Monday, September 9, 2013

Where Do I Begin??

Sounds like the beginning of a song, doesn't it?  This morning I saw a formation of geese flying south and it hit me like a ton of bricks that Fall is about to arrive (that is after tomorrow when it's suppose to be 90+ degrees!) and that the last time I blogged was before Summer started!   I have to say first that I've missed everyone and being able to keep up with what has been going on out in Blogland.  It's been an incredibly busy summer and we had a lot of things going on.  Hopefully now that everyone is back to school, mom can have some time to catch up with everyone and everything! So anyway, where do I begin?

I guess with a finish!  Only about 5 months in the making (such a slacker), but I finished Mary Gail and she is such a pleasure to look at!  Oh and a disclaimer on pictures - some of the following pictures were taken with my iPhone as my camera is still going through bad and good days.  And I haven't gone out looking for a new one yet.  But here she is:


Mary Gail
The Scarlett Letter
40 ct. Vintage Autumn Gold and AVAS Silk

I veered off the path on the chart directions and did not fill in the entire background on this piece.  I figured that if I were to do that I'd be at it for another five or six months, and I was getting antsy for the finish line on this one.   Probably because stitching all that grass was very slow going and I was ready to add her to the Finished pile.  I understand that the silks really stand out when you fill in the background with the called for wool (according to Marsha of the Scarlett Letter), but I tried to recreate the same look with the fabric I used.

So there you have it - what I did over my summer this year.  Pretty pathetic, huh?  Well, I did work on a quilt which is far from finished:


This is what the quilt will eventually look like this (God willing):



I was going great guns on this until I started putting the thing together only to find out that the instructions for the setting squares were off and I couldn't put it together.  After sitting and staring at the thing for a day (or two, or three) and measuring every piece 14 times over, it finally dawned on me that there was a cutting error and not something that I did.   Whew that was a relief because it's usually my error and not someone else's.  I always blame myself because I'm not known for reading the instructions as well as I should.  But as luck would have it, I just get the whole thing figured out and things get crazy around here and I haven't touched it since.  I am anxious to get back to it though.

And I had my Ann Smith and a couple other samplers finally framed.  I'll show Ann Smith this time.  I look at her as my great accomplishment of the year and she is truly a favorite sampler now.


Here's a close up of the frame that I chose for her.  In real life, the blue in the frame really works well with the blues in the sampler:



So as far as crafty things that I did - that's it.  Three months and not much to show for it.  But I did have some excitement.  I was the Grand Prize Winner of a boatload of fabric compliments of Pink Castle Fabrics.  If you're a quilter or just love fabrics, you definitely have to check out her on-line shop.  She also has a shop in Ann Arbor, Michigan and it's definitely worth the visit.  Anyway, they had a contest where you would get a Golden Ticket with your order.  I went out to the shop, picked up a couple things and was given a Golden Ticket.  My first ticket was for a percentage off, which I used up pretty quickly - love collecting those quilting fabrics.  When my order came, there was another ticket.  I didn't pay any attention to it, but there was something funny about the package.  When I pulled the fabric out - it was sealed in two plastic wrappings - a lot of confetti-like fabric came out with it.  Well, I didn't even look at the ticket - saw it there, but didn't read it.  It wasn't until three hours later that I looked at the packages again and discovered this:


I had won!  What did I win?  Well, 144 fat quarters of fabric!!  Woo Hoo!!!!  I let out a whoop and my kids thought there was something wrong and were oddly disappointed that there wasn't - just mom having fits over winning a lot of fabric! They don't understand that winning that kind of fabric stash is something to Whoop over and Whoop loud!!   Like were they hoping I was having a heart attack or something? Well, I just about did when I saw that I was the winner.  The prize was the entire collection of their Stash Club for the year.  If you're in the Club you receive 12 fat quarters of fabric of each month.  But they held one bunch of it aside and now it resides in my house!! Here's some pictures:





My husband groaned when he saw that and his first question was if I was going to have to purchase another large Rubbermaid bin for those fabrics.  LOL  (I'm thinking to myself, don't complain too loudly or I'll go buy another house for me and my stash - only kidding).  But as you can imagine, I was doing a happy dance all over the house.

Hmmm, what else?  Oh - a fellow blogger came into town and we were able to get together, but I'm so lame and even with an iPhone camera at my disposal I didn't take pictures.  But Nicole from Nicole's Needleworks came into town with her family and we were able to get together.  It was a great time and so wonderful to meet her after "knowing" her for a long time.  We met up in Fenton, Michigan where her father lives and made a trip to Stitches N Things, Quilter's Garden and had a great lunch at Sagebrush - great Mexican food.  I hope that we're able to do it again the next time she's in town.

Then recently, I became the proud owner of another sewing machine compliments of my son.  The week after he went back to school he went to the Salvation Army for something (probably to buy things to make costumes or something for school - those college kids love the Salvation Army for some reason).  While he was there he sent me a picture of a sewing machine asking if I was interested.  When I saw the picture I definitely was, but I had to check it out for myself.  So last Friday I had took a ride up to see him and he took me to the SA and when I saw the machine in real life, I stopped in my tracks. Here she is:





A Singer Redeye.  And she's in wonderful shape.  Someone must have loved her very much.  She's very dusty and her table needs a good refinishing and my first urge was to get rid of all the dust, but Mr. Sewing Repair man says that I have a beauty and not to touch it for fear of dusting off the decals.  He'll have her looking as new after he cleans her and seals the outside and adds a new belt.  I looked up the Serial Number on the Singer site and she was born on January 8, 1910 making her 103! I think that she looks good for being 103, don't you?  And I won't even tell you what I paid for it, but I've spent more on the toy sewing machines that I've collected!

Well, I think that's about it - three months condensed into a few paragraphs.  I actually have some more things to show, but that will just give me an excuse to blog again soon.  I'd like to try to do that on a regular basis again.  I've missed everyone, and a big thank you to those who emailed me asking me if I was still walking around!

And I should mention that if you're on Instagram, look me up.  I'm threadgatherer there also and I tend to post a lot more things there.  Oh, the ease of the iPhone!!  And if you're on Instagram also, let me know so that I can look you up!!

Hope that everyone has a wonderful week!!




34 comments:

WoolenSails said...

Lots of wonderful news and congratulations on winning the fabric. The sewing machine is gorgeous, really nice condition too. Always love seeing your stitcheries, you do such beautiful work.

Debbie

Rugs and Pugs said...

That machine is a beauty!!!
Good to hear from you.
Hugs :)
Lauren

Faye said...

I LOVE your framed stitch.... The moulding looks just perfect! I too, have been a little slack with posting of late... Not that I haven't been reading blogs and stitching my little eart away,just not posting... Maybe the cool Fall temps ( when.. ?..), will get me back in the rhythm.... You totally scored note sewing machine.. Your son has a god eye~~ take care... Can't wait to see what you pickup next!

Faye said...

Good eye.... :-)

Margaret said...

I loved seeing what you've been up to. Of course I know what you've been up to since I do follow you on Instagram. But still. :D Everything is beautiful! And that sewing machine! You have all the luck, I swear. First the fabric win, then this. lol!

Samplings from Spring Creek said...

WOW! Where to begin? Your beautiful finishes and framing, gorgeous quilt. Winning the fabric--that is awesome. The machine is a dream machine--she will be well loved at your home.

Myra said...

So good to hear from you Deb. Man, you hit the jackpot with that fabric win, didn't you. I know you will create some beautiful things with it.

Jackie's Stitches said...

It looks like you had a wonderful summer! Great things to see in this post. LOVE the sewing machine and how wonderful of your son to call you when he saw it. He was clearly raised right!

I laughed when I read that you might by a new house for your new stash. Mr. Threadgather needs to understand/stand in amazement of/appreciate the awesomeness of your prize! Men!

marly said...

I don't have an iPhone, instagram???, but love all that you've showcased in this post. What a beautiful machine!

Chris said...

Congratulations on a gorgeous finish! Mary is so bright and colorful.
That quilt is going to be so beautiful when finished.
So nice to meet another blogger friend.
Congrats on the fabulous new fabric and the sewing machine, they are wonderful :)

Helen said...

Wow that was some catching up !!! Love all your fabric win lucky you !!!!!! Your framed finish is gorgeous as are your other projects.oh and yes I also love your sons find and your purchase the machine is beautiful ..

Anna van Schurman said...

What an amazing sewing machine! It's gorgeous. And the fabric, I practically had to wipe drool off the computer. Great catch up; hope you'll be back regularly now.

Karyn said...

Wow Deb, you have had quite a summer :) I am in love with your Singer...I just gotta say it...she is a thing of beauty ! Please share pics after Mr. Repairman finishes...though I think she is just gorgeous the way she is.

Congrats on your fabby win...I adore it all, and the colors...fab!

Your finishes are gorgeous! Mary Gail is beautiful and so intricate, and of course I adore the colors...I also think you made the right choice about the background...BTDT.
Ann Smith is stunning, you chose the perfect frame...it must make you smile each time you look at it.
Your quilt is coming along great, so much work goes into them, I am always awed by you quilty gals!

You have been a busy gal, my dear, and I loved catching up with ya!

Hugs
Ma

Angela said...

What a great catchup post! Love the old sewing machine, your framed finish and your newest finish too!

The quilt looks lovely and will be gorgeous when it is finished :)

Brigitte said...

Oh Deb, Mary Gail is such a beauty. And so is Ann smith in her frame. I'm looking forward to seeing the frame you will choose for Mary.
You're a lucky girl - winning so many FQ is like having a year's gifts all together, lol. Wonderful! Do you alread yknow what you will use them on?
That sewing machine is a fantastic find.

Vickie said...

Woo Hoo! Great post! Beautiful stitching. Wonderful machine. And the fabric!! Good for you.

Melissa said...

Oh, wow, that sewing machine is a beauty! How lucky are you and you have a son who would remember his mom loves these sewing machines!!!

Love the stitching, and the framed piece is just gorgeous. I also love the quilt that you are making - very strong graphics - I like it!

Carol said...

Oh, you lucky, lucky girl--I can only imagine what it must be like to have a fabric of every shade of the rainbow in my stash! Enjoy!!

Your finish is lovely--I wouldn't have filled it in either! It looks perfect as is and your framed piece is so special--great choice in frames.

I think that is so sweet that your son thought to send you a photo of the sewing machine! He sure knows what makes his mom happy. It really is a beauty :)

Nancy M said...

Your post is pretty much like mine! I hadn't posted since May either! I blame mine on the ease of posting to my cross stitch groups on Facebook instead of Instagram! Although I am on there too, I don't post many photos to it. Love the framed piece and how great to win all those fabrics! I'll have to look up that store. I only have Joanne's in Battle Creek and it leaves a lot to be desired for materials! I'll tell my bosses wife about the store too, she's in AA all the time as he still teaches there and 3 of their kids still live there. Good to hear from you again.

Penny said...

I just love the colors in Mary Gail! And Ann Smith looks beautiful in her frame! I think you managed to accomplish quite a bit this summer. :) Those fabrics are heavenly! And wow - your son made a fabulous find - love the sewing machine! Nice to see a post from you. :)

Evelyne said...

Congratulations on winning the fabric!
Wow, I love that frame for the Ann Smith sampler it's relay beautiful it's a great choice in that blue colour.

Annie said...

Your samplers look wonderful. And glad you figured out the quilt issue.

144 Fat Q's.. that's amazing. You should have the right fabric now for just about anything. What a treasure trove.

The Singer is so cool. What a treat to have the cabinet and machine so well-kept. And you are lucky to have a repairman handy as well.

Hope to hear more from you in the coming months. Instagram is a mystery to me.

Deborah said...

The sampler is wonderful and the quilt is beautiful. I think you've been very busy. The sewing machine is stunning. What a great son to notice.

Anne said...

Lots to ooh and aw over Deb!! So glad you did a post to show us the fabulous things you have been working on. I just started quilting myself and probably need a few classes to help me out. I love that checkered quilt you are making. Do you hand quilt or machine? Mary Gail is so bright and bold! Love her! Ann Smith is such a beauty too I can see why she is your favourite. Congrats on winning the Golden Ticket! Sounds very Willy Wonkaish!! Those fabrics are great and I too would be hooting and hollering with glee...the hubby would shake his head as well! The singer is amazing and so sweet of your son to think of you :D Hugs!

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

Deb you a winner top to bottom and so darn lucky :)
The 144 fat quarters and the sewing machine...score!
But I think I'm most jealous of you for your gorgeous stitching. Your Ann Sampler is sheer gorgeousness! Lovely, stunning and perfect!

Loraine said...

Hello Sweet Deb,
Wow, what a fabulous post! I loved seeing pictures of all of your wonderful things. First off, congrats on Mary Gail. She is a beauty, and I think it was a great idea to forgo the background stitching and get a fabric that would work.
I also love, love, love your quilt. It is amazing! I hope you get time to get back to it. What a pain to find a cutting error. I hope that you can make things work in the end. I'm sure you will.
Your sampler is a favorite of mine as well, and it was worth the years worth of effort!
What a wonderful son you have for finding your sewing machine. I can't believe how perfect it looks. It has a lot of detail and is so pretty. I can just imagine you displaying it somewhere in your house with a quilt thrown over the edge. What a find!
Oh, and congrats on finding the Golden Ticket! Holy smokes that is FABULOUS! Even though the fabrics are brighter than you are use to, they will be great for the fabric stash. You are a lucky girl.
I hope things slow down, and you are able to get back so some of the things you love.
Hugs to you. Take care!

Catherine said...

Fun post! It's fun reading and seeing the pics again after seeing them on Instagram ~ still drooling over that sewing machine!

Sherry :o) said...

Love your stitching and quilts! Boy what LUCK with the fabric win and sewing machine... glad to see your post & catch up.

Sherry said...

beautiful machine! Congratulations on the FQ win and your samplers are stunning!

Dawn said...

I love everything in your post :-)
The quilt is wonderful, love the design.
Your sampler is so special, how nice to have it on the wall.
Congratulations on your big win.
The sewing machine is fantastic, wow! I look forward to seeing and hearing more about it.

Karoline said...

Lovely to see a post from you Deb.

Congratulations on finishing Mary Gail, she's looking gorgeous. And great framing on Ann Smith.

Well done on winning all that lovely fabric & the sewing machine is a great find

Poussy Stitches My Love said...

Oh I love your post very beautiful I love your stitching

bisous from FRANCE

woolwoman said...

fun catching up with all your summer fun Deb. Love Mary Gail - I have never got around to starting mine on the silk gauze but maybe this fall. Great win on the fat quarters and the sewing machine fine - OH WOW - what a treasure. Take care and hope you are enjoying the colors of fall in your area. Mel

Carin said...

No more blogging again? I hope you had a wonderful Christmas !