Lawdy, Lawdy these gray days of the Ohio Valley

So what's the solution for these gray days and you can't take a trip to the Caribbean?  Well, it's a Happy Light of course.  Well, maybe not.  It does brighten the room, however and it can't get too bright for me.  

Also, this is the time of year we should all be "fluffing/fondling" our fabrics.  It's really hard to remember all the fabric I have so a once over of my material is a great way to remind me, I don't need any fabric this year.  It will be a stash busting year for me.  

If all else fails, in the happiness department, and things are out of your control, put out a bird feeder and take pictures...smile. 

Been having a lot of down time...ugh!

It's been a frustrating couple of days since returning from Chicago on Sunday evening. I've eagerly sat at the computer to upload pictures and information about our trip, but have been greeted often by this:

"Hey-I'm thinking"

message from the computer, soon to be followed by your session has timed out or the server is not responding....aaarrgghh!

You know, we pay the big bucks to get on broadband for a faster response/experience on the computer and for the most part it's worked out fine, until the last week or so. At first I thought it was just blog land, but, my DH sits on his PC in another room and I can hear his words of frustration as well.

Anyway, as a quilter, time is valuable, or even if you are not a quilter, time is valuable, but, when it comes to multitasking, quilters are probably better or at least more inventive than most. That being said, here is my work/PC frustration zone. I've taped messages to myself reminding me of what I need/should be doing if blog land did not exist. On the right side of my screen, I've listed quilts that need to be finished and are in various stages of completion. The last one is a pink and brown scrap quilt that is pieced in the center and has an appliqued border. You can see parts of the appliqued border on the typing tray to the right. I like to use Elenore Burns' method, using fusible interfacing sewed to the right side of the leaves/petals. You then clip and flip the items sewn and you can iron them in place to sew around later. Next to embroidery, applique is a great way to have a hand project at the ready for any "down time" you may have.

Taped to the other side of the computer is the work list, laundry, video tapes I need to put on DVD, mow lawn, take pictures of my quilts. This is a great thing to keep me motivated and grateful that I am alive and I am a quilter, leaving a legacy of quilts for my family.

My corner of the quilt world...

When I really get focused on a quilt my mess begins. I think "I'll clean it up when I finish the top" and I usually do. There's nothing like posting pictures on the Internet and reviewing posts like this to help motivate me to do just that!

For me quilting is best when it's fast and fun. This is my method for creating those results. In my sewing room I like to sew with an L shape work space. My chair and sewing machine are parked together and I've lowered my ironing board to the level of my chair. Yes, yes, I know, this means no exercise-which may be the only quilters get-getting up and down to iron something. I make an effort to exercise every other day on the treadmill and so far I've stuck to it. Maybe my appetite has increased since exercising, cause I haven't lost any weight, but, oh well...will try harder...smile...

At least it's Spring! The robins are back and the sun is shining and the daffodils are blooming...smile...