Monday, December 31, 2012

SewCalGal 2012

I completed the monthly challenges and posted about them on my blog with the label SewCalGalFMQ2012

As I posted each type I showed photos of my attempt(s) and most of the time showed the front and the back of the block.

Next time I think I would do all all the blocks with the same color, and just change the thread for alternating months - then I'd join using strips and I'd have a quilt!

I starting the year as a real beginner breaking more than seven needles for one of the challenges - now I can move the fabric and get an entire lap quilt FMQed with one or two needles.  For me that's progress!

I wanted to expose myself to different instructors and ways to have directions given.  This was a good way to do that.  I've now been exposed to, and learned from different folks.  Tried things I never would have tried out on my own.  Most were successful and are in my tool kit now!

I hope everyone got out of the event what they wanted to get.


SewCalGal - FMQ Challenge - Extra 1


Bonus Month
FMQ Expert
Tutorial Topic
FMQ Challenge: Hand marbled fabrics

Front: I followed the purple dye with some dark green thread.


The back of the fabric shows the design nicely.  As long as the batting does not require closer stitching, this would be a nice way to customize a quilt.  Would be better to have plain fabric on the back....


I will try this with a larger design - think that will really show off the stitching!
I linked to the SewCalSite - I'm #10 on the list!  See links above.

SewCalGal 2012 - December 2012

December

Patsy Thompson

    I experimented with different thread and different stitches.

    This would be a wonderful to finish a quilt!

    This is the last monthly challenge for the year long event. I'm glad I was able to do the monthly challenges. I was late in posting the October one, so I am also posting one of the extra projects - so I have twelve postings for the event.

    Thursday, December 27, 2012

    Received: Stash Book - S is for Stitch

    Received this book from drawing at
    http://www.stashbooksblog.com/2012/12/new-release-s-is-for-stitch-and-a-giveaway/

    It's a beautiful book, includes instructions for beginners - that's me!


    Thank you!

    Added 3-11-14: I ended up giving this special book to my friend in Idaho. She is already making a quilt for her granddaughter!  Thank you!

    Tuesday, December 25, 2012

    Christmas Dinner

    • (non gluten) pasta with sweet potato and yam and cheeses
    • broccoli with sour cream and horseradish
    • mixed green salad with my dressing
    • Honey Baked ham
    • banana cream pie
    • pecan pie

    We four ate in the kitchen so Buffy was a little contained in 'her' area.


    Sunday, December 23, 2012

    New Kind of Communication


    Article from the New York Times: Snow Fall


    It's really a new-to-me kind of article.  Like it changes the way articles will be written, and people will read in the future.  In a way a little like the Magic School Bus books, with lots of things to read in the margins - but I think this might break thru that kind of writing.

    The content was new to me, and worked very well I think in this kind of presentation.

    I felt like I was witnessing a new kind of communication, something that would really change the way things are done and taught in colleges.
    ------
    Added 12-24

    http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/sportingscene/2012/12/the-fog-of-pow-and-the-tunnel-creek-avalanche.html

    "Skiing aside, Branch’s story is a meticulous investigation into the hazards of group decision-making: the insidious role that peer pressure, deferral to (imagined) authority, and presumption of expertise can play in undermining intelligence and experience. In this respect it is a worthy case study even for non-participants, much as, say, “The Perfect Storm” or “Black Hawk Down” or “Into Thin Air” were. Avalanche accidents, as it happens, make for excellent exercises in human error. Branch, in his Q. & A., mentions a 2002 paper titled “Evidence of Heuristic Traps in Recreational Avalanche Accidents,” by Ian McCammon, an avalanche forecaster and mechanical engineer. The upshot of it, as McCammon writes in the first sentence of his abstract, is, “Even though people are capable of making decisions in a thorough and methodical way, it appears that most of the time they don’t.” You don’t have to be a pack of powder hounds to be guilty of this. You could be a group of generals, a district attorney’s office, or even, say, the United States Congress, contemplating big air off the fiscal cliff."

    Thursday, December 20, 2012

    I'm a Winner! Stash Book - S is for Stitch

    http://www.stashbooksblog.com/2012/12/new-release-s-is-for-stitch-and-a-giveaway/

    Yep - that's me!

    I will be going to Boston for the semester, might be without a machine so this will provide a lot of company.

    Thank you!

    Sunday, December 9, 2012

    SewCalGal Christmas Party

    SewCalGal is hosting a virtual and an actual Christmas Party today, complete with pictures, prizes and a nifty little linky to take you to other blogs/sites to see more party fun!

    I'm actually about to leave to attend the face-to-face party so will share photos and more when I return.  My son's girlfriend has decided to come too so it will be a jolly afternoon!


    My Quilting

    I've been piecing for about 4 years, free motion quilting for about 2 years.  I'm on and off with having the fabric and sewing machine out so I've done that over the past 22 years!  In 2010 I decided to try quilting again and found so much support online!  I discovered that there was a name for the type of quilting I liked - liberated piecing and free motion quilting.  Doing the monthly block lotto challenges for 2010 really got me comfortable with cutting, and sewing again and then after a while I jumped in and started doing free motion quilting - I picked the beginner designs from The Free Motion Quilting Project and made a few charity quilts.  I've also arrange a virtual Liberated Round Robin that you are all welcome to join in!  (If you'd like to be on the list to get information use the form on the site.)  Seems now I'm back to a stage where I'm not sewing every night, but like everyone reading this I have plenty of projects to finish and to start!

    Me

    I live in San Diego. For my childhood, Christmas was a fun, grand affair with lots of aunts and uncles and cousins crowded into our house for an afternoon meal and time together.  The aunts and uncles are gone now, and the cousins are all off on their own, but we either share the day with friends or have a happy time with just us.  I'm looking forward to cookie or gingerbread house decorations and time for chatting this year!


    The SewCalGal Party
    Beyond where I parked the car, a beautiful day.


    Entrance to the Mission Bay Yacht Club


    The other side of where I parked.

    SewCalGal is in the center of this photo - standing in the back dressed in black with short hair.  These ladies at the table, were from the San Diego Modern Quilt Guild. They were not doing the FMQing challenges but had checked the website and found out about the party that way.  This was a potluck - lots of delicious casseroles and fudge! I unfortunately always seem to forget to ask people to smile...

    After initial eating, chatting and doorprizes (We won a packet of material and a kit to make jewelry) we went to the next room to see a demo of a die cut cutting system.  Sizzix works pretty much the same as a GO but is less expensive.


    SewCalGal had brought some other cutters and had examples of different project.  Somehow she was able to use the cut outs  to etch designs on glasses! After this we returned to the first room and heard about the two projects: Operation Home Front and Champagne Quilters.  Both presentations were well done, and confirmed that this was a terrific set of projects to help. There were boats sailing by out the window. Then the  final raffle tickets were drawn. I won the Sharon Craig Half Log Cabin book. (A method I sort of helped test I think thru a LQS my first time piecing projects.  I was supposed to make a lap sized quilt but I was such a fun way to make a block that I made enough for a king sized quilt!)

    My photos are lacking, and I'm sorry about that.  At the very end was a photo I should have taken, when people were getting their casserole dishes back there were several different quilted patterns that had been used to make them easy to carry - that would be a fun present to make someone!
    I'm pretty sure this is one of the patterns:
    http://northerngirlboutique.blogspot.com/2010/11/recipe-gift-giving.html

    It was a very nice way to spend the afternoon. I will approach the San Diego Modern Quilting Guild and Operation Home Front to see how I can get more involved when we return from our sabbatical in Boston!  Everyone was very friendly so I could have attended alone, but it make much nicer to be with my son's friend.  Maria has posted the URL to her photos in the comments below!

    Having a party to collect gifts and donations is a terrific way to celebrate the holidays.
    Bravo Darlene (SewCalGal)!  Thank you for a nice afternoon!







    Friday, November 30, 2012

    SewCalGal - FMQ Challenge - October and November 2012

    NovemberSarah Vedeler
    November Swirls

    Swirls can be sewn in columns so they would be nice in sashing or borders, or smooched together to be an all over pattern.

    Definitely helps to plan out where you want the design to go and which way you will put them together.  The PDFs worksheets are good to look at and draw long with pencil or finger to get the motion internalized.  My hand was able to do the design better where the joining was with the horizontal line much better than the joining with the point, but I got a few of both in the pink example.

    Sarah did a masterful job of breaking down the swirl shape in her write up for SewCalGal.

    Different fabric behaves differently - the larger Kona cotton example was sort of dragging as I was sewing, so I was unable to get a smaller scale practice in.  The other example was had thinner batting and thinner fabric so I was able to have more control and to practice with a smaller scale.

    I'm amazed that I did not break one needle, and only one time did the thread get doubled up and I needed to stop and pull threads out the back!  We are getting ready now to leave for the sabbatical, probably around January 1st we will be in Boston area for 6 to 9 months.  Right now I'm not picturing being able to bring my sewing machine with me and I have not found an online place where I can take classes and borrow a machine, so I don't know what will happen to my hobby. Guess I will hope to pick a machine up on Craigs List once we are there!  Or I could try my hand at joining without a sewing machine....  http://www.sewingdaisies.com.au/sewing_daisies/2012/01/tutorial-kaffe-fusion-blanket.html



    You too can join up with the 2012 SewCalGal's Free-Motion Quilt Challenge now to become a better free motion quilter and have the chance to win fabulous prizes!!  

     To enter the November drawing:
    1. Write blog entry or post a photo on Flicker. Copy and save the URL.
    2. Then go to http://sewcalgal.blogspot.com/p/free-motion-quilt-challenge.html
    3. Click on the August link - you'll go to the screen with information about the challenge for November. The direct link is: 
    http://sewcalgal.blogspot.com/2012/11/2012-free-motion-quilting-challenge.html
    4. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen and add the link to your site. I'm number 118.

    I'm coding all my entries about this project with SewCalGalFMQ2012 so clicking on that will show the most recent post on top.



    OctoberTeri Lucas

    October Front

    October Back
    I wasn't posting during October as I was too busy with the conference, but this was fun embellishing this pieced animal. I did this years ago, so I'm going to do one of the make up challenges to I have 'credit' for doing 12 during 2012.

    Thursday, November 22, 2012

    Thanksgiving 2012

    Dinner with B and A (and B)

    Turkey Breast with bones from Whole Foods
    Brine in sugar and salt and pepper over night
    Bake in turkey roaster at higher temperature, then lower for a few hours.
    3.5 lbs - three people ate about 1/4 of the meat.

    Mashed Potatoes
    Peel and dice 8 potatoes, put in cold water and boil until soft.
    Mash and add 1.5 containers cream cheese, seasoned pepper, and seasoned salt.
    Put in baking dish, top with a little butter and bake for another hour. Sometimes have to add a little milk.   B prefers it blended completely, J and A like with pieces of potato.
    Three people ate about 1/3.

    Dressing
    Dice 1.5 onion and about half stalk of celery, saute.
    In another pan fry one container of Jimmy Dean sage sausage until done (crumble as it cooks).
    Combine.
    Add corn bread dressing mix (I've used stove top and Mrs. Cubbinston's).
    Stir.  Boil 3 cups water.  Add first 1.5 cup to mixture and stir - add the rest as needed.
    Add dried cranberries.
    Put in baking dish.  Bake for another 45 minutes to heat thru.
    Three people ate about 1/4.

    Gravy
    Unbottle gravy and put in saucepan, heat until boiling.

    Cranberry sauce
    Need to do this early in the morning.
    Bring one cup water and one cup sugar to a boil.  Add 4 cups cranberries.  If you don't have cranberries add blueberries.  Cook until most of the berries are burst.  Put in glass container in frig until cold. Three people ate about 1/3.

    Corn Casserole
    2 cans corn drained. Dice and saute one onion and one bellpepper.  Add flour and cook, then add about 2 T butter and cook, then add milk to make a while sauce.  Add the drained corn and cook while you crush about 8 soda crackers. and stir in.  Save a few crumbs for the top.  Bake for about 45 minutes to heat thru. Three people ate about 1/3.

    Waldorf Salad
    3 types of apples - each 3/4 apple. about half stalk of celery diced small.  about 1/4 cup raisins, about 1/3 cup walnuts. and about 3 T mayo mix and put in covered container in the frig.

    Brussel Sprouts with Bacon
    About 1 T garlic, and 2 T finely diced onion.  Saute with bacon cut up. Clean about 2 cups of brussel sprouts. Add about 1/2 to 1 cup chicken broth.  Cook until soft.

    Pumpkin Pie
    Use the recipe on the can.  This year put pecan pieces and butterscotch at the bottom of the dough before adding the pumpkin mixture. Next time put more pecan pieces, it was nice!

    Made the dressing and corn casserole the night before, everything else the day of Thanksgiving.  Worked well.

    The day or so before Thanksgiving I was in Walmart, originally to get supplies for my mom, but then I decided to pick up some food.  It was so much fun to listen in on people discussing what they were having.  There was a mom and daughter - the daughter was going to bring something for the first time to the event - her mom grabbed margarine and the girl said how she needed to use butter for the dish.  Then they talked about how their sister/aunt had made the dish that was going with the first dish.  There was a man and his toddler - he was looking for and was so happy to find pimento.  I asked him what he needed that for and he said his mom always made potato salad for Thanksgiving and and the pimento made it so special and nice.  It was nice.  I found out that I can order my mom's stuff to be delivered to the house directly so that will save time, but I will miss overhearing the happy conversations.

    Tuesday, October 2, 2012

    My Days - Fabric and Other Things Sept 25 - Oct 1


    My Days - Fabric and Other Things

    Fabric
    Tuesday - Nothing with fabric
    Wednesday - Marked design for the Sept SewCalGal challenge.  Cut fabric for other projects.
    Thursday -Sewed SewCalGal and made more blocks for the FMQAYGQAL.
    Friday -
    Saturday -
    Sunday -
    Monday -

    Archers
    Tuesday -
    Wednesday -
    Thursday -
    Friday -
    Saturday -
    Sunday -
    Monday -

    Way Too Much Information
    Tuesday - It was hot today.  Spent the morning working on the conference.  People need to fill out forms!  Not sure why they use email instead.  Oh well.  DS was late in arriving so I went to get mom and took her to exercise.  He met me there -doesn't realize how important it is to be on time for her to get the most out of the experience.  Oh well. This conference is taking up a lot of time - because people are not doing what they said they would do in a timely manner.  Oh well.  I'm taking a break.

    Wednesday - Worked on the conference - then worked on the sprinklers.  So randomly I have three different kinds - the last one is exactly what I would like to have along the side.  I don't see any numbers or tags on these things to tell them apart.  Went to the neighbors and chatted with her for a long while (brought her some tomatoes and eggplant from our garden).  Not a lot in common, but nice to know neighbors a little after all these years here!  Tomorrow I need to remember to reset the sprinkler timer so lines 1 and 2 go on alternate days - I can see the grass is getting too stressed with just doing with the little sprinkler set up I did.  The ground by the planters is really being watered - it seemed almost soft tonight when I went out to get tomatoes for our salad!  I hope nothing is leaking in the ground!  Was thinking tomorrow I'd finish doing the kitchen but then remembered the DS is not coming to take mom to exercise (I had asked him to do that as he was so late yesterday that I had to break up my day to get her myself - but he thought because he did come it counted as coming on time.) Frustrating. Finally got the information we needed for the diagrams for the conference - from a different source - so now have to see what we have to redo.  I would like to be assigned a different event manager as the one we have isn't communicating and when she does it's to say she doesn't have information or time to work with us.  I got material out to sew, did marking but didn't get to it - lots of prep and organizing. Broke bobbin.

    Thursday - Sewing machine to be repaired in AM, picked up in the PM.   Took mom to exercise - she did well.  After I returned her they called me at home to say she was out of medicine.  So I logged on the prescription service place to order but the new company's message said I had to call customer service to order.  I was on hold for over 15 minutes - then it took another ten for them to see that it was too soon for her to have meds ordered.  The message was so unclear - but now I know.  Such a waste of time.  Called mom's place and the worker said she had found the pills after all - so after the prescription company thinks I'm selling meds things are okay - although I wonder about the way they organize the meds!  Tried to call to reschedule appointment I missed last Monday but no answer.  I sewed a new design - not that much fun as just following a line from a template.  Also made a bunch of new blocks to use for FMQAYGQAL.

    Friday - Finally some people for conference have started to recall or email me - I was getting blue with all the non-communication... DH walked with me to cafe for breakfast, it sort of helped. I made pizza dough and then pizza for dinner.  One with sausage and pepperoni and marinara sauce/cheese.  One with cream cheese, cinnamon sugar, and sliced bananas.  Yum.

    Saturday - Our new BBQ seems to be broken.  We did almost finish priming the gate - it's hard to get the spaces between the boards done.  If I ever get a fence again I will prime before they build the fence!  It was really hot today so I'm embarrassed but I took shower and then took a long nap with fans shooting air on me.  I barely answered emails on the conference - but toward the end of the day almost everyone I wanted had emailed me to report in so feeling better.

    Sunday - We got up a little late but still finished the priming - now ready for painting but it was getting too hot and I didn't want to loose the day with the heat.  We went out to eat then DH worked upstairs and I watched TV and really got things in order to work again on my quilting projects.  I broke the bobbin at the very end so didn't get to finish all I wanted to.  Did get to chat with the friend who is going to stay in our house while we are gone. and one of the conference ladies - took a long time as she doesn't know google docs or maybe it's spreadsheets.  She teaching kids how to do pod casts and produce videos.

    Monday - Emails for conference.  Going to banks/credit unions to compare information. Some sewing and planning for projects. Got the sample sandwiches from the place doing the sandwiches for dinner tonight.  DS came by for a little since his class was cancelled he was eating chili when I came in. Two hour call with the lady who is going to be the point of contact with the events manager - hurray!  Tomorrow I have three meetings for the conference! 7:30 am, 3:30pm, 8:30pm.




    Wednesday, September 26, 2012

    SewCalGal - FMQ Challenge - September 2012


    SeptemberPaula Reid


    My progress

    Tracing the pattern.



    : )







    Back
    Front

    This design looks okay - but not that much fun to sew....  following the lines makes it too perfect to me. Although I'd like to do with some pages from a kids coloring book - that sounds fun somehow.

    I did a similar design earlier this year doing it free hand.  The extra corner pieces in the template are nice. And another one that used a template too...

    It's actually amazing how much I have learned thru my FMQing practice.  I'm very lucky to have three online challenges guiding me thru different projects and different ways to finish things up!

    Now I'm switching to piecing houses for online swap of liberated houses!



    You too can join up with the 2012 SewCalGal's Free-Motion Quilt Challenge now to become a better free motion quilter and have the chance to win fabulous prizes!!  

     To enter the September drawing:
    1. Write blog entry or post a photo on Flicker. Copy and save the URL.
    2. Then go to http://sewcalgal.blogspot.com/p/free-motion-quilt-challenge.html
    3. Click on the August link - you'll go to the screen with information about the challenge for September. The direct link is: 
    http://www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com/2012/09/2012-free-motion-quilting-challenge.html
    4. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen and add the link to your site.

    I'm coding all my entries about this project with SewCalGalFMQ2012 so clicking on that will show the most recent post on top.I was the last one to sign up this time.... as I forgot to do when I finished the block.

    Tuesday, September 25, 2012

    My Days - Fabric and Other Things (Sep 18 - 24)


    Fabric
    Tuesday - Nothing with fabric
    Wednesday -
    Thursday -
    Friday -
    Saturday -
    Sunday -
    Monday -

    Archers
    Tuesday -
    Wednesday -
    Thursday -
    Friday -
    Saturday -
    Sunday -
    Monday -

    Way Too Much Information
    Tuesday - I have finished the kitchen (except under the sink and the frig)!  DH was gone all day and DS popped in and out a few times - I worked on computer so he could finish up his homework for his class in peace.  I haven't decided if I will go to the den or the living room after I finish the kitchen.  I have a collection started of things to sell or give away on the counter between the kitchen and the den. Will need to clear that off before I can have people over....

    Wednesday - Conference.

    Thursday - Took more out for exercise and nails.  She is doing well.

    Friday -

    Saturday - Compiling info for the conference.

    Sunday - Meeting for conference - took all day.

    Monday - Spent all day working to get forms from speakers required by venue in database so I could send them an email telling them when their talk is scheduled and if we needed the form from them.  Stupid way to spend time - that form is taking up a lot of time.

    Tuesday, September 18, 2012

    My Days - Fabric and Other Things (Sep 11 - Sep 17)


    Fabric
    Tuesday - Nothing with fabric
    Wednesday -
    Thursday -
    Friday -
    Saturday -
    Sunday -
    Monday -

    Archers
    Tuesday -
    Wednesday -
    Thursday -
    Friday -
    Saturday -
    Sunday -
    Monday -

    Way Too Much Information
    Tuesday - Bookkeeper came by.  Even though I had reconciled almost everything there was still about 7 hours of work to do!  That pretty much ate up the day.

    Wednesday - Didn't get organized well - spent day waiting for email answers.

    Thursday - Took mom to exercise and then to have her nails done.  It's amazing how well she is doing. I'm very proud of her - and happy she is doing so well.

    Friday - Back to working on the conference.  There are still lots of things that have to be done manually...  went to the place were are considering to cater the event - they closed a full hour sooner than their website said it would - and didn't answer phone.  I got some dim sum and came home and nibbled waiting for DH to come home.  It's 108 degrees.  We aren't used to that.  The fan isn't really helping... Hired a guy to the weeding next week.  I suggested he start at 7am to try and get ahead of the heat....

    Saturday - Way to hot again.  Got up late so I could stay in the bedroom.  Then plopped in the den with the fan and TV.  Around 2 got DH to leave with me for a lunch in an A/Ced place - we went to a sandwich shop.  It was cool....  then to grocery store - another A/Ced place.  We got stuff for a BBQ and ice to put in front of the fan.  20 lbs melted within an hour!  When we started making dinner I texted DS to see if he'd like to come for dinner and then to watch Dr Who - was surprised and happy that he said yes.  He had to walk the dog first so it was an hour before they arrived.  It was a nice evening.   Dr Who didn't happen as something was taking too long to process - we watched a few Big Bang theories - too hot to do anything that requires thinking.  I again mentioned the crepes - DS seemed interested and so did his friend - but no emails to confirm anything so far.  I spend so much time emailing and waiting.  Some people I call and still have to wait.  Guess I'm just on a different schedule than others - but I'm tired of waiting and even more tired of going thru emails and writing up summary emails.  It's just plain rude for people to not respond.  Some people I don't even write to anymore just to be friendly - it takes no time at all to send back a smily face or thanks...

    Sunday - Didn't get a lot done.  Waiting for information regarding the conference.  Did make hummus for the first time - was nice to have for dinner with the flatbread I made too.  Very hot today.

    Monday - As soon as DH left I got started with going thru the kitchen cupboards.  Was abel to get thru about half.  We actually don't have a lot of food in our cupboards - but we do have a lot of sugar and rice!  And flour - but I keep that in the frig and that's in the frig that I haven't gotten to yet....I think we are going to go ahead and get the bamboo floor in the kitchen.  If it warps by the sink then I'll have tile put down there. Need to decide and hire people to things....



    Tuesday, September 11, 2012

    My Days - Fabric and Other Things (Sept 4 - 10)




    Fabric
    Tuesday - Nothing with fabric
    Wednesday - I got email back from the lady who organized the QAYG QAL - she said that actually the method she had proposed for the project for joining the blocks worked okay - but getting the rows together was a bear and she would not use that way again.  So I'm left to figure out how to join those rows after all....!  I think I'm going to add strips of fabric - too bad that will now change the intended design for the quilt....
    Thursday -
    Friday -
    Saturday -
    Sunday -
    Monday -

    Archers
    Tuesday -
    Wednesday -
    Thursday -
    Friday -
    Saturday -
    Sunday -
    Monday -

    Way Too Much Information
    Tuesday - Got more bookkeeping down - DS was late in coming so I ended up meeting him so he could take his car to campus and I took my mom back to her place.  We all had dinner together - grilled chicken, vegetables and salad.  It was really nice for the three of us to eat together.

    Wednesday -Today was DH birthday - it was nice that DS came over and planned to stay for the day.  Unfortunately or what ever he had homework to do, DH had bookkeeping and class stuff to do, and I was busy on the bookkeeping and filing.  We all stayed in the office with the A/C on though so it was nice.  We went to Soup Plantation for lunch and Haritna Mediterranean Restaurant for dinner. Like being a family again.  I stayed up way too late sending out emails for the conference - we really need to get our numbers up!

    Thursday - Making good progress with bookkeeping.  DS was supposed to come over to help paint, but he cancelled so I just kept working on bookkeeping  I can taste the end in sight.  Late in the evening DH finally finished what he needed to do - that frees me to do the final stuff I need to do before calling the real bookkeeper over!  Watched President Obama in real time at the convention.

    Friday - Mainly bookkeeping. Finding excel files and putting in monthly notes to get the files ready for the bookkeeper.

    Saturday - A day off!  We four spent the day together for DH's birthday.  He likes to looks at UFO sites for "his" days.  We started by going to http://www.unarius.org/  These people believe in past lives on earth and other planets.
    Who among us has not asked, Are We Alone? Is There Intelligent Life elsewhere in the Universe and if so what is the nature of extraterrestrials? Are UFOs real? Why are they here? Do extraterrestrial civilizations exist? Could UFOs offer us a glimpse into the reality of Extraterrestrial Life and alien technology? Polls reveal that over 90% of the American people believe in UFOs.
    Somehow all the 'people' from the other planets looks like humans and they wear interesting clothes!  DH is interested to know if the people really believe or if they are all in on a hoax.  We didn't find out this trip, but this is what he likes to do so we do it with him.  Next month there is a event he wants to go to:
    “WELCOME SPACE BROTHERS"
    The 29th Interplanetary Conclave of Light
    October 13 & 14, 2012
    After that we went to Julian where there is a used bookstore that features UFO stuff - but this time there were not many books.  It was a nice day though walking the street and having lunch.

    Sunday - Did a lot of work for the conference I am chairing - emails - invoicing - counting, etc.  Our numbers are always so low at this stage of the year.  It's nice to have time to do the extra emails....

    Monday - Minor straightening up - then off to dentist.  After that I went out to lunch and delivered things to be sent out via FedEx and USPS.  Finally mailed the things we got in Jamaica to the two new babys.  Bob Marley bib and onesy.  Silly gifts - that cost over $7 to mail!  Then I went to El Cajon and had meeting with the lady who is doing the preregistration stuff for the groups - turns out one has to use a mouse to so some of the things needed in Google spreadsheets.  Now I think she is set for doing everything.  I will do the invoicing based on what she has in the spreadsheets.  Should work out swell.
    Tomorrow the bookkeeper comes by - I'm hoping I can pass all of 2011 off to him - then I can concentrate on clearning and sewing for a while!

    Tuesday, September 4, 2012

    My Days - Fabric and Other Things (Aug 28 - Sep 3)


    Fabric
    Tuesday - Nothing with fabric
    Wednesday -
    Thursday - I set up the machine and practiced the August SewCalGal Challenge.  I did the border example as I couldn't get even the paper and pencil versions of the other types so they looked half way decent.
    Friday -
    Saturday -
    Sunday - I started sewing my FMQAYGQAL blocks.  I have watched the video and clicked on the links but am still not sure how to join the rows -but figured I'd never find out if I didn't do it.  I'll take photos so the next person won't have to worry about it.
    Monday -

    Archers
    Tuesday -
    Wednesday -
    Thursday -  I listened to the ArchersOmni: 2012-07-08 while I was in the sewing room and the house was empty.  Boy, I've missed a bunch - hoping I can get a little more caught up in the story.  I guess I don't understand how iTunes it self works as I thought I'd automatically be getting the story.  It was nice to have company while I was drawing and sewing!
    Friday -
    Saturday -
    Sunday -
    Monday -

    Way Too Much Information

    Front yard.  There is a slope from the rock wall to the sidewalk and
    a low, spread out pile of dirt, rocks gravel, junk closer to the house.
    Tuesday - Went to a wonderful nursery today -  Las Pilitas Nursery - only carries real native California plants!  The landscaper helped me lay out the front yard.  

    I left with a list of things to do and the order to do them: level the ground (or send it away), Harvest more gravel and rocks, Plan where the dry river bed will go and the water lines. (mark with upside down paint) Get supplies at farm supply (Grangetto's or Hunters).  (She suggested 3/4  inch flexible poly tubing and pop up sprinklers*) Dig for the river bed and water lines.  Have water lines put in.  Put rocks in river bed and plant!
    The front yard planting guide

    * Native plants do not do well with drip systems!
    She recommended not putting fabric under the dry river bed - instead to use round-up there.  She said the fabric deteriorates after a few years and is a pain to pick out between the rocks.

    Then I had planning meeting for the conference.  Got a lot of information, still a few decisions to make, etc.  The folks who attended were all really nice.  It will be a good event - much better than last year!  I'm doing a better job of getting more help ahead of time so most of the big jobs are smaller.

    I notified the master gardener that I would not be needing her services at this time.

    Wednesday - I didn't get much accomplished today.  I wrote up a job aid for someone on the committee but haven't gotten any feedback so not sure if I was clear or if the procedure is too complicated.  I cleaned the kitchen, but didn't do any bookkeeping, writing up of notes from meeting yesterday, sewing.  Nothing.  AND I ate poorly too: 2 mints, peanut butter and jam sandwich, figs and walnuts.  I wonder why that happens?  It was hot, but no excuse or real reason not to get more work done.

    Thursday - Very hot today.  Made sure to sleep so I was alert today.  I changed out one more of the sprinklers.  I hope the dual spray rainbirds will help get the water where it needs to go!  I had the house to myself so did some cleaning and pulled out my drafts of the August challenge - they do not look very well.  In the end I decided to do the border version.

    Friday - Hot today.  Again just couldn't get started with finishing things.  In the evening I finally wrote up the notes for the Tuesday meeting and did the emails needed for the conference.  DH BBQed hotdogs for dinner - it was nice - although I really didn't want to eat any more for a month or so.  I've gone way  over my quota for once a month hot dogs.  I did get the data I need into FMP, then remembered I can't do the math there so am bringing it back out in excel - more difficult there to match columns....

    Saturday - Started off the day by watering, planning yard in my head some more, bringing in the 2011 data into excel and successfully got rid of different year data and the data without proper coding for reimbursements and brought in the right stuff.  Then started the day long break it seems.  We have watched the last Christmas Special for Dr WHO and are now watching the newest episode while our first tri-tip is slow cooking on the BBQ.  We also are roasting the last beets from the garden.  DH did some weeding or cutting back of leaves in the AM so that's good.  He was probably working when I came downstairs and started on the unproductive day that this has turned out to be.  But it's nice to see Dr WHO again. Tomorrow I can get caught up with bookkeeping and restart clearning things out and hiring help for the house.

    Sunday - Got a good rest.  Woke and got right started with bookkeeping.  I had forgotten that I needed to print out statements so took a side trip to do that.  In the end I had to go to store and get some new printer toner.  I"m not finished, but got farther along.  I hope tomorrow I can get a lot more done.  It was sort of nice to get out to store for the toner.  Walked around a bit too - and went to Costco to get salad - they have a new to me bagged Kale salad that we will try out.  Stopped to visit mom - left supplies.  She said she didn't want TV nor radio that she just spent her time thinking about things.  She didn't say what - maybe I should push her sometime....  At home DH got the new cable boxes in place so we   watch some TV while we had our left over tri-tip, corn, black bean, tomato, BBQ sauce and vinegar and oil salad.  Was nice.  I did some more work- I already think I keep deposit slips and deposit slips handy - but this time I forgot one deposit -and have to look to see where the checks were written.  I like the UBOC site so much better than USE Credit Union - and also better than OCTFCU - only UBOC let's me see the deposit slips and the checks - for many years back.  I really need to close those other accounts - at least the USE ones as they charge so much and really are lousy with customer service.

    Monday - More work on bookkeeping....

    Thursday, August 30, 2012

    SewCalGal - FMQ Challenge - August 2012

    AugustWendy Sheppard


    Before:  This design was really difficult.  The drawings showed how to do a few of them, but I wasn't sure how to turn the fabric.  I drew and drew on the back of old conference paper throughout the week.  I printed one of the examples out and tried to add on more design - but it never looked very nice.

    So I decided to concentrate on the border example - and after spending even more pieces of paper drawing it out (and even downloading the image form the site and tracing the stitching), I finally was able to do an example of the jester in a border.

    SewCalGal - Aug 2012 - Front

    SewCalGal - Aug 2012 - Back
    After:  It was much easier to do the stitching that I thought it would be.

    I will remember this design to add to a border!













    You too can join up with the 2012 SewCalGal's Free-Motion Quilt Challenge now to become a better free motion quilter and have the chance to win fabulous prizes!!  

     To enter the August drawing:
    1. Write blog entry or post a photo on Flicker. Copy and save the URL.
    2. Then go to http://sewcalgal.blogspot.com/p/free-motion-quilt-challenge.html
    3. Click on the August link - you'll go to the screen with information about the challenge for August. The direct link is: 
    hhttp://sewcalgal.blogspot.com/2012/08/2012-free-motion-quilting-challenge.html
    4. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen and add the link to your site.

    I'm #119 on this list! I'm coding all my entries about this project with SewCalGalFMQ2012 so clicking on that will show the most recent post on top.

    Tuesday, August 28, 2012

    My Days - Fabric and Other Things (Aug 21 - Aug 27)


    My Days - Fabric and Other Things

    Fabric
    Tuesday - Nothing with fabric
    Wednesday -
    Thursday -
    Friday -
    Saturday -
    Sunday -
    Monday -

    Archers
    Tuesday -
    Wednesday -
    Thursday -
    Friday -
    Saturday -
    Sunday -
    Monday -

    Way Too Much Information
    Tuesday - I spent most of the day cleaning.  Later in the day I did some work in the garden - keep getting more bites but it's very gratifying to see the things grow.  Wish my DH would participate more, but now school is starting up again for him.  I sent email to the committee asking them to preregister to test the forms - so far only one has done that.

    Wednesday - I finally started doing the bookkeeping that I've been putting off.  Chatted with my friend in the evening - she said if I really don't like doing the bookkeeping maybe I should hire someone to do.  But really it's my job to it and it does feel so nice to know where things stand - frustrating when incorrect cards are used to pay for things - then I have to go thru everything.  But it won't take all that much time I think to get things up to date.  Only one more committee member preregistered and the group procedures haven't been tested at all that I can see.

    Thursday - I had trouble sleeping so got up early and watered the front.  As I was standing there I saw that someone's sprinklers were broken as I could see the water in the gutter.  I decided it was early enugh that I could walk down and see which house it was a leave a note.  Imagine my surprise to see water gushing out of the new drain under our sidewalk!  Turns out the neighbors line had burst and was flooding the side of the house.  Thank goodness Josie put a drain there - really got a workout.  B told me tonight the water was still gushing when he left at 8:30 so that's over three hours!  Oh well.  We will probably need to get more grass anyway for the front yard....  I spent the day getting refreshed with what I had done in Quickbooks and printing out reports that I'll need to refer to to get up to date in QB. Had someone come by to estimate cost to paint exterior of the house - DS called sort of late and asked what the plan was.  I asked him to get mani/pedi for grandma.  After we had a little talk - we don't do that often enough - it's awkward when we do.  Oh well.  My friend's son has a job at hospital three days a week so the semester for DS and him to get to know each other again is out.  I got a horrible headache after reading that email - but had had dinner now so feel better.

    Friday - Finally getting to the bookkeeping.  It's not that bad once I get into the swing of things.  If I could do a little each week it would be good - or even everyday.  But it's easier to wait until the statements are published....  I've forgotten the password for one of the accounts and am frozen out now - but it's the last one to do for that account - then I have to get the data for the other accounts - but it won't take that long.  I was frozen out of Quickbooks for a while, called VI and he tried to help via the phone.  But then it didn't work for the next step - he ended up coming by for about ten minutes.  He was somewhere on the 805 on his way home.  I guess I should get a harddrive to make back ups of everything - and start to scan things so I can get rid of the papers!  Tomorrow DH will be at work so I plan to get that last account done and then will reward myself with some sewing time.  Got the price for the painting - a full $1K more than the first price I got!  So will call Jose to have him put us on his schedule again.  I also called a master gardener and put us on her list to come back and consult.  I told her I was interested in above ground sprinklers, native plants, and UC Verde grass - hope she can come by before the gutters are installed so I can get her input on the placement of the rain chains.  But it will all work out no matter what. It rained a little this morning but since UC Verde told me to water more that wasn't a problem.  But if it's cool I might be able to spend some time in the front moving the dirt around to see if a mound would be good to have in the front.....

    Saturday - DH was on campus today so I was able to finish getting up to date in QB for QG.  Next I will be able to get the data for 2011 and 2012 into FMP - or maybe into QB too!  I feel very good about this progress.  In the afternoon though I had to switch gears and went to Costco to get a cake for a party we are going to to welcome the new students and alumni to the school year.  I had actually forgotten it was Saturday.  Was amazed to see so many people there on Friday - tried to think about what holiday was coming up - then just got into the food samples.  It was fun.  It wasn't until I was stuffing my face with a taquito and guacamole and commented to someone that they said how there were always lots of food samples on the weekend.  After a couple more sentences I figured out it wasn't Friday....!  The party was at a professors new house - they have just been there for 6 weeks.  Beautiful and all on one level - well one step up to the kitchen and to the shower stall in the master bath.  5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, formal dining, kitchen dining.  The nicest bar I have ever seen at someone's place - nice pool and they own the lot next door too!  They got it for a great price - I know they will have it fully decorated next time we are there.  They are they kind that are not afraid to have walls moved around to make things better (they have a lot of money).  It was a nice evening - someone from my organization was there and we got to chat too.

    Sunday - Couldn't sleep - so cleared away some of the boxes the lady left for me to figure out the stuff for the organization - watered the front yard - put the dishes away then slept.  Then woke again and DH and I worked together to get BBQ together for two guys from the organization to come over.  Had a great time chatting - the first guy knows about landscaping and gardening - he gave me a good idea for the front yard.  To pick several plants and plant them in a curving design coming from one point - the different plants will make a pattern but because not in a straight line.  I can have my planters nearer to the house.  Hmm.  So now I just need to pick plants and figure out the irrigation and get it going! We had mini bell peppers/sliced cucumbers with Hummus for appetizer and marinated in oil, vinegar, lots of Mexican spices/BBQ chicken and zucchini, my peach/cucumber/tomatoe/red onion/ black bean/mint/honey salad, figs with honey and walnuts, potato salad (from store), for lunch then a piece of apple pie with whipped cream.  Good conversation - I planned this as one guy is just getting divorced and the other has been divorced two times so they had a chance to talk about that - it was a good session I think - and a good lunch too.  So I'm not sure if I get to take a day off from QB or if I can reward myself with some sewing.....

    Monday - Today I slept until 9am - then went to computer to look at emails and to research above ground irrigation.  DS came in about 11:30 way early for his first class for his MA, it was nice to see him excited.  I changed and took him to campus in his car - then drove to Walmart to get supplies for mom - got gas in DS's car - and dropped by to see her and put the supplies in her room.  The student I hired to do exercises with her during the break arrived - said hello and left to go to 99¢ Store.  Got new hand soap and bottle to refill hand soap and other soap.  Found brooms for 99¢!  What a deal.  Got a blue one for the kitchen and a brown one for outside - then when I got home decided to store the brown one and instead put the old kitchen broom outside.  The second painter company came to give estimate.  In his opinion caulking between the pieces of wood wouldn't do anything to prevent termites, and water proofing the bottom of the house wouldn't do anything either.  That I'd need to repaint in around 7 years.  So I got his bid - and although it was thorough, decided to go with the man who did the work in the back yard and will do the kitchen.  I looked at native plant sites and also decided to not hire the master gardener to help - as in the end I have to decide on the plants.  She kept saying she would have help with how to plant -but I think I will have Jose do that.  She didn't say anything about above ground irrigation until the third email from me - so I just don't think it's a match with her right now.  I'll spend that money and got to workshops myself to learn things.  Seems for native plants the fall is a good time to plant so if not doing UC Verde right now there is no rush. Tomorrow is meeting for the conference - I'm thinking of leaving way early and going to a native plant nursery to see plants and make final decision on hiring the master gardener to help.


    Tuesday, August 21, 2012

    My Days - Fabric and Other Things Aug 14 - 20)


    Fabric
    Tuesday - Nothing with fabric
    Wednesday -
    Thursday -
    Friday -
    Saturday -
    Sunday -
    Monday -

    Archers
    Tuesday -
    Wednesday -
    Thursday -
    Friday -
    Saturday -
    Sunday -
    Monday -

    Way Too Much Information
    Tuesday - Took mom to exercise for her last day for a month.  I have hired a student to come work with her so she keeps up with her exercise.  It's too hot to walk her to the beauty college - I'll ask DS to drive her tomorrow.  Worked on the agenda for the planning meeting with online help from President and DH.  At the meeting DH took minutes.  I got several nice compliments on how I ran the meeting.  They appreciated that I kept them to task without seeming to rush them - made me feel great to hear that!

    Wednesday - Hot.  Dragged DH back to IKEA for that bed.  But we realized we could save a bunch by pulling the boxes to van and putting together ourselves, so we just ate and returned home.  I worked on the vendor form - testing to verify it was saving information.  DH had to tweek.  I typed in some suggestions from the meeting last night but ended up getting help from someone who had some better phrases to use.  So now that form is open too.  Picked yellow squash - had that with left overs for dinner.

    Thursday - Hot. Working on getting forms and webpages ready for the conference.  DS came and took mom to beauty college.  It took a long time - after 90 minutes he told me he went to the front desk to ask how long it would be.  Turns out the student just left my mom there....  One of the teachers apparently stepped in and finished up the haircut and styling.  When DS told me the place was closed - I'll have to call to get the details.

    Friday - Hot. Working on getting forms and webpages ready for the conference.

    Saturday - Hot. Working on getting forms and webpages ready for the conference. We were supposed to go to Julian for the star party, but DH didn't feel well so we cancelled the BBQ and the star party.

    Sunday - Hot.  Was planning on just working on our bookkeeping, but a committee chair for the conference emailed - he had time today to work on things so I helped and also did some work on the house.  During the mowing I cut off a sprinkler head that Josie had left too high - I didn't see it as the grass was high too.  So got side tracked figuring out how to fix that.  I went to Home Depot and got three sprinklers as there was one that kept turning direction at the side of the house, and there was a sign on the kind there that said it also would water near the sprinkler head so I replaced the one where we have some brown patches.  The one that I ran over though didn't work right when I put it in, so tomorrow I'll get a new one.

    Monday - Had a difficult time sleeping - slept in on Monday.  It wasn't as hot as it has been, but I had that sprinkler to take care of.  Had breakfast, then realized I had to charge my phone.  Dug the sprinkler area a little lower - then finally to Home Depot.  But first had to drop by mom's with more supplies - DS didn't leave enough last Thursday.  Returned the adjustable sprinkler - looked at the new plant offerings, got another sprinkler - looked for a 2 in one but couldn't find one.  Did get a soaker hose and a little joiner deal so I can hook the soaker to a regular hose.  Then to store for Egyptian Licorice Mint tea and pineapple popcycles!  Made some tea and cooled down then went outside to fix the sprinkler and set up the new soaker around the peach and the lime tree.  The lime tree works great - the peach tree and planters don't seen to be getting enough water pressure.  I discovered that you can buy a two sided tube that you can twist in the hole to connect it to the sprinkler - and that can be taller so when you clear the line by turning on the water it doesn't flood the sprinkler line with mud.  Made a delicious salad for dinner:  five diced peaches, one can black beans rinsed, about 4 T finely chopped mint, and squeezes of honey to taste.  Had that with a hot dog for dinner.  DH wanted the hot dog - I couldn't resist.

    Tuesday, August 14, 2012

    My Days - Fabric and Other Things Aug 7-Aug 13


    My Days - Fabric and Other Things

    Fabric
    Tuesday - Nothing with fabric
    Wednesday -
    Thursday -
    Friday -
    Saturday -
    Sunday -
    Monday -

    Archers
    Tuesday -
    Wednesday -
    Thursday -
    Friday -
    Saturday -
    Sunday -
    Monday -

    Way Too Much Information
    Tuesday - I got up early to work on conference things - didn't even water the front yard!  Before I knew it DS was here (he had said he would come on Sunday but pushed it off to today as he adopted a dog last Friday).  He and DH chatted on their project then DS and I went to get my mom for her exercise class.  He filled out timesheets then we had lunch - and ran in to a man who said he would probably be able to give DS a job on campus since he would be taking his MA there!  What a lucky break!  DS dropped me off at home to work on conference stuff and he took mom for manicure and pedicure.  I worked on conference with DH then when DS returned he and DH had meeting about their project.  We harvested our first zucchini, the french radishes, also some basil, dill, and onion chives - what fun!  I have never been successful with zucchini before - I hope we have lots and lots so I can use and give away!

    Wednesday - Worked on conference things.  Tried to make appointments for my mom but the doctor's office had the wrong approval so nothing happened there.  I need to finish some bookkeeping, but keep putting it and my sewing off.

    Thursday - SDG&E sent an email to challenge us to use less electricity between 11 and 6 - so I went to campus with my husband.  We used 2 KwH - the challenge was to use less than 5 KwH.  Our reward is $2.25.  I spent the day either visiting DS who came to campus to bring my mom to her exercise class - or working on the forms for the conference in the fall.  In the evening one of the ladies offered to help prune back all the words I had put up - so I set her up to make improvements for me. The other chair was very busy making changes and suggestions for the other committee so that kept me busy.

    Friday - When I woke there were no more changes.  Later in the day the first lady wrote and said she had deleted the emails from me last night so I compiled what I thought I sent to her and sent - but 6 hours later there are no changes.  And the other guy called and we chatted but there are no changes from him either.  But the forms are working so I'm really close to releasing things to the public and sending forms out to the potential speaker list.  Then we can work on the preregistration forms.... It was another SDG&E challenge day but this time we decided to stay home.  I mowed the lawn with electric mower for around 20 minutes.  DS and I set up the solar cooker that I had put together in a meetup workshop years ago and never used.  We then cut up some zucchini from the garden (my first one) and other store bought vegetables and put in the solar cooker.  But we started that too late in the day (1:30pm) so nothing really happened.  Had a nice time chatting.  I made lunch (tuna in salad).  Finished downloading the website for the organization and when DS left got to work making updates on the speaker and exhibitor forms and webpages.  Wrote a few emails and took a call from the site liaison just before going to grocery store.  She had finally connected with the person from campus and had new information so that was good.  I got a selection of hot dogs at the store.  DH was so happy with how quickly the new BBQ heated up - the hot dogs were delicious.

    Saturday - Woke late - it was hot.  DS came by around 8am with his new little dog.  I met the dog then went back to sleep as I hadn't slept much - got up to work on the conference and do laundry. The ppl came for the conference meeting.  The records are not up to snuff - but we have all the files and papers and supplies so it will take time, but we will be able to figure things out.  Then got ready for BR and DR to come for BBQ - DH did a nice chicken with the stuffing and vegetables DS and I had started the day before.  DS left for little amounts of times and I tried to bond with the little dog - but she wasn't going for that.  We went to Ray at Night and saw the shops - had little hot fudge sundaes before returning home.

    Sunday - Woke late - it was hot.  Dragged DH to IKEA to try and get new bed - I want one without a box spring so that means we have to get headboard too.  So we had breakfast, looked, decided on headboard then tested mattresses.  We decided to buy but IKEA was out of the slats.  So we have to go back in person on Tuesday to order - should be we have new bed on Thursday.  Then DH told me DS and friends were coming over for dinner - I knew we were going out to see the meteor showers but didn't know about dinner.  So we stopped at store and got supplies for salad and steak to slice and put on top.  It was fun to pick the second zucchini and squash and to use the chives for the meal.  Turns out there were clouds so we didn't go out.

    Monday - Another hot day.  Spent it working on the conference and trying to conserve energy....