Monday, September 26, 2011

This and That



I once told a friend that I'd call myself a "neat freak" except that I'm so insecure about my abilities in that area that I'd be afraid that people would think that was strange to call myself "neat" when my house in never that clean. There are several reasons for this fact, but the number one reason is that we have three animals who have the run of the house at all times. Our beagles may have short hair, but they shed constantly, which is why I sweep and mop our floors at least once a day, usually twice. Kitty contributes even more to my cleanliness angst since she likes to sleep on the couches and (horrors!) the kitchen table. I've given up on table cloths since she'll just walk across them and take a little nap, leaving black hair everywhere. But, today I decided that I'd get out her kitty bed to encourage her to stay away from the couches, at least. Yes, she's still on the table, but I feel better about her, at least, being in her little bed....and she is so cute and cozy in there.

Oh, and I didn't crop my last picture very close so that I could show off my little pumpkin salt and pepper shakers from Sturbridge Yankee Workshop that  I recently purchased.


 What wrong with the above picture? 

A couple of weeks ago, I went to the The Maricopa Quilt Company with a quilting friend of mine and bought a fabric pack, thinking that maybe I'd follow through with a little quilting project. I don't know much about quilting, but I do know the alternating bold fabrics with lighter fabrics rule. Somehow, I got my right band of fabric reversed so that I had lights with lights, so even though it's so much easier to unravel a knitting mistake, I ripped out my misplaced band and fixed it. Success! My seams all match. It's amazing what one can do if she is willing to rip and sew, rip and sew, rip and sew...I mean baste.
Now what do I do? I'm planning on hand quilting it, which I have no idea how to do. No worries. I have the internet. This isn't really even big enough to be a baby blanket, but I wanted to start really small. I'm thinking that I'll use it as a table topper once I'm finished.

8 comments:

Thimbleanna said...

Oh, I so wish I were there -- I'd help you. It's so exciting that you're learning to quilt -- I hope you love it. Those pumpkins are adorable.

I SO understand about the animals -- sometimes it's a bit frustrating. I wonder what it would be to have a hair and hairball free house. Probably would be boring and feel empty though. The kitty in the bed is hysterical -- I've been meaning to make some of those beds -- I guess I should get cracking!

TheBlackSheep said...

I have a cousin who quilts and loves it. Alas, the last time I tried, my ex let the dogs do unspeakable things to the pieces while I was away for a couple of days. I never got over having to toss the whole thing.

I can't believe your cat is actually USING the cat bed! You are lucky. I've got at least three and the cat won't touch a single one. I have hopes for the one that attaches to the heater, but only for the winter. The others she wouldn't deign to sit on to save my life.

Willow said...

I'm at about the same knowledge level on quilting as you are--no help for you from here. But I can cheer you on.

Oh, I love me some sweet kitty pictures! She's adorable!

Anonymous said...

I love your pumpkin salt and pepper!
If only Anna and I could visit - we would have you hand quilting in no time at all! I am sure you will be able to find a video on youtube - or perhaps a class at your local quilt shop.

kathy b said...

ahhhh kitties and tables, the perpetual no no and impossible task. YOUR cat bed is soooo cute. I think you
ve inspired me to make on for mine.....

Barbara from Nova Scotia said...

Cat in wool = perfection. Love the photos. :)

Tracy said...

Look at your kitty--that it TOO CUTE! And I love your little quilt in progress--the pinks, greens and prints are all so pretty together. Hand quilting it easy to do, once you get the hang of it. I prefer hand quilting--though machine quilting is much faster. ;o) Can't wait to see you finished quilt! Happy Days ((HUGS))

JayJay said...

Very nice! I like your color choices. I am working on a quilt for my 3-year-old's bed. It is very similar, just with bigger squares and more of them. Now you can addictively collect fabric and yarn, just like me. Yippee!