The online store has lit up today with sales of the Wild Turkey pattern – why? Did you all see it posted somewhere that I don’t know about? Several of you had issues with the download – I have no idea why. One buyer wanted to call me on the phone! As if I could help her? Not likely. I will once again beg Richard to help us.
Stopped at the clinic to get my flu shot today and ran into a friend who had one major question for me – how do I get so much sewn, so many books read, so much work done? This is a really easy answer – I don’t have any kids or grandkids! Think about it. I don’t need to attend any grandkid functions, or birthday parties or babysitting. Now think about this. I don’t “get to go” to any kid functions, I don’t “get invited” to kid birthday parties and I am never asked to babysit. Read that again and think about it. Are you sure you would want to trade places with me?
The terrorist at work!
Reader photos
Found this picture of Zach, JB and Rosie in the background – bittersweet at best
Does anyone have a suggestion for organizing photos? I’ve spent the last 35 minutes searching for a couple specific pictures to add to my post and I have to give up. It takes so much time to put all the photos in albums but is that what those of you organized readers do that I don’t do? And I’ve tried sometimes but I lose them. Ugh. Help?
Rose gifted these 5” squares to me a long time ago – I’d hate to figure out how long! They were on my Dirty Dozen list before and I didn’t get time to do anything with them – until now. Just finished tonight and it goes in the quilting line up.
Thank you, Rose!
Goodnight from the blog about nothing.
Many of us were posting our Turkey quilts on different Facebook pages, and there were a lot of your Wild Turkey wall hangings, including mine. Big response and many asked where to find the pattern. Referred them to your web page and patterns. It’s one of my favorites, and enjoyed making it, many years ago.
Mary – thank you! I had no idea what had happened! That’s a pretty old, maybe ancient pattern.
I made one several years ago, and I still love it. Have made many of your pattern. Enjoy going through them, and your books. Thank you!
I have productive stretches, but I am sure not in one at the moment!!! I’m stitching a towel for Jenica this evening. I enjoy making things for her so when she makes a request, I try to get right on it!
We are still enjoying gorgeous fall days so I will be up early tomorrow to get the ornamental grasses trimmed down before snow flies. I prefer to do it in the fall but I don’t always get it done. Then, and only then, I’ll sit down to quilt the star block for Graham’s Christmas stocking which needs to be delivered to my co-grandma on Friday.
The photos on my phone are mostly organized in albums by subject—Laurel, Graham, the dogs, quilts, embroidery, art in public places, etc. I have an external hard drive for photos from my camera. They are organized by year and then there are sub-folders for specific events throughout the year. I’m not always super successful at finding a specific photo later, but most of the time, I can. It’s a big job. I understand your frustration!!
Diane – as I was searching tonight I found Jenica and Patch(?)
Susan K in Texas, the three quilts of yours in this blog post are just beautiful! Thank you for sharing.
Ditto.
Thank you! I found the strips at an estate sale. The woman kept sewing after her skills had fallen. I like to think that in rescuing her projects I honored her desire to sew on.
Mary, our family uses Google Photos to store and organize our photos. It uses facial recognition to help with searching, and that includes our critters! You can sort pics into albums (critters by name, quilts, quilts to make, etc.), and they’re automatically sorted by date. It’s a great, intuitive app, and your photos can easily be shared with anyone.
I recognize some of those 5″ square fabrics. They are from the Cotton and Steel group of ladies. I have some of them in my stash.
I live in California and love to read about your life in Iowa.
Ann – my life in Iowa is quite different from yours in CA, isn’t it? This blog is my only social life and I like it that way. If it takes me longer than 6 minutes to get to the grocery store, it’s too long! Haha!!!
I also do not have grandchildren, so I have lots of free time too when I’m off from work. I’m not quite as industrious as you but I try to keep myself occupied!
I use Google Drive to store my photos, arranged in folders. I also rename the photos with something that helps me remember them rather than keeping the odd numerical “names” given to them by my phone. Google offers a lot of space too so you don’t have to worry about running out of room.
Thank you for sharing my photos Mary! I feel special now!
Amy – please send photos as often as you have them! I have folders as well but it takes time to remove from my library to place them in folders. I must take way too many photos – many a day – I couldn’t name them.
Amy – I so loved the king size star quilt but I would have hated to press all those star points back and then have an opposite one to deal with too. But I also don’t like sashing between each one either so kudos to you!!
I completely understand. It’s just something I’ve gotten used to dealing with! I forgot to mention that all the plaids in the star centers were cut from men’s shirts I found at Goodwill. I really loved working with these fabrics!
Amy – A-HA! I knew it! Mens shirts – the best kind of fun! No wonder I love your quilt. So – how DO you get those seams to stay pressed back? I need to know and others probably do, too.
Sorry I missed your reply! Heavy starch helps but doesn’t always eliminate the problem. Also I use a super hot iron and a tailor’s clapper on the more stubborn fabric. In the end it all comes out in the wash even if I don’t get them all flat!
Amy – thanks for that info!
Now they have me wondering what your “wild turkey” looks like. I don’t remember it, but I don’t remember a lot of things these days. Was it in one of your books or an individual pattern with a number? I have a goofy Thanksgiving turkey pattern, but it isn’t one of your designs.
Some of your “old” pictures of pets may hurt now, but they will become very dear to your heart as you remember all the wonderful times. Like old relatives? And maybe
even better. And the little goat has a jelly roll right between his front feet???? God made little animals so darn cute that people would give them a good home even though their better judgement said otherwise…..
Oh, I almost forgot. Crazy Horse had an update on the news. Now that they are starting on the horse head, they have built a machine shed on the mountain which will save time by keeping the machinery closer. AND there will be a working toilet in the shed and they won’t have to use the porta potty any more!! Now that is a good Thanksgiving?
In the meantime, things will look better in the morning. Take care.
Betty in Rapid City
Betty – I think it’s 694 – I’ll check tomorrow. Single pattern. I always said that photo of Zach should have been a Moda promotion! I had the jellyroll in my hand when the photo presented itself and I simply laid it down. Crazy Horse! Working on the head – wow!
Gee, and here I thought you were dropping your “iced tea” in favor of “Wild Turkey”. That got my attention. You are a tad old than I but I’m sure you remember the craze for “Wild Turkey” during the late 70s. I would take ice tea any day. Guess I best go see what everyone else is talking about.
DebMac – and I really don’t know what Wild Turkey drink is – ?liquor??
It’s whiskey, I think.
I was going to say “bourbun”, but that sounded too fancy. (had to check the spelling)
Li – no wonder I don’t know what it is! I hate whiskey!
When you put your phone photos in albums, you are really creating two copies of that photo-one in the album and one in the regular album. If you try to go back to the regular album and delete it, it will be gone from your special album also. I don’t think you can just “move them around”. At least, that’s been my experience. So it takes up more storage, but easier to find!
Been reading your column for years-discovered your wonderful store in 2009 on a trip to Winnebago company. I loved the cats all over the store. I carried “someone ” around while I shopped. Just delightful.
Rita – I can almost tell you which cats were in the shop then! And you answered my question – this is what has been happening to my photos!!! I have thousands of photos – good grief!
Hi Mary, more great photos of quilts and pets! My photos are a jumble, printed ones l am trying to return to family, toss quilt ones l don’t love now and organize albums for the girls. Ones on tablet and phone are a lost cause, took 13 photos of the cat in the sun one day because l didn’t hear the click!Stella is going to be a hedgehog in the ballet show, will need photos of that,haha!
Take care everyone, best wishes from Sandy
Sandy – so so you have to make a hedgehog costume? We all need to see that!!
Mary — your comment – I often get asked the same thing and I have the same answer as you do…… so true – think about it people! The same with holidays – I am single….. often no one invites me anywhere (I’m not complaining, just stating a fact). Seems like 10 people invite me or no one invites me. Sometimes I sure do wish I lived closer to Iowa……. anyhow…… Susan K – your quilts are BEAUTIFUL!!!
Lastly, I’d frame that picture of Rosie…… it’s lovely. Xx
Lynette – people without big families learn to entertain themselves, right?
I wish you and I could join up for lunch. We could talk stitching.
I’d love it!
Thanks Lynette!
Most wonderful blog Mary and the photo of your barn, flag and star, brought tears to my eyes. Beautiful!
Love the quilts, pets, and especially the Christmas cactus today.
I don’t have kids, grandkids, birthday functions, sports games, etc to attend either but can never get as much sewing done as you do. BUT.. I have 3 dogs that constantly want my attention. Why can’t they play with each other? But I would never give them up either. Love them to death.❤️
Pattie – I AGREE! Why can’t they go outside without me? They have 6 fenced acres to play in and yet if I don’t drive the golf cart down the wilderness trail, they stay in the house – bored and sad.
Hi Mary –
I really like what you created with the squares Rose gifted you. Thanks for another great post from the blog about nothing! So many topics get covered and interesting pictures posted and books mentioned and challenges and solutions shared that it seems to be the blog about anything (except politics!!!) which suits me just fine. Always love checking in to see what is happening in Iowa at the farm.
Wendy – then I have accomplished what I wanted to do – have an everyday conversation with friends – I will never discuss politics and I’m sure everyone knows how I feel about religion since I’m so involved with the music at my church.
When I read the title of the blog, I thought you were going to talk about the Wild Turkey liquer! Ha Ha!! It seems like I’ve recently seen a picture of the Wild Turkey quilt on someone’s blog, but I couldn’t tell you which one, or where (I do a lot of lurking), There was a picture of the quilt and the pattern, so at least Country Threads got the credit this time.
I’m so envious of that Christmas cactus! I’ve managed to kill mine off, and they’re supposed to be so easy to care for.
Love the picture of Rosie, JB and Zach.
I was a good killer of Christmas cacti too – then someone told me to water only from the bottom – make sure there are holes in the bottom of the pot. Nowit faithfully blooms between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Linda – if I see one for sale I might try again.
Linda – I, too, killed my Christmas cactus several years ago. I think I over – loved it with too much water. That’s why my succulents do well – I ignore their care.
I continue to enjoy your blog about your daily life! Some beautiful and nicely pieced quilts today.
You have your playing of the piano and visits to the nursing home which I am sure filled your heart. Sometimes the drama between the family makes visits with your children and grandchildren difficult.
Dee – well,I never thought of that. Rather than an argument I’m enjoying the football game! I’ll remember that.
I love to read your blog every morning. Especially enjoy the eye candy. It’s entertainment at its finest.
The barn picture is beautiful!
Your strengths Mary are attending to the many animals you have given a warm home and nourishment to live which is something I so admire in a human. Not everyone including me could provide, have to decide to say goodbye and know you will outlive them. With children we can sleep at night after they flew the coop, but you are still on duty 24/7. But it’s the beauty of diversity that we aren’t all alike. Your blog about nothing shows me that as I don’t live on a farm. I grew up with them around me and worked in the fields helping and swimming in a water hole till my parents bought us a pool.
Susan and Amy- your quilts are beauties to see this morning. Thank you for sharing. I need to get serious about straight line quilting many of my tops so they will get passed on now to be used.
Grocery stores were very busy yesterday and I made the mistake of going into Walmart which I hadn’t done in months. Only 2 registers open and the rest is all self checkout. They took out cashier lines and built a huge area with metal shelving and blue bins all stacked with grocery orders. I am still in awe that many do pickup.
Kathy – I saw a joke on Facebook that said Walmart would be closed on Thanksgiving Day to give their cashiers a day off! I order more from Amazon all the time so I don’t have to go to Walmart! My poor mailman.
I am so grateful for cashiers.
1. You go girl! Hazel is a little terrorist. That’s what I call my grandchildren after an especially destructive day!
2. RIP Rosie. You were a good girl, now you have your deserved rest.
3. Your life is full and enriched. Some days I wish I could be so lucky. Mom, Elliott and Leah, my hubby. So many people to take care of, but Oh, So Blessed!
My favorite time of year is here – Thanksgiving week! The preparations will be a bit down played this week due to my eye surgery Monday, but plan on being up to speed by Thursday.
Sewing with friends today. My Favorite day of the month.
Cooler weather this weekend, but sill sunny! Enjoy your weekend, Mary!
Diana – but I, too, feel the same – so many souls to care for and be responsible for! It is overwhelming. I have forgotten – cataract surgery? If so, you’ll be fine but lots of eye drops. What are you sewing/working on?
I had to laugh at DebMac’s comment. I thought of the bottled stuff when I saw ‘Wild Turkey’ in the post title and I couldn’t image what you would be writing about. What a great and touching photo of Zach and JB. Ditto on Lynette comment about framing this photo. And, JB looks so young in the photo. It is also a great photo of Rosie too, of her calmly enjoying the sunshine outside. I do hope someday you do another book, one that showcases photos of your farm and the animals, cats and dogs over the years. I always enjoy seeing these photos.
I think I may be part of the run on Wild Turkey. I posted a photo of my turkey quilt a week or so ago on the Quilts by Cheri page and several asked about the pattern. My quilt has 9 turkeys. Then another gal just recently posted her single turkey and more asked again about the pattern. So guessing that may be part of the run on the pattern. Love it!
Sherrill – ah ha! The interwoven life of quilters – we all on the same wave length!
I’m guilty for sharing too! It’s in my long to do list. Yours is very cool and I thank Mary for making these patterns available! I have a lot more time to sew now that my kids are grown and I’m retired!
Debbie – well, I guess I’d better get to work and find some more old patterns to post. Just not all at once!! I can’t keep up.
You do a great job, Mary!!!
I love the scrappy star quilt!
I was very lucky to have met Zack and Tosie when The fireworks convention was in Mason City and purchased note cards with Zack on them nose to nose with JB. I only use them when I feel the person is worthy of them. Rosie was always watching Zack and it is sad to think of her passing but I feel she is now with him again.
Angie – yes, this is one of my favorite pictures – glad you got some notecards – I have only this one but that’s ok. I have got to downsize one of these days.
😍
I love you, Mary! you are one of a kind and on of the very best women I have ever met!!!
Mary, thanks for the pic of Rosie — so cherished!
I love today’s quilt show — someone made lovely quilts. The stars with the piano keys border is nothing short of inspiring! I also love the strip pieced quilt; the black finishes it beautifully. I like what you did with Rose’s gifted squares; the green batik is perfect with those fabrics. Nope, not really a post about nothing at all!
Love all the photos today. But your barn with the star is outstanding!
All of us have 24 hours a day. How we choose to use them is up to us. Some people have family and work responsibilities while others don’t. Some people are social while others choose to be alone. Some can multi-task while others can’t. Some days I am more productive than others. We are different but have a commonality of quilting.
Marcia – so well said!!! Thank you!