Tuesday, September 29, 2009

RV "camping"




This is an admission of fake camping.......I realize that often I tell people that I am going camping-well...... you decide if this kind of "roughing" it should be classified as camping:
This sofa opens up to be a bed. The sofa
is part of a "slide" or a movable floor that is electrically pushed out from the main rectangle shapeof the RV. You push a button once you are parked at a site to broaden the living area inside.

Below right is the kitchen area. At the far right is
the refrigerator/freezer (yes we do pack ice-
cream!)















You can see the fridge on the left, closet doors back left, bathroom door and the spot where we place the TV.... ;) .....above another storage space.

So I guess you can stop thinking of me as an Adventurous naturalist...........I must say that I have paid my dues-tent camping in the rain and mud...............now I enjoy luxury in a campground........or a Walmart parking lot in a pinch (but only for a stop-over on a long trip).
Well, another season has passed-there will be antifreeze in the pipes soon and we'll hope that all the snow stays outside and there are no leaks. Springtime will come soon.......I hope!

Monday, September 28, 2009

SUNSET



The weekend was bitter sweet for so many reasons. We were able to get away because my daughter Rachel covered for us. You see, the night before we left my mom had a crisis evening with confusion and fear. A friend called us to alert us that my mom was in need of help. Upon arrival at her condo, we found evidence that she needed to be at home with us. There will be doctor appointments etc. in the near future. We are all pitching in to make sure that she is safe and happy. Please pray to our Creator who has a plan for my mom and loves her more than we do. I am praying that she will know we love her and will accept help, look past any embarrassment and just enjoy the next phase of her life.


Bill and I enjoyed walking through the trails and watching the lake especially when the wind picked up.

I thought I would show you an applique quilt that I have been working on while RV camping over the years.


YES, I LOVE CHICKENS!!

The pattern came with pictures like a paint by number diagram. I had a photo of what the chicken should look like. I then tried to match the many layers of colors with my stash of colorful fabric. The center wing of the middle chicken is actually fabric with the the head of a zebra turned on it's side. Some day.......... over the rainbow, I will finish all the chickens and the vines and flowers that will complete that quilt top .
I began my copper cardigan (from my last post) and although I had to unknit or "frog" about 4 inches, I did make a good headway in the back piece. I will share more of that in future posts.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Last chance for RV knitting


Before our world looks like this.......................................

.............We will be spending one last RV weekend enjoying the lake and the autumn chill around a campfire.

Not to worry you craft stalkers-Look what arrived in the mail today-yummy copper yarn: Swish super wash merino wool!! I'm thinking of making a cardigan and am considering a pattern that looks like fun. This sweater will be washable...... or so it says on the label.
After this weekend of knitting on the lake, we will have to winterize the RV (so the pipes don't freeze and then the season of fun camping will be over:(
I will take my camera with me and hope to share the lovely sights and knitting progress next post.



Sunday, September 20, 2009

Ready for fall



Well, the house was 65 degrees all weekend. I had to close the windows yesterday because starting out at 65 indoors, and dipping down to the 40's outside at night.............Yeah-trying not to go to turning on the heat just yet. BUT I DID FINISH THE COWL....so my neck will be warm.
Yesterday, I realized that the leaf pattern was morphed and decided to "unknit" back to the spot where I was confident that I was following the pattern exactly. Basically, I had to RIP out the "skirt" at the bottom. I also realized that each line of the printed pattern had the number of stitches in the REPEAT so.................I methodically placed little markers between those repeats. It took time to get it set up But .....was a great saving of time ("UNKNIT"
time) in the long run. I knew that the stitches between the markers had to be the same number. If there was a mistake, I only had to RIP out a few stitches to get back to a marker.

I blocked the finished cowl and let it dry in the sun. How does it look??? I love the way this fiber feels on my neck -great way to dress up a plain sweater or long sleeve Tee.

I am so blessed to have the resources, interest and ability to create.I am grateful that God has led me to friends who have taught me how to craft so many things. I love the quiet time while I am working and so many times, God meets me there... right there, in the process of creating.

He as our Creator has shared the process with me and made me realize how amazing He is, in His genious-creating you and me for a purpose, bothering to put spots on a ladybug, changing the seasons and then of course creating heaven-a place He has prepared for us.

Read John 14:2-6 for such wonderful HOPE.



Thursday, September 17, 2009

Knitting everywhere


Thought I would let you into a behind the scenes knitting project. No, I am not knitting in a closet but I always carry a little project with me -everywhere- just in case I need to wait in a waiting room or get a minute at lunch and of course if someone else is driving.
I had an itch for knitting after making two baby sweaters but didn't have enough yarn in my stash for a sweater. So, I looked on Knitty for a cowl pattern and then hunted through the stash for my favorite color and a soft enough fiber for my naked neck. I came up with the "Poinsettia" pattern and "Kathmandu" yarn from the Queensland Collection DK weight. It is 85% Merino Wool, 10% Silk and 5% Cashmere.

I am working on a circular needle but may have to block it when I am done because it looks a little thick in the middle. Looks so snug on the model and although I'm just guessing that my neck IS bigger than hers-it may be looser than I had intended. I promise to model it when I am done.

In another post, I'd like to tell you about the transformation I had in the last couple of years: that is evolving from my former American or convention knitting to the European or continental knitting method. The American holds the yarn on the right and the Continental holds the yarn on the left.

Monday, September 14, 2009

Ta Daaaaa!!!



The quilt top is completed! I am pleased with the results although each time I look at it I wonder if there are areas where some color is too concentrated.

I WILL be quilting with a bright blue thread so some of the white areas will be toned down and the green areas will move to a shade closer to blue. I am considering a "pebble" pattern which I have recently seen demonstrated. It's simple and not entirely feminine like my usual preference- flowery quilt patterns.

My next task is to decide what to back the quilt with. I have three quilt blocks left and some of the original 10 inch (solid color) squares. I am considering incorporating these into the back rather than using a solid color. I also will design a quilt label with some important facts documented including the occasion, signature, year and place created..................you never know-it may be an antique someday and I would want my great grandson or daughter to own a proven piece of history.

Sunday, September 13, 2009

chain piecing CHOO CHOO!



I'm busy working on the blue quilt and I wanted to share a tip that I learned at my last "quilt spa" in Geneva. For years I have Chain pieced sections of the quilt by running the sewing machine at a steady purr and feeding the face to face fabric pieces under the pressure foot. The pieces are then connected to one another with a twisted thread. You end up with the joined squares or triangles forming a type of connected-flag like the ones seen outside newly opened car dealerships etc.
You then cut the thread to separate each joined section, open the seams and press with an iron. The beauty of this method is that you can sew continuously without having to stop and reposition each section under the pressure foot.

There has always been the irritating problem of hanging thread from each block. I guess you
would expect that I had cut those threads
off...but I never did...and it is true that when the quilt is sandwiched and quilted, the threads are enveloped by the other fabric or batting layers.
But it is messy and the threads sometimes work themselves out.

Lisa showed me that if you start and end your seams by feeding a scrap piece of fabric (I call them thread eaters) under the pressure foot,..........then when you cut those scraps off the chained piece AND the unwanted thread tail is now embedded into the thread-eater.

I have to admit that I tried this method because of WHO suggested that it was the way to
go..............seemed like an added step without any apparent benefit...UNTIL I pressed the pieces and saw that the seams were free of the fuzzy tangle on the back. I really think that I saved thread and also prevented the loose thread from ending up on the floor and the innards of my machine.





The blocks you saw in the last post were arranged on my queen-sized bed into what I hope will prove to be a random arrangement pleasing to the eye. I concentrated on differing the block formation, colors and light and dark balance. I sometimes find that if I squint my eyes I can see the dark and light pattern better and then go about swapping one block for another until there is a balance of color and light and dark in the arrangement.

There were 9 rows of 7 blocks across. I sewed the 7 blocks to each other and pinned a paper square to the strip with the number in the order 1-9 so.......... I would be able to assemble the stripped rows together in the order that I had laid them out. WHEW!!

I will be sewing those 9 strips together this evening and should be able to show you the finished top tomorrow. I hope you are enjoying the process...........I know that it may seem complicated but it really isn't. I would love to hear what you think about this quilt and/or entertain questions about the process. Please leave a message-love to hear from you!

Friday, September 11, 2009

TGIF



I had a good but hectic/ challenging week..............................I have my typical Friday night exhaustion after a week's work(and it was a short week oh NO!)

Finally got to hug and encourage an almost brand new batch of "cookies". They all graciously accepted me as their new therapist and we got to work assigning standers and instructing classroom staff on how best to support the kids in their equipment.

This evening,,,,so as not to disappoint my imaginary Peeps I pushed myself to reveal my completed blocks. They are arranged in stacks of various configurations of differing width stripped fabric. The same colors are used AND the blocks all have a square piece in the upper right hand corner
I realized that I'd best arrange the blocks for the quilt top (7 blocks by 9 blocks) in the daylight. I will try to be aware of color, diversity of block design and the play of light and dark. I am hoping to I create a splash of blue much like a winter sky with snow and clouds in contrast. (The grayish color in the photo is really a turquoise blue with " blue on blue" textured fabric-bad lighting).

There will not be a border on this quilt. Iwill bind it with the darkest blue. I look forward to listening to my downloaded "This American Life" tomorrow as............. I take my time playing with these puzzle pieces until THEY please me. Then they'll be raced through the machine to get the top pieced.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Scheduling


I spent the day scheduling students for individual therapy. THEN.................. attended an impromptu but vital meeting which redefined our roles and changed the scheduling strategy to include classroom assignments, student's that I have never treated before and the need to think on habilitation. In other words, had to do the whole thing over again. Three o'clock came fast!!

Much to do in setting up classroom programs with equipment and such. Seating is very important in the classroom and the lunch room. So many teachers and teacher assistants need to have the PT needs defined for their "new" students. Tomorrow, I hope to spend more time in the classroom.
Soon, this room will be full of kids having fun and getting stronger. Can't wait to get my hands on the little Darlings.



PS: I did finish rendering all those 63 blocks to their pristine 8.5 inches. I probably won't have the pleasure of arranging them and sewing them together til Friday or Saturday......Tomorrow night I will be attending a Bible study at my church (Amherst Alliance Church)..........I may not post :(

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Parked


Well, I started working at #84 after 3 weeks off.........a terrible shock to my system. I kept up the pace as far as my work energy until 3 but then started to fizzle. Soon after I got home....with nap on my mind......a surprise visit from my mom and 96 year old Godmother. After a nice chat, a pot of coffee and a "pick your own trip" to the tomato garden, the ladies were off to dinner at a restaurant. Bill came in from volunteering at the Erie County Home and Infirmary and Rachel arrived from work. That spells-D_I_N_N_E_R...........No nap for me today!!!!

Well, dinner is successfully over and I am sitting in my favorite easy chair with my feet up.

It's 8 O'clock already :( .......................If I can pry myself from this comfy cushioned chair, I might
find myself trimming the blue "Tonga" squares in my crafty room. I'll let you know how much I accomplish ....................before I succumb to exhaustion..............5:30AM is fast approaching. NOT FAR!!

Monday, September 7, 2009

Off to work I go!


High Ho! High Ho! It's off to work I gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo. I haven't mentioned work or really thought about it this whole 3 week vacation.
Had a wonderful time and accomplished some soft goals:
RV camped, got to spend time canning with Vanessa, saw Rachel begin grad school, enjoyed Geneva spa, cut out 3 quilts, made 63 quilt blocks for my newest, learned how to download pod casts from "This American Life onto my new MP3 player, started my own blog, finished two baby girl sweaters, started a knitted cowl for me, harvested veggies from the garden and roasted tomatoes and garlic to freeze. And best of all got to spend time with my husband, refreshed,
relaxed and not stressing over work stuff. (I can never seem to leave work AT work.)

Tomorrow, I will face the stack of files waiting to be inputted into the NY state website, listen and attend to the telephone messages on my answering machine. orchestrate equipment transfers and help schedule Physical Therapy sessions in an A through F cycle in preparation for the return of the little cuties at Buffalo Public School #84.

I am pediatric Physical Therapist ( since 1976) working out of the department of Related Services in the Buffalo District. I assess the need for Physical Therapy intervention in a child referred by their teacher or the Committee on Special Education. I make recommendations and establish initial annual goals for the students who need PT.
I also work directly with a precious bunch of students at #84. I try to to allow them access to the school environment and enable participation in school activity. I love the kids and the challenge of encouraging them to want to achieve functional goals like sitting, creeping, kneeling, walking. I especially love working with parents and family as a team support to the child.

I work along side of the best-I know the expertise of the PT's and OT's best and we are a close family unit. The teachers are wonderful and most of the staff have known each other for some time.

So, yes, I will miss summer and the freedom of the past three weeks BUT I have a wonderful job full of hard work, laughter and love. At the end of the day, I can tell a few funny stories and know that I have hugged and hopefully helped some of God's own children. I pray that He will use me to bless and heal.



Sunday, September 6, 2009

Challenge Quilts

A Challenge quilt can be a "round robin" when there are several quilters involved .........but in the case of the next two quilts, Lisa and I exchanged quilts between us. We started with a square or block of our choice with whatever color theme we wanted to have developed into our quilt. We would eventually own the quilt we started with that block.
The squares were then exchanged and we both began adding to each other's block putting the next perimeter blocks on.

I should explain that there are no rules and there are 100 miles between each of our homes and sewing machines. After each perimeter was added, we got together again....that is I went to Geneva for "spa" and we revealed what we had done on the quilt.


We exchanged four times, ending by putting the border on the other's quilt. The first quilt on this blog now belongs to me and the one with Lisa's trees belongs to Lisa. She actually has hers all quilted. I have yet to make the "quilt sandwich" with batting and backing....then quilt stitching through all three layers. Stay tuned. I will finish it!!!

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Veggie tales and tails



















"When what to my wondering eyes should appear'..................but a happy purple Eggplant man!!!!! I really don't know how long he was watching the rabbits eat the string beans and swiss chard BUT he never told a soul about it.




On the right, he's sitting in a berry bowl that my aspiring potter (daughter) Rachel made me. Notice the holes in the sides for air circulation.



And introducing the kitties at our house!!







this is :
Galleta (means cookie in Spanish).........................and.......Sir Author Peabody....................................
As you can see, they both find Eggplant man rather obscure, lifeless and well.....boring.

Friday, September 4, 2009

tomatoes -garden yield


My husband Bill built this wonderful country cupboard to match our red kitchen. I just love it (and sunflowers-can you tell). He helped me arrange the tomatoes for this photo-I think he likes the idea that his cupboard might be "internet-Famous"



If you happen to have surplus tomatoes from your garden..............consider roasting them in the oven with fresh garlic and olive oil.





The aroma will bring you to a place somewhere in Sicily and thoughts of winter will be more appealing. I scoop up the roasted tomato with the juice and garlic into freeze ready pints. I have been using the "Ball" brand with the screw on tops and the plastic containers have held up well -the frozen tomatoes can be freed from the container with just a warm water rinse to the outside of the pint. I use the tomato-garlic olive oil mixture to "jump start" my pasta sauce or as a soup starter.
I have so many more tomatoes-I may cold pack the rest and pressure can them. It depends on how the day evolves.........................I kept thinking-"could be quilting" all day............although I did sneak in a few rows of knitting. Have to show you what I am knitting tomorrow!

Thursday, September 3, 2009

More on Geneva






Now, I want to show you some lively shots of Lisa and David's flower garden. They have huge windows in their house and these beautiful gardens are visible while you are sitting with your coffee or dining.


I left out some interesting photos from my Quilting that I wanted to share with you.

This quilt will be a Christmas presentfor a little boy who loves blue. I cut 63 -10 inch blocks from 7 different fabrics, some batiks and some regular prints plus white. Then I chose three different squares stacked on top of each other. I was given 6 different cutting diagrams from which to chose to then cut(with a rolling blade) that stack of 10 inch squares. I was then to take the top fabric on the outside strip stack and put it on the bottom of the stack, the middle strip- pull the bottom to the top and the right hand square to stay put. So you see that each 90 degree section was to be a different color combination. Then I sewed them together to yield a slightly bigger than 8 and a half inch block. Next I needed to square off the blocks to be exactly the right uniform size. Lisa JUST happened to have the correct ruler in her stash and has graciously loaned it to me. The next 40% coupon I get-it's off to JoAnn's.

I have yet to finish sizing up the squares but will take a photo of them before I begin to sew them together into the quilt top. Stay tuned-we will live this quilt together!!

May I say that being inclined to report to my "Peeps"-(that's you) makes me pay closer attention to details. I'm enjoying this!!



Add Image






Two heads are better than one






"even if one is a Cabbage Head"................that was a quote from my 8th grade teacher and she was right!!!! Back from my quilt retreat in Geneva,NY. Thank you to Lisa and David for always making me feel so welcome and loved. Thanks to Chrissy for sharing your room.....warmed it up for ya!!

So any way if weren't for the two heads, mine and Lisa's I would have made some major booboos while cutting fabric for 3 quilts. Math: I can feel the rusty wheels turning as I try to figure out blocks vs. yards(remember to figure in the quarter inch seams) and whether I am cutting across 42 inches or the length of yardage.WHEW!! ....and the calculator doesn't help cause it's not just adding or multiplying. Somehow, I always change from the original directions ......just enough to have to calculate differently.

Lisa was busy working on a quilt for Chrissy and worked across the table from me on her Bernina. The Bali Pops that she is using are gorgeous and her daughter will see the quilt this weekend as she will be visiting her parents and a brand new niece, Ada Louise.

I sewed on a Featherweight machine for the first time while Lisa used her Bernina. That little machine (ancient as far as years and technology) just purred as I began to sew blocks together.

What wonderful and relaxing days!! The Geneva ladies (Lisa, her sister Nancy and friend Anne Marie) and I went to 3 different Mennonite stores.....complete with horse and buggy............. looking for fabric finds instead of our usual trip to Patchwork Plus. It was a tough decision (not going to the most fabulous quilt store ever) but I was so blessed to find amazing fabrics at great prices. I found coveted fabric to add to a collection of retired designer Christmas yardage for 2 of the quilts I am making. We had lunch out then went back to sew quilts and cut fabric.

Wednesday, I attended the Lake to Lake Quilt Guild monthly meeting and had a lovely time meeting other quilters, and ooing and aweing at their "Show and Tell"//// sharing tea and goodies.

David cooked his famous Salmon cakes for dinner while Lisa and I worked(played) on quilts. Summer evenings on the lake, the sound of two sewing machines singing and happy stomachs....what more can I say!!!!!!!!!!! Loved every minute.