Autumn ramblings

Time flies!  Lot's of embroidery going on here.  I started a Facebook page for my embroidery business. Check it out here: https://www.facebook.com/finishingstitches  I am in the process of gathering blanks to make some samples.  I think I am going to do a couple of charity shows before Christmas.

I have made some cute things for my granddaughter.  Here is a picture of her in her pumpkin hat.

I just sent her another package with a cute pumpkin onesie for her first Halloween. I'll have a photo of that the next time.

Here are a couple more gratuitous photos of my girl:

In one of her 3 Buffalo Bills outfits

Apple picking

I'm off to work on my shop samples...stay tuned for photos!

I Think I Should Go Into The Appliance Repair Business

This morning I had a repair man come to my house to look at my washing machine (when it spins, it sounds like an airplane is taking off!)  I called over a week ago to make the appointment and today was the first day he could be here.  

He was here for 6 minutes...he listened to the machine spin and told me it was the back bearing.  

I asked if it could be replaced.  

His answer, "Oh, you don't want to do that.  The part would cost me $600.00 and then I would have to mark it up plus charge you for installation."  

I said, "Are you saying I need to buy a new washer?"  

He said,"You should start shopping.  You can use this one until it starts knocking and then stop using it because it could break and flood your room."

And then he handed me the bill...$81.51...for 6 minutes...to tell me I need to buy a new washing machine!  I figured there would be a service call charge, but $74.95 plus tax?  Shame on me for not asking when I called 10 days ago for the appointment!

I think I should go into the appliance repair business!!

Instead I embroidered a bib for a special great-niece. If you have a special little one in your life who needs a special bib you can get it in my etsy shop...meanwhile, I'll be looking at washing machines!

More Embroidery

I just finished this "tummy time"  quilt for one of my high school friends.  She is a brand new grandma, just like me!  Welcome, baby Michael!

I have also listed this quilt in my etsy shop.  You can find it here.

I knew this was going to happen...

I knew it.  I just knew it.  I knew what would happen if I started visiting Pinterest. I am now officially addicted.  I stayed away for the longest time, but I needed just a few ideas for a quilt that I am working and...boom...now I am hooked! So much inspiration, so much fun...join me, won't you?

Using the summer sun

It is hot, hot, hot, here in the Northeast.  So what should you do on a hot, sunny day?  Make sun prints, of course!  Here is a sampling of what my family did.

These are some of my personal favorites...

 My son did this one with a magnolia blossom and some clover petals to make heart shapes.

 My daughter used hydrangea petals for this one.

I used weeds from between the bricks on the patio for this one!

We used ProFab transparent paints mix with 5 parts water.  We painted the diluted paint on wet fabric (white cotton) and then laid "stuff" on top.  It then goes into the sun and dries.  It's so much fun to see what happens!  I am going to experiment some more with different fabrics so stay tuned...

Life is good

It's time for an update...

This is what has been keeping me busy...

My beautiful granddaughter, Maggie.  She is two months old today!

A baby quilt for my daughter's friend.  She had friends and relatives sign the blocks at her showers.

A fabric challenge quilt.  It was a large floral print so I did the Stack and Whack technique to get the kaleidoscope blocks.

I have started an embroidery business.  These are a couple of things that I have done for customers.  Soon I will have some things in my etsy shop...stay tuned...

Sweater Love

I finally finished my Ravi Sweater and it was worth waiting for! It fits perfectly.  I added to the sleeves to make them full length instead of 3/4 and added an extra button.  Otherwise I followed the directions exactly.

I used Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks That Rock Medium yarn in the colorway Tanzanite.  It was a pleasure to work with.  I will definitely consider using that yarn again.

Some of these photos had to be lightened so you could see the details.  

 Up close detail of the yoke and icord trim.  Lovely!

Next up is the February Lady Sweater out of some hand dyed alpaca.  I've already begun...