Patsy's Middle of NoWhere

Second wknd February 2012

2012-02-16T14:15:00.009-06:00

This group joined
Danica and Dayna and
these two friends
along with Lisa and
these two friends for a great weekend.

Snowmen AND a pin cushion. What a cutey !!
Great purse Jeanne
Sharon's great star.

Freebee quilt
Mini freebee quilt
Pattern "Fire Escape" by Atkinson Designs Love this
Love this color combo.
Part of a "Row Quilt" exchange.
How's that for tiny? What a beautiful accomplishment!

Love Kim's tumbling 9 patches.

A twister quilt. Start with the squares sewed together like below.

Patsy's Vacation Get Away

2012-02-06T13:32:00.007-06:00

So where does Patsy go, should she get a 'free weekend'? Well I signed up for BOW (Becoming Outdoor Women) A sort of winter adventure retreat 200 miles north of Hillpoint WI at Treehaven. It is associated with the Steven's Point University of Wisconsin. Near Tomahawk WI. Our very social hour - Sister Nancy, and daughter Stacy. Fun times in front of the fire.
My Dog Sledding group photo.
Our knowledgeable teachers Adam and Max. Two kinds of sleds.
This is me rounding a corner. Hawwwwww (that means turn left)
Our Ice Fishing team. Wendy and Barb were great.
See my whopper that I finally caught? Loved the pink jig ice fishing pole.
This is our Fish Cleaning class. We got to cook it different ways, different kinds of fish.
Getting down to the nitty gritty.
I got the pleasure of meeting my daughter half way at Treehaven for the fur class and rest of wknd. That was a real birthday gift for me. And my sister came too!
I knew those sewing skills would pay off. My pair of mittens, thumbs up.
Trying on Craig's handiwork. Yes it's skunk.
I got my mittens almost done. Cross Fox ( Silver Fox + Red Fox) from Alaska w/Elk skin palms.
Our wonderful teacher, Craig from South Dakota. Note his muc-lucs - he made. Yes, that is a beer in his hand. Our class ran long, and it cut into 'happy hour' so he went and brought us back all a beer. Craig use to raise sled dogs for the Ididerod in Alaska. He likes sewing better. I like Craig.

End of January 2012

2012-01-30T12:50:00.013-06:00

Love these girls. All of them. Notice their lovely SnowFlake Rings. :D

These were just amazing to look at. BOM

Another Bonnie Hunter quilt. Back of quilt on Rt.

Neat color wheel and fabric postcard

A Bonnie Hunter quilt pattern on left.

Batik's and black - yum

Janet's first applique on the right. BEAUTIFUL !

Marty said "If it ain't RED, leave it in the shed"

Inna brings a dress form and made lots of clothes this weekend. She says each was made under $10 !! I say fantastic. And they're all so cute on her.

Third wknd January 2012

2012-01-23T12:57:00.009-06:00

Thank you ladies for just a lovely weekend.

Cute purses + hand painted Quilty Valentines

Vintage inspired blocks on Left

Two strip quilts. Valor quilt on Right

Monsters hiding everywhere. Lift to find.

Apron from a kitchen towel

Young teen purses from upcycling jeans. Baby quilt w/ twisted 'fabric hooks' to hook toys on.

Quilt from Lois' clothes and then there's these mittens :D

Hand embroidering pillowcases

Ann B - our artist in residence.

January 2012 - Second Weekend Retreaters

2012-01-16T12:07:00.012-06:00

Thanks ladies for a wonderful weekend. You all are an amazingly talented group!

Retreat scrapbook and t shirt quilt

These were stunning. And the quilting was terrific. Nice job Maureen!

Dear Jane blocks

American girl doll pillow and some great scrapbooking.

Handmade cards

Santa covering a Poster tube

Basket liner and T-shirt quilt

Retreat off and Running January 2012

2012-01-08T18:34:00.006-06:00

I had the pleasure to join this group this weekend. Wonderful soothing weekend. Thanks ladies.
Lizz has an amazing gift to bring life to fabric bits of this 'n that.
Going to the Insect Ball.

Flip and fold the Seasons....

Dye Candy mini's and Kat in her new boots 'n cuffs

3 Vintage Quilts from Diane + Kat's family

Dimensional Quilt - from this to the bird house.

Caught in the act.
This guy and his sister emptied out the feeder Saturday night.

Knitting with Turkey basters.

Glenace's brothers all stopped by to see her. (She is originally from this area)

Happy New Year

2011-12-28T15:48:00.004-06:00

This is where I spent Christmas. Out in the cabin with my family.
IN the midst of gift giving.
I hope you all got what you wanted for Christmas, just like Juice did. Have a Happy New Year!

Last wknd for 2011

2011-12-20T08:01:00.012-06:00

THANKS Ladies - I had a blast finishing the year with you all. Merry Christmas!

Snow in November, then Hunting Holiday

2011-12-11T05:21:00.003-06:00

I have to give some ink to the Hunters that stay at the retreat for two weeks. This is my oldest son who shot this already wounded buck. Unfortunately the meat was bad and he didn't even get a burger out of it.
This is what we had on November 8th. Most of it was gone in a day or two. Wish I'd have taken more staged pics for Christmas.

Hand scrub

2011-12-08T19:42:00.004-06:00

For a couple of the past retreats, my sister made this awesome hand scrub from a few ingredients and we've had a number of requests for it.

Here it is:

2 Tablespoons Sugar
1 Tablespoon Coarse Salt
1 Tablespoon Massage Oil - she used Almond scented
2 Tablespoons Vegetable Glycerin

**Can use Olive oil instead of Massage oil in a pinch
The brand is Almond Glow Lotion by Home Health - bought at Whole Foods or similar store

November weekend - I sew too!

2011-12-06T18:28:00.005-06:00

What a fun weekend with this small group!

Thanks Jane for the help on making the zipper bags.

Kay does cute baskets too! What talent.

Nov retreat - I'm behind posting

2011-12-06T12:20:00.012-06:00

Thanks Ladies for a great November retreat. Sorry this took so long to get posted.

Guild Christmas Party

2011-12-06T09:38:00.005-06:00

Our guild started a Row Quilt Round Robin many months back and had the Reveal last night at our Christmas Party. What fun! These are the six who participated.

Marcella started her row quilt with tree and star embroidery row.
Judy started her row quilt with the sheep row.
Susan started hers with the dark panel on top, later bordered by myself.
Cindy's top for her sewing room. Cindy made the appliqued basket on light fabric.
Linda's cute brown + pink top. She made the 2nd row wonky squares row.
Patsy's table runner for the retreat. She began with the middle block.
Judy taught us to make these cute little stars out of three strips of fabric.

Ode to Fall 2011

2011-11-17T12:18:00.006-06:00

Just in case you don't make it to the Homestead in the Fall, here is what greets you.
Parking available by the door.

Girls Night Out
Last dreams left on the porch.......

My $2 painting is a bit winter, but had lots of Fall colors in it.

Flatware Jack made by Cheryl and Ann - stem made from silverware bent.

Oh, I will miss you Fall. You have already given way to the flakes of Winter. Though there are little remnants remaining, we know that Winter is saving up for more white stuff. I am waiting.

Last wknd October 2011

2011-11-17T08:15:00.010-06:00

Thanks ladies for a great "Halloween" and garage sale too.

Sorry 'bout the bad picture but had to show your stuff

Third wk October

2011-11-17T05:29:00.011-06:00

Crochet - not knitting

Xmas tree skirt and mantel scarf

Hey Mickey -you're so fine.....hey Mickey, Hey Mickey

I will be making some of these.

2nd wknd October 2011

2011-10-25T13:48:00.010-05:00

Thank you ladies ! From Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois
Bathroom decor
Thanks to Annie and Cheryl of Oshkosh for the flatware Jack
Outdoor welcome - goat cart

Karen's adorable witch

Minkee lined slippers w/grippers on the sole.

First wnd October 2011 Retreat

2011-10-25T11:12:00.009-05:00

Thanks ladies !
The weather was so nice, we had chair massages outside ~ nice.
This group is big on birding too. I saw these Whooping Cranes the week they were coming.

Catherine working on charity gifts.

Judy on the right, designed a Kindle cover w/glasses pocket. Patterns for sale at the retreat.

2011-10-12T12:03:00.010-05:00

Thanks ladies for a great weekend.

Sept weekend together

2011-10-05T16:34:00.010-05:00

Love these vintage looking embroidery snowman.

A purple featherweight. I could easily be converted to liking a more mod color.

Sept weekend

2011-09-23T13:31:00.007-05:00

THANKS ladies for a great weekend.
Diana - we are SO GLAD you are doing good!

Peter, Herman, Up North, Kids

2011-09-22T13:33:00.006-05:00

My trip "Up North" a couple weeks ago.
My sister beach glass and rock hunting.

Just beautiful beaches near Washburn, Wisconsin.

Rock hunting for the elusive Lake Superior agates.
What ever you pick up on the beach below, we had to carry it up the 'cliff' about 20 feet high.
I collected about 30 lbs of beautiful rocks. No agates though. They will go in my water fountain.

Ok, So I never married him, but 40 years later, I did get to see him. Peter Noone and Davy Jones' posters were on my teenage walls. How about you?
Yes, I was in the second row, front and center ! My sister, and son Brady attended the Big Top Chautauqua near Bayfield Wisconsin with me. Big circus tent with church pews for seats. Love it! Small venue at the bottom of a ski hill. Nice cabin for the band to stay in. Bet they love it. Peter Noone was very funny chatting about getting old and the fun things that happened to them trying to find the place. They came from twin cities in Minn. This show is truly in the Middle of No Where. The next night (different show) was to be the closing show. Guy at the gate tent said it took 4 days to take down the stage and tent.

Had a great time visiting my daughter and son. And showing my sister why Ashland is such a great place to live. Love it up there.

Labor Day wknd Family

2011-09-20T07:33:00.004-05:00

My Sister Betty and George drove out from Washington state.
Mud for the weekend. Everywhere !
Mosaic project.
The Schuette Shoot out. Son Cody nearest.
Cowboy Breakfast warming on the grid.
My Mom came out to join us.
Beautiful walking paths where a crazy deer came down to see us.

Boondocking next to a cornfield. Lesson learned this time? Empty the black tank BEFORE you take it on your next trip. (septic was full) Another lesson: If it is thundering and lightening, maybe the 25 foot metal flag pole attached to the metal camper is a bad idea. Every time I learn something. :D
The new space now has a name - Schuette Grove. I am sure this place will hold great memories for lots of our family. It was the third year we gathered but the space was expanded upon greatly. Thanks to Ken, Donna + Jerry and many others that helped clear brush, mow, haul brush, cut wood. It will only get better. Good times family.

End of August

2011-09-02T07:52:00.015-05:00

Thank you ladies for coming and being independent. I feel like I left my kids with a babysitter for the first time. Geeeesh. I gotta get out more. ( I was camping 3 miles away)

A Mary Jane Bakeover - first time trying in a pudgy pie maker. It worked fabulous! Patsy's meal at the camp site the same wknd the girls above were retreating. Fun was had by all.

This mighty camper who brought wayyyyyyy toooooo much stuff.

Meanwhile, back at the retreat...........

Angel made with the embroidery feature on her sewing machine.

Patsy, Nancy, and Susan were camping nearby and made lanyards + key fobs on their featherweights on the picnic tables at the campground.

Fabric Sale near Quilt Expo

2011-08-31T15:01:00.002-05:00

FABRIC LIQUIDATION SALE by Jan Kolb - Same time as Quilt Expo - just 3 miles away.

Huge amount of quality cotton fabric $4 - $5 per yard Mostly bought at JJ Stitches + Stitchers Xing in Madison WI Kits are 30% - 50 % off

When: Thursday, September 8th from 7am - 7pm
Friday, September 9th from 7am - 7pm
Saturday, September 10th from 7am - 1pm

Directions:

From Hwy 12/18 (Beltline Hwy)
Take Hwy 51/StoughtonRd Exit and go South towards McFarland (2.3 miles)
Take a Left onto Farwell St/ Cty Hwy MN (0.3 miles)
Take a Right onto Burma Rd (0.1 miles)
American Legion is on the Left

BOW Weekend Vacation for ME

2011-08-29T09:15:00.005-05:00

Ahhhhhhhh. THIS is GOD's Country !! A wonderful retreat for ME !! We drove 4 hours for my 'Up North'.
This woman is responsible for BOW (Becoming Outdoor Women). Christine Thomas started this program 20 yrs ago in Treehaven (Tomahawk WI) and now 40 states and some in Canada and New Zealand all have them too. She is the Dean at the Stevens Point UW now, returning for the 20th Reunion Year of BOW. Glad I was a part of it. Loved it!!
Here is our Fly Fishing class fresh out of the river. Teachers on on far right ends of both rows.
Nancy Rose one instructor was a hoot. She had to curb her language for our class due to filming by a television crew all day. We each received a string of pearls for 'graduating'.
My chain saw class with instructor on back left. He was a professional logger and was very patient with all of us. He claimed he loved teaching women because they listened to him. Men usually come with bad sawing habits and do it 'their way'. :D
The dorm room where we stayed. We had our own in room bathroom. Nice
Me in my gun safety class taught here by Diane. A lecturer at Stevens Point University of WI.
A cord wood garden shed w/ occasional wine bottles in mortar. (potting shed)
One of many chipmunks outside. They get quite close to humans almost running through your legs.

2011-08-15T13:39:00.011-05:00

I met these Iowa ladies at a longarm convention many years before the Retreat. Nice to see them again!

Thanks Ladies for coming to the Retreat this weekend - It was Grand!

Jewelry by Rachel. See the spiral corkscrew pendants on top? Cool eh?
Fractured Sun. Each panel is cut and sewed vertically, then horizontally.

August Group 1st weekend

2011-08-12T13:30:00.009-05:00

This adorable bag goes on the handlebars of a bike. Cool!

These are finished 1 1/4" tumblers totaling 4,623 !

I made this ClothesPin bag for Marie - who worked here for a year. Her wedding was this past Wednesday. It was the first Amish ceremony that I went to. Interesting. I didn't understand a single word. Fun reception at the bride's house. Wonderful food, great company. Relatives got to stay at the retreat from far away as Pennsylvania, Ohio, Missouri, Indiana.

End of July Group

2011-08-09T06:49:00.009-05:00

Thanks to all these lovely ladies, Grandmas, Moms, Daughters, Grand daughters, Sisters

Amish Outfits for Sale

2011-08-08T16:16:00.005-05:00

A view of the front of the dress with apron and bonnet. Barefoot - just like they run around all summer.
A view of the back of the dress. Bonnet is starched to keep it's shape.
This is the complete outfit - Dress, apron, hairnet, hair pins. Bonnet comes too but not pictured here. They are sewn on a treadle machine by the local Amish girls. The money goes directly back to them. Some of the girls sew the hats, some sew the dresses. They are busy with their daily chores at home so these are sewn as their schedule allows.
First you rubber band a pony tail high in back, then twist the tail. Then stretch the hairnet over the bun, twist it into a 'figure 8' cover bun again, twist into another 'figure 8' and cover bun. Using the 'U shaped pins, secure bun at base pushing into doll's hair, not her head. :D
So if you would like to order an Amish Outfit $25 + $5 shipping. Let Patsy know and I will put you on the order list. They will be sold in order of the list. These fit the American Girl dolls.
Aren't they just sweet and innocent?

6th Sisters Weekend 2011

2011-07-26T13:18:00.015-05:00

The 2011 group of Sisters who had lots of fun this weekend.
Hough Sisters
McCauley Sisters
Carson Sisters
Nancy + I did Avacado facial masks for a 'treat'.

The Hankemeier Sisters + Carla is our Sister in law

Kelly Sisters
All RED heads - some not related.

A vintage top I readied for quilting.
Angels for charity

Cover up insignia with fabric circle on shopping bags
A wedding gift for my cook - clothespin bag made out of a dresser scarf
Who's HOT ?

Sister stain

scrapping it up and sewing too
angels for a great cause - alzheimers
a park bench home'stead' person
Cindy K's quilt backing
Celebration about a tough road with a ragged cake

July 15th weekend 2011

2011-07-20T11:08:00.008-05:00

thanks ladies for a wonderful weekend. And thanks for cheering on the Harley D riders.

The Harley Davidson bikes had their fundraiser for MDS this weekend and rode past on Hwy G. Over 600 bikes went past.
The spotter at our intersection said they raised $100,000 this year !! Way to go! That's a lot of rumble!

Hot today

2011-07-19T15:52:00.002-05:00

Today is a Anti Monkey Butt day !!

July 8th weekend

2011-07-13T17:34:00.013-05:00

It was great hosting you girls! Thanks so much for coming again.
Show n Tell was wowsa!

Hand quilting in progress

Sisters on the Fly Midwest Meet Up

2011-06-29T10:40:00.007-05:00

Thanks to all these gals, we had a great time glamping this weekend.

Poke it with a stick.
Laura, our co-wrangler for this SOTF meet up.
My flag marking my territory.
Patsy's Shiny Airstream Bubble
Arlene (member #12) heading back home. Love her trailer!

Debbie and her new trailer on it's first voyage.

Two places at One time

2011-06-27T14:40:00.004-05:00

Ann is driving Cheryl - Hang ON !!

I didn't get everyone's pic that was here this weekend and didn't have an official show n tell so this is what I have. Enjoy.

I was camping also this weekend just 3 miles away at White Mound. Pics in next blog.

Mellow JULY weekend

2011-06-22T16:00:00.009-05:00

Thank you ladies for a wonderfully relaxing weekend. I even got to sew a bit with everyone.

Cute shirt you made, Dayna

The Quilting Bee - patterns coming soon by Lizz

Bird house opens to cat above :D

Photo cube

This on Left opens up to the dragon on the Rt

June Retreaters in the Heat

2011-06-08T12:38:00.008-05:00

It was a HOT weekend with temps into the mid 90's so much time was spent inside.

End of May Group

2011-06-02T13:24:00.011-05:00

After seeing the foo foo on the top of this chicken pin cushion - I have to add this to all of mine.

A row quilt above.

A soft journal cover and phone/ipod case

Remember those who gave it all

2011-05-30T09:31:00.004-05:00

I'd like everyone to thank a veteran by saying a prayer or just thinking about what OUR freedom feels like. Or what it would be like without it. We get to quilt and shop and probably never look over our shoulders when we come out of our houses. We are so lucky.

I sometimes feel ashamed of all the complaining we do of our leaders and our Veterans. Yes they do things we all don't agree with, but take pause and think what worries women from other countries feel. I am glad to be an American all the time. Thank you for our freedom.
I wish everyone a great Memorial Day today. Remember those who went before us and are still protecting us today.
(Badger Honor flight takes WWII Veterans to Washington DC to the memorials and see the sites. The numbers are dwindling every day. The Veterans are taken there free of charge thanks to donations. Guardian/volunteers may assist but they pay their own way)
A Wisconsin group I helped fund.
I think most other states have their own Honor Flight Programs as well. I think, a great organization.

May Retreats

2011-05-24T10:57:00.014-05:00

Up to Lately

2011-05-19T17:26:00.005-05:00

OK, so I place a harmless little ad that I'd like a small vintage camper. Yes, I already have one and I still have plans for the Shiny Bubble. . . but after towing home my sister's little camper , well, I just fell in love with the lighter weight campers. And what's not to love about a Shasta with wings? It is a 1958 Shasta AirFlyte. She needs some work, but I like that.

The old theme was a diner. Mine will be something else. Just not sure what, yet.
It's official. I now am a card carrying member SISTER number 1897 for Sisters on the Fly !
The bed / couch is in the down position. Yellow hammocks above are grandkid spots. I'll put it away for awhile.
She has all the original paint for now. She pulls like a dream down the road. Light weight
Look how I drove that tire right up on those boards! I can do this!
I call it Garden Art! I positioned it into this tiny spot all by myself. First try.

Look what came a day early vvvVvvvvVvvvvVvvvvvvv
THEY ARRIVED - 20 little chicks (5 different varieties) I be babysitting for awhile
I have them in my outside baby buggy. Soooo Cute !!