Marty's Fiber Musings

Anonymous Knees

First things first....Rachelle over at MiaHenry left me a nice compliment but said she would love to see this one in a larger size....I agree, large would be better...so, here goes. Hope this one comes out large.

Click pic to enlarge to see the knee dimples and toe jam!!

Scrappy 'Lil Doll Quilt Challenge

I just can't resist a challenge, especially if it involves something I have a passion for. So when I found that Tracy over at From My Scrapbag is hosting a Scrappy 'Lil Doll Quilt Challenge, I just jumped right in. Now the question is will it be a little green doll quilt?

My blue fabric scrapbag isn't very full...hummmmm

Pink...what little dolly wouldn't love to be warmed by a pink quilt?

And red, maybe not.

So many choices. Time is running out. I have to get this one done by July 25. Can I quilt up this challenge in time??

Keep Looking Up

Anonymous Knees

I'm practicing my photo editing skills....how did I do?

Blue Doors

Miniature Quilt - Card Trick

It hasn't been a dull day at all....completed a miniature quilt...card trick. It wasn't too tricky to make! It has the hanging sleeve attached, so it's ready to display. This one measures 13.5" x 17.5" and it's for sale at $60. Just send me an email. I am martymason@bellsouth.net.

And started knitting a belt. I've met the designer, Beth Walker-O'Brien. Beth is a strong believer in designing an easy knit pattern that looks difficult. She also advocates using yarn that is both affordable and available!! What a treat to meet this young lady. She describes her Herringbone Belt pattern as stylish and simple. So far, I agree with her. I'll post my progress in future blog updates.

Six of Beth's patterns are published in this "Great Gifts" Quick to Knit book.

The entree for tonight's dinner is Shrimp Fettuccine with a Fresh Spinach Salad. A slice or two of French Bread should complete the menu. Nope...no dessert but we will have a glass of wine.

Slim Down And Save

I spent the better part of yesterday running errands....well not exactly errands. Did do a little foot work though. The pedicure was a wonderful treat.

Almost as good as a shampoo, cut and color! I had a dilemma about six months ago. Four...no five...of my very personal treats was to get a (1)manicure, (2) pedicure, (3)facial, (4)hair cut and color, and (5)shop for quilt fabric. Then the recession hit our household@!@!*$## - (Yes, those are bad words)

Tough decisions had to be made. The manicure went first...much to my long time manicurist's dismay. My hands were always in the fabric...very drying...or digging in the dirt or pulling weeds, or heaven help...doing housework...so a manicure began to be only good for one day anyway. No, I didn't immediately tell dearest so I was able to transfer those funds into fabric before he caught on to my deceptive tactic.

Next to go was the facial. I'm definitely feeling this loss. To compensate, I hold my chin up a little higher and never, never let anyone see me looking or leaning down. That way, it's not obvious to the casual looker that my skin is sagging. (And who am I fooling??) Still putting the excess into fabric, but by now, I'm beginning to feel a tinge of guilt.

Then once again I caused much anguish to my long time manicure/pedicure person when I left her local upscale salon and went to a more moderately priced shop. I was not really pleased with my first choice, so last month I went to another one and liked the reception I was given. Went back yesterday and still have a very good impression of my newest pedicure person. For the $15 a month difference, I'll stick with my newest best pedicure friend...Sometimes it's worth shopping around. Perhaps the local and upscale are pricing themselves out of business!!

Next choice was to extend my cut/color/shampoo from one month intervals to six weeks. Hold on here...this choice didn't work at all!! Quickly decided that despite the financial outcome, I could not deal with the hair in my eyes or the shadow(??) of gray at the roots.

Let's see, I'm counting three steps forward, but only one step back. Now that's measurable progress. And guilt totally caught up with me so I confessed to dearest what a devious person he's married to. Confession can be very cathartic.

Now, back to the errands I ran yesterday. Did lots of foot work shop hopping to Hobby Lobby first. I love it when they raise their prices then give ME the opportunity to find it at 50% off!!!

This folding bone should help my nails look better. I've been needing one to help me fold note cards. Not on sale!

On sale...I think these little metal barrettes will make great girly gifts after I add ribbons and feathers.

The sheen on these ribbons just drew me in. Plus, they were on sale. These will really add pizazz to the bookmarks that I love to make.

These buttons, even though not on sale, will be the perfect addition to a purse. Oh, and speaking of, here's the one I made last week. Did I ever say I have a passion for sunflowers?

Next, I hopped on over to the quilt shop. I have a plan to put this array of aqua and orange into a quilt. Hope we can see it soon.

We had a cool dinner last night. Since the heat and humidity has been relentless this summer, we decided not to do the grill or the oven thingy. I boiled an egg!!

PS...added it to dill pickle relish, mustard, mayo and tuna and stuffed two great big fresh homegrown tomatoes. Sorry, no picture...we ate every bite.

Didn't even have to run the dishwasher.

I'm off to yoga then to Tuesday Bees...my fun mini quilt group.

It's The Little Things

Little things make me happy. Moments and memories all add up.

A mini log cabin. Like I say, little things make me happy!

Orange yarn...oh boy!!

Water color and a little bit of ribbon. Just right for a "can't loose my place" bookmark...

A happy scrappy flower quilt.

Close up...so you can see just how happy this one really is.

It takes one determined man to grill in the rain. A little gin and tonic probably helped him along in his quest for a just-right steak!

A little of a mess makes for a happy cat...

Little houses make great lap quilts. Love is a Freddy Moran house pattern...This lap quilt or wall hanging is for sale. See it and more at Marty's Fiber Musings.

Closer view of the bright houses and 2" squares sewn then cut into set in triangles.

Me too???

And first birthday parties

And four generations of gals and a guy...oh my!

Piggy basking in the sunshine.....I wish I had his problems!

Herb farm in Washington State...what a treat to visit and eat!

Sisters

Annie says a little snooze never hurt the moment..."Just wake me up before you go go..."

Finley and friend...."when ya coming back?"

I promise I'll be back soon. Happy weekend.

xx's and oo's

Marty

Holiday Weekend

Going to Kansas City

Kansas City.....Here I come

A quick trip...but it will be a fun visit...every day should be stuffed and I'll be back home late Monday.

Have a safe and happy 4th holiday.

Cool White Design

staying cool has taken my every effort these days. I could learn to live in these little cool lovelies. I'm thinking cool and comfy while viewing these Dave Coote designs.

Aren't those antique mirrors wonderful with all that white.....

And this is one hot kitchen. No oven heat required.

Happy 4th of July weekend.

Art Quilts and More

How do I get so lucky....I must have done something right to get this wonderful publicity from Scarlett Burroughs at Quilting Craft Gossip. An image of one of my art quilts is featured Sunday, June 28.

But I'm not the only lucky person. This is a great site to see the work of lots and lots of talented people. Go see and let her know what a great job she is doing.

Friends, They Are The Best!

How does a busy traveler have the time to find blogger friends? Was it my blog name? Blog pictures....? content....? Was it because I'm a quilter, animal lover, fan of Bob Marley or Paul Simon? Or that my all time favorite movies are the Lonesome Dove Trilogies? Oh, I know, I bet she loved that I taught myself how to make journal covers last week. I just hope she doesn't figure out that I had to teach myself, because I can't follow instructions!!! Anyway, I have a new follower and that makes me very happy, regardless of how she found me or the reason she decided to follow.
Welcome aboard, Beth, I hope you enjoy the journey.