My Next Quilting Project

Never one to leave well enough alone, I've started planning my next quilt before I've finished the one I'm on. I think it's pretty exciting, so I thought I'd share it with you! First off, here's the pattern I'll be using:


It's from Quilt Sampler Magazine (their Fall/Winter 2009 Issue) and it's the quilt from Temecula Quilt Co. I love it because it's a sampler without having applique. I'm just not quite ready to add another thing to my list, so I'm sticking with piecing right now. Anyway, I love the pattern, but I really don't need to buy more fabric. I'm pretty sure I already have more than I can use... but that's not really the point, is it? Anyway, as I sat admiring the quilt and thinking about the fabric I do have, it hit me: Use the Christmas fabrics I collected after last year's Stash Dash!! It's perfect because the pattern calls for medium/dark fabrics:


For which I will use the reds/greens I collected! It also calls for light colored backgrounds. As you can see:


I got those too! And finally (this is where you get to voice your opinion), it calls for a bit of tan. You can see it in the picture as a border around the center area. These fabrics don't really fit in to the background or medium/dark categories for me, so I was wondering, "Could I use one of these as the tan border?" and "If so, which one?"


Now's your chance! Let me know! Anything would be helpful - like should I get rid of the two fabrics in the red/green picture that stick out like a sore thumb? Or maybe one of those fabrics that I don't know how to classify is really a background. Thanks in advance for your help!

Progress with a BANG!

I had last Wednesday off, but in the spirit of readiness for Thanksgiving, I planned to get up at a reasonable hour and do serious laundry and sorting and storing of clothes. I hate to report this, but all did not go as planned.

It all started a little before 6am when both Lillabee and I woke up to crunching and banging sounds. My first thought was that someone was running into a car, then backing up and doing it again, repeatedly. Except then, BOOOM!!!! My bedroom lit up with a yellow flash. (The walls are yellow, so the flash could have been white light...) My next assumption was that my neighbor's house was on fire. I wasn't that far from wrong. It was a house one block away, but I could see it burning.

I called 911 and they already knew about it - firetrucks arrived soon. I stayed up and watched until they got it mostly out and there was just a big plume of smoke. Then I figured, "I'll get 15 minutes more sleep." (in the picture below, you can see a reflection of my bedside lamp on the window - hope it's not too confusing, it shows the smoke really well)


Three and half hours later, I woke up. There was still a smoky smell in the air, but the fire was out and it was definitely later than I meant to sleep!


I had some delicious pancakes, taking full advantage of the day off work. They were so good. My co-workers teased me a bit for taking pictures of food. See what I do for you? This way you can enjoy my day off, too!


Finally, I'd like to share what I've been sewing away on for the last week and half. It's the quilt of merryheathreness, and you wouldn't believe the work that goes into making a quilt look like you didn't plan it. It's slow going, but I'm trying to remember that, like all things in life, I'm only going to be doing this sewing once, so I can enjoy the process and if it takes a while, it just makes it more memorable.

Tonight we're having a storm and I wish the wind would stop. Have I mentioned I really don't like wind? Well, I don't. And we get it a lot. Grrrrrr...

The Tallest Betty Suarez Ever

Well, I've been a bit sick (theories abound - cold, flu, swine flu, etc.), but I'm back to feeling much better - so it's time to show you how utterly fabulous I looked as Ugly Betty.


I got the wig & glasses as part of a kit, but all the clothes are my own. That amazed my co-workers. One quote, "I'm just going to start wearing whatever I feel like. You've inspired me!"


There were only a couple of us who dressed up, but it was so much fun I didn't mind standing out. One really fun part was people didn't recognize me. I got a "Hi dear" from one person - then "Oh! Mary Heather!" Another person drove by me as I was shouting their name without even looking at me.

The kit also came with a Guadalajara poncho and a "B" necklace - but I didn't wear the poncho much, just because I was so proud of my Halloween costume that came entirely from my own wardrobe! That's the best, right? Plus wearing a wig was fun. And hot. Literally.

I'm pretty sure I've seen it all, now.

This morning I was minding my own business surfing the web, when I stumbled across this fabric by Alexander Henry. Isn't it a riot? What exactly do you make from fabric that has foot tall Ken dolls on it?

Here's a close-up of the pirate:

And, it comes in blue! Wow. I'm very nearly speechless.

I think I'll go get ready for work. I'm dressing as Betty Suarez, by the way. Pictures to come!

We've got some catching up to do!

The highlights: I had a birthday and I finally took the PE exam! But rather than bore you with long stories about what I did/did not do during October, I've decided to bore you with pictures!

First up, I made some cards. This was the cutest (in my opinion):

October was notable for the number of sweets I ate (and the tight jeans I have to prove it). Here's a particularly beautiful cupcake, even after I dropped it!

I encountered this surprise on my way to work one morning. Come to think of it, I didn't have any celebratory ice cream, and this guy is worth a sundae, at least!


I cultivated a healthy appreciation of bedhead as well - saves time on grooming. Just kidding, but I did wake up with the best hair I've EVER had:


I decided to eat up food before buying more, so here's a delicious little something I whipped up with baby potatoes, sour cream, broth, chipotle puree and cheese. Yes, it was good.


The cutest part about my birthday? My cupcakes, custom made by Firefly herself! So cute.


The first post-test celebration involved quilt shops and my mom. Very good combination. Here are the patterns and fat eighths I got:


I got a bit of fabric for my stash while I was at it... A couple fat quarters, a couple quarter yard cuts and a couple half yards. All in all, very successful.


So, that was October, as told by 8 photos. Hope you enjoyed!

New 'Puter!

I am the proud owner of a new HP mini. It's cute. It has a substantial hard drive and it's got pearly white little keys. Very fun.

So, one week from now I'll be quietly worrying about my test, because it's one week from tomorrow. It's the final push - and I think I'll work on environmental tonight. It's going to be fine, and I'm just really excited to be done with it! Would you like to hear what I'm going to do when I'm done? Here goes:

• The quilt of Mary Heatherness
• Fix my Monterrey Sweatshirt
• Cover Madeleine (my KitchenAid)
• Learn to play Joplin Rags
• Exercise
• Use up food in my cupboards
• Finish my French quilt
• SCRAPBOOKING!!!
• Keep in touch with friends
• Sew knit clothing
• Make an apron
• Acheive major things on Beatles Rock Band
  
• The cutest ever PJ Pants
• Boozy Cheesecake (Grand Marnier - it bakes out...)
• Walk my Dog
• Ride my bike
• Catch up on House, M.D.
• And more!!!

I'm pretty sure this list will take me quite a while to accomplish, but I will be happy to be trying! But, I suppose I ought to study now so I don't have to do this again in 6 months. So, signing off... MH

A Placeholder Post

I realize this is my second time doing this... but it'll stop soon, I promise. I just want to let you know I'm still here.

I'm studying like mad for the PE exam.

It's on my birthday (October 23) and it occurred to me today that I'm not going to be able to plan a fabulous birthday for myself this year, unless I celebrate a little later. So, I'd now like to open the floor for discussion of when/how I should celebrate this year. I'll be done with the test, and I'm not 30 yet! Both things to celebrate. :)

I'll be back before long.