Monday, September 6, 2010

happy labor day!

Where the hubby and I have been for the past few days:


The place calls itself Pine Lake Resort, but I think they're stretching a little.  But it was inexpensive, on Pine Lake and close enough that I could run home to feed the furry beasties instead of paying someone to stay here.

Our view:


It's not a very big lake and the hubby didn't catch much of anything, but the weather didn't exactly cooperate.  (Windy the first few days, then cold.)

We were about 12 miles from my favoritest local-ish quilt shop, so we went down and got lunchat a super cool 50's-ish diner called Kate's Diner that had cheeseburgers for $4!  The philly steak sandwich with fries (house special) was $4.19!



I didn't buy much (it was hard, but I restrained myself), but these three screamed at me.  I bought a yard of that black with grey flowers because it's so unique and I love it.  The other two are fat quarters.

I also bought some "Thimble-It" stickies because you all know I've got about 6 quilts needing binding sewn down!  They're awesome!

So while the hubby played video games (you all knew THAT wasn't going to get left behind, right?) or tried his hand at fishing, I worked on bindings.  I'll get photos soon.

And though it's a few days late, here's the book stack for September. 


I can't seem to get the photos to be shorter (I think that's Blogger's doing), but it's getting shorter!

And one tutorial/link I just found today that I think is awesome and I'm going to try: Blogger Andrea at "Millions of Thoughts" posted about a year ago how she free motion quilts...she turns her machine sideways!  So simple, yet I never would have thought of it.  Now I think I'm more ambitious to do those circles.  (I did buy a compass, but I was planning to free motion them and I think this technique is just the confidence boost I needed!)

Alright, I think that's enough randomness for now.  Back to binding quilts!

Happy quilting,
Katie

7 comments:

lisa said...

I know we talked about it, but have you read the Stephanie Plum series? I have two books until I am caught up and am dragging it out. I also have been reading the Coffee House mysteries, by Cleo Coyle. I realise you have enough books there for now, but I just have to put my two cents in. I wish I could come raid your bookcase! Then again NO house work would get done!

---"Love" said...

Wish I could stay there about a week; I'd take my machine, etc. and just sew and gaze at the beauty around me.
Thanks for all the neat links! I AM going to try that perpendicular quilting before long. Looks like it should be much easier. The bulk the usual way is why I've never really gotten into much machine quilting. I hope that new way will make it better! Have you tried it yet, and if so, what did you think? ---"Love"

Marsha B said...

Your resort does not look like "5 stars" but it looks cozy and comfortable. As long as it is clean and you are having a good time, that's all that matters! The diner sounds good and the trip to the quilt shop sounds like fun. I love the fabrics you bought! I'd love to hear how the Thimble-it thingys work. I tend to use the side of my finger, right about the first joint area instead of the end of my finger and have a hard time with thimbles. They don't protect the area of my finger that I use very well. Enjoy binding those quilts and have fun at the resort!

canuckquilter said...

A change of scenery is always refreshing, even if it isn't far from home. Throwing in a quilt shop visit just makes it better! Good luck with the circle quilting, I'll be checking back for pictures and your opinion of the new free motion technique.

a good yarn said...

So long as it's clean and comfortable. Plenty of 5 star places ahve bed bugs, leaking taps and noisy aircons. I bet waking up to that view was a bit of alright. I like the fabrics you found. What a super idea for quilting. You must let us know how you get on. Cheers, Ann :-)

Beth said...

That view looks great. Sorry the fish weren't biting.
I wish I could read the titles on you book stack better. LOL I can tell the stack is going down.
Now why didn't I think of turning the machine??? I have to try that.

Connie204 said...

Took a look at the free motion, what a concept. I must try it. Thanks for the link. I could also use a few days in a place that's quite and I don't have anything to do, but maybe read and drink tea. Connie204