what to do today...

So, I'm digging out other projects that I wanted to try to work on... You all know I've been working on machine quilting... So I got this stones quilt out, and decided to give it a whirl with some swoop flow-y lines... So far, I think it's OK, I'm still working out speed, And actually just picking out the right COLOR of thread... I tried to be neutral on this, not sure if that was the right thing yet... But so far, it's OK... we'll see... (I still prefer letting someone else finish these for me!) I drew out the first few lines just to get it set... that seems to help me best... now just to fill it all in...

A few of you are way ahead of me on the QUILTING part of the waverunners!
I did at least pick out my backings for them... ;-) ( I'm procrastinating)

Millie has hers done! Love all the little squares in there! Looks great!

My dear Friend Monica is back! Remember I was teaching her to quilt?

She got sidetracked with sewing a quilt for her sister, and now is getting back to finishing hers! She healing and mending well from her Breast cancer, and I am so HAPPY to have her back to play with in my studio.
So while she sews, I've been cleaning up my mess. Also, I have not been feeling so hot these days myself, and have done barely anything the last two days... Got a few Dr. apts of my own... So I'm piddling with folding fabric, piecing batting bits into little projects, vacuuming up dust bunnies, all that fun stuff... no sewing for me really except that 10 minutes on the stones quilt above... that wore me out...

So. Just trying to figure out what else I can dig up to finish... Got any dusty blocks in a bin somewhere that you need to dig out and finish? ha! Don't we all!

Sunny Monday

One little finish last night. I was playing with my new fabrics for a wee giftie for my friend Monica. She is my friend I was teaching to quilt who is now a breast cancer survivor, and today just went through reconstructive surgery. She's been on my mind a lot. So I wanted to send her some love through stitches...

I don't usually hit the yard sales in the Hamptons, as prices are crazy for tag sales, but we had three on our road last Saturday, and hey! you get to see peoples houses!
Sometimes though, you truly find a sale where people want to get rid of their stuff... I found these two oval beveled antique mirrors for $15.
Then B found this old rusty horse head coat hook, falling apart, loose screws, roughly painted white with a paint brush.

We took him home for next to nothing, Fixed his screws, tightened him up, go the rust off and some rustoleum, and walla! Good as new!

Totally worth it!

Even though the weather was forcast rain, it cleared to blue skies today.
Hope you had a sunny one!

Tuesday Fun

Monica's second quilt

Monica's First Quilt

So, I've mentioned before that I am teaching my friend Monica to quilt. We've been taking our time working on her first quilt, when she decided she wanted to make a second quilt as a Birthday gift for her Sister. So, we put the first on hold (the PINK BROWN CIRCLE QUILT ABOVE), to whip up this lovely BLACK RED & WHITE QUILT. She took her inspiration from the Material Obsession book, and I am loving the Black sashing around the big blocks. I have to say, I am loving having SOMEONE to quilt along with. Maybe that's why I started to blog. Everyone needs a community to share in things they love.



I've been working along beside her, guiding her, and I've completed the 9 patches for the Grad quilt. I've made enough patches for 2 quilts, So I have one to keep. I really love it!

****

Also I've been working on a little something,

here's a peek.
I can't show you because The person who will get this, reads my blog...

Ah, Time will tell.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

B in Strawberry Fields, Central Park, Christmas card 2008

One last sewing post for 2008... Monica and I were able to squeeze in one more day to work on her quilt. We added the circles, and then had to hit the town for some girls night out fun.

The runner up xmas card....

So , My TO DO LIST for December has widdled its way down to RELAX, RELAX, & get a massage.
All three of us took a nap today, does that count for relaxing?
I made so many cookies this morning, I don't want to eat any.

Hubby and Daughter are off to see the Nutcracker Ballet. It was HIS turn to take her, as we can only handle seeing it every other year! Since we've seen it Every year for the last 9 years!

We've had a busy week, which included, School finishing, Seeing the big Apple Circus,and B becoming a Black/Red belt. She has this belt and one more before her black belt test.

And we even managed to get about 3 inches of snow. So I guess that's are white christmas...
May your family be blessed with health and happiness.
Happy Holidays!

Coasting along....

Empire State Building shining over Madison Square Park

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

I spy Santa ice skating below the tree!

Sigh.
Christmas in New York is SOOO BeAuTiFuL!

I had to run over to Rockefeller Center this morning, so I had to snap a picture of the tree and Santa Ice Skating!

We are all going for a family outing on Monday to see the tree and go out to dinner to the
China Grill. the BeSt Fried Spinach ever! yeah, really. So good!
(deep fried spinach leaves in Peanut oil and salt. makes it crispy, and melts on your tongue.)

It even started to snow while I was out, which made it even more magical. We are supposed to get 3-5 inches of snow.... we'll see.


My friend, Monica is coming down for our weekly quilting fun. She's never made a quilt, so we are working on one for her, together. It's been great fun.

These pictures are from last week. She picked out fabrics she loved, and we decided to start simply learning cutting fabric, and sewing the strips together.

Today we are going to cut out some different size dark brown Circles, and various sized pattern
fabric circles and applique them on top.

Then after Christmas, find backing , pinning etc...
and ultimately teaching her to machine quilt it.

Its been very gray so its hard to get great photos!! no natural light...

I Know most of us know what it looks like to have snow coming down, but I tried to capture it anyway. It is so Peaceful! So Your getting a few shots out of my studio window...I even got two more strings of lights flung over the tree, to make up for the burnt out ceramic ones I posted about the other day!!! no more dark xmas tree!

ok. I'm off to finish a pot pie... Get B from school, take her to Tae kwon do to test to become a red/black belt. THEN, I get to get my computer, and go out with a bunch of girlfriends for a fun girls night out dinner!


Chicken POT PIE

INGREDIENTS:

1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cubed 1 cup sliced carrots 1 cup frozen green peas 1/2 cup sliced celery 1/3 cup butter 1/3 cup chopped onion 1/3 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon celery seed 1 3/4 cups chicken broth 2/3 cup milk 2 (9 inch) unbaked pie crusts

DIRECTIONS:

1.	Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C.)
2.	In a saucepan, combine chicken, carrots, peas, and celery. Add water to cover and boil for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, drain and set aside.
3.	In the saucepan over medium heat, cook onions in butter until soft and translucent. Stir in flour, salt, pepper, and celery seed. Slowly stir in chicken broth and milk. Simmer over medium-low heat until thick. Remove from heat and set aside.
4.	Place the chicken mixture in bottom pie crust. Pour hot liquid mixture over. Cover with top crust, seal edges, and cut away excess dough. Make several small slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
5.	Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until pastry is golden brown and filling is bubbly. Cool for 10 minutes before serving.