December 31, 2010

New Year

I had a very wonderful birthday yesterday (yes, I'm one of those Christmas/Birthday people).  DVS took me out to lunch and then we went shopping for a new tv.  Not a big expensive one, just one we can put in our bedroom.  Best Buy had some great sales and that's where we ended up.  When we got home and I checked Facebook, I was overwhelmed by all the birthday wishes from my friends and family.  Awesome!

I haven't done any sewing the last couple of weeks.  Hopefully I'll be able to start working on that t-shirt quilt tomorrow or Sunday.

My friend from Illinois and her husband are here and they're coming over tonight to play pool and celebrate New Year's.  We've been friends since the 8th grade and I'm so happy we still get to see each other on a regular basis.  If I have any resolution this year, it would be to try and keep in touch more with friends and family.  It always seems life gets in the way, but then you realize, this is life.  I'm very blessed to have such great people in my life.

Here's a toast to all of you and I wish you a very Happy New Year and a great start to 2011!

P.S.  The great clip art came from HubPages.  Be sure to check them out!

December 25, 2010

Merry Christmas! and Our Christmas Duck

When I went out this morning to put corn out for the ducks that roam the neighborhood, this little female was standing at the end of our driveway.  I guess she decided our yard wasn't a bad place to rest. . .



Photos by Tracey Van Slyke

We've been trying to feed them because it's been pretty cold here (at least for North Florida).  We've had freeze warnings all week long and it looks like we might not be done yet. I love it!!  But I'm not so sure they do. 

May you all have a very Merry Christmas!

December 22, 2010

We All Sew

I'm just thrilled that the wonderful people at We All Sew picked my blog as one of the favorties this week.  Be sure you head over to their site and check them out!  Thanks guys!

December 21, 2010

Another Project - Finished!

I finished the Suzi purse insert by Lazy Girl Designs on Saturday.  Seriously, if you haven't tried one of these patterns run, run, run and buy one.  The directions are very well written, easy to understand and have lots of great pictures to help you.  I'm already planning on a couple more of these.


And because I don't have enough to do this month, I signed up for a stash busting class at our local quilt store, Cinnamon's.  Our great teachers/friends, Carolyn and Faye went over string piecing and boy, am I hooked.  Haven't decided what to do with these blocks yet, but I couldn't stop making them!

 














That's all for tonight.  Have a great rest of the day!

December 17, 2010

A Little Football


I know this is a blog about quilting, etc. but I need to talk a little football and my team, the Jaguars.  They have managed to scratch and claw their way into 1st place in our division and on the way, we have had some heart stopping games at home.  This Sunday we travel to Indianapolis and the Colts to play for the division title (commence nail biting).  If we win, we're in the playoffs, if not, well, you know the story and this team certainly does as well.  We've been in these positions before when it's win or you're out.  HOWEVER, we have not been in 1st place in the division since I think, 1999 and this year feels a little different.  The boys are walking with their heads held a little higher and more smiles on their faces than I've seen in a long time.  They are gaining confidence they can win and I've seen true heart from all of them.  So, even if we don't manage to bring it home on Sunday, we can still be very proud of this young football team. 

GO JAGUARS!

December 10, 2010

Happy

Finally!



On to finishing my mom's Christmas table topper.  It's in the washer as I write this.  LOVE having days off.  I get so much done.  Got my hair cut at 9:30 a.m. and was picking out Christmas presents by 10.  Great day! 

December 9, 2010

'Tis the Season


You can definitely tell Christmas is coming!  Lately, all I've been doing is making last minute gifts (embroidered Christmas towels), putting up and decorating the tree, and this weekend, baking.  We have the second to last home game this coming Sunday against Oakland and every year DVS likes to give out cookies to all our wonderful security and field people that he comes in contact with during the season.  Soo, Saturday will be our official "baking day".  I'm off tomorrow to get some much needed shopping done and maybe some more much needed sewing. 

I finished my "Happy Quilt".  Pictures to come.  I have to wait until the weekend so I can take them during the day in the sunlight.  It's quite dark now when I get home at night after work.  Go figure.  This quilt will be going to the mother of one of our close friends.  She is having a bone marrow transplant starting this week and will be in isolation for almost 3 months.  She is such a trooper, though.  She is one of the most positive people I've ever met.  If anyone can beat this thing, I know she can.  Sending love and prayers her way.  Oh, and Ducky, when you're better, I WILL kick your butt in Wii Ping Pong. 

Have a great rest of the week everyone.  I'll check in this weekend.

December 1, 2010

One Project Down, About a Million to Go

I finished the Lazy Girl purse I was working on.  Not bad.  Except for breaking 3 needles before figuring out which one to use to sew over the zipper, it was very easy to make and the instructions are fantastic!  The zipper was so easy.  You actually make the bag in 2 separate sections and then sew them together. 


I guess I really, really need to start working on some Christmas gifts.  Better late than never.  :-)

The weather here is crazy.  Yesterday, it was 83, we had the air conditioning on and I wore shorts and a tshirt on my walk.  Today, it's barely 50, I wore a coat to work and we have freeze warnings tonight.  Like I said, Crazy!

Have a great day!

November 25, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving!

I'm so thankful for my wonderful family and friends.  Have a Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

November 23, 2010

Lazy Girl Summer Tote

I took quick pictures this morning.  Here is the tote using Brooklyn Heights by Benartex.  These are the front and back covers.


And here is what the inside looks like.  I should point out the inside lining is not Brooklyn Heights.  I'm afraid I've totally forgotten what it is.  I'll find out and let you know.


That's all for now.  More later!

November 22, 2010

It's Almost Thanksgiving


I know, I know, it's been a while.  However, football season really takes it's toll.  We've not had a free weekend in almost 3 weeks.  Good news, the Jaguars have won their last three games and are now #1 in the AFC South!  Woo Hoo!

We have family coming on Friday for the weekend.  Looking forward to it, but have lots to do to get ready.

On the sewing side of things, I've been working diligently on this Lazy Girls Design Purse for my friend T.  It's called the Summer Tote and it's SUPER EASY!  We're using Brooklyn Heights by Benartex.  It's going to be very cute!

After that's done, I have to start working on the tshirt quilt.  I'll show pictures when I begin. 

Anyway, I'm off Wednesday so I'll update more this week and show you pictures of the purse in progress. 

Have a great week!

November 11, 2010

I'm Still Here and Veteran's Day

It's been a very busy couple of weeks for me so I really haven't gotten much sewing done.  My husband is a professional photographer and to keep expenses down, I tag along and help when I can.  The past few weekends were busy with a halloween party and a wedding (this past Friday and Saturday) and then a baby shower.  Had to whip up a quick burp cloth for that one. 

On a sewing note, I'm making another t-shirt quilt.  Yay!  These are so much fun to make and it's nice to know people really appreciate them.  I'm also going to start working on a purse for a friend of mine.  Has anyone made any of the Lazy Girl purses?  She picked one of those patterns and it seems pretty easy and straight forward.



Thank you to all our Veteran's and their families who served and fought so that we can enjoy the freedom have.

October 31, 2010

Halloween!!!

Happy Halloween Everyone!  Be safe!

October 21, 2010

It's Your Birthday



Today was my friend, Teresa's, birthday!  Happy Birthday Girlfriend!  That's quite a haul ya got there. 

Look Who's Here!





Yay!  The Blue Angels are here.  The Jacksonville Air Show 2010 is Saturday and you can bet we'll be there!  Love these shows.  DVS took this photo sitting on the roof of our house as they were practicing.  Very cool.

October 19, 2010

Sigh . . .

Bad, bad, bad, stinky loss last night. . . and on Monday Night Football no less.  Oh well, on to Kansas City.  Is the season over yet?

October 18, 2010

Are You Ready For Some Football?

Yessirree, we're playing on Monday Night Football tonight against the Tennessee Titans.  Soooo exciting! 

Anyway, I got a little sewing done this weekend.  I'm finishing up a couple of little table toppers for Christmas presents this year.  Have not decided where they are going yet.  One is ready to quilt and the other needs a backing. 

I've been tryng to come up with an idea on how to incorporate DVS' photos in my quilts.  I'm thinking I'll start easy with one of his flowers and applique it.  I was watching The Quilt Show this weekend and saw Melinda Bula's Fabulous Fusible Flowers episode.  This sounds like it would be doable.  Any other suggestions out there? 

Ok, back to work and fingers crossed for tonight!

See ya!

October 8, 2010

Things I Need To Do on My Weekend Off

Remember this quilt?



It's all quilted and ready for the binding.  Definitely getting this done!

Also, need to work on the Pat Sloan's Lucky Charm Sew Along.  It will make a nice Christmas gift.  If you haven't tried this sew along, you need to!  It's so much fun and so far, I really like the way it looks.  Of course, this is Pat's picture, not mine.  LOL!


I'm also going to the monthly Bernina Club at Paula's on Saturday. 

The team is in Buffalo this weekend.  We just had a big win against the Colts and the Bills are 0-4.  Believe me when I tell you, this will be a tough game for us.  Fingers Crossed!

Have a great weekend everyone and I'll try and do an update photo of the patchwork quilt this weekend.

October 2, 2010

Today I Sew



What a busy couple of weeks it's been.  I'm so ready for some downtime.  My friends were here from Blairsville, GA last week.  We walked, we shopped, we ate, we drank, we went to a very bad football game.  Awesome time, but I'm pooped!

Last night we attended a very nice art event at the Mandarin Museum here in Jacksonville.  It was called "River Visions 2.  1 River, 5 Artists' Visions.  The exhibit invited 5 local artists to explore the St. Johns River, then bring their visions back to share what the river has shown them".  DVS was asked to share some of the photographs he had taken in and around the museum (which is located on the St. Johns River).  It was a wonderful event and they had a huge turn out of people.

Today is down time.  I have a few errands to run, but mostly I'm just going to spend time in my sewing niche catching up on some things.  The weather here has turned. . .finally.  It's 60 degrees this morning and I'm going to enjoy every minute.  Maybe even open my windows today.  Tomorrow is our game against the Colts.  Fingers crossed!  

September 21, 2010

What a Weekend!

Had a great weekend in San Diego!  Flew out Saturday, had dinner with my cousin on Saturday night and then to the game and home to Jacksonville on Sunday.  Whew!  Whirlwind.


The cousins.

The Chargers were wonderful hosts even though we lost . . . badly.




This picture is out of the airplane window.  According to the map, it's called Chocolate Mountain.  Cool!!

Home safe and sound Sunday night.  Now, to get ready for Quilt Fest Jacksonville.  It starts Thursday and runs through Sunday.  My friends from Blairsville are arriving tonight and we will be attending on Friday.  Can't wait! 
Have a great week!


September 18, 2010

San Diego

Heading to San Diego for the game against the Chargers on Sunday.  I'll check back next week with pictures!

Have a great weekend!

September 14, 2010

Game Day

Just a quick picture from game day on Sunday.  My friends, Teresa and Amy (actually mother and daughter).  Aren't they cute?  I'm the one on the far right.

We were on the field for the pre-game festivities.  Very fun and VERY HOT.

September 13, 2010

Back at it!

It's been quite a busy couple of weeks.  We had our first home regular season game yesterday against the Denver Broncos and thank goodness we won!  However, it was the hottest game on record and the field was 100 degrees at pre-game.  Yikes. 

Not a lot of quilting lately but I did start this project by Pat Sloan.  It's called the Lucky Charms Sew Along.  It's been fun.  I ordered the kit since I had so little time to look for fabric.  It's a little bit of everything, piecing, applique, etc.  It will be a nice Christmas gift.  Ok, ok, maybe for NEXT Christmas.  I'm also still quilting my patchwork quilt.  Almost finished and then I'll share pictures. 

I attended a Bernina event at my local quilt shop on Saturday.  It was kind of a test drive for the new 830.  Wow, this machine is incredible and they are having some incredible financing.  However, I think I have to pass.  If I were doing this for a living I might be able to justify the price, but I think right now I would rather buy a new couch. 

Have a great day!

August 29, 2010

Patchwork

I got the patchwork layered yesterday and started quilting it today.  Just doing a very simple straight stitch 1/4 in. from edge.  This quilt makes me happy.  :-)


Great day to sew.  It's been overcast and raining all day which means I didn't have to mow the grass.  Yay!  Although, I'll have to use a bush hog when I do get around to mowing. 

Have a great Sunday!

August 28, 2010

Busy!

I can tell football season has begun.  Yikes, I've been busy!  We had our first home game last Saturday night.  Besides the fact that we lost, the game was delayed because of lightning for almost 2 hours.  Needless to say, we didn't get home until well have 1:00 a.m. and didn't get to bed until 2:00 a.m.  I am not a night person.  I am in bed most nights by 10 and up by 6:00 during the week days.  I didn't get anything done on Sunday.

My patchwork quilt is all pieced and ready to layer.  I just need DVS to clean off the table so I can use it.

I've gone back to working on a block of the month that I started last year.  Here are a few of the blocks I've completed.







The fabric is Portabello Market by Moda.  I LOVE this fabric line.  This was a 2009 block of the month named "On Point" designed by Bits 'n Pieces.  I'm a confident beginning quilter so these blocks have taken me a lot longer to complete than normal.  However, I've really enjoyed the challenge.








Have a great day!

August 18, 2010

Slowing Down - It's the Journey

This was a great article!  It's all about the Slow Cloth Project.  The article was written by Elaine Lipson of Valley Fiber Life.

Do you rush through your projects or take your time and enjoy the process?  I'm usually rushing through trying to get a baby gift, Christmas gift, Birthday gift, done.  However, on my latest patchwork project, I've made it a point to slooowww down.  It took me a couple of weeks to cut and now a couple of weeks to sew. 

Not a bad theme for everything in life.

Have a great day! 

August 12, 2010

August

Not much sewing going on this month.  DVS was away for a few days with the team in Atlanta so I was able to work a little bit on my patch quilt.  I'm hoping to work on it more this weekend.  I need to buy some batting on Saturday. 

In other news, my mom had surgery a couple of weeks ago on her shoulder.  She's doing much better and going to physical therapy a few times a week.  Hi Mom!  Love you!

Our first pre-season game is tomorrow in Philadelphia so it (football season) has begun!  From here on out, time will fly.  I guess I need to start thinking about getting some Christmas presents made.  Yikes.

It's still pretty hot and humid but I'm walking every day.  Lost 4 pounds so far, so I'm very excited.  I would like to lose at least 10 pounds by Thanksgiving or Christmas. 

That's about it for now.  I'll update more this weekend. 

August 6, 2010

We Love Our Military

We love our Military here at the Jaguars.  Jacksonville is a very big Navy town - home to both NAS Jacksonville and NS Mayport.  We had Military Appreciation Night during training camp last night.   


The Marine Corps Band from Albany, Georgia joined us and performed.



And then, of course, our mascot, Jaxson de Ville had to get in on the act.



Ok, and here's a football picture as well.


Have a great day!

Thanks to my husband for the great pics!

August 1, 2010

Patchwork


I started this little project just for me.  All you do is sew 4" patches together.  It's very easy but there is a pattern called the Ollaieberry Ice Cream Quilt from the Posie Gets Cozy blog.  It's worth the $7 to buy the pattern.  Alicia Paulson does a great job of giving you yardage and guidance for a crib, twin, full, queen and king size quilts.  It's soo easy and a great project for summer.


Alicia suggests just sewing the patches together.  Don't worry about matching colors, solids, etc.  Just put them together and be free!!  This would also be a great project for charm squares (so you don't have to cut).

July 30, 2010

It's Hot People!!!!

100.6 °F


Heat Index: 129 °F

Thank goodness it's starting to rain!

July 29, 2010

Training Camp Begins


The Season Begins.

Players are reporting today and camp starts tomorrow.  Thanks to our great grounds manager, Nick Fedewa, for the photo of our beautiful practice fields!

Have a great day!

July 27, 2010

EverBank Field

Our stadium has been without a naming rights partner since 2006.  Today the Jaguars announced a partnership with EverBank, a locally owned bank here in Jacksonville.  Our stadium finally has a new name - EverBank Field.  Has kind of a nice ring to it I think! 

If you're ever in Jacksonville during football season, stop by for a game.  We'd love to have you.