Handy Sandels

Ok girls--here are my new flip-flops. Basic black--nothing but ordinary-----BUT WAIT! Something IS different about these shoes. They are called "Stash Sandel" by Reef.

This little spade shape is Velcro and you pull it up and pull out by the tab and Wha--lah!

A very concealed, handy compartment for your key, money, credit card, etc. I wish I had these years ago when we visited a million water parks. Perfect. I also purcased a few "Little" things to fill my Cruisin Wackies Goody bags. They are getting quite full. Just a few surprises for my Wackie buddies. SSSSSHHHHH--don't tell!

I've Gone Over the Edge!

Ok, girls, I may have gone over the edge. I went by Sissy's Dress Shop in Teague today and spent way too much. Everything was 1/2 price and I found alot that I "needed" for our cruise. Above is a black linen skirt with white flowered embroidery on the bottom. I bought a knit top and a crochet over sweater to go with it and I had already purchased sparkly flip flops from Texas Outfitters. Also three pair of flashy capris and colorful tops to go with them. A white denim jacket and matching capris with beadwork tops off my purchase. Last week I ordered some flip flops with a slide out in the heel to hold your room key and money or a credit card. I told you had gone over! This is so much fun!!!!

Weekend Quilt Retreat

An Embroidery Retreat was the order of the weekend. Compass Centre in Mt. Calm, Texas was the setting and a wonderful time was had by all. We laughed and laughed and the whir of all the machines was music to our ears. We learned from each other and from doing. I have had my embroidery machine for many years, but have not focused on learning to use it to it's full capasity. I get confused when I think of all the stablizers and thread color choices.
I sat by a lady who had all her embroidery laid out for all to admire. I talked to her about t shirts. She loaned me the stabelizer that she felt was right and helped me hoop my shirt. I chose a Loralie Design (You know, the ladies?)
and got started. This was about 9 Friday night and I did not realize this design would not stitch out until midnight or after. I went to bed at 2 am and it was almost finished, but the thread kept breaking. I HAD to go to bed. The next morning Annale told me to loosen the tension a little and put in a new needle. I got it finished, but barely.
I tried another on a tea towel. It worked better. My most successful design of the time was a baby bib. I hooped a piece of sticky stablizer, scored the inside of the hoop and removed the paper to reveal the sticky paper underneath. The area where the design would actually stitch was cut away and covered with a medium tear away. I sprayed the bib with 505 spray and stick it in place. I then added a thin paper cover to keep the stitches on top and basted them all together. The design stitched out beautifully. The needles of choice (says Annale) are Janome topstitch 90/14 or Smhmetz Microtex sharps.
The Loralie Designs are so dense that they are just a chore to stitch on anything, but well worth the effort. After reading and reading, I found one thing I plan to try and that is to enlarge the design. This will give the stitiches more room and should make the design easier to sew out. Annale uses Saran wrap on top of any fabric that has a nap to keep the stitches on top and visible.
Annale and I were so cold during this retreat that our teeth chattered. When one lady unzipped a case full of sweatshirt jackets, we were the first ones to purchase one. They are really nice.
One day was really stormy and the electricity went out a couple of times. This is not a good thing when you are in the middle of embroidery. You probably heard the oooohhhhs and aaaahhhhhhs at your house. I was about the convince Debbie to help me smoke my one grape cigar when "there was light".
I finished my Wackie shirt and I embroidered "Crusin Wackies" on the bottom left. Lime green, too. Totally out of my box!
This book was studied by several. We discovered that the tips and tricks are awesome!
One more really neat thing I discovered is this: Using two thread in the same needle makes the buttonhole stitch so much more prominent and covered the edge well. Here is the collar cover that I fused to my Wackie shirt and I used two strands of fushia pink for the stitch. Looks really great if I say so myself.
The food at Compass Centre was great. I am on a diet, but totally blew it as I had to have their "to die for" cookies. On salad day, the ingredients were served on beautiful trays. My camera battery went dead or I would have a picture for you. Delona did a wonderful job organizing everything. Little "Fairy" gifts were provided by some attendees. The time passes so fast that I can barely believe we were there 4 days.

My Sewing Machines

Sewing Machines, I have four. My first sewing machine I do not have anymore. My mother bought it for me from a magazine add when I was in high school. When I was young married, my parents bought me a Viking Husqvarna 900. This was when the computer machines were quite new and my parents wanted me to have the newest innovative machine. A few years ago I bought a Janome Embroidery Machine. This machine is a wonderful and I would recommend it to anyone. I have by no means made use of it in the way that it is capable. I am still learning more about it everyday.

One morning on the way to work I was listening to the local swapshop when a lady was listing item s for sale. In the list she quoted a "small" sewing machine. I called her immediately and upon answering my questions, I realized that the machine was a Featherweight. Upon seeing the machine I became very excited, but retained my composure and ask what she wanted for the machine. Imagine my surprise when she said $40. Some would argue that I "stole" the machine. Possibly, but who was I to argu her mind? My argument is that she got exactly what she wanted. Needless to say, I paid her what she asked and took my machine to the local "sewing machine man" to check it out. It actually is in good shape. It is not mint condition, with some wearing of the gold trim. I imagine the lady of the 1930's excitement when she bought her little machine, probably from a traveling salesman, then called drummers. The 'drummer' would stay in the local hotel and make his way around the area selling his wares. After purchase, the owner probably made baby clothes, curtains, aprons, the more clothing than we can even imagine. Quilts were made from the scraps of the items and at some time in her life, maybe even a wedding dress for a daughter. It's whirring sound is a sound that brings me pure joy. No new machine makes such a delightful noise. In this day and time you can buy a Featherweight in mint condition. They have been completely rewired and and even painted bright beautiful colors of pink, green, and red. The original color of black is my favorite.

My latest machine was bought at an estate sale and you can read about it here. The early Viking Husqvarna was probably made in the 1960s, although I have not done the research. I bought it for the cabinet it was in, but the little machine whirs like a kitten and I cleaned and oiled it myself. I have been using it since bought. I can quilt on it as I embroider on my new machine.

I was surprised to learn that many quilters have excess of 5 machine. That I am in the minority with my four. This proves, once again, our passion for our art. It's been proven time and time again. We just can't quilt quilting. We love all aspects of it. Thanks for your interest. M

Blue Quilt Backing--BUSTIN STASH!

No fabric piece big enough for the quilt back?--Have no fear--just piece it! I started out making some blocks using the "Disappearing Nine Patch" (many other aliases). Then just started adding pieces large and small. I think it is certainly more interesing than any solid blue fabric and I didn't spend one cent on fabric. This should qualify as a stashbusting project, don't you think?

MY SON CLARK, THE COLLEGE GRADUATE!

This day has been a long time coming. My youngest son, Clark and his college diploma.
A Texas A & M Commerce graduate. Finally------He tells everyone that the only reason he went to college is cause he "promised his mama". Maybe so, but he is proud of himself for doing it. He is an insurance agent and a very successful one in a really short period of time. If you need insurance and the best deal you can get, you should call him. He works for the customer, to get the best coverage. He has access to many companies. He is now one of the top RVOS agents in the nation. Can you believe it? What a son---this mom couldn't be prouder.
WAY TO GO CLARK! WE LOVE YOU.

MOM & DAD

CADEN FRYER, BEST DRESSED COWBOY

The Winner's Belt Buckle!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THE BEST DRESSED COWBOY OF TEAGUE, TEXAS 4TH OF JULY RODEO IN 2007 IS CADEN FRYER. Here he is in all his glory along with his partner in crime, faithful sidekick, Tip. The beautiful girl in background is mom, Kristan. How bout it, ya'll, is this one cute little cowboy?