New Project! Oh No!

My new project!  Yep, I've started a new project!  Not because I want to but because I have to!  

 Seems every year we have to paint the deck floor, the top rails, the posts, spindles...ugh...so guess what I get to do this year!  Yep, the deck floor BUT I have to scrap off the thicken paint...we use a deck paint that is really good & expensive BUT when we/I have painted it's always over 100 degrees on the deck!  No exerggeration!  We have a surface thermometer to test the heat.  I keep complaining to Bob that it's too hot to paint...but he still wants me to do it...so now i get to scrap/strip off that thick layers.  This year I refuse to paint when it's over 60 degrees out.  The deck will always be 20 degrees higher than norm temperature. 

I worked almost 90 minutes this a.m.   to finish up 1/2 of the deck.  Temp was only in low 50's but perfect for this sweaty chore!  HA   Bob replaced some boards last year & they are holding up pretty good I told Bob this is the last year I paint this deck!   I love sitting outside listening to the birds and having a glass of wine after dinner (or before!) but never again to paint.  I'm 79 going on 80...we need to "call the guy" for those Two & a Half Men viewers!  who may have seen the 'call the guy' episode!

BUT the good news is, I did get all the rows sewn together on my hex piece!  I love the little star opening that occured inbetween each hex triangle.  

 I am so excited and very happy with the results - so far! Still need to get background fabric sandwiched and quilted but I need to finish the deck unless I pray for rain so I can't work on the deck!  Hmmmmmmmm  "Are you listening God!"  HA

Hex Color Wheel - Part 40! HA

 It feels like this is part 40 of this project!  I finished the last of the triangles so I started stitching the points together!  Woohoo!

Looks pretty good doesn't it!  EXCEPT I sewed wrong sides together!  I was sewing triangles  while watching Michigan's exhibition football game...I wasn't paying attention and I sewed those buggers together wrong!  And then I got to unsew!

This is what the row should have looked like and did after I ripped out points!  And did a re-sew!

I've finished two rows so far.  Decided to quit for the day.  I only get to sew while dinner is cooking or after dinner and dishes.  This project is taking forever but I am enjoying it and seeing it come together!

I need to put  these back up on my wall but I have to get my stool so I can pin the piece up.  I haven't stitched the rows together yet..just working on stitching each row then I'll start stitching long rows together.  

That's is for now folks!!  I still need to pick out background fabric to quilt.  That will be next up....still not sure what color I'll use....should be a fun challenge!  

Hex Color Wheel continues!

 So to keep me honest, my Q Bud, Susan asked me what size are the triangles?  And what size will the hex piece be along with size of quilt!

Well, I haven't got that far!  HA  Of course, Susan knows me that I do something, then have to figure out how it will work!  

Each triangle side is 9" ; each triangle is made  up of 36 hex pieces 5/8" each' and there are currently 24 hex triangles in the 'so called' finished piece...although, it's far from being finished!

So here we are!  All triangles are finished and I'm happy with the layout...could I still change some..sure!  It's me!  HA HA HA

As I told Susan...now the hard part starts!  First off, I have to find the perfect background fabric...I have two different yards I purchased a few weeks back to see if they'll work....so I'll start there...if they don't seem to work, I'll just HAVE to go back to the fabric shop!  Poor me...ha

Then I'll need to quilt the background.  Once that is finished, then I'm going to attach each side of 'a' triangle to it's 'buddy'!  

I'm showing  yellow and green points and sewing just 2 small stitches to hold points.  Which I'll have to do for all sides.

These are just two extra triangles to show (and to really see! if what I want to do will work).  I think it will!  You can see my thread attached to the top of the point.

This shows how the first two edges/points are joined. That leaves a nice crisp little triangle between each large triangle hex piece.

I'll do this for all 36 triangles sides...which I think will end up being more than 36 sides??  I have to connect tops as well??

I'll stop with this part of the what I have to do with the hex triangles.  This end result  will take some time.  Then to come up with removing all the stitching in each hex (36 x 24 = 864 hex pieces made)  HA  And then remove all the cardboard!!

I started on this thought/quilt and posted on January 3, 2026 (you can see that post  here).  I can't believe it's been that long.  But I have been busy with other things in my life!  We just finished setup/takedown/prepping for our Spring Book Sale at the library.  I do enjoy getting out with the other great ladies and shelving books or just sitting and getting to know each other.  

Of course, Bob and the girls keep me busy with just normal housewife chores/ baking/ cooking/cleaning which does interfere with sewing/textile life!  But I'll keep plugging away on my hex color wheel!!!  And I will post from time to time!   Yes, Susan, I will...but my own 'time to time'.  HA HAD

Hex Color Wheel Piece

Now I have two buds who tell me I'm behind in updating my blog (Thanks, Susan and Amy).  Ya all know Susan, my Q Bud from Florida..she informed me in a text this week that I was "behind in my blog" postings!

 Amy is my Goodrich friend as well as our library book sale person extraordinaire.  Amy just got back from Florida and she let me know today I was behind as well!  What would we do without our friends!  HA  They keep me on target.

I have been working on the hex project as you can see with the latest picture!  Almost there...well, sorta!

I am close to finishing with the 4th green triangle, which is the same fabric as the top piece. I decided to head to the fabric store on Thursday to check out some more green fabric and other colors/fabrics! 

I liked having two triangles the same with the greens...and the middle a little of different greens (on bottom pic) but....I may change my mind...you have to look at the picture of the whole piece to see the greens together.  

The yellows are honestly more yellow than in this picture...but I do want another/different yellow....

The darker blue (bottom and swatch top right) are very similar so I may take out one or both of the blue/green pieces....

I need another purple mid range...so I'm taking my triangles with me so I can better match or find what I'm looking for.  

So, thanks Susan & Amy for getting me to update the blog!  I do like to keep track of my progress and seeing the triangles next to one another gives me another kick in the butt.  Believe it or not,  I'm still enjoying this project!  It is hard to find the time to sit and sew.  Seems my 'plan' of after dinner before watching World News @ 6:30 doesn't always work!  It's 6:13 p.m. as I'm typing this post!!!!  See why I don't update more frequently..well, it sounded like a good excuse!

Hex Color Wheel Progress

 

Still cutting out 1 3/4" squares of fabric and making hex pieces!  I need 36 for each triangle and I need 24?? triangles?  Around that...which means I need at least 864 hex pieces!  Glad I didn't calculate that out before I got started!  HA  

It is meditating to sew, which is what I've needed lately with Kalee and her being sick.  She's laying beside me as I type while on the couch watching Jeopardy!  HA 

p.s. She did eat some chicken & rice for dinner; no lunch and her prescription canned food for breakfast!  No, I can't figure it out!  HA

Here's what I have finished and on the design wall.  No, it's not the final placement. Until I get all the colors I want made (at least 2-3 in each color), I won't know exactly where a color will go or what new fabrics I may need!  HA  A method to my madness, right!

I am enjoying this project...just wish I could sit ALL day and stitch.  I try to get in my sewing room after dinner and dishes until around 6:30..some days I'll get 30 min. or some days I'll get an hour!  Woohoo...love that time.  

I did cheat and sewed while watching Michigan play basketball while they play at night or on the weekend.  I tell Bob I do this just so he doesn't sit alone watching basketball.  HA

Until next time......

Post for Dog Lovers

 If you don’t care about dogs, just wait for my next blog post.

Well, it’s been a busy few weeks…not doing as much sewing, but I’ve sure been getting to know Kalee’s vet really well. Poor Kalee has had so many issues lately. She’s struggled with pancreatitis and gastritis since she was about two years old, and she’ll be 15 in July. That means we’ve been dealing with stomach issues for a LONG time—and we’ve seen more than a dozen vets between our regular office, three different ERs, and even two vets in Florida! Honestly, it’s probably more than that with all the vets who have come and gone over the years.

Her most recent symptoms—burping, gagging, not eating or drinking, and obvious discomfort—have been really worrying. It makes my stomach turn and makes it hard to even think about going away and leaving her. She gets very nauseated (lots of grass eating and drooling), though thankfully she’s only vomited twice…both times outside at 3 a.m.!

Last week alone I was at the vet Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday—and then again Monday. Even the vet said she looks so sick. At our last visit, Kalee curled up on my lap and fell asleep while we waited. For 15 minutes or more—with dogs barking, doors closing, people talking—she just slept. That’s how worn out she’s been.

Back in January, we switched her to a kidney-friendly dog food because of some elevated levels, and she loved it at first. But then she stopped eating again. I’ve been putting out three or four different options at a time—Rx canned kidney stew, chicken and rice, and my own ground turkey/veggie/rice mix (you’ll see that in the photo). Sometimes I even add a bowl of kibble, just in case. And still…nope.

That said, the past couple of days—I'm almost afraid to say it—she’s been more alert and has even played with her toys two or three days in a row! She’s still picky, though. I never know from one meal to the next what she’ll eat, so I just keep trying different options until something works. I just want her to eat and drink.

And then there’s little Gigi, who is an absolute doll. She has heart murmur 3–4 & congestive heart failure and is on liquid heart medication twice a day—10:30 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. These dogs take more medications than Bob and I! But honestly, I’ll do whatever it takes to keep them comfortable and happy.

So that’s life lately. When I do get a chance to sew, Kalee will lay on her mat on top of my sewing table, look out the window, and then drift off to sleep. Yes, that is snow outside—and my hex pieces are in the lower right corner. See? I am still sewing a little!

If you’re a dog lover, please say a prayer for our girl—that she keeps feeling better, or that somewhere, some vet figures out exactly what’s going on.

Thanks for reading. 💛

Yes, I'm behind in posts...

I decided I best get a post published before my Q Bud from Florida (aka Susan..ha) sends me a text saying I'm slacking!  

I only had six made when I took this picture.  Now I need to expand by a few more!

I had eight finished in this picture.  What fun seeing it come together!

I'm now up to eleven but I need a total of 21 at least.  

And I need to see what other colors I'm missing...dark blue, pale green, another pale orange, etc. 

I'm working on dark blue now.  AND, I'm going to replace the pale yellow in the pictures above.  I showed my friends at the library this week and Cheryl mentioned she thought the pale yellow was too pale.  

I agree!!!!  So for sure I have to go to the quilt shop!  No, I didn't bribe Cheryl to say that.  I did agree with her before this but figure by the time I have all the triangles, I'll be making new ones and removing others!  

I'm still having fun and enjoy the time stitching.  And I'm sure I'll have fun at the quilt shop but I'll be missing my Q Bud being with me - and talking me into all the fabric I should buy!  

Hex life continues!

 Before we get into the hex update...check out the video from our backyard.  The dogs can't go up to the  white fence area  because of the snow...but they sure do in the spring, summer and fall!.  They just stand and bark at the deer or whatever animal is feeding.  They (the eating animals) just ignore them!  HA  It's a hoot!  We love seeing all the animals feed on the corn Bob puts out for them daily.

Now back to hex project!  Yep, I'm working away hand sewing the hex pieces and joining them together!  I have to say, repeating myself, this is so mediating!  I can watch TV while sewing.  Let's face it..this isn't a rocket science project.  Yes, I jab my finger(s) from time to time but I'm able to watch some Olympics and my TV shows!  HA

Kalee sleeping while I sew

Sewing the hex pieces together

Another color finished...

Had to share another pic of our 'family.!

No this isn't necessarily the final layout..just laying out the pieces I've finished.  I have no idea on layout.  I have several in mind. 

There are 36 5/8" hex pieces in each triangle.  8 rows...I'm working on yellow now but will need to go into my stash to get all the other colors of fabric I may need!

Where is my Q Bud from Florida, Susan!  I know we'd enjoy a fabric shopping day for fat quarters to get all the colors I need!  She would be great at guiding me to the right color/fabrics!

Book Mark Making Time (again!)

Twice a year, I make book marks that we give away at our library book sale in the spring and fall.  Over the years, I've made different book marks...some bland, some colorful, some just so so!  HA Here are some I've done in the past.   I'm sure this was from one of my first years making these!   

I'm not sure the year for these...

I think these were from our last fall sale.  

 I thought I best get started on making bookmarks for this coming spring sale in April  You know how time goes by so fast and before you know it we're setting up for the sale. 

 I started  about a week ago for the stamping process.  Which is done on the rough side of the poster board using acrylic paint.  

I got out some of my rubber stamps  I made a few years ago.  You can see in this piece and above the large square stamping - this was one stamp I carved.  The large leaf is also another one of my carved stamps.

I stamp like crazy...but there's always white area ready for the dye to paint on!

Next up, I found some dyes I had mixed up from working on a class with Hilary.  I use fiber reactive dye mixed with plain water.  Actually, this color is called Robin Egg Blue!

I just use a soft paint brush and cover the poster board.  I'll also take a paper towel and blot up any puddles of dye. 

Yes, it does look greenish here and actually looks greenish in person too!  HA

After slicing up  2"x7" pieces, I place 2 wrong sides together, a little stitching around the edges and 40 book marks are made for the April spring book sale to give away!  

All Finished for the next sale!

Now back to sewing hex pieces!!!  

Wednesday Library with some 'friends'

Cheryl, Amy and me

There are four of us (from our Friends of the Library group) who meet at the library on Wednesday's.  We arrive around noon - 2 or 3 in the afternoon.  We sort and put away on shelves or sorted boxes any donation books we've received through the week.  We like to keep up with donations so it's not a crazy time for our spring or fall book sales.  

Amy is currently in Florida for the winter and Chery (pic below)l is also in Florida for the week celebrating her 60th Anniversary!  

This is Beth displying one of her embroidery pieces she's working on!  Beth has so many she has completed and continues to work on!

Cheryl is also prolific in producing embroidery pieces!  Her Chickadee is amazing!  You have to enhance the picture to see the detail of this bird!

This is another current piece Beth is working on!!  I can't imagine trying to embroider in this small cloth!

And this is one of Cheryl's current completed embroidery pieces she had farmed!

It's beautiful isn't it!  Again, enlarge the picture so you can really see the workmanship.

This is another piece Beth completed this last month.  She's looking to find just the right frame for it.  I love this piece too...

When we're finished doing any sorting/shelving, we'll sit and 'stitch, knit, embroidery, sew'..whatever project each of us are working on.   

Here are the ladies working on their project(s).  It's such a nice seating area.  

Actually, our Friends of the Library group purchased this rug and seating area along with end tables and lights.  Any funds from our books sales, we use to support programs or needs of the library.  

This area is also used for tutoring students.  Nice and quiet and perfect for other group meetings as well.

We do work  hard, although by the pics above of us sitting, you might not believe it!  HA  Some days we are bombarded with donations.  I mean boxes and boxes of donation books.  Some have to be discarded because of torn pages, mildew, dirt, etc.  But for the most part, we are fortunate to have great patrons who provide us donation books for our yearly sales.  And our Goodrich library is also great at donating books that are no longer in circulation for us to sell.  

So, I'll be at the library later today!