Merry Christmas everyone!!!

My dear friend Brenda..aka Trouble...got terrific news today! She is cancer free!!! Woo hoo!

She had thyroid cancer, surgery, a super pill called 'the bomb' to get rid of any other cells...and woo hoo! Great news today!!! She's been such a trooper thru all of this...I'm so happy for her and her family!!! Us too...those that love her like a sister!!!

All this, after having a 5 way heart bi-pass about 2 years ago...so she's really been through the mill in the last few years.

It'll be a good Christmas for sure!!!

These 2 pictures were posted on my friend Marcia Hohn's site www.quilterscache.com . She does a weekly Monday newsy letter. Now, granted, this was a few weeks back, but it has taken me that long to find some trees here in TX that were also changing colors. Isn't the first one beautiful? So vibrant! I'd love to see a real fall changing of the colors someday... The 2nd picture is the very next day. Good thing she took the first when she did!!! Thanks Marcia!!!

Now we have the changing of the leaves in TX. The picture to the left is what most trees look like. They go from green to yellow. I did find the one to the right at the tax office the other day. Seeing those that are the 'reds' are few and far between here. There was the normal 'yellow' there too, so took pics of both. Okay...I realize it's almost winter (we've had a few mornings below freezing lately), but this is the best it gets here locally for 'fall foliage'.

I've never lived in an area where the trees did that beautiful changing thing...so this is the best it gets!!!

Okay...so, now I've update my blog twice within a few hours. I have much more to tell y'all...but back to bed...it's too early!!!

Sally

I've been looking forward to yesterday for awhile now. It was another gathering of the 'DFW Quilt Gang'...our 3rd annual Christmas party.

This year was Brenda and my turn to organize. And, with some help from Debi, we got it done.

Last weekend, Brenda came to Ponder to the community house that my little local guild uses for our meeting, sew-ins, etc. Here's a pic or two of us getting things...ah, together...

Looks like a mess, but I really was sewing... There is organization in that chaos...

Here's Brenda surrounded by paper...it was wrapping for the cups we were filling for little welcome goodies for the gang.

And, there she is, waiting for me to get the FQ's, nail files, cute pencils, candy canes, and the stirrers ready for the cups. Yes, she's smiling...sitting down is a good thing. We were tired! LOL!!! At least she is still smiling! Okay, so I'm not in the pictures...someone had to use the camera!!!

I am sad to say that we forgot to get a picture of all of us together at Quilt Country in Lewisville!! Slap me upside the head! We mentioned it a few times, but just never got it done. Brenda and I realized it after the rest of the gang was long gone. Sorry folks!!!

But, here are a few of the pics that I took. This is Jan (aka TXJan)...see all the FQ's to the right...she won BOTH of the L/R/C games! Lucky (well...) girl!!! It'll be interesting to see what she comes up with...as we brought 'ugly' FQ's to exchange. Knowing Jan, she'll turn them into a beautiful quilt!!! Debi had brought the dice for us to use, and Maynard, Jan's DH (and a GREAT guy!), had made a wooden set too...so we used both!

This is Jackie, Jan's DF, and now ours too!!! She is just great, and fit into our group like she's been there from the start. Welcome Jackie!!! Here are a couple pics of things she brought for either show n tell, or that she was working on.

Jackie gave each of us a panel like the above quilt on the left, and the instructions for the top. I think Jan and Debi got the background fabric to start theirs. Over achievers! LOL!!! I can't even think of starting this, until I get a few others done... Once my Christmas sewing is over, I can get back to my quilt list... Oh, and I believe the pink/white was hand quilted...I bowed to her...


This is Marje...first time I'd seen her as a redhead! Woo hoo!!! She brought a quilt to show, but I thought I'd take a picture later... Oh poo...I need to take pics when I think of it!!! She was busy sewing on her Jem Gold...

This is Debi...


And, a couple of the quilts that she brought. She finished the binding on this one I think...it had a wild pink and while fleece backing. Nice and cozy!!!

Here she is with another that she was working on...or, did she bring that one finished? I don't remember (senior moment), but she and Jackie were sewing down the bindings by hand. Now...most quilters do it that way...but with my carpal tunnel, it's just not an option...so mine are sewn...alas...by machine! Well, mine aren't going into any shows anytime soon...grin!

Here's Brenda...aka 'Trouble'. Don't know why they call her that... I don't know how she wore those Santa things on her head all day!!! And, there she is with the wallhanging she rangled...ah, talked Debi out of...GRIN!!! I know she'll treasure it!!!

Last but not least, this is the sunset from January Lane in Ponder as I was driving home. I just thought it was so beautiful, that I had to take a pic or two...

Shelly, if you are reading this...you were missed. I understand that Debi has passed the reins to you for next year. We'll all help if you need it...

We got calls from Sheryl and Dori (aka pollyanna) too. It was terrific to talk to them, and they, and the others that were with us last year, were missed so much. One of the gifties I gave to the girls were the criss-cross coasters that our dear JanJ made for us last year. We know she was smiling down on us from heaven. I taught Brenda how to make them too.

Anyway...more later...I've got lots to update, and just no time. Debi is gonna help me after the first of the year with getting things situated here...

It was a great day, I hope everyone had fun!!! I sure did! We'll all gather in March at the Dallas Quilt Show, if not sooner.

Sally

Ahhhhhhh...I love going to quilt shows!!!


This was a nice size, not too big, but enough to keep my attention for more than an hour! LOL!!!


I met up with Debi, TXJan and DH, Maynard around noonish. (Brenda, Marje and Shelly...y'all were missed) They were just finishing a snack, and then we went shopping...ah, looking at quilts. Okay, both! GRIN!!! They had already been to some of the vendors, and had a few purchases under their belts, so to speak. They took me to a vendor that had FQ's for $1/each...what a deal! So you KNOW I had to pick up a couple...or twenty. LOL!!! (I'll take a picture later...) They twisted my arm... Okay, they didn't, but sounds good! LOL!!! Debi had brought a small tote...her reasoning...once full, no more purchases. Well, that didn't work! GRIN!!! And, Jan bought a really pretty basket, along with other goodies. It was fun!!!


Once they left (they got there a couple hours before me, so had already seen most of the quilts...or as they said...they were really there for the shopping!!!), I decided to go row by row, which included quilts and vendors...



Then, later, I found a ruler, The strip club ruler ,








that I had seen on a recent shop hop, so got that too. Here's a link to the shop that created it, and I think a you-tube demo...





http://www.cozyquilt.com/Aspx/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=517





Now, this is a nifty ruler if you use lots of hst's or like to do strip type quilts. One of the 'patterns' is the "Danila" block...spelled like my greatniece Danila spells her name...so guess who will get a quilt using it!!! :>)








I have also seen the quilt pattern "Take 5".


Isn't it cute? I'm thinking it'll be good for my small quilting group to use for our charity stuff.

No, I didn't get fabric for this...I'm sure I can find something in my stash! LOL!!! Goodness knows, I have other quilts that I need to make before I start working on one of these...

I can say, I could kick myself (well, not really!) for forgetting my camera for the show. DARN!!! I had taken it out of my purse/tote to change the batteries, and forgot to put it back. Realized it about 20 minutes from home, but didn't feel like going back...



Also...before going, I decided to put a few bucks worth of gas into my roomy's SUV...figured I'd fill up 'in town' where it would be cheaper tomorrow. Weeeellllllllll...I pull up the the convenience store here in Ponder (Bev's), and low and behold, her unleaded gas is $3.31.9!!!! Woo hoo!!! That's at least .25 cheaper than 'town' (aka Denton)!!! So, I filled it up. I'll take my truck down tomorrow...can't pass that price up!!!

Hey Kimi, if you are reading this (grin!), I have a little something I need to mail to you. Well, a bit bigger than little...it'll be a box. Do you want me to send to you or your mom? Send me an email...



BTW...Kimi is my God-daughter, who is married to Drew, and they are preggers with their first...baby AJC, who refuses to show if he/she is boy/girl. GRIN! I am soooo excited for them!!! She's really in the uncomfortable stage, so is hoping baby AJ makes an appearance soon. Yesterday would have been fine with her! GRIN!!! (Hey Kim, Jenna's birthday is Sept 30th...VBG!!!) They are due in early October... BTW, they said they didn't want to know, and every time they've had the test, baby is shy. GRIN!!! Guess baby was listening, huh?



So...everyone...have a super weekend!!!



Moe goes back to work tomorrow...430am-3p..thanks, Ike!

Just waking up, and then will be off to Ft Worth to the quilt show. I always get inspired by the quilts...

Hope to see Debi, TXJan and DH Maynard.

Later, all!

Look at me...posting again!!!

Well, Hurricane Ike was a bust for us...thank goodness. We got about 1/2 inch of rain, some wind...but nothing severe, thank goodness! We did have a couple pretty good downpours, but they didn't last long. It's good, we needed the rain.

I've been working on a new project in the last couple weeks. A friend that Moe works with crochets 18 x 18 tiny afghans, and donates them to a local NICU. She and her sis do it during the year...so, I thought I'd help. Gives me something to do while at doctor appts, etc with Moe. I think I have about 8 or 10 crocheted, just need to tuck in the loose 'threads'. These go together really quickly (I do one in about 3-4 hours, give or take...). I'm just doing a big granny square, so they are pretty quick. Guess I should take some pics and post here, huh? GRIN!!!

I've been having fun finding a few friends on Facebook. Today, found a friend from grade school!!! Imagine that!

Off to the cradle...

I haven't been here for awhile...too much going on. But, today is a sad day...well, actually yesterday. Yes, it was 9-11, and there were all the memories of that day 7 years ago. But more sad for us (me and roomy), was when we got back from being gone for the day...one of our Chihuahua's had died. He was up there in age, but not expected. Augie-doggie was a rescue and he had been mistreated somehow. He would lay near or next to you, but didn't want to be touched...which was a challenge when needing to give meds, etc. He was a cute little guy, and will be missed.

We are waiting for Hurricane Ike to come ashore in south TX. We'll get some rain and wind, probably starting tomorrow, but don't expect it to be too bad. All depends on how he moves once on land.

Happy Mothers Day to all!!!

Sally in TX

Just got back from my day with Linda. We had so much fun!!! She was very patient as I looked thru the boxes and boxes of stuff. Debi, didn't call you cuz it was pretty well picked over...

What I DID get were lap quilts...quilted, bound, etc. I'll take pics next week, but these will be donated to Project Linus in memory of our quilting friend, Jan J. I also got one top that is basted, only needs quilting and binding, and 2 other lap top size quilt tops. Woo hoo!!! I know Jan was there, whispering in their ears, as they gave them to me at 1/2 of what they had them priced at!!!

I did get some fabric...I'll have to go thru it to see what I brought home! LOL!!! I found a small box of about 5-6 in squares, cut out of denim (along with the paper template...loved that!). I think they are stretchy denim...will look better when I unpack...it so, they'll make great totes or dog beds. And, I found a bunch of brocade like lightweight upholstery fabric...my little guild has some, and thought it would be more for some totes. Since so many places are going 'green', totes are good!!! I know I got some muslin, and odds and ends...but nothing really big (like for backings) that I can remember...most were fq size or smaller. So, good for my little guild scrap quilts that we'll be making soon...

I also got a bunch of thread...the kind that's on cones...I figure it'll work for piecing. If not, it's not a great loss. And, a thread holder that goes on the wall(June Tailor) for $2/and the price on the back was $10.99...not bad!!! Guess I'd best start working on organizing my sewing room, huh? GRIN!!!

And, last but not least...a Singer Touch n Sew, and a small sewing table for $10. I used to have a TnS, and I loved that machine...hoping this works as well. Needs a good service, and I'm sure it'll be fine.

Whew!!! I'm exhausted! Really, I had a wonderful, fun day with my DF, and even though she's not a quilter, she appreciates what we do!

Have a good night!

Sally in TX

Happy Friday, Y'all!

I'm off to see my DF, Linda, in Richland Hills. She called me yesterday afternoon, to let me know a quilt shop/sewing machine place was going out of business, and they had all kinds of quilting thread, fabric, etc etc. Well, since I had my guild meeting, couldn't go yesterday, so will leave in a bit to see what they might still have left. Not that I NEED anything, but I might be able to get some good deals for the guild...we have 2 raffle quilts to make in the next couple months.

It's muggy and overcast again today. Actually, I don't mind the clouds, keeps the temps down. We are supposed to have rain this afternoon, and then cooler weather for a few days. Ahhhh...spring in TX!!! I'm trying not to turn on the a/c...cuz once we do...it's all over for the summer! LOL!!!

Have a great day! Will update when I return.

Sally in TX

Happy Thursday!

Tonight is my local guild meeting. This month we celebrate our 2 year anniversary! Who woulda thunk it? GRIN!!! After the meeting, we are gonna work on our 'scrappy stack n slash' heart quilts. Just a little fun thing to do as a group. Some are just starting to trace their patterns this month, so it's an ongoing project. One of the members had carpal tunnel surgery a while ago...and now has less use of one of her hands/wrist than before...so I'm gonna cut her blocks for her.

I'm a winner!!! My closest LQS (local quilt shop) had a huge sale last week. 35-50% off, along with the 3/yard and 4/yard fabrics. Of course a few found their way home with me. That was winning for sure...love sales! Also...if you bring in your postcard, you get to enter the door prize drawing. I never win at those things, but always enter...until now!!! Woo Hoo!!! Linda called me on Tuesday morning (they are closed Sun-Mon), and told me I won!!! It's a pink tool type carrier...once I pick it up, I'll take a pic and post here. I admit, I didn't look at it too much when I was in the shop, cuz never thought I'd win! HA!!!

I got some great deals...here's some pics of a what jumped into my arms...

Can you see the piggies on motorcycles? Too cute!!! Thought the cows were cute too...and in the first picture, there are some bears on clouds.

And, then I got this purple to go with some fabric that Kimberly sent me from the Quilting Passion forum...these will become a quilt for Project Linus in Jan J's memory.

That really is purple!!! I'm thinking of doing a D9P, quick and easy. But, have a couple things that have to be done first...so on to those this week...

Last week, I cut a bunch of blocks out, and then on Friday, was able to sew, press, sew, press...etc! I got 14 blocks done. Some of these were for comfort quilts, some were just thank you blocks for all a couple of the QP gals have done for the forum.

These are for Val for all that she does for the forum and it's members. She has collected blocks, assembled them and quilted quite a few comfort quilts.


These were for Sheryl...she is an invaluable member of the forum also, and does alot of stuff behind the scenes...












And, then these blocks...for the family of a soldier that was KIA.





















So, I've been keeping busy...




More storms in TX last night...again, luckily, they went all around us. Whew!!! Of course, humidity this morning was 85%...YUCK!

I'm learning how to add pics to this blog thing. I'm sure I'll learn other things thru trial and error. And, my DF Debi, who is a great blogger, is gonna give me some pointers when we see each other next...May 10th, when the DFW Quilt Gang is having a 'sit n sew'.

Y'all have a wonderful day!

Sally in TX

April 15th...tax day!

Just posting something to keep my blog around. I promise to post more in the next day or two...too much going on around here lately.

Everyone stay well!!!

Sally in TX

It's February already! Where did the time go? GEEZ!!!

I'll do some updates later...just making sure I could still get in! LOL