2016 Finish-A-Long Q1 {List}

I am finally at a point in my life where I feel like I can sew and craft. For the longest time, I was so busy getting healthy and working on the house. So, I decided to participate in the 2016 Finish-A-Long: Q1. This does not mean the house is finished. In fact, it is a long ways from being finished. But, I think we are at a place where we are taking breathers and just working on projects we feel like doing.

All of the quilting projects I listed below were projects I have put on hold since coming home (the move). Now that life has settled somewhat and my room is basically completed, I will be working on finishing them. At least, I hope to finish them! Of course, I most likely will start one or two projects too because I like to work on new quilts or crafts.

So, without further ado, here is my list:

1. Finish Hand Quilting Dan's Quilt

I was in the process of finishing this quilt late last year until an incident with Abby Gail made me panic and I put this project aside. I had briefly set it down with thread and needle attached to attend to something. I turned around and there she was messing with the quilt licking her mouth. The needle was nowhere to be found. I searched and searched and could not find it. I panicked and ended up taking Abby to the vet to get an X-ray to make sure she did not swallow that needle. She was fine. It was worth the cost for my peace of mind.

I shut the cats out of the room and searched and searched for the needle. I ultimately vacuumed up the entire space in hopes of finding the tiny item. Nada. Zilch. None. It is my prayer that it was sucked up by the vacuum and I missed it or it fell through a crack in the floor board. My cats insist on being in the same room with me and the idea of a loose needle scares me.

Both of my cats have issues that I have to be vigilant with. Abby has a love affair with strings, threads, and ribbons and chews them. This makes life difficult for me in the studio. Gracie's problem is plastic. She will chew and eat them. So, I have to make sure plastics of any kind are either discarded or put in a place where she cannot get to them.

Anyway, I plan on overcoming my fear concerning Abby and her love affair with threads and pick up this project again.

2. Machine Quilt the "Layer Cake" Quilt

This is scary because I will be learning how to use a brand new sewing machine in addition to a "long arm" frame that I never got a chance to use due to the fact we moved before I could!

3. Machine Quilt the "Modern Basics" {Red/White/Black} Quilt

I have not decided yet if I want to use the "long arm" or the regular machine to finish this quilt.

4. Cross Stitchery

This is something that I will work on when I am down and out or when I am on the road. Cross stitching gives my hands something to do and is not so bulky to take along in my rare travels.

Crafty Tuesday: A Finish!

"The Castle" designed by Teresa Wentzler and stitched by moi!

I finished this project late in October and took it to the nearest Michaels to have it framed. I was absolutely thrilled with the end result! This was an UFO (Unfinished Object) going on over 20 years! It is now hanging in our den. The next step is to create a built-in cabinet or shelving system surrounding this stitchery to hold my Krystonia figurines.

What I've Been Doing Lately IV

It has been awhile since I last did a "What I've Been Doing Lately" post. I have procrastinated long enough and since I am feeling poorly, I thought I write up the latest update.

• Finshed the DIY Foldable Craft Table. I am pleased with the end result in spite of the terrible plans we used. I have already started using it by cutting up a brand new t-shirt to covert into canvas art. I need to do more soon and take pictures of the process.

• My oldest grand niece was in a major accident late in August pursuing a passion of hers. When I first heard the news, I cried and was so scared for her and the family. I cannot imagine what went through the Momma's heart. I cannot imagine what my grand niece went through when the accident occurred. By all reports, she (my grand niece) is recovering nicely even though she is going crazy not being able to be active. Her mother is keeping her distracted by fostering animals. First, it was a baby goat. Currently, it is a sweet dog. I think they are fostering animals until she can go back to actively pursuing her passion which will be for several months. Yes, she wants to return in spite of what occurred. She is one brave girl and honestly, I am thrilled she wants to return. I just don't want any more accidents to happen!


• We took a short vacation (9/17 - 918) to Padre Island. I took a few pictures and I will post them soon if they are good enough to post. We also went to Fredericksburg Trade Days (9/19) and the San Antonio Home and Garden Show (9/20) where I finally got a telescoping flag pole I have been wanting for several years. It was a nice long weekend and I think Dan was glad to return to work to get a vacation from a vacation. Ha!
• I discovered I lost a 30+ year old filling in one of my back molars back in August. I knew I was going to need a crown and went to see a dentist. While at the dentist, it was discovered that my wisdom tooth, over the years, cut into the tooth that lost the filling. As a result, it is impossible to put a crown onto the tooth. Due to the fact that the roots extend into the sinus cavity, I will need to see an oral surgeon to extract the teeth. Speaking of which, this is probably why I kept having recurring pain in my lower sinus cavities. Anyway, I have yet to schedule an appointment. They are not bothering me at the moment; but, I know it will need to be taken care of in the future. I am just scared to death of the process.


• We took a long weekend (9/25 - 9/27) and helped with my folk's estate sale. Two of my brothers and their wives were there. One of them did the vast majority of the work and I thank them from the bottom of my heart. All in all, it was a successful sale (and weekend). The house was officially put on the market this past Tuesday (10/6).


• I am still working on the UFO (Unfinished Object) Cross Stitch project. I am so thrilled that I am on the final leg – the tedious back stitching. I was hoping to be done with it by my birthday – October 13. But, I think it will be finished later than I planned. {You can see the progress via past "What I've been Doing Lately" posts.}

Phone {Picture} Dump V

This is the last dump post. Until next time.

Phone {Picture} Dump I

Phone {Picture} Dump II

Phone {Picture} Dump III

Phone {Picture} Dump IV

Artwork by a grandniece. June 8, 2015

She colored, used stickers and "wrote" things onto paper. I framed them and hung it on my wall.

PS I am hoping that she will continue to gift me with her art work and pictures and these will be replaced (updated). I would do the same for all the others. She was the first to gift me with her “art”.

Abby Gail, June 9, 2015

Abby Gail, June 9, 2015

Abby Gail, June 9, 2015

Note: I took a LOT of pictures during the period of time she was needy and sickly. She wanted me. I finally put down a towel beside my computer and she was satisfied.

My Turn Now! Gracie. June 10, 2015

She looked so pathetic and cute. I had to take another picture. June 16, 2015

This gives you an idea of the depth of her sickness. She did not torment me or my needlework during this time frame. She just wanted to be on me and rest.

June 17, 2015

Abby Gail, June 18, 2015

Abby Gail. June 20, 2015

Abby Gail. June 20, 2015

Abby Gail. June 25, 2015

Phone {Picture} Dump IV

Camera {Picture} Dump I

Camera {Picture} Dump II

Camera {Picture} Dump III

A Gluten Free Bakery, Red Oak Bakery, in New Braunfels, Texas. April 22, 2015

Butterfly, April 23, 2015

I wanted my camera so bad! All I had was my lousy phone as I was waiting for my new camera at this time.

A Minion trying to get into my room! Ha! April 26, 2015

My new garden Hat – not so floppy! April 25, 2015

Upcycle: Old drawers into shelving units. April 26, 2015

Note: I had purchase four old drawers from an antique/junk store for $35.00

My new camera finally came in and what do I do? Snap a picture with my phone. Shaking my head (SMH) April 29, 2015

Pickling cucumbers (first harvest); May 6, 2015

Turned them into pickles! May 10, 2015

Yummo! May 10, 2015

Note: A total of eight jars of pickles were made.

Note II: We had a second harvest of pickling cucumbers and made relish.

Dug out an old UFO (Unfinished Object) to work on. May 15, 2015

"You can take the cat out of the wild but you can't take the wild out of the cat". – Dan

This was his response to my text concerning Abby losing her mind when she attacked me. I had to put her in time out for the first time in ages after she attacked me again a few minutes later.

This lousy picture is of her being loving and "asking for forgiveness" after being released from time out and slinking back into my room. She had worked her way onto me while I was on office chair and on the computer. She purrs, kneads, and snuggles my neck. How can you resist a mischievous bratty loving cat like that? SMH

This is what happens when a ripe pickle is missed in the last harvest – it gets huge and overripe! SMH May 20, 2015

And yes, that is Abby photobombing the picture.

T-shirt. I saw this and immediately thought of my eldest brother… And then one of Dan’s brothers… And then, Dan himself… and then, a nephew….

In case you don’t know, sarcasm tends to run in my family. SMH. May 22, 2015

What I've Been Doing Lately III

• Abby Gail has regained her appetite and is now a little piggy. She is slowly gaining back her weight. I have been weighing her on Sunday mornings and she is now approximately 6.7 pounds. She is keeping me busy.
• Dan’s Mom came to town to visit for a week late in July. We did the usual things and took her to see a few sights. We dragged her along window shopping for a small travel camper, did some “junkin’ (antique shopping) in New Braunfels and stopped by the oldest Texas bakery, went to the Riverwalk, had dinner, and took a ride on a tour boat and did some more junkin’ in a nearby town. We also had some lazy days. I think she enjoyed herself and I know she wants to come back soon.

• I have been going to garage sales once again. I just love picking up things I know I will use such as cheap mason jars in excellent condition (FYI: I never reuse the lids). I also like traveling around and getting to know our little town which is not as small as I thought. The population is just over 1100; but, the spread (of land) is quite large.

  I found the above mirror tiles. One of the packages only had five tiles and I asked that the price be $2.50 (instead of $3.00) and she agreed. I picked up the two packages for $5.50. Yes, I have plans for them! I have to resort to making something because I could not find anything out there (to purchase). It is going to be a challenge to create and I pray that I will not end up hurting myself in the process. I also pray that Dan will not hurt himself too as he will be helping me make a frame.


• The entryway is completed. We just need to hang up hooks. I am thinking of using some old doorknobs I hung onto for eons.
• I turned some old drawers into shelves. We finally hung the drawers along with some shelving for the cats in my studio. I think Abby will be happy that she can get up high on occasion now. I will be posting pictures soon.


{Who is that shameless hussy slaving away on the dresser?

Shot on June 28, 2015 by Dan}

• The DIY dresser is almost finished! It just needs one knob (pull) fixed.


• On July 19, we made Raspberry Peach jam! It is extremely delicious. Dan thinks the taste is similar to strawberry jam. Now, the question is: Was it worth it? You have to see this picture to understand why I am questioning my need to make jams and pickles. I think it is worth the effort in spite of the mess it made. I am seriously thinking about investing in a taller pot and/or a splatter shield. SMH (Shaking My Head}.

• I started making a folding craft table. The above picture shows the legs. Everything is stained and the pieces are ready to be put together. We had to fine tune the legs as the plans we used stunk to high heaven (was full of errors).


"The Castle" designed by Teresa Wentzler; Unfinished, Approximately 3/4 done!

• I am still working on the UFO (Unfinished Object) cross stitch project. ‘Nuff said. By the way, you can see the progress by referring back to pictures in my previous “What I’ve Been Doing Lately” posts.

What I've Been Doing Lately II

It seems like not much occurred since I last blogged. I have more or less ditched facebook and I am only responding to notifications and messages through the social media. About all I do these days online is check emails and catch up on blogs I read (via feedly). I have shared giveaways notices whenever I am required to do so to get an extra entry myself. And, I still tweet giveaways when I remember to do so.

I may start popping on facebook in August to check up on family and friends statuses/pictures. But, I will not be as active on facebook like I used to be.

Abby Gail on a Bag Containing Sample Fabrics; March 25, 2015

• I dealt with Abby Gail being sick. She continued to be sickly and it was tough watching her lose weight. She just would not eat – not even her favorite treats or wet cat food. She was extremely needy and often snoozed on me.

  I worried about her constantly as she lost a little over two pounds which is a lot for a cat. {FYI: She had a bacterial AND yeast infection in her ears.} We took her in for a scheduled checkup on the 25th of June. At that time, she was on the mend; but, she still struggled with appetite and feeling sickly. She still had a minor yeast infection in her left ear; so, we continued treatment in that ear for another two weeks.

  During the whole time she was sick, she dropped from 8.5/9 pounds to 6.2 pounds. She was so dang skinny – I could feel the rib bones whenever I petted her which bothered me to no end. Do not get me wrong, I do not like fat cats either. I just want healthy content cats.

  I was so happy and relieved one morning (around July 8th) to see her eat her entire meal. Before, she would only barely eat and leave the rest (to go to waste). Her happy go lucky attitude slowly returned. I had almost forgotten what it was like to have a holy terror around this house. It was difficult for this old lady to deal with an energetic mischievous cat once again. However, I have adjusted and am absolutely thrilled to have the old Abby Gail back.



Inspiration for our Entryway from This Old House Magazine (May 2015 issue).

Shot on June 25, 2015

• Dan started working on the "entryway" with my help in deciding on the number of "panels" (we went with five), the depth of the tiny shelf, etc., and etc. I like how this idea turns a plain wall into a usable focal point at the entrance. It also helps that it is our style (Craftsman/Mission). We do not have a hall closet or any usable space to "dump" stuff especially for guests. So, this works. It is looking rather nice at the moment!

  By the way, we will be doing something similar in our Master bathroom in the distant future.



Found at a Garage Sale. June 27, 2015

{We started removing the handles when I remembered to snap a “before” picture.}

• I have been looking for a cheap dresser to “up-cycle” and throw into our master closet for extra storage since we first moved here over two years ago. I finally found one with a mirror at a garage sale recently for thirty dollars and was absolutely thrilled. It is a nice solid piece of furniture which pleased me to no end.

  The dresser has been sanded down and is now in the process of being painted. It will be given several coats of poly and then thrown into the master closet for storage.

  As for the mirror, it will be repurposed. I plan to sand down the frame and then stain it in the near future as the wood is still in excellent condition. It will be hung over my regular dresser in our master bedroom.



Unusual Guests. Shot on July 4, 2015

{Note: I shot a lot more pictures. This was the first one I opened processed for this post. I will go through the rest and may do a "Fiend Friday" post in the near future.}

• We had some unusual guests stay in one of our Crepe Myrtle trees not too long ago. What were they? Bats! There were four of them altogether. Dan was the one who discovered them (on July 4th) while we were outside working. Both of us were extremely surprised that they chose this particular spot. We did not bother them nor they us. They left at dusk and never returned.

  I am not sure why they had to take emergency shelter; but, something caused them to do so. The only thing we could think of was the destruction of their old habitat as they looked healthy (via pictures on camera).

  Anyway, I had been thinking about buying a bat house. Due to this recent event, I decided to purchase one and we will be putting it up in the near future. At least, if any bats need a temporary resting spot, they will be safe from the wind (which was gusting the day they stayed) and be away from the path humanity (we) take.

  Bats are great for getting rid of mosquitoes and other bugs around here and it pleases me to know that bats fly around here even if they are just passing through.



"The Castle" designed by Teresa Wentzler; Unfinished; Almost 3/4 done

shot on July 13, 2015

• I am still working on the UFO (Unfinished Object) cross stitch project I mentioned the last time I blogged. {You can see a picture of the top half at the previous post.} It is slow going and extremely tedious due to the fact that there are a kijillion colors to deal with. But, I am pleased with the progress.