Fabulous Friday

For today:

Looking Out My Window:We have had several pairs of geese enjoying our yard this spring, along with Mr. and Mrs. Mallard.  Wish the springtime would bring babies, goslings and ducklings that is.

I’m Hearing: My favorite radio station in Michigan when I was a teenage was whatever one Dick Purtan was the DJ. on, WKNR or WXYZ or CKLW from Canada. Don't you love the internet where you can listen to any radio station from anywhere. Today is his last day as a DJ at WOMC http://womc.radio.com/ 

My Weekend Plans Include: Maybe I should try and do a bit of spring cleaning. That may be the option unless something better comes along.  Hey, Ed just suggested that we go to Boulder on Saturday so he can look at new running shoes.  What good luck!

I’m Reading: I just started First Family by David Baldacci

Movie Marquee:  The Informant with Matt Damon.

Something Quiltie:  When I start  a new project I like to wind 4 to 5 bobbins, put in a new needle, and clean and oil my machine.  It's just the routine I have.

I’m Thinking About: Jessica and Kate will be reunited tomorrow.  Jessica begins her spring break and she and Martin are heading to Florida.

One of My Favorite Things: Is coming home from work and Ed having dinner ready.  I do the planning and do as much prep before I have to leave in the morning. When I walk in the door at 6:15 pm and dinner is just about ready, that's truly wonderful.  I love that guy! We do the opposite when I'm home. I'm sure he says "What a gal"

What I’m Planning For: Easter will be here next weekend along with the 3rd annual raking day.  

What’s For Dinner: It's a E.M. F. H. Dinner.  Every man for himself dinner.   There are plenty of leftovers from the week. 

A Favorite Photo: 

I Knew Better

I have been listening to the audio book, Highest Duty, by Chesley Sullenburger.  It has been a good reminder for me of the importance of striving to always do your best no matter the situation.  It is very easy to become complacent and do a half way job in life, in work, in relationships or in many other ways.

I have always thought of  myself as always trying to go the extra mile.  But I also know there are many times that I don't.

There are big things that some times catch us and cause us to come to a rude awakening or sometimes it's the little things that will gnaw at you until you do something about it..

I had been making a baby quilt and realized that I had sewn a whole row, plus a couple of other blocks into the quilt backwards.  It didn't look bad.  It kind of went with the pattern.  Most people didn't see it when I showed them.  It would probably be OK to send that little quilt out into the world with a slightly askewed design.  In the whole scheme of life, what did it matter?  I really didn't want to rip the blocks out and fix it.  I had too many other things to do.  I even went so far as to baste the whole quilt together and get ready to quilt it.   I guess I was in denial.

I had time today to start quilting it, but when I picked it up to work on it, I just couldn't do it.  I knew it wasn't right.

I got the seam ripper and did what I needed to do.  It probably only took me about 45 minutes to make the corrections.  I feel so much better.  I know it's right now.

I may be only using this little quilt as an example, but I can sure apply it to all the areas of my life.  Striving to do my best, going the extra mile, making corrections along the way, and knowing that each day I have the ability to reach for higher goals is important to me.

The baby quilt is re-basted, marked and ready to be quilted.  Now when I send it out into the world to snuggle with a little one, it will convey only my good work.

Until Next Time-Kyle

Where's the Stash?

A couple of weeks ago, a friend of mine posted a picture of her "stash."  It was neatly folded and on shelves in a closet. Everything was in order and easy to find.  She hasn't been quilting too long, but her stash has been growing and she has been using it.  The term stash, it refers to fabric that has been collected.

I have been quilting since 1973.  My stash has swayed like the tides, in and out.  When we moved almost 5 years ago I did some pretty heavy duty purging. It was a good thing.  The space I have to store my treasures is much smaller than before.

At the quilt shop where I work, this is the 4th year we have offered a year long class called "Stashbusters". Anyone who has quilted for any length of time, has accumulated a "Stash".  The premise of the class is to motivate, encourage, give practical ideas and solutions to keep that "Stash" under control.  Our customers have loved it.

Want to see where I keep my stash? I have fabric stashed in about 5 different places. . . And generally, I know where everything is.

an unused closet in another bedroom

Reproduction fabrics and flannels and wool

More Reproduction, lots of double pinks

The closet and pie safe in my sewing room

Under my work table, wools and Holiday

Vintage picnic baskets hold batiks and kid stuff

I was feeling a bit frustrated with my clutter so I have faced the challenge.

I set my timer and said " GO"  I will tidy up .... and then be ready to start again.

Until Next Time-Kyle