Belated Makes Me Happy Monday

My husband's Uncle Frank was born on February 29th.  When my children were little, they loved to tell their friends how their uncle only had a birthday once every four years.  Although, this isn't leap year, it is Uncle Frank's 70th birthday.  We decided to celebrate in a special way.  One of the local restaurants is presenting special celebrations for Chinese New Year.  On Sunday, we took several members of my husband's family along with Uncle Frank and his wife (my late mother-in-law's sister) Aunt Mary to the restaurant for dinner and birthday cake.  While there, we viewed a Kung Fu demonstration and two dancing Chinese dragons.  The loud drum and cymbals that accompanied the Dragon Dance kept conversation to a minimum, but it was great fun.  Before dinner, traditional New Year's red envelopes were distributed.  We we instructed to put "something green" in the envelope and put it in the dragon's mouth if we wanted good luck in the New Year.  It was difficult to get a good picture because of the lighting and the constant movement of the dragon.  My son took a not so flattering picture of me feeding the dragon.

While we didn't manage to get a picture of Uncle Frank and the dragon.  Uncle Tom managed to survive his dragon encounter.  While Aunt Eileen tried hard to get the dragon's attention.

Spending time with our family left me with a very Happy feeling on Monday.

Makes Me Happy Monday

There's nothing like spending a special weekend with your child to create a happy Monday.  Over the weekend we visited my Viking daughter at college.  She was part of a demonstration by the Kendo club during the Yuki Matsuri (Japanese Snow Festival). It was the first time that we saw her in her Kendo uniform and using her shinai.   There is nothing scarier than chicks with sticks.

I am very proud of her for her determination and her indomitable spirit  that keeps her meeting all of the challenges that life sends her way with humor and grace.

Design Wall Monday - February 15, 2010

My "design chair" today is holding 4 snow globe blocks constructed for the Quilting Post Snow Globe swap.  They are waiting to be trimmed to the correct size.  It was the first time I  appliqued  with my Sapphire 870 since I purchased it almost 2 years ago.  I used a narrow satin stitch and am very pleased with the outcome.

Don't to forget to check Judy L's blog to see what exciting things are on other blogger's design walls.

Stash Buster Report February 14, 2010

I missed posting last Sunday.  The report was not pretty.  8.75 yards purchased, but none used.  Of the 8.75 yards, 3.75 were a black and white print to be used as a quilt backing (at 44 percent off it was a steal), 3 yards of a spring green Kona, and 2 yards of a green and white print to be used for backing a baby quilt.  This week, I purchased 3 yards of a green  Kanji print to be used as borders and sashing.  I did manage to sew the borders on 2 tops, completed 4 blocks for the Snow Globe swap at The Quilting Post, and will be mailing twelve 12.5 inch blocks to Tammy to use for  Sunshine guild quilts.  These minor accomplishments have used up 4.75 yards.  Small "Yeah!" for a small dent in the stash.  

Used this Week:       4.75 yards

Used year to Date:    8.50 yards

Added this Week:     11.75 yards (2 week total)

Added Year to Date:  24 yards

Net Used for 2010: -15.50
Don't forget to visit Judy L's blog blog and find out how much stash busting everyone else has been doing this week.

Too Good to Cut Challenge Quandary February 13, 2010

I'm stuck and I could really use some advice.  I have been taking my Too Good To Cut Challenge Jambalaya blocks out every few days to try and decide what to do with them.
Problem Number 1:  I know that I have too many blocks that have an outer row that reads pink.  I'm not sure what to replace them with.
Problem Number 2:  Although my favorite not so LQS owner helped me pick out two possible border fabrics, both of which I love, I'm starting to think they are a bit blah with these blocks.
Question 1:  Which color options should I pick to replace the "pink" blocks?
Question 2:  Should I place a thin (1 inch) border in a dark color or black before attaching the 4 inch border.
Question 3:  Should I look for another fabric for the border?  I would really rather avoid this, since I am trying to avoid buying more fabric.

Please let me know what you think.  I have avoided cutting into my lovely box of batiks for years and I really want to make a quilt I can love.  I also have LOTS more and want to make another batik quilt, but that will depend on the final outcome of Jambalaya.

The colors are a little more vibrant in person.

I thought I could replace one of the "pink" blocks with a block similar to this one.

Snow What's New?

Yesterday's snow storm petered out sooner than expected.  Instead of the 12-18 inches that was predicted, we wound up with 7 inches.  Retired Guy and Sir Galahad finished shoveling the walks and stoops today.  Since Sir Galahad doesn't have class until 6:00pm this evening, they settled in for some snow activities.  Retired Guy built a snow bear and Sir Galahad created a snow elf.  To give you an idea of how large their creations were; Retired Guy is 6 feet tall and Sir Galahad is 6' 4 inches.

Advice Please

This week I have been working on string blocks and scrappy chunks for donation quilts.  The picture below shows some of the sixty-six 5.5 inch blocks.  They are very scrappy and I want to find a way to tie them together so that they don't look like the explosion of a scrap bin.  Some of the blocks are laid out on different pieces of fabric:  Kona red, a random piece of bright white, and a tan Thimbleberries floral.  I can't make up my mind which color works best.  I am open to any suggestions about setting or colors for sashing or alternating blocks.

Thanks for taking a look.