Boot Bash Blocks are Coming to the TOP!

Alicia became my contact in Flickr today and I found the cutest little  western wallhanging made with the April Boot Bash Block.  Alicia--it is just GREAT!!

You will find Alicia's pics on her Flickr page HERE.  Alicia--I love the bright red fabric chose for boot top that makes it POP, the small print bottom, and the black accent.  Your stitching looks neat and nice and the way you changed colors in the border adds so much interest to the simple wall hanging.  Thanks for trying out my pattern.  I love it and I know all Boot Bash lovers will also.

IT'S A BARBARA BRACKMAN DAY!!

How many of you remember the Civil War Block of the Week that started in 2011.  It is over now, but the blocks are still up on the blog HERE.  The blog will only be there for a few more months, but you can copy the block instuctions for your personal use (see her sidebar for instructions).  I started off with a bang, got about 20 blocks into it before the bottom fell out and family stuff prevented me from continuing.  I have saved most of the blocks and am about ready to continue them. 

As I was checking my email yesterday, I see an email that is a message to me from the Civil War group on Flickr.  GUESS WHAT!  It was from Mrs. Barbara Brackman. 
Seems she loves my "Fort Sumpter" block -----

and WANTS TO USE IT IN HER UPCOMING BOOK!!  Well if that is not just the hunkiest thing that could happen to a quilter.  I have always loved block and quilting history.  This is just an honor.  The permissions have been sent back so in 2013 I will once again be in print.  This makes 3 magazine issues and 2 books that my work is included in --Move Over Marsha McClosky--- AWESOME!!

LOADING DAY AT FRYER RANCH!

We have many loading days on Fryer Ranch, but this day is special as oldest GS, Caden got to help today.  A day off from school gives him the opportunity to strut his stuff (so to speak).   He called Pops last night several times to make sure that he understood that he wanted to be picked up "early".  He came adorned in his "cowpoke" attire of boots, jeans, and cowboy hat complete with a turkey feather.  This is a key issue as you will read later.  His first question is "what do I get paid"?????  Pops keeps avoiding this issue until he sees just how devoted Caden is to really "helping".  The cattle buyer guy-Curtis- picks up on this right away and assures Caden that HE will be glad to pay him to help.  This excites Caden to no end----

This pic is as close as you will get o anything quilty in this post.  This is just a FYI!!!

As you can see Caden has his cattle stick.  This stick is a very essential tool for Caden as it assures him that he will not have to get too close to any of the animals.

I was surprised to see him inside an enclosed area where cows would be, but he made sure that he "got out of Dodge" before any steers arrived.  LOL

He decided that he liked "working the Cattle Scales.  He even put down the cattle prod to do it.  Pushing buttons and hollering out the cattle weights is right down his alley.  Pops and Scott look own.  They are the perfect examples for hollering and have taught Caden well.

The final drive up the shoot is done safely "OUTSIDE" the shoot.  

A little tail gate sitting finished this job off, but the next one was soon to follow.

Isn't this just the cutest little cowboy you ever saw???

I didn't follow them the rest of the day, but Caden helped work small calves today also.  I only saw him at the house when he got hungry.  Bisquits and cheese and a turkey sandwich besides the lunch in town that his Pops bought for him.  The boy can EAT!

EMBROIDERY REVISITED!

My machine embroidery skills are much lacking.  I have often thought that I enjoy collecting designs more that I enjoy the act of embroidery.  I have done some with some success, but some fabrics and specific placement have been the elusive butterfly that "gets my goat".  This week I decided to "try again" to embroidery on baby knit as a shower is fast approaching.  My test was on a romper that I had previously been unsuccessful on and had promptly put it back in my "blanks" box.  I don't know why but probably just so I could say I had done "something".  This time will be different.  I sandwiched it between two pieces of water soluable stabelizer and placed it in the smallest hoop I have.  I had to flip the design because of placement on the right side.

                                As you can see, it was a success.  I was shocked and amazed!

                                            The new baby will be named Mason. 

                              His Mom's shower gift includes a bib too.  Read to be wrapped.

I decided to try my luck on a towel.  This time I only put the water soluable film on the top and a medium tear away on the bottom.

 Lookin pretty good!

Shoulda pressed out the hoop mark, but couldn't wait to see how it would look on my western towel rack. 

More experimenting is in my future.  I plan to try different techniques until I get familiar with what will work for me.  It's about time!  I also am writing down what does and doesn' t work so that I can refresh my memory between emboidery sessions.  That's say, huh!!  More later--

FINALLY FINISHED! Block 12--Late, I Know!

I am posting Block 12 of Boot Bash although it is not finished.  I am so sorry that I have disappointed you by being late, but hey--for free, what can you expect?  My New Years Resolution is not to post.   anymore Bocks of the Month until I have finished all of the blocks.   That way I can prepost all of them and there will be no procrastination and no chance of falling through the cracks.

Please find the link on the right sidebar under BOOT BASH BLOCKS.

Mine is still not finished.  The letters of December will be black when stitching is finished.  I appreciate all your patience and caring during a very difficult time in my life.  I love each and every one of you for it.  I hope you the very happiest of Holidays.  MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

A FEW THINGS GOING ON

Second week of DeerCamp Wacky Retreat was a success.  I didn't take as many pics as I should have, but have a few to show you.  This retreat was a more laid back retreat than normal.  No "Power" sewing as previous ones.  I, for one, may be the reason.  Stress in my life made way for the desire for being with my wonderful friends, venting to them and having them give me their loving advice.  As I told them, they cannot fix my problems, but their listening ears were so much help to me. 

The first pic is of a quilt that is the result of a channenge issued several weeks ago.  This project was suppose to be to cut the pieces and work on the quilt at an upcoming retreat, but when that retreat was cancels, two Wackys completed their projects at home and two worked on them at this retreat.  The third, me, did not do it at all.  I just have had too much already started that I have been unable to complete.

This is Ms. Rhondas finished project (except for quilting that is).

GREAT JOB!

This is Annie's Quilt.  It is one of dear departed Jerri's projects that Annie chose to take and finish.  She did a fantastic job, only lacking borders and quilting.

This is what I worked on most of the weekend.  Some embroidery blocks that needed to be set together.  It is pictured here with auditioned border fabric and as I look at, not the "one".

A trip to Athens, and a never before visited Quilt Shop resulted in a decision to issue a new challenge.  This block will be used.  The guidelines are to used our scraps.  More later, but the quilt we saw that inspired us is by Kim Deihl (Did I spell that right)?

I have to include a pic of my latest finish, my Bunny Hill- Henrietta Whiskers quilt.  I enjoyed it as much as the Basket Quilt a couple of years ago.

 

See ya soon----

BOOT BASH BLOCK OF THE MONTH #11

Well, kids--we are getting close to the end.  I have to say that it has truly been a roller coaster ride for me.  I don't work well under pressure and towards the end, that is truly what I have been working under.  This is usually a wonderful outlet for me, but when I don't have the time, it becomes a stress issue. 
Block 11 is now almost stitched, but as last month, I am giving you the pattern before my stitching is quite through.  I wish, like the big designers, that I had some little stitching elves to help me stay on top of this, but with pay being zip, that ain't gonna happen.  Love to all of you who have stuck with me. 

Here are three western pillowcases that I have made in an attempt to decorate my back bedrooms for my two grandsons.

So fun and quick--You should try one.  Here is a link to LITTLE BIRDIE SECRETS and there is also a video on You Tube.