Dare Quilt Done!

Dare Quilt Done!
Originally uploaded by Scootin' Annie

I finished my quiltie for DQS8!!! I had my machine for a couple of days now and..I...LOVE...it.
* 10 inches of harp space!!
* needle up/down
* Auto fix
* The presser foot lifts a tad when I stop (this is nice for chain piecing and turning corners)
* It's quiet
* no skipped stitches
* It doesn't SNATCH my thread and try to make a nest every time I start sewing
* I can load a bobbin from the threaded needle
* Low bobbin indicator!!
* And the WOW, an automatic thread cutter, for which I exclaimed, "I love my machine!" every time I use it.
The Viking Sapphire had nearly all the features of the Pfaff, except the walking foot, but there was more, and I was able to get a better deal.

Scrappy Trees

Scrappy Trees
Originally uploaded by Scootin' Annie
I created this for Kelli of Tethered Threads 2. I actually goofed. BIG TIME!!!! It was a humongous bee etiquette no no. I misplaced the fabric Kelli sent to me. I let her know, and she has been more than understanding. Fortunately, she was going for a scrappy look with a few guidelines: the trunks needed to be a plain brown, and the trees need to lean towards lime green.
I made two others, not pictured. They were my favorites, and I thought I might let them surprise Kelli.

Flickr

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

So... I'm Crying... Again.

I sure do miss my boy. I just watched his video for the umpteenth time. I cry every time I see it. That little guy has such passion and determination. He'll be home next week, finally. I can't wait!

Nathan at the Lake Perris BMX Track


Did you hear the crowd, not just me? Everyone was standing. It was the most exciting race of the evening. Little Squirt, on his 12" Wal-Mart wheels going head to head against a 20" racing bike. You can see how much more my little guy had to peddle. He's 3. It's going to be one crazy ride after another raising this guy.

It has been too long since I've been able to get out and run alone. Well, the dog came, but there were no children, no hefty stroller, no raisins; just me, the dog, and some tunes. I don't listen to music when I have the chitlins, they tend to panic if I don't answer them. Not hysterically, their "Mommy. Mommy! Mommy!! MOMMY!!!!"'s get said/whined faster and louder as no answer is heard. I love to hear what they have to say, but gee whiz, a girl needs to breath. For some reason I feel as though I go slower when I do not have the stroller to push. Dixie, the dog, denied this theory. She was running two-by-two as opposed to her usual trot. Also, for a breed that is supposed to be high energy and difficult to control, she is hard to move when she lays down. She has figured out the troughs though. I still have to scoop water to her mouth for her, but atleast she puts her feet up on the edge by herself. When I have the stroller, I can carry her bowl so she was waiting for it when we stopped. Any who, it was nice. I need to progress to more than two times a week now. I am waiting for the weather to cool a bit more. I can't let the kiddos or the dog overheat right?

I have been a Stitching

In the past couple of days. I stitched up two dog beds, some little trees and houses for Becca, a couple of potholders, another baby blanket, and a pillow to help support the Baby Grill while she learns to sit.

You can't really see her pillow, its blending, but I had to show a shot of her silliness. She is such a good baby.

We have a Jungle!

I plan to sew today, but it looks like I will need to cut the grass first. Now, there are three very capable Marines living in this house and they just aren't able to get to it. I don't mind mowing, but I have the darnedest time starting the thing. My boobs keep getting in the way. It's not that they are big, and nursing has not graced me with much this time around, I just don't have the muscle required to yank the pull start. I have gotten it started before, but had to deal with a sore shoulder for a few days, and the neighbors just watch my struggle. Being a marine wife I need to be able to do this by myself. My father in law was a truck driver so my husband is accustomed to seeing his mom cut the grass, but he has got to know a push mower is very different from a riding mower. I am grateful that the mower we have is self propelled.
In other news, I have a small grove of appliqued trees and little homes for Becca of our quilting bee. I don't want to post pictures, because I am not sure the applique is appropriate for her hood and some of the seams may have too much bulk. She probably wouldn't be able to use them, but I will send them off anyhow. I am so addicted though and can't stop myself from making more. Hee Hee.