Drying Apples

We have had the worst drought EVER--the yards are brown, the pond turned over and killed the fish, my farmer spouse has acres of corn without a cob--- BUT it has been a great fruit year. The apple tree is loaded and the fruit is super sweet from all the sunshine. The freezer won't have any veggies since the garden dried up but it will have some apples. I rarely make fried pies cause I LOVE to eat these right out of the freezer!

       Peel, core and slice your apples

 Soak in a syrup of 3 cups water, 2 cups sugar and 1-6 ozpackage of Red Hots (heated slowly till candy is disolved)
                                        

                                    
                                                                           Dry!

Quilting & Exercise

I know I have been spending way too much time in my sewing room--I have also been trying to quit smoking and have gained a few pounds. I needed to incorporate a little exercise. So I am using wrist weights in my sewing regiment :) They are perfect for keeping my top on the sewing table!!

BOTM #4

This block went together really quick--I am learning several things in this beginners class. Wish I had taken one years ago!

BOTM #3

I have made my 3rd block for my class. It is called "Pinwheel" I was off a little but fixed it with the sashing!

All Dogs go to Heaven

Today was an especially hard day for me and my husband--we had to make the decision to put one of our "Gumdrops" down. Cancer had spread throughout his little body and we just couldn't watch him suffer any longer. Jasper will always hold a special spot in our hearts.

BOTM #2

I finshed my second block "Chain Link"

And I completed 4 of the setting blocks called "Single Irish Chain" Here are two of them!

I'm ready for next month's project!

BOTM Class

I joined a monthly class BOTM (Block of the Month). I have been sewing for years, but wanted to get back to the basics--so I joined a beginners BOTM Club. I just had to make this super cool book to hold my blocks till it is time to join them all together.

And now my book had it's first entry "Woven Strips"

My first of many!

Time for Bed!

I finished my "Pooch Pad" and it is huge---maybe too big for the little house dogs. Suzy had to check it out first--we will just have to see if they use it. If not Clyde will be more than happy to cuddle up on such a cute pad.

After Christmas Sew Along

I started my "Pooch Pad" for Week #1. Got it laid out on my the design wall that my kids made me for Christmas.

I went yesterday and got my border fabric and some fleece to line it with. For Week #2 I will start putting it together.

If you would like to join in click the button on my left sidebar--no rules, no contests, just sewing and prizes! Yes prizes--check it out.

Laying My Father-In-Law to rest today

Often called "Pappy Tom", Thomas Merrick was born March 1, 1925. He was one of 13 children and now the third one to pass from this life. Mr. Tom, age 86, died on Thursday, December 22 at his home. He was a farmer, member and deacon at Donaldson Missionary Baptist Church. He leaves his wife of 63 years. Remember Mrs. Georgie in your prayers today.

 
                                             

FNSI--Results

I changed my mind and decided to work sew my Christmas Cards! I love this new die for my Big Shot (all available from Stampin'Up). These stockings would be awesome gift card holders too.

If you are interested in Stampin'Up! products, we are having an On-Line sale (some items only available for 24 hours) beginning Monday the 21st. You can access my site by clicking on the Stampin'Up! badge located on the right side-bar.

FNSI

Friday Night Sew In sign up has been posted--click the badge on the side bar to join in. I was going to work on my tee-shirt quilt top BUT it is finished. On it's way to be machine quilted for my daughters birthday. I plan on working on gifts for the girls @ work for this sew-in. Hope to see you there!

My first EVER!

I have been searching for one of these my entire life--finally at age 52 I found my first!

I am going to make my grandkids an ABC book and will be using this picture for the "F" page. What is so funny about clover hunting, is that my daughter can find the only 4-leaf clover in a 50 acre field but could NOT find an Easter Egg in the back yard LoL!!!!

Finally Finished

It is done! I vowed not to start another project till this unfishined one was completed. I didn't realize that I was so close to the end. I am not a great quilter, I could really use some classes to make sure I am learning the "right" way to do it all--but--I try. It was great covering up with my handi-work on the couch last night!

 

FNSI

My first FNSI was not as productive as I had hoped. I got a call from my son saying that my 2 month old grandaughter has had a cough and they took her to the doctor. While listening to her chest, something alerted the Dr and after more tests they found that she has a leaking valve in her heart. The doctors are hopeful that since she was a premie, the valve should seal off, but more tests are in her future. That being said--I did not get much accomplished. I did straighten my sewing room closet......

and I came upon my first attempt at quilting. I bought this quilt top at a yard sale and thought it would good for me to learn on. I was so close to finishing it but was totally overwhelmed by too big of a project for my first try. I put it away and moved on to other things. I have drug it out and vowed not to start any other projects till it is finished!

all I lack are the red stars around the edge--