Thursday, December 30, 2010

BABY CLOTHES PILLOW COVERS

Here are the two travel pillow covers I made to match the last two baby clothes quilts. For the front I just made two four-patch blocks and framed them with the same fabrics I used in the quilts. For the blue/green one I used the green for the framing and then the blue for the back.

blue/green front

blue/green back


For the pink one I used the backing fabric for the framing and made the back from some of the flannel receiving blanket my client asked me to use in both quilts.



pink front


pink back



The great thing about these pillow covers is that they are removeable and washable! It was totally my client's idea and I think they will look so cute with the quilts.




PINK BABY CLOTHES QUILT

I finished the second baby clothes quilt for my great client. This one is predominately pink and I just love it. The framing and the backing are both in a beautiful rose pink with tiny dots in pink, green and cream.


front

butterfly appliques

love!
I also just finished two travel pillow covers to match this pink quilt and the previous blue/green one. I'll put those pics in the next blog.



Sunday, December 26, 2010

DRUG COST SKYROCKETS

I don't know if I've mentioned it before, but my cat, Buddy, has glaucoma in both eyes. Along with two types of eye drops, he takes the human medicine methazolomide twice a day. I fill his prescription at a regular pharmacy and have for several years now. I would get 100 pills for around $35 - not too bad for something that helps Buddy. A couple of weeks ago I went to refill Buddy's prescription and the charge was $129!!! Of course I brought it to the attention of the pharmacist that this must be a mistake. After some research she told me that there had been two companies making the drug, but one had stopped making it recently. The other company has taken this opportunity to nearly quadruple the charge for this very commonly used medicine.

The pharmacist told me I should check the pharmacies at the "big box" stores as their pharmacies don't mark up the meds as much as other pharmacies. I called around and the cheapest I could find the medicine was $110. Luckily I checked with Buddy's eye doctor's office and they still has some of the methazolomide at the old price and I was able to pick up another bottle of 100. That will carry me to February. Then what? I don't know.

You may have noticed that I haven't mentioned drug company names. That's because I'm still not sure which company it is that has raised their prices so precipitously. Sandoz made the one that Buddy has been taking and I'm assuming that's the company that has ceased making it. It was a generic and I guess they just weren't making enough money off of it.

I will be continuing my research and when I find out the name of the drug company that has raised the price, I'll be sure to put it here on the blog. I will also be contacting the company about this issue. It's mostly older folks who take this drug, the least able in our society of absorbing additional costs like this. Even if you have insurance, your cost will go up. And if you don't . . .

Friday, December 24, 2010

NEW BABY CLOTHES QUILT

I just finished another baby clothes quilt and I think it's the best one yet! Of course I feel that way about just about every project. My client and I had to compromise on the backing color and I think it turned out great. My client wanted green as it's the recipient's favorite color, but I thought blue would be better as most of the fabrics were in or had some shade of blue. So we compromised by using both and I just love it!!!

One of my favorite things about making these quilts is making appliques out of some of the embroidery on these clothes. I also try to transfer any cute little pockets, too. So much fun!

Here are some pictures of the quilt. And, of course, it's even better in person!


front

Love the dinosaur!!

Pockets and puppies


Back
I'm now working on one more quilt for this wonderful client and this one is for a girl with lovely shades of pink. I'm hoping to get it finished by the end of the weekend and will post pics as soon as I can.




Sunday, December 5, 2010

MAX UPDATE II

Sorry I've been so long with another update, but life has been crazier than usual. I had several urgent projects to get done and chose to get them out of the way. Now that they are finished, I can, hopefully, get back to normal.

First of all, Max is doing great. We had a not eating issue about a week and a half ago, but that's been resolved with some assisted eating for a day or two and a further realization that Max does not like change. I put down a bigger water bowl and he quit drinking water. Same with the food bowl. Crazy cat!!!

Max is still taking his insulin well and tolerates the twice daily ear pricks to check his glucose levels. They are still higher than I would like, but are gradually coming down. I expect another dosage increase when we go back for another check-up this coming week.

I need to get a video clip of Max fussing at me. His voice is soo squeaky like a haunted house door. And he's so loving. He's actually becoming a lap cat of sorts, though his body is almost too long for my lap.

I've received a ton of cat print fabrics from my quilting buddies and hope to have some made up into quilts and stuff soon. They will be offered for sale to try to raise some money to pay Max's considerable vet bills. What great friends I have!! Y'all know who you are!!!

I'll be back with some more pics and, maybe, a video clip, shortly.

Monday, November 15, 2010

MAX UPDATE

Just a quick update on Max. I can't believe he's been home a week today. The improvement is amazing!! He's eating like a horse and is so much stronger. He's getting oral liquid meds - an antibiotic and one for icky poops - and he's not happy about them, but he's taking his insulin injections like a trouper!! He goes back for a check-up next week and I can't wait to see how much weight he's gained. So it's "so far, so good" for Max.

I'll try to get some new pics done and posted this week. I can't wait till all the shaved places grow out. Right now he looks like he got a particularly bad poodle cut!

Just a reminder for all you cat owners - keep an eye on your cat's habits. If she starts drinking more water and, as a result, peeing a lot more, whisk that feline to the vet - she may have diabetes. As a veteran of now three cats with diabetes I can tell you that it's manageable and worth the small extra effort. Getting the diabetes under control at the beginning can be frustrating, but when your efforts pay off, it's easy to deal with. There are a lot of good sites that have good info about feline diabetes. My best tip is to invest in a good glucometer and learn how to check your cats blood glucose levels from time to time. It's easy peasy, as they say.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

MAX


As I stated in my last blog, my cat, Max, was in the hospital. He was diagnosed diabetes and has possible problems with his pancreas and liver. Below is a picture of him in his cage at the hospital. He had all sorts of tubes attached to him including a feeding tube.

It all began on a Friday night when I found him in the bathtub in the middle of the night. I thought he was dying right then and there. Max has always been very antisocial and when he let me pick him up and hold him I knew he was very sick. I watched over him and when he was still around on Sunday morning we went to the emergency vet clinic. They kept him overnight and my vet referred him to Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists for evaluation. He stayed there for two very long weeks.

Max in the hospital
I knew if anyone could save Max, these people could. I've had pets treated there many times. I think Gulf Coast is one of the top vet clinics in the country. They let me come and visit Max every day except Sunday. I hope it helped Max and I know it helped me.

I'm not sure that Max is totally out of the woods, but he's ever so much better. Max is now home, but he's a long way from being 100%. He's probably lost a third of his body weight and is still very weak. He's on insulin twice a day. But he's eating and drinking water and purring like crazy when I pet him. He's got shaved spots all over him - legs, neck, tummy - looks like a bad poodle cut.

Max at home

Having him in the hospital was very, very expensive, but I couldn't let him die without a fight. Not after he struggled to stay alive. Soon I'll be listing some pet-themed quilts and other items to raise money to help pay Max's hospital bill. Meanwhile, Max could sure use your prayers and positive, healing energies.

Monday, November 1, 2010

BACK ON EBAY

Well, y'all, I'm back on ebay. I only have two listings right now, but plan on a lot more soon. My kitty, Max, is in the hospital and I need to raise some money to pay for his care. I'll post more about him later. Right now I'd love for you to check out this cute little lap quilt I made from a MODA layer cake in the "Wee Woodland" collection by Keiki. It has the fall colors that are so perfect right now. It has one layer of flannel to make it the perfect weight to snuggle under on these cool autumn days. Go see at http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBaylSAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320611380651&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

My next listing is a cute little holiday table topper in the Christmas colors of red, green and gold. I made some little four-patch blocks using two holly prints in green, red and metallic gold and framed them with a beautiful red, green, metallic gold and black paisley. The back is a green and red holly print on black. There's a middle layer of red flannel to add body and extra color. Check it out http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBaylSAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320611724902&ssPageName-STRK:MESELX:IT

Guess I'd better get back to sewing!! Thanks for stopping by.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

NEW ETSY LISTING

Just wanted to let everyone know that I've posted a listing in my Etsy store for a custom baby clothes quilt. Followers of my blog can get a 10% discount on any item in my store. Just convo me and let me know what you've purchased or are interested in. www.grandmabarbara.etsy.com

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS QUILT

I just wanted to let everyone know about the beautiful, queen size breast cancer awareness rag quilt that's up for auction on ebay. A whole bunch of ladies from my two online quilting groups contributed blocks for this quilt and one fantastic lady sewed it all up. The proceeds from this auction will be going to another dear friend who was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer. She is currently undergoing chemo and radiation therapy and, frankly, could use some help with all the medical bills. This quilt has beautiful blocks of breast cancer awareness prints and awesome embroidery. There's lots of time to get your bid in on this one of a kind heirloom quilt. Check it out at http://cgi.ebay.com/Breast-Cancer-Awareness-Rag-Quilt-Queen-Size-Fundraiser-/310260419328 This is your chance to help someone one on one.

Saturday, September 25, 2010

GREAT GO! GIVEAWAY

Here's another GO! giveaway that you still have time to enter. Fabrics n Quilts is giving away a fantastic GO! cutter from Accuquilt. If you already have a GO!, you can check out her GO! die giveaway elsewhere on her blog. Anyway, check this out http://fabricsnquilts.blogspot.com/2010/09/win-accuquilt-go-cutter.htm
You should also checkout Fabrics n Quilts website for some great fabric buys and lots of good specials. And there are some great tutorials, too.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

OMG!! ANOTHER GO! GIVEAWAY

Ok, folks, this is getting serious. I found another blogger giving away an Accuquilt GO! plus three dies!!! If you're interested, please check out Millie's Quilting blog at http://milliesquilting.blogspot.com/ The winner will be chosen the morning of October 2, so you best get a move on it.

Sunday, September 12, 2010

BABY CLOTHES RAG QUILT

I finally finished the first rag quilt I've ever made from baby clothes. It was definitely a challenge since most baby clothes these days are knits, but it was a fun challenge. I used a featherweight fusible interfacing to stabilize the knits and bordered each block with cotton fabric. There's flannel in the middle with more cotton on the back. I only hope my customer is half as pleased with it as I am.


Close up of quilt - I used a combination of solid and pieced blocks.

Close up of pieced block showing the cotton borders.
I'm now working on another one using similar baby clothes and a yellow border and back. So whatcha' think? Do you think maybe other people would be interested in an heirloom quilt like this?

Monday, September 6, 2010

FABRIC GIVEAWAY!! FABRIC GIVEAWAY!!

If you love fabric half as much as I do, you will want to get yourself over to Fabrics N Quilts' blog right here http://fabricsnquilts.blogspot.com/2010/09/lets-have-giveaway.html?utm_source=Fabarics+N+Quilts+Newsletter&utm_campaign=9180fb3847-0614106_13_2010&utm_medium=email The fabric in the giveaway is the new Quest for the Cure fabric and is just beautiful!!!! So go check this out and get your entries in.

HAPPY LABOR DAY

Happy Labor Day, y'all!! Are you laboring today or taking some time off? Whatever you are doing, I hope you have a great day.

I'll be doing some sewing, but I wouldn't call it laboring. The most laboring I do these days is making quilts or whatever for sale. Today I'm working on a round robin quilt. My Quilters Corner Group is doing this and it's a lot of fun. If you aren't familiar with the process it goes like this - everyone makes a center block for their quilt and then sends it on to the next person designated for them to add to it. On it goes to each person in turn for more additions, while each person's quilt does the same thing. At the end each quilt returns to the originator and they have a one-of-a-kind heirloom quilt.

I'm working on quilt number 3, if I remember correctly. I wish I could post pictures, but no one is supposed to know what's going on with their quilt til they get it back. I'll post before and after pics when this is all done. Well, for most of them, anyway. I didn't take pics of the first one or of mine before it left. Although I'm no where near an experienced quilter, this process hasn't been quite as hard as I expected. I have to admit that I've gone to the internet for inspiration as I don't know all the possibilities, yet. Anyway, I'm having fun with it. I've already decided what to do with this particular quilt and all I need to do is finish cutting out the backing and the flannel and putting it together. I'll make the Sept. 15 mailing deadline with time to spare, I think.

For "labor", I'm working on an interesting project. A former custom quilt customer asked if I could make a quilt out of baby clothes. My first thought and my response were "I don't know why not!" So that's been my project for a few weeks. It's been an interesting creative process and is moving along nicely. I have one ready for clipping and have started assembling the second. There will be two more after this. I'm thinking of offering custom baby clothes quilts in my Etsy store when I'm done with these. You send me the clothes and I'll make the quilt. Do you think there's a market out there for that? For heirloom raggy quilts made with baby clothes? I'll post pics when I'm done with the first two. Please let me know what you think.

Monday, August 23, 2010

THE BOOT IS HISTORY!!

Just in case some of you have been holding your breath, waiting to hear when Grandma would lose her boot, the time has come!!! Yaaayyy!!! Doc said I could kick the boot habit, but I still have to wear shoes. No flip flops. Real shoes. Oh, well, half the battle. I'll still have physical therapy to get rid of the rest of the swelling and in two weeks I'll get some custom orthotics for my shoes. I forgot to ask if they could go in flip flops. When I go to PT on Wednesday I'll get some generic gel othotics for the interim. Anyway, just wanted to share the good news!! I'm thinking about using the boot for a planter. Some nice trailing ivy, maybe?

Saturday, August 21, 2010

ANOTHER GREAT GO! GIVEAWAY!!!

I just found out about another great Accuquilt GO! giveaway. Go check out Canton Village Quilt Works' blog at http://cvquiltworks.blogspot.com/2010/08/its-go-giveaway.html . Easy to follow instructions to get up to four entries. Now don't you want that GO! cutter for your very own? I know I do so I'm off to do my entries. You only have until August 26 to get your entries in so you had better hurry!!

Sunday, August 8, 2010

GREATEST GIVEAWAY EVER!!!

My friend Judy at Sewfunquilts is having a great giveaway on her blog. You can win a great Accuquilt GO! Cutter. Those of you out there who quilt will know exactly what a great timesaver the GO! can be. If you want to win one go to http://sewfunquilts-sewmeow.blogspot.com/2010/08/are-you-ready-to-go.html and check out the rules.

Friday, July 30, 2010

GRANDMA BOOTED!

No, it's not what you think!! The car wasn't booted and Grandma wasn't booted out of anywhere. Grandma injured her left foot and now has to wear this lovely "boot" for who knows how long. There's nothing broken, but there might as well have been because my foot reacted as if it had been broken. It would swell up and then get better then swell up again. And it hurt like heck!! It took me over two weeks to finally get to the foot doctor, but I have to admit that since I've been wearing the boot, the pain in my foot has ceased.

I'm thinking about wearing a weight on my right foot to balance out things. Otherwise, my left leg and derriere will be more toned than the right!! OMG!! I'll be lopsided!!! lol Maybe it just feels that way.



Some of my friends have said that I should decorate the boot, but I don't know. It certainly isn't very pretty. I think of myself as a basic black kind of girl, but what do you think? Any suggestions to make this thing a little less, um, ugly?

I know I'll be wearing it for at least another week, that's when I see the doctor again. Meanwhile, I'm getting some interesting physical therapy consisting of attaching electrodes to my foot to make the muscles move. Grandma knows how to have fun, doesn't she?

Monday, July 12, 2010

CURRENT PROJECTS

I just wanted to share my latest project of which I'm very proud. I saw a tutorial for a patriotic table runner on the net (forget where, but will let you know when I remember). I didn't want red, white and blue so I searched the stash and realized it was perfect for a Christmas runner with only one color change - replace the blue with green. So I used a number of different of different Christmas prints to make this and I think it turned out great!

This picture is of the runner hanging on my design wall.

This is the runner on the cutting table. Please ignore the mess!!

I'm backing it with another Christmas print - green with little holly leaves - and using another print for the binding should I ever get that far. At first I thought about hand quilting, but couldn't decide on a design. Then I thought I could just stitch in the ditch, but why do that by hand when you can do it easier on the machine? So I'm still thinking on it. I am hoping to get it finished by this Christmas!!

Friday, July 2, 2010

RAIN, RAIN GO AWAY!!! PLEASE?!?!

Ok, I know I said we needed some rain, but enough already!!! I couldn't get out and run some needed errands yesterday because of the rain. I'm not afraid of getting wet; it's the crazy Houston drivers and unexpected standing water that keeps me in. There has been enough rain at my house that the backyard is beginning to pond. We had at least an inch yesterday and expect that much more today. Of course I shouldn't complain when people in areas near here are having water in their houses.

At least I was able to use my time constructively yesterday to start on a cute quilted table runner. The pattern I found on allpeoplequilt.com had it in patriotic colors, but, if you change blue to green, you get Christmas!!! I had a lot of Christmas fabric in my stash so it was easy to pick out some fabrics to use. I have two of the three blocks assembled and it was really pretty easy. Of course the cutting would have gone smoother if I had paid better attention to the instructions. However, I have a lot of the fabric so I'll just keep the extras for another creation. Maybe another runner? Who knows? I'll post a pic when I get done.

I'm going to prepare to at least hit the grocery store today. The cat food and kitty litter can wait til another day. If I don't go to the grocery store I may have to resort to eating cat food so I may just have to brave the rain. Somehow Fancy Feast Turkey and Giblets just isn't that appetizing - even with a salad!

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

HURRICANE SEASON

Well, hurricane season began June 1 and now we have our first hurricane in the Gulf before the end of the month. That's early in the season, but then we've had some strange weather this past year so why am I surprised? It looks like Alex will be a Cat 1 and will go into Mexico. Being on the "dirty" side of the storm we will most likely get some rain, but will be spared for the most part. I'm sorry for Mexico, but glad for us.

Having a storm in the Gulf does make folks around here sit up and take notice. I've felt that invisible energy that generates when people are thinking about what they need to do. Well, we are spared this time, but maybe I'd better stock up on Spam just to be sure. And batteries. Maybe some water, too.

Monday, June 21, 2010

GREAT GIVEAWAY FROM FABRICS N QUILTS

I love giveaways, don't you? Well, I've found this amazing giveaway offered by Fabrics n Quilts over on her blog. Just click on http://fabricsnquilts.blogspot.com/2010/06/time-to-celebrate-how-with-giveaway-of.html#comment-form and go check it out. It's easy to enter and the prizes are so delicious!!! Tell her Grandma Barbara sent you!! Good luck!

MORE INFO: I forgot to say that there will be 5 winners!!! Can you imagine 5 chances to win some of this lovely stuff? Wow!!! Go enter right now!!!!!!!

Monday, June 14, 2010

BREAST CANCER QUILT PROJECT

Lately I've been working on my contribution to an upcoming charity auction quilt for my ebay group Quilters Corner. The quilt itself will probably be up for auction in the early fall and I think it will be our best one yet. The main block will be like the one shown below, though each person will have their own fabric combinations. There will also be other pieced and solid blocks. It will be constructed in the rag quilt style and will have pink flannel on the back with a layer of white flannel in the middle. Very comfy and cozy!


Not being much of a traditional quilter, I first thought that I'd never be able to construct such a complicated block. Well, with lots of patience and a nearby seam ripper, I managed to get one done. I've also been doing some BOM blocks from one of my favorite shops - FabricsnQuilts - and that's given me more confidence and practice in piecing blocks. Since the first ribbon block, I've assembled two more and it gets a bit easier with each one. I admit that I'm spatially challenged and have to really look at the pictures and compare them with the pieces that I have. It's been fun and gives me a great sense of accomplishment when my block closely resembles the pictures.

Please stay tuned for details on the charity auction. All of the proceeds will go to the Susan G. Komen Foundation as they have in our previous auctions.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

ROSES ROSES ROSES ZIPPER BAG

I made this little bag a while back, but I felt it needed something else. I got inspiration from a friend and made a little beaded pull for the zipper and that was what it needed!

I used some of my favorite fabric in the whole world, "Rose Garden Tea", to make this little bag. The lining is a pink, green and cream windowpane plaid. Go check out my Etsy listing for more details and pics http://www.etsy.com/listing/48649997/rose-garden-small-zipper-bag-with-beaded

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

PINK RIBBONS AND ROSES BAG

I have a project drawer where I put fabrics I think will make something nice. I also have bags of squares, FQ's and strips I've received in swaps. So I was looking for something to sew the other day and found a bag of strips I had tucked away waiting for inspiration. I wanted to do another ditty bag using strips so these strips seemed to meet my needs. I pulled out some pink ribbon and pink rose prints and went to work. Now I have it listed in my Etsy store. You can see it at http://www.etsy.com/listing/48454223/pink-ribbons-and-roses-ditty-bag-sewing



This bag is the perfect size for sewing supplies, cosmetics, lingerie or whatever. I think it would make a cute gift bag to fill with wonderful goodies for a special friend. It has a velcro closure and a cute floral button.

If you would like one in a special fabric, just let me know. I can make them from strips or from one piece of fabric.

Monday, May 24, 2010

YELLOW DUCKY QUILT

The other day I was browsing through my "project drawer" looking for some inspiration and ran across some Tutti Frutti fabric in coordinating duck prints. That cute little duck was so appealing I had to make something. I found a nice mottled yellow solid to go with the prints and made a 30" x 37" rag quilt throw. Since it's summer I thought I'd layer it with only one layer of soft yellow flannel. It's the perfect weight for when the A/C gets a bit much. And it would also make the cutest wall hanging to brighten any room.



I listed the quilt in my Etsy shop. You can see it at http://www.etsy.com/listing/48017663/ducky-rag-quilt-throw-or-wall-hanging-30

Saturday, May 15, 2010

MORE OLD PHOTOS

I think these two scanned tintypes are the most interesting of all my old photos. They are of my great grandfather, Thomas Jefferson Mobley and my great grandmother, Hannah Deaver. They are my mother's paternal grandparents. Everyone always looks so stern or lacking in emotion in these old pics, but I think ole T. J. looks a bit wild and crazy, don't you?


Thomas Jefferson Mobley was born in Maryland on 19 Aug 1808, married Hannah on 18 Mar 1830 in Belmont County, OH, and died in Salem, NE on 17 Sept 1878. They had 8 children including my maternal grandfather, Lewis Cass Mobley. T. J.'s parents were Levin Mobley and Nancy Tucker. He was child # 9 of 10!!

I swear that Hannah here looks like she would wash your mouth out with soap if you said a bad word!! I guess being a mom of 8 could do that to you. Hannah Deaver was born in Harford County, MD, on 15 Aug 1812 and died 25 Feb 1897, in Salem, NE. I think 85 was remarkable for that time. It seems that I come from a long line of long lived old ladies. I like that!!!
Hannah's parents were Richard and Elizabeth Deaver of Maryland. She was the second of 6 daughters! It looks like she met T. J. in Maryland, they moved to Ohio and then to Nebraska. The rest is history, as they say.
One of the things I love about genealogy is that it gives you the chance to see your own family in the context of the history of this country and other countries. My ancestors, for the most part, came to America when it was still a colony and the families migrated across the country with millions of others. I'm sure some fought in the Revolution and I know of a few who fought in the Civil War and the Mexican War. It just makes all the history I studied in school come alive. My family was part of all of that. Cool!!

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

MY GREAT-GRANDPA REUBEN

I finally got that tintype of my great-grandfather, Reuben Lake Miller, scanned into the computer. He is my mother's maternal grandfather. Though I never knew him, of course, I've always felt a connection with him. From the first time I saw his picture, I felt like I knew him.

Reuben was born on 15 Dec 1823 in Northampton County, Pennsylvania. I don't know anything about his parents or siblings. I have been spectacularly unsuccessful in finding anything about them. I haven't given up, though. I know that there were Millers present among the first white settlers of the "Forks of the Delaware."

My great-grandfather married my great-grandmother, Mary Walter, on 12 Aug 1849, in Easton, Pennsylvania, at the German Reformed Church. They had seven children, only three of whom lived to adulthood - Ellen (b 1850), Rebecca (b 1855)and Georgianna (b 1865). My grandmother, Georgianna Miller, was the only one who made it past her 30's, living to a ripe old age of 79. Ellen died at age 32 and never married. Rebecca was married to Isaac Coken and died at 36.




As you can see by the tintype, Reuben was in the military. During his civilian years he was a brickmaker and lived in Williams Township, Northampton County, Pennsylvania. On 30 May 1861, Reuben enlisted in the Union Army, E Co. 41st Inf Reg PA. He elisted as a Private, but was promoted to a full Sergent and mustered out on 11 June 1864. I was able to find a history of the 41st Regiment-Twelfth Reserves and they had a hard three years. They pretty much stayed in camp until 10 Mar 1862, when they were in the general forward movement of McClellan toward Manassas. They did not participate in the battle. They first saw fighting on 26 June at Ellerson's Mill and Harrisons Landing.

On 28 Aug the regiment barely escaped a surprise by the column of General Jackson and the next day participated in the action at Groveton. After all of that they left Virginia to participate in the Maryland campaign of South Mountain and Antietam and then back to Frederickburg. Reuben was wounded and captured by the Rebels at Fredericksburg and spent about 6 months in the Parole Camp at Annapolis, Maryland. By 1 May 1863, he had rejoined his regiment.

The regiment participated in the battle at Gettysburg and other actions thru the end of 1863. In 1864, they were fought in the three days Battle of the Wilderness and at Spottsylvania Court House. At Bethesda Church, they "received and repulsed the most desperate assault of the enemy." On the day of that battle, the term of its service expired. They were transported to Harrisburg and mustered out on 11 June 1864.

It seems that he and Mary must have had a good reunion as my Grandmother Georgianna was born 1 Apr 1865. Georgianna didn't get to know her father very well as, in August 1864, he reinlisted with the Army. The family story is that he got drunk one day and that's when he reupped. At any rate, he was assigned to Ft. Trumbull, New London, Connecticut. Reuben died 13 Jan 1867, choking on a piece of meat at dinner. Too bad no one knew the Heimlich maneuver back then or my family history might have been different. Mary did remarry a widower and family friend, Michael Raub. He took in the girls and was a good father to them from all accounts.
Mary survived two husbands and lived an independent life until her death in 1906 in Easton.

If anyone reading this has any information that might help me find out more about my Miller ancestors, I would love to hear from you.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

SPECIAL ORDER LITTLE GIRL TOTE

A friend of mine asked me to make a tote for her 8-year old neice and provided me with a variety of fat quarters in shades of green, pink and yellow. Such pretty prints and bright colors. I used the fabric to make two disappearing nine patch blocks about 13" square. The lining consisted of two different pink fabrics - one with princesses and one with crowns. The tote measures roughly 10" x 12" with a 3" flat bottom. The straps are a patchwork of the various fabrics used.






I had a bit of fabric left after making the tote so I whipped up a little wonder wallet. Easy to do and sooo very handy. I found a neat vintage dome button with rhinestones to go with the crown print fabric. I hope she likes it!


I just love these fabrics - so bright and springy!! And so perfect for an 8-year old princess.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

NEW APRON

Do you remember that I made two bib strip-pieced aprons before Christmas last year? Well, I finally got around to making a half-apron using the same fabrics and it turned out soooo cute!! It has an off-center bottom point and a handy loop at the waist to hold that "wiping towel" that everyone uses when they're cooking or baking.

I still love the classic American colors in this fabric collection. It has the gray-blues, rusty reds, golds and greens that go with just about everything. This apron would be perfect for protecting your duds while creating those wonderful summer feasts. And it looks so festive!
Anyway, I just wanted to share this with you 'cause I'm really proud of the way it turned out. I have it listed on Etsy with free shipping so go check it out. http://www.etsy.com/listing/45205281/strip-pieced-half-apron-moda-american

Thursday, April 22, 2010

BIG CONTEST

My friend, Lee, is having a great giveaway contest on her blog "Quilts by Lee". Although I have plans of winning this one, you should go check it out anyway. Click on this link http://quiltsbylee.blogspot.com/2010/04/lofty-goals.html and check it out. Even if you don't win, Lee has lots of great stuff you can buy at great prices.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

THE WALLET - ATTEMPT 1

Here's the first result of the new wallet pattern I told you about in my last blog. It turned out pretty good for a first attempt, I think. I'll be working on it for a while before any will be ready for public consumption. I'm proud that the zipper went in without a problem. That was my biggest worry. I tried my credit cards in the little slots and they fit perfectly. The wallet measures about 5" x 3" closed and 5" x 6" open so it's a nice size. There's the three credit card slots, two pockets and the zipper pocket for your change. The closure is with velcro, tho' I may experiment with different snaps which I feel would make it more secure. Anyway, here's the new wallet!!! Taa daa!!

Sunday, April 11, 2010

BLUE, YELLOW AND DENIM TOTE

I listed another tote on Etsy the other day. I love the color combo of two shades of blue with yellow. I added more of the recycled denim for the bottom and I think it works well with the fabrics. The tote has a bit of a retro look with the stripes and the geometric print in navy, aqua and yellow. Inside is a nice yellow tone on tone print. I used that for the pockets and the straps, too. I love the denim on the bottom as it's a tad sturdier. Anyway, just wanted to show off another creation.






I'm currently working with a new wallet pattern from "THIS & THAT" by Sherri K. Falls. It's got nifty credit card pockets on the inside as well as a zipper pocket. I'll be posting some pictures as soon as I come up with something presentable.

Thursday, April 8, 2010

PAISLEY TOTE UPDATE

Yesterday I was looking at this gorgeous tote and thought to myself, "It needs something!" Looking around I spied this cute pink crystal star pin on my bulletin board. I've had it around for years, just waiting on the right project. Well, I put it on the tote and it just fit! Now the beautiful tote has some bling for a finishing touch. Let me know what you think. Does it work? (The pin is even more sparkly than in the pic. Just couldn't capture it.)


Saturday, April 3, 2010

PASTEL PAISLEY TOTE

I've been in love with Sentimental Studios Kashmir collections for a long time. The intricate and colorful paisleys are just facinating. Collection IV is the best yet, in my humble opinion. The colors are those great pastels that remind me so much of those wafer candies we used to eat when I was a kid. Anyway, when I saw the charm pack of the Kashmir IV collection, I just knew I had to make a tote. And here it is!!



For the tote lining I used a light green vintage cotton fabric while the straps and pocket linings are a soft pink.



I just listed this confection on Etsy so go check it out if you are interested. And don't forget that I take custom orders, too.

Sunday, March 28, 2010

BACK TO SEWING, AT LAST!

A few days ago I finally fired up the ole sewing machine and got down to making totes. The first uses charm squares from MODA - these are called Rural Jardin by French General. I love the classic French floral designs in these great colors. I lined the tote with a cream tone on tone print. I'm thinking of listing this one on Etsy so, if you're interested, keep an eye out.



The second tote is made using charm squares from the Glory collection by Kathy Schmitz LLC for MODA. I combined the patriotic print squares with squares of recycled denim for real down-home American style. The lining is a deep red tone-on-tone tiny floral print. This is the third tote I've made from this collection and I think I'm gonna have to make one for me! It's perfect for all those casual outfits. Although this particular tote is already spoken for, if you want one, let me know.


I have one more set of charm squares ready to sew up into a tote. They are from the Kashmir IV collection by Sentimental Studios for MODA. If you are familiar with the Kashmir collections, you know that they are lovely paisley prints and this particular one is in pale pinks, blues and greens. The tote will have a pale green lining and pale pink straps. I should have a pic posted in the next couple of days.

Along with sewing I've been taking advantage of the great weather we've been having to do some yardwork. There is something very theraputic about pulling weeds and trimming shrubs, don'tcha' think?

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

A GUEST IN OUR HOUSE

I just wanted to post a pic of our handsome houseguest. Jessie belongs to neighbor and is staying with us while neighbor is out of town for a couple of days. He's a young adult and, according to neighbor, a real wild man. Of course being in a strange place with a bunch of strange cats has him a bit subdued for the moment. He does let me pet him and seems to like it.

This pic is of him in his crate where he has chosen to stay for the time being. The other cats are a bit curious, but don't seem to be fazed by our visitor. Jessie has been hissing a bit when anyone gets too close, but so far there have been no "incidents". I'm hoping Jessie will come out soon and provide a good playmate for Cody. At any rate, we are honored to have Jessie as a guest and I hope his stay is a pleasant one for everyone.


Monday, March 15, 2010

Since everyone likes the kitty pics so much, I thought I would post these. The first is like a "Where's Waldo?" Can you find Mr. G? Hint - he's in the tree somewhere.



Well, here he is, in his alternate look-out spot. Doesn't it look like he's smiling? He does look awfully comfortable.



And here's a pic of something new I'm trying in the pots this spring. This is Uno, a little feral cat I've been feeding. He's a real cutie and will let me pet him in exchange for food. No food, no petting is his rule. He's a sweetie, though.

I can't believe we are half-way thru March already. I know I've been busier than usual with yard work and a friend in the hospital, but wow!!! The weather here has turned very nice and mild. Lots of sun, some nice breeze and nice temps. This is the kind of weather we wish for when it's hot and humid in August or cold and rainy in January. Too bad it can't be like this all year, but maybe we just wouldn't appreciate it quite so much.


Sunday, February 21, 2010

CUTE KITTY HOUSE

A friend recently brought to my attention a neat tutorial on making a fabric kitty house. Of course I had to try it. It was really quite easy once I got the pieces cut out. It is made with a stiff fusible interfacing called Peltex 71F. I drew the pieces out on the Peltex, cut them out and used them for a pattern to cut out the fabric pieces. If you are interested in making one for your furry companion(s), here's a link to the tutorial:


http://sewtakeahike.typepad.com/sewtakeahike/2010/01/a-cat-house-tutorial.html



As you can see, once I finished the house and put it on the floor, Momma Goldie immediately claimed it for her own. She does let the others use it when she is elsewhere. I'm thinking about ways to put her name above the door. Iron-on letters?



Later I made a pad to go inside to make it a bit more comfortable. I just took a 1" thick foam square, cut it so size and made a cover from the same fabric. Goldie said it is much more comfortable now.


I think this would be a nice house/refuge for smaller dogs as well. I don't know how much bigger you can go and maintain the structural integrity of the house. I think I'll make more one of these days, as soon as I can find more of the Peltex. I had to go to several stores to get enough for this one. This is Peltex 71F. There is also a 72F which is fusible on both sides if you want to have fabric on the inside, too. I'm thinking that you could wash this if necessary. Just pop it in the washer on the gentle cycle and probably air dry. Just my opinion.



Monday, February 15, 2010

CAT GARGOYLE

I may have just a run-of-the-mill house, but I'll bet you don't know anyone else with a genuine cat gargoyle on their garage roof!! This is what I saw as I drove in the driveway the other day after running errands.

It was Mr. G!! He was on the roof, enjoying the recently returned sunshine and keeping an eye on the neighborhood.

It's nice to know that someone is standing guard when I'm away from the house.