Stitching Sunday

I did work on the basket this past week. I did part of the top edge of the basket. I am hoping this next week to have the top edge and the outline of the basket finished.

I did finish (almost) this top from an OLD, 2003, UFO. After taking the photo I realized that the left border is pieced wrong. I will be taking that off, fixing it and putting it back on this week.

Pole Fitness Class

I finished my Pole Fitness class series this past Wednesday. I have been asked many questions about it. MANY QUESTIONS. I hope to share my experience and answer some questions. If you have a question PLEASE comment and I will do my best to answer it.

First, I took an introductory class at Venus Pole Fitness in Modesto for the first time last June. That first class was taught by Diane the owner. She was amazing! Her and her sister own two studios, Diane in Modesto and the sister is in Turlock. Both studios offer traditional fitness classes as well as pole classes. The was an hour and fifteen minute class and my legs were shaking when I was leaving. After leaving the class I thought "Not bad I would like to do it again." Then I woke up the next morning. I hurt (Muscle Sore) is places I didn't even know I had muscles. It lasted a few days. I wanted to go back! This was the FUNNEST workout I have ever done.

I signed up for Pole 101, a 5 week class for beginners only. Leslie was our teacher this time and was tons of fun. I learned so much from her. Again our classes were an hour and fifteen minutes every Wednesday night for the 5 weeks.

The first week you learn to walk, squats, hip stuff and how to slide down the pole. This has been the most demanding workout I have ever done, Billy Banks has nothing on these girls. By week 3 you are in 5 to 6 inch heels doing everything! Week 3 you also learn the first spin. Week 4 is more spins and sitting on the pole. Finally Week 5 a few more spins and climbing the pole!

Now it doesn't sound too bad right. Now during this EACH time we either worked on butts or abs. We did squats for 4 minutes, in 6 inch heels, to the beat of a song and if that wasn't enough a few times we would do a squat and hole for a count of 20! Abs wasn't so bad. I had to rest during that, I was having discomfort from surgery at times.

BEFORE you say I could NEVER DO THAT, a few more things. My class ranged in age from 23 with dance experience to 54 going on her third marriage. Also I was 20 days post surgery on my stomach AND 3 hours after having my stitches taken out. The first 2 weeks I was gentle about what I did laying on my stomach but that was it. Still by Week 5 I had internal discomfort but I knew to pay attention and rest when I needed to.

Some of the draw back is the bruising, pole burn and missing skin. I have VERY bad knees. This is not the best exercise for them but its wasn't bad for them. I protected them as best I could. My knees are bruised and beat up but I did not need to ice them or take pain pills. The pole burn goes away in a day or two.

These are my shoes and they are 6 inch stilettos. They do sell various shoes at the studio and even have a catalog you can look through to order out of. Their shoes are $45 to $55 a pair. I found my online for $40.

I would love to take more classes. There are only 2 things holding me up at this time. The first is the studio is about an hour from my house. The second is with Scott gone I don't always have the child care to keep taking classes.

At this time I don't have a pole in my house. I am thinking about the X Pole. It is not permanently installed and no ladder needed to put up or take down. Plus comes with a storage/travel bag.

Stitching Sunday

I am going to be forced into doing more handwork. Daphne is becoming more mobile and I have to be watching her more. She likes to pick up the smallest thing she can find and eat it. Which means less machine time.

So I started "Old Glory" by Crabapple Hill Studios last spring. I don't work on it much. So I decided that if I have to sit and supervise Daphne I will work on this until it is done. I will post a picture each Sunday so you all can see if I make progress.



I have tons of handwork in progress so maybe this will help me get some of it done.

Flag Quilt

I am loving this quilt. It is Stars N' Stripes by Glory Daze Pattern Co. The pattern is for a wall hanging and uses 2 1/2" squares, this is BIG and uses 4 1/2" squares. This one is about 48" by 86" Either size is just over 300 squares. If you are local Sandra Newcomb is teaching this at Ladybug. GO sign up.

I would like to make this again. It isn't very hard. I do recommend using fat quarters, lights and darks nothing that could be a medium, and cutting extra of each color. I had 2 colors that just didn't work for me so I had to use my extras.

I have been thinking...

I have been thinking lately that I would like to make a few quilts for Quilt of Valour. I know I don't have the time though. Would anyone one be interested in helping me? My thought is making Red and Blue 9 patches out of 2 1/2" squares. I would then sash and border in white. I would need 70 6 1/2" 9 patches to make a quilt big enough.

So are any of you game to help me out? If so leave a comment with your e-mail address and I will send you my snail mail address.

I'm Doing Something Right

Today we headed to Trinity Park to do some shopping. JoAnn's was our last stop. As we are at the back of the store looking for a fabric for borders on a quilt, a girl looking at fat quarters asks "Do you make Quilts?" I told her yes. She asked for some help, she was making her first quilt. He and her boyfriend we moving in together next week. I answered her questions and we both went back to our shopping.

Delaney came up to me once we were done talking and said "Mom we're not supposed to talk to strangers." WOW something is getting through that thick head of her's. Now if she would listen when I say clean up the toys.