The REAL Elaine Adair

 

OK, I confess - I STOLE this photo from my LQS, as they had a photo of me as well as a recent quilt.  I don't think I ever posted a photo of me, so that's why I'm posting it now.  The quilt went to family members in Wisconsin for Christmas.  

ANOTHER scrappy quarter log cabin

 

  

This might be 7 or 8 or 9 of similar scrappy projects.  They work up quickly, and have been quite attractive with a minimum of work.  I only did lights and darks and have been pleased with each of them.  I started machine quilting this one early today and have about half done. Don't ya jes' love it when you get on a roll and there are no interruptions?

                           Happy New Year!

Triple Four-Patch

 

I received a request for "a quilt in blues, with purples and reds," so here is what happened, in a matter of weeks!  This was likely inspired by Bonnie Hunter of Quiltville.com, because everything she does is so appealing.  Those bold checks on the backing DID cause issues -- ya can't hide those stitches!  Today I will be brave and wash it, as one red scrap showed signs of bleeding.  Yes, I've learned to include Dawn in the washer.   This DONE-PROJECT goes in the mail AFTER the holidays because I want to show it at next All Day Sew, in January.  

(I just noticed my own shadow in my photo! )

Happy Holidays and Blessings to all!

November Guild BOM

 

 

I took liberties with the center and made it into a pinwheel.  That Pincheel coloration was my 4th !!! version.  The previous 3 versions just didn't "do".   Note the similarity to my previous blog post, an October BOM - same pattern, different values.  

(Somewhere in my stuff, I found this perfectly usable design board.  Yeaaa!)  

Kaleidoscope DONE, BOM original

 

 

This one is DONE and named "Kaleidotato", remembering the fun I had "grabbing another piece of fabric" like the gals did during their fun with Potato Chip technique.  These are all efforts at blending values of blues and orange.  

Below is the October BOM.  The BOM committee had a great idea - every block for the entire year will be  the SAME block, just using different values, which results in a "new block" every month.  I will try to get each block posted, to show appreciation for this clever challenge.  Sadly, I didn't win the drawing for October.  

Long time, no see!

   

Close up of Strip and Slash project, a Jackie Robinson DVD.  I am still sewing and even have plans for  teaching a class or two.  This Strip and Slash is finished.  Fortunately I have the DVD,  and even more fortunately, I still have a working DVD player!  This technique is one of my favorites for managing leftovers. (The little white bit is my "ElaineAdair" label, folded inward.)   The blocks finish at less than 4 inches.  

Nobody wants to know ... my camera is limping along, and efforts to purchase a new one are so over-the-top with TMI, and no one has answers to camera questions, everyone insists on phone camera.  Terms like "newer and better UYX14" or "Latest DSLR12" or "faster ratio of xyz to abc" scare my brain into la-la land.   There are NO camera shops where I live, only a Walmart and no one seems interested in selling old-fashioned cameras.  whine, whine, whine.  

Computer shop says "the port on my computer no longer works and we don't repair that" but I AM able to transfer photos using that cord that came with the sometimes-working-camera but cannot use the little disc thingys.  Can you tell I'm not good at technical stuff?  

So, that's where I've been - eating worms and being cranky as well as productive with sewing and quilting. 

And just WHO/WHAT is on my roof?  

Kaleidotato Chips

I couldn't participate in a recent Guild Class called Potato Chips, but from the laughing and giggling that took place, as they pieced their blocks, it was clear that each participant couldn't stop making the inviting blocks.  I've had the same experience making kaleidoscope blocks.  Jes' can't stop with one design!   I was determined to NOT get carried away -- NOPE, I stayed strong and steadfast to the the original plan, ignoring temptations for MORE fabrics, MORE ideas, MORE colors.  "Stick with the plan, Elaine!"  

My goal was to blend 2 very different values into one cohesive block.  Sorta successful use of fabric I had on hand, with blues and peachy-orange.  25 blocks made, 5 x 5, blocks finish at approx. 12 inches.   The corners are consistent throughout, with blue and soft peach making quarter triangles.  One row is  together, trimmed with corners on.  I'll add a border as needed.   All Day Sew meets in another week!  

Pineapple in Purple, for REAL, this time - no more complaints, for now

 Computer is home from it's hospital stay - the Photo App had disappeared - how could that have happened?   Plus a few other issues from ME trying to fix things, making a bigger mess.   8-(    It seems that every year, I have to take it for some kind of R & R at the local computer hospital, and get "something" fixed.  Computer physicians are very kind and diplomatic and never say things like "operator error".  

Yes, another Pineapple, Scrappy, and mostly in shades of purple.  Center quilting design was a series of paisleys (I quilt on my DSM).  Just cannot resist Pineapple Quilts, especially when we end up with so many strips.  The binding was completed by machine, with a flange.  One problem is that I had the entire border all nicely quilted with a nice meander and even after one side, I had begun to doubt that decision.  Guess I was on GO and didn't stop until it was DONE -- and it looked terrible!  The quilting itself was quite decent - it just was NOT a good choice  in that border so I removed it all and redid with some simple straight lines -- so much better and simpler.  

Quilt Guld restarts in a few weeks after summer vacation.  This year I'm giving a Trunk Show and also teaching a workshop on the Kaleidoscope ideas.   It's always lovely to get back to that routine. 

Pineapple in Purple

 Once again, I am unable to view, transfer, copy, or even FIND my photos.  My camera is  working fine, I have a new camera battery and I've taken photos of latest quilting creations.  However today, my photos won't download from the thumb drive, the method I've used for years and automically and smoothly transferred so nicely.   Nothing happens when I click on Settings/Photos, the method I previously used.  I am so downhearted at this turn of events.  I accidently "found" the photo files on the computer with File Explorer, but all is now so confusing and discombobulated.  Instructions are waaay to complex.  Previous efforts were occasionally usable, but only with "good luck" - not with any special techniques.  The "gallery" that was so clever and usable and stored all my photos must have been an "app" that is gone, or ????   

To whomever has caused all these "improvements", this is not fun any more.

Triple or Quadruple Four Patch?

 A recent finish - while the pieces are small, it went together "quickly", and used up a of pieces and bits of my ever-popular "foresty" fabrics.  The blocks finish at 8 inches.   I'm actually contemplating making another one, with values reversed ... mmm   This is 72 x 90".  

Each block has one background, then 2 lights.  Triple or quadruple 4-patch??? 

Here's the back.  

Photo/gallery issues on my computer  continue.  I have to routinely go into "apps", then "xxxxxx" then delete xxxx in order to see my photos on the computer and to download recent photos from my camera.  Then I shut down, then turn computer back on.  Grrrrr!   Today my new camera battery arrived but I doubt if that will fix the computer issue but it should help the ailing camera.  

Here is the lovely AirB&B in which me and family members recently stayed in Arkansas, completing my late DH's request.  We all felt we hit the jackpot with this lovely home, situated right on the lake. 

Bucket List

Computer issue solved for now, camera issues might be solved, troublesome Security files were deleted, so I am hoping I can write a blog post.  Photos will not load.  8-((( 
 
One of the LAST of my to-do items on my Bucket List was accomplished during the previous week.  DH had always asked that his ashes be spread in a particular place, so that is what I've been doing.  I kept a certain amount to spread under my Birthday Tree at home in Nebraska.  ( DH had given me that tree 15 years ago, and it stands tall and beautiful. )   I had asked a family member to join me on a long drive to a location between Missouri and Arkansas to satisfy my man's request of years ago.  She not only agreed to join me but made some excellent suggestions to make it a memorable family experience to remember good times as well,  so we expanded the guest list, selected a beautiful  AirB&B, and spent a valuable week together.   We explored, mosied, walked, drove, fished, swam, caved, ate, and cried a little.    

Finding the exact location that DH had requested was not easy because I had misunderstood there is a  difference between a DAM and a CAUSEWAY, and a lot of years gone by meant everything looked different from what I remembered.   Additionally, heavy rains had made some roads impassable, and when finally we were getting close, the road itself was permanently closed off, meaning we had to make some last minute adjustments.  Young people among the group was very understanding of our grief, and respectful of the  occasion.  I could not have managed it by myself and am enormously grateful for this loving assistance.  A special rock was chosen from that special location for me to keep on my home mantle.  DH would be happy that I fulfilled his request.  

We had never traveled together with each other,  I was the old gal who might need some help getting into and out of the huge truck in which we had traveled.  We also stopped more often for my benefit to keep my ole body moving, which slowed down our arrival, but all in all, we traveled well together.  Additionally, my dratted cell phone had some improvements made by people more knowledgeable than I.  I was not sure what emotions I might have about the entire process, but overall, it really made no difference in my heart as he will always be with me.   I am pleased and satisfied we were able to complete his request.   

Is this the end of my blog posts?

 Perhaps someone can offer suggestions ... 

My camera has reached the end of life - purchased in 1998 solely to support Blog posts and my quilting projects, plus personal photos,  it was a wonderful Kodak with video capabilities, but  now, no longer fixable,  and even its irritating quirks won't cooperate.  I've used  for Blog posts since I first started a blog about 25 years ago.   Today I am unable to get my Blog post or photos uploaded, the little disc is unreadable, camera keeps turning on and off, battery is charged but ..... so on, so on, etc.   Totally undependable any longer.  Are old fashioned cameras still available?   I'm still quilting and have  expanded my quilting life with occasional Trunk Shows and displays, and my Blog Posts have proven a valuable tool for interested attendees.

 I DO have a cell phone, which I keep for "emergencies".   I've used it for ONE emergency only.  8-)))    I learned how to make calls and take a few pictures, but I only force myself to keep it, barely understanding it's capabilities.  The cell phone usually remains "OFF" at the bottom of my purse and only keep it so friends and family won't worry about me, living alone. 8-)))  One of you bloggers suggested I switch over to my cell phone for photos, but I don't know how to start that learning process.  

I prefer to keep up my blog post, even occasional posts are better than none,.   I jes'  don't know where to start.  If I find a camera,  will it interface with the computer friendly gallery niceties?  I sure have a lot of photos now all lined up in a clever program that I think is some app, somewhere within my computer.  I don't even know the questions to ask?  My cell is plain-jane variety - do I need a higher grade cell phone?  

Any suggestions would help me clarify what I should think about.  I am not familiar with Facebook.   Perhaps a stop at Walmart Camera Dept. would help, if they even have cameras any more.  I am so far behind "the times."  

Trouble corrected. How many triangles can you count?

Yesterday, Blogger was misbehaving and I lost all patience - was ready to throw this computer out the window and give up on Blogging pleasures.  My Kodak camera is also near the end of it's life and I'm afraid to change to another unknown camera device.  The "gallery" where my camera downloads to the computer was unattainable - something about "apps" .  I grumbled, left unkind messages, struggled to find HELP, but gave up, emotionally exhausted and disheartened.  However, this morning, voila --apparently something was getting changed.  Ugh.

Here is my latest quilt.  Most fabric was new although bits and pieces.  Triangles are 6 inch Peaky/Spike.  I only purchased the outer blue denim-looking border, plus 6 yds for a backing.  Binding includes a faux flange. Quilting is allover meandering, with circles here and there to break up the sameness, and some echoing for long unfussy areas.   I did a little ruler work in the borders.  It's in the car,  ready to deliver to an adult g'son.   It's about 78" x 90".  This  project counts against my Guild PhD planned completions.  (Projects Half Done).   This was assembled in rows across, unexpectedly simple.

NO comments show, and Widow's Chit-Chat.

 I clicked something following the comments that were NOT published, which seems to have changed back to "Allow Reader Comments".  Yep they are now visible.  Thank you for not giving up on me!   It's wonderful to see warm comments again!

OK, next part.  Widow's  Chit-Chat.  I'm in my 5th year of being a widow and as other widow's  say ... "You never get used to it, you learn to live with it."   My style is to stay busy which means I drive myself bonkers with too many things that "must be done".  That plan sometimes works, but the result it that sleep doesn't happen.  I counter that probem with caffeine products, resulting in more problems, and have learned to turn on YouTube in the middle of the night and sleep in a Lazy Boy.  More of  "not good."  Yes, a foolish circle.   Any port in the storm of "I don't want to think."  However, on the plus side, I've helped to teach an Adult ED class , am occasionally mentoring a young lady learning to sew and quilt, have finished 9 PhDs (Projects Half Done) in the last year for a Guild self-motivation project, and planned a Trunk Show and another Workshop, took a pleasent driving trip , and recently purchased a new Janome sewing machine.  Unfortunately, over the holidays I was shocked to get caught up in what appeared to be a financial scam related to my mortgage, but finally it fell all on me to discover it was not exactly a scam but the fact was I had not been informed when my Home Owner's Insurance had tripled!!! and they had not informed me, nor did my mortgage firm inform me, resulting in all sorts of heartache and worry when I was informed my mortgage was "underfunded. "  HOW DID THAT HAPPEN???  All of that may have been the result of  Covid, and insurrance employees and morgage firm employees being sent home to work causing great disarray, until no one knew who was doing what!  I only finally accidently discovered the issue in late January after MORE nightmares, sleeplessness, worry, and great dread and fear.   I take pride in being prompt and reliable in my finances - this was an absolute insult!  Not one person in this horrendous chain of workers informed me - all were downright pleasant, until I lost patience and hollered, "don't any of you speak to one another?" after  my umteenth call!   Apparently they did NOT speak to one another!  Those were 3 months I do NOT want to relive!   ADVICE:  LEARN TO UNDERSTAND HOW YOUR ESCROW WORKS!  And I still don't understand "who" is supposed to "do what"!  ... and the timetables and deadlines of insurance, taxes and principal are impossible to understand!  My mortgage had been sold many years ago,  to this out-of-state firm eliminating "friendly" and "helpful" when we purchased the home.  Because of this recent incident, I've changed insurance firms who provided information and support to counter the disturbance to my near-normal steady sad life.  

So, other than eternal grief from not having my counterpart to help, the above paragraph is the only big issue I've had, being a widow.  My efforts these days are finishing up all UFOs, but when I do, I feel positive and start another new one!  I still am eternally "down" but just get busy - sadness doesn't go away.   

Thanks for listening.   

Enjoying spring days

 

A few new pots of posies, didn't hurt this pretty day.  

Preps for a Trunk Show, and a Workshop. Also, a New Quilt Project

Here are approximately 20 quilts of various styles that I'm hauling, in prep for a Trunk Show still in the planning stage. The biggest decision is how many will fit in my small car !  8-)))   Just give me a chance to talk, and then, watch out!   The next day I'll be teaching a Workshop - again, more "stuff" added into my small car.  Wish I had a larger vehicle!    

Here is my stack of Workshop materials and samples.  Hope I remembered everything.  

New subjec -- new quilt project that is beginning to take shape.  This is for an adult grandson. My goal is to make it LOOK totally random yet in reality, it must be planned, resulting in many trips back and forth from my "design floor" back and forth to the studio.  These triangles are from the Peaky & Spike duo templates, not the same as the 60 degree equilateral.  I purchased only a few blue fat quarters, but also am planning a border, so additional blue fabric was purchased for that part.  I have a lot of the smaller half-size triangles, but cut back using them, thinking it was looking a little "fussy".  Perhaps they will look better somewhere in the border. -- we'll see what the quilt wants.  They are all fitting together well, with no issues from bias.

Kaleidoscope Sample Blocks

 I am working on another Kaleidoscope quilt and have been obsessed with exchanging wedges between 2 slightly related blocks.  While the blocks appears difficult, it is one of the first I learned, and is not  difficult at all and the blocks are a perfect choice for using leftover WOF strips.  The corner have not yet been selected.  There is NO effort at matching wedge seams - your eye does the "matching".      

I was getting mixed up - these 2 were NOT made of related fabrics.  (Obsessed for a while!) 

Another Quarter Log Cabin

 Apparently I am "stuck" on this design, the fifth I've made recently.   This is ready to be gifted.

The back ..., 

This is all straight-lined quilted with 2 sets of double lines through each diagonal block sets (i.e., both ways).  The recipient is an almost-adult teen guy - hope he likes it.  I sure do!  Size is 72" x 90" and again, includes fabrics left over from DH's shirts that I made for him.  No finished shirts were harmed.   I paid little attention to strip width and just hoped for the best.  That worked great for construction but the straight lined quilting plan ran into "occasional non-perfection, albeit unimportant issues."    

Despite 5 of this type quilt I've made, there is absolutely NO diminshment of scraps.  

2468 pieces. MORE Kaleidoscope Blocks!

Finished!  I learned this "system" from Jackie Robinson /Animas Quilts, called Strip and Slash and  purchased her DVD years ago.  Her method is precise, and productive, as well as an effective method to use scraps.  I've made 5-6 quilt using her "technique".   Thank you, Jackie!

A close up ...

You can see the individual block of 12 pieces, less than 4 inches, at the far right, lower corner.  

I'm playing with Kaleidoscopes, again. The wedges have been exchanged with each other on these two, resulting in greater richness.    Not sewn together yet.   The plan is 5 x 7, 14 inch blocks.   No corner pieces yet - I'll save that decision until later. 

I promised myself to STOP playing after 4 blocks - gotta gather tax materials ... ugh.  Let's see ... which  jobs would I rather do?  

Minor Improvements in the Studio

What is that?  My second sewing station is a door on 2 file cabinets with the machine on the door, and a chair slides under the work area between the file cabinets.   Occasionally the  top area needs a little extra room when quilting a large quilt.  I pulled one drawer out on the file cabinet, and inserted this piece of firm masonite (or similar), glued the paint sticks onto the correct place on the back so it stayed in the right place, turned the masonite over, and I have a good size area for additional support for the quilt.  It is loose enough so I can just pull it off and slide it under the cabinet, and close the drawer up as needed.  This cost me all of $5.10 - the large paint sticks were free, and the lumber yard cut the masonite for free.  

A better view.

A customer is required to purchase a standard size for the masonite, so there is some leftover.  As it happens, the leftover is EXACTLY the right size to do the same trick for the other sewing desk drawer that holds a million little "things", but are neatly hidden by the second board.   It's a total different size - how lucky I am!   Again, it slips easily out if not needed and takes up little space.  Additionally, both of these boards can be use as a lap work surface.  I'm happy!

Progress adding borders QAYG

 See that teal and turquoise block?  It's looking like "transparency", an effect I'm liking.  The center blocks were all sewn and machine quilted traditionally, and I actually used a pattern.  Because it's very large and I also had issues with "what machine can I use? (I hadn't purchased the Janome 6700P yet)  so my plan  was to make and quilt the borders separately, and add them QAYG, to eliminate some of the bulk.  It's working quite well.  I set up a large table in the middle of the room, to take some of the weight off my lap when finishing the last seams when hand sewing.  Size is about 88" x 104"  I'll make 2 pillow cases and send it off soon.  May take me another 2-3 weeks for final finishing.  The blocks were so much fun because while they are all almost the same, value alterations from block to block resulted in a myriad of different looks.  

Here is the 3-fabric mitered border, not yet finished.  I'll sew that last bias seam by machine and add a seam binding to cover seam.   

I absolutely find it impossible to use just ONE machine quilting design -- gotta try them all!  LOL