Chevron /Zig Zag Quilt

Meg, one of Keaton's sitters, wanted a quilt for her graduation from college. I told her I would attempt it if she found the directions. This is the result of her search and my sewing.

She found the quilt she wanted here.

(You have to scroll down to find it.)

The directions were for a quilt with finished measurements of 40in x 48in. That was a little smaller than our girl, Meg, wanted. So I had to use my head and do a little math but mostly I flew by the seat of my pants and made decisions as I went. The end result turned out well if I do say so myself. Listed below is what I ended up using to make Meg's beautiful quilt.

We started by selecting 8 different but coordinating or complimenting fabrics.

I'm not sure how much of each kind of material we bought. I'm learning that if I am asked how to make a quilt, that information could be useful. 

Next, the material was cut into 5 inch squares as listed below:

Fabric 1 (orange with white dots): 40 squares

Fabric 2 (orange): 32 squares

Fabric 3 (white with teal lines): 40 squares

Fabric 4 (teal blue solid): 16 squares

Fabric 5 (orange with blue design): 32 squares

Fabric 6 (navy): 16 squares

Fabric 7 (chevron pattern): 48 squares

Fabric 8 (green): 16 squares

Make sure to keep color/patterns separated. Next, you will pair them up in the  combinations below...

(from top of photo)

orange with white dots  and white with teal lines

white with teal lines and green

green and orange

orange and orange with blue design

orange with blue design and chevron

chevron and navy

navy and orange with dots

orange with dots and orange with blue design

orange with blue design and teal

teal and white with teal lines

white with teal lines and chevron

chevron and orange

orange and orange with dots

orange with dots and chevron

chevron and white with teal lines

Then take the first pair and place the right sides facing together. Use a pencil or fabric pen to draw a line from one corner diagonally to the opposite corner. Stitch 1/4 inch away on both sides of the line. Your pencil line should be sandwiched between two stitched lines.

Using scissors or a rotary cutter, cut along the pencil line. You should be left with two  pieces. Press the seams toward the darker of the two fabrics. You now have 2 half squares triangle blocks.  Repeat this process until all blocks are complete.

As you complete the blocks, you can start lying them out to make your zigzag pattern. (Notice one set of zigzag squares were sewn upside down in the quilt shown above creating a diamond instead of a zigzag. We decided we liked it enough to keep it that way. Feel free to make you own decision when you sew your quilt together.)

Once you have all your blocks laid out in order, begin assembling the quilt top. Using a quarter inch seam, first sew each block in a row together forming a long strip. Next sew the long strips together until your quilt top is complete.

Now you are ready to quilt your quilt using your method of choice.

To learn how to bind the quilt, I searched for directions on youtube.

Enjoy!!!!!

It's been a while...

It is hard to believe that it has been more than a year since I have written a blog post.
I have thought of checking out the blog several times but just never did. It didn't help that the lap top started having issues. I return to the blog tonight ton consider making a tutorial blog post. It would happen tonight as typing on the tablet isn't all that convenient.  Perhaps tomorrow I'll connect the keyboard and create a tutorial for making a zigzag chevron quilt. 

At Long Last

I know I haven't updated in some time. There have just been too many things going on that needed my attention I guess. I may have also lost some interest in blogging for awhile because I haven't been reading blogs much of late either.

Here I will attempt to fill you in with the quick or short version.

In August, as school started, we began to look for another place to live. We decided that a different house would be better for our family. It would be a safer environment for Keaton and less stress for the rest of us. With two sets of sliding glass doors which are very difficult to keep locked, Keaton got away from us very quickly. Basically he ran off in the neighborhood and we couldn't find him. I cannot describe the panic we felt. His safety was and is more important to use than any house. So we found a smaller place with a privacy fenced around the backyard. We moved in September. Had a new alarm system installed. The new version is much louder. It can be heard easily from just about anywhere in the house. The other house was bigger and the alarm was much more difficult to hear from all over the house.

Connor continued playing baseball into September. He practiced swimming and joined the Jr. Beta club at school. He continues to be on the academic team and loves it. He is one of the captains. He makes us so proud. Basketball season started. The holidays came and went as quickly as they do each year. We celebrated Connor's 11th birthday with a party here at home.

Keaton keeps growing! He is already as tall as I am. I know that may not be saying much but he is only 9 years old. He already weighs 130+ pounds. We've had to make adjustments to his medications. We've spent some sleepless nights up with him just because he wasn't ready to sleep. (Last night/this morning being one of them. That is part of the reason I have found the chance to blog.) After we moved, we suffered some bathroom issues but I think we have finally gotten that all back on track.

Rob experienced some very high blood pressure back in December. Scared us all with a trip or two to the ER. Thankfully, he has that all under control now.

In January, Rob and I went once again to Pigeon Forge with some friends. After eating well on the trip and feeling like I had gained five pounds, I decided to make a better effort to get the gym. I've been to a step class or two and have started going to a zumba class with a friend.

As for now, the beginning of February, basketball season is winding up. It hasn't been the most exciting of seasons. The team came close to winning only one game. I'm helping organize a 5K race as a fundraiser for my school and have started haveing montly swim board meetings for the summer swim team. Somehow I ended up being president. Oh well....it's just one more thing to do.

Until next time, (and hopefully it won't take as long as last time)

Summer Reading

I don't know if you've noticed or not, but I've done some reading this summer and discovered a new author or two to enjoy. I'm not the only one.......Connor has also discovered a new author and a new series of books this summer.

The Edge Chronicles written by Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell was a recommendation from the librarian. Connor had seen a kid at school reading it and thought he'd give it a try. Well, he can hardly put the books down. They have about 350-400 pages each. He is on book 5 in the series and we have already checked out the remaining books in the series from the library so that there will be no waiting when he finishes one and is ready for the next. The last book in the series is about 2 1/2 inch think and it isn't in large print. I am so proud of him and his love of reading. Hopefully all this reading will pay off with a big prize from the summer reading program. Only time will tell.

Until next time,
Live~Laugh~and Love

Places in Kentucky

Last Spring at the Southern Kentucky Book Fest, I picked up a copy of this book

Connor loved it and quickly decided on the one place he just HAD to visit this summer: THE LOUISVILLE SLUGGER MUSEUM.

It was almost the only thing he talked about the entire month of June. We finally made the trip last week with some good friends who aren't even real baseball fans. We ran into construction and made a wrong turn or two along the way but enjoyed our selves just the same.  

 Connor enjoyed the factory tour (NO PICTURE TAKING ALLOWED!)  and the museum tour of memorabilia and wax statues. He got to pose with some artifacts. What fun!!

 Jennifer really enjoyed the Norman Rockwell art display....once again NO PICTURES ALLOWED. Dylan couldn't wait to get a look at the Galvanized Glove. Here is a shot of the boys and the glove looking down from the 2nd floor. Pretty neat stuff.

 We also enjoyed the batting cages. I even took a turn. The attendant asked whether I wanted baseballs or softballs. Softballs. He then wanted to know if I wanted fast pitch or slow pitch. Slow pitch. He gave me a quizzical look. I might be showing my age, but when I played softball, we still played slow pitch. Considering it had been so looooooooong since I picked up a bat, I didn't do too terribly.

 I had such a good time in the cages, I was able to convince Jennifer to give it a try. HARD TO BELIEVE!! 

 The attendant gave her a few pointers and in she went. She even made contact and hit a few. Dylan would not be persuaded to give the cages a try. He just wasn't interested.

After a quick trip to the gift shop and a loooooooooooooong drive out of the way, we finally made it home. We had a good time and can cross the Slugger Museum off the list of 101 Places to visit in Kentucky.

Until next time,
Amy

Unlocking a New Favorite Author

My sister and her daughter have both been telling me for some time now that I needed to read Karen Kingsbury. They have raved and raved about her writing. I have looked for some of their recommendations at the library but haven't been lucky enough to find the first book in the series they recommended I start reading. Thankfully, my friend, Theresa, loaned me Unlocked. WOW!!! It is a great book. I haven't finished it but only like a few chapters. It is an awesome book about a boy with autism. It has made me realize how very blessed we are to be Keaton's parents.

If you're looking for another author to try, you can't go wrong with Karen Kingsbury!!!

Until next time,

Boys of Summer

After the regular baseball season ended, Rob and Connor had the opportunity to continue coaching and playing. Connor is a member of one of the all star teams. Rob is an assistant coach. This is really our first experience with tournament play. I don't count the one time last year he filled in on a team when they were short players. The coaches were able to get enough financial support that the team got some spiffy uniforms, matching helmets and bat bags. Pretty nice!!

 The team's first out of town tournament was last weekend. Thankfully it was close enough we could drive home between games. It was terribly HOT, but the boys had fun. Connor wouldn't admit it, but he was a bit nervous. They play again this week in town. Yeah!! Less driving.

 Up to bat.

 Ready to run.

Connor heading on home.

Let's play some baseball. Until next time....

Summer Goal Setting

I was catching up on some blog reading when I came across a terrific idea on this blog. So after breakfast this morning, I sat Connor down and we talked about setting goals for the rest of the summer. He decided on 4 goals to work on and we created a chart to keep track of his progress.

One goal I wanted Connor to add but did make the cut: Try a new food once a week. That isn't asking too much is it?

Until next tme,

Holiday World

Connor and I spent the day Sunday at Holiday World with some of our friends. He was so excited to finally get to go. As soon as we got there, Angie and I took Connor and Hallie on the Legend (a rollercoaster). I HATE rollercoasters, but I couldn't send him on it alone. I kept my eyes closed for the 60 mph ride on the wooden tracks. He absolutely loved it. We all had a terrific time. We rode rides, lounged in two different lazy rivers, went down water slides, played in the wave pool, had funnel cake and dippin dots, and enjoyed the day. Connor already wants to know when we can go back.

I'm a Newbie!!

I'm a Newbie about counponing, but I'm learning and I'm excited to be saving some money.

I met someone who suggested I check out this link. She was right. The Krazy Coupon Lady has lots of information and step-by-step directions for beginners like me.

I grabbed a binder and the Sunday paper and started clipping. I also printed some digital coupons. Connor and I headed out to Target tonight to make a return and these are the deals we were able to snag while there....

This is what I paid...

Snicker (6 fullsize bars) marked down...$2.58

Hershey's (6 pack) Reg...$3.19 w/coupon...$1.99

Nivea Men's Body Wash...Reg. $4.99 w/coupons...$0.99

Colgage....on sale $2.00 w/coupon....$1.25

Nexcare bandaides Reg. $1.68...w/coupon...$0.68

Maxcold ice pack (only thing NOT on sale or NO coupon)...$2.99

Total spent....$10.72

Yippee!!!

On the way home we stopped at JCPenny's. They have flat front or cargo shorts (Arizon or St. John's Bay) for men on sale. Reg. $35 on sale for $9.99!! We picked up 2 pair of shorts for Rob for $21.18. The shorts I returned at Target were $15.99. I don't know about you but I think 2 pair of shorts that are regularly $35 each for only $21.18 is a fantastic deal.

It's addictive. I can't wait to hit another store with my coupons to see how much I can save.

Until next time...

Finally Fishing Fun

About a month ago Connor got the "I want to go fishing fever". It was all he talked about, well almost all. On election day he and I drove to my dad's and then we headed to Dale Hollow Lake. Connor, my dad and my nephew headed out on the boat to do a little fishing. He had a wonderful time and caught 9 or 10 fish. Here he is with one of his big fish.

Fun in the Tub

This is Keaton. Here lately his most favorite thing in the world is to get in the tub. He loves the water. He loves to add bubbles.

Keaton added all the bath soap to make all these bubbles without us knowing it. (I think I was downstairs doing laundry when this happened.) He was a happy as a clam. Look at that smile!

We all had to take a look. Instead of getting made with his as happy as he was, we just snapped a few pictures. Connor had to get involved. He was laughing at Keaton. So Keaton got out and pushed Connor into the tub, clothes and all.

Now here is the kind of mess Keaton leaves behind when he plays in the tub. I had to share this picture. It just says it all.

We've had to start hiding the liquid soap because it just last long enough. Wonder why!! Keaton has discovered another way to entertain himself in the tub. He has been wearing his swim goggles and going under the water. I haven't been able to get a good enough picture of that to share. (You either only see the back of his head or you can see his behind.) In just a few more days, he can take his goggles to the pool and get his fill of water play. Hopefully then we will have less towels to wash. Until next time...

Leadership

Connor was invited to attend a Leadership Luncheon last week. His teacher selected him to represent his class. Yeah Connor!! He had to write a paragraph to read to those in attendance. There were many leaders from our community.

In this picture you can see Connor enjoying his lunch and his friends' company along with the president of the local university.

We sure do hope Connor continues to develop his leadership skills. We weren't able to attend the luncheon and didn't hear Connor present his paragraph, but we hear that he did a wonderful job and wasn't the least bit nervous.

He sure makes us proud.

Until next time....

Another Good Book

Well, I just finished another good book. Seems like I'm catching up on some long over due reading. Too bad the laundry is getting further and further behind. Oh well, only five more days of school for students. The week after that I have three work days and then I can look forward to spending the days with the boys. Maybe I'll squeeze in some house work then.

This was the first book I have ready by Linda Francis Lee and I wasn't disappointed. You should check it out.

Until next time....

A Note from the Teacher

I have chosen Connor to represent our class as the student that "lives" the 7 healthy habits. Congratulations to him and to you for raising such a fine young man.


That was the part of the email I received from Connor's teacher this afternoon. Isn't that great!!!! He has had an awesome 4th grade year. He makes us proud!!

A New Book

When I went to the Southern Ky Book Fest I picked up two books by new authors. I had NO intention of doing so when I went but as I was looking around there were so many tempting titles to try. I decided on this one after meeting the author and thought I'd give it a try. I've only gotten to the end of chapter 4, but so far so good. Give it a try and let me know what you think.

Until next time,

Sharp Lookin' Art

or should I say "art" with a Sharpie? Keaton beat us out the door this morning. Nothing new there. As soon as his clothes and shoes are on, he grabs his book bag and cuts a trail. When I finally got Connor and myself out the door this morning, this is what we found.

 This is the passenger side armrest:



and the back of the driver's seat.
 

WHY CAN'T I FIND A SHARPIE WHEN I WANT ONE?!?!?

You never know what we'll find around here.

Until next time,

Spring in Kentucky

It's spring in Kentucky and with the variety of weather comes state accountability testing!!! We have completed our third day of testing and tomorrow will finish the fourth. Next week we will test for three days and another two days the following week. Testing isn't supposed to be as hard on the teachers as it is the students but it really is. It's only 7:40 pm and I'm ready to call it a night. Oh well, it's part of my job.

Keaton had his first behavior observation this afternoon. Still not sure how I feel about it all. His doctor recommended behavior therapy in addition to the medications he takes. It took a while be we found an agency and finally got the ball rolling so to speak. One of the ladies is coming to the house for an observation next week. I'm not really comfortable with strangers coming into our home and just watching us. (or at least I'm sure that's how it will feel) In the end, if some of Keaton's behaviors can be better managed, it will be worth it. I hate to say it but some days I just wish things were normal.....but you know what? They are normal, at least normal for us.

One of My Favorites

One of my favorite authors.....Nicholas Sparks was in town for the annual book festival. My friend Pam and I set out early this morning and got ourselves at the front of the line to get tickets to his 11:00 session. We meet some new friends while waiting in line.

We thoroughly enjoyed his talk. He is a FANTASTIC entertainer in addition to being a FABULOUS author. He explained how he became an author and where he gets his story ideas. There was laughter as well as some teary eyes (from the audience, myself included).

Afterward, we stood in line and had him sign our books. There were so many people that he wasn't able to personalize the signatures, just his name and there were to be no pictures with him. We were free to take as many of him as we liked.

It was a great day. I'll share with you the other books I purchased and had signed later.

Until next time,