Ewww, I forgot to mention the most important part....Susan is made from a Mary Tressler pattern, clothes are by me.

Hi all. First my apologies for missing last week. I have been working 12 hour days and by the time I get home, I just chill for a couple hours and go to bed so I can get up and do it again. Anyway, not wanting to miss 2 weeks here are some really poor pictures of my entry into the Dollstreet Discworld Challenge. This is Susan, Death's adopted granddaughter and her sidekick is the Grim Squeeker. Okay, I am no sculptor but I thought he turned out cute enough. My DD and I took these pics as we were going out the door (ala all the stuff on the table, bad lighting, etc, etc) to deliver her to Judy Skeel who will see them safely to AFIC at the end of next month. Judy is going to take pictures and email me some good ones, so only those who check the blog will see her till I get those good pictures. I am not announcing her to anyone else right now. I haven't even checked the blogs I follow for a couple of weeks!! Between working and trying to make the deadline for this doll....maybe now I can play catch up. Hugs to all.

March 16, Photo a Week

Here is Annie again, all done and sitting on the antique trunk that DH's dad hand painted, on top of my quilt that I made called Bed Bugs. She is all done and looking pretty cute sitting there.

Bed Bugs has cute bugs and "real" looking bugs embroidered in the center of each square and bugs in the fabrics making up the squares. I love all the happy colors and polka'dots in this quilt. I made it several years ago, but what the heck, sharing is sharing.

DD and I went to a quilt show and here are pics of a few of the quilts. Some folks do just lovely work don't they. We had a nice afternoon strolling thru the quilts and there were many very antique ones there too. Then a nice little snack. Kyleigh liked the "bear" quilt. She was too cute with her plastic adult glove on so she could touch the quilts.

Spring is coming!! Crocus are blooming. I am so happy. Now, why didn't I take a picture of those crocus? Duhhh.

Hi all you weekly picture folk. I have to apologize for missing last week. One of my granddaughters went to Akron Children's Hospital last week for breathing issues. So, needless to say, trips back and forth and working left little time for internet, email, or anything else. So here are some pictures from my wonderful week.

Sick Sidnei at Akron Children's. This was first day she was off of oxygen.

Kyleigh visiting (with bear of course) at Akron Children's.

Kamden, first steps.

Brandy's lastest quilt that she made for a friend's daughter.

This was the topper. I was working on a challenge doll for a challenge at doll street. Had all my parts sewn and stuffed and just before bed started painting the face. I left everything on my worktable. Got up in the morning to find that Kyleigh had decided to do her own artwork on grandma's doll. I was most unhappy with her to say the least.

Then tonight Kamden broke the arm off of my 6 month old glasses. GEEEEEZZZ!!!

Here is to a better week, starting tomorrow, I hope.

This week I have been fighting the flu, again. Seems like with 3 kids working in restaurants and DH working at the prison it just keeps coming back. So, I have been focusing on finishing...part of the resolution. I only worked on bit on the doll from last week. Got her dress together and her hair made. Pinned it on and her little yo-yo apron. I unstuffed her arms and legs and gave her some bead joints. Still need to make her pantaloons and sew all down. But at least this week she is a bit closer.

I showed you all some fabulous yarn that I bought a while back and paid a ridiculous price for. I also told you that I had picked out a poncho with sleeves and started knitting it. Well, I stopped. There is a pattern in Annie's Attic of Herrschners, or someplace (I can't find it right now cuz I was going to put in a link) for a poncho with sleeves that I really like. Problem is you have to buy the kit not just the pattern. I finally decided that it was silly not to make what I really liked with that yarn and quibble over $35 for a kit against what I paid for the yarn. So, that is on hold. I found this freebie pattern and thought this was pretty cute just to throw on over your shoulders. It is really just a long rectangle, but looks pretty cute on the model. So, I started that this week, in between working on finishing stuff.

I also worked on my cathedral window quilt and got all the blocks done that I have made so far. By next week, I will sew what I have into rows and take a picture for next Monday. Then I need to go buy a bunch more muslin and do it all again. I'll probably put that off a bit to continue on my finishing stuff.

Here is an embarrassing list of UFO's. I have at least one challenge doll to make before the end of March. A wizard that I started last fall. Two class dolls that are each in some phase of completion, pajamas that are cut out for GD, a shirt for me that needs a sleeve and hemmed (that is it! and I let it sit). Then I went and bought fabric to make myself 4 shirts for work so even tho they aren't UFO's, I need to get them done.

It's also been a week of worrying myself sick about the economy and the state of everything. I have finally decided that worrying about things I really have no control over is really counter productive and I am just going to deal with what I can and pray.

So, good friends, God bless for the sanity you represent and have a great week.

Feb 16 Phot of the Week

In keeping with my resolution for this year, I am trying to finish projects I have pushed to the side for whatever reason. This doll is one of the projects. I started this so long ago, I can't even remember. I don't do many rag dolls, and at this point you have to really use your imagination. I think I would prefer her in pink, but guess I'll just finish her in these colors. She had long very straight arms and legs, which I really didn't care for, so I unstuffed them and am going to add bead joints so they will bend...or not. I really think she has a cute little face tho. Her dress isn't sewn together, so I just sort of laid it on her and sort of gathered her skirt. She has a little apron made of yo-yo's. Perhaps next week she will be done. Been doing a lot of babysitting tho and that leaves very little time for crafting. Oh well, guess they are only little once and I best enjoy it.

Feb 9 Photo a Week

Here is Kamden really trying to get out of baby jail. This pic just cracks me up every time I look at it. Probably isn't really that funny, just strikes me that way.

Okay, I just couldn't resist more grandbaby pictures. This is Kamden having his first tootsie roll pop. (left) All in all, this was about as messy as he got which I thought wasn't too bad. He didn't leave one bit of it either, just the stick. DD and I lifted him, seat and all, upstairs to the tub and gave them both a shower. He wasn't too thrilled with the shower part. A bath is ok, but forget the shower.

These are 2 quilt blocks that I agreed to make for Rivkah. She saw an antique quilt with this pattern and has always wanted to make one.

If I got it right, she got a lady at a

quilt shop to help her draft a pattern to make the blocks. I guess she had been collecting fabrics for the tails for quite some time. Well, she put out a call for help in making the blocks, realizing that it would take too long to do them all herself. Being a quilter, all be it not a really really skilled one, I volunteered to make 2 blocks for her. They have to be mirror imaged too. I mean, really, how hard could it be? Well, let me tell you.......it can be pretty darn hard. This block was not easy and I can honestly say I will never make another one. I cut them oh so carefully and marked the 1/4" SA on every piece, sewed them by hand, then by machine. I mean, after all, I wanted them to be perfect for her. Well, they aren't perfect even after all that, and I just hope they are usable for her quilt. I would feel horrible if I wasted her fabric. Anyway, they are done, (THANK GOD) and I can put it all behind me. I even threw the pattern away, and I never throw away a pattern. That is how sure I am I will never do it again. LOL Have a great week everyone.

Monday Feb 2

My friend Rob sent pictures of 3 of his cross stitch that he has done. The Lord's Prayer was done for his mom and the eagle for his dad. I believe they also have the wolf. Just thought I would share some more of his work. It is snowing here....again....but at least the newest storm seems that it will miss us and go farther east.

January 31

Here we are, the last day. I posted pics of my mom from back in the day so I thought I would end this with a pic of her now. She hates to have her pic taken and you can rarely get one unless it is by surprise as this one is. I love this pic of her. Doesn't she have the most beautiful blue eyes. Here's to you mom, I love ya.

Here it is, last day eve. Now, tell me aren't we all going to kind of miss this, at least a little bit. Surprising how challenging it can be to just take and post a picture a day for a month. I have enjoyed it tho and enjoyed visiting everyone else's blog too. Really kept us connected. This is DH with our babies and our babies chillin in front of the fire. From left to rt on DH is Maybe, Pudge, and Abbey. Abbey is Pudge and Maybe's mom. You guys already met our big boy Ernie in an earlier picture with my granddaughter. Just also wanted to take a minute to say thanks for all your lovely comments on the bear. My friend, Rob, who did the fairy cross stitch also wanted me to thank everyone for all the lovely comments on his cross stitch. Guess that is all till tomorrow.

Thursday Jan 29

First off, thank you all for your great support about my weight,health and exercizing. I am really stoked to do this. I was s'posed to meet with the trainer today, but my street didn't get plowed so there was no way. Tomorrow at 11:00, then no excuses!!

This is my pic for today and it is not a new pic, but ultimately seems like this is about sharing and not just a new pic. Besides, there isn't much out there but snow to take a pic of, I haven't even had any birds lately. This is one of my favorite creations and it is sold so I am glad I have the pics. This is the Ice Fairy, The Polar King and The North Wind. The bear and the doll are cloth and the wind is needlefelted. The wind even has long willowy eyelashes, not sure if you can see them. I love the bear and the wind and the fairy is ok. She isn't my best, but she will do. Just thought I would share them and I am desperate for a picture. LOL

Wednesday Jan 28

We got dumped on today. Snow, snow and more snow. Level 2 snow. I am trying to get a picture that gives you an idea. This is the house across the street with my DD car in front and yes there is a road in there. It was so deep I even had trouble in my 4WD pick up getting through it. I think we got about 12" but haven't heard the final tally. Most business closed early and the mall didn't open till 1:00 pm, if they opened then. We already had about 12" on the ground....so yippee skippee, more white stuff. But it does sparkle so pretty in the sunlight or the moonlight.

This is Kamden my GS. I just posted this cuz he is so darn cute and into everything. He is just a couple of weeks away from walking. We get so tired of chasing him and saying NO KAMDEN that we put him in baby jail. He is learning a whole new vocabulary now. LOL

Everyone had such nice things to say about my yarn. Here is a pic where I started knitting it and a pic of the style I am trying to make...kind of a poncho sweater. I thought it would be great to throw in the car and put on over a shirt on a cool summer night. That is the goal, but we shall see if I can do it. I do so love the colors yellow, purple, blue. Happy colors that go with about anything.

Now for the biggie. Here is a picture of me that I am hoping will become my "before" picture. I have been fighting my weight for about 10 years now. You know, all the menopause stuff (sorry guys) and I have low thyroid (which I am being treated for so it shouldn't matter anymore right?) and slightly high blood pressure. I didn't really talk about any resolutions but I really want to get this weight off this year. I am just not comfortable. I also am not brave enough yet to tell you what I weigh, maybe after I lose some. Anyway, I work for the hospital here and they have a fitness club, kind of like the Y, but they also use it for rehab with trainers and doctors etc. Course, we get a wonderful discount as an employee. Last week I went and joined and this Thursday I meet with a trainer to get me started. Now, this is costing me money (incentive #1). I have told you all about it (incentive #2) and I want off blood pressure and just better health in general (incentive #3). Once my dr. said I needed to exercize an hour every day. I was like, where did all the crap about 3 days a week go? Anyway, I really watched my diet and I did treadmill for 30-45 min (as fast as I could walk, which is pretty fast) and pilates for 1/2 hour a day for a month. I gained 5 pounds. Talk about discouraging!! Let's hope for better results this time. So, wish me luck and hopefully I can post progress pics & numbers. I would like to lose at least 40 pounds and by june would be extra nice. Till tomorrow. I think I have talked your ear off today.

Oh, one more detail.....I got the pictures to work thanks to everyone's helpful hints.

Tuesday Jan 27

Hi everybody! I am posting early tonight. I have been trying to figure out how you guys get your pictures in different areas of your dialogue. Every time I try to do that, when I bring the pics in they just come out at the top. Oh well, maybe someday I will figure it out. Today, I have a picture of this fabulous yarn I bought about a year ago. It is wool and hand dyed. I paid a ridiculous price for it, but hey it is a once in a life time thing. Anyway, I really wanted to make a poncho out of it but I wanted a poncho with sleeves. I finally found a pattern for one, but it is done all in garter stitch which I really don't care for in this yarn. So, I have decided to do it in stockinette and see if I can figure it out. Anyway, if and when I finish it, I hope it fits and I think it will be beautiful. I went downtown today because the store I bought it in is really quaint and was in the refurbished carrousel district. To my shock the store is gone. So, I took a picture of two murals that are painted on the sides of buildings downtown. One is a mural of the town and the other of Johnny Appleseed. I guess he spent a lot of time here back in the day. We do have several apple orchards around here. Also, I am still trying to get info on Mickey Mouse, but the guy that everyone thinks will know is in Hawaii...must be nice. Also, about those cacti, they are huge, as in 6' and more!

So sorry I missed yesterday. Hope that doesn't disqualify me. I was sick. The 9 month old grandbaby was sick and his mom was at work so guess who got stuck holding him all day? I was just to pooped to compute. Today I am posting some pictures from Kingwood Center which is 47 acres of mansion and gardens right in the center of our town. Mr. King left it and a trust to take care of it. The gardens are fabulous and here is a link if you would like to read more about it. http://www.kingwoodcenter.org/ I am posting a couple of pictures from the greenhouse where they have cacti. You certainly don't see cacti like this anywhere but a greenhouse in this neck of the woods.

Saturday January 24

Today is not much of a post, but after seeing this armature yesterday in photo, thought I better change it and try again. I think it looks better now. What do you all think? It was cold here again today, 15. Took 2 of my granddaughters roller skating for the first time tonight. They did great and had a lot of fun. My 6 year old put those skates on and took off like she was born in them. My 3 year old had the kind that go over your shoe and they don't go so great but it did giver her the feel of rolling and keeping her balance. Maybe next time we will try real skates. Lord how long has it been since any of you been on a pair of roller skates? Let me tell you, I found all kinds of muscles that forgot what they were there for.

Today was a quiet day. Temps got almost to 40 degrees today. Felt like a heatwave. I looked oustide and there were all these kind of big black birds flying in the sky. I mean gave you that feeling of the The Birds. Remember that movie? I tried to get a picture and these are the best I could do, but they were everywhere.

I worked on my cathedral window quilt and restarted my Libelle (Sherry Goshen class on DollStreet). I'm glad I took this picture. Her armature looks proportioned right when I look at her, but this picture makes it look like I need to give her a bit more torso length. You guys are so right about a picture really showing you what is wrong.

Thursday Jan 22

Here is my other find at the antique store. Once again, this is only a top and needs completed. This is a crazy quilt. I could never see myself making a crazy quilt either. First of all, doing "random" piecing would drive me crazy. It would probably be a good exercize for me, but I just don't do "random" well. Second is the embroidery that is usually done on one of these quilts. I don't do embroidery, at least not by hand, by machine is another thing. This one has what I believe is called a feather stitch done around everything. I think you can see it in the close up of one of the stars. I really like star quilts, so I especially liked that the "crazy quilt" formed a star pattern. The entire thing is done by hand. The stars were crazy quilted onto a piece of foundation muslin. I took a picture of the back of a star so you could see that. I did some research and from what I can ascertain, crazy quilts were tied instead of being "quilted". Does anyone out there know anything about that? They also, traditionally, would have more exquisite fabrics in them, like silks etc. This one doesn't seem to have that. I feel like it was pieced with scraps and cut up clothes. No reason to believe that, just something I feel. I do want to finish all 3 quilt tops, but find myself hesitant to start. I want to do them and their original makers justice, so I keep hesitating. Usually I quilt by machine, but kind of feel that I should do it by hand since they did the piecing by hand. And just finding the right fabric for the backing.....lots of decisions there. If I do get brave enough and finish one I would for sure post it, but in the meantime I am happy I have them and appreciate them and can share them. I just feel that it honors the makers and gives them a bit of a legacy even if we don't know who they are or what their story was.