Thursday, November 27, 2008

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Good Morning and Happy Thanksgiving! I believe Thanksgiving should be everyday. It is a time to pause and remember our many blessings and to give thanks for them. May you have a very safe and Blessed day!

Tom Turkey was made by a very special cousin of mine. I'm always amazed at the work she puts into the many "treasures" she sends me. She has to have a lot of patience. She doesn't make just one, she makes lot's to sell and give away. She has an assembly line going when she whips out her projects. I wish she lived closer.....sigh.

God's Speed
Kathy



Saturday, November 8, 2008

fleece...Oh, so warm..... fleece

My gd Raven decided she needed a fleece blanket. She wasn't crazy about fleece and prefers her "cool" memee that she made a few years back, but she said it is kinda cold in their house and a nice fleece blanket would help her go to sleep. The light blue backing brings out the blue that is in the top fleece. Notice Austie who just happened to get into the picture.
Raven made two blankets for herself , but she favors this one that she made first. I've repaired it a number of times for her.


Of course I had to make Kahlu his own fleece blanket. He loves laying on ours, so what the heck....I found this wonderful wild animal print that I thought was just perfect and quess what? Kahlu wouldn't lay on it. I think he was afraid of it. After taking a picture of the blanket up close......I can see why he might have been afraid of it. As you can see, he finally claimed it as his. Ah, so warm. Isn't Kahlu a cutie? He is Lhasa Apso and Poodle. He is such a sweetie.
Hope you all have a wonderful day!

Friday, October 31, 2008

opps, I forgot....Happy Halloween!

HOPE YOU HAD A FUN TIME!

November BOM


Here is my November BOM designed by Carol Doak. This is going to be a cute BOM series. They consist of scenic blocks set on point.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Burrrrrrrr............


It's time to wrap up in a fleece blanket. It is cold.......I love quilts, but find fleece blankets to be so warm. I've made quite a few the last few years. Everyone has their own and then some:-) Here is a picture of my sister's significant other, Hershel. I made this fleece blanket for him. He has helped my mother so much and is very good to my sister. He is family.
Thank you Hershel for all you do! It is deeply appreciated. Hopefully you will feel the warmth of our embraces as you wrap up in this blanket.

Triple Treat Challenge

Electic quilt pattern


We were given three blocks, designed by Carol Doak, that we had to use in the challenge. I designed this quilt in an electric quilt program. For some reason it doesn't look like the quilt I designed. Hummm.......looks like I need some more practice. LOL I think I might have to print the foundation pieces using the mirror image feature. I still like it. I just need more practice.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

October BOM

Carol Doak has started a new BOM with her Yahoo internet group. Here is my October block. You can join her group by clicking here. It is a very easy block. If you want to learn to paper piece, this is the group to join.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Yo Yo Pumpkin


I really enjoy what one can make with yoyo's. While at the Madison quilt show, I picked up this pattern by Indygo Junction. It has a pattern for a spider, but that one will have to wait until next year. The spider takes about 170 small/xtra small yo yo's.

Friday, October 10, 2008

35th Wedding Anniversary


35 years....hummm.....where did the time go?


My husband, Fernando, and I got married October 10, 1973 in Mons, Belgium. We were both in the Army stationed at SHAPE, (Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe) Belguim. I worked at the hospital as a Medic and he as a Communications Operator in some other building. It was during the Vietnam war and when Tony Orlando was becoming popular. He performed at the club for the troops. We hung out with the same group of friends. I met him at the bowling alley. Bowling was something we both enjoyed to do. We made a couple trips to Paris.....ahhh Paris. Shrimp salad on french bread was one of my favorites.....with fritz(fries) and mayo of course. My mouth is watering for one right now:-

I'm from Waukesha, Wisconsin and Fernando is from Alice, Texas. Our lives wouldn't have crossed if we hadn't been in the military and stationed together.

I'd be lying if I said married life has been easy. I don't know of any that are. It takes alot of work to intertwine two lives. We had lots of ups and downs. I look back at those times now and see them as stepping stones to the greater love and respect for each other. Through The Years by Kenny Rogers pretty much sums up our years together. (Video of us with song)

I thank the Lord for bringing us together. We have been very Blessed.

Kathy

Monday, September 22, 2008

I won AGAIN.....YAHOO!!

OMY Goodness......I can't believe it!! I won The Perfect Caddy!! Remember I told you, when I went to Wisconsin, my aunt and cousin wanted me to go to a quilt show in Madison with them? I put my name in for a lot of give-aways and I was called today by Hinterberg Design
that my name was drawn to recieve The Perfect Caddy. I had put my name in for the drawing also when I was in Nashville. I guess the second time is the charm. lol Anyone want to rub elbows with me...hee hee
It will be shipped out to me in about a week. Make sure you check out the Hinterberg Design sight. Maybe you'll want to design your own Perfect Caddy.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

World Alzheimer's Day September 21st



There are 26.6 million people worldwide with Alzheimer's disease. More than 5 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease. And, there are a group of quilters who are trying to do something to find a cure. Visit the Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative:http://www.alzquilts.org/ Ami's mom has the disease....this patch is in honor of her. Check out this link to find out how you can help and to help spread the word.

Monday, September 15, 2008

I'm back from Wisconsin




It is always nice when your plans work out. I was going to be in Wisconsin for only 4 days and had lots to do, so it was nice that I got all in and then some. I hadn't planned on my brother having open heart surgery, but he did and I was able to see him twice. He is doing GREAT!

Now to accomplish what I did was a challenge because there is a lot of distance between EVERYONE AND EVERYTHING that was on my list. Think farm country. I wish I could have spent more time with one friend and that I had seen a couple more friends..Geri & Diane, we will get together...next time I hope. I live 6 hours from there.

My aunt and cousin wanted me to go to a quilt show in Madison, WI with them. (Friday) That's about 1.5 hours from them. I really enjoyed spending the day with them and saw a great show.....even though I didn't win anything. Lots of drawings going on. I'm sure that Mystery Basket will be the last for a long time.lol The quilt above caught my eye. There were lots of beautiful quilts.

Ever see and taste a chocolate (covered) cherry tomato? Darn, I forgot to taste it.....well, I was going to bring it home and left it at my sisters:-( At least I got a picture. lol Above is a picture of it ....
Hope you all had a nice weekend.
Kathy

Monday, September 8, 2008

MY Wonderful Mystery Basket Arrived!!



The Mystery Basket that I won from A Legacy of Stitches arrived today! What fun it has been going through all the cool fabric and patterns. Sandi did a great job of "stuffing" the basket. I love the basket too. Thanks Sandi!! Check out her sight......she has another Give-Away. She is having too much fun with these Give-Aways. Good thing she has Brown Bear and friends to help her out.

Puppy Love

Being a quilter and animal lover, I found this video too cute and can relate since my furry friends like to help too. Enjoy Puppy Love!

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

4000 Member block


This is what I've been working on.....the 4000 member block that Carol Doak designed for our Yahoo Quilting Group. I used three shades of my favorite color plus the brown. The color is Aqua, not blue as it appears. I'm pleased with it. Thank you Carol for yet another wonderful design.

Saturday, August 30, 2008

August BOM


I finished my August BOM designed by Carol Doak. I like the way it turned out. Now I have to catch up. This was the last month of the 12 month series. I have too many projects started........ I have the 4000 member celebration block to make also and.............the list goes on. Oh, but it's fun!!


Hope you are having a good Labor Day weekend.

Friday, August 29, 2008

Yahoo!! I just recieved a Blog Award




My Comadre, Michelle, sent me a blogger award which was Created by Ms. Javablu. My dear friend Michelle and I met back in 1999 over the internet. (if you are down and need a good laugh, she is the one to call. She is a RIOT!) They were then transfered to, Scott AFB, the base I lived at. It was back when she was a quilter. Now she is a Paper Crafter mostly. She does BEAUTIFUL work!! Check out her blog. Anyway, we belonged to "The Chicken Swappers." No, we didn't swap chickens..(I got strange looks when I meationed the group I belonged to)...LOL we swapped chicken quilt blocks. It's funny, neither of us were or are chicken lovers. We had so much fun in that group. I'll post a picture or two later. I have to finish this post or I might forget why I started it. LOL No, I couldn't forget. It is an award that is greatly appreciated and comes at a time when a could use a little "pick me upper". Thanks Michelle! You're the best! If I could give you this award AGAIN I would.



OK, Here are the Rules:


  1. The winner can put the logo on their blog.

  2. Link the person you received your award from.

  3. Nominate at least 5 other blogs.

  4. Before listing the nominees give a brief reason why you chose them.

  5. Put links of those blogs on yours.

  6. Leave a message on the blogs you have nominated.

Here are my favorites that I check each day:


1.) Polka Dot Pineapple Talk about inspiration! Arlette is so creative. I am in Awe of her creativity. I want to be just like her! lol I always look forward to checking out "what is new" at her web sight. She has some wonderful tutorials.


2.) Hazel at Sewcrazy has a inspirational blog also. I met her via internet about 2 years ago at Carol Doaks yahoo group. She does beautiful work and is very active with making quilts for charity. Thank you Hazel for all you do!


3.) Tracy at 'Tis the Gift has a blog I enjoy reading. She makes me remember to be thankful for and to share the "gifts" that we are so blessed with. Thanks Tracy!


4.) Bonnie at Quiltville's Quips & Snips is chalked full of interesting facts and fun stuff! I love checking out her sight! She does alot of charity quilts and furnishes tons of free (well, not tons, but you know what I mean) patterns so one can use up all those leftover scraps we tend to have. You can find those patterns at Quiltville. Thanks Bonnie for all you do!


5.) Lauren at My Time, My Creations, My Stampendence has a great blog that I have spent a lot of time on......reading it and enjoying her card creations. She is one very busy and creative lady. Thanks for all you do!

Make sure you check out these blogs. I'm sure you'll enjoy them as I do.





Thursday, August 28, 2008

Tequila 1989-2008

Our cat, Tequila, of 19 years was put to rest yesterday. As other pet lovers(owners) know, it was very hard to do, but we didn't want her to be in pain anymore. She lived a good life. She was one fiesty lady and our other cat and dog knew you didn't mess with her. She was the Queen. But yet, when I cut her nails or we pet her, she would always purr. She was very friendly with people.
She will be deeply missed.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Smooth Sailing Block


I made the Smooth Sailing Challenge block for the Carol Doak yahoo group. It was due by the 29th Aug, so I didn't get to make it like I had done in the EQ program. That isn't saying I never will :-) Now cross your fingers that I win a prize. I know, I'm greedy. I just won a mystery gift basket, so how can I expect to win at Carols? Well, I could be on a roll ya know! I really want to win 60 fat quarters at Carols. I'm not sure what the prize is for this block if I get picked. I've only been trying to win at Carols for a little over 2 years. Check out this group. It's Great! We just hit 4,000 members and she added a free block in celebration. Now I need to get the August BOM done for another chance to win. lol

I won, I won!!

WHOO HOO!! I won a mystery basket filled with 25 quilting and stitching items from A Legacy of Stitches! Yippeeeeeee! Isn't it fun to win?? Yup, it is! I'll post a picture of the items when I get them. It has turned a sad day into a much better one. Hop over to Sandy's and check out her blog.
I feel like Tiger, from Winnie the Pooh, right now.

Monday, August 25, 2008

My Weekend

Well, I went to Nashville this past weekend. My dh and I had a wonderful time with a nephew and niece. It was nice spending one on one time with them. When you're with the whole family, everyone is talking and one doesn't usually get that time. My nephew and niece are a great couple and we very much enjoyed our visit. While there I went to the Nashville Quilt Expo. You are probably wondering where the pictures are...........I left my camera at my nephews:-( I didn't realize it until I wanted to get a picture with Eleanor Burns:-( I complained for a time,but I survived. I do have pictures of me with Eleanor from other shows and I can view pictures of the quilts on line, so I don't feel too sad.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Just a note



These are close ups of half of each side of the quilt.

Whew I'm done








I know, I was working on the "Trips Around The World" quilt, but I needed a quilt quick and that one wasn't going to be done in time, so I made this "quilt as you go" reversible quilt. I just finished with time to spare. I just have 5 more blocks to do for the other quilt and will work on that one when I get back from Nashville. So here are a few pictures of the quilt. I really like how this one turned out. Hope the recipients do too:-)





Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Help from my furry friends

I'm sure if you have pets, you know they try to be very helpful when help isn't needed......well, not from them anyway~~~



Picture #1 Kahlu: "Hummm........., not sure I like these blocks here"......#2 "Nope, don't like them here".....Austie: Nope, I don't like it either"......#3 "Well, aren't you going to give me some other blocks to check out?" Austie, looking uninterested: "Whatever."
The quilt is the "Scrappy Trips Around the World"

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Beautiful Fall like morning

Good Morning! It's a beautiful 61 degrees this morning. I've been busy working on my "Scrappy Trips Around the World" By Bonnie of Quiltville. It's coming along. I might post a picture later.
I've been at Announcements To Ponder and loved it so much that I thought I'd share with you. With the holidays coming up, I'm sure Jessie could come up with some pretty unique cards. I have not used this service or personally know Jessie. I just visited her sight and was in awe of her work. Enjoy the creativity and while you're at it, she is doing a giveaway at Bloggy Giveaways.
Enjoy your day! Kathy

Friday, August 8, 2008

Friday already





Where has the week gone? It seems, for some reason, when one retires that time just seems to zip right past you. The thing is, I don't remember what just zipped past me.....lol



Today I've been working on a "Scrappy Trips Around the World" quilt by Bonnie at Quiltville. I'm using cat fabric. I love Bonnie's sight!

Only 27 more blocks to make.LOL



Today, Carol Doak presented our group with another challenge called "Smooth Sailing". She gave us a paper pieced boat to play with. As always, there will be a random drawing and a prize given the end of the challenge. I was playing with EQ5 and came up with this 15X15 inch block with the sail boat in. I am using the monkey wrench block from EQ's block library. I want to paper piece it, so I have some figuring to do. I think if I put a pre-made four patch in the center, I should be good to go....we shall see. This will have to be put on the back burner for a while so I can get some other things done. Hopefully, I'll get it done in time.

Don't let the weekend pass you to quickly without you enjoying it.

Kathy

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Wouldn't you know it.........

Wouldn't you know it, once I put out a post for help, I figure out how to do what I asked about??? I've only been trying to figure it out for a gazillion days! Well, maybe not that many. hee hee. Now you are wondering what I am talking about. I asked for help to be able to print a name or sight and have it linked up to the sight or persons sight that I was talking about. My dear friend (Comadre) Michelle said she would explain how to do it when she got settled in..... she is in transit to BeaverCreek, Ohio with her new move, it will be a while yet. Before I lost contact, she mentioned the earth link and I tried to figure it out, but no such luck.....until today when I decided to highlight the word I wanted to LINK. YaHOO, it works. She is going to be sooooo proud of me when she sees I figured it out all by myself!!! Yippy, yippy, yippy......this has made my day! Doesn't take much. hee hee. Now I can direct you to a gazillion..lol...well maybe not that many.(295 at present)Blog giveaways. Bloggy Giveaways Have fun and good luck. Until next blog. Have a GREAT day! Kathy

Thursday, July 31, 2008

My Quilt Blog

Last year I started a Quilt Blog....I just remembered. lol I just visited it again and thought instead of transporting everything over to this one, I would post the link. http://www.myquiltblog.com/Kela52/ I used it pretty much for just quilting stuff. Check out the other wonderful blogs on that sight, while you are there.
Enjoy your day! Kathy

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Armed Forces Tribute

Make sure you click on "Armed Forces Tribute" above to see a beautiful video.



From another Yahoo group I belong to, I found this link http://www.loveboxesforourtroops.com/ I spent some time on it this morning. I plan on putting a box or two together and sending them. Can you imagine the "feeling of love felt"by the troops, if all reading this sent just one box? I don't have too many dropping by, but we could spread the word and any amount is greatly appreciated. I do appreciate all who do drop by. I've donated quilt blocks for quilts to be made for our troops and donated items, but feel I need to do LOTS more. I hope you'll consider sending one box. Gods Speed
Kathy
p.s. yes, the block is another Paper Panache mystery block.

Monday, July 28, 2008

Best Friends



I thought I'd better not let another day go without posting. I've been busy with the everyday things. Threw together some "bags" to put the Wii steering wheels and controls in to protect them when transported from house to house. Nothing great. Just made them out of fleece left over from my grandkids robes I made them for Christmas last year. We got some Wii time in too. It's nice having them close by. I can't believe they will be back to school August 21. Hopefully tomorrow I can get some time to work on a BOM.
Here is a picture of a mystery I did from Paper Panache called Best Friends.
Have a good night. Kathy

Friday, July 25, 2008

Where do eggs come from???




Good Morning to you on a raining Friday here in S Illinois. My granddaughter said she read the post about eggs and asked if I put the answer some where, so I thought It only fair to post one. My simple answer is that when the egg is laid, it is of a rubbery (tough) consistancy making passage into the world easy, so when it hits the ground it won't break. Then it hardens rather quickly. If you want to read more about the formation of it, you can check this article...
http://www.blurtit.com/q240100.html It's a very interesting article. I didn't know it took so long to make the egg. I even learned something new. Boy, I love the internet. I just googled "how eggs are made" and lots of stuff came up. You'll never look at an egg the same way after reading the article. lol
Above is a block from a swap hosted by Sindy Rodenmayer. Check out her Great sight. http://www.fatcatpatterns.com/
Have a Wonderful Day! Kathy

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Eggs


In our house, we love egg salad sandwiches. While peeling the eggs yesterday, I noticed something interesting. I always thought that if you peeled the eggs while still kinda warm, that the shells would come off easily. That was what I had determined from experience.......or I thought. What I found interesting yesterday, was that I had cooked 2 eggs from one carton and 4 from another together and proceeded, when still slightly warm, to de-shell them. As you can see from the picture, 2 are smooth(shells came off easily) and the other 4 have craters from chunks coming out when "trying" to take the shells off nicely. So, my theory flew out the window. Why do some shells come off easily and others not? I kinda think it might be according to the freshness of the eggs. So if that is the case, are the fresh eggs the ones that de-shell easily or the ones that are very difficult? Gee, for sometime for now, I've had eggs that peel very easily.......I sure hope that means they were fresh. lol
Question: Have you ever wondered why birds don't lay cracked eggs? Living on a farm and having chickens, I know why......but those who haven't had the experience that I have.....have you ever thought about it?
Kathy

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

My Tuesday


While waiting for my windows to be installed today, I made the July BOM from Carol Doaks internet group. Don't even ask how many I need to do yet to catch up. My granddaughter was over and we played Wii for a while. Told Raven I was having a Wii withdrawal. lol We play Mario Kart. Too much fun!! We aren't quiet when playing and I can only imagine what the guys installing the windows were thinking..... A granny playing Wii???lol Did I say too much fun?? My dh went to the movies to see "The Dark Knight"with our grandson and we all spent time together later. It was a good day.
Hope you had a good day too.
Kathy

Monday, July 21, 2008

This day is almost over......



Where has the day gone? My internet and telephone went out again, so had them come out and fix it. I'm not addicted to the internet....not much. lol When I go on vacation, I don't have to have internet access, so I think that shows I'm not addicted. Ask me how many times I've gone on vacation. lol Anyway, look at all the "goodies" I collected while viewing other blogs.... a weather girl(wish I had a figure like hers...sigh), visitor counter and a visitors map. I'm tired. Maybe I'll look more tomorrow. Here's a picture to leave you with. This is how I feel sometimes when I do go on vacation. How about you?



Have a restful night. Kathy

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Been a little busy

As you can see, I've been a little busy today. Learned a lot by working on my blog. Hopefully, I'll be able to rememberhow to do what I've done. It took me quite some time to try and find the "Kela52" logo that I got from quiltville. It just wasn't where it should have been or that I thought it should have been. Gee, I don't even remember where I found it again. Hopefully I won't need to find it again. Does that ever happen to you? Anyway, I think I'm on my way to having a little more control over my blogging than I had in the past. I practiced patience again today:-) (especially when looking for that logo) Where are those smily faces I use to be able to insert?
You might be wondering where I got Kela52 from.....Kela just so happens to be very popular. That is why a had to add some numbers. Numbers that I would remember. lol Kela represents the first letters of my first name, middle name, maiden and last name. Kela comes in very handy.

Until next time......
Have a super Monday! Kathy

Just getting started



I've taught myself how to use the computer, how to make video's for Youtube and pretty much, how to quilt.....with the use of navigating the internet to find "How to " sights. SO, I'll learn how to put a blog together, but be patient....Hummm....patient.....I've learned A LOT of patience in the process. Looks like there is a lot to learn yet.....Html, kinda scares me. Edit Html, it says. I need to investigate that..... So I'm going to get my profile together to start with..... I think I need to add a picture on here. Everyone likes pictures. I'm going to try and add a favorite of mine. It brings back a story my dh told my kids when they were young and whining about not being able to have something. This paper piecing pattern is from http://www.paperpanache.com/ by Linda Worland. It was presented as a mystery pattern. Anyway, Fernando told the girls that when he was young, they were sooooooo poor that even the mice brought them cheese. lol Perfect picture, huh?

until next post.....May your days be filled with Sunshine and laughter. Kathy aka Kela