Break the Cycle

  Seems like the only regular posts I make these days are thanks to Judy at Patchwork Times.   Check it out every Monday to see what everyone is working on.  This is my first ever EQ quilt - it's coming along pretty quickly.  The top already covers the top of my KIing Size Bed.  Since I took this picture (last night) I've also sewn on the first border (the rust fabric)  Next border is pieced, so today I'll figure out measurements and perhaps do a test piece.  Then it's a solid black border, then a search online for backing fabric, and all will be complete.  Actually, since today is Cyber Monday (already have placed my Staples order and will be doing Target and Buy.com later today) I'll check out some of the online quilt stores to see what they are offering. Since I didn't post a Thanksgiving Day photo - here's one from Thanksgiving Morning.  We had a wonderful breakfast of poached eggs over asparagus and english muffins.  A couple ...

Thanks to Judy over at Patchwork Times , I get inspired to sew SOMETHING each weekend, or else I won't have anything to share on my design wall (floor)  I really enjoy sewing, it calms me, it makes my mind work, and I can watch MY shows on MY tv in MY office.  Amazing really, and I wonder why I don't put more time aside for ME everyday?  Ah well, one day my little brats will be all grown up and moved away (but not too far I hope) and I'll have all the time in the world to sew - right? On the design wall this week - I finally started on the 9 patch blocks - the others are finished.  I whipped up four 9 patches, and luckily before I cut the fabric for the rest of them, I decided to put together a row .... good thing - because I didn't realize the patch in the middle of the block needed to be about 1.5 inches bigger then the outside rows.  Bit of additional math, and was able to cut out the remaining blocks.  Didn't get a chance to get them all sewed, but I ...

Did finally get some time to sit and stitch this weekend.  I know it's early on Sunday - but chances are I won't get anymore time today - it's beautiful outside - and with all 4 kids home, it's a great time for some outdoor fun, as well as raking up the leaves and getting the yard "winterized".    I finished 11 of these blocks.  I need 15.  I probably could finish these tonight ... maybe I will take them back out.  Next weekend is another swim meet weekend - so no time to sew then.  Really amazing how quickly a self-designed quilt can come together - especially when you love all the fabrics you're working with. If you want to see what others are working on - check out Patchwork Times by Judy - I've gotten lots of inspiration from her readers - I always look forward to seeing what everyone is working on! 

My washer went out last Friday.  I did some online research - just for the Sears dude to come out - $169 - and that didn't include the cost of the part.  Further research showed that I could buy the part online - but shipping charges were outrageous.  Luckily - dh knows a guy, who knows a guy, who owns an appliance store, and was able to pick me up one the very next day.  Took me all of about 1 hour to change it out, and run a test load.  Figured I'd share some photos - in case some other DIY'er wanted to save some $$$.  Oh, and how did I know the pump wasn't running - it started leaving my laundry wet a few weeks ago, not soaking wet, but wet enough I'd run the spin cycle again.  Then on Friday my laundry was dripping wet, and there was still water left in the tub.  Simple fix - make sure to unplug the washer first ! Step 1 - assemble your tools.  My toolbox is hidden in a shoebox.  If you are married, and you own your own tools - ...

My baby girl fiinally hit the double digits.  She wanted to make her own cake for her birthday - an interesting, 3 layer checkerboard cake with both vanilla and chocolate mousse filling.  She also wanted mashi (stuffed grape leaves) for dinner - which took me about 3 hours to make, and took them about 15 minutes to polish off (and there were over 100 stuffed rolls ....)   But all that work was worth it - she loved every minute of her birthday !   Happy Birthday Little Girl.