March 18, 2023

My how times fly's-I have been so busy with the holidays, quilting a bunch of new quilts for people,  January was spent re-painting most of the interior of the home.

San Diego has had rain-heavy rain most every day for months. The weather has definitely changed, there are so many closed streets here due to flooding. When I want to go somewhere I have to check the roads to see what road is closed or flooded...

 

The wonder Gammill tech was at my house for 4 hours giving my statler a good tune up. He changed the belt, cleaned the machine very well, gave it a great oil job, adjusted the tension, and did a number of other things.  Now she is back to humming like a well fed cat......

Let me hear how things are going with you 

Nancy 

 

 November 2, 2022

Oh my gosh, what happened to this year. It has flown by...... I cannot believe it is November already.

Election day is coming up soon, please vote. If you dont vote then you cannot complain about anything. 

I just took in 4 more quilts to get quilted, and of course everyone wants them back tomorrow. 

I usually put the quit on the machine at night and then quilt them in the morning... hopefully get them done in one day, of course the bigger quilts take a bit longer.  Since I have a Gammill statler I really enjoy the job of quilting.

It is raining her today and so all the children are in the house, Pearl my large gray and white cat feels like she should sit on the keyboard while I am typing.  she likes to help.

Halloween was so much fun, I went over to my Nieces house and went out with her kids. It was most fun seeing all the customs... Even alot of the adults were dressed up. I think I walked about 1 1/2 miles with the children, They brought home so much candy.... what a load. 

Well I have to get back to the quilting machine. Sit and sew.... it is so relaxing for me and wonderful to see the results.

Farewell for now 

Nancy 

 

 

 Oct 29, 2022 Saturday.

Hello, yes its been a very long time. 

I have acquired a Gammill longarm statler computerized quilting machine. Actually I have been working on it for almost 2 years now, and have gotten quite good at it. 

I now have 4 dogs, they started out as foster, but I really am a failure at fostering. The dogs have been bonded to each other and at 2:00 this afternoon  are taking their afternoon naps and have decided this is their home. They live here on a large 1/2 acre lots and can run and chase each other all over the property. Yes they are happy.

I have put myself on a fabric buying diet. I think I have enough fabric to last for 6 more lifetimes if 8 quilters were sewing full time. So I only buy something as a last resort if i really need it. 

I have 2 cats Lilly ans pearl. They get along with the dogs and act like they  are the boss. 

I am trying to finish my UFO's that unfinished objects.... or unfinished quilt projects. The ones i finish that i don't keep to to different charity  groups...... there are so many that want quilts.  

Well I hear my sewing machine calling my name.. 

Iam feeling well and content with my place on earth. 

 

Nancy 

 

 

• 
  
• That old song Time goes bye.....

Well Time has gone by. On the first of the year I had a root canal. My tooth started to hurt on New Years eve, Thursday.  I was not until Monday afternoon I got to see a dentist.
     I have been working really hard on family rentals. Just when I was thinking I was done I received a call from our rental home, there was a roof leak, that is something that has to be fix now.  Got that fixed and noticed the house needs to be tented. The fence is falling down and the yard really needs some work.
All this work and no time for quilting. What a drag.
There are so many weeds in my yard, I need to rent one of those mowers the park service uses to mow large area of grass.
I almost hate to read my emails, as everyday I see pictures of really neat quilts I would love to sit and work on, but rentals keep getting in the way.





San Diego has been very rainy and the dogs and cats do not want to go outside, they think if their paws get wet, they may fall off..... or something.






  

Today I am going to try to go to the sewing room and sit and sew and organize, thats right just like your sewing room, or quilting room or what ever you call it, Mine is in a constant state of "I need to get this organized"....

Another idea came to me last night, I would love to hire a full time assistant who quilts to just get me caught up, well maybe five full time quilters.....  would not that be great.  YA right after I win the lottery.

Have a great day, go sew something.

Nancy






                          

Quilting has always been something I have done since I was very young, I started sewing in the 7th grade at Roosevelt Jr. high school in San Diego Ca. I made an apron. I have made a bunch of aprons since them and use them today when working around the house.

Like all sewing people and Quilting and hobbyist  I have too much fabric and stuff, The idea of getting rid of any of it is impossible to think of. I have been thinking of having a stash sell and invite friends over to help me sort out the stuff I do not need and will probably not use again.
There are lots of services that will come into your home and help you do that, and sell your stuff for you but them they want 40-50 percent of what you take in.
I know when my mother passed, she had a very large home and it took the family 2 years to clean out that home. I do not want to leave my family with that nightmare.

Last  night I through of advertising on Craigs list for some quilters who might want a part time job to come help, it could be like a party and I would pay them a small salary to help me do that.

Time does past fast and even faster as you get older.

I am going to try to write more on this blogg and keep in touch with the outside world.

Have a Merry Christmas and Better have a great New Year. so much has happened this year, I know more great things with come the next year.

Summer August 07, 2013

WOO,
 I have so busy working on everything, that I just do not have time or the thought to come back and blog.
I really admire the people who can blog everyday.
Yesterday I went out to lunch with some of my old work friends. We went to Fashion Valley in San Diego Cheese cake factory. I ordered off the low calorie menu, still it was $26.00  with the tip to eat there. Next time we go to lunch it will be my turn to find somewhere to eat, and it will not be that expensive.

My goal for today is to do some more straightening out of the sewing room. I went and bought 3 long large plastic boxes to organize some stuff into, so I'll see how that goes.

Last night it was cool enough in the house to vacuum  and clean up a bit, with the pets I have I am always on the clean up cat and dog hair routine. Today the DOGS (2) are going to visit the bath, They don't like it, but always feel better afterwards.

So there is my day, I'll try to write again soon.
Nancy

Hi,
I have been so busy, do not ask me how I every worked full time.  I guess that is what retirement is all about. Finding new things to keep you going. I stepped outside for 5 minutes to do a little watering, and then forgot and did some fertilizing, and then re-potted a few plants, trimmed up a bit, and 3 hours later... well you get the idea.

Now I need to get ready to go to another appointment. Life is hard when your trying to get something done and here comes Tux, Fat cat...as soon as I sit down here it comes.   Tux, the 30 pound tuxedo cat.

           

                                                                TUX- FAT CAT 



TUX was on the way to the humane society in San Diego, and they would not take him, so he came to stay here, ... "just for a few days until i could find him a home.." so now this is his home along with
1. taco cat
2. Cosmo
3. Snowball
4. Lucie

5. Freddie the Chihuahua
6. Ginger the Chihuahua

7. last but fattest:.... Fat cat TUX....

oh, and 2 outdoor cats, who come by every day for a lite or three.
However -- all the guys get along and no one fights.. so I guess that is  the way it is.

My carrots are growing, along with the lettuce, peppers, herbs, soon it will be time for tomatoes.

I have to run. I will try to check in sooner...

Nancy
sew a stitch everyday

The Garden Quilt

Hi,
Today is March 25th, 2013.  It always makes me happy when I have one minute to sit down and blog.

I have been working on the Spring Garden Quilt. It was a Disappearing 4 patch quilt. The instructions to make the Block can be found here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jA-10A_Uc6k 
I have been using mainly Kaffe Fassett fabrics.
And here is a great place to get his fabrics: http://www.fabric.com/quilting-fabric-shop-by-designer-kaffe-fassett-cotton-print-fabric.aspx
It is fun to find new places on the web to find great prices on nice fabric.
For me when I take a picture of my quilt I can see all the mistakes, that when it is on the wall I miss. The black and white dot square has to go. I need more blues. 
March has also brought me to a new sewing sit and sew at Cozy Quilt Shop in El Cajon Ca.
Some old friends and some new Friends are there and it is so nice to have a whole entire day to sit and sew.
The first time I went I got so much done it was amazing. I came home exhausted, I had to take a nap and rest up before I could make dinner.
It is amazing how when the winter months end, everything seems to come to life in the garden. All the bulbs are all blooming, the fruit trees have buds on them, The vegetables I plants months ago are ready to be harvested.
All is sweet on the Grden front.

The quilt room, well that is another story, It is now and will always be a mess.  I know right where everything is, atleast I did last week, ask me for something this week and I may have to look for awhile.
Well the lawm mower is calling my name, so I better get off the computer and hit the garden again.
Have a great day.
Nancy 

February 22, 2013 --- Where has the time gone

OM Gosh,
I have been so busy with the holidays and then things after that I have not been here since Nov 8, 2012

My friend Diane's mother was here from the eastern part of the United States over the holidays and that took a great deal of time visiting her while Diane was at work.  We had alot of fun together and went on some great trips.

I gave away 2 quilts for christmas, both ladies loved them.

December 5th I fell and broke my right leg. That has been fun. 
There is always stuff to do at the apartments and rentals.

I started my new Garden Quilt.
Well life is just so busy, I do not know how I ever found time to work full time.
Here are some Quilt Acronyms.

As you know, as quilters we're pretty good at coming up with short set of letters to explain quilting terms - I mean, we've all got UFO's, right?  And we happily use FQ's in our quilts or bags too.

Try googling quilt acronyms, and you'll find some like these:
(Not so familiar, but very clever)


HSY Haven't Started Yet

PHD Project Half Done (yes - we all have PHD's behind our names!!!)

WIM Work In Mind

WIVSP Work in Very Slow Progress

TOAD Trashed Object Abandoned in Disgust

PIG Project In Grocery bag

USO Unstarted Object

STASH Special Treasures All Secretly Hidden (!!!)

SABLE Stash Accumulation Beyond Life Expectancy


And my favourite..

FART Fabric Acquisition Road Trip ( so can we call previous trips Old farts???)

WOMBAT Waste Of Money Batting And Time

 

November 8, 2012

OH my, only 7 weeks until the New Year.  I just do not know what happened to 2012, time goes by fast and then. poof its over. 

I was at the San Marcos Quilt in a Day store yesterday... I went there to get one ruler, "the 9 1/2 inch triangle square up ruler".. But.........there was a ton of fabric on sale that I liked, and a ton of patterns on sale that are going into christmas stockings.... and two new books, which I did not get but have on my list to see about in the further.... 
I live 37 miles from the San Marcos store, so it is always a treat to get a chance to stop by and see what is new, I look on line all the time, but nothing like just being there and touching. 

While I was in north county it rained really hard in South San Diego, and by the time I returned home, I had some kitties who were very upset at being outside. 

It is raining again today, so I have to get cracking and clean up things so that i can spend the rest of the day sewing up a big storm and finishing UFO's..... 
I still have Christmas presents to finish up, and quilt bindings to put on. I guess that means a day in the Studio making a mess. 

Have a great day

Nancy 

Sunday October 21, 2012

I cannot believe that Christmas is almost here. It has been very overcast in Spring Valley, and All of Southern California for that matter. So I am inside the house hanging out and sewing. 
I was about to dispose of these muffin tins, and then made them into these small little pin cushions. Who would not want an extra pin cushion..? 

After I sewed for a few hours, I started cleaning out one of the hall closets, then dusted the bedroom,.. it never ends in a house this large.
The dogs need to go out for walks about 5 to 10 times a day....    
Cloths need to be washed and Dinner needs to be made.  I wish I had a personal assistant who could do all things for me, would that be a good dream.

Monday it is going to be overcast again so I guess I'll be inside the house again cleaning and working. 


I have to go for a ride into mission Hills to go get something... I really need that personal assistant.... today.

Rainy Days in the Quilting room

October 12, 2012 
Christmas is fast approaching. I have two (2) quilts that I need to bind and just cannot seem to get to them. Every day the tenants call me with fires that need to be put out at the apartment buildings I manage. How can a girl get anything done in the quilting studio when she has to work. 
I also have a drunkard path 150 squares on the wall that have to be sewn together. I have been thinking of hiring someone to just come and sew together quilt for me that I design.
then I could get caught up. ( I have also been hoping to win the California lottery...HA..Ha)  :)   I guess I will have to just continue plugging along. 

First thing at 10:00 am I have to go to pick up one of my sewing machines, it has been in for its yearly cleaning. I took it to the Sew Hut  (http://www.sewhut.com) in clairemont, part of San Diego.  They service your computer machine for $65.00. That is right... everyone else in San dingo I called wanted over $100.00.   I took in my Pfaff 7570 sewing machine. All my friends love that machine, and it sews great.  I have not seen it for almost 2 weeks and I am going through distress of loss of my favorite machine. 
there is nothing like sitting down and sewing on your favorite machine. 

It raining last night here in Spring Valley so hard I through the roof of the house would cave in. I know we need rain, but it just pounded the roof tops. 
Yesterday afternoon, before it started raining I went out in to they yard, and my yard is close to 1/2 acre, and spread around fertilizer. When I go buy fertilizer I come home with 2 large bags, that I use one time and then it is gone.  I used all of it up yesterday, but the rain really soaked it into the ground, So in about 2 weeks I will see the results with lot of new flowers and growth. However I do this every month during the winter so next summer The yard is really looking great. 

Well I have to run and go get my machine and hopefully spend the afternoon in the quilting studio. 

Nancy 

October 04, 2012

Hi,
It has been so long since I had written on my blog. Things on the blog changed and I had to get help to learn how to sign on and write on the blog. 
I have been busy working in the garden. It has been very hot in Spring Valley this summer. When it is that hot, my quilt studio get as even hotter and makes it very uncomfortable to work in.

  I have been working on this Double Diamond quit pattern. It is alot easier than it looks, but still takes a bit of time.  
I have a few in different colors and it is fun. 
 As always I have been working on UFO's ( Unfinished objects.) I have so many they will never end. So why bother to start with a new idea when I have so many to finish.
The bloggers that can write on their blogs every morning, my hats are off to them. 
My typical day starts off at 6:30 am Cosmo the cat, that is him below,  comes in and wakes me up, he has a alarm clock on his right paw. He know when it is 6:30 am. I do not need an alarm clock, I have cosmo. 

I get up and let the cats out, then in a bit, the two small chihuahua's want to go out into the back yard. We have a very large eagle flying around the yard, so the dogs have to be watched.
About 7:30 I make a cup of coffee and head for the email. 
About 8:00 I try to get showered, but by then some of the cats want back in, the phone rings six times
and the dogs want out again. OK now it is 9:30.... This morning I weed waked the yard, then got out the blower and cleaned everything up,and did a big more gardening.

Well it is now 3:00 pm and finally heading for the quilting studio. I will try to get something done, only if the phone does not ring another 6 times. Or if Freddie does not get out the front door again. 
Have a great day. 

Nancy 



 

Sunday March 4http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif,2012

Hi,
I had my knee replacement done on January 23, 2012. That is no easy operation to get over, however, I am progressing better that the doctor can believe. On Friday March 2, I went swimming and had a great time.
Yesterday I went for a drive up to Carlsbad, which is north San Diego area to Kennel comforters
project and donated 6 bags of batting and fabric from The Quilted Rose Longarm training center,
Kennel comforters, makes beds for Cats and Dogs that are in shelters, to make them feel better, while waiting for adoption.

After that I treated myself to a trip to Quilt in a day, what a day, it was a long day and by the time I got home 4 hours later, I was exhausted.
I also treated my self to a new book from Quilt in a Day, I have been wanting this book for a long time: Quilts through the seasons I am going to make Lodgepole Pine quilt with the cardinals and pine needles. I saw one done at a show and just really want to make it, But I am going to use different colors.
So in the end the knee is getting better every day, time goes on, I and back to quilting and moving around.
I am still setting out the drunkards path pieces, every time I get them on the wall, I then go and re-arrange them again. I am not sure how many more times I will re arrange them before I start sewing them together.

It is Sunday and I have to run to church, Have a great day.

Nancy

Jan 1, 2012--The new year.

A new year, hopefully this year will be better than last year. What did I do last night..?I stayed home with friends and watched a Disney movie, Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2, DVD and wondered what would the new year bring.
For sure it will bring a knee replacement, maybe 2.
For sure new tenants to the San Juan Apartment building.
For sure the remolding of the Campus street building after a arsonist tried to burn down the building.

God does have a plan for me and I just wish he would hurry up and tell me what it is. I have certainly decided that there will not be anymore bad man friends. The last 3 years was all anyone could every take. Good and bad men and woman come into our life and it is often hard to tell the good ones from the bad ones.

Well this is a quilting blog and believe me I had not done any quilting in a long time, as it is hard to sit as my knees often hurt.

Have a great Sunday and enjoy what you have.
Nancy

December 17th Saturday

Hi,
I cannot believe how fast time goes by. My last post was December 6th, I had planned on getting alot of sewing done. However, I have been busy doing things at the building I manage, getting Christmas Decorations up for the holiday, and getting the house ready for the Knee operation, I have been waiting for.
I remember in the past if you were scheduled for a non- emergency surgery, you as a patient would do a few basic lab test and show up on the appointed time. Times really have changed.
Yesterday I had to go have a MRSA infectious disease swab, various other ones, and wait for the results. Sign way too many forms, take a tour....................and on and on.

Well finally I am ready for the hospital. I called this morning to check to see if the hospital was fixed for wireless so I could bring my computer..............YES.
Today I am going to clean up some more and then go to lunch with Marilyn.

Hopefully this afternoon I will be able to sew a bit.

Have a great day.
Nancy

December 6th 2011

OH MY GOSH, this year is almost over and not a thing to show for it, but bad times. The Midway post office in San Diego is closing, after 40years. That has been a land mark in San Diego since I was in high school.
No one uses the post office anymore, everyone just uses the internet. 845 people will lose their jobs. When was the last time you sat down and wrote a letter to someone you know? I have not done that for years.
However now I am going to send out Christmas cards, and so off to the post office I go for stamps.
My cards are going to say Merry Christmas... in big letters.
I shop for presents all year long, and then at the last minute do a little extra.
My brother waits until Christmas eve to go shopping.

I have to run around town today, so have a great day, it is got to be better than yesterday.
Nancy

the Quilting Board.com

I read the quilting Board.com message board every morning, it takes me a while however there is a lot of information and really good quilt ideas from other quilters. This morning I got really inspired by one of Ruth Powers quilts : http://www.ruthpowersartquilts.com/store-detail.php?ID=47
The name of the is Third Weekend in October ~ #97310

I showed it to 2 of my quilting friends and they want to come right over and start.
i just cannot start another quilt until I finish some of the things that I am doing now.
I have so many quilt that need binding, and a cat sitting on my desk that want to help me do everything.
Some of these post are rather small, but I have to get going, I have to meet Bea Morris today,
She is going to finish a quilt for me that I just cannot stand anymore. then it is going to charity.

Nancy

The Day Before.. Thanksgiving....

Oh my gosh, it is the day before Thanksgiving and everyone is running around like ducks.. with their wings clipped. ---- Crazy, there are a bunch of accidents, the freeways are jammed, I already got a list of instructions from family members, I have to be sitting in Costco parking lot at 9:45 am to get into the store bright and early, then I have a bunch of other appointments today.
I have not sewn a stitch all week, my chores are loading up, tomorrow I have to get dressed up in my very best sunday stuff.
I have a headache already, and the day is young.
I'll report back later.....
Have a great Thanksgiving with family and friends.
Nancy

Saturday November 12, 2011

Hi,
It is Saturday the day after Veterans day, I am getting all my UFO'S ( that quilting unfinished projects) all cleaned up That way my slate will be clear for the next Bonnie Hunter Mystery starting a week from Friday. Woohoo! I can't wait. If you do the mystery, make sure to print out the directions, as she takes them down after the mystery is finished. I printed my instructions last year, as I did not get around to it until after it was over.
I have even cleaned off the top of my office desk and put everything away, so I will have room to organized in the office. That is amazing in it self.
I have been working on a drunkards path quilt for weeks, and now have 125 parts finished, it take 4 parts to make one square. I have been trying to make 20 -30 parts a day, that does not seem like a lot, but when you have to
1. match up the colors you like,
2. then pin them up
3. then sew then on the machine,
4. then iron it out to see if it will lay flat,
5. then square the part up..... ok, now back to the beginning with the next piece.
6. try to keep the cats out of the way they always want to sit right on the sewing machine.


I have to still pick out Fabric and colors for the Bonnie Hunter Mystery.

She has 4 colors picked out, so today while it is raining and I am stuck in the house with the cats and dogs, who do not want to venture out, I start looking at my stash and see what look good.
Well it is almost 10:00 am here so I have better get on the way,
Have a great day. If you live in A rainy area, remember to put out fertilizer on all the plants and that way it will all get worked in today.
Nancy