It was heartening to hear from some of you that everybody has one of “those” days now and then. Becky doesn’t think it’s age related – and she may be right as I try to do too many things. So like I said, today will be a better day!
Sharon in Indiana visited an antique mall and found this – our book from about 20 years ago – Wear Warm Clothes! Now I really do feel old! They’re seven an inscription inside the front cover that is quite sweet.
Years ago I found one of our first rabbit dolls in an antique mall, too, which also made me feel old. Haha!
And please let’s not get into why the post about using jelly rolls for rugs showed up because I can’t tell you.
And I think the baskets of scraps are multiplying for cryin’ out loud – here are two more I found tucked away in my cupboard.
But with a bit of work while watching Netflix or a ballgame, those scraps become this beautiful sight!
And I always have a helper or two. Looking at these pictures of strips gives me goosebumps!
Yesterday I met an old friend, Carolyn Pope, for lunch and it’s good to keep in touch with her kids and their lives – we’ve been friends for many years and even though we don’t see each other often, it’s like we’ve just seen each other last week – a very nice easy friendship. We met at the noodle cafe and our meals were delicious. She had a rice noodle dish with a Greek salad and I had buffalo chicken mac and cheese.
With the weather finally changing to sunny days I had to get out one of my favorite table toppers from our book Civil War Remembered. This is actually a pastel version of the cover quilt shown here called Devil’s Claw. I can hardly believe it’s the same quilt pattern.
And as always I have a cat prop – haha!
Remember when I applied to be a kidney donor for my neighbor Tim? And was turned down – too old! Yesterday was the transplant at Mayo and his wife Ellen was his perfect match – isn’t that almost unbelievable? They will both be at Mayo’s transplant recovery house for awhile but just stop and think – a husband and wife are now part of each other’s body! They have 3 girls and they chose not to use them because of any possible future kidney problems they may have. God has got to be a part of this, right?
I’m heading out to the quilt shop and hopefully hauling some boxes out to the burn pile before the ground gets too muddy. Monday, March 25, is the Quirky Little Quilts quiltalong which I’m going to try to do, too. I’m crazy as is Connie who is making 100 flag pincushions for her cruise students. Here’s our assignment for today: thank someone for something you usually take for granted.
Oh! What a nice assignment for the day.
Many years ago I made a new year resolution to not get mad. Well, this week I got mad and it has been on my mind all week. So I’m going to let it go today. No more reviewing the situation and letting it rule me. Not getting mad is one of the BEST resolution I ever made.
Senior moments…it a way of life now. Just go with the flow. No longer a concern. Backtracking is like ripping out a seam, some are worth it… some are not.
I must say, your stripping project is sure inspirational.
Have a great day.
Love the pictures of the Civil War Remembered quilt with the addition of a dear kitty. Especially cute is the tail on the last picture. It’s so special to keep up with old friends, we can’t make old friends now. New friends are special to but nothing beats old friends. Heavy rain today, good for sewing & reading a new book.
I have plenty of those moments, like a couple weeks ago when one trip to the grocery store turned into three. First I came home with the groceries, but forgot the ice I paid for at the checkout (it seems a few minutes was too long to remember to pick it up). I went back for the ice, came home, and realized I hadn’t picked up the prescription I had called in the day before, so back I went. So frustrating, but I was glad I only live a couple miles from the store–it used to be seven.
I know I’m a quilter when I look at a basket of scraps and start thinking, oooh, I like those pink ones! What a big, but satisfying job.
I LOVE the table topper! Such cheerful colors for spring! And it’s always fun to see cats in the pictures.
OMG!!!!! I’m taking the cruise that Connie is teaching on. So excited and it’s not very far off. Wish you were coming too.
Vickie – well, I’ve let the cat out of the bag then, haven’t I? Oops! If I were a traveler, I’d want to come along but I would have a panic attack!
It will still be an excellent surprise, so no worries. Wouldn’t be a good thing if you don’t like to travel. Love reading your adventures on the farm.
Mary, I love reading your posts! They always cheer me up.
I’ve been cutting up scraps too. I brought a lot home when I sold my quilt store in November.
But I love cutting them up and thinking of all the future projects I can make with the FREE fabric.
Hope you have a good day too!
Love the assignment of the day….makes the world a better place. Finally finished bindingquilt #3 last evening…feel like making progress on the stack that needs binding..decided on fabric for binding the twisted log cabin. Found another log cabin top that needs quilting (my favorite block)..then noticed 2 blocks turned wrong…near middle of course…now I know why it isn’t quilted…hopefully will frog stitch today & fix problem….
Again could only find one ad.
Oh Mary, I love your musings. They make me happy with your thought. Do some kindness every day and our world will be a better place. Looks like scraps reign…everyone is on the bandwagon. Spring is on our doorstep. Yahoo! Ernie joe loves your pretty quilt. Enjoy our nice temps.
I love the assignment of the day! Our priest discussed giving up something for Lent (the usual things like candy) and he said instead of doing that (and usually failing), just do something nice for someone every day – can be large or small – but make it count. It’s been a gift for all of us. Mary, I think what we have are “too much on my plate” moments! I went to a quilt store the other day, made sure before I left that I had all my fabric, but left my wallet and keys on the counter! At least I got the important stuff. 🙂
Janine – remember last summer when Reed and I went to Ames, almost 2 hours away, and I left my purse in the garage? Yikes!
Well…4or 5 years ago my friends and I were headed for a 3-day quilt retreat in Nashville, Indiana…a 2+ hour drive away. Almost to Indianapolis when I realized I left my purse at home. NOOOOO! Our son was at IU Bloomington at the time, which is about a 20-min. drive from Nashville. Turned out to be win-win-win situation as hubby drove to Nashville to bring the purse, Evan drove over to meet us, we got to see him and had dinner at Big Woods Pizza, a local restaurant and craft brewery. And I got to go shopping in Nashville!
Sue in Marion – I have left my purse at home, too, and I’ve never felt such a feeling of NOOOOOOO! Except for when it was stolen at Quilt Market in Houston – instant heart attack!
God is good, ALL the time ! 💕💕 keeping them in our prayers
Well, it’s good to know other people have one ”of those days” too!! I always attribute them to the full moon when it’s that time of the month!! This month it seems to be so much worse, for everybody I’ve talked to. . . Maybe because it’s tied into the Spring Solstice too!! My small Harvey, that I sent a picture of, didn’t get his shirt buttons sewn on & his eyes are too close together!! Soooo, just something to fix!!
Love the pics of the tabletopper “& company!!”
And “Thank you” Mary for all the good things you do for so many of us!!
Hi Mary,
I love reading your daily post. It keeps me grounded. I know I’m not the only one who have those days. Sometimes I feel like I’m going 3-4 direction at a time. Our great grandkids are in Arizona for a couple of weeks from Alaska but not just to see us. I’m making each girl a twin quilt and pillowcase. The first one came together beautifully, then this second one hasn’t, they are the same quilt different colors. putting the back on I was short fabric found 5 scraps was able to put them together and have enough, then binding I was short 2 strips 5 inches of yellow, oboy what to do. I called the lady I got my fabric from she was on her way to dinner but Bless her she cut me a yard and put it outside for me to come pick up. Now they are both completely finished and the pillowcases are made. Now if it will warm up some we will head home to Washington state.
I love your little table quilt I’m not to to much into civil war colors but the pastels are beautiful, I never thought you could make the pattern in lighter colors. Hope you day today is wonderful.😘
Great assignment for today! I have so many people to thank, but I think I will start with my
husband who really is the most unselfish person I know.
That is amazing about the couple and their kidney miracle.
ESP: I was looking at the cover quilt last night and trying to decide what to do next! We all have those days and there is always a brighter one ahead. That’s my mantra these days.
Thanks for writing your blog Mary. I know some days the technology part and the social part can take their toll. I’m glad you get past all the that write anyway. Your blog is my favorite.
Jeanne Kramer – that’s high praise to live up to! Ha!
Oh My Gosh Mary…Has it really been 20 years since I bought Wear Warm Clothes? I bought plenty of the great fabric, too and just used a few scraps of it in my machine sewn Hexies in Temecula’s sew a long. I think you will enjoy the Quirky Little Quilts sew a long.
Last year the town Easter Egg Hunt was in snow. Think it may be the same scenario this year as well. My old Harvey needs to replace the tall snowman this week.
I was surprised to see my old post yesterday!
I collect all the Country Threads books and patterns I can find. It is a style that I have never gotten tired of! Many Thanks.
Harvey patterns came yesterday.. I put may wear warm clothes quilt away too. You and Connie always have such neat ideas in your books. Almost time to bring out the garden quilt. I think most of my seasonal decorating is Country Threads designs. Thanks for everything through the years.
Love your pastel version from the Civil War book!! It looks fresh and new like spring!! Connie is a rock-star to be making the 100 pincushions!! Take a pic when she is done please?
Karen – you will happy to know I will post a picture – honestly – 100?????
Wow! Twenty years since I got Wear Warm Clothes!?!? Can’t be! I love your Devil’s Claw table topper done in Spring colors. And the topper’s “claws” topper! Our snow is melting here in Eastern Washington, making lots of mud. Sounds like a good excuse to continue to stay inside and sew!
I’ve already done my assignment for today. Thanked my Sweetie for the big hug, even though many loose threads transferred to his shirt in the process.
I always look so forward to your post. They give me reasons to smile during difficult times! On February 24th we suddenly lost my dear, sweet daughter in law, who always called me Mom and I called her daughter. I have lost many relatives, but this is the hardest by far. I know you will say a prayer for my my Son Ray, and Grandson Andy who is 13.
I have been cutting my scraps not 5 inch squares and 2 1\2 inch strips. Looks like you have different size strips, can you tell us what you are cutting scraps into??
Oh, Frances, my heart goes out to you. So sorry for your and your son’s loss. I’m sure reading Mary’s blog helps lift your spirits. Praying for your family.
Frances Carter – Bonnie Hunter’s system uses strips more than 10” long in widths of 1.5, 2, 2.5 and 3”. With shorter pieces she cuts those sizes of squares or bricks. If you’re seriously interested you should pick up one of her books or go to her website. And by the way I am so sorry for the loss of your lovely daughter in law.
Oh Frances! I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you and your son and grandson in my thoughts and prayers. 💔
That is sad news, Frances. I am sorry for the loss of someone who sounds like such a sweet person. It is hard.
It does do our hearts good to be thankful to others. My former students said I said please and thank you to them and that pleased them. It is a habit for me, but they noticed:)
Mary, if Wear Warm Clothes came out 20 years ago, that means it has been that long since I thought it was cold in the quilt shop my friends took me to because they said to be sure to get Wear Warm Clothes. I was such a “newbie” then!! LOL.
Diane in Central Ohio – that’s a pretty funny story, Diane! Oh, what you’ve learned in 20 years! Sweet!
I have too many things everyday to be thankful for to list them all! But one thing sticks out this week….I’m thankful for spring-like weather here in Iowa while I’m visiting the grands! Wonderful! God is good all the time! Love the kidney transplant story!
BTW, my quilting friends tease me that I’m addicted to Country Threads designs because every time they ask what I’m working on, they’ll say “never mind, let me guess, something by Mary and Connie!” The answer is usually: YES! I love your “Civil War Remembered”. Well at least this month, it’s my favorite! I think last month is was several of your patterns in “the Big Book of Civil War Quilts”! HA! And as always, I’m thankful for your posts-thanks a bunch!
Pam temporarily in IA – awww, that’s very sweet! Thanks so much!
You have probably told this before, but what kind of batting do you use in your quilts? They are always so thin and the quilting looks so wonderful on them They all look like they were made long ago. Happy for the couple who now share body parts. That is true love right there. Praying for a quick and complete recovery for them both.
Kate – we always used Pellon Fleece for any project up to 40” wide. Now I use a poly/cotton low loft blend on the quilting machine but I can’t tell you the brand – just very thin but not quite flannel.
Loved seeing Carolyn’s face – your friend and mine and the food choices. Sounds like a fun restaurant. Mason City has changed much since I lived there almost 30 years ago!!!! And I have Wear Warm Clothes too of course. Prayers for the sadness in people’s lives and prayers of thanksgiving for all of your readers and you and Connie of course. Thank you for the time it takes you to keep blogging to all of us. It is always a lift for me. I grew up on a dairy farm but never felt the love for all the animals that you have. I do love the country however.
The quilt on the table looks like spring. I like the extras in the picture, too. Speaking of forgetting where my head is, I have to run back into town to get a prescription that I was going to get earlier. I’m glad there are so many on this site who do the same things. I was going through some recipes and found one of yours, Mary. It is for Easy Church Bars. They sound delicious. The sky is a beautiful shade of blue. Keeping those in the flooded areas in my prayers. Have a good rest of the day.
Oh my gosh, Diane. This is so funny😃. Yesterday, I found the exact same Easy Church Bars recipe from The Goat Gazette. I was going to write that in my reply above, but had to run to a piano recital. That is wild!!
The recipe sounds delicious. I’m always looking for quick and easy desserts. It is weird that we both found the same recipe and have the same name. I’ll write to let you know how they taste.
The recipe sounds delicious. It is strange that two people with the same name find the same recipe. I’ll write to let you know how they taste.
I am working on cutting up some scraps as well – I was gifted a bag of scraps that I have been sorting, ironing and cutting. So many ideas and patterns I want to do! I have been working on a Narraganset Blues from Bonnie’s More Leaders and Enders, so I needed to cut more 2 inch squares, so while I was doing that I decided to also cut some 2 inch by 5 inch recs for Texas Braid – getting ready for one of two of Bonnie’s classes that I am taking in June! I like having some scraps cut to size, it is so nice to have strips already cut and ready for a new project….like I need to start a new project, lol.
I hope you had a great day – it is so nice to see the sun and watch the snow melt, even though there is at least a foot of compacted snow in my back yard and probably 3 foot piles in areas – from the roof, driveway and walkways.
Sherry Whalen – where is Bonnie’s class that you’re taking? It’s really quite satisfying to cut everything to mange able pieces and I can’t wait to start another one of her patterns because I love to sit and piece at the machine while watching either BB or Netflix! I am spoiled!
Bonnie is going to be at the MN Quilt Show, which is in Rochester in June – 13-15. I was able to sign up for one class that had an opening and I put myself on the wait list for the other 3…and ended up getting into another. I think you need to make a trip to Rochester then 😉
Sherry Whalen – but if I can’t get into a class….
Still lots of nice quilts to look at, plus vendors. It hasn’t been in Rochester for several years. It has been in Duluth or St. Cloud alternately for the past several years. I have never taken a class at the MN show, but I have been to Duluth a couple of times for the show.
Sherry – we have a wedding on the 14th but I’m putting it on my calendar – maybe I could bring Reed!
Amazingly, I have a friend here in TN who was a near perfect match with her husband & was able to donate her kidney to him. I think he had the transplant about 7 years ago, maybe even more. They are best friends!
I started the BH method of cutting & saving scraps about 4 years ago. I cut more than strips. I also cut a variety of squares & rectangles. I kept up with it pretty good for a year or so but now have quite an overflowing pile to cut for “the system”. I’d rather sew than cut but haven’t one either one in a while. Too many other obligations & now my husband is in the hospital lucky to be alive. It’s always something & we must set our priorities. Thankfully our daughter & my sister we’re abke to come yay with me for a bit.
Jan from TN – what happened to your husband? Why do you say he is lucky to be alive? Not being nosy – I honestly want to know! So glad you had reinforcements!
I have that wear warm clothes pattern book. I still love those patterns.
I thanked my husband today for putting up with me when I get frustrated because I can’t remember things as easily as I used to. I sometimes get testy when he asks me for info and I have to look it up.
Reading your blog is o e of the high points of my day! Than you for all your efforts in doing it. It really is appreciated. I too have a copy of Wear Warm Clothes along with most of your other books. I’ve always loved the Country Threads look! Good advice to thank someone today.
I too am working on cutting scraps and going to use them in your Mr. Green Jeans pattern. I had denim leftover from making the quilt before – mostly from denim dresses and jumpers from the thrift store which come in all shades of denim and are a little more lightweight for the quilt. Feels good to use up those scraps and to see the weather here in NE Wis. looking like spring might be on the way.
Thank you for your wonderful blog and for letting us into your life each day.
Mary, I have joined you in the “scrap cleanup” and let’s challenge your others readers to do so. I have baskets just like you do with left overs so I have 4 quilts I am cutting for. I hope to spend the weekend doing this and clearing out. I am also cutting my strips into these sizes. It really feels good when you get to the bottom of a basket!! Paula in KY
Paula P. – it sure does feel good! Okay, I’ll post it tomorrow!
I also have your Wear Warm Clothes book from way back when! And I saved your Goat Gazette newsletters for years until one day I just had to clean out my quilting space and got rid of them. Now I wish I still had them! Always enjoy your news about all your animals. Thanks for all the years of inspiration!!!!
Connie in Ohio – you just can’t keep everything – not even all those Goat Gazettes – haha!
Blessings to the couple at Mayo. They are in a great place.
The baskets of strips are just beautiful. Wonderful colors.
The table top quilt is lovely. Kitty(s) add to the beauty.
Janie–too funny. At least you have your priorties in order.
Go gophers!!!!
I look forward to your blog! Thanks so much for your hard work! Love your quilts and all your animals. My friend left her purse home one year when we went to the quilt show in Des Moines! She thought it was in the trunk! You should have seen her face when she went to get it! I gave her one of my credit cards so she could buy! It was a simple way to keep her bill straight! We had a blast! Want to go again some day! Then one day I returned the favor and left my billfold at home when we went for lunch! Haahaa! Good memories!
Talk about PANIC…. you’re a great friend to lend your card.
Joy – you are the epitome of “a friend in need is a friend indeed”!
I also have your Wear Warm Clothes book, purchased on a trip to Iowa for the Winnebago rally in 1986. Antique store!! Oh my…
I thanked my mail carrier who brings all the boxes with quilts for me to quilt for people all over the place. She has always come to the studio door to see what I’m up to, and I love her friendly attitude.
Thank you to you, too! Your blog is my first read of the day with my morning coffee. Plus, I love chickens!
Susan – you have a fabulous mail carrier – I have two carriers and one is wonderful and the other just throws my letters (orders probably) into the mailbox and doesn’t care. You are right to appreciate your helpful carrier!
I also have Wear Warm Clothes from 20 years ago . I didn’t know then that I’d be retiring and moving to Alaska! I too have had a few “senior “ moments, more than I want to admit . I want to join in on the scrap cutting marathon too ! I’m going to check out Bonnie Hunter’s website as you suggested. And Mary , I too love your blog and feel like we are best friends. Thank you so very much for taking time to write it . Yours is the only blog I follow .
Go Iowa! Go Big Ten! I’m giving you permission to delay chores and get in your basketball fix. Sew’n to the hoop! Lol.
A quilt shop here in SE Wisconsin had a year long once a month clas using the book Wear warm Clothes and I asked for babysitting coverage for our to boys for that one Saturday a month for my birthday and Christmas My husband my Mom and a Sister-in-law all helped make it happen So one Saturday a month I got to spend the day sewing with a dear friend who taught me to quilt and smock We lived too far away from each other to see each regularly but the quilt shop was halfway between our homes I value all those days and remember her fondly whenever I use one of the projects made during that year It was truly the best gift ever
Mary McCarton – those are the gifts we remember! Hope you have had the title quilt on your wall this winter. I’m taking mine down tomorrow.
I have your book “Wear Warm Clothes” and a couple others as well. Love them all!