Now Where Was I.......hmmmm

Tons of stuff happening in Polka Dot Land.   I can't believe I haven't posted since March 25....those blog police will be showing up for sure.  Thanks for all the emails checking in on me.........much appreciated!

There is tons of wedding planning going on.  Last Tuesday I met up with our girl and we addressed the Save The Dates.  We have a bit of Lucy and Ethel in us, so lots of laughing was going on.  Tomorrow our sweet couple is headed to their wedding venue for some tasting and other planning.  October will be here before we know it. 

Then there was some time to squeeze in a trip to one of our most favorite places.....Morro Bay.  This is our first camping trip of the year and it was so wonderful to hit the road with the trailer.  Mr. P. had some time for golfing, and I had a bit of time to spend with my sewing machine
 and my Lucky Star quilt. Slow and steady is the progress on this baby.  The rate I am going it will be another few years before it's done.  There were so many pretty sights to see in Morro Bay but one of my most favorites was my friend Annie and her guy......mind you when you are several hours away from home one of the last things you expect to see is a favorite quilting buddy.   Annie and her hubby just happened to be driving by the campground and she spotted me.  She was as surprised as I was.  Nothing better than hearing two squealing quilters happy to see each other.  Totally made our day. Annie had no idea we were in Morro Bay, what are the

odds? Here we are with our fellas.  I'm the shrimpy one!!!!  Thanks Jim and Annie for the wonderful surprise visit.  I am so grateful for our friendship Annie.

Of course we missed The Dots and had some things to catch up on with them.  They reminded me my car was in need of another trip to the drive thru car wash, so off we went. Boy is it fun, but a bit noisy....time to cover our ears.  Then my pincushion was a mess, so Big Dot took care of that job.....He told me he likes the artwork in my sewing room.  What a cutie pie and he appreciates Nana's artwork! 

Met up with a very good friend at PF Chang's.......yummmmmmy and we had the most wonderful visit. It always amazes me how people come in to your life just at the right time.  (HUGS) to you my sweet friend.

This weekend was a quilt get away weekend.  My friend Lani invited me up to her beautiful cabin.......just the two of us and our sewing machines.  Confession time.......it was more of a talking weekend, but boy did we have a great time.  We each made a gadget bucket for our sewing notions, and started working on a civil war quilt.  It was so relaxing up there, and so, pretty.  I am already looking forward to our next get away.  We have been friends for 29 years.   I so treasure our friendship. 

To get to the heart of what has been keeping me busy.....BINDINGS!  Business is booming so there has been quite a few hours spent binding away.  These babies are done and there's another stack calling to me, so I know what I will be doing this week.  Another thing I need to get back to is REHAB.  A Year To Crow About is just waiting to be put together, and I only have two more blocks to do on Christmas Favorites.  If you are looking for some motivation on getting your BOM's done, just check in to REHAB with Sinta on Monday's and get those BOM's done!

I got a bit overwhelmed thinking what to write about.....so much has been going on and I am so behind on everything bloggy.  Reading over my post the theme of friendship jumps out at me.  I am so grateful for the friendships I have and that includes all you bloggy friends.

Wishing you all a very happy week.

Oh Boy.....Some Reverse Sewing and Fixing

Last week I was celebrating being done with all my A Year To Crow About BOM's.  Looking at a couple of the blocks I realized they were WRONG, so very, very wrong.  UGHHHHH, some reverse sewing, some cutting of new pieces, sewing back together...oh wait, some more reverse sewing because I once again sewed something WRONG........ let me repeat UGH!!!!!   Now another happy dance.......all my A Year To Crow About blocks are done  AGAIN....Tahdah!!!!!  I think I will hold off looking at the others for a while****.just sayin'!!!
.  Spring is starting to poke up here and there.  Today the boys were here and they had a great old time playing outside and being silly.  Little Dot loves the tulips ...he was calling them toelips.  I think that's what I will call them from now on.   They wanted me to take a silly picture of them ....so here's silly.    

They have so much fun playing together, and it's fun to watch that brotherly bond grow stronger and stronger.  We have another day together tomorrow and all kinds of fun is planned.  They pointed out my car was a bit dirty, so we planned a date with the drive thru car wash.   Nothing like having water squirted at you in the safety of your car and then being covered with bubbles.   Happy Tuesday everyone.

 

Take Me Out To The Ballgame

Our trip to Arizona was WONDERFU, the bonus was meeting up with Darlene and Carol for lunch.  The reason we went was BASEBALL…Spring Training games.  This is something Mr.. P has always wanted to do, and being an huge Angels fan the time seemed perfect.   The first game was against Milwaukee.  It was a bit hot that day, so we moved to the shady side!  Game two playing Cleveland, was in Tempe at the Angel’s home field, Diablo Stadium.   The weather was perfect that day, and we were really up close and personal with the players .                                                                                                                                                                 So fun watching all the kiddos and bigger fans getting autographs and talking to the players.  Here’s our skipper, Mike Scioscia signing autographs.  The lady you can see had a  huge notebook of baseball cards……a big fan I would say!
There was some time for sightseeing.  We visited the Casa Grande Ruins….quite an amazing place.   I highly recommend visiting there if you have the chance.




Somebody got in a round of golf, and I worked in some time to sew.  I brought along a Lucky Star quilt that has been cut out since 2004……I found a picture in the box of one a friend made that had the date on it!  So I’m thinking this fabric has aged enough and is ready to become a quilt!  Later in the day I moved outside to our patio where we were staying……the perfect spot to sew.  That evening  I had a pile of stars ready to be trimmed.

                Back to life for us and more important visiting The Dots tonight…….we really missed them!  I also have decided to jump in and give Bloglovin a try...how about you?   Happy weekend everyone.

My Blog Is Back Together, a Crafty Polka Dot Daze Visit, and Rehab Check In!

Thanks to Becky at Cutest Blog On The Block, I am all put back together and with a new look.  I really love it, and hoping that it will stay this way for a long time.....no more vanishing acts for me!!  Becky went of her way to work me through the whole process, even installing all the new goodies.  I highly recommend her.  BIG THANKS Becky!!!!

Spending some time in Arizona, which was a huge opportunity to visit and meet in person a couple bloggy friends.  Darlene from Quilting Daze, and Carol from Carol's Crafty Creations.  Carol has named it Crafty Polka Dot Daze......a very good name for our get together I think!!!  Darlene searched out a spot for us, and it turned out I was right in the middle from each.  I can tell you there was no moment of what are we going to talk about......just like old friends getting together and catching up.  It couldn't have been more perfect, both of them being as nice and fun as you could ever imagine when you read their blogs.  Darlene gave each of us a cute bunny and bunny towel, and from Carol a sweet Bag and charm pack...minie was Happy Go Lucky.  Love it, and think I will be making one of the minis for the Simply Charming sewalong using it. 

Today is Monday, and time to report in to Sinta with BOM progress!  I finished my last block for A Year To Crow  About ..........exciting!!!!   My little Easter mat isn't a block of the month, but it's almost done too.   I just need to add a eye to the chick and some quick quilting.  The pattern will be on it's way to you Sinta!

Next on the agenda, tackling some of my own bindings.....I am great at doing them for other people, just not so much my own!!  Hope your week got off to a great start!!! 
carolscraftblog.blogspot.com/

Sew…………….hmmmmm

I really want to sew SOMETHING, but when to fit it in?!  This week I am once again reporting in to our BOM Rehab leader, Sinta……another block for A Year To Crow About.  One more to go and the top hopefully, will come together!

Sew……back to wanting to sew something.  I saw this little sweet thing, and knew I needed to make it.  It’s small,  just my speed at the present, and I have the perfect spot for it to go for Spring decorating.

We had a couple unexpected return visitors this week….  they haven’t been by for a few years.  Just cooling their feathers, and soon to catch up with friends who are on their annual migration.  Sorry for the blurry spot, but I had to take it through the window.

Now I’m off to check out what everyone else has going on….and for some much needed inspiration.  Happy week friends.

Monday, Monday……..

Another blogger rescued me. Terry from Terry’s Treasure’s bailed me out this time!!!  Apparently if your blog name is in white it won’t show up on white…….:-)!!!!  Didn’t even think of that one, let alone know where to change the color…..THANKS TERRY!!!!

Monday means check in with Sinta for any BOM progress.  I am still plugging along and creeping my way to having two BOM’s closer to the putting together stage.  So gosh, darn exciting!!!!  Another section done for the Christmas Favorites quilt by Nancy Halvorsen, and two more blocks for A Year To Crow about.  Thanks bunches Sinta for the motivation.

I have a load of customer bindings coming today, so I know what I will be tackling this week. Wishing you all a very happy week.

Polka Dots & Rick Rack

Slowly trying to work on my blog.....I am obviously in over my head as I can't seem to figure out how to have my blog title in my header!!!!!  This is going to be a late night :-)!!!!

Moving On From The Blog Fiasco!!!!!

OK, I have stopped whimpering ……in the scheme of things this is not a biggie!!!  So moving on!

There are a couple group deadlines I am just squeaking in under the wire….. The Simply Charming Mini  quilt along, and Christmas Through The Year.  Happy to say my mini is done, including the quilting and binding!!!!!.  I used scraps left over from a quilt I made a number of years back, from the line, Old Fashioned Charm.  I will be linking up over at Kathy’s for this finish.  Thanks to Kathy and Darlene for this fun quilt along, and a big shout out to Darlene for cheering me on in more ways than I can say!!!!!!   Kim has a link up for projects finished this month for the Christmas Through The Year group.  I quickly whipped up a couple oven mitts (above photo).  It feels good to have my Christmas box with a few things tucked in there already.  Thanks Kim for continuing on with our group!

Yesterday was my meet up with my friend Lani!!!  So fun.  There’s a quilt shop halfway between us (about a 1 1/2 hour drive).  Of course there is a quilt shop involved!!!….. Quilt N’ Things in Montrose, and then lunch at our favorite Mexican food restaurant.  Talking was the best part of the whole day, and we covered so much!!!  Love you to pieces Lani.  You have always been such a good, constant friend to me.  Lani brought along some show and share, and we had ourselves a trunk show in the back of her car!!   These first two quilts she made for a charity group…so cute and two lucky little ones will be happy to have them.  Then there’s this parade of beauties…..WOWZERS!!!  I love each and every one.  We are planning a quilt getaway weekend at her cabin in the woods….I can’t wait. 

Thanks to my friends Chris and Karen for quilting my Quilts of Valor quilt, I am happy to report it is all done.    I finished the binding yesterday afternoon.  This quilt was made up from swap blocks I received through a Prodigy quilt exchange 15 years ago.

Now on to fixing my blog!!!!  Happy end of the week everyone.

My Blog Is Fixed……but, Now Some Sprucing Up Needs To Happen!!!

Bloggers are wonderful….we all know that.  When I sent out my distress call, I got action!  Annette from Jindi’s Cottage came to my rescue and she figured out what the problem was.   I can tell you I would have NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, figured it out….Annette you are a lifesaver for sure…BIG THANKS!!!  As Annette said, I need to go shopping for some new clothes for my blog!!!  You can see some changes need to happen….a new header, and some cuteness here and there,  which I really don’t know how to do but I will figure it out!!!!  Thanks so much for all the emails and support.    The Dots are coming today and tomorrow so no time for a picture post…..that will happen tonight!

My Blog Is Broken :-(!!!!!

I was all set to do a post tonight and my blog is broken.  I have no idea what is going on and what happened!!!  On my computer my background  art stuff is all gone plus there is some Photobucket message floating through my posts.  I don’t even belong  to  Photobucket.    UGHHHHHHH!!!!!  I am hoping I wake up in the morning and it is all fixed.    Hellllllllllllllllllllllllllp!!!!!

Quilts Of Valor, BOM Rehab and A Finish!

  Saturday was our monthly Quilts of Valor sewing day.  Pictured, are three quilts ready to go, and one on it’s way to be quilted.  Pat hosted at her house and as always, lots of talking happened, as well as catching up with friends…so fun, and such a wonderful group to be part of.

I’m afraid I have turned in to a bit of a boring blogger.  Here it is another week and all I have to report on is my rehab work, but at least it’s something!!!  Thanks to Sinta for keeping me on track.  Two more blocks for A Year To Crow About, and another block for my Christmas Quilt.  I have been having a struggle with the Crow about blocks.  I’m sure it is me, but they have really tested me.  I was thinking I should may be put it aside for a while (and we all know what that means :-) !!!  This morning I went to breakfast with a friend and saw my friend Debbie’s completed quilt top ……..ok, it was stinkin’ cute (sorry no picture)!!!  I came home determined, and since I only have 4 more blocks to go, I’m going to hang in there!

Here’s a finish for me.  This little runner has only been in the works about two or three years….I don’t know why, but it has!!!!  So my friends Chris and Karen quilted it up for me, and yesterday I got the binding on, and added the furry cotton tails…a finish, is a finish no matter how long it takes or how small it is!

Wednesday I am meeting up with my friend Lani.  We met 29 years ago in our very first quilting  class and she is one of my very, very best friends.  We have shared some wonderful quilting and family memories along the way, and it is always fun to see what she has been working on.  I’ll remember my camera that day for sure!!

There is a reward for anyone finding my missing MOJO…..and please tell it to come home!  Wishing you all a very happy week!

Hey Sister, Go Sister, Soul Sister….and BOM’S

I’m so silly I know……but this pattern and fabric are calling me….Sugar Dish by Cluck Cluck Sew using a jelly roll of Marmalade.  Then the song pops in to my head, Lady Marmalade…..silly!!!!!  It’s been stuck in my head all weekend, so think I better get sewing to may be shake it out!!!

In the meantime there is Sinta’s rehab.  This weekend I worked on two blocks for A Year To Crow About.  May kicked my you know what :-)!!!  I almost gave up and a friend talked me off the ledge and I got the block together.  I don’t know what the dealio was, I ripped out so many pieces, but finally it went together.  Thanks goodness June cooperated.  Checked another block off my Christmas Favorites quilt….the candy block.  I am so excited!!!  Only four more blocks to go.

Friday we had a great day at that park with The Dots….the weather was PERFECT.  Big Dot has conquered the climbing wall. Little Brother is just happy to be at the park.  There was time to take a little hike up the trail from the park with Papa…..a perfect day for sure.

This week I’m planning on getting a mini quilt done from this book.  Kathy and Darlene hatched a wonderful plan to have a Simply Charming Mini Quilt Along….a mini quilt every other month with February being the first month.  There are 20 wonderful minis to choose from, and you jump in whenever you want to play along.  If you join in all year you will have six wonderful minis at years end……as Darlene says, easie, peasie!!!!!!  You can link up over at Kathy’s blog the end of February.  Take a peek at Darlene’s blog and see her new quilt pattern, Rockin’ Bobbins……..STINKIN’ Cute!!!  Great job Darlene.

Wishing you all a very happy week!