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!!!

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.

BOOT BASH BLOCK 10

Long time waiting, I know.  I am so sorry.  I hope the new block will be worth the wait.  I promise you that the next will not be this late.  It is already in the making.  It is designed, but not stitched.  I hope that will happen beginning today. 

Block 9 is now stitched

I think it needed a little more contrast between the boot fabric and the flower fabric, but it will have to do for now.  Keep this in mind when you chose your fabrics.  Your choice of thread can fix this problem.  Too bad I didn't do that--HA--.  A contrasting thread instead of a flower matching thread would have helped.  I still might just do an outline in --uh--maybe red!  or cream!  or gold!  Oh ell, you get the picture.  Just a note.  My two year old DGS needed something to do  hile  atching  innie the Pooh on my compouter.  SO--he picked off my W key and chewed it up!!!  Needless to say, he  ill not be  atching  innie on MY computer anytime soon.  I ask him, Cullen, what did you do to my W.  He said, " Me cew it up".  How can you get mad at that????  Precious.  It will work, but I have to hit it extra hard, so sometimes it doesn't show up.  HAHA  One of the many perils of my life as a Nana.
OK--On with the next block--you know--the late one--BLOCK 10.
TA DAAAA

It's another well worn boot, a work boot, I think.  It has sloshed around in the mud, blood, and poop until it's color has changed and the leather is soft and wavy.  I know you must have had a pair like this before.  The fall leaf gives an added touch of the Fall Flavor.  Hope you enjoy and GET BUSY because I am and the November will be up in time--i hope--don't hold me to it--PLEASE!  Just be patient.  Love you guys!  Stay cool--in all ways you can!!

One more thing.  I  ant to show you a pic of a block I decided not to use.  I just didn't like it in the quilt.  It didn't fit, but some of you might like it.  If you do, e me and I will send you the pattern or maybe even post it.

I hate to ask, but I really ould like to k now if you are using/enjoying/collecting my blocks.  Remember these are FREE for your personal use and if you let me know by way of a comment if you are enjoying them in some way, it kinda just keeps me pumped up to provide them for you.  I love blogging, but sometimes it is hard to get around to doing it.  Thanks for your support.

BOOT BASH BLOCK #9

I am still behind, girls, but trying to keep my head above water.  Things are slightly better here at Fryer Ranch, but we are in the worst drought ever.  The last two days, wild fires have run rampant.  We are lucky that we were not hit, but surrounding lands and homes were destroyed.  Every available male person has been fighting fires (I am sure some women too).  The wind blew up to 30 miles a hour which moved the flames quickly.  For now, things are better, but until we get some rain, we are still in danger of fires.
My Boot Bash #9 is designed, but the stitching is not finished.  But as with last month, I am posting the pattern anyway and the pic of mine as is with the intent to update with the finished one soon.  You girls know what to do.  Mine is just a starter for you.  You are to "make it your own" using your own choices of fabrics, stitches and additions.  Don't forget the Flickr group if you feel like sharing.  You inspire others in their work when you do share.  The link is on the sidebar under the pattern links.

My family situation is a little better.  The little boys are home for now.  Keep up the prayers, please.

BOOT BASH BLOCK #6 IS FINALLY HERE

Most of yoou know that I lost my mother about a week ago.  For this reason, Boot Bash Block #6 is OH SO LATE.  but, IT FINALLY HERE and I am planning to have block 7 ou right on schedule on the first of July------I said  PLANNING!--(just so you understand).
This post is short and sweet and to the point-----du du---du du duuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu

ENJOY--LOVE YOU ALL FOR BEING SO PATIENT! 

THANKS FOR AL THE SWEET COMMENTS ON MY POST ABOUT MOTHER.  I HAVENT GOTTEN BACK TO YOU ALL BUT YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST!

BOOT BASH BLOCK #5

HERE YA GO, PEEPS!

I am much happier with this month's Boot Bash block.  You will, as usual, find the pattern link on the right sidebar.  All I ask of you is to respect my copyright and use only for yourself and leave a comment if you do a download.  Just gives me an idea of how many think they might make this pattern.  Please do not share any of my patterns, but send someone to my blog as an alternative.  Enjoy and if you do make a or many blocks, use my Flickr group and find the link on the right sidebar also.  Thanks again and Enjoy May by making a May Boot Bash Block!!!!

BOOT BASH BLOCK OF THE MONTH, BLOCK #4

PATTERN IS NOW POSTED ON THE RIGHT SIDEBAR!
Right over there-------------RIGHT HERE----See it????  Yah~
UPDATE---
Thanks to all  who have given me their humble opinion.  Maybe I am too hard on myself, but when you have a look in mind and it doesn't work out--well, let's just say that I am so glad you like it.  I will post the pattern sometime tonight or tomorrow morning and post a second block as soon as I can find time to get one done.  THANKS SO MUCH.  I just can't believe that people you don't even know can be so kind and nice.  I hope you are all being honest and I know you are.  You couldn't be anything else.  All my love you, my blogger friends. 
I'm finished, but not happy.   This boot block is just not what I expected.  I think it is not only my choice of fabrics, but the stitch choices.  I have been very busy with Grandsons, --my DH has been in the hospital and is still not well.  This morning, my sister and I put my mother with Alziemers in the local Nursing Home.  Maybe I am making excuses, but I think Ijust hurried through this block without my ususal time to make sure it is what I wanted it to be.  I am two months ahead  with blocks, but the other blocks were not what I wanted for the month of April.
Here is the deal.  I am going to post the picture and start working on another April Block.  If you like the block, post a comment.   If I get enough comments, I will post the pattern.  If not, then I will post the new pattern as soon as I finish it.  Sorry--designing is a bitch---

Civil War Block #3

The third block was posted YESTERDAY!  Click HERE to find it! I opted to use  "not the traditional kind" of applique, but I got~R~done quick.  I had to dig out MORE of my Civil War Repro fabs.  I had forgotten about my Red, White, and Blues that I had stashed in the closet (no--not the oven--I actually USE it). 

We are getting a long time coming, much needed, soaking rain.  It is a very lazy day.  I have a pot of stew on the stove and enjoying a little stitching.  I hope your day is as nice. 

BOOT BASH BLOCK OF THE MONTH is Finally Here!!

Well, it's been a long time coming, I think.  I hope you all are ready.  I am not COMPLETELY ready, but  I am ready enough to start (I hope).  This is why I do free patterns--you can't charge people when stuff might go wrong!  Well, enough of the negative.  The Tree Time BOM of 2010 went really well, I think, for my first, so I am going to try again.  I hope you will join me in 2011 to make a quilt that represents a TEXAS ICON, THE COWBOY BOOT! 
Simple stitches made by hand or machine are used with cotton and some wool for my 8 inch finished blocks.  They are designed to be month appropriate and include the embroidered month, but you can easily leave it off and change the additions and colors so that they are not month appropriate.  Please "Make them Your Own", as I have preached before so that yours will not look exactly like mine.  Let the designer in you shine.  I am just giving you a head start.

Sew and I MEAN SEW--get started and when you are done, let me have it!!  Literally!! and I will blog them on a special Boot Bash page on my blog.  If there are enough, I will set up a Flickr group.

Remember--no bitchin, only stitchin!!
(My new motto!)

JUST A LITTLE PEEK A BOO!!

It's a day for sneak previews-------

TREE TIME

Block 8

BOOT BASH

BLOCK OF THE MONTH-- 2011

ONLY 6 MONTHS AWAY!

PEEK-A-BOO

TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE BLOCK NOW COMPLETED

I am so sorry, oh loyal followers, that my posts are farther and farther apart.  I did a guest post on Stash Manicure and seems that took alot of my "posting energy".  I don't seem to have alot of any kind of energy these days. 

The year 2010, another year when the Texas Department of Agriculture sponsors a Quilt block contest.  Blocks are made by Texas Quilters who decide to participate.  For a fee of $12.00, you purchase a packet that includes the fabric and guidelines to follow.  This years theme is Texas Wildlife. 

 The fabrics are batiks ~~~~~~~~~

a piece of green wool and one of brown leather.

  If you will remember I was successfull in 2006, but my block did not make it into the quilt for 2008.  BUT, the three friends that I talked into joining me in entering DID!  Very disappointing, I must say, but I have tried to be Big about it~~~LOL.  See my post about previous years and all our blocks HERE. See the TDA Quilt on their website HERE.  You can see each winning quilt block and read about the makers inspiration.

This Wildlife thing is going to be tough, I think.  I can't draw and I really don't want to use someone else's pattern.  I want it to be completely original.  I decided to surf a little and see if I could come up with some coloring book images that might give me some ideas.  I certainly did!  They are abundant.  The Texas Parks and Wildlife provides some wonderful drawings in PDF for kids.  If you haven't discovered these, you have really missed out!  You can find one of them HERE and where I found the drawing that I used for my pattern HERE.

                                                                     
  I chose the Red-tailed Hawk for my focus.  We have them here on the ranch and I watch them almost daily as they sit patiently on tree limbs and fence posts waiting to swoop down for a field mouse or other small creature.

I started by just tracing the sections of the bird on a limb onto freezer paper.  Then I auditioned fabrics for this main part of my block.   After the focus was placed on the background, the rest evolved.  I chose varigated threads for the stitching~~

These proved to be a very good choice, I think.  I did not use all the above.

 I have to say that I am proud of most of the block but am not sure I like the upper right leaves and definately think the fish needs something.  Possibly some definition.  But, overall, I am satisfied with the block.

You know, I learn something everytime I take on a quilt block contest.  They are a challenge that causes me to grow and learn.  I still have to write an essay and make a pattern for my block.  Not sure why they  need a pattern--

Look for more on Feathered Stars for next post.  I have promised a tutorial on Stash Manicure scheduled for June 10th, I believe.  So I need to get busy on that.  Also HAVE TO GET MY RED AND GREEN REPRO QUILT FINISHED.  I am putting that off--now why is that?????  Wish me luck!

A TISKET, A TASKET, A NOVEMBER BUNNY HILL BASKET!

I don't know why I can't get started and then when I get started, I can't stop!  I stitched the whole block last night after procrastinating about starting it for about 2 weeks.  I had the whole thing ready for stitching that long before I got to it!?
Why is that?  After I start, it is like one stitch leads to another and if I stop I will forget where to go from here!  It was all working last night-------so---------------------------------------------I stayed up until 2 am.  Sid was working nights and Clark was gone to the hunting lease and it was just me and my needle and thread.  I had a blast and I know some of you just don't get it, but it is just my thang!! LOL
Here is the finished November block.  I am so sorry that next month is the finale.  I will not have a special basket block to look forward to each month.  I will have to search out another one but I doubt that it will be as enjoyable to me as this one has been.  Don't forget to visit Flickr group to see all the many versions of the same block-- each as different as children are different.
I wish each of you a project next year that you love as much as I have loved this one.-------m

Sunbonnet Sue Sunday #20

Even once a month, Sunbonnet Sue Sunday comes round so quickly for me. This is post #20 and we have two left before the completed quilt will be shown.
Remember the original magazine that Mom's quilt came from?

The year was 1988.

I want to start this post with a photo of my great grandmother's bonnet. I think it is quite unusual. It is very simply made. Cardboard is inserted int he strips to stiffen it. I was very very small when she died, but I do remember how she looked in it. Her face did not show unless you looked directly at her from the front and mostly if she looked up at you as she was a very short woman. Remember this was a time when grandmothers wore long dresses, dark hose and flat lace up black shoes, a broach and an apron. Small glasses sat on her nose and her hair (which you could not see when she wore her bonnet) was slicked back and placed in a small bun at the nape of her neck. My grandmother's aroma was one that came from the kitchen. It was a woodsy, smokey smell mixed with whatever she was cooking that day whether it be cinnamony or meaty, no matter, it was a wonderful smell.
She didn't have to bend down at all to pat a child and only lean to whisper in her ear. I remember brushing up against her skirt and pulling it to get her attention and the fabric was soft and silky to the touch and I am sure it was because it had been washed about a million times and scrubbed on a washboard and put through the ringer--litterally!!!. I did not mean to draw this out so long, but to tell you the truth, I got all wrapped up in memories. My SBS pattern on the sidebar was inspired by this bonnet above.

The pattern below is one included in the magazine. A pattern based on the earliest SBS drawings. It is probably my favorite--I hope it is new to you. I may have included it in a previous post. If I did, I am sorry, but it won't hurt you to look at it again as it is really d-a-r-l-i--n-g!!

This is a great one included in the book. Is she looking down or away? I never can figure that out~~~

Thisone is simple and looks like it could be paper pieced. Were quilters paper piecing in 1988? A question for another day.

The above is a quilting pattern that is meant to be used in alternate blocks or a border. Great pattern, don't you think?

OK--now on to the good part. It's October, it's Fall, it's the month for falling leaves, cooler weather and, yes, the spookiness of Halloween. A time when it is OK to dress as something or someone else and eat all the candy you possibly can.


IT'S OCTOBER NOW, YES IT'S TRUE

WHAT DOES THIS TIME MEAN TO YOU?

COOLER DAYS, COOLER NIGHTS

BUT LET ME TELL WHAT MAKES IT RIGHT

BUY SOME CANDY, BUY IT ALL

AND LOVE TO HAVE A POPCORN BALL

SNICKERS, SUCKERS, CANDY CORN

MOTHERS LOOKIN ALL FORLORN

TAKE THIS PUMPKIN IF YOU PLEASE

CARVE IT OUT WITH EXTRA EASE

GIVE IT A FACE, A CANDLE TOO

MAKE HALLOWEEN A REAL TO-DO.

Fro newcomers, this the October block of Mom's SBS Quilt which will be shown in completion in December's SBS Sunday Post. I will also be give the directions for the setting of the blocks. If you make a SBS block, send me a pic. I would love to post it. If you blog you pic, I will feature it on my blog. Just let me know--

THANKS FOR VISITING MOLLY'S PLACE. I AM NOT POSTING AS OFTEN AS I WAS FOR AWHILE. MY MOM IS IN THE LATER STAGES OF ALZIEMERS NOW. SHE IS STILL AT HOME AS WE HAVE HELP NOW. MY SISTER IS BATTLING BREAST CANCER. PLEASE COME BACK AND IF YOU HAVE A DESIRE, FOLLOW ME AND HOPEFULLY I WILL BE POSTING MORE OFTEN SOON. I AM FINDING A LITTLE MORE TIME TO QUILT NOW AND MY YOUNGEST SON, WHO IS BUILDING A HOUSE AND LIVING WITH US UNTIL IT IS FINISHED, WILL SOON BE MOVING OUT (WITHIN THE MONTH) AND THAT WILL GIVE ME EVEN MORE TIME, HOPEFULLY. LOVE YOU ALL--

LATER----