Quilting on the road

It has been hot for about 3 weeks and now the heat from the valley has gotten up here on the ridge too.  We had been – last week in the high 80′s while the valley was in the 90′s now today we hit 95 and it was like that all weekend too – and it is supposed to continue through the rest of the month!  I hate it when it gets this hot.

I am still preparing for our trip and keeping busy.  After thinking things over I thought I could use a little more quilting items to take on our 8 week trip.  I know I have a crib quilt to quilt and 3 applique blocks should keep me busy – but one never knows :)   so I thought instead of machine piecing the medallion blocks this week I will keep cutting and stacking the pieces up and put them in a ziplock bag or two and stick them somewhere also – doesn’t take up much room right – toss in the thread that is needed and I am set.  Half the time depending on the size of the blocks with hand piecing you don’t even need pins.  When I originally tried hand piecing those blocks at first I had a problem with stretch but now that I know the problem I can be more careful so it won’t happen.    Now I will probably come home with the quilt only half quilted and 2 blocks appliqued and only some of the quilt blocks pieced – but I won’t be bored in the down time at the campground!

The organized stack of quilting bags - zipper bag with crib quilt/thread and the hoop on top of it. The other bag has 3 applique blocks, the pencil tin has all of the thread needed for those blocks, I have 3 instruction DVD's to watch on applique (and maybe learn something new?) I will stick a large cosmetic bag in that zipper bag with all the necessary hand tools - needles, thimble, pencil, chalk, scissors ect.

I will look for one more zipper bag to put the hand piecing blocks in and if I can’t find one they will go in one or two large zip locks.  I will possibly take one of my project boxes instead but it isn’t flexible like bags are and I can fit the bags into smaller spaces if necessary.

some of the blocks cut

the pattern for it

As you can tell I am getting excited of getting back on the road.  We tend to get a little antsy if we stay home all the time.  We have been taking vacations as long as I can remember – and most of those vacations were camping – way back when it was always tent camping and then it went to a little camper, then motels for awhile but we didn’t like that as much and now comfortable with the motorhome – not as comfortable as your house of course but then you might just as well stay at home if you want that!  I have been getting my check lists ready and checking things off – we will be really busy this last week so I might not be on here as much but will still try to blog every other day or so – then it will be as often as I can after that when we hit the road.

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Baltimore Bliss

by Karen on June 11, 2010

in Baltimore Bliss, Quilting on the road

I made this quilt top last year and had it put aside until I got caught up on other hand quilting projects.  I knew that my border was a little ruffly but I didn’t think it was as bad as what it was when I took it out to start getting it ready for quilting.  I took off the 5 inch border that was the same color as the background fabric of the quilt and replace it with a two inch pale pink batik.  The batik doesn’t have the tiny bit of stretch that the yellow has so I thought that would be better for it.  It still has a little but of ruffle so it was the large half square triangles that were the problem.  Yet when there is no border on it – it appeared to lay flat – go figure.  The pattern blocks are designed by Fat Cat Patterns a BOM that was free last year and I see after looking at the site that it was offered free once again as it was so popular.  There are 12 blocks given, I used six for this quilt and have the patterns saved to make another quilt with a different color scheme with the ones left over.

The quilt - 47 inches x 70 inches - crib size.

one of the two blocks that I put a feathered wreath in .

a Corner feather

a side feather

the backing fabric

The quilt is now pin basted and folded with the thread that I will use (a bright yellow King Tut thread) and put in a zippered plastic bag ready to take on the camping trip this summer.  Don’t you just love those zippered bags that sheets and things come in now!  I have quite a few gathered up for projects.

Next to get ready for the trip is the Red and Green Traditional Applique blocks – I am going to try for 3 or 4 – this should  be way  more than I will get to, but I would rather have more than less and run out of down time quilting.  Daytime we will be busy with sightseeing and hiking but with 8 weeks there will be days here and there when we need a break and will be just relaxing I’m sure!

Thanks for all the compliments on the red/cream Dear Jane blocks/rows.  The border will be the traditional Dear Jane border.  The pieced blocks using the same fabric as the blocks and the plain triangles and the scallops will be the butter cream fabric.

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I had wanted to open my windows today for fresh air but CJ (lives nearby) from “From My Studio – Created by CJ” has warned me she did and now has pollen all over her house so I will heed the warning and keep my windows closed – yuk pollen –when will it go away?  I am getting caught up on laundry and feeling kind of crappy today.  Mike got a cold half way through the week and I do believe he has given it to me as I feel really “off” and have since yesterday afternoon.

A few more photos from Paducah on Saturday in between rain storms.  We spent the afternoon in the town so we wouldn’t be in the camper in case of tornadoes – luckily it was just rain and no branches down in the campground.

The skies near Paducah on Saturday. We had rain off and on but the really bad storms missed the area.

the big white temporary "tent" like building in the storm. It kind of blends right in with the sky. I heard that there are people interested in building two hotels on either end of the convention center so maybe in a couple years something will be here to replace this.

A historical museum in the historic area of the town, we spent time here passing off one storm in the dry inside. A very interesting array of items here.

the baby quilt in progress - I did not get as much done as I had planned to - it will get done though in the next couple weeks I hope. About 3/4's finished? The top 1/4 has to be quilted still besides the little bits on the side where the hoop is. My backing fabric wasn't quite wide enough and I didn't feel like sewing another strip onto one edge what I plan to do is I am quilting to about 2 inches of the long sides and then I will trim the edges, add the binding and then if any little bits need some quilting on the end of the lines I will add it then.

A new block for the Little Brown Bird quilt. Flowers will be scattered over this block like they were on the first block for this quilt that I had made some months back. I have some uneven places here and there - how did that happen? I didn't cut carefully enough I guess - no matter the flowers will conveniently take care of the bad spots. I need to do a bit of needle turn still on this one and will get back to it next week maybe - I want to get the baby quilt finished first.

I got one Dear Jane block finished also but forgot to take a photo so I will do that tomorrow.

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Too many photos today :)   I have been busy the last 3 days working on “So Charming” and pleased to say I am done with the top!!  I started it on August 30th I think and finished it September 26th – less than a month to hand piece while on vacation in between hikes and sight seeing and now this past week in between taking care of the grandchildren and doing things with them.

I ran back over to the quilt shop today with the grandchildren after karate practice and McDonald's.  I realized I had forgotten to get the backing for the quilt.  I found this white with black polka dots that I thought would go with it well.

I ran back over to the quilt shop today with the grandchildren after karate practice and McDonald's. I realized I had forgotten to get the backing for the quilt. I found this white with black polka dots that I thought would go with it well. I must say the kids enjoyed the shop really well and were very well behaved. They have always showed such an interest in quilting that they were asking questions and wanting to feel some of the fabric (they had clean hands). They loved the feel of the flannel. They were even looking at patterns and pointing out different ones that they though maybe I should make for them! Kids - they think I can whip these out quickly - Utah even told me I shouldn't be working on so many at one time and then I could finish faster - wise kid. They really don't need more quilts right now - they both have 4 already.

the kids.

the kids.

karate sparring practice where for a little while they were sparring partners.  Ciera really enjoyed that as shortly before her partner was quite a bit larger than her and she looked uncomfortable.  Sparring with Utah put a smile on her face.

karate sparring practice where for a little while they were sparring partners. Ciera really enjoyed that as shortly before her partner was quite a bit larger than her and she looked uncomfortable. Sparring with Utah put a smile on her face.

More sparring and I won't make you endure any more "grandma's pride and joy" photos :)

More sparring and I won't make you endure any more "grandma's pride and joy" photos :) I think I took about 20 of them at practice and at least as many again last night.

Mesa Verde, Colorado - Knife's Edge Hiking Trail -- where the rattlesnake was!

Mesa Verde, Colorado - Knife's Edge Hiking Trail -- where the rattlesnake was!

Scenery from that hiking trail.  You can see that in places it brought us close to the edge of the mountain side.

Scenery from that hiking trail. You can see that in places it brought us close to the edge of the mountain side.

The trail goes behind that mountain peak - the rocky part at the top is the Knife's Edge - I guess they named it that as it is kind of peaked.  The trail goes to the rocky area on the back side from what is showen  - that is where the rattlesnake was close to.

The trail goes behind that mountain peak - the rocky part at the top is the Knife's Edge - The trail goes to the rocky area on the back side from what is shown - that is where the rattlesnake was close to.

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Been Busy Piecing

by Karen on September 25, 2009

in Quilting on the road

While the kids have been in school I have been busy piecing the quilt top “So Charming”.  Only problem is now that I have it pieced – except for the black polka dotted border I see that I have two red dotted squares fairly close to each other.  I’m wondering if I will pick that out and maybe just turn that section of three rows around (bottom row to the 4th row if you know what I mean).  Why is it you can stand back and look at something numerous times and not catch that – maybe because I laid it out on the bed in the camper and not on a design wall?  :)

See what I mean - the red polka dotted squares in Row 4 and then again at the beginning of Row 5

See what I mean - the red polka dotted squares in Row 4 and then again at the beginning of Row 5. So what do you all think take the row off at 4 and 5 - turn the bottom 3 rows around and then sew it back to row 4? Or leave it?

It has been rain here off and on all day.  I’m so glad I got a walk in around the neighborhood this morning around 10 as it started to rain shortly after I got back.  I only did 30 minutes before a light mist started so I headed back – I did get in a good 40 minutes or so.

We are making cookies tonight – peanut butter chocolate chip.

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I made it today over to Millhouse Quilts today in Waunakee.  It is always so much fun wandering through that shop and I never leave empty handed.   I was very good though — I did not get even one pattern or book — I am really trying hard not to get any more of them for awhile as I have plenty — really.  Also as the grand-kids were in school today I was able to get some accomplished on the “So Charming” quilt that I started to hand piece on vacation.  I thought this jelly roll of Moda fabric so nice.  I don’t have it right here beside me right now – it is already in the suitcase for the flight home but I think it was the Chocolate line, but I could be mistaken.

Two different colors for the leaves on the "Little Brown Bird" quilt that I haven't even started yet but plan to soon.  I know have all the fabric that I need -- I think!  I did get a little more items but they are for my Dear Jane Secret Pal - I am in a monthly exchange group -- we do not know who our secret pal is but we send them a surprise package every month.  I found my secret pal her Christmas gift that I will put aside for a little while.

Two different colors for the leaves on the "Little Brown Bird" quilt that I haven't even started yet but plan to soon. I now have all the fabric that I need -- I think! I did get a couple more items but they are for my Dear Jane Secret Pal - I am in a monthly exchange group -- we do not know who our secret pal is but we send them a surprise package every month. I found my secret pal her Christmas gift that I will put aside for a little while. I can't show them here just in case she looks at this blog - I hope she hasn't figured out who her pal is.

Four rows of "So Charming" put together.  I do have the other 3 rows of blocks sewed, but I need to put the white sashing on and sew them on.

Four rows of "So Charming" put together. I do have the other 3 rows of blocks sewed, but I need to put the white sashing on and sew them on.

the granchildren accompaning me on a walk this early evening (they were wearing the helments but took them off for the photo)

the grandchildren accompanying me on a walk this early evening (they were wearing the helmets but took them off for the photo)

another

another

Ciera

Ciera

Utah

Utah

big brother annoying little sister

big brother annoying little sister

I have been enjoying my time here with the kids.  We had a good day today and have two more days before their mom and dad get home.

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What was supposed to be a short flight was delayed somewhat!  I was suppose to leave at 7 PM from Memphis and didn’t leave until after 9.  They kept delaying it by a half an hour then finally announced that we were going to the other end of the airport to board a different plane – the one I was supposed to be on had a nose gear problem – sure glad they knew about it before we left :)   the only nice thing about it was I got to talking with another woman waiting for the same plane and after talking for a half hour realized we would be seated next to each other.  That was nice as we continue talking all the way to the other plane on the other end of the airport and chatted all the way to Madison – it was a nice way to pass the time.

Have spent the day familiarizing myself with the layout of the town and where I need to be and when for the grand-kids activities.  I’m not sure if I will go to Millhouse Quilts tomorrow or Friday – but I will go for sure!

Mike has gotten more photos ready so I will post some photos from the Cliff Dwellings of Mesa Verde.

cliff dwellings and the round area is what is called a Kiva - these no longer have roofs on them of course as they collasped many, many years ago.

cliff dwellings and the round area is what is called a "Kiva" - these no longer have roofs on them of course as they collasped many, many years ago. Kiva's are different sizes but these at Mesa Verde all seem to be about the same size. We have seen some larger in other places.

another view of a Kiva

another view of a Kiva

Me inside of a Kiva - you climb down the ladder - this Kiva is so that you can see what it would have been like with the roof enclosed and it has the same style roof on it that it would have had many years ago.

Me inside of a Kiva - you climb down the ladder - this Kiva is so that you can see what it would have been like with the roof enclosed and it has the same style roof on it that it would have had many years ago.

a lizard of that area of southwest Colorado

a lizard of that area of southwest Colorado

a cliff dwelling - I think this one is Spruce Tree House

a cliff dwelling - I think this one is Spruce Tree House

part of another dwelling

part of another dwelling

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On this trip we once again planned to stay for 4 or 5 days near the little mountain town of Ouray Colorado.  It is a place we have been to 2 times before and have always enjoyed the small mountain town that is so high up in the mountains.  The town is literally surrounded by mountains.

Here is a photo of the town of Ouray surrounded by the San Juan Mountains.  This is not one of our photos but one that I found in the land of internet :)  The photo Mike took didn't turn out very good but I wanted you all to see what this town looks like from the overlook that is above the town.

Here is a photo of the town of Ouray surrounded by the San Juan Mountains. This is not one of our photos but one that I found in the land of internet :) The photo Mike took didn't turn out very good but I wanted you all to see what this town looks like from the overlook that is above the town. The overlook is on the Million Dollar Highway that leads from Ouray going south to Silverton another high mountain town. Just about the whole town is in this photo!

Store fronts with mountains behind

Store fronts with mountains behind

Artsian Bakery - we stopped here one day for a very nice middle of the morning snack - cinnamon coffee cake and coffee.

Artsian Bakery - we stopped here one day for a very nice middle of the morning snack - cinnamon coffee cake and coffee.

more of the town

more of the town

The neat sculpture of an elk in the town

The neat sculpture of an elk in the town

jeep trail heading out of town.  There are a lot of jeep trails in this area.  I will go just so far on these roads as Mike has scared the living daylights out of me on these two times in the past - this time I refused to go deep into these trails as you pratically driving over boulders - once the dirt starts getting too rough that is it for me.

jeep trail heading out of town. There are a lot of jeep trails in this area. I will go just so far on these roads as Mike has scared the living daylights out of me on these two times in the past - this time I refused to go deep into these trails as you are practically driving over boulders - once the dirt starts getting too rough that is it for me.

More of the "road"

More of the "road" -- 3rd time I have been out here on this one and each time it looks "worse" than before !!

The river by our picnic stop

The river by our picnic stop

The aspen forest at our picnic stop

The aspen forest at our picnic stop

Our picnic - we bring a folding table with us and our canvas chairs.  Lunch is sandwiches and chips and bottled water.  Would have been great but instead of warming up it got colder and was a balmy 55 or so and before we had time to eat slowly it was begining to rain and we rushed and had to get everything back in the car.

Our picnic - we bring a folding table with us and our canvas chairs. Lunch is sandwiches and chips and bottled water. Would have been great but instead of warming up it got colder and was a balmy 55 or so and before we had time to eat slowly it was beginning to rain and we rushed and had to get everything back in the car. I told Mike we need to bring hot coffee with us next time to warm up! By the way that Red insulated bag has seen us through many years! We bought it about 16 years ago when we flew to Vancouver Canada for a vacation. We were going to be driving around and didn't have anything to keep things cold and found this insulated bag. It got lost in the closet for a period of time and recently found it's way back to us - amazing how things can be lost and found :) It sure comes in handy. I normally keep a couple bottles of water frozen in the motorhome refrigerator/freezer and those with a packet of ice keeps things pretty good.

As you can see in the photos it was pretty cloudy – it was that way for just about the entire time we visited Ouray this time.  Mountain showers almost every day off and on throughout the visit.  It isn’t always like that we have seen sunny days before – but not this time.

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Trying to play catch up is tiring!  The laundry is caught up and the camper is unpacked!  We even made it to the grocery store to pick up a few items.  The grass still needs to be cut, but it can wait another day.  I finished one block of quilting on the Dear Jane “Insanity” quilt this afternoon.  I’m not sure where I finished off with the photos of the quilt but it will wait until next week when I get back from Wisconsin.  I already have a list of chores to do on Monday before I leave on Tuesday.

Mike has some of his photos finished from when we visited the Black Canyon of the Gunnison.   I had posted some photos from that area but his camera does a much better job so I will share them.

A view looking down at the river - we are so high above the canyon floor.

A view looking down at the river - we are so high above the canyon floor.

Part of the canyon where you can not see the river below

Part of the canyon where you can not see the river below

One of the overlooks at the park - on this one you can right down to the bottom!

One of the overlooks at the park - on this one you can right down to the bottom!

I don't have my wildflower book in the house with me - it is in the camper.  I will just say it is a type of daisy :)

I don't have my wildflower book in the house with me - it is in the camper. I will just say it is a type of daisy :)

another view of the canyon

another view of the canyon

part of the road that goes to the bottom of the canyon

part of the road that goes to the bottom of the canyon

I decided to put together an applique project to work on when I’m at the airports and on the plane.  I am going to start the first block of the Baltimore Bliss blocks from Fat Cat Patterns.  I will glue baste it all in place and clip in advance all of the curves – no scissors will be needed then.  I will wear the medallion necklace to snip the threads.  I have used it before and it worked out.  All I will need to have with me is a couple of applique stick pins (very tiny) stuck in a piece of cloth and an extra needle or two also stuck in the cloth and my thread & applique thimble.  I haven’t flown in awhile but last time that was still allowed – anyone know if you can’t do that anymore?

I will bring the “So Charming” quilt pieces with me to finish up (hopefully) at my daughter’s house – putting the rows together I feel will be too much pinning needed ect. at the airports and would need too many pins with me which they probably wouldn’t allow on the plane.   Don’t know if I will have enough time to finish it of course but I will have two days that the kids are at school and daughter will be in New York.   I will have those two days to myself, I don’t do much shopping anymore other than quilting fabric so a  run over to Millhouse Quilts is on the schedule!  Other than that though I doubt I will shop much unless my dear daughter wants to when she is home.  We will need to do lunch one day!

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HOME!

by Karen on September 18, 2009

in Quilting on the road, quilts

We arrived home today around 4:30 this afternoon after being on the road for 21 days in a 25 foot RV.  It is just big enough that we don’t go insane in it :)   I think this is mainly because we are outside so much, hiking and looking at everything.

I am waiting for Mike to have time to go through all of his photos as we did not have internet for the 4 days that we were in Mesa Verde National Park.  He has not had time to go through them as we spent the last 3 days traveling home.  We did have internet for 2 nights on the way home but he did not have time to get to those photos.  I will post photos of the cliff dwellings when he gets to them ready.

For now though I do have some photos ready from my small camera of scenery on the way to Mesa Verde after we left Ouray, Colorado.  I will post more photos tomorrow of our drive through New Mexico on the way home.

First off though as a quilter and I told you all I would be piecing a simple quilt this camping trip I wanted to show you what I accomplished:

I got the 35 blocks finished and 3 of the rows are sewed together with the white sashing.  As you can see I have 4 rows left to sash and then join all of the rows with the white sashing as well.  It is finished off with a border of the black with white dots fabric.  I hand pieced this while we were traveling and in the campground.  I am taking it with me to continue working on when I go visit my daughter in Wisconsin next week.

I got the 35 blocks finished. Three of the rows are sewed together with the white sashing. As you can see I have 4 rows left to sash and then join all of the rows with the white sashing as well. It is finished off with a border of the black with white dots fabric. I hand pieced this while we were traveling and in the campgrounds. I am taking it with me to continue working on when I go visit my daughter in Wisconsin next week.

this is on the western side of the San Juan Mountains in Colorado on our way to Mesa Verde after we left the high mountain country in Ouray, Colorado.

This is on the western side of the San Juan Mountains in Colorado on our way to Mesa Verde after we left the high mountain country in Ouray, Colorado.

a few of the pine forest in the same area as the previous photo

Pine forests in the same area as the previous photo

Another photo of the same area on our way to Mesa Verde in the southwest corner of the state.

Another photo of the same area on our way to Mesa Verde in the southwest corner of the state. In this photo though it takes us from the pine forest to aspen trees and other hardwood trees. I love the reddish color rocks and soil in these areas, it adds such contrast to the photos.

this was our campsite in Mesa Verde National Park.  I'm sure Mike has some better photos that show more of the scenery as he can get those panorama shots that my camera won't do.  I'll post more when he gets them ready.

This was our campsite in Mesa Verde National Park. I'm sure Mike has some better photos that show more of the scenery as he can get those panorama shots that my camera won't do. I'll post more when he gets them ready.

Deer at the campsite in the mornings

Deer at the campsite in the mornings

and more of the deer - they were every where in the campground, morning, noon, and night - they didn't go away :) they were all over the campground we lost track of how many we saw!

and more of the deer - they were every where in the campground, morning, noon, and night - they didn't go away :) they were all over the campground we lost track of how many we saw!

this plant is called Rabbits Brush, you see it everywhere in southwest Colorado and New Mexico as well.  It can be a very brillant yellow to a bit faded.  It is similiar to sage brush.

this plant is called Rabbits Brush, you see it everywhere in southwest Colorado and New Mexico as well. It can be a very brilliant yellow to a bit faded. It is similiar to sage brush.

I will try to post more photos tomorrow.  I am off on Tuesday to fly to Wisconsin to visit with my daughter for a day before she flies to New York City to join her husband on a business trip.  I will take care of the grandchildren for a couple days and then visit more with her and my son-in-law when they get back and then fly home.  I will be gone a week but should be able to get on here while I am gone.  I will bring my computer and hopefully it will work off of her wireless – but you all know by now that I don’t always have luck with my computer when traveling!!

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