8/27/13

No News and Good News

Not much happening here at the Three Cats Ranch the past couple of days. It actually rained quite a bit yesterday and today, which made me very glad my tomatoes are in the greenhouse. It's a little early for summer to be coming to an end, but that's how we roll in the Pacific Northwest. In years gone by, the tomatoes would still be green, and it would start raining in dribs and drabs like this, and then the tomatoes wouldn't ripen, and then I would start gnashing my teeth, and first I'd be mad, and then I'd just be despondent over yet another year of a green tomato harvest. Thank goodness I don't have to go through THAT again, because honestly, I don't think I could take it.

Instead of gnashing my teeth, I spent the past couple of days sewing. It's that end-of-the month rush to try to knock things off of my to-do list.

"Oh, you say you want to sew? Ask me if I care. Go on, ask me."


Speaking of Smitty, look how much he's grown! He used to look like a peanut in this bed, but look at him now!


Yesterday, I made my second Wine Waiter for a housewarming we're going to attend on Saturday. This is a purchased pattern from Sew Happy Me, and they are such fun to make.


I used some leftover fabric from the True Hope quilt for this one. The lining is gray, and I always get such a kick out of the bow tie.


Also, I used the button foot for my new sewing machine to machine sew those buttons. Man, is that ever slick!

Then in yesterday's mail, I got the second month's kit for the Wind in the Whiskers BOM. That was a little disconcerting since I haven't even opened last month's kit. Oy. That one is next on my list. Next month's block is called "I Spy".


Aren't these fabrics pretty?


Then today, I finished up the top for the Wonky Houses wallhanging.


I still need to embroider the words "Home Sweet Home" and some X's and O's in the green strip at the bottom. Hopefully I can get that done fairly quickly because I want to be able to quilt this next week. I thought I might hand quilt it, but I've decided to machine quilt it instead. I'll get the binding sewn on by machine, and then I can finish it up while we're traveling next month.

Today I want to end by thanking all of you who voted for Gracie and Smitty's entry into the Pets on Quilt show. Their quilt, Love Me, Love My Cat won the best pet-themed quilt, and Smitty and Gracie were thrilled. I was happy too!

Also, I want to thank all of you for your sweet comments about the red ribbon I won at the Oregon State Fair. There were a lot of ribbons handed out, and so it isn't a monumental win...not like winning Houston or Paducah, anyway. But for someone who's never entered before and who has won not a single ribbon, winning anything at all is a huge thrill. It's made even more fun by having such great bloggy friends with whom to share the good news. Thank you.

So Mike is on his way home, and I need to get dinner started. Tomorrow my quilting buddy Pat and I are headed to the fair, and so I'll probably have some stuff to tell you tomorrow or the next day. Until then, have a good evening.



Oh yes, and don't forget!  The August NewFO Challenge Linky Party and giveaway goes live on Saturday! Are you ready?

12 comments:

Teresa in Music City said...

Congratulations to you, Smitty & Gracie on the win!!! I am going to be SO JEALOUS when you start making Wind in the Whiskers!!! It is going to take every ounce of my willpower to resist :*) That wine vest is just too darn stinkin' cute!!!

Diane Wild said...

Another win for Mama. Congrats. Who could resist that kitty quilt.

Vroomans' Quilts said...

I was thrilled for Smitty & Gracie when I saw the vote tally - congrats to 3CatRanch! Oh Smitty - you big boy - how adorable! And hope we get a photo of you /fair quilt/ribbon.

Sher S. said...

Looks like Smitty has a little attitude for you sewing. He needs to chill out in the bed. Boy!!! has he grown. You did fantastic on your cat quilt, love Gracie and Smitty. Enjoy the fair!!!! You did a fabulous job on your quilt.

Marei said...

You know we all want to see a pic of you standing next to your RIBBON WINNING quilt at the state fair, right???

WoolenSails said...

Smitty is such a ham and I think they prefer beds that are too small. Moki got into my sewing room while I was cleaning and kept trying to hide in any small spot he could, but I finally caught him.

Debbie

Brown Family said...

Congratulations on two wins!My husband saw the wind in the Whiskers and fell for it. I ordered the pattern and fabrics form Nancy's Notions. Should be here next week!

Smitty, we think you need a bigger bed!

quiltzyx said...

Whoa! Another win!!! Yay for Gracie & Smitty!

I do have something to post for this month's NewFO - not quilty, but something finished. :) Maybe even 2 somethings finished if I get pics done for the other one.

Tami C said...

Congratulations on winning Best of Show Pet Themed Quilt! I'm sure Smitty & Gracie are very proud too!

Dogwood Lane Rambles said...

The wine waiter is sure cute. I haven't had the nerve to try sewing a button on with my machine yet I keep imagining that broken needle flying off into the air! You used such small buttons for your first attempt too! You have so many quilt wins this week I hope it's a small lift to the spirit, you certainly deserve it. The kitties have been good quilting partners.

Kathy Felsted Usher said...

I knew you'd win! I love the next BOM, how pretty! Smitty has gotten so big, and so quickly.

Lynette said...

I'm so happy you got a ribbon for the quilt! :) Can't believe how cute the wine bottle jacket is - the button foot sounds delightful, for sure. I detest sewing buttons on! And Wind in the Whiskers is so prett. Love that siamese up on the bird feeder. hehe!