Gardening vs. quilting...

...and right now, gardening and being outside are winning...

About the only kind of stitching going on takes place between raindrops. And there hasn’t been a whole lot of that until just yesterday. So I pick up a little knitted vest project that was started last Fall (in addition to being a slow quilter, count me a slow knitter too) and work a few rows....Isn’t that a cute little dumpling bag to hold a skein of yarn...Mimi over at Mimi’s Passions sent this. She is not only a prolific quilter but can knit faster then ever turning out beautiful projects.

Or prep a few little 1/2” hexies...

Or make more 1/4” stems for applique...

And then head right back outside to the gardens...at least the sage plants are looking happy...

And my potting shed has gone from this....(I know...shocking mess!)

To being able to walk into it without killing yourself...

And that is the way of things for now at Taylorsoutback...

See you later... (all signs and magnets from friends who make me smile!)

Memorial Day and remembering...

After serving in the Mexican-American War and the Civil War, General John Logan proposed to Congress that May 30th of each year be designated as Decoration Day to honor all those who had died while serving in the military. Eventually that day became known as Memorial Day and the specific time of 3:00 P.M. is when we should all stop, pause and remember. At cemeteries across the nation, flags are placed at each headstone - it is an act called “Flags in.” This year, 243,000 flags have been placed just at Arlington alone.

Growing up in Washington, D.C. and northern Virginia and with my Dad being in the Navy, Memorial Day was a yearly observance mainly and I cannot really recall ever associating the Day with BBQ’s, celebrations and big get togethers as the focus seems to be now.

With the passing of both Mom and Dad and their internment at Arlington National Cemetery last September, we wanted to mark this solemn Day by placing flowers at their gravesite. How to do that when many 100’s of miles away? I had held onto the card given to me by our assigned Arlington Lady and remembered she had said with much feeling, if there was anything she could ever do, to please contact her. This I did and she immediately volunteered to receive the ordered flowers and take them to the gravesite. We have just received photographs that she emailed to us and my heart is so full of appreciation for her kindness and going the extra mile.

The tradition of the Arlington Ladies goes back to 1948 when the then Air Force Chief of Staff and his wife were attending a funeral and they noticed that nearby, an airman was being laid to rest with just the chaplain and Honor Guard present. There were no family members. This touched Mrs. Vandenberg so much that she decided to organize a group of Air Force officer’s wives and each one would be assigned to a funeral, regardless of whether family members would be present or not. It did not make any difference what rank the individual held that was being honored. From private to general, all would be treated with the same respect. Following the Air Force group, other branches of the military began their own team of Ladies and to this day, every funeral for a veteran has the appropriate branch represented. Their mission is not to grieve but to honor. At the funeral of my parents, I was not even aware of our Navy Arlington Lady until after the ceremony was over and she introduced herself. They stand quietly and respectfully and always ready to be of assistance if needed.

In closing, on May 30th, please take a moment at 3:00 P.M. to remember...

Vintage quilt lovelies...

If you have ever visited Princeton, Illinois, you are familiar with its many unique gift and antique shops. While Mr. Outback prepared for the first skeet shoot of the season, I met my long time friend and former business partner for a day of catching up with each other, quilt talk and enjoying beautiful Spring weather filled with leisurely time to stroll around this historic town.

One of the antique shops we went into had a really nice selection of vintage quilts which were neatly displayed from racks and ladders. No, I did not purchase anything or was even tempted - it was just a pleasure to look...and perhaps store away a future color combination for some yet unknown project...

Just a little eye candy to start off your week...

Happy Stitching everyone!

Pat

Quilt tops...In review...

All of a sudden, completed quilt tops have piled up and it is decision time...none of them are doing any good just folded and staring at me saying...what’s next?

Starting with the oldest...my somewhat dubious effort at creating a “shabby chic” look a while back...should have gone with more contrast (and who knew the light blue polka dot was prone to fading early on.) I have such a fond spot in my heart for this special Canadian themed fabric which came out the year the Olympics were in Vancouver, BC.

Decision #1 - needing a good pressing and will use a medium weight fluffy bat and finish it off by tying with the soft off white yarn. A perfect little quilt for a cool summer night here in Wisconsin.

Then those 3 1/2” scrappy houses...finally, our new deck project will begin and hopefully by June, I can sit outside with a trash can and remove all the papers from the back...I can then layer this top with Warm & Natural and do some simple machine quilting.

Decision #2 - Oh, what to use for backing? Into the quilting cave I went and pulled out yet another little appliqued quilt top from the 1990’s - adding some vintage plaids or whatever I can find to make it the right size backing and call it done...a big house to back up the little ones...

The huge flannel quilt for Dave and Jena - scheduled with a long arm quilter nearby who will do this one and have it ready for Fall...

Decision #3 - saving up my pennies!

Puppies...our house has always had puppies...since 1966. This recently completed quilt top represents the 6 shelties that have ruled the roost and our hearts over the years. Puppies and newspapers and green grass just go together! Off to the long arm quilter it will go.

Pieced backing from leftovers and a colorful batik binding...will finish if off with tiny silver bone charms and button eyes...

Decision #4 - saving up more pennies!

Finally, the Brimfield Block quilt which now has a border (thanks to everyone who provided feedback!)

Decision #5 - have missed handquilting so will layer and baste and go for it.

Think I have covered all the possibilities on finishing a quilt top...feeling more organized and not so guilty knowing that pile was staring at me and saying...what next? That’s my plan...I need a bigger ironing board!

What’s next on your agenda???

Pat