Black Friday?

I've never, ever done the Black Friday shopping thing. At least not the kind where you get up before the birds and run from store to store trying to get the latest sale item(s). But, this year, with the "thing" and some stores closing (permanently), I've taken advantage of the on-line presence this year with Black Friday. So far, my only purchase was with Craftsy (which has decided to continue on in the world) for a premium membership. Originally $79 a year. Got it last night for $2.49. 

This morning, before turning on the long arm, I need to get over to Pieces of Thyme quilt shop to purchase background fabrics for the Gravity top. I'm at a complete stand still until I do and I have customers coming tomorrow, so today IS an actual shopping day. Maybe I'll break my Black Friday shopping streak this year?

On the frame this morning is this simple, yet elegant top of Melissa's. 

Melissa's second top

This wasn't Melissa's first top this week. This was her first top quilted on Wednesday.

The first of the four she brought

The purple Crumb blocks are complete, and while I thought I had fewer pink pieces, apparently the block count says otherwise.

Only eight purples

Hazel received her Bark Box this week and she's in corn heaven.

"Look Mommy, I'm in toy heaven."

She's not really sure what to do exactly with the squeaker that's in the toy. At first she would whine about it...literally, which is something she rarely does. Now she just carries it around and wants us to throw it for her. 

Must go shopping now. 

Don't Sew Over Your Finger!

Yesterday while working on Patricia's table runners, I tried to sew through/over my little finger. I was being careless and not watching the placement of my hand on my ruler and bam! Everything went a little haywire there for a second. My little finger is sore but I'm glad I get my nails protected with a shellac topcoat because I would have definitely sewn through my finger had I not. The glitch in my nail is proof. 

I'm glad I had this ruler yesterday too!

HQ Mini to the Rescue!

This is what's on the frame today.

Debbie M's Simple and Fun Top

I'm going to do a simple swirl (aka "The Katie") in here today. It wouldn't be prudent to try to customize anything since it would get lost in the translation. It's a simple design with simple implications and doing anything complex wouldn't work within its structure.

After long arming last night, I was able to get a few more Crumb blocks put together. Remember when I said I probably had enough for three or four blocks? Try eight more for a total of 11! Here are all the pinks constructed. Tonight I'll move on to another color...probably purple. 

The Pink Crumb Blocks

Today I'm thankful for our service workers; those who plow roads and pick up the trash. Those who make sure our electric lines are connected and who provide heat to our homes (that's you Papa Bear). I'm thankful for all those people who are willing to work a mini wage job so I can shop when I have/want to and even though you're getting screwed, you remain cheerful and positive during my visit. 

Happy Thanksgiving to everybody and remember to give thanks whenever you can, not just on a specific day of the year. 

Christmas Songs

It would be great to fire up my iTunes library with all the Christmas songs collected over the years. But I know a) I'll get sick of them before the holiday actually gets here, and b) It's not yet even Thanksgiving. 

Today I'm thankful for modern medicine and how research/testing will enable generations beyond our years to live better lives. I'm thankful for clean water and air. I'm thankful for not having to punch a time clock (even though I stick to a pretty regimented schedule around here) and to do a job that brings others happiness.

Here's what was loaded last night and what I'll be working on today for Patricia.

Harvest Table Runners

There are four of these to do today and I should be able to knock them out in a day. Another customer dropped off yesterday and a customer pick up is scheduled for this morning. I am thankful for customers who are here when they say they'll be here. :-)

After long arming yesterday, the Crumb blocks were started. I'm starting with pink since that's the color who's bucket is the least full. It's a phycological thing I think. 

This small pile of scraps will result in some pretty cool blocks

That small pile above has already resulted in three 8 1/2" blocks. I will probably get another three or even four from it. WOW, that's my smallest bucket full? 

Awoke this morning to very cold temps (22 degrees) and ice forming on the lake. 

Ice? Already?

The ice won't stay since we are supposed to reach above freezing during the daytime hours, but that tells me the lake is already cold enough for it to begin. 

Important Sunday's

Sunday's are my day. I used to long arm on Sunday's, but then on Monday morning, felt like it was becoming a job rather than a pleasure. I need a day to miss my machine and recharge. A day to spend with my man and my dog and my neighbors (when they're up). A day to visit my family and go shopping. Yep, it's better this way.

Here's what's on the frame this morning.

Mickey's Barn Quilt Wall Hanging

After Jim and I shopped yesterday, I was putting things away in here (a few office things) and the snippet buckets of fabric have been puking all over the floor and catching on Haze's tail. I think it may be time to do another crumb quilt. 

Getting Too Full!

Speaking of Hazel, she took a short snooze on my lap last night while I was researching Crumb Quilt designs and techniques.

Sleepy Girl

Since this is Thanksgiving week, I'll say I am thankful for the ability to get paid (albeit very little) for something I love to do. I'm thankful for my home, my husband, and my girl Hazel. I'm thankful I have healthy and (mostly) happy kids and grandkids, and I'm thankful for every day I have heat and food in my life. What are you thankful for?