Picnic Quilt

I made this one a couple years ago using a design card from Dakota Collectibles. The Mary Englebreit fabric is fun and I think goes well with the theme.

I call it a picnic quilt for obvious reasons, but it's never seen one. It hangs in our family room in summer.

Blessings

Linda

A challenge met

Knitting socks is something I've always wanted to do. First, Mom tried to teach me to knit as a kid, but I couldn't sit still enough to not drip stitches. I took well to crocheting, easier to fix mistakes. A few years ago, I tried knitting scarves and loved it, but socks seemed daunting--4 needles, are you kidding???

Well, I've taken the plunge, and bought a circular needle, knitted this pink pair with those. It's called the magic loop method. They are far from perfect, but they are done and fit!!

So, I had to try the double pointed needles. And I'm in the middle of these for the hubs. He'll wear them around the house when it's chilly, He actually asked for them. The book is what I'm using to learn. Bought it at JoAnnes.

I can see the picture is a little dark. Fall colors, starting early.

I have a quilt to share too, but since I never get the pictures where I want them, I'll post a second entry

Blessings,

Linda

Good Day and a new quilt

Actually,

Everyday is a pretty good day, thank God, but today had some fun aspects I'd like to share.

We go to the beach once a week in the summer, and today was the day. The water was perfect, clear as a bell, right temp, smooth and glass. We were able to get in "water aerobics" by walking about 1/4 mile in the water, not as hot that way either.

We have a surf camp for kids and they are great fun to watch, the energy and enthusiasm make me want to join them.

There was also a little girl about 4 with her Dad-not part of the camp- and he had her on a surf board. That little tyke paddled out a bit, jumped right up and rode it in on the ripply waves. Fearless, she had a blast. What fun, made my heart smile.

This is the Coffee Break quilt I mentioned in a pre

vious post. Easy kit, probably use it for a table topper.

Hey, the socks are turning out OK. I've turned the heel, made the gussett, and i think they will be wearable!! Yippee. When I'm done, I'll post a picture.

Question: Do any of you belong to craft/sewing groups that aren't guilds? Wondering how you keep them going.

Tomorrow, I think we'll go garage sale-ing. I'll let you know if I find anything interesting,

Blessings,

Linda

Keeping a promise!!

I have been busted. Busy as Can Be reminded me to post pics, and she's right, Thanks. So, here's a few of what's up lately.

First, today I am making black beans and rice, Cuban-style. My SIL, and father of the one and only grandbaby, is half Cuban and makes excellent black beans. There is no recipe that I know of, just his grandma's technique. I've been told it's all about the red wine vinegar and bay leaf. Then you simmer it kind of hard till it's thick and creamy. Here's a picture of it cooking on the stove.

Ok, someone want to tell me why the picture is at the top of the post instead of at the end of my deligtful prose?? I wanted it right here---X.

On to quilting, and hopefully this picture will land with it's description.

If you look back a few posts, you'll see some simple blocks I was making with Repro fabrics. This is the end result. Now to get it quilted.

I see that didn't work either. Suggestions, please?? The picture I mean.

I am also still working on the embroidery piece, almost done, and have started to knit a pair of socks. I've always wanted to do this, and Joanne's had sock yarn for $2. If I mess it up, won't be out much money. I am using the Magic Loop method. It took several tries for me to get the hang of one long circular needle, but now that I've grasped that concept, it's really very easy.

Yesterday, I dragged out a few books to plan a quilt using scraps, I'll let you know what I decide.

Hope everyone is having a relaxing, safe summer....
Blessings,

Linda

It's a Monday

Hi,
Wish I was a better blogger, but I just get running around, and you know how it is, don't you??? Tell me I'm not the only one.
Lately I've been working on a kit I bought a few years back, Coffee Time by Diane Knott. Are you familiar with it? This is part of my use-it-up plan. It's gone together quickly, and for once, there was enough fabric in the kit to cover mistakes. I cut alot of one fabric incorrectly, and there was still enough to use as directed.
I also made a twirly skirt for our GD. It's made with 2 FQ's or 2 1/4 yd cuts. Easy, fast and adorable. It's already gone to her so no pics, but I'll try to post one of the next one I make.
And....alas, I'm in trouble. We had a get together with our daughter's in laws, and she and her hubby think I monopolized the baby. Geesh..............I can never win! This child knows me best, doesn't like men much, so she runs to and reaches out to me alot, especially when strangers are around and she doesn't see her parents. What am I supposed to say,,No, baby, you used up your allotment of Nonna time?? What are we GP's supposed to do?
If Monday starts out like this, I know it's only going to get better! I'll let God fight this one for me,
Blessings,
Linda

Treasure at Lowes

We had an unusual experience at Lowe's today. I was in the garden spot looking for something to plant that will make it through our summers--ain't much, and the garden lady asked me if i was planting a butterfly garden. I wasn't but do have milkweed already. If you aren't aware, monarch butterfly caterpillars devour them, make their cocoons and of course bemoe the beautiful large monarch. Back to the story... the milkweed they had were covered with caterpillars, and the milkweeds were decimated. The lady was concerned the caterpillars would die from running out of food, and the manager refused to buy more milkweed till these were sold. Despite their condition, they weren't marked down. What is this guy thinking? So, we got a box, and picked off about 50 or so caterpillars, and brought them home to eat my milkweed!
Our green good deed for the day!
Blessings,
Linda

Fun Weekend

It was my birthday this week, and we had a fun time with our daughter and her new beau. I think that's who he is. You know how it goes.
We started celebrating Saturday with several of our friends. That day wasn't about me at all, but their son's birthday and graduation. Since several of our friends have June birthdays, we celebrate anyway!
Then on Sunday, my family made cavatelli, my forever favorite dinner. Dessert was Costco cupcakes. We like them very much as a birthday cake substitute. Oh, so yummy, and easier to store the leftovers. You also get chocolate and vanilla for those with preferences. Me, I munch on both!
Next weekend, I think we're going to get to visit with our grandbaby.
How was your weekend?
Blessings,
Linda