81 degrees !

Yes, we got really warm today, and when I found out that I didn't have to go to work, I readied myself to baste this quilt top.

I made the backing for it last week, and bought a batting at Walmart, too, so I was really prepared.

Even at that, after starting the pinning-in process at 10:30 a.m., I didn't finish until after 3:00 this afternoon !  But, I admit that I did go back and add extra basting, remembering how much I had wished for that the last time I machine-quilted.

So, I'm not sure how I am going to quilt this one, and I don't know when I'll approach it, but now it's ready whenever I am.  I'd like to get another big one basted this week, but they're talking about rain now; knowing how long a quilt-basting takes me these days, I may just count my blessings for making it today, and put the next one off for surer weather for most of a day.

Spring is ALMOST here !

I started this most beautiful, sunny day by finally washing my car, and vacuuming the carpets inside of it.  So thankful to be able to drive again these nearly-6 years  now, and having a good-running vehicle that is dependable.

I followed up that work with some raking of flowerbeds; lots of new growth was hiding beneath the leafy mulch.  The first of the Buttercups (Jonquils) are blooming,

 the Lilac bushes have buds, Seven Steps to Heaven has sprouted EVERYWHERE , and my Phlox have started.

I may have decided on some fabric to put together for a backing for one of the quilt tops that I pieced over the Winter, so that on another beautiful day like today was, I will be able to baste underneath the carport.  The wind did try to get up a bit today, and that is not a fun addition to a basting day outside !  I will watch for a warm morning that will allow atleast 3 hours for me to do the basting at a comfortable pace all by myself.....not a job that I cherish, but a necessary task.

Jeff's "Trailing Stars" top

I have been trying to make the most of these days when we've been stuck inside due to inclement weather.  I cut into all the light fabrics that I bought at the secondhand store, and I cut out squares from my old red, green, and blue fabrics.

I designed this quilt on graph paper, because it's construction didn't allow me to use a regular block formation in EQ4.  There is a way to do it there, but it isn't worth the trouble it takes, to me.  I guess I'll always be a graph paper girl at heart.  In order to stagger the star placement, it was constructed in rows, rather than individual blocks.

Anyway, I cut two corners off of 5 inch squares and added back 3 1/4 inch triangles.  Then I trimmed these down to 4 3/4 inches, and mixed them with lots of other light and dark 4 3/4 inch squares to form light and dark stars, and light and dark background.  The "trailing" design is easy to see from a distance, but gets lost when you're observing the quilt up close.

This is the first time that I have really observed my body getting sore from piecing a top.  My left arm developed an ache in the upper muscle from holding the ruler down while trimming the squares.  And now, I have an ache in my right side from hours of sitting and turning in my sewing chair.   Ah, the wonders of getting old !
Not complaining, mind you, just commenting !

So, when Spring eventually gets here, I should have more than one top to get basted outside underneath my carport........if the wind will cooperate.    I always wonder why I don't do more piecing and quilting throughout the cold weather season, but I realize now that 1.  I forget to baste up plenty to quilt while I have ample opportunity and good weather., and 2.  I shut off the sewing room to keep from having to heat more rooms than necessary.

But, praise the LORD, life goes on, and it all gets done, right?

This too shall pass

I meant to post a few days ago, when my husband pointed out to me the first blooming flowers of the coming Spring.  My Crocus are blooming.  I love these little guys........they were here beside the big Oak tree when I moved here and are invisible for 95% of the year, and then...THERE THEY ARE !  Praise God in all His glory !

You can see the Buttercups coming along behind.

I went to bed at around 8 p.m. last night, tired from work, and I awakened to rise before 5 this morning.  That's good, as I've been sleeping until nearly eight in the mornings, and with next week's time change, that would be 9 a.m. !   So I needed to start working my way back to an earlier rising.  I don't expect to stick with 5 a.m., but 6:30 would be nice.

When I went out to put a letter in the mailbox this morning, the weather was damp and balmy, but now the wind has changed directions, the temperature is dropping and the rain has begun.  It is expected to change to sleet and then snow.  I got my groceries yesterday, and have fabric sitting out on my cutting table and a new skein of yarn in my bag,.......so I'll be sittin' purty for a few days UNLESS we lose power.   I'm praying that that doesn't happen, and I hope that you're all well, safe, and warm.  Love you.