Saturday, August 17, 2013

I'm Glad THAT's Over!

What a long, stressful week!  I'm glad they only happen a few times out of the 52 each year!

This weekend is going to be spent resting and recuperating -  and doing only fun things!  The only things on the agenda are getting the QuiltMobile washed and my weekly trip to the market. 

Penny has been wanting to snuggle this morning.  I think she misses me being home every day.  We bonded during those four months I was off.  I don't think she understands the equation that work equals Puppy Chow.  Silly dog!



There's going to be a give-away next week.  If you'd like to win a $50 gift certificate to the Fat Quarter Shop, just leave a comment.  You just need to tell us what you expect to be doing on Thursday!  How easy is that!  I hope a lot of you will be expecting to spend time in your studio doing quilty things!  I was going to do the drawing on Thursday, 8/22, when I got home from work, but I have dinner plans.  So I'll do the drawing on Saturday, 8/24, in the late morning.

I received the most unique gift from a very dear friend.


It's a Boye Needle Company store display dispenser.  What a treasure!  The customer would put the dial on the type of needle they wanted and it would turn the inside contraption to that section.  When they'd open the little door, there they were!  I'm going to hang this on the wall in my someday quilting studio.  I have several antique sewing pieces and this will fit in wonderfully!  Thank you so much, my dear friend!  I love it - and you knew I would!

This week I ordered a pattern that I'll probably never make, but it sure does make me happy to look at it.  It's Audubon's Christmas by Kathy McNeil.  My very favorite things are birds and botanicals.  This covers both nicely!  And who knows?  I just might do it!

Another thing I looked into this week is crochet lessons.  I know, I know, I don't need another hobby!  I tried to learn when I was young but I just didn't get it.  I think it had to do with the person teaching me having an opposite dominant hand than I did.  Anyway, I'm supposed to hear back this week about a few private lessons.  This ought to prove interesting.  I was inspired by a lady who was crocheting away in the outpatient waiting room at the hospital this week.  We talked and I found out she's only been crocheting a year and is self-taught.  So I went to Joanne's and bought some cheap yarn and a hook.  I've been having more fun making knots out of this yarn - and laughing out loud at my stitches.  Want to see them?  Just put your coffee cup down before you look!  Otherwise, you'll spew your computer screen! 


The blob on the top was my first attempt.  For some reason (rolls eyes here) it started turning to a little tube that about fits my thumb.  A thumb warmer?  Hey, that could be a new trend!  I knew that wasn't right, so I cut it off and started again.  I decided to get creative on the second attempt.  Lots of knots that sort of accidentally made a design, but it's awful.  I think the best thing is to wait until I can get a lesson before I attempt to murder any more cheap yarn! 

Okay, you can start drinking your coffee again!

Gosh, this is a long post.  Sorry. I need to do this more often so I don't turn a week's worth of adventures into an Edna Ferber novel!

On the health front, a new doctor is in cahoots with my neurosurgeon, and nothing new to report except a lot more testing.  Hey, maybe I'll run into someone else in one of those waiting rooms who knows how to crochet!!

I'm heading over to tackle Brrrrr Park.  Focus!

Don't forget to leave a comment for the drawing!

55 comments:

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

So glad your stressful week is winding down. Sure love your pup!

Your crochet looks really even.

Darlene said...

Stressful week - check. :-)

I learned to crochet many, many, many years ago. I went crazy making afghans for everyone and then I lost interest. LOL I know once you have a lesson or two you'll do very well. Just remember to have fun. :-)

Sandie @ crazy'boutquilts said...

Whew~ glad last week is behind you! I learned to crochet from my paternal g'ma~ she could crochet with her eyes closed! I am not that good, I need to pay attention to what I'm doing, but once I get into a rhythm it is very relaxing. I made lots of knots too, but eventually, it clicks~ good luck! Not sure which day you meant for me to tell you what I'll be doing, but I hope every day involves a bit of stitching! ;-) Have a great weekend!

Carol said...

I hope the doctors figure it out soon. That's cool that you are learning to crochet, knitting is fun too. Next weekend we will be getting out of the Phx. heat for a few days of camping, looking forward to cooling off. Tomorrow my sister and I are going to do a virtual sewing day on FaceTime. Have a nice restful weekend with Penny. Hope you find some time for sewing.

Kate said...

I refuse to learn to knit or crochet...I don't need another hobby! I actually know what I'm doing on Saturday - I'm going to the Buggy Barn quilt show! If it was Thursday, I'd have to say boring unpacking, so I'm glad it's Saturday instead. ;)

Edna said...

Thursday is a work day, 8:00 till 4:30. ~Ho Hum~ Will try some stitching in the evening Do not give up on the crocheting. I'm still trying to master the knitting. Thanks for the chance at your generous giveaway.

Dee said...

Thanks for sharing the link to Audubon Christmas! I love hand applique and also wildlife quilts. I hadn't seen this one before, but it's now on my wish list. As for Thursday, that happens to be my brother's birthday and I'll be busy trying to finish a quilt for him. We're getting together next Sunday and I really hope to have it done by then!

Karen said...

The bird quilt is awesome. So much detail. I don't think I would want to tackle it. And you aren't the only one who likes to look at a pattern over and over but may never make it.

Thursday! Gee, that is a ways off but knowing me, I will be making quilts same as every other day of the week. Retirement is great!

Francis said...

I have been crocheting several items to be donated to babies. Quilting is my first love, but I also like other hobbies. fmoore11589@comcast.net

Hildy said...

My cats are always gald when I'm home again:-)
If it were Thursday I would go to work, then spend time at my sewing machine (probably sewing a brithday gift for my mum) and watching TV. Nothing exciting, sorry.
hildy(at)ebertzeder(dot)de

Mary said...

I will be nanny on Thursday. last swimming lessons well for the girls. Thanks for the chance to win. Glad you are getting more help with your health. Good luck on the crocheting.

Mary

ytsmom said...

I should be sewing on Thursday. Our guild is doing a row robin this year, and it is me and another gal that are doing it. (great English there!) Anyway, we have to get the block made up before each meeting, so that is what I should be doing. After that is done, I can play!! I love the Audubon quilt, too!

Adele said...

Unfortunately, I will be working on thursday which is a little unusual as I am retired and normally only work a part time job on Fridays. Otherwise, I can gaurantee I would be sewing!

Cathy said...

I'm taking Thursday off work so my daughter and I can have little time together before she leaves for college. We're planning an outing to NYC with afternoon tea at a place she found.

Janet M said...

No sewing for me this Thursday for a good reason. My daughter, SIL & 15 mo. old grandson will be visiting us from Seattle! We are in Michigan so we don't see them nearly enough. My grandson, Oliver, will be sleeping in my sewing room so I had to pack away all pointy things and cover and unplug my machines. I am quite directionless without a project in process, though!

Anonymous said...

I'm glad this week is behind you. Stressful weeks are no fun at all.
I've had to put off starting on my sewing room/studio with all this moving "stuff", and what with working on Don's "toy room". But I've had enough of the waiting, and on Thursday I plan to be painting my sewing room, in preparation for moving my stuff over here from the other house. It's finally going to happen!!
Happy stitching, Sweet Friend! Eve in GA

Dee W said...

Thursday is a granddaughter day and we'll probably do doll clothes making. Good to see you and Penny. Hopefully all will straighten out with you back.

Jen said...

Good luck learning a new skill! You're braver than I ;-)
On Thursday I will be working until about 6pm, then eating dinner and watching Big Brother. Probably some packing or shopping for our vacation this weekend. Not as much fun as quilting, I'm afraid.

Tammy said...

Thursday is a workday for me, but hopefully I'll get a little stitchin' in during the evening. I usually try a few times on weeknights to sit and stitch at least 30 minutes on simple piecing. Thanks for the giveaway!

D said...

I work outside the home, so my time Thursday will begin at 5:00 p.m. I had to cancel last weeks hair appt so I'll go get my hair cut. Then I'll race home to either sew or crochet because we'll be eating left overs from the night before. All 4 grandsons will get a blanket this Christmas plus I'm crocheting things for other family members.

Cathy said...

Next thursday i wll be at work but i have been off all summer so cannot complain!

Barb in Mi said...

I must have had the same 'interesting' week that you did - and all at close to 100 degrees in Texas. SO glad it is over.
I certainly plan on doing some sewing on Thursday (probably Star Surround QA) and a nice walk on my local trail. Got to keep things balanced.
I truly hope your doc's find a new solution! As far as crochet goes: I took a beginner class at JoAnns and was the only participant, nice. Still am more a knitter than crochet-er. Thanks so much!

Charmaine said...

I hope you are feeling better soon. Thank you for offering a chance in your giveaway!

Sherrill said...

That Penny is so cute..my Penny was a Westie and adorable too. I remember the first scarf I ever crocheted. It was TERRIBLE and all lopsided and BAD! My tension was to blame but eventually got the hang of it and you will too. Just takes practice. I mostly crochet baby caps for our county hospital. Easy and cute!

debbiequilter@hotmail.com said...

Have you heard of The Crochet Crowd. Mikey will teach you to crochet with his on-line free tutorials. I love the Audubon Quilt Pattern, thanks for the giveaway.

cook said...

Hi, Thursday I will be teaching my twin granddaughters how to make a quilt. Such fun. Can't wait to see what you do with the 2 new towers...I want them too! Get well!

Anonymous said...

Hi Vicky - What I hope to be doing on Thursday is holding my new granddaughter but that of course depends on her. LOL

~Love & Hugs,
Sheila

Mimi said...

Well, since I will be off on Thursday, I will be making the final arrangements for my daughter's baby shower. Hopefully all will be done then and I can relax before everyone arrives.

Anonymous said...

I shall celebrate your birthday Thursday the same way I celebrated mine last week--by going to work. Hope you have a wonderful Birthday Week.
Loretta

Suzy said...

Glad things are going better for you. Hmmm...Thursday. Chances are I will be working on my Farmer's Wife quilt. I finally finished all the blocks and chose the fabric for the sashing, cornerstones and setting triangles. Now to arrange the blocks pleasingly and cut my life away so I can start constructing the center. :o)

Wacky Woman said...

Sending good thoughts your way Vicky. I have plans on going to the movies on Thursday to see The Butler. Maybe some sewing either before or after.

Miss Jean said...

This Thursday two of my friends and I are getting together to sew a quilt. We just met a lady who lost her husband and then her son to cancer. She needs a quilt to hug!

Gwen said...

I will be celebrating your birthday on Thursday! I plan to work on a quilt from a previous giveaway in your honor. I hope you have a wonderful day! Hugs and love!

Jo said...

Nice score on the Boye Needle Company store display dispenser! I've seen one at a LQS that the owner has with his collection of sewing machines. Thursday I will be quilting someone's quilt and then off to a quilt show meeting in the evening, heading the committee for vendors. YOU enjoy YOUR day on Thursday ;0) Meanwhile, hope your weekend is quiet and you are happily working on Burrr Park. Enjoy!

Tosty's Quilting Tidbits said...

Penny is such a sweetie. Thursday I will be in the "Black Hole" quilting away to my hearts content. Hopefully on my own stuff.
Have a relaxing weekend.
Mary

Leah Spencer said...

I'll be watching my two little boys as my husband starts up his college class. Last semester! :)

Doodlebug Gail said...

I'll be working until 5pm and then when I come home I hope too see news that a little baby girl has arrived to share your special day with you. Have a wonderful week Vicky.

Winona said...

I enjoy crocheting, but have made everyone in my family gifts, so I have moved on to quilting. LOL It is relaxing. Have fun. Let's see, I have a busy week in store. Tomorrow I will be making salsa from tomatoes hubby brought home. Tues. I will be working on peaches from our tree. Wed. will probably be laundry day. Thurs. I hope will be a sewing and hand quilting day. I think Friday is free too, although I do have some outdoor projects that have to be done before winter gets here. Have a good week.

Unknown said...

Thursday I hope to be quilting on a just pinned top. It's a "thimbles" one of 6.786 pieces. A seam every 3/4th in. so no hand quilting this time! Whew on the cutting and the stitching of the top.Lots of cutting/bagging/sewing but I am HAPPY! My addy is as listed but at Hotmail.com where I'm checking right now.

Churn Dash said...

I'm headed to the immigration office Thursday to renew my green card. Hopefully the new photo will look way better than the old one.

Sherry said...

Your crochet stitches don't look bad at all --- especially for a first attempt!

I'm left handed & have taught quite a few people. For the right handers I would stand in front of them so that they can do the stitches in their direction but can see what to do. Left handers just followed along while I stood next to them since we were both going in the same direction.

On Thursday I hope to be sewing borders on a charity quilt.

Keep us posted with the crochet adventures.

Anonymous said...

I was going to say that I'd be working but then remembered that I took Thursday off to celebrate my grandson's 5th birthday and help his parents get settled in their new house. They are moving in on Wednesday! So I am planning on really enjoying my day off.

Susan R
quilttrack47@yahoo.com

Laura said...

Thursday is a good friend/neighbor's birthday, so we'll probably share a bottle of wine with him. Other than that's, it's work all day.

Carolyn said...

I'm glad your stressful week is behind you. On Thursday I'll be working, then probably going to the dentist to do something about the filling that I lost this weekend. Unfortunately, the filling was about 3/4 of the tooth!

Deb said...

Wish that I could be quilting on Thursday, but I will be in Chicago for work. Back to quilting on Saturday!

Michele said...


Thursday I will be having lunch with my God-daughter before she heads back to college and may be starting a new quilt, just but some fabric this past weekend. Thanks for a great give away:)

Sharon said...

I applaud your efforts to learn to crochet. I tried several years ago but just couldn't get the hang of it. On Thursday, I am going to a friend's and practice on her long arm machine. Should be fun.

Gloria said...

Sorry about the stressful week! I will be at my volunteer job Thursday AM and HOPE to spend time in my sewing room in the PM.

Gloria
gyates625@bellsouth.net

Becky said...

Crocheting is super relaxing. I did the same thing as you did. I purchased a book and needle. I crocheted and ripped out for days and days. At some point, I got the hang of it. You will love the rhythmic in and out of the needle.

Thursday, I have a meeting with a couple of guild ladies to plan our programs. Hope to do a bit of cleaning and then just "vegging-out" with my Rusty:) Take care!

Gretchen said...

Let's see Thursday is my day off so I'll be packing boxes --probably day two of packing my sewing room (don't ask how many days or boxes I think this is going to take). I am moving to Santa Fe, NM soon so it must be done. I can't wait until it's over so I can get back to sewing!

Ann said...

No fun. Doctor tests are worse than any other tests. It was fun to see your fabric purchases in the last post. Today - Thursday - I'm at work, but wish I wasn't. I'm recovering from a cold, but I have meetings I can't miss. I'd rather be home stitching. :)

PJ said...

I need and want to go back in the sewing studio and get with it again today, need to get samples finished for class. Take care of yourself and Penny. She's so cute.

Carrie said...

Happy Birthday! Happy Birthday!

I'm catching up with blogs and I'm sorry to read that you're having a stressful time. Here's wishing you better days and happier times.

And a very, very Happy Birthday!

Sarah said...

Sorry to hear you've had a stressful week. I've had an exhausting one. It couldn't pass quick enough for me! I meant to comment on your last post that I love your fabric purchases. We have very similar tastes!

LuAnn said...

I think your crochet is great! I learned to crochet when I was a young girl (ages ago)many years before I ever thought about quilting. The Josephine line is just gorgeous; it would look great with the dots you bought. Hope your next week goes better!