Professor Paint

Today I stopped by Lowe's to buy paint to match my new siding. I've decided to paint the front door the same color as the new contrast siding. Lowe's (and probably others) have a great computer program that you can put any color swatch up to and it will make paint the same color. It's really cool and being excited to get the paint, I had a swatch in hand. What I wasn't expecting was to get a lecture about how it's too cold to paint! So, am I not allowed to buy paint before it's warm enough to paint outside? Weirdo lady... some people like to plan ahead! Speaking of which, I will need just a little primer so those of you who have some, don't throw away your cans with just a little dab cuz that's just what I need. :)

New Contrast Siding: Before & After

One of the best things about our new window job is the new decorative siding. We used to have wood paneling that had become old and warped. One piece even jumped off and ran away! These fellows at Norton's Quality Exteriors sure know their stuff. I watched them re-do finishes and trim placement because it wasn't perfect enough. Look how gorgeous the house is now!

New Windows: Before and After

It's been a long time coming but today we got our new windows. We just did the main house (not the addition/garage) so that was 10 windows total. It's so freaky to go into a room and be able to see out the window. Especially in the upstairs bathroom. It's wonderful in the living room which is featured here. Can you see how crystal clear the view is now?

Americana Double Pinwheel Quilt

Grandma started this quilt some time ago. She's given me quite a number of quilts to finish. There were four double pinwheel blocks finished for this one and she'd planned to put them with some football blocks for a U of U quilt. To me, the two just didn't go together. I've given the football blocks to Sonia to make something for one of her avid football loving nephews. I made 8 more double pinwheel blocks and then took Sonia shopping with me for material for the sashings and borders. It cost a lot but I had the time to finish it with James and dad off snow caving. The top is all done now and looks great. Now on to the Tutti Frutti dresses and then to finish my Jacob's ladder quilt. (Sonia said I should add a picture so here it is. It's not a real good photo as light is behind it but you do get the idea. It will be bound with the blue border material.)

Tutti Frutti Dresses

Last Wednesday I stopped at Shopko. Right inside the door was a display of new dresses for toddlers. One really caught my eye. It was so cute and reminded me of Sami. I was so tempted to buy it but it was too expensive, even on sale. I couldn't get the dress out of my mind so Friday I went and bought material to make it. The material of the dress at Shopko was big splashy flowers so that is what I was looking for until I found the gobs of Tutti Frutti material at Joann's. I was able to get a different color for each of Hillary's girls with two colors left over. Guess Hillary will have to have two more girls!! (Is that a Packer curse or what!)