Sadies Silken Threads

TAST 2012 week 3

2012-01-22T22:08:00.010-05:00

This week the stitch was the feather stitch, another favorite of mine. I guess I have several. Again I worked on DGD's Crazy quilt. Not exactly exciting stitches but my imagination was limited by space and previous stitching. How is that for a really good excuse??? The quilt is soon coming to an end and then I will work on UFOs to practice my stitches.

Be sure to pop over to Sharon B's blog to see what others are doing with this or to join in!! It has been a great boost to me and has gotten me motivated to stitch more!!
Blessings~~~

Completed Afghan!!

2012-01-21T13:03:00.008-05:00

Today I finished DD's brown and aqua afghan. I still need to tuck in a couple ends but it is basically Done!! I am so pleased with the outcome and my ability to do it!! For some reason I decided to try adding a ruffle type edge to it, which I am sure is not new to this world but for some one who only knows how to single crochet I thought it was pretty darn slick!! She says she loves it, from my pictures! It covers the top of my queen sized bed so it is pretty large and heavy enough! Time to start another one, a nice way to stay warm while the snow falls tonight.

Blessings~~~

Can you Believe Another Make Over!!!

2012-01-20T13:02:00.001-05:00

This gorgeous rocking chair was my mother's and blue is just not my color!! It also had no padding in it so it was no comfortable at all to sit in. At right is how it looked before I started it.

Below is the rocker after new cushions. I know the stripes are going opposite directions. At the time I thought it was smart. I am still not convinced that I like it! I love the fabric, the new look and the thicker padding. I just may have to redo the seat cushion!!

Blessings~~~

A Before and After!!

2012-01-19T12:54:00.013-05:00

This past fall while I was pondering my new life I
did a couple make overs. This is a room divider I bought my DD when she was decorating everything Oriental, pm the right. That phase has now passed so I asked for it back instead of her throwing it out!!

Below is the magic that some vintage fabric did for it! I love it and it now fits in with my decor. Even DD was impressed when she saw pictures of it when it was done!!

Machine Made Lace

2012-01-18T18:54:00.000-05:00

The other day I made some more lace on my embroidery machine. I really love to make these things!! On the right are hearts for Valentine's Day, two pink for me and a dark purple one for a friend for her birthday!!

Below are the beginnings of Easter eggs that I made. The pastels turned out so cute that I decided to make the dark purple one to give a friend. I will be making more of them in the future. Amazing to me that I can do these and something else at the same time!!

Blessings~~

Pansies on my Wall

2012-01-15T14:06:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I got a beautiful pansy, yes PINK pansy picture for my bedroom. In Oct I went to Amish country here in Ohio and picked up the quilt that I had commissioned last spring. I saw this beautiful pink pansy fabric and had to have it!! The quilt is so beautiful, I also picked up two tab runners that they made to match to put on my dressers. My room is almost finished and will be to die for!!
Of course my pictures do not do them all justice. Once I get it hung I will share a new picture. I have spring on my mind, can you tell?? We got our first significant snow fall yesterday/today! Strange winter for Ohio!!
Blessings!!!

Machine Embroidery!

2012-01-13T14:00:00.012-05:00

OK! Another fun thing that I started to do before Christmas! I learned how to use the embroidery unit on my machine!! Who knew?? I loved making these lace free standing ornaments. I made the primary colored ones on the right for the grands to give to their teachers as gifts. I also made some for DDs. My favorites are the pink/white ones I made for my tree. They were so fun and easy!! I loved them on my tree! I am working on some hearts and Easter eggs. I will share when I am done with them.OK

The birds turned out so cute and I think I will be making some more for Spring.

Blessings!!

Another Obsession!!!

2012-01-12T16:00:00.016-05:00

While I was gone from blogging I learned to crochet. I took a class at Micheal's and finally learned! This is something I have been trying to learn for years. My mom tried to teach me, a friend tried and I tried to learn from a book: no luck! A morning spent with this dear lady and I am going crazy now!!

Although I can only single crochet I have been making scarves !! A woman I might at our widow's group asked me to knit her some to take to Albania in March. Little did she know she created a monster. I decided to crochet to perfect my single crochet a pile of scarves later I decided to start an afghan for my daughter!!

Not a great picture, thought the sunshine would help but I don't think it did. The afghan colors are aqua/dark brown and will go great in her living room. She has already asked for one for someone else and this one is not done yet!!

I am so grateful for the sunshine so I am not complaining! I am praising God for lots of sunshine and very little snow so far this winter in Ohio!!
Blessings!!

Craziness with Kittens

2012-01-11T15:53:00.012-05:00

Some of you may have seen the pictures I posted last week about the two kittens I was adopting well............... it turned into a mess and they had trouble adjusting to being away from their foster mom so she decided to come get them on Fri night. They assured me they would bring them back this week after they had been spayed and would then leave them with me. HUH????????????

After hearing this crazy story DD found kittens at the local himane society and after a trip there on Sun afternoon I brought home Jade and Nix, two little tiger kittens! They are a riot and have adjusted just fine to my humble abode. I am unable to share pictures of them because they are being fostered and are "wards of the county" and involved as evidence in a court proceeding. Hopefully their previous owner will not get them back.

When they are released for adoption I can take pictures. let's just say they are even cuter than the previous two and much friendlier!! They play all morning and like a baby they nap after lunch, now they are up playing again. I have to go buy new toys before they destroy the apartment!!

Blessings!!

2nd Week TAST 2012

2012-01-10T15:53:00.000-05:00

This is another stitch I have used before so played with it alittle while I used it on my Granddaughter's CQ. I don't think I have ever tried intentionally to make the stitches different sizes. It was fun and I am sure I will do it again. I also never have tried to different colors together like I did above, repeating the same blanket stitch!! Be sure to pop over to Sharon B's Pintangle blog to see what others are doing.

New Girls!!

2012-01-05T16:52:00.000-05:00

Today I welcomed home two little girls! They are 18 weeks old and sisters. So far under my dresser is their favorite place to stay. They have only been here for two hours so I am sure as the night goes on they will come out. Miss Grace is the yellow kitten on the right and Sophie is the kitten in the back. Grace thinks she is a Tiger!! LOL She has done nothing but hiss at me!! I am so glad to have them!!
Blessings!!

Happy New Year!!!

2012-01-02T18:34:00.000-05:00

I hope that each of you has a healthy and blessed New Year!! I am hoping to get on with my life this year!! Yesterday was my Mom's 85 th birthday and her first one in Heaven, so we had a little birthday party for Grandma!

Today I have picked up my embroidery needle for the first time in many months!! It felt good and I want to keep up with my stitching again. I am participating in Sharon B's Tast 2012 . I am grateful that I signed up for this and that it got me enjoying my stitching again!! Thanks Sharon!!

I am glad to be back at my blog and hope to continue to crawl out of the shell I have been living in since July!!

Blessings!!

Someone's Ties!!!

2011-09-05T19:31:00.000-04:00

A close up of the shirt I embellished yesterday. These pictures due it so much more justice. I added a lace yoyo with a clear glass button that has a flower in it.

I really like how it turned out. Below is another T that I a tie to. These are so cute and easy to do! The peach one I added two buttons stacked on it.

I have just begun to decorate for fall. I have made table toppers putting broadcloth on the table and then using whatever size Halloween or fall fabric on top of it. The first one is one the table and works great, will take pictures tomorrow.
Blessings!!!

Repainting, Embellishing, Repurposing Day!!!

2011-08-30T16:55:00.000-04:00

Today has been a day to get things done for me, not real exciting you are thinking but for me it was!! I finished off the top made out of doilies, tea dyed it and then hung it to dry, picture at right. No it is not a great picture but you get the idea.

Then I got out the trusty spray paint, remember Krylon, your fingers will thank you, for getting saving $$ on the cheap stuff at Wally!!

First up is a $4 tiered rack I got at the above mentioned store, it was black (UGH!!) Now I love it and can't wait to use it. Then there is the previously dark green plate rack that I got on my trip to Amish in April, I think it is much prettier in white and goes so much nicer in my kitchen!!

Finally is the sweet sewing stand that I got at a sale for $22. It was brown and in good shape but it need some white paint too. It will look so nice with something on top and some sewing goodies inside!! It even has built in spool holders for thread. Sorry didn't think to take a picture of that part!!

The last thing is more sewing I saw this cute top idea twice in the past two days and decided enough I was gonna try it. I have loved this tie since the day I got it and couldn't bear to cut it up and it looks so girly!! LOL Check out Craft Gossip today for the link and better pictures of this idea. Mine still needs a pretty button added to it. I also have another one laid out and ready to sew. Let me know what you think!!
Blessings!!

Lace Everywhere!!

2011-08-27T17:35:00.000-04:00

I have been working on this idea for a long time and it is finally done!! I really like how it turned out. I used layers of vintage lace, beautiful Hoffman challenge fabric for the lining and some gorgeous buttons.

I also have a lace top almost done and hope to share with you soon. Can you see a vintage doily as a top?? How about many of them??? Another of those ideas that have been brewing for over a year. I am thinking about dyeing it yet to get some color cohesion. I may take pictures of it as is and get some feedback from you all.

Hope you are all safe during this weekend of Hurricane Irene. DD in SC is fine but I have not heard from my brother in Virginia Beach.

Blessings!!

I won!!!

2011-08-26T08:27:00.001-04:00

I can't believe this happened!! One book I was really hoping to pick up in the near future was Alisa Burke's Sew Wild, instead I won it on Craft Gossip !! You know how much I love Craft Gossip and can't wait for it to arrive every morning! I almost always find something that I love or want to try to make.

Sew Wild is a wonderful book w/a DVD included. I have not had time to make a project from the book yet but have found plenty of things I want to try. This book is a terrific inspiration and will keep me going creatively! Thanks so much Craft Gossip for picking me!!

Been Really Busy!!!

2011-08-25T20:24:00.000-04:00

Things have been really hectic here as I cleaned out Mom's apartment, had a sale and then moved some furniture into storage so we could get on with our new lives together.

I have found some time for creativity (YES!!!) so I thought I would share some of it with you. Here are the new to me kitchen chairs and their green cushions. I decided I couldn't take them so they became the pink rose covers with ribbon ties that you see below. I have hand sewed shelve liner on the bottoms to try to keep them from sliding on the chairs, it seems to be working!!!

Below are three beautiful gifts that arrived in the mail this week from friends on the CQ 4Newbies yahoo list I belong too. The needle case is from Lori and I love the bright colors!!
The CQ block is from Alice in the LooneyBin!! Love ya girl!!
Then sweet Marianne in NJ sent this bag full of pink gorgeous goodies and a beautiful hand made card!!

Another fun thing I have worked on tonight is YoYos made from lace. Such fun! I love how they turned out, some are pink lace and some are white. I saw this cute idea in Pat Winter's CQ mag, why I wonder did I not think of this myself?? DUH!! Mom asks what I am going to do with them, good question~~ Save them for the perfect project I guess.

Blessings!!

Sad New to Share

2011-08-09T09:30:00.000-04:00

On Tues July 26 my sweet hubby Ken passed away. He had decided the week before that he had had enough of kidney dialysis and quit going. He spent his last week as an inpatient at Hospice. His time there was such a blessing to us, we could just be his family and not worry about his medical or physical care. We spent many hours talking , laughing and sharing with him before he passed. He had a lovely Memorial Service that our daughters organized with out two oldest grandchildren speaking and our SIL also. It has been a sad time for our family and I am struggling to get used to a new life without him. I now have my mother living with me so I am not alone. She has ovarian cancer so I am caring for her.

The past couple days I have gotten out different crafting things and worked on them. I completed a brown velvet pillow with a huge rose on it for my mom's bed, she had seen one like it in an ad so I went to the stash and found fabric and made her one. I am also working on some felt trees that were the midweek muse at Joggles this week. I will share pictures when I get one done. I am embellishing the second one now.

Blessings!!

No I am not ready for Fall but..............

2011-07-17T15:30:00.000-04:00

I have been cleaning and going through the fabric stash and look what I found. She was a panel and so I just had to sew her together, stuff and dress her. I had fun making her and then added to her clothing with black trim around the edge of her cape, lace on her skirt and then a spider on both her hat brim and hanging from the tip of her hat. I was glad I found her early and could take the time to get her done in plenty of time for fall. That way I had some time to play with it as I worked.

Crafting is Such FUN

2011-07-06T09:14:00.000-04:00

Crafting has really kept me going lately!! It is amazing to me how many different things I like to do: crafting, decorating, knitting, sewing, fabric dyeing and painting, felting, collecting (LOL) So today I want to share a few of the new things I have been making. On the right are candle holders made from rounded clear glass candle holders from the dollar store and rose petals. So easy and cute!!

This wreath is made with a grapevine heart shaped wreath wrapped in aqua tulle. I added shells and pearls to it to give it a beachy look.

These plain white candles are wrapped to add alittle fun. The one on the right (I know hard to see) is wrapped with pink ribbon and topped with a bird. The one on the left is wrapped in vintage lace, pearls were added plus a pink bow and a shell on top.

Hubby's birthday was June 25 and I wanted something to celebrate his birthday and to make him smile. I wrapped the wreath in Christmas tinsel and added balloon bunches and Happy Birthday signs. I hung it on his closet door where he can see it from his bed.

A little bit of my fun lately. Hope you enjoyed seeing it!!

Blessings!!

Happy 4th of July!!

2011-07-03T19:59:00.001-04:00

Happy Fourth!! Can you believe that June is gone and the 4th is here?? I can hardly believe it! I thought I would share some of my red, white and blue decorations! I made both the wreath and decorated the tree. The little doll was something I picked up on my last trip to Columbus. I am really hoping to be able to get back to regular blogging. I am still adjusting to living alone and having hubby in a nursing home. It has been a rough adjustment for both of us, I am getting there but not sure that he is adjusting.

I have some other wreaths to share with you in the future. I am in the middle of making three bags, a jacket, pillowcases and a stuffed witch. Do I have too many projects in the works?? Good question and one I am not sure of the answer to yet?? Today I won a Singer Featherweight Sewing Machine on Ebay!!! I have wanted one for several years and never really tried too hard to win one. I can't wait for it to arrive! I am thinking I can use it in the living room to do some stitching in the evening. I also have a green CQ in the works for DGD. I want to get it finished for her birthday in November so I have to work hard on that one!!

Blessings!!

Where is the Tooth Fairy??

2011-05-15T14:56:00.000-04:00

I am back. It has been a long time again. Life here
has really been rough but I am kicking my own butt and trying to get on with things I love.

Today I finished two Tooth Fairy Pillows. The top one is lavender with ballerina slippers fabric and I added a pocket with her initial and a butterfly. B for Bella, of course short for Isabella. I hope she will love it. She is not ready to have teeth falling out but her 6th birthday is coming up so I decided to get it done.

While working on big sister's I decided that grandson Adriel needed a pillow as well. He is only 4 and we just bought him his first big bed (twin) this week so he will have to wait awhile but it will be done for the future. He is a little monkey so this is perfect for him and he loves orange.

Having moved hubby into a nursing home yesterday I am trying to start a new life with huge changes. I am hoping that in a few weeks this will all get easier. Please keep our family in your thoughts/prayers. Thank you!
Blessings!!!!!

New Fabrics!!

2011-04-26T10:38:00.000-04:00

I am a winner! I won these beautiful hand dyed fabrics over at Margie's. Aren't they delicious looking? I can't wait to play with them but so far I have not had time. I thought I would share a picture of my family: My Mom and the darling grandchildren!! Hard to believe the oldest just turned 13 and the baby will be 4 next month!!

Yes I know that Easter is over but I never had a chance to share with you my Easter wreath. I think it turned out pretty well. I love the color which is more pink than it looks in this picture!!

The dishes below are my bargain I picked up while on my mini vacation. They were at the Penney's outlet: service for 12 plus serving pieces for under $50!! They were just what I had been looking for and the price was right! I couldn't believe my luck!

Have a great week! Blessings!!

Happy Easter!!

2011-04-24T19:28:00.000-04:00

We had a lovely Easter dinner with all the grandchildren. 2 DD, a DD's boyfriend and his boys and my mom. Full house for this small apartment that has no dining room!!

Above is the Spring wreath I am fixing up for my mom. It had just the white flowers on it and was pretty boring. I want to add alittle more fun to it, probably some ladybugs to make her smile. Right is the flip flops I made for DGS for Easter. My friend Linda had this cute idea so I decided to give it a try. I think they are alittle cross eyed!! LOL

Below is a small yellow wool felt purse I made following directions here. It is about the size of a coin purse and I love it. I am working on a larger one that is not flat like this one. Stay tuned I will share pictures soon.

This bag was a kit that I had bought. Just had to felt the flowers and do the beading. I had a great time and this went so quick. Due to old age disease I had two of these kits, do you think I liked it or what?? This is the first one I finished and on the second one I did more beading and made it alittle different.

Last but not least is our Minnie, thinks she is human sleeping in our bed (my side of course). I covered her up thinking she would get up and run away, nope she laid there and poised for pictures. We think she is adorable!!

Blessings!!

Cincinnati Quilt Festival

2011-04-08T08:34:00.000-04:00

Can you say tired and overloaded???
My friend Julie and I arrived in Cincinnati after stopping at the outlet mall on the way into town! We are staying right downtown about 5 blocks from the convention center. We went to the show last night and shopped!! I felt so overwhelmed with all the choices that I didn't get much shopping done!! Today we will go back and enjoy the beautiful quilts that we glimpsed last night!

After the show we are off to St Theresa's Textile Trove. I have wanted to go there for many years and it is only 5 minutes from here!! Yipee!!

Last night I got to meet Liz Kettle who's give away I won the other day! I got to peek at the book I won Threads the Basic and Beyond. I can't wait to get my hands on it. It looks fabulous!!

Have a great day!! Hopefully more tomorrow on the quilt show and I plan on some pictures too.
Blessings!!

A new Book, I won!!!

2011-04-03T16:52:00.000-04:00

I am so excited !!! I won this terrific looking book from Liz Kettle ! Liz had a give away on her blog and I left a comment. Today I got a note from her saying that I had been picked. I can't wait to get my hands on it. You know nothing makes me happier than a good book (maybe a magazine!!)!!

Preparing for my upcoming 5 day respite. I will be going to Cincinnati to the quilt show!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have not been to this one in over 5 years so I am really thrilled to be going. I will be with my quilting friend Julie from Columbus. After that I plan to spend alittle time in Amish country here in OH (Berlin area) I do so love the peace and quiet, the laid back life style and the clip clop of horses. I will shop the fabric stores, antique malls and eat the wonderful homemade Amish food!! I hope this will give me a much needed break and refresh me to get on with my life taking care of dear hubby.

I got some Crafting done this afternoon and will take some pictures and share soon!!

More Easter!!

2011-03-31T20:48:00.000-04:00

The little pink Easter tree decorated with Easter Eggs. Cute but Minnie thinks she should play with the eggs!!

Old vintage Easter baskets (mine and my brother's!!) LOL That makes them older than dinosaurs according to my darling children! Do you think I should sell them as antiques? Theyare over 50 yrs old.

Easter egg lights on top of the china cabinet, not any other decorating done up there but the lights look great in the evening.

Little Terra cotta pots being painted. I plan to add Easter grass and chicks when I am done. The odd lump on the right is bird that is decoupaged with newspaper, bought like this for a $1 at Micheal's.Not sure what I will do with this but played with it with paint, Works in progress.

I started a bigger project tonight: Mom gave me a wood TV tray. The top no longer looks real nice so tonight I started to decoupage the top of it with pictures out of a magazine. Not crazy about how it looks but it is drying right now so we will see how it looks tomorrow. I will share when I have the top done.

Blessings!!!

Bunnies and Baskets!!!

2011-03-24T18:22:00.000-04:00

Things are busy here at the ranch getting ready for Spring !! So excited to see the sunshine and watch the calender move toward warmer weather. I want to share with you some cute Easter decorations and projects of mine. On the right is a fabric basket I made today. I made another one in pink but have not completed it yet. I like how this turned out and plan to make a larger one and see how it turns out. This was made out of 8" circles of fabric.

While shopping at Micheal's I found this cute bird cage on sale. Just when I had been moaning that I didn't have one anymore. Added some moss, a leave and a bird to it.

A friend and I went to a craft show on Sat, it was small but had some really interesting things. You know how it is, "I could make that, if I just had a pattern!!" I broke down and bought the bunny at right and the egg below. Made very simply out of muslin fabric front and back with a layer of batting in the between. She finished them but sewing closely along the edges and then decorating. Smart lady!! Just love both of them!!

The wreath at the right is a work in progress. I started it today and plan to give it to my Mom. Hoping she will like the bright yellow color. I thought I would do something different from my usual pink, saving that color for mine!! I still have to attach the bunny and eggs to the wreath. This was one of those $1 wreaths from the Dollar Store and I took tulle from a spool and cut them and tied to the wreath. The eggs are paper machie ornaments and the bunny is a ceramic one (not too heavy) from Savers. Less that $5 in this wreath. I just love a bargain.

One last bargain to share with you. The glass basket at the left was on clearance at Hobby Lobby for $1.80. Once it was washed up (covered with dust, maybe why no one was buying them!! LOL) I added some pink grass and fake eggs. Not a great picture sorry!! My old Easter basket is behind it, over 50 years old. Makes it an antique right??? I will have to take a picture of them (I have my brothers too!) to share with you later.

Blessings!!

I have my Sewing Room Back!!!

2011-03-06T19:40:00.000-05:00

Today we moved my Mom back to her apartment.
This means I have the sewing room back!! I am so excited to be able to create in there again this week. Of course I have to find the time to do it but I will for sure. I am sharing two works in process with you today. On the right is a CQ piece started a couple years ago that will be the fairy woods when done. I have shared it before but have gotten more done on it.
Below is a baby blanket that I have started for my BFF's grandson who will arrive in July. Someone mentioned making baby blankets as gifts and from someone else mentioned using up small amounts of yarn leftovers so.................this is what I cam up with. It will have some other colors added: green and brown to liven it up. I will share a picture when it is farther along. I am hoping to dig some left overs out of my stash to make a cute sweater for him too.

I am hoping that Mom does ok in her apartment on her own. I am not jumping back into my room and putting it all back together until we see that she doesn't need to move back in.
Have a great week.
Blessings!!

Mail Fun and Lots of PINK!!

2011-03-03T14:40:00.001-05:00

The mail and UPS has been such sweet fun this week!! I have always wanted twine in pink and white and finally broke down and got a roll!! The picture is not perfect but it is such a sweet sweet color, can't wait to use it!!
Then a box arrived from JoAnn for our Feb swap on the Cottage yahoo group. Remember the pink chenille hearts I made for her. I took a picture of all the goodies she sent me!! WOW!! Thanks JoAnn for being so generous, love all of it.

A trip to Micheal's came up with lots of spring (pink) colored things. I got a couple St Patrick's Day things to work with the two glass pieces from Saver's that I picked up on Tues (Senior Day!! LOL)
The rest was all spring/pink things as you can see. I even found spring colored socks, that couldn't be beat at 50 cents a pair!! Love the cute bird and the magnets etc. I got some other great things but will wait for another day to share them. I am sneaking them in slowly so no one will figure out I went on a shopping spree!!

Blessings!!!

WOW I am a winner!!

2011-03-02T09:55:00.000-05:00

Yesterday the hospice pastor Karen arrived with this beautiful bouquet of flowers for Me!! Can you believe it?? They are much more beautiful in person! Thank you Karen for being so kind. They made my day (my week!!)

As I have talked about in the past I am a member of StitchMap a yahoo group about stitching !! I won last months teaser questions which are a number of questions involving stitching. In order to answer the questions one must do some research, at least in my case to come up with the answers. I was selected and Lyn sent me a wonderful package of stash and a book!! I was so excited., The fabrics are beautiful silks plus there is silk ribbon and embroidery threads yummy!!! I haven't had time to dig into them yet and play but believe me I will soon!

Blessings.

New Books!!!

2011-02-25T16:56:00.000-05:00

Today the UPS man so thoughtfully delivered my new books on a
day that needed some sunshine. I love both of them and can't seem to settle on which one to sit and read first!! I met Allie many years ago as we shared a room at the Crazy Quilt convention in Omaha. At that time she was fairly new on the CQ scene but she was already making us drool with her beautiful work!! I am so thrilled to have added her book to my collection!!

The other book I had heard alot of talk about on the Art Quilt List on Yahoo so I had to check it out and since the library didn't have it what else could I do??? LOL It is another beautiful book with great info and wonderful quilts to look at. I think it will inspire me to get some quilts made when mom moves out of the sewing room in another week. I can't wait to get my room back and get some sewing done again!!! I will miss mom and worry about her going home to her apartment and feeling too far away from her if she needs me but she wants to try it so we will.

I had to share a picture of Minnie, she is sitting under my chair by the sliding glass door watching the birds at the feeder. I have tried to get some good pictures but the screen door is closed and all you see is screen!! I did get one decent shot of the snow that is piled up outside again this morning. We got over 5" again last night and the wind has blown it around alot today. I am grateful to be able to stay inside and not have to wonder out in it!!

Hope you are safe and warm where ever you are!!
Blessings.

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

2011-02-14T22:12:00.000-05:00

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!!!!!!!!!

Today my Mom gave me some cash and told me to go have fun............mmmmmmmmmmmm you say what would be fun? That is what I spent the lunch time trying to figure out.

I ended up thinking I would go to the Antique Mall
but Savers was on the way so I stopped there first. I found some goodies on sale!! On the right is a beautiful small pink glass basket. I filled it with some kisses that I got my Mom this morning, isn't it cute??
Then I had these 3 cute little bunnies jump in my cart and I couldn't resist. They are on a couple inches tall and very light weight so my thought is Easter Wreath!! Now to find some other things to add to that wreath when I am ready to put it together. I couldn't beat their price at $1 ea.

Hope you had a great Valentine's Day!
Blessings!

Sunny Saturday!

2011-02-12T17:07:00.000-05:00

It is such a beautiful sunny day here in Ohio that after all the snow (Yes it is still on the ground here!!) I am thrilled with the weather!!
I wanted to share a few things I have finished up. On the right is 4 Easter Eggs made out of cutter chenille spread. I am so happy to be using some of this fabric and finding something fun to make with them.

Below is a headband that I bought a package of at the Dollar Store then used scraps to cover it and make some yo-yos to decorate it.

You may remember this wreath from a week or so ago. I was not happy with it so I went out and got the "coins" that I added and the beautiful ribbon to make the wreath. Then I got the idea to add some green tulle. I am much happier with it now. What do you think??
Have a great weekend.
Blessings.

Stick em Up!!

2011-02-06T21:04:00.000-05:00

On StitchMap we have been talking about using something in our craft/sewing studio/room for a purpose other than it was intended for. My favorite is my magnetic strip from the hardware. It is just a long narrow magnet that can be screwed on to the wall, mine is by the sewing machine, and then you can put your scissors on there. I happen to have a bazillion (never heard that number before??) different kinds of scissors. I find this to be a simple way to keep track of them and find what I need. Also inexpensive, about $8.

I am taking a Color Theory Class on StitchMap for the past couple weeks. Above and below are a few of the lessons I stitched for this class. I enjoyed doing some stitching for a change. I haven't done much stitching since July. All of the upheaval and changes in our lives has some how effected my love of stitching. That isn't to say that I haven't been creative just not embroidery or CQ. I have done alot of knitting and small sewing projects.

Presently the sewing room is a guest room where my mother is living. Although I am not sure if this is a permanent arrangement or not it is rather difficult to find supplies or use the sewing machine for now. I am missing having my room but right now my mom needs me so that is what I am doing. If this becomes a permanent move the sewing supplies will have to go into storage and I will make a corner of the living room or our master bedroom a sewing spot.
I don't think I have introduce Minnie to you. She is a new to us cat, hubby thought we needed a pet. She is a two year old from the local Humane Society. I believe we should all adopt if we can and save an animal. She has made herself right at home and settled in well. She hardly got used to our home when Mom came to live and now she is really spoiled. She loves to help me with my fabrics and sewing, you can imagine the kind of help I get.
Have a terrific and creative week!!
Blessings

No not March yet but

2011-02-04T18:09:00.000-05:00

I have been in the mood for wreaths!! So I went out shopping for things to put on a wreath. I know it is not March yet but I am working ahead! Cute garland and shamrock ornaments at Big Lots caught my eye. I had a cheap wreath at home ($1 at the Dollar Store) so I bought them both and went home and went to work. The garland was $3 and the ornaments were $2. Pretty cheap wreath don't ya think. I do wish I had bought another package of the ornaments. I attached them where I wanted them with E6000 glue, my favorite all time craft glue for putting about anything, except fabric together. Of course Fabrictac is a hit for that job in my humble opinion.

I have also been involved with a Color Theory Class at StitchMap which has been a great learning experience and has also gotten the old needle back in my hand. I have challenged myself to do all of the color combos for the class in floss so I would get back to stitching. I will share those pictures tomorrow just had to let you peek at the wreath first. I do think it needs a bow, don't you??

Have a great weekend. Blessings!

Is it February yet????????????????

2011-01-29T16:01:00.000-05:00

Can you see that I am getting ready for Valentines Day?? Funny thing is I would rather be decorating for Easter/Spring but it is a long time off yet. I imagine all of you feel the same way about now. We have all had it with the snow and cold this year, haven't we?? After being gone for the past 5 winters it has been a big change for me (and not pleasant either LOL) to be back in Ohio for a whole winter.

I have decided to get in a RAK swap on the Cottage Living yahoo group and we are making someone on the list something. We know who we have and I don't think she reads my blog so I should be safe!! I tried to think of what to do mmmmmmmmmm she likes pink (yeah) and then I got to thinking that mail out is the 1st so why no Valentines hearts. I got out a pink chenille cutter bedspread and went to work. I liked the large wool one I made so much I made the huge pink one for me (kind of big to ship) and made her some smaller ones.
These were lots of fun: cost nothing and repurposed something I already had. I hope these will be a gift she will enjoy.

Blessings!!

Hearts and Pins

2011-01-23T20:10:00.000-05:00

I am so glad to have the time to get back and blog. I have missed doing this each day as I had planned to do at the beginning of the year. Life as always gets in the way of best laid plans. I have my mother living with DH and I now after being in the hospital. Our apartment is pretty crowded and she is sleeping in the sewing room~~~ can you hear me, it feels like fingernails on a chalkboard to me to think about someone being in my room!!

I did move the cutting table and a couple of boxes to the garage to make room for her.
I have been getting alittle done in the craft department. I completed the pin on the right. It was a challenge on the StitchMap yahoo group. I loved doing it and I plan to whip up a couple more.

Below you will see the heart decoration that I made. At the antique mall with my BFF Linda yesterday I saw these huge burgandy wool hearts! I knew I could make some and they would even be cuter than the ones at the mall. I went to the shelf and found a red wool and made this heart. I love how it turned out. I also got out some other Valentine decorations. I hope they will give everyone in our family a boost.

I hope the center shows up when you enlarge it. I hope that I can be back on a more regular basis.

One thing about this Valentine it was free!! Everything on it was in our house so I spent nothing out of pocket to make it. I am thinking another one might be fun!! What will the next one look like, I don't know.

Blessings.

Disappearing Act

2011-01-10T17:37:00.000-05:00

Again I have disappeared from my blog, this time I have been under the influence of the "crud"!! I have been sick since last Fri and keep thinking I will feel better. Not so this far.

I did take some time to start the Jan challenge on the
StitchMap group. It is shown at right. It will be a brooch when it is done and I can't wait to finish it up. I want to make a few more to experiment and play some more.

I have also included the sage green 30 minute shrug and hopefully a better shot of the rust colored one.

I am loving how my African Violet is looking. It is one of two that I picked up on clearance at Walmart. The other one looks great too but refuses to bloom. Neither had blossoms when I got them and I would love to know what color this other one is. Darn thing!!
Blessings

30 minute shrug & more

2011-01-05T21:20:00.000-05:00

Another snow lady to share with you. She sits on the kitchen counter and watches TV!! Isn't she cute?

Here is the 30 minute shrug. I just love this pattern! It is from Threads. This is made from a rust colored terry fabric that was sitting on the shelf. About 2 1/4 yds. Such fun and it is so comfy!! Gotta love it!1

Then I made a stop at the Goodwill and picked up some great doilys!! Love it!! These were great prices, plus I got a sweet pillowcase made out of batik patchwork and a beautiful black skirt, new with tags!!! Whoot!!

Had a great day and hope that you did too!!
Blessings!!

UFO out of Hiding

2011-01-04T19:47:00.000-05:00

I have pulled out a UFO to see what I can do with it. It is a piece made of fabrics that I bought in St Thomas in the Virgin Islands many years ago. I have made a collage out of them. They are free motion sewed down. Now I plan to add some hand embroidery and a few very tiny embellishments to finish it off. Then it will hang in the sewing room to remind me of sun, warmth and beautiful waters. In Ohio this time of year it is really hard to imagine!!

Had to share this vintage look snow lady that is still out, even though all the Christmas things are put away. She is keeping an eye on us for the rest of the winter from her perch on top of the Hoosier!!
Then is the granddog in his Christmas gear! He and his mommy were here for Christmas vacation and he had to be spoiled!! LOL I think I got more things for him then for DD.

Tomorrow I will share pictures of the sewing I started today and will have finished tomorrow I hope.

Blessings!!

Sketch Book Challenge

2011-01-01T19:09:00.000-05:00

Another something new for the year. I am going to try to work on a sketch book. I found the blog for the Sketchbook challenge and decided to follow along. I would love to draw/sketch. I try but do not do very well. I was discouraged as a child as I attempted to draw, so I put down my pencil and decided I couldn't draw and haven't since.

The challenge began today and the theme for January is:: HIGHLY PRIZED. At first I was blank. What could this possibly mean to me. I guess I expected to have some kind of lightening bolt flash idea when I read the theme!! LOL What a joke. Then I read on and looked at the author's sketch and then the bolt struck!!!

Lots of things in my life are highly prized but I was trying to stay focused on my art/sewing. So the answer was easy for me: buttons, lace!! Not of course easy to draw and I may never share my "sketches" with anyone but myself. I couldn't wait to get the theme and was so excited to be able to work with it today. I have all month to work with other ideas and make other sketches. I am thinking I will work on a mixed media page as well as my pencil/paper page. Who knows maybe other pages waiting to get out!!
Blessings!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

2011-01-01T17:22:00.002-05:00

Finally.................

2010-12-31T22:16:00.000-05:00

The last night of December 2010!!!
This has been a year full of challenges for me and my family. We have struggled with the deteriorating health of my hubby. Since Oct he has struggled with open heart surgery, a mini stroke, gradual loss of the use of his hands and feet/legs due to neuropathy caused by his diabetes, increased loss of his vision and his loss of his ability to care for himself or ambulate well. I have packed us up and moved us once again back to our origins in OH, near family and old friends.
Artistically it has not been a very productive year so for 2011 I have chosen the words: Letting Go!! as words to live by.
Letting Go: of UFOs that I don't need to complete, trying to live up to other's expectations (this will be a tough one!) of the life I know, the people I love, some of the things I collect!! A year of change is what I expect!!
Best Wishes for a Healthy Happy and Creative New Year for each of you!
Blessings!!

Merry Christmas!!

2010-12-23T21:36:00.000-05:00

May you all have a beautiful and loving holiday! Enjoy your family and friends and love every minute.

Hoping to be back and be more myself in the coming year!! GOD BLESS!

Infinity Scarf

2010-11-07T16:40:00.000-05:00

Here is darling granddaughter modeling the newest scarf off the needles. I made a dark gray one first and then found the pretty pink yarn and decided to make another one. They are so quick and easy!!
Less than a skein of yarn, 10 1/2 needles. You cast on 21 stitches and knit each row until it is 44" long. Bind off and sew the ends together. It looks really great just wrapped once instead of twice as you see here.
Will add pictures of the gray one and the fabrics I have washed up to make some wonderful winter skirts out of. I realized I had none!!!

Hope you had a wonderful weekend!!!

TuTu Time

2010-11-05T07:46:00.000-04:00

I decided to get started on Christmas and thought the darling granddaughters would love tutus. So off I went to Micheal's for tulle!! They had the most beautiful colors but the girls are purple and pink babies so that is what I got. Sorry I have no cute models to wear them yet, but if you look at the top of the pictures you will see that the granddog is hanging out!! He is here visiting from SC and is happy with the cold weather, his mom isn't either.

These were such fun and so simple to make.!! I made them while watching TV, All I did was take nonroll elastic the size of their waist and then cut strips of the tulle twice the length I wanted, folded in half over the elastic and slipped it through and pulled snug, covers the elastic and no sewing. Hope that is clear as mud. Cost: less than $3.

Hope you have a great weekend!!

The Knitting Basket

2010-10-25T17:00:00.000-04:00

Did I mention that I have been knitting???? Seems to be the only thing that is working for me right now. I started when hubby was in the hospital and have continued to make these crazy ruffled scarves ever since. I have made over a dozen at last count and have more on my sticks as I type!! I love making them and think they are so cute when finished, they look like nothing on the knitting needles.

Today I stopped at Hobby Lobby, which is way to close to the new apartment for my wallet's comfort! They had knitting needles on sale and I want to pick up a couple new sizes and also a pair of double pointed ones, am I crazy??? The answer may well be yes. I want to try making some knitted hats and they all seem to call for completion with double pointed needles, if you knit them in the round. While I was there I found these cute initials on stitcks, to put in your cupcakes. Well I doubt they will end up there but they were so cute they had to come home with me. I am sure I will find a use for them.

I have agreed to take up the reins as the person in charge of the Stash Angels and the community project for next year on Stitch Map. I am nervous about this but hope that I can do the job and not let Shari down. Any ideas for a preject that you can share with me would greatly be apprecited.

Hope to be online for often now.

Have a creative week!!

Company Is Coming!!

2010-10-15T15:41:00.001-04:00

Things are slowly settling down at the Kennedy ranch here in Ohio. I can't believe we have been in the apartment a week already. Hubby came home on Monday so I have been busy with the round of doctor appointments and dialysis. We are adjusting slowly.

The sewing room is coming along like that SLOWLY!!! LOL If you could see the stack of boxes in the garage that belong in that room you would certainly laugh! There are a few boxes in the pile that are seasonal/Christmas decorations but 90% are for the sewing room. In that mess are my salt and pepper shakers and the bathroom rugs which I can't seem to locate. Heaven help me with this mess because I think every move I am downsizing but the sewing room stuff just increases!! What is a lady to do??? I am sure hubby would have an answer for that and the DDs too!! Yes Yes I know what a dumpster is for but not while I can still breath. LOL

Our first company will be here in an hour, DD Valerie and her three sweet babies will be here to see the new place and try to get it in their minds that we do live close to them again. Hard for a 6, 4, and 3 yo to understand after we have lived out of state for the past 5 years. (although Meamaw did get to see all but the 4 yo be born)!! The noise level will surely go up and the old folks will be worn out when they leave but oh so happy that they were here!!!
Have a terrific weekend. Blessings!!!

Some Days..................

2010-10-09T21:42:00.001-04:00

I am back!! Some days life just doesn't go the way you think it will!!! We have had major changes in our lives in the past two months! I have just moved us into a new apartment in Ohio. Hubby has been recovering very well from his open heart surgery and he will be home on Monday!!

Needless to say I have not been very creative in the past couple months but I did stop unpacking the other night and make a fall wreath for the front door. I will take a picture in the morning and post it. I have really missed posting and creating. I can't wait to get back to it but the sewing room will take some time to get settled. You know how that is!!

So glad to be back!!

Blessings!

Taking Time to Remember..................

2010-09-11T15:11:00.001-04:00

It seems impossible to me that 9 years have passed since our country was under attack. I clearly remember running down the stairs (in my flannel nightie), from the sewing room to say to hubby "They are attacking us, aren't they??" after seeing the TV. I was so shocked. I couldn't seem to be productive the rest of the week and we had a big Civil War Reenactment the following weekend.

Little did I know how much that day would effect all of us including our business. Just amazing how we all felt during those first terrible days.

My thoughts and prayers are with all of those who lost family on this terrible day and for those of us who have families who continue to battle terriorists today. May our country continue to be strong and proud!! GOD BLESS US ALL!!!

Just a note

2010-08-23T23:05:00.000-04:00

A tiny message to let you know that we did have a terrific time in OH with family and friends. Unfortunately when we started home hubby didn't feel well and we have ended up in the hospital. He will be having cardiac bypass (open heart) surgery on August 26. I will not be posting much in the next few weeks.

Our plan is for me to go back to SC and pack up our belongings to move back to OH. Guess it is time to come "home". Hubby's future is so uncertain that this is where we belong right now. I hope to be back sometime soon when hubby is feeling better!!!!

Season to Season CQ Blocks

2010-08-07T10:00:00.000-04:00

I belong to Crazy Quilt for Newbies yahoo group and a year ago we started a project where we made a block for each season, starting with summer and embellished it half way. Then it was sent to a swap mom who sent it on to someone else to finish the last half of the embellshing. Then the blocks were returned. My last block, Spring came home this week!! Nina was my swap partner and she did a beautiful job on my block. Here on the right.

I thought I would share with you the rest of the blocks. I know that I have shown you before but it is so nice to see them all together.

The pink and largest block is my summer block and I guess I can't follow directions or measure (LOL). This was the first block and Veleta, who just recently passed away and we are going to miss terribly did the stitching. She was gracious enough to take on my extra large block and didn't miss a seam even though I told her not to worry about finishing the whole things!! Such gorgeous stitching!

Below those two are my winter block that Susan worked on and my fall block that Jenny stitched.

Can you tell I love them? They are all so different and wonderful. My plan is to make a wall hanging out of the 4 of them. I not sure exactly how I am going to accomplish this but that is my plan. We are leaving for OH in the morning so until I have a chance to post again: Thanks for stopping by !! Blessings!

What Fun!!

2010-08-05T10:34:00.000-04:00

How I love a good day at an antique shop. This is a small mall that I went to in Irmo SC. I had an enjoyable time all by myself. I have decided to explore SC and not put it off because one never knows how long they will live in one place! I have regrets about things that I did not see and do while I lived in AZ and do not intend to have them about living here.I found this rose colored trim and of course liked the color and that it was different from anything that I have now.

The doilys were in a basket and all for $5. A great deal when I did not see another doily in the place for less than $5 each!!! Yes some are stained but I will soak them and see how they come out. If that doesn't work I will throw them in a dye bath and fix them right up!!

Planning a trip to the lake for sun, swimming and fun!!

Hope you have a terrific day! Blessings!!

Art Quilts are on my mind!!

2010-08-03T10:35:00.000-04:00

I have finished up this art quilt that I showed you earlier as a WIP. Not sure why the one closeup looks gray but believe me it is not. This is all done in neutrals.

I started another art quilt last night which is still a WIP. I plan to add more goodies to it. I am using things that I dyed myself. The base is wool felt with a piece of muslin at the to (the marking on the muslin was caused by salt on it while it was drying, don't ya love it???) , the the print is layered over some net and a piece of gauze. I layered some purchased fabrics in spots as well.

I stamped the word on the fabric and purposely didn't make it real clear I added some embroidery stitches to hold all of it in place. Plus a piece of hand dyed lace. I think it needs some buttons/beads and maybe some ribbon. I will continue to work on this and share when it is done. I think a pink on is next but Hubby and I are planning a trip North to see family on Sun so I don't think I will get much creating done for the next couple weeks.

Have a blessed and creative week. Hoping to share family pictures next week.

Hanging a Butterfly!

2010-08-02T15:41:00.000-04:00

This weekend was one of doing the dreary chores that I try to ignore so that I can sew or stitch. They must be caught up sometime I guess so I did that instead of the fun things I like to do. I have two new blocks from my collection that top one is a gift from Sue on CQ4N list. I am adding a bit here and there to finish up the seams but as you can see it is almost done. It will be the other side of the block below that was a gift from Alice of the Looney Bin from CQ4N also. Her block is done and ready to be sewn together with Sue's to form the next page in my book.

I had to share a couple pictures with you of the geese hanging around the apartment complex pond. They were there when hubby and I came back from supper on Sat night so I took a walk with the camera and got some pictures. They let me walk right up close although they did hiss and honk at me!! No fear of me or the cars they were walking in front of!!

This is the only peice of creative fun I had this weekend. I got his butterfly pressed and tacked to rose velveteen. Then I put it in a shadow box frame so I could hang it on the wall. No it is not evenly spaced in the frame but I sitll like it! I will hang it in our living room.

Now off to do some stitching. Have a terrific week.

Scarve Making~ Is winter far behind???

2010-07-31T11:31:00.000-04:00

It has been a busy week. I got out this pattern to knit potato chip scarves and made up a couple. I know it is the wrong time of year but they are light weight & fun to make. They are so much more fun to see when they are done. The pink one is for me, can't wait to wear it. I am not sure what I am going to do with the other one. Maybe a gift for one of the DD s!!

I have added a couple of updated pictures of the cuffs that I have been working on. I used hook and eye and snaps to finish the snow one and the pink lace one. Nothing fancy on them, just what works. I did get some work done on the lady that I applied to another cuff and had no idea what to do with. I like how she has turned out. She is finished except to add a closure to the back. A black lace cuff is next on my list of to dos.

Another idea in the works is a tank top made from crocheted pieces. I found in my pile a beautiful collar which I think will make this whole process easier. I plan to tea dye the main part of the tank so that the pieces are more cohesive when done. Last is an art quilt that I am throwing together. Another creative week here.

Hope you have a terrific weekend. Blessings.

Dye Day

2010-07-26T15:51:00.001-04:00

Saturday I got out dyes and white items to work with. I painted dye onto lace appliques (lousy picture will try for a better one soon. I intend to wash them in a gold dye when they are completed to give them an aged look. I used Ozecraft dyes that I bought mayn years ago and have never really used. They are so easy to used although I don't know if they can be purchased anymore or not. I got them from Austraila I believe. I used the Dusty rose for all the pink that you see, I watered it down to get this color. I dyed white cotton crochet thread, Warm & Natural batting, white wool felt, lace strips, scrim and muslin. I dyed the same things with a teal colored Rit Dye in a powder, that again I had had forever. I also have a piece of white velvet in there that went into the teal bath. The colors really turned out amazing! The teal seemed to affect different fabrics or should I say types of fabric: cotton, poly etc differently. Although the package said it wouldn't work on poly I am sure some of the lace was and it dyed beautifally! I did throw some Sea Salt (Don't ya love that it isin all the stores now and in an easy to use container??) on the teal muslin and it left some beautiful waves on it.

I even threw some white fringe in the pot with the teal. Cool huh??

To use up the last of the dye in the dishes

I threw in white cotton crochet threads, looking good to rmbroider with.

Had a blast, made a mess and it was good for the soul!! Blessings!!

Ta Da!!

2010-07-24T10:08:00.000-04:00

Here are pictures of this cuff finished. I just love it and can't wait to get a chance to wear it. It is one of those things that "spoke" to me and demanded to be finished.The snow cuff turned out cute too. If ya can't read it is says Let it SNOW!! Wrong time of year but it will be fun to wear next winter.

The mail brought this adorable heart that I won in a Lilla's blog giveaway!! Isn't it just the most adorable heart??

Finally another cuff idea brewing! I haven't got it all figured out how I want to decorate her yet but I am thinking lace so we will see where she leads me!!

Have a lovely and craetive weekend my friends.

Got Bit!!

2010-07-19T18:23:00.000-04:00

It was the sewing bug that got me!! I have been in the sewing mood rather than the stitching mood lately. I whipped up this simple knit dress, perfect for taking the dog out or just hanging around the apartment. Comfy is a good thing!!

This outfit is made of gauze, can you say cool and light weight?? I found this fabric on sale at Hancocks. The solid was $2/yd and I think the print was $3. Less than $10 for a cute cool outfit.

Here is a close up of the fabric. Having lighting issues because it was cloudy when I was trying to get these and the flash washed out the color so sorry about that.

Have an awesome week.

~Cuffs~ No Not Hand Cuffs!!!

2010-07-17T15:50:00.000-04:00

I decided that I wanted to make some cuffs the other day so I got right to it. The first one I started out with a piece of white felt and took a makeup sponge and dapped on paint. I didn't wet the felt at all. I did thinned the paint with plenty of water. I used a light blue (made for leather paint!!) and a "blueberry" color that had an almost lavender hue to it. I dabbed them on leaving plenty of white. I wanted to make this a Snow or Winter type cuff (I know it is 90+ degrees here in SC but ). I have gathered some cute winter/snow buttons to add to it when the felt is dry.

Here are the two paints that I used and see my exciting paint holder???

Adorable buttons to add.

The pink cuff started out with wide cream satin ribbon as the base. It was a wired ribbon but I removed the wire. I added a pink lace that I hand gathered. I will be adding buttons, flowers something else, not sure what yet. The lace cuff started out with a piece of vintage lace at the bottom, I used warm and natural batting as the base, layering the laces up from the bottom to top, running a machine stitch down the center of each layer. All are vintage pieces except the top. I added three buttons to the center. I adore this one.

Last is one that will be made out of off white fabrics with this cute picture in the center. I had pulled out some other goodies to add to it after it is sewn together in a Crazy Quilt style and then embroidered. I think the flowers and tassel will add just the right touch when it is finished. I plan to finish them all up tomorrow and will share more pictures.

Our family received sad news today. Our youngest daughter Lacy lost her best friend from High School. Kelly was a sweet young woman and will be missed by all of us. Our thoughts and prayers are with her beautiful daughter Jade, her parents and her brother.

Remember to say I love you, it is a statement you will never regret!!

Wicker Wonder

2010-07-14T09:11:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite things is Wicker!! If it is white it is even better!! Sunday DD left for two weeks of drill with her National Guard unit and after I dropped her off I headed out to the flea market. My big find of the DAY!!!! White wicker!! I was so thrilled to find thid grouping and so I asked the price and he said he wanted $120 for the set and I was seriously thinking about it when he said he would mkae me a deal. I asked what the deal was and he said all of it for $95. I couldn't get to the ATM fast enough!!! Then the fun comes, I loaded all of the pieces with his help into my car, PT Cruiser convertible. Do you remember the Beverly Hillbillies?? I know I am dating myself, but I am sure that is what I looked like as I drove home ! I wish I had thought to take pictures but I didn't, I ws so excited and couldn't wait to get it in the house!

I have added a pillow covered in vintage fabric to the seat of the chair and folded a quilt to lay in the back of it. The chair is now at the dining room table and works perfect there. The vanity is in the master with a vintage embroidered scarf on it and my antique mirrors and comb. The table is still homeless but I am sure I will find it a home. See those cute crocheted pansies on the table (using it to dry them after washing them up)?? They were in a bag at an antique store in Ohio for $1, couldn't pass them up, they will be beautiful additions to my Crazy Quilting.

Have a Blessed week!!

Fabric Flowers, Peaches and Bar Stools all have what in Common??

2010-07-08T18:25:00.000-04:00

They are what I have been doing today!!! WOW What a busy day I got up and finished making peach sauce and put it in the freezer, then I padded and covered bar stools!! I added three inches of padding to make them super comfortable and then a pretty pink striped floral fabric!!!

Then you can see that I worked on fabric flowers. I had them done before but they needed something in the center so off to the button box I went. Gotta love that Fabric tack glue, it is a wonder!! These turned out really cute! I want to make more they are really addicting.

Finally a shirt that I got finished (can you see the sweet gathered pockets??) and there is a dress I added the straps too and hemmed. No picture of it because it was too dark to be able to see how pretty the gauze fabric really is. I am in a clothing making place right now. I have a pair of green gauze capris cut out to whip up tomorrow. The pattern is cut out to layout the matching green print gauze top and another pattern cut out to make up a knit dress and a tank top pieced out of crocheted pieces as seen on Magnolia Pearl. I do love that woman's designs and gorgeous work but I know I can't afford her prices so I am going to try to whip up my own. Doesn't mean they will be pretty, wearable etc but I have plenty of pieces to give it a try!!

Now I am worn out and may not be able to do another thing tomorrow!! LOL The plan is fresh peach pie and peach crisp. Then some sewing plus taking DH to the cardiologist. We shall see how much I can get done !!

Enjoy the heat my friends and be creative!!

Cameos

2010-07-06T19:56:00.000-04:00

It's a cameo day here at my house. I started on Sun to bead, or learn to bead around cameos. Some of the cameos are the ones that Ira sent me from Israel. The light blue one was my first try. Then I did the green one. Last you will see that I am in the process of working on the Orange colored background, there is a picture of it completed below. The other cameos are new ones that came in the mail today.

The white porcelain face is some I already had. I bought these cameos from a seller on Etsy.I believe it is Cathysjewels @ Etsy. She has some beauties and fast service. I plan to add these to my CQs. I will be going back to see if she has any smaller ones. These are great but sometimes I need smaller ones.

I also started some new fabric flowers today so will share those tomorrow.
Have a creative day!

Happy 4th of July!!

2010-07-04T10:37:00.000-04:00

Hope you have a safe and fun filled holiday!! God Bless the USA!!

Garden Block

2010-07-03T19:59:00.000-04:00

Here are pictures of the finished Garden block for a swap on CQ 4 N! Didn't it turn out cute. My first tree and my first beading all on one block. This is my first fence as well. Not sure if it couldn't have been better. I still have lots of ideas of things that I could have added to this block. Maybe that means I need to make up another block so I can use them on there. LOL

Spring Block for NIna

2010-07-02T20:07:00.000-04:00

I have finally called a halt to the work on Nina's Season to Season Block for Spring. If I didn't stop it could go on and on!! Some time you just have to call a halt to it!! I had the same trouble with the Garden block I am working on, when to stop. I really hope that Nina will like the work that I did on her block.

Have a terrific 4th of July Holiday Weekend!! Off to the Peach Fest tomorrow so I may hae Peach pictures to share with you tomorrow!!

Give Away @ Cathy's Crazy by Design

2010-07-02T09:30:00.000-04:00

Well good old blogger is acting up and the Link won't work today when I need it. Doesn't that just figure?? Any way hop over to Cathy's blog for her fabulous give away. http://cathyscrazybydesign.blogspot.com/

While you are there be sure to go over and check out her new Etsy shop. She has some beautiful hand dyed laces for sale and who can resist those??

Out of this World

2010-07-01T09:47:00.000-04:00

My block from CQI yahoo group RR for FFT # 11 came home yesterday! Is it not the BOMB???? I know that these pictures do not do it justice but had to share them anyway. It is so lovely and all of the ladies did some fantastic stitching!! Do you see that gorgeous spider and web?? Can't even say enough about how thrilled I am!!

Even DD who is not into CQ said wow I want one like that done in gree!! Sorry honey no can do!!! LOL

Hope your week is going well and you are finding creative time!! I have finished up several things but had to share this block with you. The other blocks can wait til tomorrow.

It's a bag and a shirt!!

2010-06-28T21:07:00.000-04:00

I wanted to share witht you the finished purse. I had to add the cute pink flower!! It was not part of the purse pattern but couldn't help myself. You get a small glimpse of the lining fabric, this bag is actually reversible. I think it turned out cute and am glad that I bought the bias tape in black because it really pops. Below is a tank top that I got at JoAnn's. It was on clearance for $7 and some change. It is comfy and was easy! Gotta love that!!Not a great picture of it but it has a drawstring in the neckline and ties at the shoulder. Will have to try a better picture. I really need my manniquin fixed so I can use it for better pictures.

Hoping your week is going well. I am so excited because this Sat is the Peach Fest, like my most favorite food! Hoping to come home with some terrific peaches to make some peach sauce with so I can enjoy them all winter!!

Stitchin'

2010-06-26T20:11:00.001-04:00

I really hope on this my 4th or 5th try I can get this post completed and posted! LOL Not sure what or who is the real problem. I have a few things I want to share with you. These two odd shaped items are a purse, one in the inside (lining) probably the rose pirnt and the toile will be the outside of a purse. I found this cute idea on Craft Gossip. It is called a bias tape bag and so very simple. I wanted to pick up some solid color bias tape to use so that is why it is the half finished state. Stayed tuned for completion!Here is an updated picture of the garden/farm block. It just seems to have a mind of it's own and continues to need or want more added to it. I know it is not done yet as it keeps talking to me. The flowers in the upper left corner need finished and maybe a vine added to the fence. Then maybe maybe it will quit talking to me. I have been looking at CQ blocks in my drawer of UFOs and decided to finish some that are all of a close size and make a fabric book out of them. While I was looking I found this pink beauty that JK had made me last year. I decided that it was just too gorgeous to hide even in a book. I added a thin border (see on the right) and then ironed on Pellon so it would stand up on a plate holder. I am so please with how it turned out.

Thanks JK for such a wonderful piece of art!!

Hope you have a great weekend!!

Pat Winter's GiveAway!

2010-06-24T15:20:00.000-04:00

Pat is having a gorgeous giveaway! Be sure to stop over and check out her beautiful blog and the lovely things that she creates!!

Rest relaxation............. no just running here and there!!!

2010-06-23T21:38:00.000-04:00

Did I really think I was going to relax while I was in OH??? Silly me!! I did have a blast while I was there. The first day there I went with my BFF to Berlin OH and shopped in Amish country, ate great food and relaxed and watched the people who make me smile. I got some lovely pictures ! The sign makes me smile as it is my maiden name! No I am not Amish, my father's family was Mennonite and from PA. I got some canned goods shipped home and can't wait for them to arrive! I bought some lovely antique lace, and other goodies which I will take pictures of and share in the near future.These adorable children are my sweet grands.

The oldest is 12 and the youngest is 3!! Gotta love them! We took them to the movies to see Toy Story 3 and then had a pizza party! Grandma had as much fun as they did. I also got to watch some wonderful baseball and Tball games! I even slipped in alittle stitching!!

My FFT#11 block is on it's way home and by the pictures it is wonderful!! Can't wait to touch it. The garden block is almost done and I have to get Nina's ready to mail out. Maybe another garden/farm block in my future!!
So glad to be back with you all!! Have a sweet week!!

Beading

2010-06-13T19:54:00.000-04:00

This block is the Season to Season Block of Nina's that I am working on. She did some of the work on it and I took a quick picture before I did anymore work on it. So far here I have added a seam treatment on the lower right and added French Knots to the feather stitch on the bottom right. Also a buttonhole stitch to the upper right (doesn't show very well here) I am adding lace and some SRE that is not in the picture here. Also a butterfly that DD thought it needed!!This is the garden block for CQ4N that has some new work on it. Then the beading that I added around this cute little sunflower iron on that I just had to add. I am so pleased with the way it turned out. This is the first time I have attempted to bead around anything like this. As you may recall I am not a fan of beading, although I love the way it looks I do not like to do it myself. I sat down and started this and didn't want to stop!! Amazing!! I may find that I need to try doing this again on another block!! I am also posting it in the CQI challenge of the month which was framing, no it might not be very original but it was a big challenge for me. LOL

Have a sweet week my friends. I will miss you while I am off line!!!

Stitching FUN!

2010-06-12T10:06:00.000-04:00

I have finished up my work on the RR from CQI which was FFT#11. I finished early and sent it home to Michelle. Here is the last of the work that I did. The point of the corner I added SRE and then above the line of beaded flowers I added some lace and several rows of embroidery. She says she is very happy with her block so we must have done good!! I am anxiously waiting for mine to come home. It is not due until after the 15th of June and I will be on vacation so I told Ing to take her time and not hurry as it will sit here and wait for my return. Speaking of vacation I will be offline the 15th through the 22nds, visiting family and friends in Ohio. I am taking a "break" from life, caregiving is getting the best of me. Hubby will be staying home with DD and I will be running away, this time. I am looking forward to family time with the grandkids and shopping with friends. I have a day planned in Berlin OH (Amish country) so lots of good food and shopping in fabric stores and antique malls. Then I have another day planned in a huge antique mall. Good thing I have the suitcase 3/4 of the way packed with things for the grands isn't it??? More room to pack things that I buy to bring homr. LOL

This green block shown here naked is a Garden/Farm block for CQ4N's. It will be a block swap so I have to get this baby embellished to send out the end of July. If time permits I have ideas for another one too. Below is the beginning of the work on it with a tree on the left side. I found the how to on Kathy's blog. So easy and cute when finished.I will share more pictures of this block when I get home !! Have a grand weekend, see you after the 22nd!!!

Fun Flowers

2010-06-01T19:40:00.000-04:00

While I was blog surfing (sounds so energetic doesn't it??) I happen on Lilla's blog and she was making these adorable flowers. Well you guessed it I had to run into my studio (LOL) and grab what was needed and make some. Poor hubby suffered as it was supper time yesterday when I began this silliness. I think they turned out cute. I experimented with fabrics and tulles and had a great time. Three circles of tulle topped with a velvet (or minkee as I used a couple times) 5 leafed flower cut out, topped with another circle of tulle and some flower centers were put through all the layers. Then the layers of tulle were run through the candle, just the edges mind you and ta da a cute flower. Gotta love and easy and cute craft!!!

Today some goodies from ebay showed up in the mail. More fun!! I got these 4 changes purses. The beaded one is beatiful, not what I really wanted, I was after the other three!! It isn't easy to see in the picture but the top one has a gorgeous plastic (?) top on it. I also got he gold trim, buttons and adorable glass bottles. Gotta love the bottles don't ya??

In the buttons are glass clear, PINK, and brown ones. Gorgeous and a perfect addition to CQ blocks.

Last but not least in the mail, a package from Emilie in France (yes France!!!!) I never in my life got anything from France before but I won her blog give away!! Pinks and grays was the one I choose, imagine that. Cut hand mitsm pink and white trim, a pink crocheted rose, a pink scarf and pink beads plus the lush gray fabric. I am so thrilled. Thank you sweet Emille!! You can catch her blog at The French Frog!!

Such a wonderful way to end an absolutely lousy day!! Fighting with insurance, feeling like everytime you get back up someone comes along to know you down again!!

Hoping your week is creative and fun!!

Happy Memorial Day!!

2010-05-31T16:59:00.000-04:00

Happy Memorial Day !! A special thank you to anyone who has served our country. If you have a family member who is presently serving please give them my thanks. DD as you may remember is Army National Guard. Also have a friend from Columbus OH who's son Andy is being deployed in June, he is in the Air Force. Please keep them in your prayers.

The last round of the FFT #11 on CQI is coming to a close. I have Michelle's block and am in the process of working on it. The full picture is what it looked like when I got it this week. It is a lovely block with some spectacular work on it. The picture of the corner is the work I have added so far. Couldn't let this corner go home naked so I added some flowers and a seam embellishment. This is the upper left hand corner of the block.

You will see there is still room to work on the lower left to. That is what I am working on now. Adding some chain stitch and I am going to look for piece of lace to add to that corner as well. I think she will be real happy when it gets home to her. I am working on it to get it done and in the mail early. I am leaving June 15 for a trip to Ohio to see friends and family. I want it done and out of here so that in the last minute rush it is not forgotten or misplaced. I will be excited to get home to see my completed block, it should be here when I get home.

Have a wonderful week!!

Making Clothes!!!

2010-05-27T21:24:00.000-04:00

Something new lately!! I have been sewing some clothes. I made this pink lace cape to throw over the little summer dresses. So cute and lightweight.

The long sleeved white jacket needs to have some bias added to the edges to be finished. I haven't decided if I am cutting the sleeves off and make it short sleeved or leaving it alone. I really want it to be short sleeved. The fabric for this one is a white on white cotton.We will see!!!

The yellow shirt is a bat wing shirt made out of yellow gauze from an idea I saw online. It is so cute!! I wish I had made it alittle longer so the next one will be longer.

Making skirts next, I found gauze on sale at Hancock Fabric so I will be whipping those up!! A little off my usual for my blog but at least I am getting something done and using up fabric that I have!!

Off on Saturday to shop with a good friend from OH at Mrytle Beach!! Can't wait, I really need the time away to power up the batteries!!!

Have a terrific Memorial Day Weekend!!!

Mouse in the House!!

2010-05-25T18:23:00.000-04:00

Isn't she cute?? She arrived in my mailbox yesterday!! I won her on StitchMap!! Made by our own Shari, list mom!! I was so thrilled to win and when she arrived she was even cuter in person than the picture that was posted on our list. She is purple so ya know that makes me happy. Thanks Shari and StitchMap!!!

Tomatoes!!

2010-05-23T16:28:00.001-04:00

Check it out!! The tomatoes are growing. There weren't even any out where they could be seen before!! There are still some hidden under the leaves that have been there for awhile and are growing.

Here is the thread rollup!! I also have been sewing today. I have my gauze dress hemmed. I need to add straps, just have to sew them on. I also have been "adjusting" some of my "old " clothes that are too big. Such fun!! It is helping to add to my wardrobe without spending any money.
It has been a productive weekend, hope yours has been too!!

Have a terrific week!!

Crazy Quilting Class DONE!!!!

2010-05-22T19:11:00.000-04:00

I am so excited to have this class done!!! YIPEE!!! I started this online CQ class with StitchMap the end of Jan. The other ladies in the class were about half way done with the class when they asked me if I would like to join in even though they were already started.

I was thrilled to be asked. Little did I know what alot of hard work was ahead of me. The two pieces were are finished. The thread rollup (I have been calling it a needle roll have not idea where I got that) is ready to finish up and will be done this evening while watching TV, like there is anything to watch, UGH!!! Just my 2 cents worth , they are cancelling one of my favorite shows: Ghost Whisperer, I am a big Jennifer Love Hewitt fan, plus several others I like alot. Not sure what they think we are going to watch on Fri night now. It will be as bad as Sat nights I guess, hoping they come up with something interesting before fall.

Will share the thread rollup tomorrow. Have a great weekend!!

A little bit closer

2010-05-19T19:59:00.000-04:00

I am so excited to have finished Lesson 7 in my online CQ class at StitchMap!!! The end is in sight, Lesson 8 is the completion of the class. The top picture is going to be the top of an Altoid Tin.

Next is the needleroll. The poor thing has been redone and reworked. Finally I think I am done with it.

The third picture will be a round pincushion. I am still thinking about adding more embroidery to that heart that I threw on there but for lesson purposes it is done. The last picture is a needlebook. The SRE was the last addition along with the year and the tiny butterfly.

Now I am waiting for Lesson 8 which will be the instructions on how to put these pieces together. So the next time you see these pieces they will be completed.

I have to work on a one stitch callenge now for StitchMap. I had started this before and now we are going to finish it up. I of course can't find the last piece that I did. All of the practice pieces are laying here...LOL So back to rework some of the last challenge and on to the final one.

My other idea for a piece of emboidery is to find a line drawing of a cat and work it up in thread painting. I love cats and have no idea why I haven't thought to do a cat before.

Hoping your week has been going great. Create my friends and it will make you smile.

Cover that Couch!

2010-05-16T10:55:00.000-04:00

After seeing a delightful slipcovering of a couch over at Beach Vintage I decided when moving the furniture around yesterday to try the same andam really happy with the results. I did forget to take before pictures and am sorry to report I am NOT tearing this apart to show you what it did look like. The chaise is covered in a matlesae bedcover with a rose print fabric on the pillow on the back. Dgranddog thought he had to be part of the make over too! The chaise is origianlly a beige background with a floral print and looks dirty all the time even though it isn't. The seat cushion is all one piece which one day I am going to take something to and remove so it is easier to cover!!

On to the couch. It is a sage green and looks fine I just wanted a change (know how that is??) I covered the seat with a vintage cream lace and fabric tablecloth. I have used this before on here but sat the cushions on top of it, letting the lace hang out from under them. This time I decided to see if I could cover the entire seat cusions with it and ta da it worked!! The arms and back pillows (explains why it appears kinda bumpy) are covered with a small rose print fabric from my stash. I threw on the CQ pillow I made with our wedding picture on it, a bolster pillow I made with a vintage embroidered linen (made perfectly to throw the bolster in) and a sweet bunny made by BFF Louise. Got this one without DGD in it!! LOL

Yesterday while redoing the living room I decided to move the bookcase out and put it by the door at the entry way. While doing this job I decided to sort the books and keep them in some type of order, you know CQ with CQ, dolls w/dolls book. I came across beading books I bought some time ago when I took a beading class. I spent the evening with them and decide that the above book was by far the best of the half dozen I have. It has lots of interesting info, answered all of the questions I had lurking in my head while I beaded. I have beaded more in the past week or so than in my whole life so I am on a new learning curve. So if you are new to beading check it out. Also ordered more beads and thread from Joggles last night, be sure to check them out if you need beading things. Love the Taho beads and Salamide thread, she has both and you can't beat her shipping price. Nothing annoys me more than to have someone want to charge me $5 to ship a spool of thread!! Off the soap box now.

Have a great week friends!!!

Grape Dyeing!

2010-05-13T16:33:00.000-04:00

The use of Walmart grape powdered drink mix can be seen in my photo. I am not thrilled with the photo again!! One day I am gonna get it right. It turned out a light lavender almost mauve color. The one lace piece at the top had the gold colored edging on it before I dyed it. That one is the least pretty of the batch. The ones in the foreground turned out really sweet.I have been really busy with the beading on my CQ lessons. They are going well and I can see the end of the road with this class. Lesson 8 will be putting the pieces together so that will be exciting.

Vickie's block is ready to mail out in the morning and I forgot to take a final picture. Darn!!

My spring block is being worked on I have added two different types of lace and some seam treatments. I may even add some beading to it before I send it off to Lesa. I have a couple of gifties to get in the mail too. I am so far behind it seems!!

Looking forward to Memorial Day weekend as I will either be having company (DD may come down from OH) or I will be spending the day with my friend Julie from Columbus OH. Either way I will be a happy camper!!

Blessings!!

CQ Lesson Beading

2010-05-11T15:53:00.000-04:00

I have been working like a little bee trying to complete Lesson 7 which is beading, one of my least favorite things to do. I maybe crazy but I think it is turning out pretty well. This first picture is a partial shot of my pincushion. I do not have the seam finished above the butterfly. Still a work in progress that I have ideas for.The second picture is the needlebook case with some beading added. It will still some SRE added to the right hand side that I cut off. Then we have the tin topper, I added pearls and the butterfly. It may get more this evening. A rose will go in the middle yet too.

Here are two pictures of Vickie's block. The top one is the whole block the second is a close up of the work I did. Below is my naked Season to Season block for CQ4N. I have to embellish half of it before I mail it on to Lesa for her to finish the other half and return it to me. This is the 4th and final block in the 4 seasons. Can't wait to get started on it.

Finally some goodies I picked up at JoAnn's. Bargains!! All of the trims were 25 and 50 cents a yard. The gorgeous glitter , more of a green then it shows here wa 50 cents. Love it!!!

Best of all these CQ classes have taught me to not be so uncomfortable with beading. I sat and beaded the other night and didn't want to stop to go to bed!!! How shocking!!

Hope you all had a great Mother's Day!! I got a card and flowers!! Also bought myself some gifts, new bathing suit and some new clothes, amazing the ones I have are becoming too big again. Can't beat that!!

Have a creative week.

Michelle's Give Away~ not to be missed~~

2010-05-07T08:58:00.000-04:00

Take a second to pop over to Michelle's blog and see what a beautiful giveaway she has planned.

I think I have mentioned her work before. She does the fabulous drawings on fabric. This is an ink drawing on antique fabric. Michelle is in my mind one talented woman. Her etsy shop is noted there I believe it is Michelle Palmer, not to be missed my friends.

I am always jealous of anyone who can draw. While taking a doll making class with Eleanor Peace Bailey I was told that I stopped learning to draw as a very young child. I do great stick people. She wondered why I quit drawing and I told her I thought it was because I was made fun of. Of course I am not sure that is the case or did I just think I did such a bad job that I quit drawing??

The mind of a child....................

Another Supper Dyeing episode!!!

2010-05-06T18:55:00.001-04:00

The next to the youngest darling granddaughter needed a tooth pillow. I grabbed purple fabric for her and added a purple rosebud flannel for the pocket. She has already lost her first tooth so Grandma is alittle behind. I plan to mail it tomorrow, so hopefully no more teeth will fall out before it arrives in Ohio!

The best thing happened today!! I had misplaced my diamond ring when we moved here, you know put it in a safe place!! I haven't been able to find it for the past three plus weeks. I called the insurance company and had them working on it. Today I picked up a quilt on the shelf in the bedroom and there it was!! ON a little ceramic ring holder!! I am so blessed to have it back!!!!!Tonight I decide to press on with the supper time dyeing sessions!! LOL Last night was so much fun that I just had to see what the Crystal Light Sunshine would make. As you can see it was impossible to photo well. It turned out a very beautiful light yellow. I didn't do the full dilution as per package, I used hot water this time, vinegar and I wet the lace before dropping it in. I thought this might be a tough dye because it was yellow so I tried to give it all the help I could. This maybe addictive and I may have to give that grape or cherry in the cabinet a try tomorrow night. The best part of this is it takes little time, only a small dish and it is always a surprise!!

Stop back tomorrow and see if I tried another color!!
Blessings!!!

Dying while making supper!

2010-05-05T18:04:00.001-04:00

What Fun!! While I was making supper tonight I poured hubby some drink, what you ask??
I used Walmart brand Cranberry drink mix that comes in the canister. I thought it was a real wow red, but won't come out that way but I love pink so let's give it a try.

I remember a discussion lately on CQ4N on using KoolAid to dye lace with so off I ran to pick up (literally) lace bits off the floor. I threw them in a small glass of liquid (made as directed on the package), added a drop of vinegar. Let them set while we ate supper.

This is how they looked after they had been well rinsed and patted dry. Which means that they are still damp, I am guessing that they will dry alittle lighter. OH what fun though, it seems each piece came out almost a different color. Two of the pieces are exactly the same and they came out alike, kind of a pinkish gray. The one hardly took any color at all but I still like it. I was really surprised at how dark the long piece of lace turned out.

I adore surprises so you can guess that I will be making a different pitcher of drink for hubby now for while to see what kind of cool colored laces I can get. I can see it now, supper time is dying time!!!

Hoping you have had some time to be creative this week~~~~

Nicki Lee's Give Away!!

2010-05-05T10:47:00.001-04:00

Be sure to stop over and check out Nicki Lee's give away. She makes the most beautiful laces and has an etsy shop where you can buy them to add to your beautiful CQ work.Nicki Lee is the place to stop and leave a comment, not too many now ladies as I want to win...............LOL

Got it Done!

2010-05-03T16:08:00.001-04:00

Today I got the pillow completed. I am so happy with the way it turned out. I don't think that my pictures do it much justice. I have added some other pictures that I help show it up better. This was such an easy idea and makes up quick. I also love the fact that it uses without ruining the doily that may already be in your collections.

Hope your day has been creative.

Kathy's GiveAway!!

2010-05-02T15:19:00.000-04:00

Be sure to hop over to Kathy 's blog . She is having a wonderful giveaway plus she has just opened a wonderful store ! Once you get to her blog go see her store because she has beautiful crazy quilt supplies plus some other goodies you will love.

Did ya ever????

2010-05-02T14:56:00.001-04:00

Did ya ever feel like a project had drug on so long/needed so much more work than you planned........................ seems like it has taken over your life??? I have one of those, it is a new problem for me. I usually have inspiration and know when something is finished. This one has become a pain in my backside. I think I HATE it at this point. I could easily walk away and not ever look at it again much less want to finish it.

Maybe my problem has been I let too many other projects get started at the same time. I had been doing so well, just one project at a time until it was completed. Then on to a new one. This was working just great for me and look Ma no UFOs.

Then I agreed to start the CQ class and then I jumped into an RR. Well you might get the picture here, oh let's not forget moving and being a fulltime caregiver. mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Guess I need to sit back and get things in order here, prioritize needs to be the word of the day.
Number ONE: finishing my CQ class piece. so I can move on to lesson 7
Number TWO: working on Vickie's block for the RR
Number Three: finishing the doily pillow
Number Four: good question as I have two embroidery pieces going, do I pick the table cloth back up or finish the table runner. Will figure that out when I get there I guess.
Maybe by the end of the week the question will be answered.

The sewing room is progressing. I got THREE new plastic thresss drawer containers, two are full of mixed media goodies. One is still empty. (imagine that)
I have found the floor in the closet again, cut up clothing from the Goodwill that was taking up alot of space, folded and stored all the fabric on shelves and even got some folded and packed into the fat quarter storage units I got from JoAnn's online. They are Marie Osmond ones and I love them. I need to completely fill the first one and start on the second one. They hold 60 fat quarters and havve handles so you can take them with you. Love this idea. I have also emptied ALL the boxes in the sewing room and got them out of there.
Here is Vickie's Block, isn't it beautiful? Beisde it is another embroidery piece I found that is not finished, to be added to the above list (LOL) Next is the embroidery piece that I started on after finding it in my stash. Below that is the needle book and the needle roll, these are the pieces from h***. Last is the picture of the fat quarter storage I talked about.

Not bad for one month here. I thought it was going to take much longer than this. I am thrilled that I can actually (maybe) go in there and get something done without thinking I need to move things or unpack things.

Hoping you have a blessed week and Don't forget your MOTHERs this week!!!

Yum Cake~~~

2010-04-28T17:27:00.000-04:00

I forgot to share the beautiful cupcake we had for our anniversary cake on Monday evening. Nope I didn't make them, they came from Barnes and Noble. They were Red Velvet and if you have never indulged you must! So good, of course not good for you but once in awhile is a good thing.

Have not had much time for stitching lately. I hope to get some done tonight.

Making the house a Home

2010-04-27T17:12:00.001-04:00

Finally had some time to have some fun and decorating around here. Thought you might like to see a few of the things I did. I wrapped a rose vine around the light in the dining room. I wish this were a beautiful chandelier but renters can't be have what they want!! LOL I took this tall glass container that I got at HL half price a couple of Christmases ago. I filled it with pink beads, then pink net, addes some pink and white roses and topped it with cream antique lace and a cute pink bird. It will go back on top of the china cabinet. This is the top of the kitchen cabinets. The first picture is a tall old light yellow container with a picture (hard to see I know) and ivy spilling out of it. The two old flour sifters were the plain one was mine and the white and red one my Grandma Ella's. Under the two coffee grinders is the picnic basket we used when I was a child, I am sure that makes it an antique!!This upper cabinet has some of my copper collection in it. Hubby and I love copper and had alot more of it in AZ, can't always move everything and I don't have it all out yet. I added some greenery and a pink bottle to the mix. Here is the boss, you have seen him before but I just had to snap this picture of him as he watches me run around the house, up and down the step stool doing my thing!! Guess he figured it was better to be some where that I couldn't step on him instead of under my feet which is where is always is when I am in the kitchen!!

Finally, the top of the china cabinet. My favorite dishes, which of course are no longer made. Darn, I wish I could find more. Beautiful set in my opinion.

Thanks for stopping by, have to get back to stitching down those doilies to the velvet pillow cover.
Have a lovely blessed week.

Using Doilies~~~~~

2010-04-26T23:11:00.002-04:00

kari posted this cool idea for using doilies in framed artwork. In reading this I ended up finding other things made of doilies and since I had just had mine all out and washed them they were on my mind. I decide why not. I would rather use them and see them then have them stored away.

I started out with a 14" X 14" pillow form. I cut pale pink velvet into a piece large enough to cover the pillow form, so about 15" X 15". I sewed up three sides of it and then I began to place crochet doilies on it in a pleasing to me manner!! I am using the Coats Button and Carpet thread in a cream color to lightly stitch the doilies to the velvet. I am planning to cover the entire front of the pillow, the back is still up in the air. I had alittle trouble with getting my pictures where I wanted them so please look below for the other picture of the pillow top.

Then I started a table runner of doilies. The picture at the bottom is where I was laying it out on the bar. I wanted to make it for on the bar rather than on the table. Dark countertops that need lightened up!!

I used the same thread and slightly overlapped the edges of the doilies and lightly sewed them together. I can easily take them back apart in the future if I want to and I didn't have to cut any of the doilies either.

I really love the way the runner turned out. I might add one or two more doilies to make it alittle longer and cover the whole length of the bar. Had some fun today decorating the space above the kitchen cabinets and the top of the china cabinet. I will share those pictures with you tomorrow.

Had a wonderful day with hubby today celebrating our anniversary!

Have a wonderful week.

Where Does Time GO????

2010-04-26T08:31:00.000-04:00

19 years ago today hubby and I got married!!! It has been a roller coaster ride but I wouldn't trade it for the world. I still remember that those flowers weighed a ton, boy was I shocked when I picked them up!!!

We spent a couple of days on a cruise, the first time I had ever been on a ship or outside of the US. I learned alot and hubby couldn't wait to take me places and have me try new things.

Thank you dear for always being there for me and loving me, even when I didn't deserve it. I LOVE YOU!!!

My Garden

2010-04-23T21:30:00.000-04:00

You all know that I don't really have a garden but I thought I would share with you the few plants that I have out there. I have a rosemary plant sitting in the teacup pot (needing potting soil so I can get this planted in there). On the left the two other plants are lavender. I have never bought lavender before and didn't know there was more than one kind so I bought one of each!! LOL Don't know if they will do ok in a planter or not but I will soon find out. A new planter is on the horizon! Here is the tomato plant, it is looking great and likw I said before there is a small tomato on it and I see new blossoms coming on. Can't wait to have some to eat!! Then we have the sad looking pansies. They have been sitting at DD and have been neglected sadly!! They are blooming but the greenery needs to come back, time and water will do it I am sure. I want a planter to sit in the wicker plant holder to put them in. They will be pretty in there when they are looking better.Lastly is a piece of embroidery that I found while I was washing and putting the linens away. Isn't it the cutest thing?? Thought you would enjoy it.

Have a terrific weekend, hoping the sun shines in your neck of the woods this weekend!

Working Away

2010-04-21T21:30:00.000-04:00

Here is an update on my CQ needlecase for StitchMap. It is coming along pretty well I think. I have added fill in on the butterfly and a vine with the purple flowers at the bottom. I need to finish the spider's legs and some more of the seams need to be completed.

Scarey but I taught myself to crochet tonight. No it is not great but I am sure with some practice I can do better. I didn't enjoy this....................made me tense and on edge but the future will tell. Hoping my BFF Louise doesn't pass out when she sees this! She is such a wonderful crocheter and tatter. She taught me CQ but I have always been afraid to ask her to teach me to crochet as my mother told me I was the only person she ever saw who could make their crochet work get smaller instead of larger!! Leave it to me, couldn't have been the teacher could it??? LOL

On the left is another vintage embroidery that I found and finished up. The clouds and large tree on the right need to be finished. The next one I am working on is not vintage, because I started it many years ago, LOL I found it and the matching piece so I have removed the stitches that I had started and then started over with the colors that match the first one. They will not match but they will certainly be close.

I spent alot of time in the sewing room today trying to find things and trying to get more of the fabrics on the shelves ! I got some more boxes emptied, almost no boxes left in the sewing room. I would be in good shape except for the mixed media goodies that I have. They seem to be the sticking point in getting the room settled but where there is a will, there is a way so I will keep on going!!

What I am working on~~~~~~

2010-04-19T15:58:00.001-04:00

A new shelving unit in the sewing room has given me more space to store things on and things are beginning to look better. See in the next picture you can see some carpet. (UGH hate carpet, miss my hard wood floors.)

Here is the Hoosier that I mentioned yesterday. It is so beautiful, wish I had room for it in my kitchen where it belongs. Below are some (!) of the linens that are being washed to go back into it. There is a pile of crocheted, lace work pieces, a pile of emboirdered pieces and then there are the table clothes, napkins and kitchen towels. I also have a small pile of wearables: aprons, collers, etc.

I included a picture of a vintage embroidery that was 3/4 of the way done so I finished it so it could be washed and used in the future. Kind of hard to tell what I added, don't ya think??

On CQI we have been talking about using rick rack on projects and while I was cleaning out the cool things I collect I find this piece with two kinds of rickrack woven together and then crocheted into a piece that was originally an edging on a pillowcase. Isn't it a cute idea?? Oh to be able to crochet...I think that should be my next thing to learn. Since I have yarn, I should be able to get away with only buying a crochet hook to learn........................ Not a bad cost to learn something new!!!

Have a SWEET week!!

Our New Home

2010-04-18T16:20:00.001-04:00

Today I wanted to share with you the outside of our new home! The inside still needs alot of work although I did get curtains hung in the master today. Here is our patio, kind of messy still, tomato plant there in the corner and in the back against the house is the wood from my dad's barn door that I hope to use as a headboard to my bed. It is gonna take some muscle and we are short on that around here. LOL Then you will see the shot of the whole apartment building. Our front door, looking kind nice and homey. Finally roses!!! Yes we have roses in bloom already and lots of them planted around the complex which makes me very happy. I need to get out and take some more pictures of the grounds around the apartment. There is a lovely pool which I have not had time to try out (also not real sure that the water is warm enough for these old bones) We also have a pond which a walking track is planned to be put in around !! Sometime soon the doggy park will be completed and then Braxton and I can check that out when he is staying with us. We do doggy daycare for the granddog!! LOL

I went to church this AM, I need to find one where I am happy and comfortable and this maybe the one. I plan to go back next week and see if I feel the same. Beautiful church with a laid back atmosphere just right for my taste.
I have worked on dusting the antique hoosier and washing the antique linens today, who is this crazy lady that collects all of them??? She is for sure crazy but most of them I love love love!! I want them all washed, sorted and put back in the hoosier so I can move onto another project. I did unpack the sewing machine yesterday and can actually get to it if the time arises!! Looking forward to a minute when I think I can play and not unpack boxes or clean (UGH!!)

Hope you have a blessed and creative week!!

Sadies Silken Threads

TAST 2012 week 3

Completed Afghan!!

Can you Believe Another Make Over!!!

A Before and After!!

Machine Made Lace

Pansies on my Wall

Machine Embroidery!

Another Obsession!!!

Craziness with Kittens

2nd Week TAST 2012

New Girls!!

Happy New Year!!!

Someone's Ties!!!

Repainting, Embellishing, Repurposing Day!!!

Lace Everywhere!!

I won!!!

Been Really Busy!!!

Sad New to Share

No I am not ready for Fall but..............

Crafting is Such FUN

Happy 4th of July!!

Where is the Tooth Fairy??

New Fabrics!!

Happy Easter!!

Cincinnati Quilt Festival

A new Book, I won!!!

More Easter!!

Bunnies and Baskets!!!

I have my Sewing Room Back!!!

Mail Fun and Lots of PINK!!

WOW I am a winner!!

New Books!!!

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Sunny Saturday!

Stick em Up!!

No not March yet but

Is it February yet????????????????

Hearts and Pins

Disappearing Act

30 minute shrug & more

UFO out of Hiding

Sketch Book Challenge

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

Finally.................

Merry Christmas!!

Infinity Scarf

TuTu Time

The Knitting Basket

Company Is Coming!!

Some Days..................

Taking Time to Remember..................

Just a note

Season to Season CQ Blocks

What Fun!!

Art Quilts are on my mind!!

Hanging a Butterfly!

Scarve Making~ Is winter far behind???

Dye Day

Ta Da!!

Got Bit!!

~~~Cuffs~~~ No Not Hand Cuffs!!!

Wicker Wonder

Fabric Flowers, Peaches and Bar Stools all have what in Common??

Cameos

Happy 4th of July!!

Garden Block

Spring Block for NIna

Give Away @ Cathy's Crazy by Design

~~Out of this World ~~

It's a bag and a shirt!!

Stitchin'

Pat Winter's GiveAway!

Rest relaxation............. no just running here and there!!!

Beading

Stitching FUN!

Fun Flowers

Happy Memorial Day!!

Making Clothes!!!

Mouse in the House!!

~Cuffs~ No Not Hand Cuffs!!!

Out of this World