Tiffany

I sew at the speed of slow. It used to really bother me but I've finally just learned to accept it, mostly. And it is handy when teaching beginners to quilt, something that is always exciting! At home I don't really notice it, but I have several Bee's I'm in and I go on an annual quilt retreat for four days every Autumn. That is when I really notice how slowly I sew. I have to admit, I envy you for being able to sew fast.

Your daughter's dress is beautiful! She is very blessed to have a mom who sews. I tell people I don't sew, I quilt. There really is a big difference.

I am sorry to hear about your husband. My ancestors have been involved in the military going back centuries. My father served 31 years and deals with PTSD, though he would flatly deny this. It's so hard on everyone, the family and the person dealing with this alike. My heart goes out to you and I hope you don't mind if I keep you and your husband in my prayers?

I must confess, one of my husband's nicknames for me is Sidetrack. I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one with that tendancy! :lol:
~Tiffany

Feathers

Hi Sunflower:
How many hours a day do I quilt? Well, I'm a BAD sleeper so if I happen to not sleep I'm up sewing. Somedays I sew many hours, other days I don't sew at all. I have so many projects that I love to do that I get "sidetracked," too. On an average I'd say I sew about 4 hours a day. You have to know that I'm retired, have no children left at home and have a husband who is happy to putz around the house, watch sports on TV and do little jobs for our animal rescue. He doesn't require me to do anything but whatever makes me happy. He makes me happy...sewing does too. I'm also very much into cooking, baking, and just a smidgen on the DON'T LIKE side of housekeeping but I can't stand a dirty house, either, so I do what I need to to stay comfy in my own mind about the shape my house is in.
Feathers

cutebuns

I am lucky that I am fast because I am also impatient most of the time as well. I don't knit because it takes too long. I also don't pin when I am sewing or quilting for the most part. Yet again with the amount that I have sewn helps. I am pretty acurate so my points etc go together pretty easily. Pressing the right direction helps a lot as well.

I am sorry your dad won't admit the PTSD. I will admit that living with the desease is not easy. There are good days and bad days and days you barely get threw. It is hard on everyone. Luckily very close by there is a very good friend of his that is in the military that I can call if I need help with him. He is fairly stable right now but I can see bumpy roads ahead when his release comes threw. The military is the only thing he knows. He started in cadets when he was a kid and then there was reserves and them the regulat force. You may definatly keep us in your prayers. I keep all those that have served, are serving and will serve in mine. Both my grandfathers served during war time. 1 in WW1, 1 in WW2. Before that I am not sure. Neither one would talk much on the subject.

It is true that if you just quilt, you are a quilter. Luckily for those that sew the transition isn't as hard. When I was supposed to be doing the quilts I was making the candy cane holders (over 200) and a few other projects. I wanted the quilts done by Dec 1. I don't think I even started them until Dec 6 or 7. All 4 were done when hubby took a trip to BC on the 18th. Plus I did Katrina's dress in there. It only took a day to do the dress thankfully. I am trying to take things back a bit though. I have started doing a little hand work in the house. That way I can work and still be in the house with the family. It is going well to tell the truth. Never thaught it would as it takes longer. I want to learn to quilt by hand as well.You are very lucky to get to go on weekends and such. I am curoius about them. I just thiink how much fabric I could by with the money spend on them.

Tiffany

Oh cutebuns, you sure do get a lot done. I'm simply amazed.

You know, I don't think I know of any quilters who actually enjoy housework. I think we all just do as much as we have to before heading back to play with our fabrics and whatnot. :-D

cutebuns

I try not to worry about my housework to much. That's why I have kids, to do it for me. Too bad it isn't working out that way. hahahahaha. Actually I grew up with the philosophy that your housework will be there tomorrow. No matter what, somethings like you kids won't always be there. I am thinking even if I do do it today, it will still be there tomorrow. My husband helps a bunch. I trained him well. I can't seem to keep my sewing room clean no matter what I do thoug, and I have actually tried.
Here are a few pictures. Only difference right now is only my son is laying on the table.

Tiffany

Whew! Cutebuns, you make me feel much better. Thank you. :D
~Tiffany

cutebuns

I know, isn't it bad! And it is cleaner than it has been if I'm in the middle of things. Plus I have only been in here since Aug. I am trying to organize but then somepthing like Christmas happens and I have no time between much. I have too much stuff. though if I do it right it will all fit and I will have room for more.

Tiffany

Ugh! Moving! That says it all. That one word can cover a multitude of sins. :wink:
~Tiffany

Feathers

Cutebuns:
May I come over and "play" in your garage? Like our grandson said of another grandson a few years ago "I like to play with Justin, he has neat toys!" You have NEAT toys. I see you have several sewing machines and one of those Rowenta irons that have the water basin underneath. How do you like that iron? I've been tempted to get one but haven't talked to anyone who has one. Your quilting frame is pretty cool, too. Does it have a quilting machine like a Gammill or something with it? My sewing room is a converted bedroom so I don't have alot of room but I do have ALOT in the room. It's crowded and only special friends and family are allowed in it as I'd be afraid casual friends would think I was mentally ill with all the STUFF stuffed in that room but I love it as I'm sure you love your garage. We have a garage...maybe I could convert ours into a nice room????....naaaaa, DH would'nt have anyplace to put his stuff if I did that. Thanks for sharing your room....I'll bet the wood stove crackling really makes things comfy and nice for you. It looks like your kids have a good spot in there to be with you but still be able to watch TV....it's a perfect room! Good for you.

Feathers

cutebuns

I don't sleep all that much. Not if I can help it.

I am fast. Don't know if I would be better if I slowed down. Sometime I wonder how it feels like to be able to take my time.

Anyone wants to come and play they are more than welcome. I love company. So far most of my company has been a beginner. I would actually like to quilt with someone who knows as much or more than I do.

I wish I had a Gammil or something of the sort. I am using a grand quilter hobby 1200 phaff right now on the table. I love the table, I would like a longer arm. I love ot for piecing, it has a good foot and it is fast. It only does a straight stitch which is okay because both the brother and the janome both have more stitches that I could ever ask for or use. They aso both do embroidery. I have to pay off the embroidery machine before I think of spending that on another machine.

My kids are actually laying on my cutting table. It is good and sturdy. I found it out in the back pasture. Towed it in with my husbands quad. It has really nice wheels on it. It moves when I need it too. the kids love it up there. There is lots of chairs that they can sit on as well. I just recently put a second tv in. That way everyone can see and hear when the machines are going.

My iron just the way It is sitting looks better than it is. I got it from wal mart and it is a ge. So far i am really happy with it. It has a little weight, makes it easier to press and not iron.

Most people think that I am cracked, probably because this room is stuffed with all sorts of stuff. Origionally it was only going to be for sewing. Then a few crafts moved in. then a few more things. Then the cats, then the dog. The kids leave pieces of themselves all the time. I love it. Mess and all. Not that I don't wish that I could get a handle on it. It would make my life easier. The garage is 17 x 32. And I have filled most of it.

I love my wood stove. On the really cold days I throw an extra log on and sit by it and keep warm and toasty. It is funnt, I sent the quilts to my mom because i was out of time to clean them up and she said the smell of wood smoke on them sent her back. We spent 10 years in an old farm house in my growing up years and it was warmed by a wood stove.

We bought my husband a big shed for his stuff. I kicked him out there. I think we all deserve a big dedicated area to do our stuff. It took me years to get a place I like this.

Everybody is going to get tired of reading all of this. I am realy long winded today.