My Creative Place

The family photo

2012-01-01T14:55:00.000-08:00

Kim, Sophie Sue and Terrance on Christmas Eve just before we left..Dec 2011

Christmas Eve photos of everyone with Sophie Sue

2012-01-01T14:52:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-22T20:23:00.000-08:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL.

TuTu spends day with Lil Sophie Sue

2011-11-18T09:59:00.000-08:00

Sophie was so wide awake so mommy decided to give her a bath, first she had her fingernails clipped..can you believe it they have lights on the nail clippers..would have been nice when mine were little..Isn't she a cutie pie..I crop this one..
After her bath and close up

Mommy got her all dressed up after her bath..she doesn't like her hair and face washed, mine did not either..lol

Mommy holding Sophie while she is sleeping..

Just want you all to know I drove myself there all by myself..I was so proud and knew I could do it ..now I can drive..my new car is not like the Lumina-sp, this one when you take your foot off the pedal it slows down where as with the Lumina the speed stayed the same..so I was a little nervous about that but otherwise..did great...

Have a great day and a great weekend..I am going to start cooking for Thanksgiving and put in the freezer, as I can't do it in one day anymore..too much for my bod to deal with..We will spend it with Terrance, Kim and Lil Sophie Sue..Mom and Mike just getting over what they think was the flu will not come..afraid for our little one..which is fine with me..but won't be the same..

Puff paint on Christmas card-yarn and chimes from sister

2011-11-16T19:21:00.000-08:00

I have glitter and puff paint on these cards and they look so real..had fun doing them. Going to put a few beads, sew some yard that look like leaves around the scene and sides and walla they are done..

Beautiful yarn for my fingerless gloves mochi plus.

My birthday present from sissy Mary Dolphin chimes..I have chimes all types around my home, love them and I love these, they sparkle and hanging in front of my sliding glass doors, thank you sis..hugs, Lorraine

Playing aroun with my Husky Star embellisher all kinds of goodie

2011-11-15T07:40:00.000-08:00

I played around with different types of fabric with this post card, a bit smaller for what I really wanted to do..I have tulle, silk ribbon, blue, funky yarn, and wool roving over some leaves... Wanted to add silk paper i made, some piece of dollies..but not enough room so now comes the stitching and beading..I am making another one..with fabric, and I will add the above that I did not on this.. I have the Christmas card put together and just have to finished them out..no machine on these..I am going to use some glitter, love it for Christmas cards..and beading..it will give me something to do in the evening..have a great day, hugs, Lorraine

Christmas fabric post card fabric and Mary's purse ready to be felted

2011-11-13T20:14:00.000-08:00

I have already cut about 5 for pc..this year..getting in the mood for cards

Mary knitting purse ready to be felted when I get her icord done and attached..

Photos of Sophie

2011-11-13T20:03:00.000-08:00

Tutu holding Lil Sophie tonight ohhhhhhh what a cutie, she has some great lungs...lol

Mommy with Sophie and showing off what I Sophie, isn't it just the cutest outfit.. she should be able to wear in Jan or Feb maybe..but it will there when she can..
If you can't see it, it has a hoodie..lol

Granpa taking a peek at Sophie.

Daddy with Sophie, last week

Mommy with Sophie, last week..

What's in the horizon for me

2011-11-11T09:53:00.001-08:00

I love this little bag, only one skein and have a whole book of different styles to make..as you all can guess I love purses..I have many I have paid a pretty penny for but hardly use them, made a bunch of felted bags a few years ago but never kept one for myself..so far I have knitted 5 and one almost done...none of them have been felted..what I like about the one skein bags, they do not have to be felted..once you are done knitting them you can use them right away..I am hoping to sell a couple..

New pattern from Ruth Blanchet..she will have a class on it so I know I will sign up for these..These bargellos looks wonderful on a wall..have to make it..lol

This is Mary's my twins purse I am doing right now...should have been done with it, but being an artist and such, when it comes to orange...I am not a happy camper working with this color..I added pumpkin fun fur to help it along for me..lol this is the first one I had to start from the top and knit to the bottom..will have it done by next week sometime..the other purses are all in a washing bag ready to be felted..

Oh how I want to stop every thing I am working on and make this cute dragon...for who, I have the foggiest idea but maybe I will wear it..lol isn't it darling..

Right now after taken a really bad fall the other night..on my knees first, than my chest and my face in the ground..I tripped over my black wrought iron flamingo that had fallen and did not see it, it scraped my ankle up my cafe pretty good..I did not get up as I was waiting for dh to help me up but he did not..and those awful pit bulls were growling and barking and I just know one day they are going to be in my yard chewing me up...so I got up as fast as I could..the pain started right away from my chest in front and was going to my back and up my shoulders..and it hurt so bad I did cry for little bit..I have never had heart burn really bad but I thought is was that and realized it was not..I thought I broke a few ribs..but I did not..had a hard time breathing..took my pressure and it was 220/110 and I should have went to emergency but dh would not take me..so I am still suffering with the shoulder pain..from my chest but not as bad..haven't done anything but knit here and there..When my Dr's office the next day to give me a date for a referral to another dr..I told the nurse what was going on and she told me that I should have gone in to emergency with my pressure that high...we are worried about my pressure as it has been running high, both Dr Floyd and my heart specialist, Dr Gordon..but that is my dh..

So today or what is left I would love to change what I am doing and do something else...but gotta finish what I have started..to think, I have a baby diaper stacker to finish, about an hour left, my sister's orange bag, cut up more appliques for Lil Liam's quilt, make a fb post card that I am really late but she gave me more time..that will be the first thing I will do..I need to make my Christmas placemats and napkins before the holiday is here and gone..so that is a lot but as far as the time to do them is not bad..if I could just work like I did many years ago..in fact I take a look at this blog and see some of the stuff I have made and really can not believe I made them..I told myself not to go there, sounds like a person losing one's confidence..and I don't want to do that..where is my muse, lol lol have a great day all and weekend..dh just came home from having his gums and bones on the bottom scraped and cut to fit dentures in Jan..yuck..we both will be in bed soon..I take my nap about or between 1-3pm in the afternoon..hugs, Lorraine

My Fabric Post Card I received from Ontario

2011-11-07T22:43:00.000-08:00

Yarn came in today

2011-11-02T19:49:00.000-07:00

Teal, this will one I make for sale..

this is for sissy, Mary.

This for my first lace shawl..

I am going to buy some wool yarn I can dye..but will wait till all projects are done..I have plenty of time..I hate to rush and that is how I use to do everything..the more I had and stress out I was I did better, I guess older and having to deal with pain, is what is getting in my way..lol hugs, Lorraine

ps..hope to have photos of me and Sophie by the weekend..

Qults mom made and a quilt I will make for great nephew

2011-10-31T07:42:00.000-07:00

My mom made this as a surprise for me in May of 2009..I have not used it yet as not sure if I wanted to give to my first granddaughter as I have another one made for her but not the 3 princess one.. this is a close up..I had asked her when she showed me when she had it basted, boy I was surprised..and chose a metallic gold thread she quilted by hand and she did have trouble but I think she did great..I love my quilt!! Also been saving up anything and everything to do with the 3 Princesses but mostly Cinderella when I can just find her..lol the little girl in me.

Here it is finished..May 10, 2009..from my mom to me..

I did buy fabric for my first granddaughters quilt in 2008 when mom was busy making the "Dutch Girl" and she did not want anything to do with Sue Bonnet Sue..I had some really old quilting books and also looked online and she wanted this one..called "The Dutch Girl" I also bought extras so she could make it larger for a twin bed for those colder nights..lol..Mine is a bit different that the others..I bought most of the fabrics for the quilts mom made..not any more..she still has Jensen and Jason's to make..she's been waiting for me to fix her machine but I haven't because she get weak but I think I will now as she does need to do something.. Sorry the photos are from me hanging them on my designing wall in Studio 2 and it was hard with back and knee problems but could not get dh to help me last night..but no matter how it hangs it is beautiful..I will give it to Sophie when she is ready to go into her bed..it is wrapped properly and in my closet.

Here is the full quilt hanging the best I could on my own..if dh is willing to help I can remove this one later on and put up a better one, but I do not think it is needed..as you can see the beauty of it..just click on all the photos to make it larger..mom quilts her quilts by hand and appliques the blanket stitch around every piece of the Dutch Girl.

I am going to make this quilt for great nephew who is due in March of next year... would have loved to have made it for Sophie but they had that room the way they wanted it and nothing else..so I did not bother too..yes I bought the slashing fabric the rest I will use my tons of fabrics that I have already..It is from Ruth Blanchet's site Arbee's Designs by a designer name Jennifer Houlden. I will make it to fit a twin size bed also so will make it to accommodate the size..Another beauty..hugs and have a nice week..Lorraine

Photos of Sophie

2011-10-30T10:55:00.000-07:00

Mommy and Daddy with Sophie

Close up of Sophie with pacier

Another view of Sophie

Daddy feeding Sophie yesterday, Oct 29, 2011.

3 generation of Terrance, me and lil Sophie..on the 23 of Oct...it was so nice of the nurse that took this photo.. I will visit her tonight and she doesn't have much on her now so she might be coming home in the middle of the week..sure hope so..hugs, Lorraine

How about a hot pink purse

2011-10-28T18:37:00.000-07:00

This is for younger sister..it is on the smaller size purses and so easy to do for now anyway..haven't' done the next steps, always learning something knew...and love it too..
Did not get to see my little one again as dh had to work late and won't tomorrow as he has to work and no one to pick me up and take me..oh well..I will on Sunday..hugs and have a nice weekend..Lorraine

Pink Pumpkins-fabrics-ballons miscellaneous stuff

2011-10-28T10:42:00.000-07:00

Finally got them outside..Support Breast Cancer month and Happy Halloween!

One my mailbox..lol

Autumn leaves new fabric for pc..

New fabric for place mats and napkins for my dining room table this year.

Almost done and still have the cap to do

2011-10-21T10:48:00.000-07:00

I should be done with this by the end of the weekend and than I can start the cap. I sew the body and sleeves together after it is finished knitted, which to me in not important, been tempted a few times..I usually have 3 knitted items to knit..and also other things to do in between. This one hurts my tendinitis on my thumbs and wrist..so I go to larger needle items and it does not hurt as bad...so I can get a lot done. Since I am almost to the point of putting my red purse in the washer machine, I started my lit sister's purse...hot pink with metal handles..have to still find them online...my lavender purse will have to wait till I can find d rings with clamps before I can finished that one or make a handle with the yarn instead..not in the hurry to make that decision yet. going to eat a small and late lunch and take a nap..could not sleep to well worrying about my dil..hugs, Lorraine

WOW Don was it delicious!!

2011-10-07T20:44:00.000-07:00

My sister in law Kathy had this photo of my brother Don with his fish he caught..boy it looks good..sorry Don I am not good as what type fish looks like..was it is..lol love you so much and miss you..love to all Lorraine

Diaper Stacker pattern/Dr appts

2011-10-07T20:08:00.000-07:00

These are the fabrics I choose to see what color I will add the initial S on the top of the diaper stacker..The fabric above will be on the bottom about 12 and on the top. the middle will be white..

This is the pattern finally found one I wanted..I made mine for both of my sons, one is going to be 40 in dec..lol..

Tomorrow I will be going to my last dietitian apt..could not make it for the last month.

Went to the Dr on wed..first one was my eye specialist and well, you won't believe it because I am still having problem believing it..I have a mold in my right eye...when he told me, the first thing that came to mind, dahhhhhhhh, was the mold we get in the bathrooms..lol than of course I realized he was talking about molds on our body to make sure I understood him I kept pointing to all of them on my arms, and few on my face..we have to keep an eye on it to make sure it does not grow..it could become something else.. Went and had my ultra sound that afternoon and I think I might be OK because she kept on saying oh that's good..she check my left, right kidneys, my bladder and under my belly..so a lot of photos was done..she told if it was serious my Dr would call..well I did not get a call so I feel pretty good..Have a great weekend..hugs to all..Lorraine

PS..will put up a few photos from the shower I gave tomorrow..they are so cute..

Pink Pumpkins I made today

2011-10-03T19:40:00.000-07:00

I dressed mine up a little..had fun in between breaks of naps with pain pills and such for sciatic nerve hurting really bad...today was the best day in almost 5 days, rest of the days I was in bed literally..
I like pink pumpkins better that orange ones..not crazy about orange..lol enjoy, hugs, Lorraine

Crib we bought and miscellaneous stuff

2011-09-28T19:48:00.000-07:00

I don't remember having a choice when my boys were born...seems every crib we looked at was brown..lol I do love the white..we will buy the mattress when dh is not working on Sat..found out he is not next weekend so maybe Terrance and his dad can go and get it..up to them.
All the showers are done and whew is all I am going to say for now..glad they are over with..they all were fun. I have photos for the one I gave and Kim's sisters gave but not for the couples..I will put the one I gave as I know all the people that were there..I do not like putting photos on my blog without names that go with it..Kim is so busy and it sounded like a lot of work as she has a lot to do for now..I only know a few..so might put them up. It was different, we had to wear hats and it was a Tea Party shower..took an hour for us to eat..they serve each item one at a time..maybe that is what I should do as I was full before everything was served..lol I am still knitting and still sewing the curtains..I am not doing anything tomorrow or Friday, I am taking time off to read and do miscellaneous things I have been wanting to do.
You all won't believe what I have been doing since June.. a pen injection of insulin..all this time I am wondering and told my Dr and nurse twice...is was leaking..I have been doing it wrong..but must have gotten some insulin as I have been running 102 and a little higher so now I woke up and it was 90 this morning and after my nap I could hardly make it to the kitchen with the shakes..it was 81..I will keep using this way till Monday, I might have to go down on the units I take..I saw the needle and just about fainted but did not hurt or sting at all..dh went and found a video on how to use it..lol Will go before I start hurting sitting on this chair..hugs to all, Lorraine

Pretty mug from sister and her dh and makings of my purse

2011-09-11T09:47:00.000-07:00

My youngest sister's dh works at a company called "Tervis" I think it is the name, got this on my birthday..and just loved it..mine came with a handle and is the only one that does, it is a 22 or 24 oz mug..hold two diet root beer cans..lol I have it with me wherever I go now..you can wash it in the dishwasher and you can use it the microwave but this one does not fit into mine..thank you both and I know they are expensive..love you two..Lorraine

This mess is my fabric cut up to make a petite purse for the tea party shower..boy am I ever going to be blue..lol but having fun..and I do not think it will be in bad taste either..If I want to tone it down a bit I will wear a black over blouse..I am having a lot of fun doing this..hope others are too..Well this is it for now..hope I did not forget anything else..if I did guys remind me and it will have to wait for the next time..being on the computer just kills my knees..love and hugs, Lorraine

Vanity Table

2011-09-11T09:34:00.000-07:00

I am always putting my photos in backwards..This one shows the top to the right, this will have the beveled mirror with hinges to lift up. (of course I now have TV for me to watch while in the hot tub...now I don't miss anything, lol

The next four photos is the process my dh has done so far, now that he has to work the next 3 Sat if won't be finished for a bit. I need a vanity table..I saw one like this done at the home where my oldest son had gotten married in 2005, he ex hubby had done this to hers..and it looked great. I am having trouble putting on my makeup and standing for long period of time..so I really needed this..this will be in my master bedroom..I tried to help sand but with my nerve damage to my palms and tendentious on my thumbs on both hands, I just can't hold anything for a long time..it would all sanded by now..but not saying now I will go out there and try again..I can not wait till it is done..there will two shelves inside, so should hold most of my makeup and some other stuff..lol It has 4 small long drawers, can't put much into them..but I probably will keep my things I have in them now.

The inside of the table. You can see there are handle but for decorative look..we will use them again.

Another view of the shelves.

Another view.

Quilts on my walls..

2011-09-10T10:25:00.000-07:00

The two above photos I am showing where I have added 3 of my Element quilts from Linda Schmidts class I did in 2004..the first one is ocean and wind but I did clouds/lighting and the below is my fire one in my dining room, I really love this..I am going to adding some swirl candles I found from when I have my buisness to put on the those gold candle holders and it will look awesome. click on them to see a larger view. thank for looking.

My son Terrance and his wife, Kim, did my self portrait in a shadow box. I have been waiting so long for this to be framed. it looks great. Thank you for such a wonderful birthday present. love to you both.

Now I hope I haven't forgotten anything as my knees are killing me for sitting here to long..have a wonderful weekend everyone. love and hugs, Lorraine

Another hat done with knitting

2011-09-10T09:45:00.000-07:00

I have this already knitted about 3 weeks now but could not find the chain..now I have it and can finished it so I can felt it..it is so huge..I still need to make the Icord add the chain add another Icord, chain and Icord..than I still have to go around the edges with the fizz/yard together..than I can felt it.. I just forgot to put this in yesterday. hugs, Lorraine

Hat for Tea Party

2011-09-10T09:26:00.000-07:00

This is the back, I added tulle and sewed in some mirror beads and a tail of teal and turquoise beads..

This is the front with the white added to the front..just added this morning..not sure if I like it..what do you think of this one?

This is the one I finished last night and I do like it. My dh loved it when I added the large blue feather to it..it does look good on..Which one do you like the best, with or without the white..you can call me personally and let me know..lol I have a teal/turquoise a bit of mustard and green on the halter dress with straps I am making and a teal over blouse, but might go with black..I love to walk in as the "Turquoise/Teal Lady" lol but might have to tone it down a bit..so we will see what mood I am in now..it is fun..and when looking up how to make a tea hat..well, I am not a flower person at all..no flowers on my hats..lol also it said at the end to not to forget my white gloves and parasol..which I have in 3 colors also..glove only white and navy blue, I wore at my wedding 37 years ago in Feb of 1973..lol still have the beaded navy blue purse too..lol Now to sewing my dress and also will sew the hot pink one and Hawaiian one with dark blue hibicus..than I can check it off my list..lol

What are you all working on this weekend..my dh has to work..

Can you believe he has to work the last Saturdays of Sept..when they run out of cotton the do a shut down and no one gets any days off and the work 10-12 hours..all the showers are on two of the Sat..even the one I am giving..I will get to all of them one way or another..someone will take pity on me. Have a wonderful day and weekend, love and hugs, Lorraine

spell checker is not working sorry...for any words mispelled.

Where I am at with my baby layette

2011-09-09T10:17:00.000-07:00

All the invitations for the showers, mine is in the middle, the diaper which is Sat on 17..a couples shower is the Sat after mine and the shower, Tea Party with hats, put on by her sisters is at a Cafe in Covinginton, Tn..is the one on the right. Gotta save these for sure..lol

This is the 3rd time around as my little puppy got a hold of it 2 times and had it a mess and stitches off..but it was a bit smaller than this..what you are looking at is my back of the sacque ( I think it is called this because it has only one button on top) the front of the back with the buttercup and cornflower pattern..the top piece is the starting point of one of the front of the sacque. I still have the cap , 2 mittens and 2 booties..we will see if I get to the others by the time the baby is due..I do not just knit this I also am working on my purses, have been sewing and doing some serging..so at the end I will probably be hustling it..If you all know me, haven't been able to much and now that I am doing, I have to have more pots on the stove than one..lol only way to put it.. Now it is time for lunch and than the hot tub and a short nap..have a wonderful weekend..love and hugs to all..Lorraine

Catching up on a few things

2011-09-09T10:05:00.000-07:00

Above is the purse I am going to make my younger sister but in hot pink..the wool yarn is harder to obtain since these books are a few years older and so is the hardware..but I will improvise..lol

My purse half way done and than I get to felt it..it will half the size it is now..it is huge..lol love felted purse..you don't see the stitches when you are done..

I had to give my Sheba away as she was getting a bit larger for me to handle..I now have a hip problem due to me holding on the lease and her all tangled up under the table and chairs and her pulling me down with her..I forgot to let go of the leash..People her paws was getting a little to big for my own good..so wanted to give her away now so that she can find a wonderful home with some wonder children, they will have so much fun with her like we did..we use to get wore out by her in the evening playing with her..I wish I could have blinked my eyes and she would have been grown already..but still might had have a problem with her being to large for a handicapped person like me..

First Bib I made and purse going to make

2011-08-17T08:56:00.001-07:00

My new exercisers, my gazelle. my dietitians wanted for me to use this instead of walking..she feels like two other Drs...walking is not the right exercises for my knees..so far good, oh Sheba is helping chew up the packaging..lol

What the inside will look like..this a felted purse and using wool to make it..love the looks..I made about 5 about a year and half ago but can't find them..lol

Purse I am going to make hopefully get it started so I can knit it in Mi..my little outfit for my grand baby is on hold for now.. the knitting needles are smaller than what I am use to and is really hurting my thumbs..and also I have a dog that seems to make me lose a few stitches every now and than and that is no fun..newspaper helps a lot..boy does she run when I bring it out..lol

My very first bid and boy is it small..but will fit a newborn.. but I will make them larger...I am making my own patterns..I will like them a lot better..of course cut the head of the poor giraffe..lol
My others will look a lot better with more practice...I have a few halter dresses I need to make for my trip to Mi soon..and few mending to do and yuck a pair of slack to hem..hated hemming always..lol hugs to all..Lorraine

Cradle my son slept in 37 years ago

2011-08-17T08:50:00.000-07:00

I wanted my dh to bring this cradle down and put it together so that I can show my son and his wife this cradle..I do not think others can view what I was trying to tell them what it looked like but at the time it was a million bucks to me as my son slept in it till he was 3 months old in our room. If they would like to use I will refinished it...it has a lock to lock it in place and than you give a slight push and it rocks..My little Terrance loved it and he loved to sleep too! I will also get a new pad and make some sheets for for it..it is nothing like a bassinet. hugs, Lorraine

My new edition to my home Her name is Sheba

2011-08-17T08:38:00.000-07:00

Yep she is getting larger, her paws at 6 weeks were a lot smaller and now they are huge..lol

Here Sheba is 2 months old, the other day with her new purple bow..lol

Love her like this...lol she is a hand full people..larger dog than I expected too..

A close up of her on the computer table

She is only 6 weeks old here..on top on my computer table..now any more!!

She is half lab and half Austrailian Shepard..but seems like the shepard is showing up more in her personality than the lab but her paws have the web between them..she only has 5 claws on the two front paws and the back has only 4..surprised us..she is so much fun and she is wearing my bones to the ground..lol hugs, Lorraine

Guess what I am doing now

2011-07-07T12:58:00.000-07:00

I am ironing diapers..lol bought some to use to make burp cloths and bought the wrong ones..they are flat and large..its been so long didn't even bother to look at the size...than I can start to cut them up and sew flannels to the back and front and sew..but will put some wording on it and did some sketching last night...so hope I haven't forgotten how to satin stitch..lol Have a great day all. hugs, Lorraine

Hi Been a very long time

2011-07-06T14:46:00.000-07:00

I have had this for a long time and it a quilted snuggle up.

Patterned I received from one of my sisters or my mom..

Butterick 5220 discontinues in 2001. bought it on ebay and I do have another one from another site coming in..probably today or tomorrow.

This is what I am going to knit for my grandchild. I can't wait..

This is the fabric Kim and Terrance picked out for the curtains..the walls will be a blue color..I saw swatches but they want the fabric first as it would be so much simpler to pick the color of the wall that way..

Hi everyone,

First news I have is I am going to be a grandmother. My youngest son, Terrance got married in Sept to Kim Armstrong. On Easter Sunday, they handed us wrapped presents we had to open. In them was books one is for a grandma and the other one for a grandpa..I just looked at Kim and said am I going to be a grandmother..she said look in the book and there was a scan of of the baby. They are not going to see what it is going to be. They want to be surprised. She is now 4 months pregnant..We are going to make curtains and I am going to in the years to come teach her how to sew clothes for our baby..lol

I typed this is first and the photos ended up being on top..its been awhile..hugs to all, Lorraine

Right now I am getting fabric and what ever I need to make bibs, burp cloths and etc.

I have chosen out patterns of what to knit and patterns that has so much to choose from to sew for a baby. Here are some of the photos:

Mom's Surprise Birthday Party October 16, 2010

2010-10-17T15:16:00.000-07:00

I did it again, but it has been awhile since I have put so many photos in here, they are in the wrong order but it was a wonderful party my mother will never forget.
This photo is Mike, Leah, Chris, Terrance and Jason.

This with Grandma in the middle with her 3 great granddaughters in front of her. I called this photo the "The Future Generations" what a gorgeous photo of them all.

The rest is about the party done through my printmaster so I would not pages and pages here to view them all.. Please click on them to see a larger version.. I hope you all enjoy them. I do some photos missing as my camera was acting up and a lot of black photos..first time for me, camera is old about 6-7 years old, time for a new one..

Mr and Mrs Terrance W Strohkirch Jr

2010-09-24T07:12:00.000-07:00

They were married in Las Vegas on September 4, 2010.
This is all I have for now and found it on fb.. till later, hugs, Lorraine

Welcome to the World, Jensen Lausterer

2010-09-15T21:19:00.000-07:00

This is a closeup of Jensen in Mom's lap..great grandmother to Jensen on the Lausterer side..lol

Great Grandma Will holding Jensen Sept 15 2010 He was born yesterday after 5pm..not sure of the exact time..He weight in at 6 lb 14 oz..His hair is like his daddy, always sticking up in the air..but a very good looking man he is..my nephew Jason..Jensen is a true Lausterer here but as they get older their looks will change...oh sisters, I check he has the Lausterer ear lobes..lol

Jason, Jenna and Jensen Lausterer..Welcome you beautiful baby, love and lots of kisses, (great) Aunt Lorraine boy does that make feel really old..lol

Twiste Ribbons class

2010-08-14T07:18:00.000-07:00

I had forgottent to add the 4th fabric..I had misplaced my lesson when picking out fabric and when I found them it said four fabrics..this is for me to play with making a sample for my quilt bedspread..there are yummy..if worst comes to worst, I can always dye my fabric..the green is all I had and it is one of my dyed fabric.. the second one would a be a challenge as it a batik and I have and love to do batik dyeing but not sure on this one..lol Now I will send to my teacher..hugs and have a good day..
I had my 3rd injection yesterday and it always gives me the flu symtoms..so I took some benedryl last night and this morning and seems to working and not making every bone in my body ache..so now I will lay down and than practice ont his later..Lorraine

Michelle and kids when visiting me in July 2010

2010-08-11T08:21:00.000-07:00

LOL Nathan and his smile for us..He starts or have already started kindergarden..I hope you love it Nathan..love Aunt Lorraine

Michelle and Abby..took Abby a long time to even give me a big hard hug but she did before she left..beautiful little girl..can't wait to see you all again..love Aunt Lorraine

Now this is picture perfect, lovely photo, thank you Michelle and kids..Nathan and Josh the bear, Michelle and Abby Stonebarger..July 2010..love you all, Aunt Lorraine

Twisted Ribboin scraps I will pratice with

2010-08-11T08:16:00.000-07:00

These are the 3 fabrics I chose to practice with for lesson 1 A..it is suppose to be a long cabin so I hope I can do this..haven't done one yet..I probably will regret using these colors as I love them and won't, not even close, to have enough of these fabrics to make this bedspread..lol but might be able to make maybe a small art quilt and do something on afterwards..what do you think of the colors..thank goodness the bedroom is not painted yet..have a great day, hugs, Lorraine

Twisted Ribbons with Ruth Blanchet

2010-08-09T13:51:00.000-07:00

This is the class I am taking right now with Ruth Blanchet..her website icon is on the lower left on this page..check out the classes she is offering.
I am having a hard time finding my fabrics for this as I am going to try and make my second queen size quilt for our master bedroom. We are painting the room a lavender color..to the the truth these colors are perfect for them but do not want to copy Ruth's color theme... The last queen size quilt I made in 2003 for my late Fr. Rick and my very first quilt to beat..lol it was hard and it took me like 7 months to make..it is a memory quilt, when I find a photo of it I will put it up.
I am also involved in acrylic painting and have quite a few canvases to gesso before I can start and will put photos up later on..just an update. have a great day every one and hugs, Lorraine

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I am back I hope sorry for not posting here in long time

2010-08-05T21:37:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,
So sorry for not posting in a long time but nothing new or creative is happening and hoping that this will change with the jell injections I am getting in my knees.
I was emailed that I was missed a QU student lounge as I used to go there and chat with the girls a lot too..so I will try and keep things at least updated
Both of my son's were out of work..but youngest is starting a new job on august 30th..thank you God..My oldest is moving to Mississippi and going to be living (not sleeping) with a woman and her 2 daughters to help each other out..It is below Archer Bulters Lake and it is a farm house in the boonies..but has a wonderful lake..I am excited to see this place as it sounds like a place I would love to live away from the world that I am in now..lol There is suppose be a place opening up and hiring people so he is hoping he can get a job down there.keeping fingers cross for him and he will be missed in my household knowing he can't just visit me..but that is life.
That picture of the dog in the last posting is not my dog..we woke up one morning and the neighbors took all 3 dogs with them..so it had to belong to one of them..but they sure did not feed them..he was cutie pie but a bad dogie for tearing up my screen in gazebo..lol.
Well this will be it till next time..hugs to all and please keep cool..hugs, Lorraine

My poor gazebo..the snow got it and snowy photos

2010-02-09T13:58:00.000-08:00

It was about 630 when these were taken so they are kinda dark but did the best I could..Here is my dh, Terry, scraping off snow on his poor sick truck..lol

My neighbor's trees, not looking forward to those gumballs when they start falling it seems we get more than they do...not fair..lol but pretty

Snowy yard..

I took another one of my gazebo at a 8 am so it was light outside..it has collapsed from the weight of the snow and ice..now all dh had to was take it off after work but he not that type of guy, now he has to buy me another one and if don't I will and it will be larger this one...for sure I will..He said if metal bars aren't bent too much he might be able to fix it..but he doesn't get the snow of it tonight it just might collapsed..I would do it but I can't even reach it and of course I don't want to end in bed the rest of the year either..lol

A bit of chat here:

Was so excited I got to watch Pierce Brosnan on the late late night show with host Craig Ferguson..he still looks as handsome as he did with Remington Steele and with the touch of gray..like fine wine..ages very well, I use to say that about Cary Grant ooooooh.lol ok enough

I am doing so well without the pain but it takes so long for me to do anything as I haven't done any of this but in spurts over the last few years..yes my dh did not dust we did dust before my sister came up and it was ridiculous too..he vacuums when he pleases and I am always using my feet to clean the floor in the kitchen and bathroom as could not bend because of the pain..but I am happy that I can do this slowly..I can stand and cook for about a half hour and have to sit..my calves gives in on me, not enough exercises but I am working on them.so I am happy to have my life back.but still haven't sewn a stitch or anything in the creative world that I love..

I still play a few games on fb..but don't know how long, Fb has a new page and it is just horrible to work and a person put something up and I think she is right..with fb acting up and not getting around very well, it is a message to get of the computer and do some sewing but I will be dyeing or painting, as Marjie has discovered a way to paint with our dyes...smart lady she it and a lot of fun..but going at slowly as the studio 2 is very very cold and that itty bitty heater is not keeping me warm..I put on sweats but I think I am allergic to them because when I take them off I have a rash all over my body, very tiny, it doesn't itch but makes one wonder.. I do not normally wear sweats at all..

Anything else going with you all..oh we are celebrating 37 years of marriage on Valentine's day, i have for the last 2 years been saying 38...lol must mean something too long with one person..when I was younger and did not know any better I always told my friends that I was going to get married every 5 years to a different man..by now I would have broken Liz Taylor's record.lol something to ponder though.lol

FB people just ignore this as this is for my friends and family who do not have fb..or a blog and like to keep in touch with me..I will one day revamp this blog...it needs something different..lol lots of hugs and have a great evening and week..Lorraine
Click on the photos and it will be bit larger..Thank you for visitng my blog, sorry I am not here enough and I do miss it..

Snow and Ice storm..Jan 29 2010

2010-01-29T12:54:00.000-08:00

Right now it is sleeting and has been for about 35 minutes..the snow is already crunchy, as Suzie had to go out and decided to take a couple of photos..memories, lol..anyway, underneath is snow than some sleet and snow and now sleet again..Already saw two cars doing their sliding and slipping in front of my house...I am pretty sure they getting off work early trying to beat it before it gets really bad..so far the trees are not all iced up..that is what happen in 2003 in Feb..awful..so hoping this is not a repeat..

Wanted to show my gazebo...dh did not take the screen down and you can see ice on it...probably ruin for sure..I know one thing Suzie did her business and came a running in..lol usually she likes to prance around like a queen..lol

All have a safe day and stay warm, hugs Lorraine

click on the photo and it will be larger!

How long will it take me to get these two rooms done?

2010-01-17T10:28:00.000-08:00

This is where the computer area is in Studio one..which is my sewing and computer..printing and scanning stuff for my art before being laid up.. The second photo below is my sewing areas..

The far let is my new Janome, I bought about a year and half ago and still has not been used..I know but was laid up and I did try a couple of times...but being my right knee it just did not work out..on the same desk to extreme left is all the classes I have taken stacked up and that needs to be put in spiral binders, about a foot tall..but have to have help as I do not want to bring on my bursitis back..you know the machine you have to push down to make the holds..and make it into binders..why I wait for such a huge pile every time I do not know, I keep telling myself to do it after each class..anyway..one the back wall is my designing wall with about 7 quilts to be finished..and when I looked at the first is my son's from 5 years ago..I do believe before getting into anything else I will work on that one and the one below...my zodiac class with Ruth Blanchet at QU..I love that one..and on the little table is my Husky Star Embellisher, brought it in here about 2 months ago when son did not know what to do with his HUGE TV..so it went in Studio two on my cutting table...now that it is gone it will go back in there as all the stuff I used for this machine is in Studio two..

This is Studio two, I call it my wet and dry one because I let my dyed fabric dry in here and do gluing, painting, heat gun and such in there..as you see my Embellisher can come back in here..Also you will notice when dh did not know where to put stuff it ended up in here because I am not using it...trim, the last one for this room..

My dh also has stored wood under my table that I keep my quilts that are ready to be quilted, they were covered but I went in here the other day to see what I had to do..putting them away for another day...ufo..lol..boxes and such but not too bad..so this is my plan for the week...If I wanted to push it I could get it done in a few days, but l will pay good attention to my Dr and take it easy..it will be there for the next day..lol So this is my agenda for next week..not tomorrow as we going running around but not for 10 hours either..

Chat:

Got out of the hot tub about a half hour ago and believe it or not, I fell asleep in there and dh came out with my hot tea..ain't' he doll, I had a bottle of water with me..but he did not know this..I would not have drowned because of the way I had myself positioned..was in there for about 40 minutes and now I am rearing to go...but will check out some games first, crops always needs to be tended too...lol I quilt most of the games but the ones that I have done pack on how to do it and not take so much time either...except when I decide to redo it than that could take hours..not today..lol

I have search the Internet for my Egyptian art that I want to do..and found some awesome information and readings on it..also different ideas of what i really want to do..some wonder art...so I probably will change my mind about what I have chosen..we will see..I have done a King tut and Nefertiti in gold leafing, ceramics..and when in Canada bought a medal art of both of them together, a hefty 285 for it but it was worth it.so this will be so right above my shelves with both of them..When you walk into my home you can not miss them..right in front of you..lol

I will let every one know that I am doing so well on Celebrex right now I just can not believe it..I have no pain except for the exercises that I do and you all know that is a good kinda pain..goes away with more..I did my figure 8 hula with knees bent for about 2 minutes and it felt great..so hopefully I will doing my 30 minutes exercises in a few months for more..I am not going to push it to hard..I have time now..Thank you for all your support through my ordeal and I could not have asked for better friends that I meet online and my faithful followers here on my blog..I hope all your dreams and wishes come true for this new year..lots of hugs, Lorraine

I'm Back on track again-new books and new art to make

2010-01-12T11:04:00.001-08:00

This is the art I am going to do, I want to do it on fabric and I know I can but it is going to take a lot of designing to get it larger to see what I am doing. Bought a program to help but dh has not load it yet nor my ipod..waaaa..click it and it will be larger and the title will be on it..

I bought these four books, the one you can not see is by Stephen King called Duma Key, had to buy it when I read what it was about..I have never bought a book from him before..and the price was just right..lol and it is so thick..

The other 3 are art books, the top one Egyptian Art, Impression, can never get enough of this style of art as I love impression art..and the other one Renaissance Art..I am still reading the Egyptian art, well I read it but keep on going back to it..and also reading and have about an half hour one the newest book from Jennifer Chiavernini called A Quilter's Holiday..what will I read next..I have bought over a dozen books in the last 6 months...read all but 6 so...guess on my mood what I feel like..I have bios of two people, mystery and so on.

Chat: of course there is always a chat section on my blog lol

Facebook:

Quilt University has finally move into that direction and knew one day they would..glad to see them there.

My games I am cutting out a few of them and keeping some of them as I do love a few of them.

Made a lot of new friends online and the games kept me from going insane..so I will never down games on fb ever..it is addicting but I now have and hope to have my life back for good..as long as I can take Celebrex I will be fine..

Christmas was not the same this year as my spirits was really low and sorry I brought that upon my family but we did have a great meal at my son's place..New Year as usual we stay home..we don't go out and venture into the world of a bunch of people who drink tooo much and think they still can drive..safe at home..

So onto the New Year and it looks good and promising for us..but we will probably have some ups and downs..especially with dh work..they now have me sending in paper work or my dh gets a point against him and after 12 he will get fired..no sick leave here, we used up 3 weeks of vacation last year for Dr's apt for me and him and took days off without pay too...even with a Dr excuse..I had canceled a lot of apt..so when the paper comes in I will be able to make the apts again..it is good for a whole year, oh boy, yippee for us!!! Anyway..I know I won't be seeing that many as last year I had so many test done, it was horrible..won't do them again..either.
I will be adding my progress with my art..I also will start my acrylic are class I have been taking..I have not done one yet and they are the 7th block..but at least I get to pick the one I want to do now...lol..So hoping me back blogging will bring my friends back to my blog..lots of hugs and may the New Year bring to you what your heart's desire..Lorraine

Quilts Mom made for two of her great grandsons

2010-01-02T10:31:00.000-08:00

This one is about trucks..I do not remember the name..This is for Parker..my youngest sister's grandson. They look better in person.

This a scrappy one with all of our scraps..and it looks awesome in person..I love quilts done this way..This one is made for my brother, Bob, grandson Daniel.. They are on their way today..so hopefully you will get this week.

I haven't been on this blog since Nov 20th..less hope it is not going to be this way this year..I will try to post something every week..I promise..

Chat:Fb people don't have to read it unless you want to..to my friends and family here on my blog.

I was put on Celebrex and it did work but had I think some side effect but was also taking potassium pills..any way went off both..I had the itch on my back..I went back on the potassium pill yesterday and the itch on my back was back within 3 hours..drank a lot of water trying to flush it out of my system..no more itch last night..so now it was the potassium pill that did that..

Today I went back on Celebrex..to see if the other side effects comes back..I see the dr on the 8th and we can see how I do...but if I wake tomorrow with the other systoms, I will not take another one.. I took dh meds that I use to be on for over 9 months..and it has helped me for the last 4 days and woke up feeling really good..but after awhile being on my feet the pain came back but not as bad..I will and say will positively, get this resolved this year for sure..I am not going back and forth to other Dr's..I will get one of them to help me..period..I say this in a very stern voice..lol You see I will get my life back one way or another this year..enough of all these Dr's and no one can help..a bunch of bs..if you ask me..

I hope all of my friends and family that are not of face had a wonderful Christmas and hope the new year brings all new hopes and dreams to come true for you all...remember we make our lives so do as you have wanted to do for a long time and enjoy it as life is too damn short not too..

I still haven't done any sewing and still can not sit and reach and pull fabrics so till this is resolved I will be able too but realized that I can a paint on my table with my table easel so will start to do something like this..I bought a kit on Fairies to learn how to water color..for the up teen time..I will this time..than I plan on painting all the classes I am behind in my class that will last for a year..I am already 7 behind..but am a fast learner and will catch up in a month or so...so I will some thing to look forward too...All of sudden a few weeks ago I wanted to get back into my ceramic and pottery and also realized I can not pour any molds or do slab work..lol but at least I am think of it as I still have many bisque waiting to be painted..so not all bad at all..it will put my mind at ease knowing I can still be creative but not in the fabric way..there is a class I will take at QU and that is with Marjie McWilliams new class that turns our dyes into paint..wow gotta learn this for sure...pretty sure I can do this class..I now have to find out wen it is and sign in and pay for it..It would be nice if I can use it my painting and just on fabrics but soon I will know this..or I will experiment as I like doing this a lot...

So what have all you wonderful friends been up too..so sorry I did not think much of writing in here to at least say Hi..forgive me for that..

I am still plugging along and playing fun game on FB..and oh I knew one day QU would be there and they are so go and look them up and become a fan if you are on FB..

I want to explain Fb a little here so that maybe a friend or two would join me there..if you were to join and became my friend, only you and I could read what each other say.If other friends join in on your page, they will be the only ones to read what you put and same for me..not the whole fb book people..so hope this clears up that you and I can become friends to each other and not worry about any one seeing what we write...on the other hand, under our profile there it a send a message to me or whoever and it is between you and me personally..I have miss all of you..

Not much else going on around here but the same old thing..and getting older..that is it..lol lots of love, hugs and A Very Happy New Year to all of you, Lorraine

Happy Birthday Patti through memory lane

2009-11-20T03:00:00.000-08:00

In Hawaii sitting on a Banyan Tree stump on my mom's neighbor tree..1957

These photos on on muslin that I have not yet put on a quilt I am in process of making of us 5 children and mom and day, been in the makings for over 5 years..lol when I get it done...and I hope soon it is for Mom..so I better get to it..she just turn 81..I know she will treasure it..this is of Donnie and Patti, youngest two children of mom..Don being the youngest..

Have a great day Patti, wish I was there to celebrate it with you..

CHAT: FOR MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY..FACEBOOK PEOPLE YOU CAN SKIP THIS PART OR THE WHOLE BLOG FOR TODAY,

This section for my friends who are worried about me and sending me email because I have been on this blog...yes, I miss it but there is nothing to put in here...I haven't made or finished anything but do not hold you breath, sewing machine is ready to go...going to machine quilt the pink and purple poinsettias..starting tomorrow...bite my town, if pain is there and take a pain killer..I really do not see any other way for me to live right now but with pain pills. even if I have been off them for awhile..but the last two day I have been on dorvaset since the nerve block did not last but 2 weeks. OH my dear friends, I was on cloud nine...went to dinner with my cane.. and not the walker..went shopping with cane and one time I walked without it but dh had to get a basket..my calf muscles were hurting so bad..not use to walking on them without any assistance..so now I think I know what I have to do.lol

We have so many dr apt between me and Terry..dh had that kidney stone about 2 months ago..had to go the the emergency room..(4600) for a few hours..Anyway, he is seeing a dr for that..at work they do a breathing test and because his pressure was slight high, they made him go see his regular dr..and he put him on high blood pressure pills..he did not feet good with these..but he than had to see his dr for a follow up and consultation about his kidney..He took my husband off the high blood pressure pill and told him to back and he family dr and let him know so he has another pill, which I was on for over 15 years till about 3 years ago, HTZ I think the initials are for it..he felt better with this one..the other pill would have depleted his calcium and wash to his kidneys causing a stone...he will have this rest of life..never know when or if it will come back..He also put Terry, my dh, on two other pills. and has to drink 1 gallon of lemonade, pure stuff a day-only one glass a day..but the others that are watered down a gallon..so far everything is good..He is also seeing his dentist.needless to say I cancel 2 apt for me...as we were losing to many days at work..half a day here, half a day there..in weeks time..I ma going to have to back to my spine dr and give him the dvd of my MRI on my spine..I have to see my eye specialist and the dentist besides my family dr in Dec..my stomach dr on Nov30 and he has a couple more over his dentures been fitted..His insurance did not cover it all so had to us the bad word, credit card.but we will pay the off in Jan when we take more stocks out..we just don't want them when we retire.. Anyway that is what is been going on..nothing new..

I am or was going to say behind in all my classes but they are over with so can't say that anymore..never did do them..I guess one day I will..I still have my art class with acyclic,,we are on lesson 3 or block 3 and still haven't downloaded the videos...I did not want to look at it but since I have to download it I will..I can't wait to start these either, have my small easel already set up int he studio 2..everything laid out..and sewing set up here too...just keep fingers cross that my fingers and calf muscles don't cramped up on me..

So what I have I been doing, enjoying myself with the games on Facebook, I just love them, when someone sends me another to look or view it, if I do not like lit it I am out of it..like the one with the kitty cats, out of that tomorrow for sure..I just hope that I am not so addicted to them that I won't sew or paint..lol Oh in between all these game and messing around the house a bit, I have read 5 or 6 books..I can not believe I still have not finish my quilting novel, and put on order and wanted to it so bad, half way done..lol I am so curious to see how it ends...but I usually have to lay down and read.. I read Patrick Swayze's book, "The Time of My Life". Oh what a wonderful man he was..I just miss him so much, I have been crazy about him since I saw him in the "Outsiders" and than "Red Dawn" I use to watch Red Dawn over and over and than came, Dirty Dancing..oh my..I also read Melissa Gilbert's Prairie Tale..it was interesting as I did not she when through the drugs and alcohol., she sure did..I was surprise to know that she married to Bruce Boxleitner, I use to love him too..who did not I not love..lol I was more surprise to find out what type of man he was..we never know what these famous people go and they are just as normal like you and me..I now have McKenzie Phillips book to read...I seem to be reading bios and I go through this every so many years..Child star actors like Melissa Gilbert to me was just a spoiled little girl..IMO..good reading though..YOU will cry reading Patrick's book, so make sure you have a box of kinnex next to you..

I have about 7 more new books waiting in line..plus now dh and I have a night out with dinner and Barnes and Noble..they have a Starbucks in the store..we thoroughly enjoyed and we decided that is out date out together..we are book lovers..

I play games on FB and not afraid to let others know it..some think it is just awful, but I do not, I think it takes my void out of my life now and it does for a lot of people..nothing wrong also being on FB..it is up the individual and what she/he puts on their profile..I have heard others down these sites...but you know..I never thought I would do it..but I love..if its not your thing so let it be, but do not knock any person that is on it..It is not beneath you, either..Look, I found a few friends. cousins, and most of my family are now in contact on a daily basic..now and love that..I do know that I will be on FB till they kick me out..lol

I want to thank you my buddies I made online, through classes, who were in my groups for making cards and the others for keeping up with me and being my loyal friends..I do not know what I would do without you all..I hope this blogging has brought you up to date..and thank you so much for thoughts and prayers...lots of love and hugs, Lorraine

Now who would have thought Rick was among those bushes..love it

2009-11-01T17:03:00.000-08:00

I should have included this with Patti's photo but thought he sent the wrong pictures..so he wrote back and told he was the bush and scared the pants of some kids and parents..I love it and think it was great idea..wish I could have seen it for myself.. Rick Johnstone the bush!! xxoo love Lorraine

The prettiest witch Patti Johnstone

2009-11-01T10:45:00.000-08:00

Click to see a larger photo..Patti you are so pretty as a witch..now you could scare a flea..great custom..nothing happen around here..glad it was good..love you, Lorraine

Happy Halloween Pumpkins by Rick Johnstone

2009-10-30T23:04:00.000-07:00

These two pumpkins were carved by Rick Johnstone, my brother in law, my youngest sister, Patti, husband..Rick does such wonderful work on pumpkins..I have seen many of them before.

We all wish you all a Happy Halloween and hope the weather holds up for all the children. Kudos for you Rick. Wonderful carvings..

Ohhhhhhhhhhhh so Spooky...this looks awesome, just awesome..thank you, hug Lorraine xxoo

Happy Halloween Everyone

2009-10-29T11:32:00.000-07:00

This card is made by sister, Patti Johnstone. She and all of us wish you all Happy and Safe Halloween..You did good sis..I am just not able to sew..we had a swap together but had to opt out..due to my health issues..but be sure to come back for Christmas and your eyes will feast of some awesome Christmas cards..for sure..I love Christmas and who does not....lol
Oh do you know anyone that reminds you of this witch...I think we all do..lol enjoy from Patti..and me..hugs, Lorraine

Reunion photos from a week ago-Oct 2009

2009-10-16T07:03:00.000-07:00

These are grouping of the photos of our reunion with Patti, Rick and Parker, when they came from Florida. I haven't seen my sister in 6 years. My brother, Don, came down from Indiana and she hasn't seen in "16 years!!".. My niece, Michelle came from Nashville with Josh, her dh, and two children, Nathan and Abby.. The gathering was with my brother's children, Leah, Jason and Christopher and their families..Patti stayed at Jason's..Michelle at Leah's and Don divided his time with Leah and mom..We also sang Mom "Happy Birthday, even if it was early..we had dinner at my home and decide with her 3 children, me, Patti and Don..with Michelle and her family and Leah..why not surprise her..I had baked a Red Velvet cake and made Fried Rice with shrimp and pork..well, I cut the vegetables and made the rice..my son Terrance put it all together..It was so much fun. A lot of photos were taken at the cook out at Chris's home on Sat.and a few from the Bonfire on Friday evening and a few from my home. These photos came from Patti and Rick..also I got to met my great nephew, Parker (Patti and Rick's grandson), great niece Abby (Michelle and Josh's daughter) and met Jackson, Leah's youngest son..he was just a doll, and always smiling..and he is a big baby..weighting in at 21 lbs at 6 months, I think..can't think right now.. There is not any notes on these photos or I would be here forever and a day getting it on my blog..just enjoy looking at them..Please click on the photos on top and below to make it larger and you can see them better, oh, two photos missing, one with me and Leah and my fat butt in the air..I saw Rick trying to get a photo and had to be funny..in my hot spa..and one of Terry and me at the table at the BBQ at Chris's..lol I had to be chauffeured around as dh was not feeling very well but did come to the BBQ and of course at my home..we both did not feel too good..Enjoy..

I haven't received any more photos...OK Josh where are they..waiting for them..wish I could have been there for all of it and than I would had my own...too..when we were all at my home, I did take a few but they came out just horrible, batteries were dead....

Chat: for family and friends..it is personal stuff so you might want to skip this..for those on FB.

I haven't been here on my blog as I haven't done much of anything. I somehow got acute bronchitis..really bad..First bout, they gave me penicillin and something else with some cough gel meds...than went in last week Friday..and I was even worse so they gave me some Tussinex, which has hydrocodone, that I was taking for my pain..in the cough syrup..so I had to go off my dorvaset..which I am glad as it was not reliving all my pain..but this sure does..make me dizzy too. My Dr's wife, Rita, called me on Wednesday, the first ever for me for any Dr...I could not get over it and ask her if she was calling me because I wasn't going to take the antibiotic they had prescribe for me..she said no, that they was wanting to know how I was doing as I was very very sick..it was nice and told I knew I was going to best dr in Memphis!! I have been going to them since the base hospital closed in 1996.. a long time and medical history with them

Patti was sick all the way home..so something was for sure in the air..not what we had..so hoping you are better..

I also feel again...but catching my fall with my hands..I was playing with Suzie..and with this cough med..I got a little dizzy bending over..so I used my hand, or shall I say my fingers, to catch my fall..It looked like the ring finger on the left hand got the worse of it..it was sore but I did not realized how bad till I took a nap and the pain was shooting through both the pinkie and ring finger..it was very very painful..could not bend them at all...when dh came home we found splits, metals ones...I had to use many years ago when my fingers were crooked and had to were them for almost 6 months..the pinkie is still a bit crooked..could not find the small one so he taped the little finger to the ring finger that had the splint and it worked like a charm...anyway I could not do hardly anything and one was typing in this computer..lol till yesterday...Dh is getting better too,oh my son Mike was really sick and had to go the emergency room and they took him right away,, even if he did not have insurance..he still has not found a job, and now live in Walls, Ms with some friends..he is homeless now.. Just a brief, lol, of whats been going on with me.. How are you all doing? email me and let me know..

I have signed up for 6 classes and all of them were of course this last few weeks so I haven't done any of them..one will last a whole year..so need to get this one done and caught up or i won't be able too. We are on block 2 and have 8 more to go..videos and printed lessons come with it..acrylic paining on canvas..and have all the supplies just need to get better so I can..the others are online quilting classes.. I will for sure put them in here as get to them and also the other 7 quilts that waiting for me to machine quilt which are already spray basted...I have my Bargello autumn on the sewing machine..what I working on when I got sick..tried to sew a few stitch in the ditch last night but fingers are not well to hold on to the quilt..also dying to get to use my Janome machine poor thing..is it waiting for me...

I also am having fun with my games on FB..as I can't do anything else but read..I now enjoy these games..Fish World, Island Paradise and Calvin's Island..all these game does not take much time playing them..but now I do..and love it..Fish World, I love re decorating my tanks with different themes..they have all sort of themes..can not wait for the Christmas ones..Island Paradise we get to steal crops from our neighbors..and we grow a few crops..not like the two big ones that I got out of..I was spending time on these and did not like it and anyway I am a city girl who does not know how to take care of a farm..lol So for now this is what I do..lol at least it keeps me from getting to bored...knitting had not spark any interest for now...but see myself getting back into it soon.. Have a wonderful weekend and don't get bored....take a risk at something you have been wanting to do..you just might like it..lots of hugs, Lorraine

Take a preview look at the ArtforAutism site

2009-10-01T06:36:00.000-07:00

http://www.artnowforautism.com/shop/
On the left they have a list of the artist, just click on a name and view their work. If you like something on the left Claudine has a link to contact her..Auction starts on the 4th of October. hugs, Lorraine

Mail Call for today Sept 21 2009

2009-09-21T12:07:00.001-07:00

Dh finally found the tree maker that I can use with my older version..as I did not want to redo 9 years all over again plus add what I did not get to put in there when I gave up genealogy about 8 years ago...census, and such..no way..lol On top is some key chains I think dh got free..of course these were in his name but after opening the other below for me, I just could not stop myself..I thought my yellow rubber ducky with thermometer was one of them, yes I get to play with a yellow rubber ducky in my hot tub..lol how cool is that...and keep up the the temps..too...lol I know I am bit crazy but aren't we all at times!!

3 fabrics I got on sale at equilters.com..50 % off..I bought 5 yards for mom of the Elvis print for her to make herself an Elvis quillow...and told her she is not giving this one away..I have bought her I do not know how many red, purple and so one at least 3 times each and if someone loves it she gives it to them..told her no more..and this is it, don't mean to sound so cruel but I can only buy so much and I do not even like some of the people she gave them too, they use my mom..but she loves to help people..I do not want to be like that, she is wore out because of it..she has finally slowed done and stopped helping these people..she is going to be 81 and she is helping others younger than her..bless you mom...she will love this fabric..I have seen the other colors in this Elvis print but the colors are great in this one.

Close up of one the panels..can't wait to cut it up and make something out of it..

Oh my mind is going crazy with all the different techniques I can put on this panel and yes it will be cut up too, I am not sure who I am making this for..yet..

I am back in a book club, boy did I miss it, too..this time I noticed I bought 3 bios..and one book on birds on how to attract them in your yard..and one Patricia Cornwell..got some good reading to do..too bad I can read in the hot tub..lol do hope my rubber ducky comes in tomorrow..lol thank you for visiting my blog...I miss you , Birdy, where are you and what are you doing...email me please..Lots of hugs, Lorraine

Beads I bought at the Bead Show

2009-09-20T19:51:00.000-07:00

This is all of it together.

Pink Quartz, Glass seahorse, some awesome color rocks, 4 small beads for sis Patti. orange glass ring for Mary and another green one for me..pendant glass beads, huge ones..the light blue is an awesome stone, it changes colors with what you wear, I bought it looking like a purple and hear over the black felt it shows it as a pale blue..and more to follow..

More glass and butterfly and forgot the name but also do not know how to spell it..lol and another ring, blue, standing up, lol..some sterling silver angels for me and twin..

Amber strands with other colors beads, pearl with sterling silver earrings, for me of course, and more different color glass pendant..another green pendant that I cannot spell..lol

Blue green bracelet for me and light pink for Mom..more glass pendant beads..I love glass beads for my pendants, as I always get compliments when wearing them and I like the feel and weight of them.

Closer look at my seahorse, awesome.

Size 8 beads for my beading on quilts, pc and other stuff..the case I got free when I bought the sterling silver and pearl earrings

Quilts my Mom made Spiderman and the Princess

2009-09-10T21:40:00.000-07:00

As usually got them backwards again..closeup of the Princess, Cinderella, Snow White and Sleeping Beauty..she is hand quilting it now..so it is not finished in this photo.

click on the quilt to get a larger view..and of course it is purples..my favorite color...thank you mom..

Here is the Spiderman quilt she made for her great grandson, Nathan Stonebarger..He is going to love it..closer view on the bottom..click to see a larger view..hugs, Lorraine thank you for visiting my blog..

My Spa on upper deck

2009-09-10T21:29:00.000-07:00

Got the photos backwards..this is the view I get when in the spa..at night you can see the stars..One night I watched a lightning bug show it was great..lol

The whole thing...I have been in it at least 3 times a day but today..only twice but still might a late night, very late..dip in it..

Chat: X ray on colon and brother's heart problems.

I had these photos and the ones coming up for a bit but just did not feel like putting or doing anything with my blog..just trying to keep my mind busy..tomorrow I go in for my x-ray on my colon..found out it is twisted, from having children..the office should get my results in about 4 hours after my test..I am to call the office to let them know when I am done..I can not wait, I am so hungry..lol wish me luck and please say some prayers for me and my brother..He just called and he is having a consultation about his quad and something about stints..he just wanted to let me know and he will call me on Sat..we both can chat about what we went through, as he puts it..lots of hugs, Lorraine

A Hornet's nest Don found on apple tree

2009-09-08T16:21:00.000-07:00

Kathy said: A hornet's nest Don found in an apple tree. Usually can't get them until midwinter when they are abandoned but this one became vacant early. Don said he had to throw a few apples at it to make sure!!

My Two quilts, Bargello Twist and Chinese Children Treasure Boxes on my wall

2009-09-01T14:26:00.000-07:00

Here is both quilts on my living room, south side wall, my studio 2 in the next room, used to be a garage, but dh divided in half and added my half to the home..I get air and heat and his half does not..Click on it to get a larger view.

Patti, this is for you, a closer look at the Chinese children..

Photo of just the Treasure Box quilt.you can see also my bluebird chime hanging down...I made two of these but rolling out slip we use to ceramics and using my pattern of the bluebird and made mom one and than me..click to see a larger view

Chat:

I called my Dr for more pills, but he denied me and now only have enough for 3 days..I see him on the 14th and we discuss this last week on the phone to get me something else...and he said we would but in mean time what am I suppose to..so a lot of heating pads and rice pad to keep the pain away as much as I can..I will call my Dr's that did the test on me and see if I can go back on Naproxen since I am on the purple pill..tomorrow...I did tell him that I did not want to be on this pill because of the habit forming tendencies and have been on it for 3-4 months..but only need two weeks...he said to come in and told them I can't, my dh is on shut down for 2 weeks and he can't take any days off...and was lucky I did not have to reschedule my test at the hospital but will have to cancel my apt on the 9th with my eye specialist..but they know this with my dh job..I have done it so many times with them.

I am working on my autumn bargello stitch in the ditch very slowly with holographic gold thread and polyester invisible thread but it is not sliding very easily as the other quilts..and having to use more of my arm and that hurts..the batting is bit softer cotton batting, do not where I bought it at..than I will work on my fish art for my bathroom..poor things are calling my name...lol

I have also received my paints for my acrylic painting class and it has 10 lessons/blocks likely the call it..I have to still buy the right size palette as I can not find mine and don't think it is large enough. A lot of videos to download and a lot of pd to download

Someone, Claudine from the autism site, had mentions Pandora.com and went to it and it was really neat..you might want to try it out..

I found a game I like in Fb finally, Fish Bowl..I just love it..it is easy, simple and does not take much of my time. the listening to the sound of the water bubbles is so soothing it relaxing me..

I got into two other games, Fish Bowl and paradise board of something like that but don't like them and will delete them..even Farkle I do not like anymore..so I will just with my fishes!! lol have a great evening and thank you for visiting my blog, hugs, Lorraine

Fushsia Flowers with Butterfly and Dragonflies for Autism

2009-08-30T07:55:00.000-07:00

Hand dyed fabrics were used except the background fabric, which is Lilac Fairy Frost. I was playing around sketching roses that were opened up and it did not come out but these did..so here's my Fuchsia Flowers..Machine Appliqued on. Small machine stippling quilting. Butterfly was done with water soluble with tulle with all types of Angelina fibers, and loose color metallic/candlelight threads. Dragonflies are fabric for the body, and Angelina fibers for wings..metallic threads were used around them. The binding is with fabric with metallic ribbon.

Above is what my artist statement is with the http://www.artnowforautism.com check to see when the Reverse Auction is.. I have this and 2 others in there.

This is a closeup of my beaded Fuchsia Flowers with Butterfly and Dragonflies...I hope they do well for them..hugs, Lorraine

Kendra Lausterer, my neices newest photos

2009-08-29T16:35:00.000-07:00

I just love this t-shirt, it says "Yes, I'm in LOVe with a VAMPIRE! Looks really good..she looks closer to my twin and I..Kendras wants to go to Purdue and work for NASA..good luck..Kendra, we are standing by you, girl!!

A closeup and a very pretty smile..You sure do have a lot hair like Leah does..looks good..love Aunt Lorraine

2 Quilts binded and pinned. Quilts from QU classes

2009-08-25T19:15:00.000-07:00

This is from a class I took with Karen Combs called Treasure Boxes..in 2004..I put the border and sandwich it late last year before hurting myself..It has a 1/4 inch dark red border...very pretty, this is my Chinese Children.. After Fr. Rick queen size quilt that I piece in squares, this is the second one I did and some of the corners do not meet but it is still pretty..Click on it so see a larger photo, the children are so cute!! I will bind this when my eyes aren't so tired like tonight as the other one the bottom. It measures 40 x 28 3/4 inches.

This is from the class called Ripless Paper Piecing with Daphne Grieg..as you tell my sewing got a lot better, I took this class last year..so not to bad getting it done this year..but I did finished a long 70 x 12 inch table runner for Christmas for my antique side board, in red and green prints..very pretty..This what we did in class. I loved the technique a lot..on planning to use in different ways one day. The top has a dark blue binding whereas the side has a light blue..I used fat quarters for the whole quilt top. It measures 28 1/4 x 28 1/4.

Now I am ready for machine quilting after I finished my last autism quilt hopefully tomorrow..

Chat:

My Dr's assistant called me this morning to let me know that I do not have CANCER!! Thank you Lord for sure..just thought I let you all know..I still have to go in for another test to check out my colon..I thought he said he did not get into my small intestines..I know I did not hear him right or he might just said the wrong thing..this happens on Sept 11 at 7;45..than another visit with him so that the test all are in on the 23 of Sept at 3'45 so dh will be able to go to work till about 1:30, takes an hour to get there.....I have a family practice Dr's apt on the 14th so do not know what my dh work will say with that Friday off and Monday morning..he will lost the morning hours and get a note..but Friday he will take a vacation day..This should be it till Oct when I see my eye specialist..oh just too many Dr's too many..lol

My son Mike went to court today to see if he can stay at his home for another month and it was granted..thank goodness for that..another month to find a job and place to stay..wow..no one is hiring not even the security people..

I will have my spa either on Thursday or Friday..their truck does not come to this store till tomorrow so it will 24-48 hours after the fact..I can not wait...will I put photos of me in it..we will see..lol Have a wonderful day every one and I will do the same...God is Good..Prayers for all who needs them..love and hugs, Lorraine

Bargello Twist finished and hanging on wall

2009-08-23T13:42:00.000-07:00

Here I have added amethyst with a hint of blue on the black area with hearts..(my dh is always buying me hearts and I have made a lot of quilts with hearts on it..maybe because we got married on Feb 4 has got something to do with it, lol..) and than I beaded around the edging of the binding every half an inch..

Finish the sleeve about an hour ago, and now it is hanging in my living room, I am so pleased with this quilt even if it has a 1001 mistakes as it was a very hard quilt for ME to do..after this class I haven't been afraid to do patchwork and match the edges together, a teacher has a lot to do with that..especially if she takes time out just for you and Ruth does that with all of her students...sorry but not all classes I have taken has been like this...

I will be machine quilting my autumn Bargello to hang in the dinning till winter comes along, summer never made it lol I still have spring on there..wishful thinking maybe for the weather to cool down some?!!

Now I can machine quilt the 5 that all waiting in line calling my name..and I am and have promised myself not to start anything new till these are done..but than I will bring out the ones I haven't finished last year..but I can still sketch and put ideas in my head..lol I also journal the 3 quilts I just finished, yes I journal all that I make so I know what and how I did them..can always go back and check it out..print smaller photos to go with it.. Have a nice week every one..lots of hugs, Lorraine

Bargello Twist and Bohin Marking Pencils

2009-08-22T08:45:00.000-07:00

Here is my Bargello Twist with 1,000 mistakes but I think it is so pretty. I took Ruth Blanchet's Season Bargello like 2 years before taking this one but never did the class..at that time I was imitated by anything with stitching it together..lol but love the look of this quilt and took and boy or boy did I make a lot of mistakes..I retook her season class and did them pretty good. These classes are at http://quiltuniversity.com I am all finished with this quilt but thinking of adding golden size 8 beads by the binding as it surely looked great..and where the black areas, Ruth had stitch a 4 petal flower, I am thinking of using a pretty blue seed beads to there..we will see..now I need to sew the sleeve in the back..I had so many complements on this last year when making it..I know it is the colors I choose for this, I wasn't' sure at first but knew these where the colors I wanted..and went from there..The purple and some of the inside fabrics are all hand dyed..The backing is hand dyed fabrics..so that makes it even nicer.

This Bohins Pencil was mentioned on the quiltart digest forum and sent away for it as I had so much trouble marking my dark fabric and surely hope this works..I now have 5 quilts to machine quilt so i will for sure let you know if does come off..just got it yesterday it came from Australia but made in France.

Fawn my brother, Donald Lausterer found

2009-08-21T19:05:00.000-07:00

this is what my sister in law Kathy Lausterer wrote me this morning along with these 3 photos.

These are pictures of a little fawn Don rescued a couple days ago. We call her Freeway. He found her all beat up and nearly starved when he was getting spring water. He caught her and took her to a local vet in town. Though not really sure what happened to her mother who was no where in sight when Don spotted the fawn. The vet called the local D and R and the fawn will be taken to rehab which is another name for a deer farm and it will be taken care of. The last report from the vet said the deer was still weak but doing fine and responding to food. It's not very often ya get a chance to get this up-close and personal with wildlife for most of us so this was a real treat. Thought you all would enjoy it.
Kathy

Kathy, thank you and I did enjoy it as many others will when they read about it..Don I know you and it must have felt so great to be apart of this little fawn closeness and saving its life, love you both, sis, Lorraine

African and Southwestern quilt started

2009-08-20T10:46:00.000-07:00

I knew there was something missing or not right with the first photo...but than I was just pinning and checking out how or what I am going to do..well, I do not like working in even numbers, so I put in another symbol in the middle and took out all that black..all I saw was black when I would at the designing wall from the kitchen...I am happy with this..not sure yet but there will more to do for this one..no it is mine after all..lol I am not sure if I am going to put a border or just bind it with black..I really do not think it needs a border.

Now I had so much fun with these guys..I found the baggie that had the fabrics and my drawing of the Kokopelli guys..but I had to do it different..they look like pencil sticks so did them a bit thicker and one less hair..lol but it is mine..I have been wanting to do both of these last year after finishing machine quilting all those quilts last year, but I hurt myself and was laid up till about a month and half ago...now I can't stop...My next guess, I am going to make a screen, with 3 sections and not sure what the topic is going to be...not very large but large enough to display on an end table or such..oritenal..landscapes, birds, who knows till I get there...I bought that back ground fabric about 3 years ago..I am so glad I bought about 3 yards of it..as I other ideas for it..

In my art, you won't see much patchwork backgrounds, but fabrics that I buy or my hand dyed fabrics..as I do not do patchwork or anything like that..but the fabric when I buy has to say to me I can not live without it..lol

Chat:

I have finally downloaded my 5 videos for a class I am taking, it is on canvas and using acrylics paints...I had so much trouble with downloading it because it was done in Real Player and I have Vista and it did not recognize it...so at least it down loaded and had trouble with there site last night trying to up grade it for Vista so not sure if I was billed twice or if it even went through..should hear something today in dh email..
My test on Tuesday:
I was told I was going to put to sleep for my two test yesterday, well, I was not..I was half awake through both of them, the UPI I did not feel a thing..but people I went through hell with the colon..every 2 or so inches he put me pain..and it was just horrible and I asked him why I wasn't put to sleep for it..no answer..any way..Found an ulcer and the Dr did not like the looks of it and looks like it might be shrinking due the purple pill he gave, he took two bios..one on the stomach lining next to the ulcer and the ulcer itself.. They did not do a complete colon..sp..he could not get through the small intestines..he then went and consulted with another Dr and came back with another bag full of the "purple pill". He did tell me he thinks the small intestines is not a blockage or cancerous..nicer word would have you don't have and not "think"...any way I will wait for a call about the bios and hope for the best...I am doing much better today as I was in a lot of pain with my back and knees not taking any pain killers..and not having my back brace on..it is now apart of my apparel for every day...can't even tell I have it one...also make my stomach and abdomen look a lot smaller that what it is, almost like a girdle..lol have a great day and weekend coming up, thank your visiting my blog and hugs, Lorraine

My African Symbol quilt

2009-08-16T12:08:00.000-07:00

I have gotten side track when I found this fabric at Hancocks..lol I have been wanting to make an African quilt, but not quite like this one but with people and symbols..but this will do..It has metallic gold all over the back ground.It has designs within the squares..I found these symbol in a quilt site about 2-3 years for quilters..but choose these because of its meaning..I will have them in African and English on the backing..Oh I will do something on the symbols..maybe some gold spraying or something like that..I was thinking of making them loos kinda different and using tyvek and paint it black with gold and zap with the heat gun but the I think it should be as they are and not all wrinkled..who know..anyway this fabric is great..I have enough left over to do a scene with people so will do that later..I love African fabric.. oh I bought more fabric as if I needed it. Went there to buy white and black tulle..lol never can go and just get what I want..
I will be adding photos here later with my printmaster program with the photos from Patti and Rich Johnstone(sister and bil)..they are so wonderful. Oh how I miss the ocean and all the beauty that goes with it..I have about 3 ocean themes already designed and just need to get them onto cloth or maybe even canvas..taking a class on acrylic painting right now..so this may the outlook I am looking for..back on canvas..hugs, Lorraine

Art in Paper-Napkin with Insect for Autism charity

2009-08-14T09:04:00.000-07:00

I just finished sending this to Claudine Intner artnow@artnowforautism.com to put into the charity site. This is new art in paper for me..I have worked with a lot of paper in art but not like this..it was wonderful to play and learn at the same time, lol
What I did this morning to finished it up..I took some acrylic gold metallic paint and dry brushed on the outside of the piece and than sprinkle micro chips on the paint and than zap it with the heat gun..I also did that with some of the insects, just a touch, and zapped it too.
The insects that are hanging have Utee on them but brushed on some metallic acrylic gold and micro chips and also zapped it..made them "pop" up more. than I beaded them on the felt art. On the back is two white plastic hoops for hanging..

Close up view, click on these photos to see a larger photo. have a great day as I am, lots of hugs, and thank you for visiting my blog. Lorraine
It is awesome in person, ..it is 9 W x 11H-with the insects

Quilt for Autism charity finished

2009-08-12T07:39:00.000-07:00

Close up of the middle of flowers beaded. I used size 11 seed bead, copper silvered line and size 8 orange beads..

All done and I almost kept it for myself..lol when the last bead went on, and saw it at a distance on how wonderful it looks, it was hard to send but after almost 9 of absence of making an art quilt..came out pretty good..now let's see if I can finished the second one. I did not put it online as I wanted Claudine Inter artnow@artnowforautism.com to receive it first..The deadline is Sept 1, whip something creative and send you her photos..We mail our items to the person this time around..so you do not have to mail it in..It might a bit darker than it should be..lots of hugs, Lorraine who just done filling out about 6 sheets of paper for the Dr's tomorrow..but I gave them more info than they probably wanted....I am going to lay down for awhile, got up too way too early..lots of hugs, Lorraine and thank you visiting my blog..
click on photos to see it larger..

Rosie Girls with Butterflies and mock gecko

2009-08-10T17:44:00.000-07:00

Here is my awesome shiny butterfly..I use two holographic threads in one needle went around it and inside all around and than went over it with black rayon to do the detailing on the outside....underneath all this is some Angelina fibers, I just tore it apart after ironing some blueish color, some lilac..then use some gridded red shiny fabric, some party tinsels..and than cover it with while tulle..which I happen to be out of off..just had enough to do this..so now shopping is needed..I have a mock up gecko on the the bottom leaf, but you know it doesn't fit into this quilt so I am going omit it..I am not going to put borders on this one just light green binding..I am not sure if i will do some meandering, small like the other one or what my plans are till I get there..but it has a hue of light lilac in the background fabric..any ideas...I did not finish the other butterfly but will later one for another quilt I decide to make..I will be playing around with some green snippets this evening for a tree, bushes or whatever..but know I need some for my son's quilt..I will use variegated green with a touch of yellow and so...if my leg lets me, still hurts..Suzie thinks I am mad at here because I screamed and have been trying to let her know that I am not..she is getting blind and when she came in just did not see my legs I guess..poor thing...
No work was done on my deck..but tomorrow son is suppose to come and take a few boards of my deck so they can digs 4 holes under it and than dh will come home with the hole digger..about 100 dollars for a day...oh well..it is going to cost us twice now because we still plan on doing the other deck as soon as the weather over the weekend lets them have 2 days of sun..so far it is not...
Walgreen's filled that prescription and he called them it was still $316 dollars and ask them why, BCBS wants the Dr to give a lower price medication..well, told them thank you but no thank you..The Dr that Rita got for me never called for my apt time today and she did that at 10 am..so that goes that in trying to help me out..Dr..whoever!! it is right pouring down rain...hope it is not tomorrow...but now that they are inside the deck so I don't think it really matters..
Have a wonderful day and hugs to all, Lorraine
Click on the photo if you want a large look at it..

Butterflies in hoop with all kinds of goodies inside

2009-08-10T13:39:00.000-07:00

I am making two designs but probably use one...not sure as at this same time I am making a tyvek butterfly too..I like using all this different techniques..It is a lot of work for a charity quilt as someone told me but also, I have been out of art quilting for almost 9 months and you think you won't foget what you learn...wrong, I am..like not practicing before machine quilting...if anything I tell every one practice practice before going on..so now it is practicing for me again..I also have a new stuff that I want to try , no not lutador..but a plastic kinda film my dh brought home from work, think I might need to look a monster to burn this, it might have some awful fumes coming out it...if don't work out, no big deal..I am also going to use some snippets of different greens under tulle for my son's quilt and want to do a lot playing this afternoon...if my right calf lets. I let Suzie out and when she came she was so excited like she hasn't seen me in days and ran so fast and knocked onto the couch and at the same time my calf gave a a cramp, I thought I died and went to hell.sorry it still likes a dickens and not even the cane is helping put some heat on it and still hurts to walk. so not sure if the foot will let keep on pushing that pedal to the metal..but will try anyway..if I can't I always have my binding to do and beading...so I will find something else to do....but wanted to show those like my sisters who haven't done this before..how cool it is ....lots of hugs, Lorraine

Orange Bloomers just needs some binding sewing and beads added

2009-08-09T12:56:00.000-07:00

Here it is all finished meandering tiny in the middle part and swirls on the outside borders..

Here it is with the binding added and it took my swirls away, I guess I did to far on the outside but it still is pretty..Now I will sew the binding by hand and satin stitch that little bit of the green leaf hanging out of the border..and put some beads in the middle..I used a varigated orange rayon in the middle, that is why it is light in some areas and dark in others..than I used darker orange for the rest. At least this is done and I can send photos to the Autism site..I am now going to finished up the Napkins insect little quiltlet by sewing another piece on the back and hang the loose insect on the bottom using beads..it is really pretty in person..ohhh forgot to add the photo..I will when done...

Chat: for my family and friends as FB puts whatever I put in here in their site..sorry for those who do not want to read this..this is one way to keep up with my family and friends that are not on FB..but can read my blog..My blog is for personal, family photos, and my creative journeys it takes me..so you do have to read the rest of it..but I do thank you for visiting my blog..

I am now eating baby food, not bad but sure wish it was regular food..better than nothing...I had an egg with 2 little Vienna baby sausage with toast..it went down well with no # 8 pains in my stomach after eating them..

I could not wait for dh apt so I called in Friday..Dr. Brody's wife, Rita, did try and get me into the hospital without being seen but the Dr that does these test has to evaluate me, figures, they have to make their money too..and than he will schedule the test and hopefully give me something till the test..Rita did called in some meds..but being so late on Friday she forgot to see if my insurance and the Dr OK..when dh went to pick them up they wanted $300 for 60 of those

pills, I have heard them called the purple pill..started with a N...no thank you I am doing fine for now...I have to eat about every 2-2 1/2 hours or I start to hurt...either applesauce, yogurt or sugar free pudding..Oh he even bought me some baby banana cookies..lol do not taste bad but the carrots not sure about...I have been able to eat about 2 TBs of mashed potatoes but no more...I have lost another 10..but not on my accord..on my stomachs..lol I have been exercising but right now my back and knee says to stop, it has started to hurt, so will use the heating pad as I am not done for the day..I am in the mood for sewing!! lol you all know how that is...lots of love and hugs..Lorraine right is freezing with dh home..I usually keep it at 80-81 and he puts it to 78..I do refuse to wear winter close in my home during the summer..lol

Napkins steps 5-6 insects and flower

2009-08-05T09:56:00.000-07:00

On the previous red one I already had sewn the holey grid to the felted pieces..but this is what it looks like..wet and scraped as much or less to put on top of the felted piece, this time I put more holes than the read on..Than we cut out the shapes from another napkin..

Set on top for now..I still have a few more steps..this one had a nice trim so am trying to use it too but not sure.the butterfly I will have to add its antenna, it was very light to try and cut out..I have one more napkin and can use that to have something dangling from the piece, which is what I am going to do this one only..

I choose to do the middle part of this one..with the tiny butterfly.. all in all, I like the process using the napkins. Now I need a rest and son is coming over to dig some holes for reinforce my upper deck for my hot spa..

So far this is what it looks like..I still have other preparing to do with the cut up pieces and sew the gridded piece to the felted piece..so what do you think..

I thought I was behind in this class but I am not, this is the process and more that you do not know of yet..to do what Dale has in her lesson..we can make book covers, with different type of napkins, a flower book and etc..which I do not plan on doing any time soon, for one reason this is all the napkins I have and now that I know the process...I can do it at any time..I will be do some distressing, some Utee and maybe gluing but I do have my own ideas that might be easier and brighter so we will see what I come up with..that is what creativity is all about..doing you own thing if you like..lots of hugs and thank you for visiting my blog..now for a cup of hot tea and a nap, a lot earlier than yesterday...anyway with son here who knows what I will get down..lol Lorraine

2 mores set of napkins I am doing for class

2009-08-04T21:57:00.000-07:00

My son bought this napkin for me so I will do it..I am going to use cotton variegated thread with all the colors in this napkin. Is it not pretty! If this one turn out it will go to the Autism charity..but of course we do not know how it will because I am not finished with them..these two napkins are a bit thicker than the first red on..it for sure was on the thinner side..but still think I can make it pretty..this is on dark green felt wanted to use lime green but the dark green won..lol

My younger sister, Patti Johnstone, sent this one to me and I just love it, when done it is mine..I will make sure I have some of the insects left over to use UTEE and make separate bugs..It is on black felt..I still have quite a bit of this lesson to do but..I am not what I was a few years back..I take the days that let me work and work on those days..I use to get so mad and depressed over it but realize that it does not do me any good to fuss over it anymore and be happy that I do have more days to do and not less...Today I prepared both and even have this already sewn the grids on...and will do these in steps, together as I am one that does not to keep putting feed dogs up and down and changing the foot..right now I am doing straight stitching and than I do some tread playing on the these with the felt...than I can continue on and still have my machine so I can machine quilt the Orange Bloomers..for the Autism charity and send photos in..I hope I can send more in but it is up to this bod of mine..

Oh, dh bought me a back brace and I slept for 4 hours with it on and woke up feeling like a million bucks..My left side still has not hurt but the right side does a bit..we had it on upside down..I will wear every day for awhile..I know this will help my pains in my back..and than of course, when the spa goes up..that will help too..Have a good night as I will be sewing till wee hours in the morning...taking a 4 hours nap at 430 is not good..lol but needed it..lots of hugs and thank you for visiting my blog, hugs, Lorraine

Ratty class with Dale Rollerson-napkin technique

2009-08-03T17:13:00.000-07:00

Step one: napkin fuse on felt

Step 2 napkin gold metallic thread play

Step 3: napkins in grids

step 4: wet napkin with grid and rubbed most of the napkin and bunch of holes as much or less that you want and put on felted napkin and sewn to the bottom one..It is so much fun..My knee gave out I was so tense and had to relaxed as I haven't done this before..just think this is only one of the techniques in Dales class, I still have about 2 steps to finished this, with more of the same napkin designs, you won't how it will turn out..later on with more when finish, thank you for visiting my blog and lots of hugs, Lorraine

Puprle Poinsettia top finished and close up of flower

2009-08-02T22:07:00.000-07:00

Finished top tonight. I will be using a dark purple for the binding also. Below is a close up of the flower and leaves...it is so pretty in person. Now to sandwich it, machine quilt, add binding and sleeve..Now I have 4 of them to do.. From Ruth Blanchet's Poinsettia class at her site
http://www.academyofquilting.com My dh and I have decided to put the hot spa on the upper deck as the weather is not going to good for next weekend..I do not how we have with the spa people but after awhile they will charge storage fee. So we will reinforce the upper right corner and build the other deck slowly and hopefully we have some sunny days in the row..so temporally it will be on the main deck..I love the idea, we always talked about putting a hot tub there and now it is happening..Have a nice week..lots of hugs, Lorraine

Click on photo to see a larger photo..I just love purple..so rich looking..

Purple Poinsettia pedal bias sewn Yenmet metallic

2009-08-02T03:46:00.000-07:00

I have been working on this since Monday of this week..but life and pain has not let me finished it till the wee hours of this morning...I used Yenmet purple and silver metallic threads on my pedals, and dark rayon on the bobbin..
I had taken a late evening 4 hour nap..so of course I could not sleep but about 4 hours last night..I am glad this is one of to do list today..now for the green bias..and hopefully to sandwich it today..I will be a happy camper..I am going to spray baste the 4 quilts and hope I like this method so I do not have to go through the drilling of pinning them by hand..and the associated standing and pain that goes with it..I know a lot of people that like to spray baste..I only make art quilts..
My first attempt with traditional was my late Fr. Rick's memory "queen size" and I think I did fine..but it was the hardest thing to quilt..Oh I had a lot of the squares that did not meet where there suppose to but Fr. Rick loved that quilt..I had made for his bed and he told he wanted where he could hang it up and so I had to bring it home and take the top binding apart and added 3 separate sleeves..I did stitch in the ditch and around the photos. I read a lot of books before attempting it in 2003..and than I found QU that June..and the rest is history..mine..lol I am not a traditional person and will not try to be again..I have over and over taken classes at QU with traditional techniques, not no more...it makes me a nervous wreck and that is not fun to me..My mom and twin can do all those for the family and I make them ART..lol click on the photo to see a larger view.
Chat:
Looks like if dh and son can get a hold of a hole digger, electronic one, they might be able to dig some holes today..it is suppose to be sunny today and tomorrow. Dh computer will be home tomorrow..he went through Best Buy whereas when mine was taken in 3 weeks after buying it last year..we went through Hp and it took me 3 weeks to get it back with the same problem..we live and learn..no more warranty on the video cards for either of us now...dh said then he can now put his own in..He usually builds our computer but we decided to buy both last year..His lasted a lot long without the faults..so we will go that way from now on..We have computer shows here in Memphis and he buy what he needs there to rebuild one..He is now working on one for our camera system for outside.
I almost got a hummingbird caught in my hair yesterday, like a dummy, I took my camera and stood by one of the three feeders hoping to get a really pretty photos so I can do a quilt with it..We have 7 of those little devils out there fighting for 3 hummingbirds feeders, we have a ball watching them under the gazebo..they need to learn to share...we plan to put some out in the back when the hot tub is put up..so we can enjoy them out there too..we use to have two of them but with the new awning we can not hang anything from it and branch on the tree went...they still go out back searching..what memory they have from town to town going south or north..
Today is all my day to do as I please..so it will be sewing and more sewing..if bod lets me..Have a wonderful Sunday and take time for yourself, smell the roses..thank you for visiting my blog, lots of hugs, Lorraine

My brooch from Jean Toms from Embellisher group

2009-08-01T17:35:00.000-07:00

I received my brooch today from Jean Toms from my UK Embellisher group. My favorite colors too, purple and lime green. Jean had it wrapped with some pretty tissue paper, good for my new class, rattytattypapers, and fibers and nice little red bead she made..thank you so much..I love it..It is pinned or was pinned to a card..reason for the blurred vision on the bottom, scanner did that..
Dh computer went out and now he is one his way to Best buy for them to fix at no cost, it is under a year old..thank goodness, some sort of video card like my new computer last year..so now who is going to have this computer, we will have a few arguments on it..I'm sure..
No digging for post today, it rained all day. Have to dig 12 holes, 6 inched deep, let it dry, than add 4x6 post add more cement around it, this is so it does not sink in the ground..let it dry again..and guess what more rain is expected on Tuesday so hopefully they can get something done tomorrow..oh how I want that hot spa! Patience Patience! It is going to hard work for dh and sons..hoping they can get their hand on a electronic hole digger..tomorrow..hugs to all, Lorraine

Books received and fabrics I bought last week

2009-07-31T21:54:00.000-07:00

I finally received my books I ordered from Interweave. These were the discounted books..I have a list of about 22 books that I wanted to get..I found these 5 and a whole lot more..but the price tag was too high, so I cut it down to these 5 and very happy with them...They don't have all the books I want even for paying regular price for them..but a lot. There were a lot of knitting in this discounted area but if you look careful and take your time, you will a book you cannot resist in buying half off on most of them... Click on the photo to read what they are and by who. I have read one already today and in awe over really bad and want to make a lot of those bags, with my style to them off course...Bags with paper and stitch by Isobel Hall..
I am taking a class with Dale Rollerson now and we are stitching with papers..and so far I just love it..

I wanted to show my sisters the newest fabrics I have bought, at Hobby Lobby, aren't just so bright and festive..love them..not sure what I will make out of them but one day it will "pop" and the quilt will be in the makings..

We had a shortage outages again, just when I was really going to town sewing away on my purple poinsettia by after that I just did not feel like it so no sewing the rest of the day, just piddle around and read a bit..Tried to scan these earlier but it did not work so had to wait till dh came home..

My son came by and he worked 7 and half hours in my back yard, it is really bad, trees growing, grass so tall and such..but he did great, he is out of a job so we are paying him for it..Dh and son went to Lowell's and the guy is quoting my dh the price of the deck costing 2500 hundred and we know we can make one a lot cheaper..told dh he is a sales person..he will use all the high end products and we do not need those...so seeing all this work done, I thought for sure I would have a 12x12 deck done on Sunday, my dh looked at me like I was stupid..I guess I was..I thought with 4 guys helping it all would be done..but there is 8 holes that has to dug, cement to put in about 6 inches, let it dry and come back put in the 4x6x post put in and cemented around it and it has to dry..before they can even build the frame..I said so that means I won't my spa for weeks..I was hoping for this week sometime or even next weekend..oh well..

Hopefully tomorrow I will have my purple poinsettia on my blog..I am going to baste my quilts a bit different than I have ever done....spray baste them..I can not see my back taking all the pinning with these 4 quilts that I want to get down in about 2 weeks..the girls at QU has helped advised me a lot..I may like it I may not but only one way to find out. Thank you for visiting my blog and have a nice weekend. lots of hugs, Lorraine

Poinsettia pink or green binding

2009-07-28T10:03:00.000-07:00

I have a feeling the green will be the binding but I also like the pink..I will not put any bias over the border like Ruth's class but like other stain glass and leave it blank. what do you all think..Patti, your quilt which do you prefer..hugs, Lorraine
Tired and both knees have braces on them as they sure are giving me the problems today..not so much for my back..so will take a break and do something else..One more to go then I will be able to machine quilt all of them but that again, the purple one is mine and I have plenty of time to make it...

Pink Poinsettia with trim-thin pink one for now

2009-07-28T07:20:00.000-07:00

I just do not know what to say when I put up a photo when it is crooked...but that I am a crooked picture taker..it is squared..lol I finished the last bias last night...I would have been finished with borders as I started at 5:30 when I woke up but my back would not let me do a thing..so I did not get to it till last evening..this morning I got to add the thin pink trim border..I will add another background fabric but a tad bit darker as I ran out of what I used here..I will get it ready to machine quilt..more than likely, stitch in the ditch, ugh..and than I will put veins inside my pedals, it is my quilt and want to even if I haven't seen anyone else do it..thank will put some curly Q's in 3 places..I will put in the finished quilt when done..oh I will use another pink for the binding...sure glad sis, Patti's, favorite color is pink!!
I hope you all have a great sunny day, mine is not but pretending that it is..lol
Going to take photos of the spot my hot spa is going to show you all later..I took some of my bathroom but my fish are missing so when they get done I will add them here as well..lots of hugs, Lorraine
Oh, I was playing around with the follower thing last night trying to see if I can help sis get there to follow me, well looks like I am following me now...lol I have tried to delete it all I did was delete the photo..oh well..

My new Hot Tub Dreammaker X440 from Watson

2009-07-26T01:54:00.000-07:00

What the inside looks like.

The X400 is manufactured to be portable, durable and affordable. State of the art technology is used to create a one-piece totally portable easy to use spa for a fraction of the cost of most hot tubs. The X400 is resistant to all weather types and plugs into a standard 110 volt outlet. Simply fill it with water from a garden hose, plug it in and enjoy! Relax and melt away the days stress any time you desire in the privacy of your own home.

Includes:
Waterfall
LED Light
Locking Cover
and steps, I put this in

This is me in a few weeks, lol

This is dh and me in a few weeks!!

The waterfalls...oh how pretty...

We are going to build a 10x12 lower deck of our larger deck from the dinning room... for now and build the railings and top after it arrives...slowly...we got $2000 knock off..it comes with all the above with installation and free delivery, can't go wrong...

Up early, when I travel with dh in his truck is like his truck ran me over..a lot of pain but this time I was ready..lol lots of those heat pads on back, shoulder and knees...be good as new tomorrow..have a great Sunday..thank you for visiting, hugs, Lorraine

Pink Poinsettia-hafl sewn and half pinned

2009-07-25T07:13:00.000-07:00

I hand sewn the 3 small pedals and one larger last week, but having to deal with wonder under, it was very hard on my fingers and wrist..so late last night I tackled it with the sewing machine...It looks good, I used pink holographic thread so it has a shine to it from far away viewing...Got up this morning and pinned the 4 other pedals and leaves...so it will be done tonight..the sewing part anyway, class is going to be closed so at least wanted to get this much done...I probably will work on it more this evening as we are going to go and see Harry Potter and also look for a hot tub..found out is also go for those that are diabetics..I was getting for my pains for the arthritis as I take so many hot showers a day to relieve the pain...I cannot wait to get to my purple..I will be using a royal purple for the leaves not sure if i will carry it out through the whole quilt.
Dh and I had a kinda worried day yesterday, I kept my self so busy and did not sit down after about 3 hours straight of doing things around the house...found out later he did worry at work.
Last Friday Dr Gordon told Terry he was thinking of doing something to his heart in 2 weeks as his stress, one part did not come out good..well, he called last night for my report..I do not have blockage to my heart, YEAH!1 but I really knew this because the heart beats were so strong..but he did tell me that I have a very large "painful" cyst behind my right knee...I told him I knew this since my last knee surgery on my left knee 4 years ago..I had them in both back knees..but the left one left on its own..It is painful, when I do a lot with my knee it is about a size of a nickel. but when I do it is the size of a quarter..that is why the back side is always painful..He said this is related to being a diabetic, some thong I did not know..anyway we are fine today and going to the movies..and hope we have enough time to look at some hot spas..we are going to put it on the deck...So you all have a wonderful weekend, I know I will and thank you for visiting my blog. lots of hugs, Lorraine

Embellish Brooch is done going out in mail today

2009-07-23T08:56:00.000-07:00

I had fun this morning with my Embellisher going crazy with a piece of blue felt..about a 5x5..felting every type of fabric, a bit or roving, lames..but this ended up being the section I pick for the brooch as the girl I am sending it to like blue and pink..so I hope you like it Lorna...in the UK..I was going to just a make a double flower and decided she needed a face and put some Angelina fiber behind here...I think she is adorable..
Snowy is not with us anymore..we just felt like with Suzie we just did not need another dog..told him so..lol went back to my son..Suzie did the next day kept on checking for her outside and yet while we had her, she ignored Snowy and Snowy wanted to play..but every time I went out there she would run for the bushes or to the side of the house and was afraid she would get into the back no fence back there..I fell a few times on my hands thank goodness trying to get her..I am not sad as I know she will end in a home with little children to play with her..
I had to have a blockage test yesterday, it was suppose to on Monday but I had to change due to dh work..I was told it was a simple test and you are in and out..It was not..It was HELL..first she probe me from my groin and upper thigh and all the way down my legs to my toe..and it hurts..with this gel..than a lady comes in and they put these cuffs from my thighs to my toes..and 2 on my arms..As tight as they can get it to beat..In the meantime I am freezing my butt off and I kept telling them I was to get pneumonia and they just laugh, and I wasn't kidding either..so the next thing they do is do the cuffs and the ultra sound and from the upper thigh, to the toes..it hurts too, they said some people liked it and I said they must be sadistic people..they laugh again..well..when the got to my knee which they had that right above the knees..I thought I was gong to die with pain..any way they could not get a beat with my toes and the woman remarked her toes are frozen I think that is why..it lasted 45 minutes..when they told me I was done..I sat up and got down and went to my clothes and put them on while they in there and told them goodbye asking when will Dr Gordon received them..I already had waited 45 minutes to seen..as emergencies comes first and there were 4 of them..I came home and went straight to bed to try and get warm...I dared my dh to put the ac on in the truck..he did not.It took all night and some this morning and I am find now but just weak..so now I just wait and till Dr. Gordon calls to let me know if I have blockage..I know I don't those beats were strong ones..lol Have a great day, my dh should be home soon from his stress test and he took the day off..
We are going to look for a hot tub maybe today if not on Saturday..I am told being a diabetic that I am not suppose used them but hey I use to take trips to Hot Springs, AK to go to the spa up there, the best there is and I have been about 6 in different areas..Have a great day and thank you for visiting my blog. hugs, Lorraine

ATC from Joy Vale in Australia

2009-07-19T21:14:00.000-07:00

It is such a pretty card..what better color to add to purple than lime green, my other favorite color..also the feather and post card from her town..Anglesea, Great Ocean Road, Australia..gosh I thought is was going to the UK..lol..pretty card to add to my collection of Post Cards..all three of my sisters and I collect post cards..just today my youngest sister, Patti, said she was going through her and it was wonderful going back in time and having the fond memories of the person that sent it too her..I need to do that one day too..lots of hugs, Lorraine who is finally caught up with posting on her blog for the weekend..lol

New Puppy with no name

2009-07-19T21:02:00.001-07:00

Here she is, our new puppy..My dh wants her, I did not because of Suzie..but I got Suzie 15 years so ..I wanted to wait till after Suzie..she is old and i do not want her be jealous and something happen to her..so far she has been outside and she is outside now, something I just do not like..but son and dh said she less scared out there than in the house..but I will have become an outside and inside dog..We haven't named her yet, of course, dh said Whitey..I do not want this name..Anyone with any idea for her..She is under the gazebo so that makes me feel a little better..she will be sheltered. She is so cute though..lol hugs, Lorraine

ATC and PC swaps done

2009-07-19T20:44:00.000-07:00

This is my PC for Stitching Fingers. Stitching Fingers has different groups that you can join that interest you. I must be on a dozen as I do so many different techniques with fibers, mediums and such. This is for the PC swap. This card will go to the UK. I love butterflies. I know I could have added more but than we have my limited health issues..but it is still pretty. I think anyway. I hope the person that I send it to will like as well.

This the ATC group for Stitching Fingers that I am in..I had to laugh when I made this..I love hearts so I was cutting out heart shape and was going to do a random sizes..but I laid this heart, the other heart was still attached and fell into this..so guess what another butterflies..who doesn't like butterflies..any it is a purple theme with one other color..so I have a royal purple int he background, under the Angelina fibers is violet but you can not that and I use violet Angelina fibers for the inside of the wings..I added beads inside and outside the butterfly. I hope this person like this card also..I have received hers the other day with a post card of where she lives in the UK with a purple feather..I wish I could repay with a PC of Memphis but I do not drive and I do not have one here but thinking when I do get to shopping is to just mail her one from here..Her card will follow as I forgot to take a photo.

I also this weekend with my stomach pains which I just begged God help me with lasted 3 days..I am not sure if has been from the over dosing of the pain pills or naproxen..but my pain was gone but it wasn't worth the pains in my stomach..I am much better now. I worked in between them and also worked with them to get my mind off, it did work so well but did accomplished what I wanted too...Or it could be the Fish Oil Omega Pills I started a week ago and took with every meal..only to find from others that they only take one a day..sheesh..so it will be while till my stomach settles..I know I must have lost about 2 more lbs..

When I had my check up with my heart specialist I had lost 9 lb from when I went to my regular 2 weeks ago..I was so thrill.

I go in tomorrow for my blockage leg testing at 11 am..bit scared but the out come will be what it will and we go from there...Thank you "listening" to my blabbering..lol thank you visiting my blog and hope you all have a wonderful week coming up..lots of hugs, Lorraine

Borders on Orange Bloomers

2009-07-17T13:13:00.000-07:00

I finished adding the borders on..so sorry this is an awful photo and the color not even good..I have it crooked again..I need to get that program that can straightening out..just haven't yet..Or put something on designing board with lines on them. I am even surprised I even did this today, I have had a stomach since after the Dr's app yesterday and can not get rid of it. but with another green binding it will be pretty I think and I know my small meandering will take care of those wrinkles..lol I am going to try and machine quilt this tonight..I just could not do any more bias today, my eyes and wrist just could not handle that so I will try again tomorrow..
My friends, I have to have a ultra sound on my legs, they did not call me for an app today and very upset about that..He asked me if I get out of breath very quickly when walking or doing anything and I told him and I don't..than he asked me my legs hurt and like a dummy I said yes..they hurt in the calf area, the lack of exercises, I told him and than he grabs my leg and pushes on them and it is hard as rock, he asked me how have they been that way and I told a few days..because again, lack of exercises..when I was doing those bicycle two to three times a day it did not hurt..oh well, I guess I will get it done..he had 3 long words for what it is called, than he said blockage of the legs, I can remember that...lol dh had an app with him also and we see together..it is fun too..I get to watch what they do to him and vice verso..lol Our EKG's hasn't changed or gotten any better..so he is dh have another stress test next Thursday...he had one in January..Every time I turn around it is something, that is why I do not like going to the Drs..at all..or the dentist..lots of hugs and enjoy your weekend and thank you for visiting, hugs, Lorraine

Progress Report

2009-07-16T08:03:00.000-07:00

This is what I have been doing all day yesterday and early this morning..Making purple, more like a royal purple,. and pink bias for the two stain glass poinsettia for Ruth Blanchet class..Ohhh sometime I wish I had the fusible ones, lol but I am going to give it a shot at the machine..I can do just about anything or try anything but when it comes to straight lines, forget it, my hand shakes, it just seems like that is the only time except for not eating right with my diabetes..lol so wish me luck..or these two might sit awhile before sewing them by hand..Actually to tell the truth I had forgotten about the pedals..was going to satin stitch them but then I remembered I was working on a stain glass quilt..than I could not find, the other night or all morning, my bias makers or bars for making bias..I have the sizes in the metal and remember I had use and bought the clover 1/4 to make that table runner....or after I get done with both of these quilts, I will more than likely find them both..so I had dh pick on on the way home from work so that I could do this last evening but it just something was always going on that I ended up doing after 8pm and stayed up till I had them done...I wanted to use a darker pink for around the flowers but I just did not have any in my hand dyes or regular fabric..I just hope the electricity does not go off...but tan I can do all the leaves under one of those lanterns by a window..still do not know how to use the generator and I really don't think my dh wants me too either..have a wonderful day and hugs, Lorraine PS..also have a Dr app at 2 so not much but some knitting while there..

Purple Poinsettia on backing and veins added

2009-07-14T14:44:00.000-07:00

Here it is and I just love it. Now I have two projects to work by hand. I will pick a day and do hand worked art and some knitting...I can not wait till this one is done..I decided the pink one is for my sis Patti. She never did a Christmas quilt from me and Mary got my winder Bargello last year,...Is this good Patti? Lots of hugs Lorraine who is now for sure going to lay down till dh comes home with my machine.,have a great evening everyone,

My Purple mock up Poinsettia WOW

2009-07-14T12:10:00.000-07:00

I decided I had made a great decision so went forward and did it. I think this going to my favorite all time quilt for Christmas as I have a quilt for four rooms in my home..with these two it will make 6...lol but this is going to be where I sit the most, my dinning room..Isn't it pretty, sorry not conceded but love purple..lol can you not tell. These hand dyed fabrics were on the bottom of the pile or I would not had them, my purples and lime greens are always used up and have dye more..so it was meant to be and have enough to make at least 3 more, lol I might use one of them for the backing..
I need a break as my light box was heavy..not dh fault I told him to move it off the table..as I was going to be using it today..He made mine and it is large and heavy..he does this kind of stuff for me all the time..like today he is going to pick up my newer Singer I got last year that after 3 months of using it went ca put...the guy said it was the timing..I told I hope he right cause all I did was use the turn by hand because I had some thick sewing to do and after that it did not work..and than I couldn't sew for awhile so that is why I am having fixed now.
What I really want is my old iron horse, commercial singer, that thing is what I used from 2003-2007 with every thing and anything..over 100 classes and about 32 groups..used every type of fabric, metals, plastic and etc on that thing..but had it fixed last year and it still did not sound right..so we are not sure if we want to pay for another fixings...I know if I would just get on Janome, sorry sis, you are not going to get it!! I will get to it..but first I need get all this done, charity stuff...lol not today either...What do you all think, purple works for poinsettia even if they don't come in purple..too bad too...lots of hugs, Lorraine who is going to a very needed break and lay down for a bit..have a good one this afternoon.

OK need feedback please..what do you think of these for my new Poinsettia quilt

2009-07-14T07:18:00.000-07:00

I am using two different dyed fabrics for the leaves, a light and a dark. the lighter color is also fairy dust fabric..something tells me I probably should not but will any way called Blossom, perfect for this I think but what do you think..it would be nice to hear from you all here or for those who do not have a goggle account keep sending the emails to me...ok..thank you..boy I did not realized I had so much had dyed fabric..I saw a lot of potential but that is another day..but a few colors are missing so when my back says it is OK, I will be dyeing again..actually today I feel like doing some sun prints as the sun is bright and hot..lol Storm was pretty bad at few times yesterday, but electricity stayed on, whew..I think I will use the brown veins on this one so that the pedals is the show of this quilt....lots of hugs, Lorraine and again thank you for visiting my blog..I really really appreciate a lot..

Poinsettia with veins added for Ruth's class

2009-07-13T09:40:00.000-07:00

I had to guess by peeking underneath as the light box light went out so I think I did good..the veins are pinned as I am doing them by hand.. This is leftovers that I made with Nancy Chong's class, Celtic Table Runner at QU..I still have enough for two more for the green and a lot of the brown..but it is hard to find where to use the brown..it is on the light side going to dark...oh well..
It is storming here and thundering and dh did not show me how to use the generator so if the electricity goes out, I will use a lamp and sew on my bed the veins..lol I have already cut out another set of fusing but have not decided on fabric, I really would love to do one in the purple family, lavender, lilac and so on....but probably end up being red dyed fabric..lol who knows till I get there. have a nice afternoon and thank you for visiting ...hugs, Lorraine

Mocked up borders and binding for orange flowers

2009-07-13T05:36:00.000-07:00

Here is s mocked up version of the borders and binding for "Orange Bloomers" (what I decided to name it,lol). I have a lighter green around the white and than added anther inch and half border, than a bit darker green for the binding..it will be smaller..I had these already in my stash so I am going to ahead and used them..Now I just hope my meandering machine stitching will take away the wrinkles and it should..I have come across this one other time..It also to my "Rosy" quilt..I used the fairy frost for the background and thinking this where my problem may be as I loosen the tension and it still happen and use interfacing in the back of "Rosy Girls", name for the other one...how simple can one get..lol I did take out the satin stitching on the lower leaf and will satin stitch it on that little border so it does not disappear..Thanks, Marilyn, I ended up doing this way after all. what do you all think..I tried an orange binding and just hated it..I think this way it "pops" out more..
Chat:
I have seem to figure out how to overcome the pain. every 6 hours I take a Naproxen and a pain pill. I have started on fish oil supplement..I am managing it very well. Well, it is about time I say..I haven't use the Celadrin cream in days.,.which also works for about 3 hours or more..but at least now I am smelling like a drug store. but it is there if I need it..My dh is buying me a back brace too..
I go into the heart specialist on Thursday and just hope and pray he does not take me off the meds..I think this is the time he wants to do a probe into my heart..I am not ready for it so going to avoid as much as possible. I do not want to be laid up..I did dishes and cooked dinner last night and it felt good to finally pitch in around here..Today I will tackle the bathroom, which is an easy job but still could not bend over..I have some shelves that I want to put my nick knacks back after taking all the books out and cleaning them and adding them to my Shelfari list...I have almost 800 books already in there and I haven't even hit my cookbooks..about or more than 300 of them..I love doing this,. no we never get rids of books, we love our books and sometimes we will reread those we bought 35 years ago when we first married and read a lot of books...I have forgotten what they were about so why not..My dh has made me shelves in every room in this house when we first moved in..4x to about 2 inches from the ceiling. My MB has a smaller one. they all have books in them..some say that is excessive but who cares..lol Oh I got 25 dollars richer too. I used to hide my money in my books, it was Sleeping Beauty with the $20 bill and a dresser trinket ceramic piece I made had $5. Now I have hidden about $60 about 20 years ago in my cook books but when I went to get the money, I could not remember which book..we did one time go through quickly so maybe I will find this week..lol do you do that too?!!
Made a list for me to do for today and probably way too much and never accomplish it all but at least I have one..I will sew the Orange Bloomers first thing. Than I will finished my lacy butterfly with hoop and dragon flies with Angelina fibers for "Rosy Girls". Than I will clean up some..not sure if I can stand on the ladder yet so that might have to wait till dh comes home..all depends how much I want to get done..by the way, when I take these pain pills, I can gab a lot..lol Thank you for visiting my blog and "listening to me gab" lol have a wonderful day every one..lots of hugs, Lorraine

Funky Flower finished satin stitching

2009-07-11T23:49:00.000-07:00

I had done this once and it did not go through so hopefully it will this time..I did get to finished it tonight even with the electricity flickering all evening..whew!! I used for the first time Sulky cotton variegated green thread for the stems and leaves..you can see some light and dark areas..
Not much left of the pretty hand dyed fabric but hope enough for a little quiltlet..I will add curly Q's around the flower.. The middle with have black beads.. I am not sure on the border or color for the binding yet. This is hanging with about 4-5 quilts underneath it as the designing wall I was hoping to use, my dh has not picked up the paint cans and mess under it so I can get to it. ohhhhh I will also do small meandering on this quilt..when it small I usually do..thank you for visiting my blog and have a good tomorrow...hugs, Lorraine

Satin stitching finished and another art quilt started

2009-07-10T22:24:00.000-07:00

Finished the satin stitching and now to adding a smaller green around the white and than more white and than orange for binding..I think so fare..

My Funky flower..dyed fabric except for the background..another simple art quilt for the Autism charity..than I have already sketched the scene for the Alzheimer's art quilt, a much more involved quit and will take a bit more time..I am waiting for dh to load my pen that you use with a sketch pad or any type of pad..so when I am done I can just unload right here on the computer..Flowers, they make all of us smile..don't they!! have a great weekend and thank for visiting my blog..hugs, Lorraine who is heading for bed..

Satin stitching on orange flowers done

2009-07-10T12:18:00.000-07:00

I have finished satin stitching on the orange flowers and did some leaves but had to take them all out as I ran out of the thread I was using...so now to find a thread that will match..gave me something to do in the bed while the heating pad did its thing..lol dh just have pick out the threads in the sheets tonight..I did not get them all..lol
I have some puckers..I usually put interfacing in the back when doing a lot of satin stitching and I forgot too...I realized it after I had many of the orange flowers done..and got to the outside of them..I have a few puckers so hopefully the tiny meandering of machine quilting will take that away as I plan do only the outside to make the flower "pop" out..I just hope there is going to more fabric on the outside after I am done squaring it up..if not any recommendations from anyone..I had so much fun and been doing it slowing and resting my back it is working just fine, so I am a happy camper today..plus..
I had worn a girdle last week to help with the pain and sissies told me that was not good so I thought I put on some very tight pants today, well I lost so much weight in the last year and half, none of my stretch pants where tight enough so I took in about an inch and half each of my dark blue one and walla, a long tight pair of pants that is helping a lot..would not dare go out with them, to many bugles will show, lol well, off to the bed for another 20 with the heating pad so I can finish this little quilt.
OK, Mary, Patti, Kathy, Rick, Steven and Don what are doing for the autism, curious minds wants to know and send me a photo so I can put it on my blog and show them off...I got most of my family to do something for the autism..Mary's grandson is autism..Hi Philip, Aunt Lorraine loves you...
I wanted to go out and get some sun but will wait till tomorrow when dh is home..just in case I get clumsy and hurt myself more..been that way a lot lately..lol You all have a wonderful weekend, hugs, Lorraine and thank you again for visiting my blog..I really appreciate it, wish you all had a google account so you can be followers to my blog...bye..

6 Stocking tops fussy applique ironed on

2009-07-09T03:40:00.000-07:00

I have cut out and put on fusible appliques on these 6 stockings. Now I just to sew around them, not sure if it is going to satin stitching or just zigzag..depends on my back and how long I can sit at the machine..of course I like to add different fancy stitch work so we will see. The above the middle size pattern that they have on their website to trace out and comes in pdf..Below is the quite larger ones. I had all these from previous years of making Christmas cards for groups I was in the past years..except for the larger snowman..I had a beautiful teddy bear but it was larger than the larger stocking..so it was huge. I still have my flannel that I need cut into 1/2 inches strips and tie together and knit with size 17 needles..if I can get it done, it will go with stockings. The middle one above is ornaments so will gold thread to make them look like they are hanging down. Gold threads will also be use for all the motifs on all stocking but the snow man. I also will do a little beading on most of them..this is the fun part, sewing and putting beads on.

As you see these stockings are hanging over the larger part of my ironing board. Now for the Alzheimer's http://www.alzquilts.org/ top to get done and can just sew away on the tops.. I had forgotten that I also signed up for two swaps both due at the end of this month..a brooch with a felting class and an atc with purple as the color theme.no problem on either one...just got get to them..Below is the link for volunteering in making stocking for our guy overseas..I am just making a lot..you just have to make one..if you want.

http://www.operationcarepackages.org/Christmas/OperationChristmasStocking.html

The autism URL is: http://artnowforautism.com/ These three charities need our help so help out if you can.. I will put these stockings up again when they are all finished with the white tops too..

I have had a few really bad days with my pain..I just wish it would just go away..I though I was getting better..that wham it is here again...that is what arthritis is all about..I am still young to have more of a life..but it does curtail it a lot...so been in and out of bed..but had gone to bed quite early, 9:30 and was up at 2pm and my was not that much in pain so I dug in, lol but now I will have a cup of hot tea and relax and go back to bed for a few more hours..thank you for visiting my blog and have a great day, hugs, Lorraine

Starting on my autism charity quilt

2009-07-03T12:08:00.000-07:00

I am not one to work with oranges, but saw this print and just right to make one smile..So did some fussy cutting made up some leaves..not sure how large it is, did not measure it yet..so sure hope there is no limit..but a lot of work to do on it yet..today I will do some of the thread playing on it.. The background is white fairy frost fabric...
I did get all my poinsettias petals and leaves cut out and now just laying on the fabric..since I am sewing the bias by hand I will be able to do it the way Ruth want us too..anyway it will be pretty. hugs, Lorraine thank you for visiting.

Background fabric found-finally

2009-07-02T14:12:00.000-07:00

I finally after about 20 or more auditioning fabrics, I decided with this fairy frost lilac for my background. It looks great with the hand dyed and that green..hope I have enough of the dyed fabric for the borders but if not I will improvise..like I always do...lol Ruth's class is still open for sign ups if interested...here is where you would go...http://arbeedesigns.blogspot.com/ I already have the pedals and leaves traced on wonder under and cut, now to put them together, but that will have to be tomorrow..I have also started on one of the charity quilts so I have this to work on now, too...enjoy..hugs, Lorraine

Poinsettia class with Ruth

2009-07-02T11:07:00.000-07:00

I have chosen my hand dyed pink fabric to make the petals for the poinsettia and this green for the leaves.. I have extra bias for the stain glass part already done so will be sewing this by hand or machine, if I think I get it nice and neat..lol I haven't chosen the back ground fabric out yet but having doing this, it will be easier on me..I have probably done this a bit backwards but bending over and working with the background is not good for me at this time..I love poinsettias but love the pink ones..I wish they had them in purple..I saw some at Lowell's and got all excited, headed right for them last year only to find out they painted the leaves..ohhhhhhhhhhhh...maybe I should have done this in purple..lol lots of hugs and again thank you for visiting my blog, Lorraine
ps..at the bottom of the left side you will see a map. It will be deleted as soon as my sissies need the info on the towns we have been being Navy brats...I was also a navy wife..I have taken a lot of genealogy trips so I have been to many towns and cities..of course there is more but we gave up last night enough is enough..lol of course for facebook...lol