This has been a tough week, but we finally decided on a stone and have it being made. I hate not having a stone with her name and a saying and when it is in, we can put some permanent plants in, maybe some small flowering bushes. We are getting an angel holding a heart, so it takes months to carve and polish, as well as doing the writing on the heart, we are going with chiseled instead of laser cutting.
Bean has been keeping me busy, either playing or eating whatever he can get his mouth on. Today I put a new plastic shower liner on and I guess one of the rings fell on the floor, and half of it is missing, so I hope it comes through ok;) We also go to the doggy beach in the mornings, when we can and it is nice getting out so that he can have fun and I get to walk along the beach and go for a swim in the bay.
My computer is acting up and I had to uninstall photoshop, so using my camera, small camera and iPhoto for now and so far, no problems, so hoping if I reinstall it, it will work ok, I hate to get a new computer right now.
Bean was looking up as I tried to take a photo, just as a seagull flew right over the head, wasn't fast enough to catch it with the phone.
I also got the newest issue of Primitive quilts and projects. I am going to work on the orange peel quilt and use my scraps. The background is black in Nancy's quilt, but I am using my tea stained fabric. The bad thing is, it ravels really easily so I cut it larger and I can cut them down later. What do you think of the lighter fabrics? I want to use scraps and thought the tea stained would be better since I can do any color on that. This photo was done with my waterproof camera and iPhoto.
I was trying some rock art with my rock collection and the hearts, using photoshop. I placed them on a blue sheet so I could change the background without affecting the rocks, but it left a bit of a blue cast behind some of the rocks and that is when I crashed, so I couldn't fix it. I used the online photo program and put them in water, it made a nice effect.
Another thing I have been thinking about is a long arm sewing machine. I hate to spend that kind of money on something I am just using for myself, but I want to be able to quilt the quilts I make and not on my regular machine. I did see that they have a table top pfaff for half the price and that might be a better solution so I have a dedicated quilting machine and with the table, it would be easier to move it around. I would love to hear your opinions on what type you use and what you prefer, as well as, why?
I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. Bill has to work and it is going to be hot as heck, so I will be staying inside most of the time.
Really like the orange peel on the light fabric. Can't wait to get the magazine, heard there were some great hooking pieces.
ReplyDeleteThe headstone sounds wonderful. The place where my grandson is only allows flat stones.
Yes, the heat--going to be 95-99 here in the NW this weekend--crazy we moved here to be cool. The river waters are too warm for the fish so not fishing is allowed for now. Sad.
The headstone sounds beautiful Debbie. I can only imagine how difficult the choice was.
ReplyDeleteI used to do a lot of sewing making my own clothes and some of the kids clothes along with a lot of craft sewing. I only sew once in awhile now on a special project or gift. I lost my sewing machine in the fire.....it was nearly 40 years old! I was so sad as I bought it while still in HS with money my grandmother left me when she passed away. I bought a Singer Anniversary Edition machine.....I liked the "look " of it. The machine is really over kill for as much as I sew now but I've been happy with it. I made my grand daughters chiristening outfit with it.
You always have the most interesting posts, Bean sounds like a very active fellow!
ReplyDeleteThe stone will be beautiful, I hope it brings you much comfort.
Please continue to update us, we are all your friends here.
At the big quilt show there are lots of vendors with machines and you can try them out to see if they are what you are looking for. I once test-drove a long arm machine and it was neat but way to big for my tiny house and more than I could ever afford anyway.
ReplyDeleteYou are a woman of many talents.
ReplyDeleteI hope you will share a photo of the stone once it is done and placed. It sounds beautiful.
The stone sounds lovely.
ReplyDeleteI love the light groun fabric and think scrappy will be great.
I have a Pfaff Grand Quilter. I really like it for my machine quilting.
Your daughters headstone sounds lovely. I know you will pick an awesome color for your quilt. hugs, Lecia
ReplyDeleteThe head stone sounds beautiful. It is good to be out in the air walking bean it is good for the soul.
ReplyDeleteit is muggy and rainy here. I have some house work done so I am going to tuck my self in a chair on the porch and read some more of harper lee's new book.
Cathy
I am sure it is a good feeling to know a proper stone is in the making ....love Bean----hope the plastic does come out okay.
ReplyDeleteThe stone you have being carved sounds beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI have been researching a new machine for awhile now... I keep going back and forth between a Janome and a Pfaff... They do sell machines with a larger throat area... which is one thing I was looking for... I think it would take so long to learn how to use a long arm, that I would never really use it enough?
The stone sounds like it will be absolutely perfect and fitting.
ReplyDeleteBean....oh goodness..one busy fella you have there! Same with ours.
Wow...a longarm! Great splurge!!!!
Sounds like you found the perfect stone and love that you are having it carved...I find comfort in touching the headstones of loved ones...
ReplyDeleteAs for the long arm...good luck! you know it's all handwork for me...I have enough issues with the c-arms at work...
Hello to Bean...every day looks like a big adventure for him
I love your rock photo and your orange peel blocks. That quilt really appealed to me too when I was flipping thru the magazine yesterday. I thought I'd throw in my two cents worth about a long arm. I have a Baby Lock Tiara which I've been told is really the same as a sweet sixteen made to slightly different specifications. I love that machine. We have a small house and it is perfect because it doesn't take up much room. The extra throat space and the orientation of the machine makes maneuvering quilts very comfortable when you are quilting. And the price is considerable less than other long arms. And there is not much of a learning curve when it comes to getting up and going. There really was no set up too. I just took it out of the box when I brought it home from my local dealer, and I was good to go. You might want to go check one out and take it for a spin.
ReplyDeleteNice start on the peel quilt. I know you are relieved to finally have the head stone picked out and set.
ReplyDeleteDanielle's stone sounds lovely.
ReplyDeleteHugs :)
Lauren
those decisions can be so hard to make.. it sounds perfect for Danielle... x
ReplyDeleteHugz
Your stone sounds lovely. As others have said, I hope you'll share a photo when it's finished. I quilt on a Handi Quilter Sweet 16. It's a sit down machine, and I just love it. It's not nearly as expensive as a longarm, and doesn't take up as much space. It's an entirely different concept than a longarm, something you should consider when the time is right for you.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on wanting to quilt my quilts. I enjoy machine quilting. Please know, it's a learning curve! lol I would recommend that you attend MQX (http://www.mqxshow.com/MQX/East/Home/) before you make a decision on buying a longarm. There you will have access to every longarm/midarm under the sun and will be able to test them out. I'm sure you could find one for your budget. That's how I chose Penelope! ;) Cheers!
ReplyDelete