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! 

Whirligig, nearly complete!

A little time available today to finish up my project and put it out in the yard.  A little breeze even gave it a slow spin.  I thought I was finished but after seeing the photos it definitely needs three more jello molds on the bottom ring to give it some visual weight. 

I'm rating it "not bad" for my first attempt and I'm excited about what the next one could be.  I have a box full of aluminum pans, utensils, and cups...add that to all the ideas in my head and it could turn out pretty cool.  We shall see!

It works!

Whirligig!

Such a beautiful sunny day, it seems spring might really have arrived.  I've had a project in the works for many, many months.  A whirligig for my garden.  I have collected two bins of metal objects (pan lids, cups, tea pots and more).  Most of the items have been acquired from Goodwill but then as usual word-of-mouth spreads and the next thing you know everyone getting ready for a garage sale has things to give you (great fun!! and cheaper too).  One of my bins filled with copper cups, jello molds, colander, and even a great serving dish (chafing dish?).  

So today the project got off the ground.  I could not have even begun without the help of my amazing talented husband.  We bought a galvanized pipe for a post and a bell fitting to attach a bicycle hub to the top of the post.  I found the bicycle wheel at the Cracked Pots sale (McMenamins Edgefield) in the Metro Recycle bin...free is a very good price.  Scott gave it a good cleaning and greasing, something a new hub probably wouldn't have required.  I think the designing, deciding which item goes where, might be the challenging part but we got a good start today and might be able to finish it up this week. 

I will definitely be posting pictures.  I can already picture it getting a lovely green patina and spinning in the gentle summer breeze.

Sewing with Nancy!

There is nothing like a 'play day' to revive ones spirit and energy. It had been quite some time and I was in dire need....Nancy to the rescue.  She found an awesome quilt on Pinterest that we could make together from our stash fabric.

So far I have twelve blocks finished.  Here are another sixteen blocks in progress....and below, I see at least two blocks I really don't like, maybe they'll live together in a different quilt.

Nancy posted a terrific tutorial on her blog for making the blocks.  I had a terrific day!

Desperately wants to PLAY!!!

Yep!  Nothing really to blog about.  Just been busy working and staying on task...except for this distraction called Pinterest.  So many fun things to see and inspirations to motivate the heart to create.  One day, soon I hope.