Baby Quilt Top

Here's my finished baby quilt! It measures 42.5" X 56.5". I'm waiting for the backing and batting which I ordered on line. I'll custom quilt it but using very easy patterns. I hope it is loved and gets used a lot. I expect it to be washed often so easy quilting should be good!

I have 44 blocks for the teal round of the Facets quilt. I only need 8 more! I'm sort of tired of making this block so many times but I'm looking forward to finishing up this quilt. I just have a pieced border left to make! Yay!!!!

It's snowing again but it should turn to rain. I hope it rains and all goes away!!!

I Like Thursday #306

 Welcome to I Like Thursdays! We bloggers post fun and positive content every Thursday under the direction of LeeAnna over at Not Afraid of Color. Go visit her blog so you can visit more participating blogs. After all the snow we've had, I decided I had to go out and buy something that reminded me of 
Spring. I went to Home Sense and this is what I came home with! It's such a pretty shade of blue. I saw it and just had to have it. It's now sitting on the coffee table in my family room. Somehow, it makes me feel better to see it!

I also swapped out the table runner in my dining area. I made this last year and I just love the colors!  I feel it's also a nice reminder of Spring. The colors remind me of nature and flowers.

Here's my baby quilt so far. This is not the final layout but an idea of how it will look when done. I love the soft muted colors. It's full of animals and little girls. I hope they couple that are getting it will love it as much as I do!

The conversation starter this week asks what is the most adventurous thing you've done. I'm not very adventurous but I'd have to say having children has been quite the adventure! I don't think I knew what I was in for when we decided to start a family. There are so many ups and downs. It's been wonderful in so many ways but it's a lifelong endeavor. I'm not sure I understood that! It's truly been an adventure of a lifetime.

Have a great weekend! Our temperatures are warming up but there's a threat of more snow this weekend. I hope not!!!

 

Blizzard Sewing

These are the views from my windows today. The picture on the left is my deck. I can't open the door due to the snow. I think we've received about 9 inches so far. The picture on the right is from my front door. The snow piles are getting higher again. It was finally starting to melt. Oh well. All I can say is that I'm looking forward to Spring! 

I've been working on my teal row for the Facets quilt. I finished these very quickly hoping my power wouldn't go out. I have 18 blocks left to make for this round.

I also made another block for the baby quilt. I have 5 blocks left to make for the baby quilt. I'm so glad the power lasted while I was sewing. I did hear some people lost power just a few miles from my house. They called the electric company who told them to expect power back in about 48 hours. That is not good news! I'm hoping my power lasts!

I'll be home all day waiting for the storm to finally stop!!

I Like Thursday #305

It's time for Thursday Likes! Please visit LeeAnna over at Not Afraid of Color to link up with more blogs posting happy and fun content every Thursday. The weather isn't quite as cold as it has been. It's so nice to have temperatures that aren't bone chilling for a change! Anyways, I've been working on my cross stitch kitty. This is a slow process due to all the thread changes but I love how it's coming out. I only work on it while watching television. It's fun to stitch and watch the Olyympics.

Having been a hospital pharmacist for so many year, I have met some great students over the years. I heard from one of my former students and found out he and his wife are expecting their first child. He was so thrilled to tell me the news. Of course, I had to start a baby quilt for them. I've got three blocks done so far. They measure 14" square. He told me an owl lives in the trees behind his house. I found a layer cake with lots of animals, including owls!

Lily has slept for many months on a little couch that we received as a gift from my daughter's boyfriend's mom. Well, before she bought us the couch, she had sent this little house for the cats to sleep in. All of a sudden, that is Lily's preferred place to sleep. I have no idea why. These kitties are very silly and you can never figure them out! Who know what made her change her mind!?

This week's question asks us what was your favorite subject in school. Well, since I became a pharmacist, I definitely loved science but it was also because it was the most practical route for me. I could make a career from something in the field of science and that's how I landed in pharmacy. But if I had had my way, I would have been an English major. I just love reading and just about anything that has to do with books. Teaching jobs were hard to find when I graduated from high school so I went into health care. My love will always be reading and language arts.

Have a great weekend! We may get 2 snowstorms so not sure what kind of weekend we're going to have. I guess we should be used to it by now!

Lucky for St. Patrick's Day

I just finished this month's free cross stitch pattern from Primrose Cottage. I started stitching it when I got tired of cross stitching the cat I'm working on. There are so many thread changes on that cat that I have to stop after a while. So, I worked on this project instead. I got it ready in time for St. Patrick's Day with plenty of time to spare!

I used 16ct aida in off white. I just used what I had at home. It measures approximately 5" X 5.5".  I thought the small pom pom trim would be a cute touch. Well, it looks nice but it was tough for me to sew on. It's very narrow and I kept sewing off the fabric. This is the second piece of fabric I sewed onto the cross stitch piece. The original fabric kept I chose kept shredding. I'm not sure if I like the twine, still deciding! Anyways, it's a cute new addition to use to decorate my house. 

I Like Thursday #304

Welcome to Thursday Likes! Please visit LeeAnna to link up with more participating blogs posting happy and positive content. We had another storm over the weekend. I took this picture at the end of the day after the storm had ended. Isn't it so pretty?? It was a welcome sight after another snowstorm.

I wish I had seen these Vintage Valentine's Day cards before I bought my cards this year. I love vintage cards and especially Valentine's Day cards. I saw these at World Market. They have many cute items for holidays. Their Easter decorations are already up. I have to keep myself from buying since they stock the cutest stuff!

I just finished this book and loved it! You learn all about the main character through her letters. She keeps up correspondence with many friends as well as famous figures. I know it's all fiction but it was just done so well. I read this was one of the best books of 2025. I'll have to agree!

Our conversation starter this week asks us about our most romantic date. I don't really remember a date that stands out over any other. However, I think my most favorite gift my husband gave me was a Spa Day. It was so fun to be pampered for a day. I think wives and moms are so used to putting themselves last. It was a welcome gift that I thoroughly enjoyed!

Happy Valentine's Day! Have a great weekend!!💘

More Facet Blocks and Organizing

We're expecting more snow this afternoon. Just what we need!!! Anyways, I've been diligently working on my teal round of the Facets quilt. As you can see, I have 18 made but have 34 left to make. I can make them pretty quickly now but I usually only make 1 or 2 at a time. They measure 6.5" square.

I bought a new shelf with cubbies to hold all my fabric. It took a few days to get all my fabric in the baskets and on the shelf. I had so much fabric that I didn't even remember buying! I still plan on going through each basket and organizing better. I mainly organize by color but I also have lots of fat quarters that have their own area. Ugh! It's not easy to get everything in it's proper place. I'll get there eventually!

I Like Thursday #303

Welcome to Thursday Likes! Please visit LeeAnna to link up with more participating blogs posting positive content. The temperatures have gone up this week but I went to the library yesterday and took this picture. There are still so many areas of ice that look they're here to stay awhile! This picture was taken in front of a gate with a plant in front of it. It made me cold just to look at it. 

Does anyone else use Duolingo? I finished the Italian course. Italian was my first language however, the Italian I spoke was a dialect. This course teaches the proper Italian. I've asked my mother about some of the words and she hasn't even heard of them! Italian only has 60 levels on this app so it didn't take too long to finish up. I also started to learn chess. I'm terrible at it but it's fun to learn. If you're on Duolingo, let me know so we can follow each other. 

If you subscribe to Primrose Cottage Stitches, this is the freebie for the month! So cute! Perfect for St. Patrick's Day! This one looks like a quick one to stitch up. 

Our conversation starter this week asks us if we exchanged Valentine's Day cards in grammar school. I remember decorating a shoe box to place the cards in. I remember buying a box of cards and signing and sending one to each of my classmates. We always had a party with cookies and juice! So fun!!

Have a great weekend!! Stay warm!!

Cat Pillow Cross Stitch

 It's actually over 32 degrees outside! Some of the snow is starting to melt. It will take many more days like these to melt this snow pack but it's a start. I heard the cold will be back this weekend so I can't get too excited. Anyways, does anyone remember this cross stitch pillow I made last year?? I ended up giving it as a gift. 

I liked it so much that I started another one. It seems a bit easier this time around. There are too many thread changes but I do love how this looks when it's done. The shading makes it look so realistic. I'm glad I have something to do when I watch TV. It's almost time for General Hospital! Time to get ready!

Quilting and Freezing

 Although we haven't had anymore snow, the weather has not been good. The temperatures are low and the wind chill just makes them lower. The temp was -1 this morning without the windchill. Ugh.  I've gone out most days and noticed there aren't as many cars out there. I think a lot of people are staying home and trying to keep warm. I've made 7 blocks as you can see in this picture. They're getting faster to make. They measure 6.5" square. The Facets quilt is really coming along!

I went to a quilt shop one day and bought a few more turquoise fabrics for this round of the Facets quilt. It's such a pretty color. I'm surprised I didn't have more in my stash!

Now that Laurel Ridge is completed, I needed a label. I used the alphabet on my sewing machine and got this one done today. I added some interfacing to make it a little more stable. I always add the label and then wash the quilt. Then, the quilt is finally finished!

Well, I heard our temperature may finally reach over 30 degrees on Monday. It will feel like a heat wave! Stay warm!!

Snow and Quilting

 Well, we survived the storm! I've heard differing amounts but it's safe to say we got around 20" of snow. This is a picture of the end of my driveway. It's difficult backing into the street. You can't see much with those mounds of snow on either side. I move very slowly! I've been indoors since Saturday. I did go to the grocery store and my mother's house. It's so cold! I was happy to get home. 

I did get some sewing done. The pink round is all sewn onto Facets. Now I'm working on the last full round. It's turquoise with yellow middles and magenta little triangles. I have to make a total of 52 blocks! This is definitely going to take awhile! I'm very comfortable making this block and it doesn't take me very long. 

The weather is expected to stay cold with a possible snowstorm Sunday evening. I'm trying to block that out for now until the forecasters get a better idea if it's really coming. I'm not sure where we'll put the snow if we get this storm. There's no space left!!!

I Like Thursday #302

It's time for Thursday Likes! Please visit LeeAnna to find more blogs that participate with us! I swapped out my Christmas table runner with this one. It has a winter theme but not Christmas. I love the pop of color from the bright red stars. It's nice to see something fun now that we're in the heart of winter and the holidays are over. We need fun and cheerful for this time of year!

I've sewn one pink side onto the Facets quilt. This is going together quicker than I had expected. I already have the next round of fabrics ready to sew! This next round will be the last full round. Then, I'll have a smaller round that will act as a border. 

I just finished reading this book. So good! Lots of ugly crying at the end. (Which means it was good!) I highly recommend it.

The question this week asks us if we buy calendars. I get a cat calendar every year from my mother. I usually hang it in my sewing room. I'm surrounded by fabric and cats in my sewing room and I love it! I don't care for the desk calendars where you have to rip a page everyday. I like the traditional month at a time calendars. 

That's it for me. We're preparing for a huge snowstorm like most of the US. Stay safe and stay warm!!

Valentine's Day Cross Stitch Pillow

I finished my cute Valentine's Day project from Primrose Cottage. I used 14 count Aida. It measures 5.5" X 4.5". I wasn't sure how I wanted to finish it but decided on a plan after watching a few YouTube videos. 

I ironed a thin fabric stabilizer to both the cross stitch front as well as the backing. I marked 1/2 inch around the design using an air soluble marker. I used that line as a guide to sew the rick rack. I cut the rick rack at each corner so I didn't have to turn a corner. I used that sewing line as a guide to sew the backing and front together. 

The backing is one piece but I sewed a seam down the middle.  I opened up a small piece of that seam to add the stuffing. The stuffing was a combination of polyester pillow stuffing as well as some crushed walnut shells at the bottom to give it some stability. I propped it up next to a floral centerpiece in my family room. It's just so cute!!! 

I Like Thursday #301

 It's time for Thursday Likes! A few of us bloggers post positive and fun content every week. Please visit our fearless leader, LeeAnna, to link up with more blogs. I haven't been out for dinner in ages so I ordered myself a nice drink last weekend. It's a Winter Sangria. I asked our waitress what is in it and never realized they put vodka in sangria drinks. No wonder this drink really hit me! Anyways, it tasted good and was quite enjoyable!

I changed the quilt on one of my couches. It's a little big for the couch but I love the color it adds! I made this one a few years ago. I did all the applique by hand. Since then, I haven't done too much applique. I think this quilt took about a year to make. I still need a break from applique after this one!

I haven't been to a quilt shop since well before the holidays. I got a gift card for Christmas that came in handy today. I bought a few fabrics for my next round of Facets. It's the final full round. The principal color is supposed to be aqua but I'll probably change that to blue fabrics. I have a ton of blues in my stash. The background will be this light fabric and the corners will be magenta. It should be a pretty round to finish up this quilt!

Our question this week asks us if we've ever lived anywhere else? I've been living in Massachusetts my whole life. I've lived in 4 different towns/cities within the state. I lived in Boston for college and grad school. Those were my most fun years! The city was very accessible and I had no worries except for my grades! What a fun time! 

Have a wonderful weekend!

Two Projects

I've been diligently working on making my 44 pink blocks for the 6th round of the Facets quilt. I wanted to see how it would look so I laid out all my blocks. I like how it's coming along! The blocks are a little bit tedious to make but I'm used to it so I just keep making them! I have one more full round which will feature blue/aqua. Then I have a half round which will work as the border. I think that round is mostly red. I feel this would be another good candidate for a pantograph. There are so many tiny pieces and so many colors. I feel my quilting would never really be seen. I'll wait until I'm done to make the final decision but that's what I'm leaning towards right now.

Jeanna reminded me that Primrose Cottage sent us a free Valentine's Day cross stitch pattern. I decided to put my binding aside on Laurel Ridge and try to get this done for the holiday. I'm just using whatever floss I have in my stash. I haven't decided if I'll make an ornament or cushion. I'll decide when I finish!  Isn't this the cutest project?!

I Like Thursday #300

It's time for Thursday likes! I've missed the last two Thursdays due to the holidays. It's time to get back to normal! Please visit LeeAnna over at Not Afraid of Color to link up with more participating blogs. Well, I bought this Christmas cactus two years ago at the supermarket. I'm not the best with plants so I'm thrilled to see this plant blossomed twice this holiday season! Not a bad investment for $3.99!

We woke up New Year's Day to find one of our cars had little tracks all over it! I think it was a crow but who knows!? There aren't too many animals out there right now!

For my next scrap project, I need a variety of neutrals so I decided to buy this jelly roll. I feel I never have enough neutrals. I always lean toward bright colors. I should have a better choice of neutrals with this purchase. 

Our question this week asks us if we sing in the shower. I do! I pretty much sing whenever I hear a song that I know some of the lyrics. I'm not sure anyone around me likes to hear me sing so my singing may be on the quiet side! When I was little, my parents used to sing to their Italian records. I think I grew up singing along with them!

Have a great weekend!!