Saturday, June 30, 2018

T-shirt Quilt pillows

used one piece of batting and quilted the T-shirt fronts so I can make the body pillows.

I still have some shirts left, but if I can make one more body pillow, it would be good.
There are 3 boys, of course they are not home, but....
Progress has been made.
I am home alone for most of the day, so maybe I'll get them finished.

Thursday, June 28, 2018

Relief

Life has been bombarded with the mobile home.
This had been my parent's home since 2004.
When Dad passed away, Mom was not able to stay in it by herself, so we rented to a friend's daughter.
That was good for Joee and good for us.
Joee moved out to go to another town for her job. :(
So, we decided being a landlord was not something we wanted to do.
Showed the mobile home to another friend's married daughter, that did not work out.
So, off on the adventure of seeing what we could do to make it nicer and sell it.
DH went about power washing the outside.
what a difference that made.



 He and a crew of a few friends and DS took down the ramp.
 
The shed was power washed and a new ramp built. 
The porch was fixed from where the ramp was. 
A flower bed was build from the wood from the ramp. 

Thank you, DH for all that wet and wood work.
It was a big task because we are having triple digit temperatures already.

So, DD and I went about figuring out what needed to be done inside.
Joee paid to have the mobile home cleaned, but the cleaners -- Fresh Castle Cleaning Service -- did a horrible job and couldn't be bothered enough to fix the problem in a timely manner.
So, DD and I started to clean to meet our schedule.
I'm still working to figure out how to get them to return some of Joee's money.
She got ripped off.
I'd show you some photos, but it is nasty and this is supposed to be a quilting blog.

Talked to the park about selling the mobile home and the pricing.
Found out it was worth more than I thought.
Site unseen, without power washing or special cleaning it was worth twice as much as I offered to my friend's family.
The park would take 10% to handle everything for us.
Wow, really?

We had a carpet guy come in to replace the flooring.
He asked about us wanting to sell and knew someone who wanted another home in the park.
Sure, pass on my name.
Hector came in and offered us the price the park said it was worth.
So, we accepted.

We also agreed to continue with some of the things we were doing because we were half way through the process.

Friday, 29 Jun 2018 is when we get all the paperwork done and it passes on to the new owner.
Woo Hoo.

But, that being said, there is lots of running around to do when you sell a mobile home.
No broker to go through because it is a mobile home, so it is up to the buyer and seller.
But, I think we have navigated this process fairly well and can't wait for the 29th to be here.

Then, in my own home, we had air conditioner problems and general mess making from being elsewhere most of the day.
Oh, what about all the college boxes that were to be gone through by now, but aren't because of other things?
Oh, what about all the boxes that came into the house from the mobile home of items wanted from all their items?
Yes, my home needed to be cleaned too.
So, while in the cleaning mode, I took a couple of days to really go through piles of things that had been collecting.
Still many other areas to go through, but progress was made.

Why tell you all this?
I needed to remember that I was busy and not just eating bonbons and watching TV.
I have accomplished much, but sewing has not been one of those things.
I think I've used less than half a yard of fabric this month.
I've managed to quilt two of Lana's lovely quilts.
I have done some backings for the postcards I need to focus on.
I am hoping that on Saturday I can take a me day and not do any cleaning.
If I can do that, I'll be able to get caught up on postcards.
That is my first priority.

My family says that I'm less grumpy when I am in the studio and sewing.
I think they are right.


Monday, June 25, 2018

Rose quilt

Lana pieced this one too.
I tried to get it done and the third one loaded, but life did not allow that. :(
I did finally finish quilting it and can load the other one tomorrow.
But, I need to take my car into the shop, so who knows if I'll get to it.
But, one more quilted.

Envelope Wall Hanging

Lana made this.
It is 3 dimensional, so I had to work to get the inside of the envelope quilted.
Leaves in the outside and stippling on the rest.

Motivational Monday

17-23 June 2018


1. Pinwheel Postcards

2. Finish Self-portrait postcard

3. WITB
My bag of filing and "stuff" found some clippers I was missing and lots of coins.

4. Bind CIL

5. Keep up with filing
100% of filing is done, until more is made. :)

6. Ensure mobile home paperwork is complete
Got paperwork reviewed by lawyer.
Disconnected electric and water.
Gave notice at the park.
Paid taxes ahead (requirement for mobile homes)
Awaiting end of month to transition.

7. Sew something
Embroidered self portrait post card
Stitched out the back of the post cards.
Started sewing the 4 patches for the 30's bulls eye quilt.

24 - 30 June 2018

1.  Postcards
Cat's Meow
Pinwheel 
Self-portrait

2. WITB

3. Quilt one of Lana's quilts

4. T-shirt pillows

5. Irish Stars pillow shams

6. bind CIL


Design Wall Monday

 I'm linking to Small Quilts Doll Quilt's Design Wall Monday
The hummingbird blocks from last month are done.
I need to find a sashing I like to finish this top off. 
I have two of the bullseye block sewn together.
Didn't have lots of these, so decided to stretch it a little.
Thanks, Judy 
T-shirt pillows are in the process of being finished.

Sunday, June 24, 2018

Stash Report

quilt paint create links to all our stash reports
Used this Week:                                            0.00 yards
Used year to Date:                                     140.24 yards
Total out of stash this Month (May)                  5.85 yards
Added this Week:                                           0.00 yards
Added Year to Date:                                     15.50 yards
Goal:                                                         200.00 yards
Yards to goal:                                               59.76 yards

Net Used in quilts 2018:                              93.49 yards 
A couple of other fun facts are:

Prairie Moon is doing a 350 blocks challenge this year:
Number of equivalent blocks:                  350
Perimeter in inches                               4402

Number of UFOs finished this year:            18
UFO Yardage Used                                74.41
Amount of yardage used in UFOs              80%

Number of Bobbins Used this week          0

Number of Bobbins Used this year          91
Number of Spools Used this week            0
Number of Spools Used this year            25

Kate at Life in Pieces is doing the challenge of 15 minutes of sewing.

Days of Stitching                                      87%
Number of Days this week                       3/7
Number of Days this year                       145/167

Days Organizing                                       92%
Number of Days this week                       7/7
Number of Days this year                        154/167

Tuesday, June 19, 2018

postcaeds



Thank you Miriam for the Book of Kells postcard for the stamp swap. I find it so interesting to see the stamps from other countries. I think our postcard swaps are my only international correspondence. It is beautiful, with the netting and your border stitching. Thank you for swapping with me.

Miriam, your poppy for the April Lottery is beautiful. Your embellishments are fabulous! I love poppy fields full of color. Thank you.

Sheree, your animal lottery postcard is adorable. Love the sock monkey and the cat and the chicken and butterfly. So adorable, this house post card. Thank you for swapping with me.

Pat, I received your embroidered angel. My Mom loved angels, and she would have enjoyed this one with her light. Thank you for swapping with me.

Motivational Monday

10-16 June 2018


1. Pinwheel Postcards
I have a plan, but have not sew enough

2. Self Portrait Postcards
It's been stitched out


3. WITB
We actually did WITB for our shed.
What did we find, things to put in my memory quilts for my parents, chemicals, paints, tools, dust, more dust and lots of things we wanted and didn't want.

4. Bind CIL

5. Filing
Filed all my receipts that were collecting in this bag.
I keep one near the computer to stop things from going missing.
During a webinar that was having technical difficulties, I filed some of the things in there.
It still needs some help, but.....


6. Work on Mobile Home.
I am done with things for the mobile home until DH gets the carpets pulled out.
Once that is done, I have one more thing to do.
The things on the list right now are calling and cancelling services and making sure to have all the paperwork that is needed.
I should close on the mobile home on the 29th.

17-23 June 2018


1. Pinwheel Postcards

2. Finish Self-portrait postcard

3. WITB

4. Bind CIL

5. Keep up with filing

6. Ensure mobile home paperwork is complete

7. Sew something

Sunday, June 17, 2018

Stash Report

quilt paint create links to all our stash reports
Used this Week:                                            0.00 yards
Used year to Date:                                     140.24 yards
Total out of stash this Month (May)                  5.85 yards
Added this Week:                                           0.00 yards
Added Year to Date:                                     15.50 yards
Goal:                                                         200.00 yards
Yards to goal:                                               59.76 yards

Net Used in quilts 2018:                              93.49 yards 
A couple of other fun facts are:

Prairie Moon is doing a 350 blocks challenge this year:
Number of equivalent blocks:                  350
Perimeter in inches                               4402

Number of UFOs finished this year:            18
UFO Yardage Used                                74.41
Amount of yardage used in UFOs              80%

Number of Bobbins Used this week          2

Number of Bobbins Used this year          91
Number of Spools Used this week            0
Number of Spools Used this year            25

Kate at Life in Pieces is doing the challenge of 15 minutes of sewing.

Days of Stitching                                      89%
Number of Days this week                       3/7
Number of Days this year                       142/160

Days Organizing                                       92%
Number of Days this week                       7/7
Number of Days this year                        147/160

More preparing the mobile home instead of sewing.
I had a whole day to sew with my small group, so that was a wonderful day.

Saturday, June 16, 2018

Great sewing day yesterday

I worked on the big floor pillows.

I'm wondering if they are too big.

These are the bulls eye blocks.
I now need to put into four patches and sew together.
I'm not thrilled with it, but it will be finished soon. 

Do you see the humming bird blocks next to the bulls eye?
That completes that set of blocks.
Now to get the sashing picked out and get that one done too.

Finished one of the Irish stars for the pillow shams.
Now to cut out the rest.
That is what takes the time.


Lana worked on her "beige" quilt.
It is actually more orange than beige.
I think she got another row done after this.
Samm's baby quilt is so much fun.
She had a new way of doing this, and I think it turned out nice. 

Judy's blue and white quilt is amazing.
All those wonderful blue fabrics.

Such a great group of ladies to hang out with.
We talk, complain and then move on to have lots of fun and do lots of sewing.

I worked on everything I took.
I forgot the photos of the little HST that I put together for another project.

It was a GREAT day of sewing.

Tuesday, June 12, 2018

Design Wall Monday

Linking to Design Wall Monday.


Anyone that has been following will know nothing much has changed.
To explain, I am trying to clean a mobile home for sale and it is taking a toll on me.
But, when it is done, it will be good to sell.
One step at a time and I don't have much energy in the evenings.

My small group meets on Friday and I am taking the T-shirt quilt and Irish stars with me to work on.
It will be a good break and then back at it on Saturday.

Motivational Monday

 3-9 June 2018


1. Pinwheel Postcards

2. Self Portrait Postcards

3. Quilt CIL

4. WITB
I never know why it seems there are so many bags and baskets that get filled with things.
But, I had a pile at the top of the stairs (which is the beginning of my studio).
I decided to just see what was in there.
Everything but all the filing is done.
There were many receipts and things
I found the keto cookbooks and now need to plan out the dinners using those recipes and see if I can get myself back on track.

5. Keep cleaning house
Kitchen had it's deep clean done.
Working on the dining area

In my defense, I've had to do lots of research on where to get things for the mobile home.
I'm sure I'll be working on the shed during this week.

10-16 June 2018


1. Pinwheel Postcards

2. Self Portrait Postcards

3. WITB

4. Bind CIL

5. Filing

6. Work on Mobile Home.

Sunday, June 10, 2018

Stash report

quilt paint create links to all our stash reports
Used this Week:                                            0.00 yards
Used year to Date:                                     140.24 yards
Total out of stash this Month (May)                  5.85 yards
Added this Week:                                           0.00 yards
Added Year to Date:                                     15.50 yards
Goal:                                                         200.00 yards
Yards to goal:                                               59.76 yards

Net Used in quilts 2018:                              93.49 yards 
A couple of other fun facts are:

Prairie Moon is doing a 350 blocks challenge this year:
Number of equivalent blocks:                  350
Perimeter in inches                               4402

Number of UFOs finished this year:            18
UFO Yardage Used                                74.41
Amount of yardage used in UFOs              80%

Number of Bobbins Used this week          3

Number of Bobbins Used this year          89
Number of Spools Used this week            0
Number of Spools Used this year            25

Kate at Life in Pieces is doing the challenge of 15 minutes of sewing.

Days of Stitching                                      91%
Number of Days this week                       3/7
Number of Days this year                       139/153

Days Organizing                                       92%
Number of Days this week                       7/7
Number of Days this year                        140/153

Friday, June 8, 2018

Missing

I know I've not been around much.
Part of that is the return from vacation.



We had a great time, but the trip was tiring.
Resting up from vacation is a must. LOL

Then, it is the clean up and making sure everything is back in place.
Why does that take longer than you think?

When we arrived home, the temperatures that week were in triple digits and it was hot. 
Welcome home, the air conditioning was not working.
The intake was blocked, so the unit froze up. :(
Darn Cottonwood tree.

So, that had to be dealt with.
But, we are cool again and all is well.

Then, it became time to deal with my parents mobile home.
Our wonderful renter was moving out of town, so it was time to clean it up and see if there is a way to sell it.
I am not wanting to be a landlord and everyone in the family has their own place.

A piece of advice.
Don't sell things like mobile homes yourself.
Get help from folks who know what they are doing.
I thought the mobile home was worth a certain amount, and was willing to take less for it than it was worth.
Talking to the mobile home park, I was WAY off.
They are wanting to list it for $12,000 more than I thought, without anything being done to it.
They only take 10% commission, so that is worth having them sell it.
The extra funds will help us fix up DS's mobile home, tuition for DD and a short family vacation.
Plus, there is no hassle and the buyer has someone who can help them finance it.
DH has decided he would like to spruce it up before selling because he feels my folk's home deserves the uplift.
Power washing is going on.
What a different that makes to the look.
I always forget how dirty rain water really is

Kids and I are going through the shed to get all of the "stuff" sorted and to our homes or donated to a worthy cause.

There are things like replacing the blinds that took more time than I thought it should because the stores didn't have 12 blinds in stock - they seem to only carry 3-4 at each store.
Lots of running around, but we have new blinds. Yeah!

Getting utilities in our name was interesting too, since I'd not had them in my name before.
But, I got it straightened out and we have power and water (which is important for the power washing).

Nothing difficult inside the mobile home to be done, but it is emotionally and physically tiring to be working on your parent's place, knowing they are both in heaven and not with you.
Sure do miss you both.

So, much of my energy level is drained because of the heat and running around.
I'm so amazed at DH being able to stay out in the heat working on power washing.
I'd not be able to accomplish that at all.

All that being said, thanks for listening.
The emotional part of healing is talking about them.

I've only been able to cut a few things out to be ready to sew when I can.

I've loaded a quilt that I might be able to quilt this weekend.
I have a few other things to work on that need to be done.
I'm hoping I can find some me time and get my postcards finished and mailed out.


I have so many postcards.
 These are either my birthday ones or ones that were here when we arrived home.
I just love looking at this when I'm on the computer.
I love making them because they give me immediate gratification.
Two swaps to work on soon - self portrait and HST.

Hope you are having a sew happy day.