Eating Crumbs

We've been spending a few minutes each day working on crumb blocks a la Bonnie Hunter.

Since Bonnie explains it best, here's a link to her tutorial.

http://quiltville.blogspot.com/2005/06/crumbs-crumbs-crumbs.html

There's a drawer in the sewing room dedicated to scrap pieces that are either little, partially pieced or haven't been cut down yet. Orphan blocks also wind up there. Ever since Momcat attended a Bonnie Hunter workshop, she doesn't throw out much of anything. She saves anything that is 1" or larger.

Yesterday she pulled out the drawer of scraps and just started sewing pieces together at random, with no thought to color or pattern. I sat atop the ironing board in my usual spot to supervise. She worked on three blocks at once, using areas that were trimmed to add to the next block and so on.

Our blocks are trimmed down to a 4.5" size. The trimmed bits will be used in other crumb blocks.

Here are the five blocks completed over the course of about an hour of sewing time.  Now imagine another 25 similar blocks all joined with a fun tone-on-tone sashing such as orange, coral or lime green.

If you look closely at these little blocks you'll see batiks, orientals, Halloween novelties, flannels, Christmas, florals and 1930s reproductions. Anything goes! Feel free to add some ribbon, or bits of clothing or wide rick rack (just make sure your materials are washable and dryable...these are quilts that are meant to be used).

Sundance and Trouble cozied up on the sewing room daybed while Momcat and I worked. Typical!

Have you created for 15 minutes today?

Piwacket

The Bees' Knees

I've looked through Momcat's UFO's, PIGS, stash and books to decide what we're going to create for the master bathroom.  Momcat says since she can't afford to do a complete overhaul we're going to just spruce up what we have.

And what we have is a hideous 1960s bubble gum pink and white bathroom. With the original sink, tub, toilet and faucet. The faucet is actually crumbling into the sink. It's not good. I refuse to enter the room. I sit comfortably atop the bed and watch as my bean enters this horrible place and gets wet every morning. I've tried to teach her about the fine art of licking oneself clean, but she just won't do it.

I've decided on using a Civil War color scheme that we like..pink and brown.  There's almost no wall space, so this Carol Hopkins pattern is just the right size.

The bathroom redo won't commence until sometime this summer. Momcat insists on following Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace plan. That means cash for everything. She's saving up her moolah for a new sink, faucet, vanity and commode.

In the meantime, we've rediscovered cross-stitching. I like to sit on the arm of the recliner and watch, gently directing the stitches in the right direction and separating the floss. Oft times my efforts go unappreciated.

 

This design is on 32-ct. Belfast Linen using just 1 strand of Weeks Dye Works over 1 thread. Momcat swears by her Ott-Lite with a magnifier.
 

Here's how the final design will appear. We're a spelling bee family. Momcat won several back in her day (about the same time that the Egyptians built the Sphinx). Philip, her son, was a regional Southwest Ohio winner for the Scripps-Howard spelling bee when he was a little bean in the 6th grade. And as a substitute teacher Momcat often had impromptu spelling bees in the classroom with token prizes awarded.

I like the itty-bitty bee buttons. Look how tiny they are! I would love to scooch them around, but I haven't been given the opportunity yet. My time will come. Waiting...waiting...

Bee creative!

Piwacket

Rip Van Piwinkle

I settled down for a cozy catnap only to wake up 14 months later, which is about 8 years in feline time..and no other kind of time matters.

While I was sleeping Momcat kept up with several quilting projects, some of which are pictured below.

 From Atkinson's Designs Let's Do Lunch, Taco Salad table mat using batiks.

 Quilt made for a co-worker. Momcat called it "Moroccan Breeze" in honor of her friend, Mouna.

 Apparently Sundance took over my quality control duties in my absence.

 Hot pads for 2011 Pay-It-Forward gifts.
  

Hexing Around block for Friendship Swap exchange.

Very country hot pad for one of Momcat's co-workers.

Momcat also managed to stop working two jobs and paint the kitchen. Future decorating post will come.

Even I was sad to hear that my little brother Butch passed away quite suddenly. He was not yet two so we lost him far too soon to a mass on his kidneys. RIP little Butchie. I'll see you when it's my turn to cross over the Rainbow Bridge.

I'm overdo for some kibble and scritches.

Purrs, Piwacket

BLOG HIATUS-Message from Momcat/Linda

I'm going to take a blog hiatus until further notice. I'm currently working two jobs whose hours and commute time use up 16 hours a day. I work 12 days straight and then have two off, then go another 12 days straight. I'm very grateful in these hard times to have a source of income and benefits.

As you can imagine, on my work days all I want to do is sleep when I get home. And on those two days off I'm catching up on errands and housework.  Quilting and other hobbies are temporarily put aside.

My crazy schedule should ease up some towards the end of January and I hope to get back into a balanced life at that time.

Meanwhile, I'll visit your blogs as time allows.

Piwacket, Trouble, Butch, Sundance, Maggie and I truly appreciate all your visits, comments and encouragement. Quilty blogger friends are amazing!!

I (well, Piwacket) started this blog on the advice of friends when my husband moved out. They told me it would give me a voice and a purpose when I felt a bit lost. I'll always be thankful to them because they were right. Seeing the world through Pi's eyes, taking photos, thinking of how to share stories with readers and receiving blessings from many of you on here and in private e-mails helped me transition through one of the toughest periods of my life.

Thank you, thank you.

Enjoy Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and all other days that are important to you. I'll see you again in 2011.

Love and hugs,
Linda/Momcat

Stash Report Sunday - September 19, 2010

The Go Fish! quilt top is completed, allowing me to count stash for the borders and the backing that I worked on today. Goal for this week: layer, baste and start some loopy meandering.  I'm right on schedule to have this completed in order to turn it in for the Kate's Cupboard fund raiser. Woot woot!

Used this Week:               7.5 yards 
Used year to Date:          142.25 yards
Added this Week:               0 yards
Added Year to Date:         81.25  yards
 

Net Used for 2010:     61 yards

Click here to visit Judy's blog and cheer everyone on for using up his/her stash!

I hope everyone of you has a great week. Momcat is still dealing with poison ivy, but it's not as bad as it was. Did you  know that it can stay in your system for three weeks?  Of course, I'm immune. All animals are. You beans are the only ones who just can't deal with it. I do feel so sorry for you creatures at times.

Here's to a non-itchy week,

Piwacket

Trouble Goes Fish and Then Naps

I put Trouble on the job of helping Momcat get the 80 Go Fish! blocks together into rows.  Unfortunately, she needed a rest after Row 3. Poor Trouble.  It's an exhausting life around here.

Momcat forged ahead without Trouble and got the main body completed!

Next weekend we'll add a skinny black border and a wider colorful solid border. We're right on target for completing it by our mid-October deadline for the Kate's Cupboard fundraiser. What a fun quilt to make for a good cause!

As a reminder, the Go Fish! pattern can be found in the Dealer's Choice book by Atkinson Designs.

Time to help Momcat pick out the border fabric.

Piwacket

Stash Report Sunday - September 12, 2010

No changes this week. Momcat has today off and we'll be putting some of those Go Fish! blocks together into rows. Fun, fun, fun!

Used this Week:               0 yards 
Used year to Date:          134.75 yards
Added this Week:               0 yards
Added Year to Date:         81.25  yards
 

Net Used for 2010:     53.5 yards

What's not fun is that she has poison ivy. Yesterday she took Benadryl and slept all day. I loved being able to cuddle up in bed with her.

Please visit all of our stashbusting friends through Judy's blog and cheer them on. Click here.

Have a great week everyone!

Cuddles and purrs,
Piwacket

A Thousand Words Thursday

I Spy Pi

Today was Labor Day! Most of the day was spent helping Momcat clean out and organize her closet. She was grumbling about how her business casual clothes seem to shrink after a summer of her running around in shorts and t-shirts. I've heard her make the same noises when she pulls her winter clothes out of the cedar chest.  She left the house for awhile to go to Labor Day sales.

The closet looks great now, with some things to give away and what's left all sorted by item and color. Work outfits for the week have already been grouped together.

Finally we made it to the sewing room. We finished all 80 blocks of the Go Fish! charity quilt. Since we used stash there are 24 different solids used as "frames" around the novelty blocks. Putting the rows together should be a cinch since the most we have of any one solid is 5 blocks.  Not much danger of putting one right next to another when there's this much variety.

I'll just keep everything safe until we can get that done next weekend.

Happy creating!

Piwacket

Stash Report Sunday - September 5, 2010

Are you sitting down? I'm going to let Momcat herself explain why she brought home 33 yards of fabric this week. I'm not kidding. 33 yards!!!


I know. I know. I'm shocked myself. I have been so good about busting what I have, especially since money is very tight. So here's what happened.

A local yarn and fabric store decided to close out their quilting side and concentrate solely on the yarn/knitting section. The close-out price on their quilt-quality fabric was 80% off. Yep, I paid only $1.80 per yard for lovely quilting fabrics.

Here's a picture of what I brought home. I'm really happy about the fat quarters that read as solids. I'll be able to get a lot of use out of them.

I didn't do any sewing this week. I'm now working 14 hour days plus 1.5 hours in the car. That means saving my hobby time for the weekend. Today is my cleaning day, particularly since my son is having guests over tonight for a Fantasy Football draft. Tomorrow is a blessed day off and a full day of sewing. Yippee!

Used this Week:               0 yards 
Used year to Date:          134.75 yards
Added this Week:               33 yards
Added Year to Date:         81.25  yards
 

Net Used for 2010:     53.5 yards

You can see how everyone is doing by visiting Judy's blog here.



Happiness is.....

...a talented daughter-in-law.  Niki is an actress and artist. She and my son, Darren, live in Los Angeles. I received a surprise package from Niki that included this lovely hand-painted bookmark she made for me. I'm an avid reader and often am working through several books at a time. I so appreciate anyone who shares their talents with others. 

Now it's time to get out the Swiffer. Pi, you're just going to have to wait until tomorrow for me to play with all that new fabric. I'm glad you're keeping watch over it until then.

 

Love and hugs,
Momcat/Linda

Blog Hop

We're participating in a Blog Hop. We all love visitors, don't we!

Stash Report Sunday, August 29, 2010

We're at the end of August already. Where did those eight months go?

Our stash report this week looks really good since I get to add everything together for the last three weeks. Now that Momcat doesn't have to get ready for work on Sundays I'm hoping we can be more consistent in our reporting.

The purchase of 3.5 yards was made for Cattywampus. We used other fabrics from our stash to complete the top.

From the stash I used 3 yards for the Chips 'n Dip Table Runner, 8 yards for the Go Fish twin top I'm working on, and 4.75 yards for Cattywampus. That makes almost 16 yards since the last report on August 8th!

Used this Week:               15.75 yards 
Used year to Date:          134.75 yards
Added this Week:                3.5 yards
Added Year to Date:         51.25  yards
 

Net Used for 2010:     83.5 yards

Our fearless leader, Judy Laquidara, has used almost 300 yards so far. Holy cow!!  Take a look for yourself and cheer us on.

Purring along,
Piwacket

Chips N Dip Table Runner

Momcat and I just finished this table runner top. If she doesn't pick up a subbing assignment tomorrow then we'll get it quilted, too.

It's another great pattern from the Dealer's Choice book by Atkinson Designs. That's the same book that we used for the Go Fish quilt.

There's a lot on the plate (but not in my food dish. Hhrrumph!). Momcat heads to court for the last time this Monday. The final hearing on the divorce is scheduled for 9 a.m.  From what I understand, she'll walk out of that proceeding officially, legally single for the first time in 31 years. That evening she also starts her new job at the customer service call center.

Sadly, she decided to leave her job at the quilt shop. Momcat is going to miss her friends at the shop and especially going to the shows. However, if I've learned anything from my Momcat at all, it's that she believes in moving forward to the next chapter.



KAREN MONTGOMERY

Karen Montgomery of The Quilt Company was a recent guest at The River City Quilt Guild, to which Momcat belongs.  Karen's lecture on the process of getting fabric from the imagination of the designer to your local quilt shop was fascinating. 


She also brought along a wonderful trunk show. Sit back and enjoy, and if you ever get a chance to have Karen come to your guild, please do so.  She's an interesting, multi-tasking lady.

 

 

I hope you each take 15 minutes daily to create.

Hugs and purrs,
Piwacket and Momcat

Cattywampus

The Cattywampus top is finished, just in time for Momcat to take it to class tomorrow!

After looking at the red tone-on-tone I convinced Momcat to use the light gray pawprint as the skinny inner border. Every now and again she actually listens to me.

Maggie's looking into the Picam wondering, "What just happened? I thought I was top dog."

Have you created for 15 minutes today?

Piwacket

Kitties Night In

Momcat is teaching a class tomorrow at the quilt shop. The pattern is Kids Night In by Christine Porter and features her dinosaur fabric line. Sarah from the shop made a really cute quilt from it.

Momcat hadn't made one though, and didn't feel comfortable teaching something that she herself hadn't made. And THAT's why you saw Trouble and me working hard to help her with cat blocks last week.

Our quilt features Where's the Cat? fabrics by Exclusively Quilters, plus some pieces added in from Metro Mirage.  Momcat played with the layout on her bed and then used blue painter's tape to mark her blocks.

Earlier today we finished sewing the sashing strips and corner stones. Trouble completes the inspection.

Momcat is using a red tone on tone for the skinny inside border. And you're going to love the wide outside border fabric......

We're keeping this quilt. Momcat promised. It will become our new living room sofa quilt. It's about time she made one to keep us happy!

Momcat's going to call this one Cattywampus.


JOB UPDATE

Momcat accepted a seasonal part-time position with a major retailer's call center. The job begins on August 30 and goes through mid-January. The hours are 6 p.m. until midnight. She'll still sub during the day and work weekends at the quilt shop. She might not have time to give me scritches, do much sewing or blogging for awhile, but at least I'll get my kibble.

There's a chance that the employer will choose to keep her on after the seasonal period is complete. In that case, she'd go full-time and be eligible for benefits. Thank you to all of you for wishing her luck on the hunt.

Purrs,
Piwacket

A Thousand Words Thursday

Stash Report Sunday - August 8, 2010

Very little crafting going on here as Momcat focuses on job-hunting. The spousal support she's due to receive covers only 1/3 of our monthly expenses. If she starts skimping on my kibble I'm going to be VERY hard to live with.

Although she works two jobs, as a substitute teacher and weekends at the quilt shop, those occupations don't pay as much as we need to live on, plus they don't have any benefits. I keep trying to convince her to put Maggie up on ebay, but she just scoffs at me.

Anyway, boring stash report. Nothing in, nothing out.

Used this Week:               0 yards 
Used year to Date:      119  yards
Added this Week:             0 yards
Added Year to Date:    47.75   yards
 

Net Used for 2010:     71.25 yards

Judy's putting us all to shame as usual. Take a look for yourself by clicking here.

Momcat belongs to the River City Quilt Guild which will be hosting Karen Montgomery, of The Quilt Company. Karen will be presenting a talk on how fabric gets from the imagination of the designer onto the shelf at your local quilt shop. Pictures to follow!

Happy creating!

Piwacket

Stash Report Sunday - August 1, 2010

It's a new month!  August is usually pretty busy around here. That's when Momcat realizes that it's back to the classroom soon and all those projects around the house that we were going to get done over a long summer are still on the "to do" list.

This summer was a bit unusual since we had to wait for the magistrate's decision regarding the property trial between Momcat and CatDaddy. Just about a week ago we found out that we get to keep the house. That means Momcat and Philip will do some cleaning up and get the family photographs out of boxes. I for one am glad that I don't have to get used to a new location. You know how we cats enjoy our ownership of a space.

Now for the stash report. I helped Momcat cut up some more novelty fabrics to make a twin-size version of "Go Fish," the I Spy quilt in the previous post. There's a group at church called Kate's Cupboard, a non-profit charity to help young mothers in need. A fund-raiser is coming up in October and we think a quilt is just the thing to donate to the auction!

Used this Week:               1.5 yards yards
Used year to Date:      119  yards
Added this Week:             0 yards
Added Year to Date:    47.75   yards
 

Net Used for 2010:     71.25 yards

Patchwork Times by Judy Laquidara is the place to keep up with all of us brave enough to track our stash and report on it. How are you doing with yours?

Hope you find at least 15 minutes to create today. Poet Henry Van Dyke wrote  "Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang except those that sang best."

Piwacket

Stash Report Sunday - July 25, 2010

What an easy-peasy stash report. Nothing in, nothing out.


Used this Week:                0  yards
Used year to Date:      117.5  yards
Added this Week:             0 yards
Added Year to Date:    47.75   yards
 

Net Used for 2010:     69.75 yards

 

This is the shop sample that Momcat just turned in. We had a lot of fun together fussy cutting the 5" squares. It's such an easy quilt to make that we've already started on another one.  The pattern is called "Go Fish" and is from the Dealer's Choice book by Atkinson Designs.

Speaking of the shop, the sign blew down a few months ago during a severe storm. It broke in the parking lot. Best Friends Quilt Shoppe's owner, Jan, took the opportunity to add a little pizazz. Take a look at the workmen installing the new awesome hot pink sign!

The front door arch is going to be painted in the same color. Very exciting!

Now take some time to visit Judy's blog to see how everyone else is doing.  Have a great week!

Purringly,

Piwacket

A Thousand Words Thursday