Running Buddies

For a few months I've been running early Sunday mornings with a group of runners in The Woodlands. For the life of me I can't figure out why. First, The Woodlands is about a 12 mile drive. Second, they consider 5 miles a short run. And third, they like to start very early in the morning. Sometimes I think that's what makes it possible--I'm running before my body knows I'm out of bed!

Last Saturday, all 5 of us ran in the "Ten For Texas" run in, you guessed it, The Woodlands. We all finished smiling. Especially Venetta. That's her in the middle sporting a 3rd place medal for her age group. Sorry the picture is so small :(

Tomorrow they think it would be fun to run 21 miles. They are gearing up for the San Antonio marathon. All except for Venetta and me. We will join them halfway (at 5:45 am!) and run a measly 10-1/2 miles...

Backbasting Technique

The quilt guild I belong to had a Schoolhouse night where members taught different quilting techniques. The following are the samples I brought to demonstrate the backbasting applique technique.

It's as easy as Trace, Baste, Clip, Flip...

Start by TRACING a reverse image of your design on the wrong side of the background fabric.

Place a piece of the fabric to be appliqued right side up on the right side of the background piece. Make sure it is larger than the line you just drew on the back. Using a good-sized needle and thick thread (I use quilting thread), BASTE around the pattern line on the back of the background fabric through both layers. No need for knots--just leave tails. Basting stitches do not need to be perfect and even, however, they should be reasonably close because they are marking your pattern. (The spot on the left where the stitches are larger is the spot under the bat which will be appliqued later--that spot isn't critical because it will be covered with more applique.)

CLIP (trim) the fabric to be appliqued a scant 1/4" from the basting line...on the outside of the shape.

Using your needle, pull out an inch or two of basting thread and FLIP (needle turn) the edge of the applique shape in using the holes left from the basting needle/thread as a guide. Keep pulling out basting thread as you go.

This is an easy "to go" style of applique. No glue, pins, or freezer paper coming loose. Try it, you may like it!

A Few Quilts...

This was a quilt I made for the Miracles Baseball Academy auction. TJ has really enjoyed being part of this club team. It's been the best baseball experience he's had to date. Finally--good baseball in Texas!

Katie was a quilt-making machine this summer! Think she made 4 quilts. This one she's posing on was made for a special friend in California.

Here's another pic, sans Katie. Minky on the back :)

Her first quilt of the summer was a string quilt sewn on a foundation in Michigan blue and maize. And yes, it had minky on the back too :) No way she will get cold under that. Suffocate maybe, but not freeze. The following quilt was made just like the Michigan string quilt, but in Christmas colors/fabrics. So cute. It didn't fit in her luggage and I gave serious thought to just keeping it. Can you blame me?!

Just in case you wanted to know... I mailed the quilt to Katie this week. Guess that means I have one more quilt to add to my list of quilts to make.

Harley's a sophomore

You can just imagine how proud I am of Harley. Before you get nervous thinking this is a picture of his first day of school...it's not...although I wouldn't put it past him! He's not known for being shy! This was how he dressed for "nerd day" yesterday.
Apparently being 15 is exhausting. Can't tell you how many times I find him (or TJ for that matter) asleep in this chair. And, naturally, the dogs join in.

Both dogs were asleep when I got the camera out, but they can't resist posing for the camera when it's focused on them.