March is blowing by

It's been a hectic February and March.

My Grandson had his tonsils & adenoids out the 1st of March. His mother has 10 weeks to go before the new baby boy arrives, and she has a toddler to boot. Grandma was very tired. LOL!

Late January I got Shingles. That was horrible. I was still in pain when I went to Retreat but not contagious!

In February I attend my first Retreat in 6 or 7 years. It's been so long ago that I can't remember. I had a wonderful time.  I got to know some wonderful ladies.

I worked on Allietare quilt. I'm still working on it. It is a Bonnie K. Hunter mystery from a few years ago. I wasn't up to doing it then but took the opportunity to work on it at retreat. It took me 10 days to cut out the fabric!

After coming back, I slept for 2 days! I was very tired but so happy I went.

I took a class from Kathleen Andrews called Convex Illusion. I am still piecing that one. When It is finished it will look like the picture below but with purple instead of yellow.

I decided to put this on hold until I finish Allietare. That quilt is for my bed. It reminds me of fall.

This week was my oldest daughters 41st birthday. She has been bugging me to make her a purse for 3 years at least! Well, I watched about 20 hours of YouTube videos to remind myself how to construct a purse. I have patterns but they have an excessive amount of parts. I am not creating couture for goodness sake.

I did finish it in 7 hours and delivered it to her door. We had her birthday party the day before and the fabric was still being cut.... There is no pattern. I asked her what she was going to carry in it and if she had any request. She wanted a zipper closure and a pocket for her phone, room inside for wallet, keys and a bottle of water. It is about 13wx10h & 2 1/2 inches deep,

At least I did make it. She loves it.

Well on that note I will say adieu. Going to work on Allietare.

This is me entertaining my grandsons at Steak and Shake...silly Grandma!

Happy Quilting

Aileen in Florida

January 2017

Wow, time just speeds by.  It's the middle of January already.

I did a lot of sewing for Christmas. Sewed about 14 pillowcases, 4 quilts and a wall hanging and a bathrobe. Mad dash to the very end.

Pillowscases

Raina's quilt. 

She is 3 years old. Since I made quilts for her 2 cousins, I thought I better make her one. I asked her mother that night if she was sleeping with her quilt. She said, "Oh Yes! She wants to sleep with her Rose quilt"! .....Rose Quilt??? What Rose Quilt???

Rose Quilt. LOL!

Raina loves PINK! The fabric on the back has pink roses on it. She just cracked me up. She is also sporting 2 of her pillowcases, Minnie Mouse and Tinkerbell. Got to love it.

Logans Robe

I made Logan a robe about 4 years ago. It was time for a new one. He loved it.

Robins Wall hanging

I made it for my SIL. She hung it in her bedroom. I guess she liked it. 

Lydia's Quilt

This is a mystery quilt from several years ago made with Christmas fabrics. My mothers birthday is December 24. My goal was to finish it and have it in the mail by December 1st, so she could enjoy it the whole month. It arrived a few days later. Mom has always said she gets ripped off because her birthday is the day before Christmas.  I was pleased that she liked it enough to text me a picture. She doesn't like to use text messaging, so this told me she was in love with it. Happy daughter here!!!

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This  past year has been an emotional one. Quite often I didn't take any time for myself. I started to burn out badly, though I pushed through. 2017 is also starting with many medical challenges for my family. I need a reprieve..........
With this in mind I asked my husband if I could go on retreat. With his support and blessing, I am venturing out on his 63rd Birthday for a 4 day quilting retreat. I need this!

The hardest part was trying to decide what I want to sew. This years mystery from Bonnie Hunter or make up my own thing. I finally chose "Allietare". This is a Bonnie Hunter Mystery from a few years ago. I wanted to make this quilt but  I was to ill to work on it. With the choice made, I have starched 14 yards of fabric. Cut some strips, sew some parts, and plan to cut out and make all the components so all I have to do is sew, sew, sew, sew!
I also want to bring a UFO or 2 in case I run out of stuff to sew. I am only bringing my featherweight so no actual quilting until I get home. I can't wait.

I can't wait to be in the company of people with the same love of quilting and sewing.

Happy Sewing and Quilting everyone!

Aileen in Florida

October Sewing

Now its time to make something.  Fixed a few shorts for DH.

 My SIL ripped his quilt. He was very distraught. So I patched it with the same red fabric. My helper is Sebastian. He is 15 months and loves to watch grandma sew on the sewing machine.

Finally sewed my spools together. I really got tired of seeing them. They were made while I was recovering from neck and shoulder surgeries. It was my sewing therapy and have been working on them for 3 years. I decided to make a lap quilt instead of the full quilt. Have enough blocks left over for a baby blanket or something else.
Trying to use up the scraps when they happen. I watched a series of scrap mini videos and was inspired. Now I just have to do it!

Last week I put together my Halloween swap blocks from 2003. I am determined to sew up my UFO's. They have sat around long enough.

Today is the Guild meeting. Can't wait to see what the ladies have sewn.

Have a wonderful and creative October

Aileen in Florida

Sewing room

September - Sewing room

Time is really flying by. Just a few weeks ago school started for my grandkids. This gave Grandma and Mommy a little bit of breathing room. (Plug in Happy Dance here!!)

I cleaned up my sewing room and while I was at it, I also purchase two shelving units and a few more tubs. I spent the last few days petting the fabric. Wow! I found so many fabrics I had forgotten about. I was thinking of counting the yardage (yeah right! ) but came to my senses. I may revisit the idea another time. I found my sewing table under all that STUFF! You know the stuff....fabric crumbs that multiple while your not looking, repairs that needed to be done, half finished quilts................... and fabric purchases for new projects you don't remember purchasing.  No wonder some people call this an addiction. I call it textile therapy! We all need some form of therapy.

Fabric shelves in closet

Ruler Peg Board

Treadle and Rocketeer 

Design wall

Ironing Station & Accquilt Go

Janome 6500 

Desk and Computer

Now its time to make something.

Happy Quilting!
Aileen in Florida

July 2016. This and that.

Well Well. I bet you were wondering where I have been hiding. Me Too! My daughter brought it to my attention that I have not posted since Thanksgiving 2015. WOW! That really did fly by.

I have been taking care of my grandson Sebastian, who is now 13 months old. It has been a fun but exhausting journey. This is the first of my 4 grandchildren that I met on the day they were born. It was terrifying to watch him alone at first. I think I held my breath a lot. Skipped bathroom breaks and eating. I wanted to be sure he was breathing. Yes, I was acting like a new mom. I sat next to the crib and read while he napped.

One year later... I take naps when he does. He wears me out. Now that he crawls at lightening speed, he is exploring the world around him. He puts everything in his mouth.   I have him following me around the house so he will get tired, but I think I get tired first! He loves spending time with grandpa too!

I have sewn here and there these past six months. Not a lot to show because I couldn't make up my mind what I wanted to do next. I did manage to make another quilt for Charity Quilts but forgot to take a picture. Also joined in on a Jelly Roll race and I made a top. I think it was taken to a long-arm quilter to be finished.

I  made an Iron Man quilt for my SIL last year. Too many 9 patches left over. Instead of taking them apart, I decided to make his stepson, my grandson #2 a quilt with these. Louis really looks up to him. They have dressed up like Ninja Turtles and run around the house playing together. What more could you ask from a SIL.  Louis was into Super Hero's when I started this quilt. Then all of a sudden the interest is in the Ninja Turtles. I added the green Ninja Turtle fabric to frame the panel and bind the quilt. Came out better than I thought it would.  It is 66 x 84. Nice size Twin.  1 layer of cotton batting.  All that is left is to make the label. This will be for Christmas. I am hoping his interest don't change dramatically by then. LOL! DH loves it so much that he made me go outside to take a better picture.

I started a quilt for grandson #4 while my daughter was pregnant. He was a premmie so I didn't work on again until June. Its bigger than crib size, so he will have it for a while. Still have to work on the binding and add a satin ribbon tag to it. He is obsessed with tags. and chews on them to fall asleep. Hoping to have this done by tomorrow.  The corner stones are Pac Man fabric from his fathers Iron man quilt!

Worked on a UFO. Spool blocks from a Bonnie Hunter  Leaders and enders challenge. Made about 240 spools in the last two years. Now to make something with them.  I also wanted to try her garlic knot block. I used 2 1/2 inch scraps. It was easy after I watched her make them on Quilt Cam. Only made the one block but have ideas for it.

Then on to some more UFO's and a wall hanging or 2. 

Hope your 4th Of July was a happy and memorable one!

Love from

Aileen in Florida

Thanksgiving Blessings

The family came to eat, drink and visit together. It was very nice. My SIL and niece where here this year. They moved to Florida last year. She is moving into her dream farm in a week or two. So excited for her. Can't wait to hang out and watch the wild life. I miss that.

Thanksgiving was wonderful. A lot of work. Hubby did all the cooking. I did the cleaning. Then some peeling, gravy & pies . Carri made sweet potato casserole and green bean casserole. So delicious. Amber made the biscuits and some delicious cookie cupcakes! The daughters did the clean up at the end of the day! Awesome! Thanks girls, you made your mother very happy!


This was Sebastian's first Thanksgiving. He is 6 months today! We put him in a high chair at the end of the table. He just took it all in. Banged away with a spatula. Let him taste frosting. That, he really liked.

Louie Grandma & Sebastian

Grandma & Sebastian

Sebastian loves the camera phone.

Grandma, Grandpa, Sebastian & Raina. Silent Logan in the background

Grandpa and Raina

Grandpa came out of his garage to spend time with the grand kids. Raina is warming up to Grandpa now. Raina told my SIL that she picked the pose with her hand on her face just for this picture. She is quite a character!

Missing this year was Shara. We miss her and hopefully we can have her come next year for the holidays. Its been over a year since I have seen her. 

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Was having a lot of trouble getting into my holiday sewing.  Don't know why, but dragging my feet. I thought about it for several weeks, then realized my list of things was endless. That list is overwhelming! I put away 2 quilts I was trying to rush. This helped tremendously. 

Last week I did repairs on shorts for hubby. They have been lounging in a basket for months. You know what happens when you fix one? Hubster runs into the room with more. He is a happy man now. Favorite shorts fixed.  I am a happy woman because I sewed something that was not stressful. Another thing on my list was to recover dog blanket. So I finished that in half an hour. Dog is thrill believe it or not. his nails are not getting stuck in it anymore.

Have 3 charity quilts to do. One is complete except for hand sewing. Ugh! not my thing. I am a machine sewer through and through. I guess I get that from my mother . Her nickname was Maqinita at the Lion's Club.. Translates to " The Sewing Machine". Second one will be sandwiched today, NO MATTER WHAT! Third one needed some pop! This is where the playing began. I added cupcakes to a rather plain gingham quilt top. Much more fun to look at! All it needs is binding. 

It will be a 3 day sewing marathon for me....well until I need a nap.  
Doll clothes need to be made, and a purse or diaper bag for those clothes. Also a well overdue Tablet stand for Raina. She requested RED! Funny because she loves all things Pink. Well Pink is Red before we add white. I am sure if I ask her she will have an amazing answer for me. 

Lots of Love to All of You
Happy Thanksgiving 
Happy Sewing

Aileen in FL

Babysitting & Creativity

I have been  babysitting for a few months. I am still trying to find a rhythm to my new normal. I need to create/sew  a little everyday to feed my soul. My daily needed naps have gone by the waste side. No time for that.  I try to rest when he does. Sebastian is more and more alert, giggly and precious everyday.

These are bra inserts. Louis thought they were hats? 

I had been working on a quilt for SIL. He likes my daughters quilt. Thought he should have one of his own. He wanted black and red AND Iron Man. Took me quite a while to find the Iron Man fabric. Then more time to figure how to cut it to make the best use of it. I used a lot of geeky fabric with black background in it. Aliens from video games, superman, words like Pow Bang, plugs from back of PC, and of course Pac Man. This was an original design. 

The Iron man quilt is done and delivered. One happy SIL!

I also made a quilt for my MIL. She turned 85 or is it 87 this year? She has been on my bucket list for years. Thought I better get on with it! Mailed it to her before her birthday. She was thrilled. After cleaning up my sewing room, I realize I could squeeze out 2 pillow cases from the left over fabric. Second package sent. They were a hit!!

This is a Bonnie K. Hunter quilt called Sister's Choice. I made it with 2 inch strips instead of 2 1/2 inch. What was I thinking?? LOL!

My granddaughter is now it a toddler bed. The crib she has converts to this. New, Fast quilt needed. In 2 weekends and with the just 2 layers, the quilt was done. Its hot here if Florida. Mom wanted an in between weight quilt. Because there is no batting, it only needed minimal stitching.   She already has a Grandma quilt! 

I  started to go to my quilt group again. I really missed talking to the wonderful ladies. It had been several years since I could attend. We have a great time, laughing, sharing and creating. What better place to be.  

This month I hope to get a few things made for the holidays. Sewing room is clean and organized. Time to make a MESS!!

Happy Quilting,

Aileen in FL

June ~ Enjoying the new normal

June is almost over. There is a new grandson in the family. What a cutie. Sebastian was tiny. 4 lbs. 11 oz. 16 & 1/2 inches long.  Instant bundle of love! Here he is rocking the quilt I made for him.

Proud Grandma.

This is the best picture of all. Louis looking at his brother. 

We made sure he met him before anyone else. He loves his brother. Holds him often. My heart is full,

Here is Carri's new normal. 

Her life is very full.

I have never seen her so happy.

She is making a funny face. 

She said she may have to buy a bigger bed! LOL!

Life has been very hectic since Sebastian was born. Loving it and passing out at night with a smile on my face.

Happy Quilt!

Aileen in Florida

The Baby is Here!!

We held our breath waiting for baby Sebastian. He was born May 27th. Weighed 4 lbs, 11 oz and 16 1/2 inches. Such a tiny bundle of joy!   Big brother Louis in love with Sebastian. My heart is full.

They are so precious.   

Grandma and Grandpa

I did manage to finish the premie blanket for Sebastian. I still don't like the colors but my daughter loved it. I backed it with flannel. No batting. To hot in Florida for that right now.

Time to clean the sewing room and get more receiving blankets made.

Happy Quilting. 

Aileen in Florida `~ Happy Grandma of 4~'

May~Baby coming

Today is the half way point for the month of May. First 15 days flew by. Carri's baby (4th grandchild) will be arriving May 27th. He will be a premie. Am I ready?

I have been putzing around my sewing space, cleaning this, moving that. Basically chasing my tail. I am trying to make a quilt for the baby but having a hard time of it. Carri's favorite color is brown. I am not a fan of brown unless it is shoes or a handbag. I made 40 blue and brown 4 patches that I have been staring at it for a week. I stalled making a quilt for 8 months because I just don't like brown. What a grandma. I am getting brain damage trying to cheer these blocks up.  They will be visiting the seam ripper later. Carri said add yellow or green. After researching the net on quilt size, most sites advice 24 to 36 inches. Makes sense. Two of my girls were very small. One was 6 lbs 9 oz. and the other was 5 lbs 2 oz. Carri was full term at 8 lbs 2 oz. I put Cabbage patch kid clothes on them. There were no premie outfits in the 70's or 80's that I could find. Even those outfits were big. Good news is that we did find some premie stuff at Target and Toys R Us.

I am sending out an SOS to Quiltville Open Studio group & my followers..... YUCK! HELP!!!

20 Left over 4 patches

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 Today I started another quilt from my scrap blocks and whip up a baby quilt. I used blocks I have been hoarding for over 10 years. I bought the black background star fabric in the Catskill mountains. Only had a little of it. Carri asked me to remake a Overall Bill pillowcase and chose that fabric. How could I say no? Then there was just a little left. Few years later I made the remains into 9 patches, which sat and sat. Not enough for anything, until today. Still have 3 blocks that can go on the back. This quilt will hopefully be dragged around the floor and loved to shreds!

Happy Quilting

Aileen in Florida

April Almost Gone

It has been a very long time since I posted. My daughter & family moved in to my home (my sewing room) in December and out again in February to a lovely home just a few miles up the street. They are doing great and expecting a second son in June.

I have been looking for my sewing stuff and Mojo ever since. LOL! I managed to finish one quilt that has been on my bucket list for years. This one was for my MIL, AJ. She is a very lovely woman. I love her dearly. Her birthday is today. She turned 87. I mailed her quilt out a few weeks ago to be sure it would get there in time. When I started cleaning up the other day, I realized that if I pieced the fabric I had left over from the backing, there would be enough for 2 pillowcases. DH dropped them in the mail on Thursday night. Thank you USPS for Priority mail! They arrived today.

AJ is thrilled with her quilt and her pillowcases!

The pattern is from Bonnie Hunters Free Pattern tab  at Quiltville.
It is called Sister's Choice. I used 2 inch strips instead of 2 1/2 inch strips. I really like it!

Now to make a baby quilt  for newest qrandson arriving in June.

I have been on the hunt for vintage sewing machines. Bonnie gave me the itch! Did you get it too?

I have acquired my first ever 1935 Singer treadle. Her name is Hattie after the original owner. Cost $85.00. It was very stiff and needed a good cleaning but hums along beautifully.

The cabinet is rough but strong. Middle drawer hanging down on  left side. Rest of drawers are fine. Just needed a little TLC. She sews very nice stitches. I just need to get the rhythm. So far I can treadle with my right foot but have to be careful not to run over my left foot. OUCH! Its going to take a lot of practice.

Happy Quilting

Aileen in Florida!