Jun 27, 2011

Marvelous Monday Update 6/27/2011

WEATHER
Rain, hot temps, and humidity makes a great stew for stormy weather. Let's not forget the fires, tsunamis, tornadoes, and drought in other areas. I'd say Mother Nature is PMS'ing... but it seems more like Menopause to me. Hard to believe it's the end of June already. It was *just* the beginning of June. *sigh* It's officially summer... and what weird summer weather we're having. The weather this past weekend was really nice, though. Upper 70's/Lower 80's and no humidity. I could live with that kind of weather all year long!

SCHOOL
The instructor wasn't kidding when he informed us the midterm exam would be harder than the quizzes, or that we'd be utilizing the full 2.5 hour time allotment to take the exam! My heart sank as I took the exam -- I mean, seriously? I read all the chapters, studied all the power point presentations (twice!), and read all the "extra" (i.e. not required, but recommended) reading materials. And I still feel I didn't do so well. It sucks! Bummer!


DIY
In my last post, I hinted at a new project I started. My inspiration came from the awesome craft room Taffy's son built for her. No, I didn't build a new craft room. I did build a quilt hanger, though!

1 + 1 + 1

equals.....


And here's a close up:


I am really happy with how it turned out!

I couldn't have done it without my newest "toy". (OK, I could have but it wouldn't have been as easy.) It's not really all that new... I bought it back in December, but haven't used it until now.


It's a clamping work table that folds flat for easy storage. Pretty handy, eh?


FAMOUS LAST WORDS
Over a month ago, the BF noticed the knob for the light on the range hood twisted around "too far". He was afraid concerned that it might catch fire. I've been looking at new hoods, but wasn't quite ready to buy yet because the one I really liked was going to cost around $200.

"I just want to look behind here... oh yeah, the ground is broken... crap, I can't get the knob back on." Those are the last words I heard before having to make a trip to Menards to buy a new range hood/exhaust.

Oh, he tried to get the switch box out of the exhaust hood to fix it, but the thing just would not cooperate. I wish I could say this "incident" was unexpected, but it was. I had a feeling the hood was on borrowed time -- the thing was probably installed during the 1960's or 70's! See what I mean....


And so, I went from this:


To this:

The best part? It is the one I wanted
and it was ON SALE!!

The BF was kind enough to install it... and it only cost me 1/2 gallon of ice cream, LOL. Actually, he said he'd do it for free but I know how much he likes the IC!


STITCHY STUFF
I've been a lucky girl recently. I received two fantastic stitchy packages in the mail! The first one was from Christine. She RAK'd me with the August issue of Cross Stitch Gold, a Qsnap Huggie, and the neatest undersea life card.


As my fans, faithful readers, and curious bystanders may recall, I recently participated in a HOE snowman-themed exchange. Melissa from My Life in Stitches sent me the c-u-t-e-s-t snowman ornament.


As you can see... In keeping with the theme, she sent me a snowman notecard. She says the snowman ornie she made for me is a portion of the Winter Wonderland chart by Country Cottage Needleworks. I LOVE that chart!

I am still plugging away at the mailart piece. I'm almost done with the front motif. I am really liking how it's turning out. It's going to be another project that I'm going want to keep.

I signed up for another ornament round on HOE. This one is Lizzie Kate themed. It's not due to mailed out until August, but I wanted to get a head start. Sorry, no pics on this one either.

Blossom Splendor received a bit of attention as well. I've started the left side of the parasol. A little progress is better than none, right?

Other WIP pics can be seen HERE.


Until next time,

39 comments:

Anonymous said...

Meari, nice quilt hanger! You did a beautiful job on it!

Hugs,
Teresa

Debra said...

Love the quilt hanger and I bet you are happy displaying your beautiful stitching.
BF, I believe that would be boyfriend, not best friend. This is the first I read of this. Hope it works out well.

Emily in NC said...

The quilt hanger is great, am so impressed that you can be so handy with tools and all. Nice new stove hood as well, isn't it great when what you want is on sale

Sunshine said...

Love the quilt hanger!!!! I'll have to keep this in mind when I finish my afghan in maybe 2030...LOL! Love a sale, and to have BF install is a bonus!!!! Happy Stitching!!!!

Sue said...

You did a beautiful job on the quilt hanger Meari! You are definitely multi-talented! lol

Love all the stitchy gifts and exchanges.

Hugs,
Sue

Jennifer's life and goings on said...

I love the quilt hanger. Where did you get this? I have a quilt that I need to hang. The new stove looks very nice. I like it. The snowmen are so cute! Blossom is looking nice also.

Anonymous said...

Meari

I always look forward to reading your blog updates. I love your quilt hanger. It's perfect. The new oven hood looks very nice. Your stitching is beautiful as always.

Katie

Claudette497 said...

The quilt hanger is fantastic - it's perfect to showcase your stitching. Blossom is coming along, things will pick up when school's over.

Carol said...

You are so creative, Meari!! I really love your quilt hanger...

Sorry to hear that the test was so difficult--perhaps the professor will curve it and you'll come out with an "A" after all :)

Your new hood looks great--what an improvement. And your stitching is wonderful as always--those colors in Blossom Splendor are luscious!

Anonymous said...

It's always such a treat to read your posts!

I too had to replace my hood - yellow in color - yep a 70s color - it had been there THAT long. I also had to replace my stove at the same time - yep same color - lol. I am lucky enough to have a very handy son (who still lives with me) to do all the mechanicals (he even redid my half bath replacing EVERYTHING) - didn't even have to pay him in ice cream. Glad you have a BF that's willing and able to do that.

You're lady looks awesome and your quilt bar is beautiful!

PattyS

Shelley said...

The quilt hanger looks awesome!!! It is a beautiful accent to your wonderful stitching!!

Hope the test score is better than you feel it may be. I hate, hate, hate taking tests...study my butt off and I usually can't absorb the info long enough to answer the questions...

A BF? Please tell me more. You have not talked about a BF since you ditched the last bad apple.

The range hood looks great! On sale, even better.

Your exchange ornie is beautiful and so is your WIP.

Happy Monday!!

Anonymous said...

Meari,

Great update all the way around. The new hood is fantastic. Your stitching is beautiful and amazing as usual.

The quilt hanger is out of this world and so is the quilt you hung.

Tina

Kay said...

Blossom is coming along so beautifully! I love the goodies you got for the exchange, beautifully stitched. I have always wanted a quilt hanger to display some of my family's quilts, it looks nice. Good luck on the test you took I am sure you did good.

chrisstitches said...

Love the progress on Blossom, your exchanges & RAKs, lucky you, enjoy your summer.....
chris b

Vikki Gable said...

Love the quilt hanger, great job!

I didn't even realize you had a new BF lol

The hood looks great also. I have that snowman chart and also love that whole series. I think I have about 4 of them so far :)

valerie said...

Your quilt hanger came out awesome! Love the wood stain. Congrats on the new hood too!

So yea, curious people want to know. Best friend or boyfriend?

Gabi said...

I love your quilt hanger. I might ask you in some time how you made it.
Love all your stitching.
Great new hood. And I will cross fingers that your exam went well.
And who's that boy friend????

Akila said...

Very nice quilt hanger. The pattern goes well with the colour of the wood.
That's such a cute snowman indeed!! Congrats on receiving that one.
Blossom splendor's progressing soo well. I might just end up giving into the next gheisha pattern/kit I see after seeing this one ;)

Mary said...

I agree with Shelley about a little mention of the BF??? He better be good to you!!! Your new range hood looks awesome. I also like your quilt hanger. Very creative. I am enjoying your progress on Blossom Splendor. Very nice gifts too!

Happy Stitching!
Mary

Mouse said...

whey to go girl :) you did a fantastic job on the quit hanger :0 and new hood ;) brill :) and oooo stitching coming along and beautiful exchanges you got too :) take care and happy stitching :) love mouse xxx

Katrien said...

Fantastic job on the quilt-hanger! Beautiful exchange.
I'm crossing my fingers for good results on your test.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on your new hood/exhaust. I desperately need a new one also as mine is about 35 - 40 years old! Actually I need the whole kitchen to go with it - lol. Also congratulations on the quilt rack - you are so talented!! Your quilt is beautiful also!!!

Janet

SoCal Debbie said...

Your quilt hanger and quilt look fantastic! Lucky you that the range hood was on sale! I just ordered my first set of Q-Snap huggies from Christine too. How nice of her to RAK you!

Kate said...

Your afghan looks wonderful on the quilt hanger. Congratulations. You have received some wonderful RAKS. Blossom is looking good.

Anonymous said...

What a great idea for a quilt and some lovely RAKs, Blossom is looking great. Hope you pass your exam which I know you can do.

Marl

Veronica said...

I love, love, love your quilt hanger. It looks awesome! Lovely packages you got there. Have a great day!

Lyn said...

I love the projects you are working on! Also, the snowman ornie is a great gift! U like how your project with the quilt and wood dowels turned out. Your new hood for your range looks very nice!

Kathy said...

So glad things worked out with the range exhaust hood. And your quilt hanger is gorgeous. Well done. I do hope your exam turns out better than you expect. Keeping my fingers crossed for you. Love you stitchy gifts and your snowman ornament is adorable. :)

Nancy in IL said...

Great stitchy gifts you received, Meari! You're a very deserving young woman too!

Always love seeing Blossom.

The quilt hanger turned out beautifully. Very handy you are as well as stitchy! I akmire all you do.

The new range hood/exhaust is a great improvement, and I hope the relationship with BF is a good one for you!

Anonymous said...

Meari,

Thank you for sharing your week with us - you always manage to surprise me. Your quilt hanger is great - but the quilt is exquisite! Congrats on your new range hood - I hope it will last as long as the old one.
Keep up that school work - you're doing great! Your stitching is always wonderful!

Tara

CJ said...

Hi Meari -

Hope you and the BF have a great 4th together. WE are off to Dodge City for the weekend. YOur quilt hanger is fab. Do you plan to post a details on how you made it later? I would love to see it.

CJ

EvalinaMaria said...

All looks awesome! And do not worry about the exam, I'm sure you did just fine!

Nancy M said...

Love how you snuck in the BF thing! Love the hanger. Is the top piece precut?? I have a house cross stitch piece somewhere in the house. I need to find it and put it up. I obviously don't use it! LOL I'm sure next week, you'll post you aced the test. Love the new hood. When I redo the kitchen I'm going with a hood and not a microwave over the stove.

Berly said...

The quilt hanger's great and I love the new range hood!! Blossom is looking beautiful!

Anonymous said...

Meari

Your quilt hanger looks wonderful. I want that too :) I have never seen so beautiful hanger before, really great work

Tinna

Mary Ivancicts said...

I love the Quilt hanger!! You did a good job! Your stitching looks great. I love the fabric for Blossom Splendor!

Anonymous said...

Great job on your quilt hanger and neat new toy! Love your new range hood and the BF sounds like a keeper. Nice stitching and exchange. I am sure you did well on your midterm, fingers crossed.

Vickie said...

That quilt hanger looks fabulous!!! Congrats on the new hood...Love the stitching packages. Blossom splendor is looking good.

too_busy_to_stitch said...

Love the quilt hanger! Pleased to see that you received a lovely ornie in exchange - reading blogs on 'catch up' has advantages, as I can follow through better! BF? Hope things are working out :)