine doesn't look too bad really.

HER'S...PASSENGER SIDE FRONT

MINE...DRIVERS SIDE BACK...IT ACTUALLY IS SOMEWHAT DAMAGED ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE TIRE TOO, BUT I DIDN'T TAKE A VERY GOOD PICTURE,  GUESS IT DOESN'T MATTER NOW.  
I will finish this up with a couple of quick pictures, and a kind of sneak peek at our some of our pictures taken last Sun.  These are NOT the photographers, just ones Melody managed to get. I am REALLY REALLY wishing at this point that I had not been sitting down in the group shots. NOT flattering at all.  Can't really even see my outfit (not that it matters!) and my rear end looks HUGE. Not that it isn't huge, but I  had no idea it was quite that bad, lol.  I don't want to complain as honestly I am soo pleased we got to do this, so hopefully this will be the last and only whine about these pictures.  I just wish I'd been standing....oh well, live and learn...

FIRST JUST HAD TO SHOW YOU THIS ONE OF LUKE AT THE DOC YESTERDAY WAITING FOR HIS 18 MONTH CHECKUP.  THE LOOK ON HIS FACE SO CLEARLY SAYS,  "SO WHAT ARE WE DOING HERE GUYS?"  LOL  SOO CUTE.  HE HAS THE SWEETEST LITTLE LIPS

AND MELODY TOOK THIS OF SAM AS THIS WAS HIS "FEEL" DURING GROUP SHOTS, LOL.  HE WAS ALMOST AS HARD AS THE BABIES TO GET HIM TO STAND STILL

LOVE THIS ONE OF GRANDPA AND THE TWO YOUNGEST GRANDSONS LUKE AND VINNY,,JUST TWO MONTHS APART

GOOD ONE OF MIKE AND HIS BOYS, THOUGH A SMILE MIGHT HAVE MADE THIS EVEN BETTER MIKE, LOL

MELODY AND MIKE

MY EYES ARE SHUT (NOT THAT THIS IS THE PROFESSIONAL ONE!) MY SHOES ARE RIDICULOUS, AND MY REAR END IS NON ENDING. HOWEVER ALL OF MY GRANDS ARE ADORABLE.  (and yes, Luke just wanted down! lol) CAN'T BELIEVE HOW OLD SOME OF THEM LOOK.  I GUESS I CAN PRAY THAT THE PROFESSIONAL ONES WILL MORPH ME INTO A MUCH BETTER LIGHT, LOL
I know this is way too long.  I need to write more posts that are shorter but somehow it never happens.  Hope you all have a good week-end!  We are sure looking forward to ours.  I intend to spend the afternoon getting a start on some baby blankets!  (I am sooo ready to do this!) Many blessings to you all!  Debbie


8 comments:

  1. Have mercy, I'd be worn out if I had been through all you have been through this week. :o)) You are a die hard whiz at the sewing machine for sure. Love the runner and the tree skirt. Just beautiful!

    Glad the fender bender wasn't worse but any accident is just a pain to have to deal with.

    Enjoy your weekend!

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  2. That photo is precious and one day you'll be happy to have it. It's because of these women's concerns that we become invisable women. Not good.

    Speaking of invisable...did she not see you?! I was once thus accused and it certainly is intimidating. (I did NOT hit the dog; the dog hit me. She lived to run free another day mercifully.)

    All of your efforts are coming to a good result. Love the tree skirt and the beautiful runner for your sister. Sometimes, we must have the faith to believe that upsetting things happen for a reason and that God means us to grow and be blessed. That smaller tree skirt is going to work beautifully for your tree. I just know it.

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  3. I love the family photos! You have quickly become a real quilter!!! Wonderful to see all that you are producing! Love the little head turbans too. Such happy things!
    xo Kris

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  4. gosh I am so glad you had presence of mind to pray before you got out of the car! What a terrible kind of woman. I am so glad you weren't hurt.
    We got a thinner tree this year and I am so happy with it. I like your Christmas tree skirt. After reading your trials about the Christmas tree skirt I am not making one this year. I really like that runner you made.
    I love all of the family pictures and I hope they can get your car fixed easily.
    So glad you are okay. Have a lovely weekend.

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  5. I love love the turbans, they are adorable. And I am so sorry about your accident, you really never know anymore how someone is going to react to this kind of thing anymore. Thank goodness it is going to be taken care of...sounds like she was trying to bully you, I'm glad God gave you the presence of mind to stand up to her. I think I would have stood there in dumbstruck silence, too stunned to respond.
    Glad you guys all had the opportunity to get those photos done. Can't wait to see the final results...enjoy the rest of your weekend

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  6. Your sewing is always inspiring. The car wreck so sorry...I was the one who hit someone this time last year and it was a very pleasant exchange. The lady I backed into was sooooooooo gracious. The grands are just so precious and this picture is great. What blessings.

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  7. I think both the runner and the tree skirt turned out fabulously! I never thought about quilting using a decorative stitch ... if I ever do any machine quilting, I'll definitely consider using a decorative stitch! I think the picture of you with the grands turned out splendidly ... I see nothing wrong with your shoes nor your "bumper" (as my grands call their rear ends). I see some precious grands with their adoring grandparents! Sorry to hear about your car wreck, but I'm so glad that everything turned out well for you (all things considered).

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  8. Thank goodness you weren't hurt in that accident Deb. But how frustrating that must have been. Some people...

    I love your family photos! Simply beautiful and you're being too hard on yourself. You look amazing with your family surrounding you. And I have to say that I absolutely LOVE the girl shirts. Do you do them using words to describe each child individually? Oh my.

    Blessings and love,
    Debbie

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I am so glad that you would take the time to comment on my thoughts and feelings, it is such a blessing to me!