Camp Gramma

Lottery ticket?

2012-02-09T19:57:00.000-06:00

Maybe I should go buy a lottery ticket! I have actually won two wonderful prizes in blogland in the past few weeks...wow!

Today, I recieved this adorable Halloween Jacks pattern from Melanie Pinney. She designed this darling candle mat and you can get your own copy from American Pie Patterns. Don't you love the candy corn eyes on the yellow pumpkins? I cannot wait to get started on this one....need to go shopping for some lime green wool. Thanks so much Melanie!

And today I learned that I won Lori's fabric giveaway for the Pink Lemonade quilt along. Some yummy pink and yellow fabrics are coming my way...thanks Lori! I am sure I will have fun putting these into a new project!

Pink Lemonade finished!

2012-02-06T09:12:00.000-06:00

My little Pink Lemonade quilt is finished! Check out Lori's blog to see all the wonderful quilts that everyone has made in this quilt along. This time of year is perfect for a project like this...thanks so much Lori!

Churn dashes and nine patches...oh my!

2012-01-30T11:32:00.000-06:00

All In a Row

Now that I have the floors swept and mopped, I can play in my sewing room! This is a quilt I started at a quilt retreat last fall, it is from Kim Diehl's book "Simple Comforts". I believe I am a Jo Morton fabric addict, can't help it! Love all fabric that is reproduction! Hopefully, I will get all 25 blocks made, then run to the Quilters Station and find some fabric for the sashing and the border.

Last year, I started keeping a "journal of encouragement"...for myself. Some days are just harder than others...can't figure it out. Must be the darn hormones!!! So I will leave you with this...just in case there is a day that just doesn't feel "right" for no good reason at all.

Wake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for another day of loving.

~Kahil Gibran

Pink Lemonade...ready to quilt!

2012-01-25T18:43:00.000-06:00

Woo Hoo! My Pink Lemonade quilt is sewn together

and ready to quilt!!!

Shall I machine quilt it or hand quilt it....the jury is out on that one.

I found this on Pintrest today...I struggle with the "blues",

thought it might help some of you that do as well.

Any time spent quilting can usually lift my "blue" moments...

what about you?

Baskets and Petals

2012-01-24T19:46:00.000-06:00

This weekend, I finished this shop model for The Rabbits Lair. Cheri Payne designed this quilt, Baskets and Petals. The little baskets are pieced with applique flowers added. It is the quilt featured on the cover of the spring issue of Primitive Quilts and Projects magazine. This will be offered in kits through The Rabbits Lair, and the magazine should be out any day. I love this magazine, don't you? Just wish I had the time to make more of the projects!

Sewing Lessons

2012-01-18T16:10:00.000-06:00

On Monday, my 7 year old grand-daughter came over and we had our first sewing lesson. We made a cute little pillow. Jordyn fussy cut the dogs and cats out of the fabric, and practiced some hand sewing, as well as machine sewing to attach the pillow. Her favorite stitch on the machine is the zig-zag stitch. It is a bare-bones machine, but great for a child to learn on. No matter how hard they put the foot pedal down, it will only go one speed! Jordyn decided she really liked sewing, and was very proud of her first project. I have a feeling there are more to come!

Aren't grandkids great fun?

Block Party with Lynda

2012-01-14T15:07:00.000-06:00

There are so many wonderful projects out there in Blogland...and this is one of them. Lynda at Primitive Pieces is sponsoring a Block Party project for Quilts for a Cause. The blocks will be set together into quilts that will be sewn together, quilted and auctioned off with proceeds going towards helping find a cure for cancer. Each block is dedicated and signed...this is my first block. It is dedicated to my first husband who died at the age of 49 from renal cell cancer. I made a list of others that I could make a block to honor, and while it was rather long....the good thing is that I know more people that are in the battle and surviving. Thanks, Lynda for sponsoring this!

Another fun project going on at Humble Quilts....a quilt along! Lori is guiding us along as we make an adorable little quilt appropriately named Pink Lemonade. Go check it out! Today I am hoping to get my blocks cut out and sewn before the next installment comes along. As you can see, Max is supervising or getting ready for her afternoon nap.

Lori always comes up with wonderful little quilts for us to make, are any of you joining in?

Catching up

2012-01-05T19:59:00.000-06:00

Out in blogland, lots of Civil War quilts are being finished. They are wonderful to look at...I admire those of you that have been able to keep up. I am still sewing away, and I do have more than half the blocks done.

And since I do not have a recent "finish" to show, I will show you some oldies but goodies. This is the corner of my living room...my reading chair. I love this tall ladder I found in Canton, Texas at the flea market..it had to come home with me to hang quilts on! Fortunately, my ceiling is tall enough!

Better get back to sewing, maybe I will get a little handwork done before bedtime.

Oh my!

2011-12-29T20:15:00.000-06:00

My Santa knows what I like...looks like chocolate diet for awhile! Can you believe they actually make a one pound Snickers bar????

My poor neglected blog! Do I have any excuses? A few.....time, and some horrible issues with fatigue. It seems like I had to make the most of what spare time I had to get the things that HAD to be done before the fatigue would crash over me and that was the end of that. Going to work, obligations at church, sewing a few gifts for the grandkids....doesn't sound like I have done a lot! Hopefully things will start looking up soon!

Look who got a new sewing machine for Christmas! Jordyn is 7 1/2, and I could not resist this little machine. Can't wait to have a play date with Jordyn!

The Pickle Gift was found by Caleb...a tradition that the kids and grandkids all enjoy!

And it wouldn't be Christmas without the cookies...I think he is picking out just the right one for Santa!

Hopefully I will have some "quilty" pictures to share next time!

May the coming year bring you new joys, new beginnings, new blessings....and lots of time to spend doing the things you love most!

Great ideas for Christmas

2011-11-21T19:00:00.000-06:00

Some really good ideas!

Just read this on another blog....thought it was something to share and think about. Thanks to Michelle for sharing this on her blog. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving...maybe I will get out of my funk and get something finished and posted...or not. LOL!

Christmas 2011 -- Birth of a New Tradition

As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods -- merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is!

It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper? Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber?

Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.

Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.

Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plonking down the Benjamines on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.

There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.

How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.

My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.

OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.

Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre.

Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.

You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine.

THIS is the new American Christmas tradition.

Forward this to everyone on your mailing list -- post it to discussion groups -- throw up a post on Craigslist in the Rants and Raves section in your city -- send it to the editor of your local paper and radio stations, and TV news departments. This is a revolution of caring about each other, and isn't that what Christmas is about?

It's Halloween!

2011-10-31T15:36:00.000-05:00

It's Halloween, and I actually have Gourdy's Gang finished and hanging up! This was a fun wool applique to work on...love these little guys!

This is how a 3 year old decorates his pumpkin!

Saturday night, we had our annual Trunk or Treat in the church parking lot. Jim loves to dress up!

The kids always get a big thrill out of his costumes...he never says a word!

Jim and Grandson Caleb...mini-me! Jack is not so thrilled with his grandpa in this costume!

Happy Halloween!

Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall

2011-10-17T19:14:00.000-05:00

I love to decorate for fall...especially with little Max to supervise! She is quite the "klepto-kitty"...when she thinks we aren't looking, she likes to drag the dolls around the house.

A new little candlemat that I finished a couple of weeks ago.

And what would fall be without a scarecrow or two? I just love the little "crow-shoes" on their feet!

The seasons are changing...time to drag out the sweaters, the corduroy jeans, and heavy socks. Cleaning out the flower beds, raking the leaves, mowing the grass one last time. We hear them before we see them as we walk around the lake...the geese flying south. It has been a beautiful fall, the temperatures here have been warmer than usual, but today the cold front came in from the north...brrr! Time to put on a pot of soup and light a fire in the fireplace!

Hope your week is blessed and you find time to enjoy the changing season.

Twisted I Spy quilt

2011-10-10T14:27:00.000-05:00

Sandra is sponsoring an I Spy Parade of quilts over at Sew in Peace. A few months ago I participated in her I Spy Charms swap and this is one of the quilts I have made from the charms I received. The pattern for this quilt can be found here. I wish I had a few more quilts to show, but my mojo has been seriously lacking lately! This little quilt will be a gift for our little 3 year old grand-daughter, Ella. Now to get it quilted!

If you like I Spy quilts, and want to participate in a swap, check out Sandra's blog. She is sponsoring another one. It is so much fun to receive the wonderful variety of prints you will get. Hurry on over and check it out, the deadline is October 15th!

Piecefully....

Everything but the kitchen sink

2011-09-03T17:51:00.002-05:00

Kim Brackett's book, "Scrap-Basket Surprises" has been one of my favorite scrappy quilt books. When I saw this one, appropriately named "Kitchen Sink", I knew I could utilize lots of scraps using the little pieces of fabric that were in my basket. This was started several months ago, and this afternoon seemed like a good time to get the borders on. Now it is ready to quilt...yea!

It's Labor Day weekend...where has the summer gone? I have to admit that I am ready for fall...love the cooler weather. Last night we went to the Kansas City Irish Fest...it was so stinkin' hot, very uncomfortable! Then I went to the Sana-Cali-Gon festival this morning...lots of great craft tents, but once again it was way too hot. After the 4th tent, I decided that it was not much fun and came home to my nice cool sewing room.

Last weekend, the boys came over for a sleep-over. Have to share these pictures of Jack...Gramma and Grandpa have to spoil them with donuts and milk for breakfast, right?

And then we can send them home in a sugar coma......

I wanted to share this link with you, it seems like I know too many women fighting the battle with breast cancer. This is so beautiful.....

I'm Gonna Love You Through It

Lazy, rainy Monday

2011-08-15T14:45:00.000-05:00

It has been raining all morning...a nice gentle rain with some thunder in the background. Doesn't that make you want to curl up with a good book or do some stitching? The rain is much needed and the temperature is in the low 70's, so much better than 2 weeks ago! Saturday, I was able to work in my flower beds, but today is sewing room time!

Many of you have heard of Quilts for Kids, if not check out their website. This is my finished quilt that is washed and ready to send out. I love the kit they sent me...the black and white striped border is something I would not have thought of. Right now they are in need for quilts for boys, so I have another one cut out from some of my own fabrics...it has motorcycles on it. The little quilts work up very quickly, and I do a simple meandering all over.

The Farmers Wife Sampler blocks and the Civil War blocks are keeping me busy! I like sewing on different blocks. Some of the blocks are easy peasy, and some are a bit of a challenge. I know I am going to like the finished quilt, samplers have always been a favorite of mine.

Farmers Wife Sampler blocks

It's still summer, but I am in the mood for fall. I have dug out a little wool kit that I bought last year...it is so cute! It's a Pumpkin table mat by Lisa Bongean. This afternoon I am tracing off the pattern, and will have it ready to sit and stitch while we sit on the deck this evening. There are a some wool projects in the Primitive Quilts magazine that are inticing me as well, so I have been pulling out wool to make a few of these as well. I feel like I always need to have something to do while watching TV, or I think I am wasting my time...what about you?

Hope you have a pieceful week!

Absent from blogland

2011-08-06T11:16:00.000-05:00

Time....sometimes there just isn't enough of it. The hours when I am off of work seem to fly, I pack them so full...I'm sure most of you do the same. It has been awhile since I have had time to visit blogland, and I have a lot of catching up to do! My computer is running in slow mode, hope it is not on it's last breath...I have little patience for waiting for a page to load.

Not getting much finished, so I thought I would at least post a picture of a quilt I made about 10 years ago. A group of us traded 6-inch 9-patch blocks, and this is how I put mine together. I love this quilt, as it reminds me of times shared with good friends.

Look what I won! A few weeks ago, Marlene had a give away on her blog...it was like Christmas in July for me. And she added some fat quarters to sweeten the package! The little candle mat is beautiful, I know I will be using it when the holidays are here. Thanks to Marlene, and if you have not visited her blog, you should...you won't be sorry!

It's hard to believe that 1971 was 40 years ago...

last Saturday, we attended a 40th wedding anniversary party. The guests could dress up in 70's style...how fun! Did you know that if you go to a "vintage" clothing shop...a lot of it will be the clothing of the 60's and 70's...when did I go from being a hippy chick to being vintage?

Peace!

Summertime friend

2011-07-18T16:00:00.000-05:00

Look who came to visit while I was out watering! Not too hot for this little guy! I noticed that part of his wing was missing, wonder what happened? I try to plant flowers that will attract butterflies and hummingbirds...so far this year, I have not seen a single hummingbird. Usually I can get at least 2 or 3 interested in the feeders....no such luck this year!

It's sad when one thinks it is too hot to go to the pool! So I am staying inside and trying to catch up on my Civil War blocks.

And Penelope finally has a face!

These are certainly the lazy, hazy days of summer...good for catching up on sewing and reading! Hope everyone is enjoying the summer inspite of the heat! I keep telling myself...remember last winter!

I'm a Banner Girl!

2011-07-01T07:22:00.002-05:00

The secret is out...my Crazy Hearts quilt was chosen to be included in the Stash Manicure Banner for July! and it is in such good company, all are beautiful, patriotic quilts.

Crazy Hearts for Quilts of Valor

If you want to check out the other beautiful quilts in the banner, run over to Stash Manicure today!

I enjoyed reading the stories behind the seams, and I am sure you will too.

I am off to mow before it gets any hotter, we are under a heat advisory again today. Wishing all of you a safe and happy 4th of July. We have loads of company coming, so starting tonight, we will start celebrating with family at the city fireworks show. As one of my favorite ladies once said....

"You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every

July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism." ~ Erma Bombeck

Sundays are for catching up and naps....

2011-06-26T17:55:00.000-05:00

Saturday, I attended Primitives of the Midwest at Quilters Station here in Lee's Summit, MO. In the class with Lynda Hall, we made a charming primitive doll. It was a fun little class, and I hope to have my youngin done sometime this week. She still needs a face and a name....I'm thinking maybe Penelope.

This afternoon, I was able to add three more Farmers Wife blocks, Bouquet, Country Farm, and Hovering Birds.

And I am playing catch-up with the Civil War Blocks....this week's went together fairly easy. If I were to make it again, I would use flying geese units for the star points and reduce some of the bulky seam intersections.

Thank you for all your wonderful additions to my previous post...I have added them to my journal.

Here are what some of my fellow bloggers have added:

Relax, laugh and love.

Laugh hard and often.

Look at the stars, listen to the trees and smell the fresh air.

Smile at others. Hold hands. Laugh a lot.

Share good memories.

Sing with abandon.

Life is too short, take a chance now and then.

Look for the joy in every day things and everyday events.

Thank someone everyday.

Perform random acts of kindness.

and one more that I would end with....

perhaps the best way to apply the philosophy of God's goodness

is to constatantly live a thankful life.

No willpower!

2011-06-20T14:29:00.000-05:00

Friendship Block, Contrary Wife, Broken Dishes

Last week I went to JoAnn's...decided that if the Farmer's Wife Samper Quilt book was there and it was on sale, then it was my sign to join in on the quilt along here in blogland. For the past 3 weeks, I have been tempted by the blocks that are being posted....telling myself, no, you do not need to start another project! Truly, I have no will power! And if any jusitification is needed, I can use my collection of Jo Morton fabrics and not have to purchase a lot of fabric. Actually, I think I will just entertain my inner child for now and do what makes me happy...playing with fabric and color and making little blocks. You must keep the child alive...you cannot create without it!

"Plant impossible gardens. Look forward to dreams. Cry during movies. Swing as high as you can on a swing set, by moonlight. Cultivate moods. Do it for love. Take lots of naps. Take moon baths. Listen to old people. Entertain your inner child. Get wet. Hug trees. Write love letters. "

What might you add to this bit of advice?

Quilts of Valor

2011-06-08T12:55:00.000-05:00

This morning, I was able to finally get two quilts in the mail for QOV. Go check out SewCalGal's blog for more information. You still have time to send blocks that will be made into quilts for QOV. So dig out your Red-White and Blue scraps and make a block to send in. It will be neat to see how many quilt tops will be made from the Call to Action challenge.

This weekend, we are headed to Joplin, Mo for a family reunion. I will be taking the Rock and Roll t-shirt quilt to my nephew...he graduated last Sunday. Hopefully, I can get him to pose for a picture and show you how it turned out. Off to finish sewing down the binding!

Hope everyone is having a great week...and getting some "me-time" in the sewing room!

Having a little whine

2011-05-29T16:14:00.000-05:00

It's hard for me to admit, but I have been a bit whiny today and yesterday...being selfish, I guess. This is Memorial Day weekend, a 3 day weekend with my hubby. We had just gassed up the car to go shopping for a new grill and out to dinner with friends, and his mobile phone rang. A big compressor was down at a Country Club...translating to no air-conditioning. So back home we go, and off he goes to see if there is anything he can do to get it up and running. The majority of yesterday and today have been spent running down parts, which are now being shipped and he will spend tomorrow working on it. I am grateful for his dedication to his job...and that he has a job. I spent the morning mowing, and venting about what a disappointing weekend this has turned out to be. Fortunately, it came to me when I took this picture of a quilt that is being donated to Quilts of Valor...God has a way of showing us His grace, just have to listen. (and I am not a good listener!) It's Memorial Day weekend, a tribute to our military men and women, both past and present. For those that are serving now, most of them will not be home for supper tonight, or home for a family picnic tomorrow...so what am I whining about? Some will never come home. Sometimes I just need to put things in perspective....and we are going to go out to the New Theatre tonight for dinner and to see "The Odd Couple"....at least he gets to come home to me at the end of the day.

Piecefully,

I Spy quilt

2011-05-18T14:58:00.000-05:00

After getting the yard mowed, I was able to get started on my first I Spy quilt. This one will be for our 3 1/2 year old grand-daughter. She does not speak, and hopefully this little quilt and the game of I Spy will aid her in learning to talk. The pattern is Twisted Happy Blocks...very quick and easy to sew together!

Another dreary, cloudy day...is it time for a nap?

I Spy

2011-05-13T18:01:00.000-05:00

Aren't these wonderful? I participated in an I Spy Swap with Sandra at Sew in Peace, and won the kitty! What a fantastic surprise when I opened my package. It looks like there may be a few I Spy Quilts in my future...I now have 240 5-inch charms. Sounds like a good summer project for some little quilts for grandkids and charity quilts.

Time......

2011-05-11T13:25:00.002-05:00

Where does all my time go???? Not much sewing going on here...life seems rather fractured and harried right now. Maybe I am just trying to get too much done..who knows?
I have finished a T-shirt quilt for my nephew for his high-school graduation. It is ready to go to the quilter! Yeah!!! I am his favorite aunt (smile) and his other favorite aunt donated the t-shirts. Jared loves classic rockers, like Aerosmith, Guns and Roses, Kiss, White Snake....and Carissa had been to several of the concerts. She donated the shirts and I made the quilt. I found some great fabric for the borders and the backing...rock and roll with all kinds of guitars on it.

I have managed to get a couple of my Civil War Blocks done....still have so many to catch up on!

Along with planting flowers outdoors, I am still working on my Flowers quilt when the raindrops are falling outdoors! Today looks to be a stormy day, and the roofers were supposed to come put on our new roof today. We had tennis ball size hail the first of April, and every home on our street is getting a new roof. The grace in all of this, is that we still have homes with a roof to repair, unlike so many that are being devistated by flooding and tornadoes.

My cute little helper....what little boy does not like to get his hands in the mud?

Hope everyone is doing something fun today! I need to do some serious cleaning in my sewing room...looks like a bomb went off in it!

April Showers

2011-04-26T07:14:00.000-05:00

Several years ago, Linda Brannock designed this wonderful BOM. I started it when I worked at the Liberty Quilt Shop, it made its way into a box, and of course it became another UFO. It has always been one of my favorite primitive quilts, don't know why it never got finished. Linda said that she had always wanted a flower garden so that she could go out and pick a boquet of fresh cut flowers anytime. I have visited her garden a few times, and it is amazing! My hope is to have a yard full of flowers someday, too. It is a work in progess, just like this quilt! Hopefully it will be completed sometime this summer.

I had more pics to upload, but blogger would not cooperate...oh well!

Reflections from Mary at the cross

2011-04-22T19:20:00.000-05:00

It is Good Friday, and I came across this lovely writing. I have oftened wondered, as a mother, what it must have been like for Mary to see her son hanging on that cross. This tells it so well.

Blessings to all of you and your family!

Refrigerator art

2011-04-13T14:40:00.001-05:00

My 2 year old grandson came over to spend the day. Jack had fun making an Easter chick to hang on the refrigerator....don't you love that cheesy grin? My daughter had knee surgery a week ago, and she is still imoblized and it is a bit hard to run after a 2 year old on crutches! Lots of physical therapy this week, so on my days off, I try to help out with driving her to the appointments and taking care of Jack. So, not much sewing going on in the sewing room!

I did manage to finish a pillow that Jan Patek offered on her website... I think this is the link for the pattern. It was nice to do some hand-work and hand-quilting, although something is wrong with my right hand...lots of pain. That's the other reason for no sewing or cutting in my sewing room... wahhh!

Thought I would let it get some rest and see if that helps, it is not an injury, just a pain that has been coming on for the last few months and has become much worse. Arthiritis???? It really has me bummed out! Guess I should go to the doctor, but that is usually a last resort for me....I just don't feel like they listen or try to figure out what is going on...guess I have to find the right one!

Last weekend, we took a much needed little trip...Spring Break! We traveled to Nashville and Memphis. After the show at the Grand Ole Opry, we took the back stage tour...as we were walking down the hall, Trace Adkins walked out of his dressing room. Now that is one tall dude! And I did not have my camera with me....wahhhh! During the day, we went down Broadway and visited the Honky Tonks, listened to music....who knows, maybe we saw the next country superstar??? On to Memphis, to visit Graceland. I was surprised at how ordinary Elvis's mansion is...and of course it is stuck in the 70's decor.

Hopefully there will be some sewing room time soon! I am so far behind on my Civil War blocks.

Off to do a bit of blog-hopping while Jack naps!

Summer Breeze

2011-03-30T17:26:00.000-05:00

Can you tell what is on my mind? Summer breezes! I finished quilting this fresh, little quilt last week. I had a box of Robin Pandolph fat quarters, just waiting for the right quilt to inspire me to use them. When I saw this in Kim's book, Scrap-Basket Surprises....I knew I needed to make this one!

And I finished hand-quilting my little "Garden Path" quilt! This is from Lori Smith's wonderful book, Fat Quarter Quilting.

Have any of you made a weighted blanket? My daughter has requested one for my 6 year old grandson. I did see the article in American Patchwork and Quilting, and downloaded the free pattern. Any tips any of you might have? Also...we are heading to Nashville, Tennessee for a few days...any good quilt shops I should look for in the area?

Hope the sun is shining in your neighborhood! Have not seen it for several days here!!!

Kitchen Sink

2011-03-16T19:51:00.000-05:00

Do you ever have one of those quilts that you spend more time un-sewing, than actually sewing? Well this was one of them! It had nothing to do with the instructions...it was just me! Kim's instructions are great...don't know what my problem was, other than I was not as focused as I should be. I decided to do as Kim Brackett suggests in her book, Scrap-Basket Surprises...challenge myself to use only scraps to make this quilt. And I did. In retrospect, I think I would like it better if my lights were more uniform...there are too many different shades. Guess I do like a more controlled scrappy quilt! I made a quick trip to the quilt shop and purchased the borders...some Jo Morton's Spice Chest. It is aptly named "Kitchen Sink"!

After about 4 inches of snow on Monday, today was gorgeous! It was 70 degrees, so I worked in my flower beds...so nice to see little bits of green poking through!

Threading

2011-03-14T10:51:00.000-05:00

Over the weekend, our 6 year old grand-daughter came to visit us. She was on Spring Break and headed to Des Moines to stay with grandparents. While she was here, I took her to the sewing room and we made a Silly Girl doll. Jordyn really was not that interested in sewing because she thinks she wants a ranch with lots of horses. But we got started and she decided that "threading" was fun and relaxing. She is a very talented little artist, hopefully she will find sewing as another way to express herself someday!

It is snowing today...big, wet, fluffy flakes...what's up with that? There is about 3 inches on the ground, but I would imagine it will be gone by tomorrow. Sounds like a pajama day to me... in the sewing room...what do you think?

Just One Star

2011-03-09T18:21:00.000-06:00

Moda has a wonderful challenge....check it out...

Just One Star.

Mine is in the mail!

Just be

2011-03-08T18:39:00.000-06:00

Sure hope I get some sewing time soon...

in the meantime, a cup of hot tea

on a very, cold, dreary rainy day!

Won't you join me? I'm going blog hoppin'......

Friday Feel Good

2011-03-04T01:00:00.003-06:00

Blessings.....

Cabin Fever retreat

2011-03-02T10:05:00.000-06:00

I think my sweetie missed me! When I came home on Sunday afternoon, my husband was at chorus practice...hate coming home to an empty house! He came home bearing pretty pink flowers and a big smile on his face...I am blessed!

The Cabin Fever retreat was a huge success...lots of inspiration, food and friends. It was a perfect weekend to be inside...rain and fog!

Retreats are always a wonderful time for me...what about you? It recharges my batteries, it refreshes me to be with like-minded women who love to create. We come from many different walks of life and it fun to share with one another. Here are a few of the many lovely inspirations from this weekend.

Hope to get back to the project I was working on at the retreat...I did not finish anything, but that's ok.

The sun is shining today...it will be a good day to do a little sewing and go for a walk this afternoon. Hopefully spring is on it's way!

Cabin Fever

2011-02-23T11:23:00.000-06:00

Cabin Fever-(n) Restlessness from confinement
Sew-together-(n) A time to work on your quilt and other sewing projects amongst friends.

That's where I am headed on Friday...a much needed retreat with girl friends at the lake. It looks like a cold and wet weekend, but who cares? We will all be busy doing what we love!

Packing my bags with the important things...show and tell....

Snacks of course!

And a project to work on...but I haven't decided what I want to work on this weekend. I have been cutting 2.5" strips, so I think I will work on something out of Kim Brackett's Scrap-Basket Surprises. I finished sewing together Summer Breezes and now I am quilting it. Normally I do not work in pastels, but I do love Robin Pandolph's fabrics. When I saw this quilt in Kim's book, I knew I needed to use my box of pastels to make this one. There are a few more I want to make, and I do have Kitchen Sink cut out, so that will most likely be the project I will take with me.

Is it Friday yet?

It's finished!

2011-02-13T15:50:00.000-06:00

Midnight Stars

(20" x 20")

It's finished! All I need to do is add a label and hang it on the wall. LOVE the way it turned out! A huge thanks to Lori of Humble Quilts for her inspiration and instructions....when is the next quilt-a-long, Lori?

You must check out this amazing video...it is an animated film. You will enjoy the quilt motifs and designs that have been choreographed to music. Be sure to have your speakers turned on and also go ahead and pull it out to a full-screen version. I found this via Karen's blog. Enjoy!

More Civil War blocks

2011-02-09T14:34:00.000-06:00

Finally, I am caught up with the Civil War blocks that Barbara Brackman is so generously sharing with all of us bloggers. Richmond, the 6th block, proved to be quite challenging, as it does not lend itself to an 8" block. But with a little help from others who are having the same problems, I was able to get it done. I trimmed the 4-patch to 2 3/8" and was able to come up with a 3 1/8" block. If you are having trouble with this block, go to Flicker on Barbara's website. There is a lot of great discussion going on and wonderful pictures of the blocks.

Now I am ready to go do something mindless!

It's a good day to hibernate!

2011-02-01T07:45:00.000-06:00

Looks like today will be a good day to continue quilting on my Midnight Stars. I really cannot say that I have ever been in a blizzard, so this will be a first for me. It has just started to snow here in KC, fortunately we did not get a lot of ice build-up.

I am using the Golden Threads paper to quilt my design onto the quilt. I like using it, but tearing it off and getting all the little flecks of paper off can be a bit frustrating. Usually I scratch with my fingernails and sometimes wetting it down will help. Any suggestions? I do like using the paper, especially on dark fabrics.

Hope everyone is staying in where its warm and safe! Maybe we should continue our Word Up sewing party, and re-name it the Blizzard of 2011 sewing party. Hopefully none of us have to sew by candlelight today!

Liebster Blog Award

2011-01-30T15:39:00.000-06:00

Imagine my surprise when I opened my email from Lee Prairie Designs saying that I had been nominated for the Liebster Blog award! Thank you, Carolyn!

From what I understand, the aim of the Liebster Blog Award is to bring recognition and exposure to small blogs who have less than 300 followers. If you accept the award, you agree to tag three to five other small blogs that you enjoy reading and recommend to others.

Hope you will visit the following lovely ladies and leave some blog love!

Gmama Jane at GrandMama's Stories

Kim at Now Where was I?

Annie from Seize the Day Quilting

Now back to the Word Up sewing party! Thanks so much for hosting this, Kelly and Kris!

Indulge

2011-01-29T18:32:00.001-06:00

Indulge your sense of enjoyment.
(Mug rug by Madamme Sam and Chocolates by Dove!)

When I opened my little Dove chocolate, this is what it said......now how perfect is that? We are all indulging ourselves today, doing what we love and sharing with friends.
My Midnight Stars is set together...thanks Lori for such a fun quilt-along. Your instructions were perfect! These blocks are only 5"...love how this turned out!

Off to visit some blogs and see what you all are up to!

Word Up sewing party

2011-01-29T15:59:00.000-06:00

Today was a little card-making workshop at our church. 12 of us, (including 2 husbands!) got together for a couple of hours and made Valentines that will be delivered to the VA hospital here in Kansas City. It was a wonderful morning of fellowship and creativity...lots of fun for everyone!

Now I am home, and I can join in on the Word Up sewing party! Actually, I don't have a plan for what I will work on...but I am content (my word) to sew on my Midnight Stars from Lori's quilt-along, and my Civil War Block by Barbara Brackman. Then, I will retire to the couch with my sweet husband to watch one of these movies we picked up this morning. I can watch a movie, do some hand-quilting on my Garden Path, and snuggle with my hubby...how do you spell content?

Now, off to visit a few more blogs before I sit down at the sewing machine...gotta catch up with all you gals, and see what you are working on! Later!

Build a Monster

2011-01-25T19:16:00.001-06:00

The boys came over on Saturday for a sleepover. Originally I had thought about having them make Valentines, but I saw a website with Ugly dolls. After looking at them, I decided that this would be a fun and creative project for the boys....actually for Caleb, the 6 year old. Jack is 2 years old and we let him supervise. So this is the result....

Caleb wanted his guy to have eyes that look excited...what do you think?
He drew a picture of the face and this is what he came up with...
cracked me up! Exciting eyes!

Meet Jack and Spaz, with a bit of supper left on his face...oops!

The most rewarding part of the whole thing was a statement that Caleb made. He said..."Gramma, this is really neat! We are taking scraps of fabric, sewing them together and turning them into something brand new." Maybe he will be a quilter someday?

Piddling around

2011-01-22T09:47:00.000-06:00

This is my Seven Sisters block from last Saturday...I decided to hand-stitch a blanket stitch around the stars, as I was not satisfied with my star points. Wish I could master those points as I do enjoy hand applique! Barbara Brackman posted another interesting block today...love this Civil War block of the month.

This is something else that is on my sewing table, along with the Midnight Stars quilt along with Lori from Humble quilts. As you can see...I have had attention deficit disorder this week! (that's what several days of migraines does to me!) The little quilt is from Lori Smith's book, Fat Quarter Quilting. I want to make all of the quilts in this wonderful book!

And I am putting together a few Valentine cards. Have you caught the love bug yet?

Hope to get to my sewing room for a bit today, the grandsons are coming for a sleep over tonight and another snow storm is on its way. I think the boys and I may make a few Valentines. They love to play in my sewing room!

You might want to check out this blog post by Carrie, I enjoyed reading what she had to say about our "artistic voices" and making quilts that matter to you. Hope everyone has a lovely weekend!

Giggles in the snow

2011-01-12T17:35:00.000-06:00

Our 6 year old grand-daughter is still giggling! Daddy pulled her around with a 4-wheeler, loads of fun! It is great to see all the "snowbound" and "snowday" pictures out there in blogland. Hope everyone is staying warm!

A little bit of stitching....

2011-01-09T15:43:00.001-06:00

Yankee Puzzle

Just a little quilt, it only measures 13", but it makes a great candle mat. This was a pattern from Jo Morton a few years ago, it was included in one of the Jo's Little Women clubs. I decided I needed a few blue quilts for January decorating and I had purchased several fat quarters of the Indigo Berries line, one of my favorites! Then, I cut out this little quilt from a previous JM Little Women club...Soldier Blue. It is ready to layer and quilt.

And I got my North Star made for Barbara Brackman's Civil War blocks. If you have not checked out her website, just click on the link on my sidebar. She is hosting a year long BOM dedicated to the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. Great way to use the reproduction fabrics that we have been collecting!

North Star block

The weather forcasters are telling us that snow is on its way...woo hoo!
I look at snow days as sew days!

Content

2011-01-07T11:38:00.000-06:00

It has been been wonderful reading all the Charming girls blogs, and seeing what "word" will take new meaning in their lives as the new year begins. Finally, my "word" has come to me...I thought about a few words, like joy, happiness, faith, kindness, compassion, gratitude...and wound up with content. I decided that if I can learn to be content with who I am and where I am in this life, it changes everything. Everything I need to be happy, I all ready have...right here and right now.

God has provided for me and always will, even when my faith ebbs in and out. I am grateful for my life, my gifts, my family and my friends.

My blogging friends who inspire me everyday...thank you!

"Be Content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are.

When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you."

~Lao Tzu

How beautiful it is

2011-01-02T18:00:00.000-06:00

Max the cat is just worn out from watching Jim and I put away Christmas decorations. I am so glad that chore is done, but it really makes the house look empty. We left out all the snowmen, so that helps a bit!

Barbara Brackman has started a new blog commemerating the 150 year anniversary of the Civil War. Check out her blog, every Saturday she will have a new block and story to share with followers. While Max took a much needed nap, I sewed mine up this afternoon. I am excited and hope to keep up with the blocks as she adds them, along with the history she will be sharing. Here it is:

And here is a near finish...a Schnibbles called "Figgy Pudding". The charm pack I used was Park Avenue. I really like the little "peppermints" in the center of each block.

It is ready to quilt...any suggestions?

With any amount of luck it should be done for next Christmas!

Just one more!

2010-12-28T19:32:00.000-06:00

One more finish for 2010! I started these courhouse blocks at a retreat in February. It is finally quilted and bound! Yippee! Now I am wishing I had made it lap size, but it looks great hanging on the wall in the foyer. I started cleaning out my closets in the sewing room...oh my!!! I have way too many WIPS!!! and lots of quilt tops waiting to be quilted.

Maybe one of my New Year resolutions should be to finish a WIP once a month, and not start any new projects...but what's the fun in that? Maybe I could compromise and tell myself that if I drag out a WIP and finish it, I can start a brand new project, and finish it as well. It seems that I have made that resolution many times in the past...a few get done (quilted and bound), so that is the main thing.

Praying that God will give you joy to fill your days, peace to fill your hearts, and love to fill your lives.

May your new year be blessed in every way!

The Amazing Grace Christmas Light House - Official Version

2010-12-24T08:50:00.000-06:00

Follow the Christmas star to the place inside your heart where hope shines strongest and where peace and beauty live. A wish that God's peace and beauty will bless you always.

Merry Christmas!

Hunting for the pickle ornament

2010-12-21T20:58:00.000-06:00

Does anyone else play this little game at Christmas? We have done this for several years, and much to my son's delight, he usually has the sharpest eyes and finds the pickle. I can only think of one time that my daughter actually found it in the tree!
It is a quaint tradition that nobody wants to claim. Some say it is an old German tradition.
The Christmas pickle is not really a pickle at all. It is a pickle-shaped ornament that is the last one hung on the tree on Christmas Eve. The first child to find the Christmas pickle gets an extra gift from Saint Nicholas. Or so the so-called legend goes.

Hunting for the pickle ornament

This year, Jordyn found the pickle ornament, Jack and Caleb could not be here on Sunday due to that darn tummy flu! Our little Christmas celebration was on last Sunday, so that the kids could travel this coming weekend. It will be very quiet around here on Christmas day!

Santa in my mailbox!

2010-12-15T19:21:00.001-06:00

Lucky me! My Secret Santa is the very talented, creative

Madame Samm!

Look at the sassy little mug rug she made....just too stinkin' cute! It is going to work with me tomorrow, it will brighten everyones day, mostly mine. Everyone can just drool on it ....just a little bit.

The stitchery is divine...cardinals are one of my favorite birds, so this is just perfect!

Thank you so much, Madame Samm!

Rejoice!

2010-12-13T09:54:00.000-06:00

Jack and Caleb

Where is the joy? Where is the party? Where is the enthusiasm and celebration of faith?

Truthfully, I am struggling to find the joy....fatigue has set in, now apathy. Juggling a busy December schedule is overwhelming and stealing my joy. In this season that celebrates the Christ child, why am I not finding the joy?

It's time for me to push the "pause" button....stop and listen, stop and look around....the joy is there, I am just to "busy" to enjoy it. Joy is everywhere I go...it is in the ringing bell outside the department stores. I hear it in the giggle of children as they stand in line to visit Santa. It is present on the faces of loved ones as they gather around the holiday table. It is present on the faces of the less fortunate that we give to. It is present at every Christmas pageant and in every Christmas carol we sing. It is in every reading of the nativity story.

"Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."

A big hug to my friend Sandi, for her reminder to me yestereday of where the joy is...it is right here, right now! Hope all of you are pushing the "pause" button at least once a day and not losing the joy.

Hallelujah!

2010-12-06T18:31:00.000-06:00

Today was my day to hide in my sewing room and play! Made a few of these little mug rugs for gifts. I plan to put some goodies in the cup, like hot chocolate mix, or tea bags...maybe some sweets! These are certainly fun and easy to make...very relaxing! Love listening to Christmas music, lighting a pine scented candle, and sewing away.....bliss!

I might go to the mall if I thought this would happen while I was there!

May your walls know joy,
may every room hold laughter,
and every window open to great possibility
.

2010-12-01T08:17:00.000-06:00

A bit of Christmas cheer for you...Enjoy!

Secret Santa

2010-11-29T06:54:00.000-06:00

Secret Santa Table topper or wall hanging.

This is going to the post office today...hope my secret pal enjoys using it as much as I enjoyed making it! This has been a fun swap...thank you to Joan and Kelly! It is fun to see all the beautiful Secret Santa gifts that are in Santa's sleigh all ready!

We got back from Dallas on Sunday morning, and as soon as we got home and unpacked, started putting up the Christmas tree. This Thanksgiving was spent in Dallas with my sister and her family. It is so much fun to be able to spend the morning in the kitchen with my sister and my mother, cooking, laughing, sampling the food....good memories!

After five days off...it is hard to get in gear and go back to work! Especially with so much that needs to be done here at home! Tis the season to get stressed out...I am trying very hard not to!

Monday musings

2010-11-15T09:45:00.000-06:00

Can it really be mid-November???? Remember when we were children, and time seemed to just crawl at a snail's pace until Christmas? My sister emailed me with some instructions for Thanksgiving last week, and said ...see ya in 2 weeks! I hit the panic button, thinking my time is running out on all the things I want to accomplish...guess I need to remove a few things from the list!

Today, I plan to quilt my Secret Santa gift so that I can cross that off the list. It has to be in the mail in 2 weeks, and I will be traveling for Thanksgiving, so today is the day! I love Secret Santa projects!

Friday night, I went to my friend's Stampin' Up crop...we made 20 Christmas cards! It was loads of fun and so nice to have them made. Hoping I will have time to make a few more, as I bought some new ink and stamps.

Since we will be out of town for Thanksgiving, my children and grandkids, and other family members are coming on Saturday for our non-traditional Thanksgiving dinner. The kids requested Mexican food, so that is what we will have! Anyone have any favorite recipes for Mexican dishes?

Guess I better get off the computer, and get busy at the sewing machine!

What a great way to spend my day off!

Monday musings

2010-11-01T19:59:00.000-05:00

Halloween has come and gone, the decorations are put away for another year! These are a few of our costumes for this year. Jack did NOT want to put on his monkey costume...thus the crying fit. But once he was out knocking on doors and got some candy, he decided it was fun.

Jim dressed up like the Headless Horseman....some of the little ones were a bit unsure about him. Our church sponsored a Trunk or Treat on Saturday night...lots of fun seeing all the cute little costumes!

Today I started on my Secret Santa gift....here is a sneek peek!

Off to watch Dancing with the Stars...although I am a bit disapointed in it this year! Cannot figure out what is going on with the voting and the eliminations?????

Click for your Mama @ The Breast Cancer Site

2010-10-29T21:08:00.000-05:00

The tints of autumn

2010-10-26T06:58:00.000-05:00

Last weekend, we headed south for a short weekend trip to South Missouri. The skies were cloudy, but the rain held off until evening. We visited Dogwood Canyon outside of Branson, Missouri....absolutely beautiful! Jim and I hopped on bikes and rode for 2 hours through the beautiful park. Here are more pictures from our trip...it was just too short! Hope to go back next spring when the dogwoods are in bloom.

John and Jenny were also celebrating their wedding anniversary...
good times with good friends!

Happy Fall!

Yellow mellow, ripened days... Beauteous, golden Autumn days.

2010-10-18T09:24:00.000-05:00

Jim and I celebrated our 2nd anniversary yesterday. It has gone by so fast! Next weekend, we are celebrating by taking a weekend trip to South Missouri with some friends. The fall foliage should be beautiful! Hope this fantastic fall weather we are having holds out for next weekend....Jim wants to drive the Mustang convertable one last time this season.

I have not accomplished much in the sewing room...but I have been sewing on a wool wall-hanging. It is going to be cute...hope I get it finished this week so that we can enjoy it for Halloween. Fortunately, it will be ready for next Halloween for sure!

Gourdy's Gang

And here are a few more fall decorations in my house.....

Have a wonderful week...hope you are enjoying some of the beautiful autumn days!

Dancing at the Movies - Music Video

2010-10-13T19:27:00.000-05:00

Ok...I admit I cannot dance, but I love to watch anything that has to do with dancing. Yup...I love Dancing With the Stars, and I am a Gleek. This video has so many of my favorite dancing movies and is set together so well.

So take a break, and enjoy!

Back from AQS quilt show

2010-10-10T14:28:00.005-05:00

I love this one because of the scriptures quilted into it. I know you really cannot see it, but it is wonderful!

Love this use of strings!

I thought of all of you bloggers that have been making hexagons when I took this photo!

The AQS quilt show in Des Moines was wonderful! Lots of beautiful quilts and 197 vendors to intice me with all kinds of new projects! Here are a few pictures of some of the quilts I drooled over. And I got to meet a fellow blogger, Carolyn from Lee Prairie Designs. She is adorable, and so sweet....just like her blog.

Well...I am off to decide which project I want to start on! Hope everyone is enjoying a beautiful fall day!

Broken Pottery

2010-10-06T10:02:00.000-05:00

I finished my little broken dishes blocks, and sewed up this little quilt. It is hard to decide what to name it...so I decided on Broken Pottery for lack of a better name. The blocks are finished at 3inches, so the quilt measures out at about 24 inches square. I machine quilted it with a cross-hatch and put a vine in the border. It does not show up at all, but I am pretty happy with the way it turned out. Sometimes it is fun to just start sewing blocks with no idea of what I will do with them...play time!

And the quilt below is a better picture of the quilt on my dining room wall....Starry Night from Jo Morton's book Hearthside Stars. This was a project at a quilt retreat a few years ago. Perfect for fall decorating!

On Friday, I am off to Des Moines to the AQS show. Anyone else going? It would be fun to meet up!

Looks like another beautiful fall day...enjoy!

Autumn is the hush before winter....

2010-10-02T13:09:00.000-05:00

I love to decorate for fall! Probably more than Christmas....I have started to pull things out and hope to add some Halloween this weekend.

Wish I could take "magazine" photo shoots....oh well. This is our dining room.

Today, I am spending most of the day in the sewing room...machine quilting. Trying to decide if I like using the nylon invisible thread...it hides a multitude of mistakes, but I am not sure I like the look. I think I will do my next one with some other thread...any suggestions? Hope to have a picture at the end of the weekend of the little quilt I made with the Broken Dishes blocks I made. It turned out better than I had originally thought!

Hope everyone is having a fantastic fall day...there might be a light frost on the pumpkins tonight!

Vacation is over

2010-09-26T16:00:00.000-05:00

Bummer...vacation is over! We visited Disney World last week...a first for me! We stayed at one of the Disney resorts, Port Orleans. It was a lovely place, and it was great to be able to ride the bus or the water taxi around to whatever we were planning to do. Favorite rides...Tower of Terror, Aerosmith rollercoaster, and Soarin'..... I loved it, wore myself out and managed to come down with a cold on Saturday. So today is going to be a quiet day for me...maybe get a little sewing in once my headache calms down.

This is what is on my sewing table, a small quilt using 3" Broken Dishes blocks. Hope everyone is enjoying a nice fall day!

Thought for the day

2010-09-11T21:26:00.000-05:00

I recieved this in an email today, and wanted to share...it is so true!

Lisa Beamer on Good Morning America - If you remember, she's the wife of Todd Beamer who said 'Let's Roll!' and helped take down the plane over Pennnsylvania that was heading for Washington DC back on 9/11.
She said it's the little things that she misses most about Todd, such as hearing the garage door open as he came home, and her children running to meet him. She's now the Mom of a beautiful little girl, Mary.
Lisa recalled this story:

"I had a very special teacher in high school many years ago whose husband died suddenly of a heart attack. About a week after his death, she shared some of her insight with a classroom of students. As the late afternoon sunlight came streaming in through the classroom windows and the class was nearly over, she moved a few things aside on the edge of her desk and sat down there.
With a gentle look of reflection on her face, she paused and said, ' Class is over, I would like to share with all of you, a thought that is unrelated to class, but which I feel is very important. Each of us is put here on earth to learn, share, love, appreciate and give of ourselves. None of us knows when this fantastic experience will end. It can be taken away at any moment.
Perhaps this is the powers way of telling us that we must make the most out of every single day. Her eyes, beginning to water, she went on, 'So I would like you all to make me a promise. From now on, on your way to school, or on your way home, find something beautiful to notice.
It doesn't have to be something you see, it could be a scent, perhaps of freshly baked bread wafting out of someone's house, or it could be the sound of the breeze slightly rustling the leaves in the trees, or the way the morning light catches one autumn leaf as it falls gently to the ground. Please look for these things, and cherish them. For, although it may sound trite to some, these things are the "stuff" of life. The little things we are put here on earth to enjoy. The things we often take for granted.
The class was completely quiet. We all picked up our books and filed out of the room silently. That afternoon, I noticed more things on my way home from school than I had that whole semester. Every once in a while, I think of that teacher and remember what an impression she made on all of us, and I try to appreciate all of those things that sometimes we all overlook.
Take notice of something special you see on your lunch hour today. Go barefoot. Or walk on the beach at sunset. Stop off on the way home tonight to get a double dip ice cream cone. For as we get older, it is not the things we did that we often regret, but the things we didn't do.

Quilting the Quilt

2010-09-08T10:02:00.000-05:00

This month, our Charming Gals Club is focusing on quilting...so far this is what I have finished. This one is Reveille, made with Barbara Brackman's Civil War Homefront. I quilted it with straight line grid quilting and put a small ric-rak border around the edge. I decided that these little quilts are the perfect thing to practice my machine quilting skills with. For this one, I used YLI Invisible Nylon thread on the top and cotton on the bottom. I think I like the silk finish threads better for the bobbin thread, and will try that on the next quilt. To mark the quilt, I used the Golden Threads paper, and I do like that because it is easy to see and comes off easily. Last week I ordered a new packet of border designs from them, and I am anxious to give them a try.

And here is a little charity strippy quilt that I practiced machine quilting on. Once again, I used the nylon thread for the top thread. For some of the designs I used a washable blue marker and some I used the Golden Threads paper. It turned out better than I had imagined it would...practice helps!

Jack decided he needed to model the quilt for me. He likes to play in my sewing room while I am sewing, just give him some crayons and paper and he is a happy little guy!

This morning, I went to Caleb's school for breakfast, and to visit his classroom. It was fun to see meet his teacher and tour his classroom. I am very blessed to be able to participate in activities like this!

Hope everyone is having a blessed day...off to make an apple walnut cake and a pie or two...the apple trees are FULL of apples this year!

Back to school!

2010-08-21T15:39:00.000-05:00

I wish I could show something new that I have made recently, but it just has not happened! Last Saturday and Sunday, I spent the day in a class taught by Harriet Hargrave. She does amazing heirloom quilting on her Bernina...she is not a long-arm quilter. I learned a lot. That being said, she tossed out the idea that we would not be able to master the art of maching quilting unless we practiced for the next 6 months, and did not piece another quilt top. It is very hard for me to stay focused, so maybe this will sharpen my skills at being more focused. I tend to get caught up in making blocks and quilts, and have not got as many quilted as I would like. I can do free-motion quilting, but I sometimes think I would like my quilts to look more hand-quilted. There are a few tubs of quilt tops sitting in the closet...guess I should dig them out and see what I can accomplish! It is hard for me to decide what design I want on the quilt, then to get it marked so that I cans see it! Patience...focus...right?

It was back to school for Jordyn...cannot believe she is in the 1st grade! I love the dress she chose to wear for the first day of school, and this is her first year of riding the school bus.

She loved it...she is very social!

Caleb started Kindergarton this year. He has decided that it is ok...he has his own desk and most importantly, they get two recesses!

OK...off to mark a little quilt to get some practice work done.

Can't imagine that I will put piecing aside for very long, what do you think?

Evian Roller Babies international version

2010-08-14T19:08:00.000-05:00

Just had to share these adorable babies!

Wednesday WIPS

2010-08-04T21:19:00.000-05:00

This is what I am working on...I did not get very far today, but I got all the blocks sewn and now I am trimming. This is another Schnibble, Reveille, using Civil War Homefront. It really is a nice, easy little quilt to make, I just haven't been able to get a lot of time in my sewing room!

Today, I went back-to-school shopping with Caleb. Where has the summer gone? And an even bigger question, how did my little guy get so grown up and will start kindergarton in 2 weeks? Caleb spent the afternoon learning to play Blokus with me....one of my favorite games. He is quickly getting the hang of it!

Last Friday evening, we went to a birthday party for our little grand-daughter, Jenna. She turned 4, another one that is growing up quickly!

This weekend, we are going to "The Last Rodeo"....Brooks and Dunn concert, can't wait!

Charming Girls Update

2010-07-28T14:52:00.001-05:00

I have had loads of fun checking out the "Charming" blogs of bloggers who have joined the Charming Girls Quilt Club. So many inspiring blogs to check out!

For my update...moving a long slowly, but it is summer after all...can't move too fast...it is way to hot! Last week my goal to walk more...well, it did not happen. We were under an excessive heat warning for several days...I did try, but turned around and came back. Early morning seems to be the best bet for now!

This is my first Schnibble! Plan C, using Kansas Troubles for my fabric. I am addicted! And I am cutting out another one, using the pattern Reveille, and Barbara Brackman's

Civil War Homefront charms.

On Saturday, we had a birthday party at the tea room for my friend, Jenny. It is a delightful antique shop situated in an old church in downtown Lee's Summit. The food is wonderful! It's always so much fun to have "girl-time". Hope your week is full of lots of "Self-Care"...I'm off to the pool with a good book!

A Charming finish!

2010-07-20T21:37:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago, I joined a fun quilt along sponsored by Kelly...

.Between Charming Friends Quiltalong.

I am happy to say that I got mine done! Monday evening, two of my favorite shows came on, The Closer and Lie to Me...a perfect time to stitch on my label and stitch down the binding! Thanks to Kelly and Darlene for such a fun quilt along! Not only was it fun to make the quilt, but it has been great to meet so many wonderful quilters and visit their inspirational blogs! Can't wait for the next project!

Charming Girls

2010-07-16T09:50:00.000-05:00

I failed to meet the deadline for the post for Charming Girls...my computer will not access the internet, and I am having to share my husband's computer...not a bad thing, but we seem to want to be on the computer at the same time. So today is Friday...I'm Home Alone! I love Kelly's idea to post our goals for the next two months and also a bit about Self Care. It is very inspiring for me to visit other blogs belonging to so many talented quilters. I get to see the beautiful quilts and hear the thoughts and ideas of others!

Les's see...goals for July and August?

1. Finish my first Schnibble quilt...Plan C.

2. Get the binding on my Between Friends quilt.

3. Start on a Christmas present...rather than wait until the last minute!

4. Start on a fall quilt project that I have had in mind for over a year...I always get inspired in the fall of course!

5. Quilt and bind at least one charity quilt...I am very behind on this project!

6. Get back to walking everyday...I have lost weight, but I still feel "fat"...it is all around the middle of course.

But I read yesterday that a study had been done that put forth the idea that women who are "apple" shaped have a better memory than those who are "pear" shaped. Guess that explains why so many people tell me I have a mind like a steel trap. Will I lose my memory if I lose the fat? We shall see...that is one of my goals, but will I remember it?

Off to start my walk...hope I remember my way home if I should happen to lose any of the fat as I walk around the lake! Then to the quilt shop to get the binding fabric for my Between Friends quilt....and a few supplies for the Harriet Hargrave quilt I am taking in August.

Have a pieceful day!

Something finished!

2010-07-11T16:11:00.000-05:00

I finally finished my Patriotic Strippy Stars, not in time for the 4th of July for this year...but the 4th will come again and it will be ready! It is laying on the back of my sofa, and I love the way it looks...makes a nice summer quilt!

I am struggling with fatigue, what is up with that? Is is menopause? I am so ready for it to be done! I need some energy to get some things accomplished, and all I want to do is take a nap! I think I will try to work on my little Schnibble quilt for a bit..."Plan C" is my first Schnibble! I have a feeling it will become an addiction. And I have my Between Charming Friends Quilt ready to quilt.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend...Saturday was spent with friends at an antique and craft fair. I managed to come home with a few goodies of course! Then we had dinner with some friends and spent the evening playing Spinners....and the ladies won, I might add.

Holiday fun!

2010-07-07T08:23:00.000-05:00

It's hard to get pictures of squirmy little people, but we managed to get one. Mom is 85 and she got to spend the Fourth of July holidays with us. There is only one great-grandchild missing in the picture, John lives in Virginia...maybe I should try to photo-shop him into the mix? Pics like this make me wonder about what it will be like to see my own great-grandchildren and how fun it is to see the grandchildren grow up and develop into delightful little individuals.

As you can see, there were lots of boomers going off in our street! Eventually the rains came and the umbrellas came out...they were not to be deterred by the rains! Lots of family, friends, food, ladder golf, board games, conversation, 2-year olds chasing each other through the house, and fireworks made for a great Fourth of July!

Today is a R&R day in my sewing room...hope to get something finished! So far I have the binding on my Patriotic Strippy Stars...it will be ready for next year! Hope to work on my Between Charming Friends quilt today!

Craft project with the boys

2010-06-29T20:28:00.000-05:00

Caleb and Jack came over last Friday, and we had a "craft time". We decorated t-shirts for the 4th of July. We used pipecleaners bunched together, then spread out to look like a starburst, dipped in glitter paint, and stamped on the shirt...pretty easy craft for little guys. Of course, both boys wanted to do their own designs with paint brushes, so fortunately I had bought extra shirts. When Jordyn comes this weekend, she will have to make her t-shirt to match!

Sunday evening we went to the Sprint Center to see Lady Antebellum, and Tim McGraw. What a HUGE disapointment!!! We could not hear a word of singing...the band overshadowed the singers...I was so upset! Am I getting too old for concerts? I would at least like to be able to hear the singers and the words to the song. We have tickets to Brooks and Dunn in August, hope it is better, or that will not only be the Last Rodeo, but the Last Concert for me!

Charming progress

2010-06-21T10:15:00.002-05:00

Progress is being made! These are my blocks for the Between Charming Friends Quilt Along. These little blocks are so much fun!

Between Charming Friends' Quilt Along

2010-06-19T14:22:00.001-05:00

OK....have you ever woke up out of sorts and just can't figure out what is up? That is how my Saturday started...I think I will blame it on menopause, that seems to be the rule of thumb these days! So what did I do? First I baked some Oatmeal Cherry cookes...yum-o...used dried cherries instead of raisins.

Still felt rather unfocused...so I jumped in the car and drove to my favorite quilt shop. I purchased 2 charm packs, and a background fabric so that I could join the Between Charming Friends Quilt Along. This is what I have decided to use, Moda's "Looking Back". Brannock and Patek have always been some of my favorite designers, and it is a delightful journey into the past, as these are fabrics from some of their previous lines. So far I have it all cut out and have started in with the piecing. I love it! And it is perfect for a stormy Saturday afternoon!

Go check out the instructions, it is not too late to join! The directions are excellent, with great photos to help you follow along.

Patriotic give away!

2010-06-17T08:51:00.001-05:00

You need to rush on over to Quilt Hollow and put your name in the pot to win this fantastic quilt...isn't it just perfect for 4th of July decorating?

So many birthdays!

2010-06-16T09:27:00.000-05:00

June is a busy month for birthdays in our family! Baby Jack turned 2, and Caleb is now 6! Mommy had a birthday as well. They traveled to Disney World to celebrate...I am jealous! But we are going in September...a first for me...so excited!

Our grand-daughter celebrated her 16th birthday, another daughter turned the big 40 and our daughter-in-law, had a birthday....all of these occured within one week!

Saturday, our quilt guild had an all day "Sew-In". I got all of my stars made and my quilt top put together for my Patriotic Strippy Stars quilt. It was a good day to be inside sewing with friends while the thunderstorms as they rolled through.

I decided to start getting out my patriotic quilts for Flag day and the 4th of July. This is one of my favorites...can't remember the name of it, but it is a design by Barb Adams. It was made a few years ago at one of the quilt retreats I attended.

Hope everyone is getting some stitching done, and enjoying family times!

Tuesday tidbits

2010-06-01T11:31:00.000-05:00

At last, it is quilted and bound! I made this "Bull's Eye" quilt at least 10 years ago for a class I was teaching for our quilt guild. Then it spent the next 10 years in the tub of quilts waiting to be quilted. It will probably become a birthday gift for my son.

Thought I would try to get my "Patriotic Strippy Stars" done in time for the 4th of July. If I make 3 or 4 stars everyday...MAYBE it will be done. It is hard to get much quilting done in the summer, the flowers are always calling me to come outside and take care of them!

Hope everyone has a great week, and can find some time to sew!

Magic birthday party

2010-05-23T13:56:00.001-05:00

Jordyn celebrated her 6th birthday with a Magic birthday party. She has decided she likes performing magic tricks and her stage name is "Alexandria". I decided to make her a magicians cape and she was delighted! Now she can be a pro!

Happy birthday, Jordyn!

2010 Quilt Festival

2010-05-21T21:16:00.004-05:00

Grab a glass of ice tea or a cup of coffee and check out all the lovely quilts at the 2010 Quilt Festival !

This is my entry for the Spring quilt festival. I made this for a challenge in 2000. Each member of our quilt guild was given a fat quarter of blue fabric with 2000 printed on it. We were to make any kind of quilt out of it that we desired. Since bright colors are a bit of a challenge for me, I just did not know what to do with it. It seemed to need stars, so I started with the pieced stars. Then angels came to mind, and these were appliqued on. I embroidered the phrase: "For every soul, there is a guardian to watch over it".

It was fun to make, I won the challenge, and it now hangs in my sewing room.

Clean house or quilt?

2010-05-17T10:23:00.000-05:00

Laundry, dusting, sweeping, mopping......hard choices here! I wanna get this quilt pinned and quilted!

Quackers anyone?

2010-05-14T09:10:00.002-05:00

For the past week, I have noticed a pair of Mallard ducks in my front yard. Every morning when I go to work they are there. Yesterday, I noticed the female duck walking around in my flower bed and the drake was standing on the steps to the porch. It made me wonder if they were looking for a place to nest....sure enough, when I came home there were 3 eggs hidden under the iris. This morning there is another one! Wonder how many she will lay before she starts to sit on the nest? The lake is a few blocks away, hope they figure out how to safely get their babies through the neighborhood to the lake.

I have my courthouse steps sewn together...need to get some backing and get it quilted. Not such a great picture, but I made the border out of 2 different fabrics. I love to make blocks and I love the quilting process...but not the pinning so I can get it quilted....major road-block!

I need to get busy cleaning house...yuck! Then I think I will reward myself with a card-making class at Archivers this afternoon. It is too wet to work in the flower beds again. And more rain this weekend....oh well, it makes for lovely flower beds!

Hope everyone has a great weekend...we are going to my grand-daughters 6th birthday party tomorrow.

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-09T16:12:00.002-05:00

Making a decision to have a child.....it is momentous.

It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body. ~Elizabeth Stone

Hope everyone is enjoying your day!

A little retail therapy

2010-04-30T18:13:00.000-05:00

Goodies on my sewing table! I haven't had much time to sew, but last weekend we were on a little bit of a road-trip. We stopped in Hamilton, Mo. at the Missouri Star Quilt Company. It is a delightful little shop, and the family that runs it are very friendly and helpful. If you have not checked out their website, you should. They have an awesome collection of jelly rolls, honey buns, turn overs and charm packs. I had to have the Caterwaulen fabric to make a little quilt for Max to hang out on. Hope she will lay on it instead of whatever quilt I am working on at the time....maybe? And I got the car fabric to make a little nap quilt for Jack....cute stuff! Got it cut out today, but not much sewing done.

I had both boys today, it was a stormy, rainy day, so we went out to eat pizza. We always have a good time, and they do not want to go home. I think if they were here for very long they would be ready to go home to Mommy and Daddy!

Jim came home with a very nice surprise...tickets to see Tim McGraw in concert, with Lady Antebellum. What a great birthday present! Can't wait until June 27th!

Hope everyone has a nice weekend, we are hoping the storms are gone so that we can paint the deck tomorrow!

Checking in....

2010-04-20T19:57:00.000-05:00

Hatching dragon eggs! and aren't these the cutest little dragons???

I managed to have a major allergy attack all of last week, or a virus...who knows which one? Anyone that lives in the Midwest knows that we had a huge "pollen explosion" last week, one day it broke a record...it was 8000! Anyway, no sewing for me...laid low and tried to breathe! This week is much better! I'm ready to work in the flower beds in spite of the allergies. Hope everyone is enjoying Spring!

WIPS

2010-04-09T13:53:00.000-05:00

Look what I dug out of the UFO box! It has to have been at least 10 years ago that I made these blocks! It's all set together now with a border, the backing is ready and I just need to pin it and quilt it. I had a few blocks left over...so I made a pillow as well.

It's Friday, and I am getting ready to go to a mini-quilt retreat tomorrow. I joined the local quilt guild, Nimble Thimbles, and this will be a good opportunity to get to know the rest of the ladies. I am going to work on "Summer Breeze" from Kim Brackett's book Scrap-Basket Surprises. I cut up all of my pastel scraps into 2 1/2" strips and this will be my first project from this wonderful book. It's nice to try to get my scraps more manageable, and I love Kim's ideas on sorting and storage.

Quilts for Kids

2010-04-07T14:22:00.001-05:00

Downy is sponsoring a quilt project for kids. I decided to make a quilt, and contacted them.

Look at the darling fabric they sent to me! Won't some little girl just love these "Kool Kats"? It's quilted, bound and washed....now off the the post office to get it in the mail.

Check out their website: Quilts for Kids. Your heart will feel good looking at the pictures of the children with their quilts.

Little Nine Patch doll quilt

2010-03-30T18:32:00.000-05:00

One more OPAM finish for March...where did the month go? I got this cute little doll quilt pattern from the Fairfield website, it is a free pattern from Kathy Tracy. She designs wonderful little quilts...you need to visit her delightful blog and be inspired!

Little helper!

2010-03-26T19:25:00.000-05:00

I had a great little helper today. Jack likes to sit at his little table and color, while I sew. Sometimes I let him sit on my lap while I am sewing on binding at the machine. He thinks he is such a big boy! I managed to get bindings sewn on two little quilts today, so now I can spend "quality" time with my husband this evening watching movies and get the bindings tacked down.

And look what I made this week!

I went to a class at the Prairie Point quilt shop and made this neat Penny Blooms table topper. Lynne Hagmeier of Kansas Troubles Quilters spent the afternoon showing us how to do raw edge applique. It is fast and easy! I started this little table topper at 1 p.m. and had it finished by 4:30 p.m. It was pouring down rain all day, so what a great way to spend a rainy afternoon. On Thursday evening, Lynne came to our Nimble Thimbles Quilt Guild and gave a wonderful program...we got to see all kind of wonderful quilts from Kansas Troubles Quilters. It has always been one of my favorite lines of fabric...guess I just like that old, dirty look!

2010-03-19T08:11:00.000-05:00

Rush over to Fresh Cut Quilts for a lovely spring giveaway. It ends today, so I do mean rush!
Here is what you can win......

Layer Cake of Fig Tree Quilts' Fresh Cottons line (simply gorgeous fabric)

AND

2 of her patterns (because she couldn't decide which one, and they both work great with a layer cake or charm squares)

All you have to do is leave a comment on what your favorite spring activity is. One of my favorite things to do in the spring is digging in the dirt, planting my flower beds....love the smell! It is still to muddy to do much digging, and the weatherman is forcasting a snowstorm tonight...just in time for the first day of spring. Oh well, the sun was shining yesterday and it is supposed to reach 60 again today. My grandsons are coming over today, so I think we will go out and play!

Wishing for spring!

2010-03-17T10:42:00.000-05:00

Will the sun ever shine again? I cannot remember a winter with so many dark, dreary days! As I drove to work today, I heard that the next 2 days are supposed to be better...a bit of sun and warm up to the 60's. And on Saturday, the first day of Spring...SNOW!

In an effort to brighten up the house a bit, I have brought out the Easter decorations, and have discovered I really don't have a lot of little spring quilts. Guess I will have to do something about that! The one in the photo above is from Jo's Little Women club, I think it was called "Summertime".

I have the next 4 days off....a bit of a spring break. Hope to get a couple of quilts finished and get some walking in. I tend to make excuses not to walk...the weather is to wet, too much snow, too cold, too dreary, don't want to walk alone, etc......and I know I would feel so much better if I stuck to it! I read on another blog that the first 10 days of any resolution are the most important, if we stick to it for 10 days it will become more of a habit. I used to walk everyday and go to yoga classes once or twice a week, then I broke my foot (walking...a stress fracture) and got out of the habit! I'm thinking I better get the umbrella out and walk no matter what!

And remember...

To love oneself is the beginning of a life-long romance. Oscar Wilde

Groupie on a bus

2010-03-14T20:29:00.000-05:00

Feeling a bit like a groupie on a music group bus this weekend. It is so good to be home, as we just spent the last 2 days on a bus trip. My husband sings with the Kansas City Metro Mens Chorus and they had a total of 3 concerts in 3 different cities this weekend. Being the dutiful and supportive wife, I tagged along. I love hearing the men sing, but it was very tiring, especially since I came down with a sore throat, headache and earache.
Baby Jack came over and spent the day with Gramma on Friday. We played "golf" in the hallway...you know, with the plastic balls and plastic clubs. Fun times!

I haven't got a lot of sewing done lately, but this is a short week at work, so maybe I can get something finished and show it off later on! But for now I gotta show off my sweet little Baby Jack....wish I could keep him this age forever...love looking at the world through his eyes!

Saturday sewing

2010-03-01T07:05:00.001-06:00

I didn't get as much sewing done this weekend as I would have liked, one of those battles with a sinus-migraine headache. Here are the courthouse steps blocks that I have finished, I think I am going to stop at 36 and put a border with applique around it. Of course, Max thinks she has to be in on all the action...sometimes she thinks she needs to move the blocks around to suit her. Off to work today...no sewing day for me.

OPAM February finish

2010-02-26T09:41:00.000-06:00

My OPAM for February is finally finished and hanging on the dining room wall. I am pleased with how it turned out...I used all Jo Morton fabrics from my stash. It was a fun quilt to make! I had hoped to have more finished this month, but it did not happen. I have a few tops that are ready to quilt, so I guess I had better get started! I think I like the piecing part of quilting the best, guess that explains all the quilt tops waiting to be quilted. But there is only so much time in the day! Better get going, get some housework done so I can do a bit of sewing. My son is in town, so I think we will be going to lunch later on. TGIF!

Where the buffalo roam

2010-02-24T19:05:00.000-06:00

Whew! It has been a bit busy since I last posted. Last weekend, I spent a wonderful weekend at the Liberty Quilt Retreat in Lawrence, Kansas at the Circle S Ranch. We were way out in the country, where the buffalo roam as you can see by the picture! It was a cold, dreary, snowy, rainy weekend, perfect to sit in front of the fireplace and sew all weekend! There were 28 of us plus Jo Morton and Terry Clothier Thompson. We cut one inch strips and made courthouse steps blocks. The finished size of the quilt is totally up to each of us, and as Jo stated, it makes a nice on-going project. I managed to make 28 blocks, and at this point I don't know how many I want to make. They are fun little 5-inch blocks....rather addictive. Can't make just one! Here are a couple of pictures of how some of the gals put together their blocks.

This is Judi, don't you love the cheddar? Looks so antique.

And this is Joan from Houston, a newbie to our retreat. Isn't this a cute little quilt?

And here is Jo Morton peeking around one of her courthouse steps quilts. Don't you love the plaid?

It was a great weekend!

When I came back on Sunday, we went to see Riverdance...awesome and amazing!

While at the retreat, I recieved sad news that my mother-in law had died. She had been in very poor health for some time, and I know she is much happier to be with her husband and sons. She will be greatly missed, she had a huge heart!

The best love

2010-02-14T14:49:00.001-06:00

"The best love is the kind that weakens the soul,

that makes us reach for more,

that plants a fire in our hearts and peace in our minds."

from The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks

I am so blessed...I have a loving husband and great children and grand-children.

Who could ask for more?

When my first husband died 10 years ago from renal cell cancer, I thought I would be on my own and alone for the rest of my life. I had married my high-school sweetheart and we were happily married for 29 years. At the time, I thought that one only gets one chance at true love, and I had mine. Not true, God had other plans and I am so grateful that He did. Eight years later, He put Jim in my life. And I am so glad He did!

He FILLS my life with GOOD THINGS.

~Psalm 103:5

My beautiful children and grandchildren....the other "loves" in my life!

Hope your Valentines Day is filled with love!