Sixty four!!!

Yesterday, sixty four blocks!  See, I've been working on them forever, keeping them counted so I knew how many I had to yet complete.  That number (needed) has been twelve for the longest time.  As I was piecing the blocks I decided to not look too closely at what I was putting together, and once the sixty four were complete I decided to NOT lay them out ahead of time.  So two at a time to make a V, then a W, then a WW....eight rows.  Next thing you know, done! 

Planning quilting time tomorrow.  Since Scott is painting a bike down in his shop I may need to don a heavy sweatshirt and open windows but I'm excited to see this project finished.

Whirlygig #4

This whirly is my absolute favorite so far.  It was also the easiest, sturdiest, cutest...and oh my it looks so great when it's spinning.  IF I make any more they will all be this whole wheel style, possibly horizontal, at least I'd like to try one that way.  These might even sell but at the very least, easy gifts.

Our sweet boy, Ratchet, turned one year old today.  Here I have proof that he will not only COME, but he will also SIT and STAY...at least long enough for me to snap a couple of pictures.  He is doing so great at staying in the yard, happy and content to dig holes, chew on sticks, chase birds, or nap in the sun.  I still wouldn't trust him without keeping a close eye on his adventures but we're getting there.

These two silly girls LOVE blueberries.  They know right where I keep them in the freezer drawer.  They also like to use a toothpick to pick them up.  So why do they have purple fingers?  Because they don't wait until they are thawed enough to use a toothpick and end up using their fingers.  I'm sure their mommy was thrilled with the stains on their white shirts (oops!)

Whirlygigs #2 and #3

My friend, Cindy, and I are getting ready to take a load of "stuff" to the Alpine St. Flea Market this coming weekend.  It didn't seem like the time would go so fast when I reserved our spot.  I thought "how long could it take to put together a half dozen whirlygigs?"...I have plenty of materials and quickly discovered that is not the biggest challenge.

The biggest challenge is my learning curve.  In the past two weekends I have learned to restore (grease and adjust) old bike hubs, drill multiple sized holes into all sorts of materials, tighten screws with nuts, use rivets, and use a chop saw.  Since I refused to try welding these projects would not have been possible without my dear husband's help.  I keep thinking there must be an easier way and I am determined to find it. 

A couple of observations: Fittings that screw directly to the bike hub (eliminating the need for welding).  Larger holes in the bike hub that don't need to be drilled out.  Mechanics gloves (for grip and overall less dirt on hands).  I really hate having dirty hands.

So a few more adjustments to these two and making maybe two more, before Saturday...wish me luck.

I love this guy!