Out Of The Loop Group

Nancy Noodle Shop

2011-12-08T16:20:00.011-07:00

Greetings All~~
I'm making a little plug today for dietitian daughter's etsy shop, Nancy Noodle Shop.
This year she has a few new items including, Dear Santa Mug Rugs. These are so very cute! I made one last year...fun fun embroidery. When Santa arrives at your home, he can find his note, cookies and milk on this little quilt.
Nancy has some great Hot Pad Sets in a wide variety of quilted fabric goodness. I hope to receive a set in my stocking from her! It's been so fun to see her skills develop and creativity blossom! Yeah, for keeping the art flowing with younger generations!

I love Nancy's Quilted Selvage Ornaments. This is an original from her. I don't know how she thought of making these, but I'm glad she did! Last year, I had her make several of these for me to give to friends and family. Handmade ornaments are the best. Do you give your kids a new one each year?
Nancy and I made these little Embroidered Tree Ornaments several years back. I was thrilled when she revived the pattern and listed them in her etsy shop. She has a few other sundriestoo, so...
if you are in the market for something original and sweet this holiday season swing by her shop!
Thanks!
Take Care~~

Ugly Fabric???

2011-12-02T15:19:00.012-07:00

Do you think this is ugly fabric?

I don't think it's too bad. We did an ugly fabric exchange in our quilt group. This is the fabric I drew. It is Carolanna's. I recruited dietician daughter to help me out with this one. I sent her the ugly fabric and others to sew up this little zipper pouch. I was so excited about this great idea!:) Daughter was "ok" about it and she was cooperative.Sew...here you go...the zipper and dotted lining...
A little Christmas candy to help things along...

A cute piecing strip to add and cover...
The whole pouch...good thing pink is Carolanna's favorite color, that helped too...
I think it turned out so cute. I'm glad Carolanna liked it, too!
Check out what Corrie did here.
Take Care~~
(p.s. the obvious: many different camera settings were used here...variety is good, right?)

Whole Group Shot

2011-12-02T15:14:00.002-07:00

Just for the record (and for those who weren't able to attend), here is a picture of the whole group. Many fun and great people! Of 20 grands kids, 9 weren't able to come to the celebration. (Heather was there, taking the picture.)
Take Care~~

60th Wedding Anniversary!!!

2011-12-02T14:40:00.015-07:00

This fine couple have been married for 60 years! Wow! Whew! We partied in honor of them.
We smiled, they did too.
We clowned, they laughed.
We posed, they did too.
We traveled, they had to too.
We talked, they did too.

The Lee people-Katie Lee, Gena Lee, Abby Lee and Karen Lee. Lucky (s)!
Yeah for mom and dad. We love you.
Take Care!~~
Edit Add: OK, I need to add here...we ate, yes some yummy food, BUT most important to mention...Gramma Gena's pies. Wow, they are so so delicious! She made 12 pies: Lemon Meriange (sp), Chocolate, Pumpkin and Banana Cream. Oh so good. Thanks Mom.

Halloween {oops}

2011-12-02T14:29:00.003-07:00

Oops, I want you to see these cute little visitors we had! on Halloween.

Take Care!~~

Giving Thanks - Thanks Giving

2011-12-02T13:48:00.009-07:00

We are all still giving thanks, right? I want to post about this quilt before I'm really late for the Christmas party(s)! Quite a while ago, I purchased a kit from Moda Bake Shop tutorials. The kit contained enough fabric for 2 quilts. This is the second quilt. It sat partially pieced for a long time. Dietician Daughter has been helping me with my unfini projects...this one was completed by her! yeah! (She lets me tend her cute baby in trade. It's a win win for me!)
We gave this quilt to an acquaintance to let her know we think of her and to bring some sunshine into her world.

I love the straight diagonal lines of quilting that daughter quilted!

This friend has survived huge trials, trials of loss in the last few years. She lost her daughter in an accident and her leg from the knee down in the same accident, her marriage, and more. She has endured valiantly. Through her attitude we have been drawn to give thanks and have a perfect example of thanks giving.

The dotted back worked out to be so fun.
This fabric is Verna by Kate Spain from Moda fabrics.

The binding came with the kit.
I'm thankful that we were able to do this little project and that it was well received!
Take Care~~

Nancy Noodle Giveaway

2011-10-03T16:55:00.002-06:00

My daughter is giving away one of her handmade selvage ornaments and a set of Going Coastal fat quarters. To enter the giveaway visit her blog here.

Take Care.~~

Summary of Summer

2011-09-23T20:18:00.013-06:00

Saw some unique birds in Oregon~
Walked through this round barn in southeastern Oregon~
Started stitching this cheerful quilt~
Purchased the kit too~
Delighted in this fun girl~
Introduced fun girl to my 'oldest' friend, Mildred Howard, she will be 103 yrs old soon!~
Edit: Mildred passed away on Friday, Sept. 30. I am so sad, but I know she was ready and is happier now. ....sure wish I'd gone to visit her in September! :/
"Allowed" this boy to obtain his drivers license~
Thrilled that fun girl permitted my mom to hold her~
Strolled to the water fountains park~
Watched these two play at fountains park~
Amazed that fun girl wants to pick up fallen yucky apples~
Saw these great kids in Oakley~
With their mamma~
Laughed at this little sweetie/fun girl as she went crazy scouting out the interior of my refrigerator!
Photographed right out side my window~
Summer went by SO quickly! the best part...3 weeks with fun girl.
Take Care~~

Reflecting

2011-09-20T23:04:00.003-06:00

Outside my window... the petunias are dieing.

I am thinking... about taking a nap tomorrow!

I am thankful for... time!

From the kitchen... homemade granola.

I am creating... embroidery quilt blocks.

I am going... to The Help for the second time.

I am reading... Growing Up Amish and The Necklace.

I am hoping... that sister will be ok.

I am hearing... son practice piano - yeah!

Around the house... there is still so much to do.

One of my favorite things... U Swirl.

Upcoming plans... work day at church for humanitarian services, Women's Fitness Run, Oregon Coast trip, celebrating mom and dad's 60th wedding anniversary!

Family Photos

2011-07-25T15:39:00.005-06:00

Since we were able to have family photos taken recently, I thought I'd show some here.
These were taken on the 4th of July in Logan, Utah. Most of the family attended college here.
This kid is 16 now!

This little girl is the light of our lives!
Take Care.~~

Temple Grandin

2011-06-24T20:15:00.002-06:00

Have you heard the name Temple Grandin?
Have you heard of this movie/documentary?
I hadn't, but now I have and am glad! It is a great movie to watch. I love true stories.
Take Care.~~

One Year Old Today!

2011-06-13T17:06:00.007-06:00

This little sweetie is turning one today! Happy Birthday to our one and only grandbaby/grandangel. I just spent a week with her, having the time of my life. She is so good, even though the picture below shows a little crankiness. She was ready for bed right then.

It's been such a fun year with this little one in the family. I've been able to see her every two months pretty consistent, inspite of the many many miles between our homes.
Have fun digging into your birthday cake!

Take Care~~

Little Baby, Little Quilt

2011-06-08T18:58:00.010-06:00

Our neighbors across the street became grandparents to a tiny tiny little girl. Lilley only weighed 4 pounds 4 ounces! Baby and parents are doing fine now. yeah! I jumped at the chance to make a LITTLE baby quilt.
I just started cutting these coordinating pink and black prints with somewhat of an idea of what I wanted to do, but wasn't completely sure...

I like what 'happened'. It's a variation on the Zig Zag quilt.

I tried a little loopy flower quilting, but mostly stayed on the safe side with the usual curly loops of which I'm more comfortable.

I pieced the back using the scraps, and wanting to continue with the "use it up" theme, I pieced the binding.

I wish I could remember the name of this fabric line! They were nice to work with, I learned that black can be sweet! The light pink solid is a Kona.

OK, Also...when I washed little number-guess what? yup, you are right...the black bled! ugh! I put it through the washer 2 more times with TWO color catchers. That did the trick. No more bleeding. Whew!

Take Care~~

A Little Embroidery

2011-04-12T11:10:00.004-06:00

Does this make you think of summer???

Allie is the 'originator' of this pattern. These are the second set I've embroidered. I used 3 of the variegated threads by DMC. They are color saturated, which I love! The stitcheries work up fast and are nice for giving a little handmade...away.

Take Care~~

Featured

2011-03-20T15:59:00.003-06:00

Well, not me but, Nancy. She was featured on Friday for Gen X Quilters Follower Friday. Click here to learn a little more about daughter #2.

Get With The Program!

2011-03-16T18:03:00.004-06:00

OK, these are blocks for quilt group friends. I wasn't behind, just stockpiled pictures. This blue and green number is for Lenette, my blonde friend.

Robyn C. wants cream/ bright red blocks, I was rebellious and let the cream dominate.

This block for Monica ended up 13 inches! huh? Blocks are to be 12.5 unfini. what to do...?

More squares, but they are raw edge. Kathi wants blocks with raw edge elements.

We've been doing the Pizza Box exchange for 9 months. Previous blocks for the others, I've done the Maverick Star roughly following Jacquie's Christmas Tree Skirt Tutorial, adapting it to a 12.5 inch block.

I'll be back again...SOON!

Take Care~~

To Keep the Babies Quiet

2011-01-19T21:19:00.006-07:00

For Christmas I gave my daughters Quiet Books for their current and future babies. I was pleasantly surprised that the time it took to make these was not numerous months, just a few months. As I worked, knowing these were for grandbabies (mostly future) my thoughts wandered to years ahead and to years gone by...
I am pleased with the results. Blonde friend and I worked together, she was my main inspiration and she had a great pattern (Butterick) from days gone by. I wanted it to be fairly simple and not have a lot of pages. Click here to see a slide show of all the pages. On the last page-behind the heart is a picture of me... and it reads "I Do!"
Take Care~

A United Kingdom Winner!

2010-12-06T10:55:00.002-07:00

We drew number 4. Kerry of the United Kingdom won! The sweet little selvage star ornament will be shining all the way over the Atlantic to Kerry's home. Thanks to all (11)for entering the giveaway and for visiting Nancy's new etsy shop!
Take Care~~

A Giveaway!

2010-11-29T11:34:00.010-07:00

It's Nancy again, and I'm here to share a giveaway with you all.
But first my mom wanted me to share an updated picture of my daughter Kennedy. We went to cut down our Christmas tree this weekend and this was her first experience with snow and cold weather. She did great. Thanks engineer aunt for the cute and cozy bonnet.

Now, back to the giveaway. I decided to take the plunge and open an Etsy shop, it's called Nancy Noodle. At the moment, I have 3 different kinds of Christmas ornaments listed, including quilted selvage ornaments, hand embroidered mini pillow ornaments and stocking ornaments cut from a vintage quilt that my great grandmother made.

To one of you, we would like to give this selvage star ornament. It's made from selvages on one side, quality quilting fabric on the other and cotton batting in the middle. It is quilted around the edges and hung on a ribbon with care.

So come stop by the shop, or my new crafting blog and have a look around. Then come back and leave a comment. Any comment will do. Although we'd love to hear what you think about the shop, your favorite Christmas tradition, or your plans for the holidays. Also, make sure to leave a way to get a hold of you. The giveaway will end Sunday December 5th.

Thanks for stopping by and Happy Holidays.

~Nancy

Out of Commission

2010-11-27T07:44:00.003-07:00

Just wanted to stop in for a minute to explain my daughter's cryptic mention of me being a little out of commission. In October, our family suffered a tragic loss with the sudden death of my sister's husband. Between spending time with her and her 3 kids, taking care of my basketball playing high schooler and prepping for the holidays there probably won't be much time for blogging. Thanks for your understanding. I am still able to read all of you, my friends' blogs, so thank you ~ And do stay tuned for a giveaway in the next couple days...the cute dietian daughter is opening an etsy shop...
Take Care~~

The Guest Post Without a Theme

2010-11-23T09:23:00.013-07:00

Hi, I'm Nancy, Diane's dietitian daughter and the guest post person for today. I live in Arizona with my husband and 5 month old daughter.
I'm here today to share a few of my most recent creations and to update Diane's blog while she's a little out of commission. So here goes:

5 months ago my life was blessed with a darling daughter, things have not been the same since. I mean that in the best way possible, except perhaps for all the spit up! It's true, we can't go anywhere without multiple burp rags, I'm always changing my shirt and sometimes my whole outfit! Her dad says we should have purchased spit up insurance. I've decided that the very best burp rags are cloth diapers, which are rather dull. This is an example of my attempts to liven them up. Hexagons!

2 weeks after my daughter was born we moved into our brand new house! Living in a house is fabulous. I just can't get over all the space we have. These curtains hang in my family room over the sliding door to the back yard. I found the white curtains at Ikea but wanted more color. I bought a flat aqua colored sheet at Target, cut it in half, hemmed it a bit, sewed the two layers together and presto- curtains!

We had an open house to show off our new home. The refreshments included a cake made from Oreos (my fav). I love cake plates. This is my most recent purchase. I didn't have a ribbon that was quite the right color so, what you see threaded through there is actually a selvage!

Finally, my favorite time of the year is quickly approaching! This is my festive addition to our decorations~ this quilt is made from 2 charm packs of Kate Spain's 12 Days of Christmas fabric line fashioned into snowball blocks.

The backing is flannel, making it snuggly and warm for the upcoming cold Arizona winter nights.

Thanks for allowing me to show off a bit. Here's hoping that you have a yummy, family filled, relaxing week. Happy Thanksgiving to all.

~~Nancy

This Guest Suggests...

2010-10-04T08:48:00.004-06:00

Hi, I'm Amber, Diane's engineer daughter and guest host for this post. I currently live in Florida with my husband where we thoroughly enjoy the beach...
and where sights like this are not altogether uncommon:

But the real reason I was invited to post is because of some of my recent creations. Much to my mother's disappointment, I didn't inherit her sewing skills or fetish. Last Christmas, however, my husband and I decided to give some handmade gifts, I thought I'd try some embroidery. This is what we came up with for our nephews (based on Lego Star Wars and Batman characters):

I really enjoyed the stitching, and I am continuing it, primarily on onesies for baby gifts. This is a shirt I embroidered for a little friend who just loves animals. The giraffe is my favorite!

The whale onesie went to her little brother.

The space scene and river scene went to new babies.

There are a number of methods for transferring a design, but my favorite is Glad Press'n Seal.

It's pretty simple. First I sketch out my design on paper (which often involves browsing the Internet for ideas on how to portray a design, along with a lot of erasing). Then I apply a piece of Press'n Seal to the paper and trace the drawing using a ballpoint pen. Next I transfer the Press'n Seal to the onesie/shirt/tie/etc. I pick my colors, then stitch directly through the Press'n Seal. When the stitching is completed, I peel the Press'n Seal off. It sometimes sticks a bit in areas with small stitches, but a seam ripper or the back of a needle helps work it out.

These projects work up really quickly, especially after getting the design figured out. I also like them because they are easy to transport. I can work on them in the car, on the airplane, even at the beach. And bonus, the supplies aren't expensive. It just takes embroidery floss, a needle, a onesie, and a package of Press'n Seal (which you may already have in your kitchen).

A few disclaimers: I'm not sure how well these wash up (I always pre-wash and dry). Hand washing might help preserve the stitching, but who wants to hand wash a onesie? The final product would probably be more stable with some iron-on interfacing, but I don't like the stiffness. Also, this is by no means a product promotion for Press'n Seal. Finally, as you can probably tell, I am primarily working these designs in basic backstitch. I need to expand my stitch repertoire!

Thanks to Diane for letting me show off a little. I wish you all well from the sunshine state!

"Little Wallet and a Guest Blogger!

2010-10-03T17:53:00.008-06:00

This is the 7th Little Wallet. I forgot to take photos of the first 6 that I made before I gave them away. This pattern is a creation by Valori Wells of The Stitchin' Post in Sisters, Oregon. I've been able to shop at The Stitchin' Post on 2 different occasions. Sisters, Oregon is a nice little town. When I attended the outdoor quilt show a few years back, I LOVED the home and garden tour that week!
I just might keep this last one for my use. When making these, I modified the bottom of the card compartments to prevent a lot of bulk in the bottom seam. I love having a snap tool. I've used it off and on through the years and very frequently lately as I recently made 2, mark that! 2 quiet books. I must show them here soon, BUT before that I'd like you to see the works of college girl gone Florida engineer girl. She will be showing some fun original embroidery! yeah for a Guest Blogger!

Take Care. ~~

Class Reunion

2010-08-25T17:43:00.006-06:00

I attended my 35 year high school class reunion a couple of weeks ago. It was held in my home town of Ashton, Idaho. Nineteen of 52 graduates attended. We were the class of '75 at North Fremont High School. It was fun. (I am sitting, 3rd from the left.)(One person departed before picture was taken.) The friend on my right and I were able to do some hiking and biking around town during the day before the dinner. I grew up in an absolutely gorgeous area. Beautiful farming area, surrounded by the North Fork of the Snake River. MOVING ON! to a lighter note! Take a look at this sweet little girl. I was able to get her smiling and talking to me! I get to see her again in 2 weeks! She is coming to my house, yeah! (Oh yea, her mom is coming too. :))

Take Care~~

Glad These Are Done

2010-08-03T17:54:00.002-06:00

Bathroom curtains hung today. This was A LOT of sewing! I've had this idea in my head for a long time, ever since I saw it in Passionate Patchwork by Kaffe Fasset. A few weeks ago, I noticed the 22 year old white eyelet curtains were not pretty ANYMORE!!! I picked up some shot cottons and various fabrics, keeping with the colors in the bathroom: light blue and violet. Many stash fabrics were used also.

In the Dark! oooo

Some fabrics are from Kaffe Fasset, others very random. I'm please with how this came out. The squares were cut 3.5 inches, the shot cotton in the middle at 2 inches. After sewing the shot cotton to the center of the 3.5 inch square, I cut out from behind it. I LOVE the effect this shows with the light!

I am so so glad these are done and up, as I am leaving town tomorrow to go see that sweet baby in Arizona... yeah! While I hold her, maybe her mamma can get some sewing of her own done.

Sorry about this last shot, never thought I'd put a picture of dirty toes here, but this is the ONLY picture the Brettster would let me take of him for his Pioneer Trek adventure. I guess he was proud of this.

Take Care~~

AND! And And And

2010-07-19T20:59:00.005-06:00

...most important and exciting is our new little one! well she isn't mine, but I call her mine. She is our Arizona baby. Kennedy is 5 weeks old now. This little bundle made me a Grandma Ma. She is a bright spot in our family! I went to stay with her and new parents right after she was born AND I get to go see her at the beginning of August! yeah. She is so precious and sweet! Her outfit reads: Give peas a chance. (gift from one dietian to another)

Coming home from the hospital. She came 6 days past the due date. Weight: 8 lbs. 5 oz. 19 3/4 inches. (those 3/4 inch (s) are important, huh, in both sewing and baby details)

I adore this little girl! I love to hear her cry! and she looks so very cute while crying.

We got Skype set up this weekend. I got to see her for an hour yesterday.

Awww

Take Care~

Mother's Day Tablerunner

2010-07-19T15:48:00.004-06:00

The charm pack of Sultry by Basic Grey was calling out to be sewn up into something. I found the pattern in table runners on Moda Bake Shop by Camille Roskelly. The whole thing came together very fast. I took it, along with 2 other tablerunners to mom to let her choose one. She chose this little pretty to be on the t.v. table. I think it looks mighty fine. Detail of rick rack (from Hancocks) and quilting. I like to quilt loops.

I'm hooked on the little hair clips to help with binding!

The backing.

Precuts have their qualities, but I don't always love them. The little pinked edges bother me at times.

Take Care~~

The Verna Quilt

2010-07-15T15:49:00.006-06:00

That's the only title I can think to give this quilt. I used a layer cake, charm pack and honey bun of Verna by Kate Spain. Pretty fabrics. The quilting was done by a gentleman in my area who recently purchased a quilting machine to use as a hobby. I think he did a lovely job.

I love the blue color in this line.

This quilt is going to an auction to raise money for a young family who's father is in very poor health. I've never done anything like this. I hope it goes well. I will be attending the bbq/auction next week. We'll see...

This pattern was on Moda Bake Shop. Quick and easy.

Take Care~~~

Meadowsweet Fabric

2010-07-09T12:46:00.004-06:00

Jenny at sewfabulousquiltshop sponsors a giveaway every month, a FABRIC! giveaway...I won for June!!!
I love these colors, maybe these two are my favorite, but how do you pick favorites? I mean really~out of all this lovely fabric?

Yeah! It is a Fat Quarter Pack of Meadowsweet by Sandi Henderson for Michael Miller Fabrics. I am thrilled to have won such lovely fabrics! Thank you so much Jenny! (This package arrived so FAST all the way from Florida!)

First thing I'll do is trim the selvages off and send them to my Arizona girl, as she, well, yeah you guessed it, she is one of those that are crazy about selvages!

Take Care.~~

OK~Dishtowels~Decorated

2010-05-26T22:15:00.008-06:00

Have you ever?:
been glad you have a sister?
enjoyed sorting through button jars?
participated in discussions about everything from desserts to depression? with your sister?
sneezed a lot while sewing?
placed chocolate by your sewing machine, for just in case?
dejunked your stash while looking for that perfect red? or green?
wondered why dishtowels aren't SOFT!?
told a lie? to yourself...while sewing?
mentally bad mouthed the ladies that work at the local quilting store?
not answered the phone...on purpose while sewing?
Apparently! (hear Brian Regan) sewing brings out the very best and some of the worst ...oh well..."It's all good."
This rooster still needs some outline stitching and running stitches on the edges of the towel.

Pink and Blue done and gifted.

Orange for a very fiesty friend's birthday.

Sweet pastels, I think Sister might just keep this one for herself.

Red and white is always such a happy combination.

Homemade Pie just waiting for swirls of french knots for steam. Love that button!

This dishtowel reminds me of railroad engineer's coveralls! made happy with red and white. more stitching for this one too.

Lastly, tan~brown~and blue...have become such a great trio of color.

Thanks for coming Sister, I think you made some great dishtowels.

Take Care~~

Embellished Distowels~February

2010-05-11T12:22:00.000-06:00

Another picture of the winter flower! It was a long tall thing...

Little dishtowels for Valentine's gifts, all embroidered and hemmed including some twill tape for hanging. I got the little flower pattern free from a blog.

This red number took much time to trace design on (thanks Nancy) and embroider. Whew all that just for decoration OR fingertips. It was started for Christmas, but served just fine for Valentine's Day.

Next up: more embellished dishtowels. My sister came for a couple of days of sewing. I'll show what she came up with, from my stash (gladly). I got to just kick back and hand stitch.

Take Care~~

Let's Play Catch Up!

2010-05-06T14:15:00.012-06:00

January:
This pretty plant bloomed right in the middle of the winter in the middle of the kitchen! A sweet thing with a lot of character.

I've decided~ catching up and keeping up with that kid in the middle will be impossible from here on out. Literally and figuratively. I'll spare the basketball game photos, but we did enjoy attending many this winter.

Corrie, yes this is THE Corrie of Quilt Taffy!, came to quilt group at my house! She brought her beautiful Dresdens On Top tablerunner and told us how she made it. I adore that tabelerunner. Corrie does a giveaway every Thursday on her blog, guess what for??? QUILTING FABRIC!!!

A new stitch! Crochet stitch! yes, I've loved doing Xs and Os around all the baby blankets for the last several years, BUT now I've employed a fun new stitch. I kyped this from Mary at quilt group. I think it is called the Cowboy stitch. (I never seem to be able to get good photos of the crocheted baby blankets.)

This one is of Riley Blake fabrics. A new up and rising fabric company based out of Utah.

Cowboy Stitch I love you. You go so fast too.

Stayed tuned for more: February, March, etc. EEK!~now it's May!

Take Care~~

Christmas Tree Skirt~Done!

2010-01-13T14:06:00.010-07:00

So glad this little puppy is done! Actually, it was really fun to construct. Jacquie's instructions were so great! Thanks Jacquie! (she is such a great blogging friend!)

Too bad the tree isn't still up! oh we had a pretty tree this year~Mr. Anonymous and the Brettster donned the snowshoes, cut the beauty and surprised me with it all set up when I returned from Arizona!

I was pleasantly surprised with the Maverick Stars, enjoyed them and they worked out!

The 2 inch painters tape for marking the quilting was a boon.

The back~ pieced from Christmas stash. yeah!
Quilt group is at my house this month, I can show this fun tree skirt.

Take Care~~

Chocolate In A Mug

2009-12-17T11:06:00.010-07:00

I saw these on Terry Atkinson's blog.

Found a cute mug at Coldwater Creek...marked down!

This is a simple gift for a nice man that teaches at the Brettmeister's high school.

I LOVE that moose!

The lining: Figgy Pudding ~ mmmm

The beginning: ~ Figgy Pudding Trees

Molten Chocolate Cake Mugs Try It! it's a great tutorial! Oh and yea, the cake is delish, bake it in the mug, eat, enjoy, etc. etc. (Three of us split one, it was perfect.)

Take Care~~

Quick! Quilt Me!!!

2009-11-18T09:03:00.010-07:00

Two projects waiting for that next BIG step...hmmm, how to quilt it, HOW, to quilt it and howtogetitquilted???! Pink and Orange Baby: fun circles, found the tutorial over at LizzyHouse. The circles are a little "involved", but really, the top came together quick. Lizzy's (that's not her real name) quilt "Marble Champ" is produced from her own fabrics. I just made mine a lot smaller.

The Christmas Tree skirt is from Jacquie of tallgrassprairiestudio. The tutorial is at Sew Mama Sew. Actually, I plan to quilt it "just like Jacquie"! I even went out to the paint store and purchased the 2 inch blue painters tape. It doesn't look like a Christmas Tree Skirt yet, but hopefully it will real soon! tallgrass Jacquie is a great quilting/blogging friend. Thanks so much, Jacquie.

Take Care~~

No More Guilt

2009-11-16T13:12:00.009-07:00

hopefully, because that's what I felt for posting 'sub par' pictures of the apron on my blog. Let's hope these are better. Guilty also, of not blogging. I love to read them, but not 'do' them... selfish. Guilty and selfish, not feelin' so good...

Take Care~~

Amber's Apron

2009-10-29T19:25:00.022-06:00

Engineer daughter wanted an apron! yeah!, maybe that means she'll be engineering in the kitchen soon! We found the perfect apron in Simple Sewing by Lotta Jansdotter. (We were able to get the book through the library system.) Amber picked the fabrics, designed and hand stitched the embroidery motif, and cut out the apron pieces. I sewed it up. It's reversible. (It appears gray, BUT really it is a very pretty Amy Butler green solid.) This apron has a bit of a mod look to it and a very pleasing fit. Hooray, it's done!

Take Care~~

I Made A Little Pouch

2009-10-26T15:30:00.006-06:00

Here's the front view (had to pull out my trusty little snap fastening tool).

This is a 'kindle case', at least that's what "The Sometimes Crafter" calls hers. She was kind enough to do an easy to follow tutorial. I don't have a kindle, but I have some other uses for this little pouch. Let's see now, where is that 50 thousand in cash?...I just had it...hmmm, when I find it, this pouch will be bulging with green stuff.

Here's the inside view (lots of Denyse Schmidt goodness).

Here is the back view, can you see, it is already full... ?

Take Care~~

These

2009-10-16T07:13:00.002-06:00

OK here they are. I won't lie, I really don't care for the big gerber daisy sitting on the cute baby's forehead, with that tight band going around the wee little head. But these little ditty's are smaller and daintier, for your sweet little baby girl. I've heard they are simple to make. Trim off the band and toe of the sock, crochet up some cute little flowers, add beads if you'd like, stitch it all together and you have a great little baby accessory. Have fun! (see previous post...)

Take Care~~

Have You Seen These?

2009-10-15T22:55:00.003-06:00

Oh wait, I guess I don't have anything here for you to see! Why can't I upload pictures on my blog anymore??? I wanted to show a new and cute little item that my blonde friend made. I won't tell, but it involves a little crocheting, a little stitchin' and a knee hi nylon! I'll try another day to upload pictures. In the mean time, I'm getting ready to leave town...again...we've done some traveling of late. One great spot we experienced in our travels was Flathead Lake. Have you been to that area of Montana? Absolutely gorgeous.

Take Care~~

A Little Giveaway

2009-10-08T18:41:00.002-06:00

{I've tried to do a post, with no success in uploading pictures!}
This is just a little notice about a giveaway. Sue needs more people to visit...go to Blueberry Buckle! she is giving away a yard of fabric. She has some very pretty Bella solids in the Etsy shop. Enjoy.
Take Care~~

Oh Nine Oh Nine Oh Nine

2009-09-09T22:27:00.008-06:00

09/09/09 Today is Utah son-in-law's birthday. He is turning 27 3x9=27...2+7=9 cool huh. Happy Birthday Tanner!!! This little Christmas tree ornament is cut from an old quilt. (This one went to Allie in the birthday giveaway package.)

This 'Grandmother's Flower Garden' quilt was made by my maternal grandmother about 1950, a wedding gift for my mom and dad when they got married in 1951. As you can see in the photo, this quilt got a lot of use. About 10 years ago, mom gave us permission to cut it up to make these little stockings for the grandkids. We gave them out at Thanksgiving Dinner that year. I hope everyone still cherishes their little Christmas stocking. I plan to make a few more this year to give to little ones that have been born these last few years.
Have a good nines day!

Take Care~~~

Birthday Giveaway Winner

2009-09-04T11:08:00.004-06:00

Hello all~we have a winner~it's Allie! Congrats Allie! (by the way, I love Allie's "Portholes" stitcheries) Thanks to everyone for your wishes and for entering. (Allie, I sent you an e-mail.)
I had a great birthday, hardly lifted a finger, except to scoop ice cream. Enjoyed yummy Neiman-Marcus cookies from running friend, mints from other running friend (they must think I've been running too fast for them to keep up...), Sees truffles from Mr. Anonymous, and an outing which included a delicious cup of yogurt and Moda fabric at $6.00 per yard! To come: movie tonight with girl friends, tomorrow a bike ride, lunch and free class at the lqs! My camera went away on a back packing trip with family...no pictures~
Take Care.

A Giveaway...For A Birthday

2009-08-31T16:31:00.011-06:00

That's about the best I can do for a rhyme...

This week is birthday time for me. Typically I just idley sit by and let them pass. Not this year though. Even tho' this one is not a whole number birthday (52), nor do I have big plans, nor is it special for any one particular reason, I'm simply inclined to have a giveaway. Included in the sweet little package will be CHOCOLATE, a stack of 30 scrappy 5 inch charm squares, a stack of 30 scrappy 6 inch charm squares, a couple of orphan quilt blocks, a dish towel and a Stitchin' Post quilt pattern of which I saw a quilt using Batiks~it was stunning! There will be one other little gem made by my hand from a vintage quilt. It isn't completed yet, but you can certainly bet it will be by Friday, the 4th of September, the day after the birthday. This will be the day I pick the winner...8 a.m. bright and early mountain time on Friday. Leave a comment telling your favorite idea for gift giving or receiving, either one. Let's spread our creativity around.

It's an odd thing growing up, isn't it? When in my 20s, 30s or even 40s, I never even thought about the 50s...didn't occur to me that someday I'd be turning 52!

~~and wouldn't you know it...this kid started his Freshman year of high school today.

Take Care.~~

(U.S. residents for the giveaway only, please.)

Flea Market Fancy

2009-08-26T16:11:00.009-06:00

http://sewtakeahike.typepad.com/fleamarketfancyfreaks/

Well, I'm joining the ranks of others in support of this great line of fabric. I do fancy this line of quilting fabrics immensely and have for a long time. Wouldn't it be awesome if Free Spirit Fabrics re-produced Flea Market Fancy and shot out an indefinite number of bolts of this lovely stuff?...all around the world! I'm heading out to a lqs that I know has some Katie Jump Rope fabrics, just to be sure on that one...
These four pieces and a lovely yellow are the sum total bits I hold. I'd love to have a half yard of every piece in each color way. Here's hoping...
~~Take Care.
p.s. Next week I'm sponsoring a giveaway, soooo come back! [it probably won't include any Flea Market Fancy...sorry.:)]

Two Recipes +

2009-08-20T12:44:00.010-06:00

Above are players in my new summer love. GRANOLA

I have found this recipe to be the best and easy. One unfortunate discovery: granola is good with chocolate chips! just layer chips~granola~chips~granola, etc. in a little cup, take it to sewing room with you and 'drink' this yummy little snack all lazy summer afternoon long...oh dear.

Granola
3 cups rolled oats
1 cup slivered or sliced almonds
1 cup other desired nuts, coarsely broken
(I use whole raw almonds and walnuts. cashews are good too, peanuts can be over powering.)
3/4 cup shredded sweet coconut
1/4 cup plus 2 T. brown sugar
1/4 cup plus 2 T. maple syrup
1/4 cup vegetable oil
3/4 t. salt
1 cup raisins (optional)
Preheat overn to 250.
In large bowl, combine the oats, nuts, coconut, and brown sugar. In seperate small bowl, combine maple syrup, oil, and salt. (This takes a bit of whisking to get them to hold together.) Combine both mixtures and pour onto 1 large sheet pan. Bake for 1 hour 10 minutes. I stir it a little about halfway through, just gently. Don't let it get too dark. Remove from oven and add raisins. Store in a cute jar that you picked up at IKEA or wherever. This can be doubled. Also, other dried fruits are excellent in it. The best breakfast is a plain yogurt parfait with fresh fruit and this granola. MMMMM! Thanks Albeq. New Mexico sister-in-law for this recipe.
Next:

Lasagna
1/2 to 1 lb. hamburger, brown with some onion
Mix in blender:
2 cups tomatoes
1 can tomato paste (small)
1 pkg. spaghetti seasoning
1 can (t. paste) water
Add this blended mixture to browned meat. Let simmer a few minutes.
Mix:
2 1/2 cups cottage cheese
1 egg
2 generous cups grated mozarella cheese
Layer in 9x13 pan:
one third of meat mixture, place dry lasagna noodles over meat, spoon on half of the cheese mixture and repeat with meat, noodles and cheese. Place remaining amount of meat on top. Cover and bake in 350 degree oven for 1 1/4 hours. Sprinkle a little more grated mozarella on top and place back in oven for 10 mins. uncovered. Enjoy. Family friendly and easy! Thanks to young running partner for this recipe.

I was planning to include a yummy Chocolate Zucchini Bread recipe, but I'm tired!
I found directions for this Colored Pencil Roll in a book! It was pretty fun to make. I was a nice aunt and gave it to my nephew. It's good to have little friends...gotta score points with them when they are young, then when they get old and rich...they'll give you their money.
Take Care~~

Nine Patchin' Away

2009-08-10T12:19:00.004-06:00

In entering the nine patch swap with Anina, I received 32 nine patch blocks from other people. I've added many many more, including 12 coming in the mail from dietician daughter! I can't wait to get them. I'm striving for a queen size quilt. The alternating light yellow blocks are an old sheet that I cut up! Talk about Make It Do!

I will take this to a machine quilter, so I hope to keep the total cost of the materials at a minimum. I'd like to impress my guy that I can do this great hobby without breaking the bank for every quilt.

I haven't purchased any fabric, hopefully I can piece a batting, use big pieces from the ol' stash for the backing and binding! This quilt is "needed" for the queen size bed in the guest room that is at present BARE.

Take Care.

p.s. Take a look at daughter's blog, she has some neat finished projects.

Tallgrass Prairie Goods

2009-07-24T11:15:00.003-06:00

Pictured here are the fun things I received from Jacquie at Tallgrass Prairie Studio on the spring to finish. The table runner is the zigzag pattern in blue, greens, white and gray. I really love it. My engineer daughter actually came right out and asked me if she could have it! I hope I said no in a sweet manner. I've already used the pot holder a lot, I hope you can't tell...Also included were some great green pieces and a wonderful yellow from the Flea Market Fancy line. Thank you again Jacquie! I'm sure enjoying...
Take Care.

Yellow and Blue

2009-07-20T13:47:00.007-06:00

Yellow and Blue for my sister true...
She has wanted a yellow and blue kitchen for a long time. Now she has it. It is fabulous! I got to see it last month. Thought I'd better get her center island"football field"tablerunner done! It is! I love it and hope she does too. Done just in time for her 50th, or...oops 49th birthday on August 10th. This is a design that I kyped from Anina of Twiddletails.

It was fun and easy to quilt on my 35+ year old machine. It is 24" x 62"

I pieced part of the back with square in a square blocks.

It's ok if she sees it here, she picked the fabrics. If you'd like to see the one I made for my table last year, go here.

Take Care~~

You Just Never Know...

2009-07-01T23:00:00.005-06:00

what you might see...while driving through the heart of downtown...so keep your camera with you at all times...like in the seat right next to you...

Take Care~~

May~Spring to Finish

2009-06-25T12:44:00.007-06:00

Something really good came to pass!
Jacquie really motivated me to get those works in progress finished. For April I had 12 finishes, 5 for May. My name was chosen as the winner for May! Yeah, I'm so excited! I told my guy, "see, now all that sewing paid off!" Yesterday I received a very fun package in the mail all the way from Tallgrass Prairie Studio in the great state of Kansas. My camera is in Alaska with my guys for 10 days, so I can't take a picture of the lovely little table topper, the awesome hot pad and the lucious fabrics I received from Jacquie. (just so happens to be some DS fabric contained therein!)I will post a picture asap. It's was a little odd how I kept feeling and touching these precious things, knowing that it was all created by the quilter extrodinaire that Jacquie is. I feel very fortunate to have some of Jacquie adorning my home. Thank you very much Jacquie, you are wonderful!
Edited to add: DS fabric is Denyse Schmidt fabric. Denyse has designed 2 or 3 lines of fabrics that I'm aware of, I love it all, many others do too. I've heard that Denyse will not be designing anymore. Shucks.

A Class Quilt

2009-06-17T16:55:00.008-06:00

Here is Joni. She is a church/quilting friend and all around nice person.

A few months ago, I snagged a few ladies from church to do some quilting with me. The previously posted scrappy pink baby quilt was our project. Several ladies' quilts are half done. Joni, Tonya, Barbara and I finished ours. Joni has since made 2 more quilts! Yeah! I hope the bug bites a few of these great ladies! Pictured below is Joni with a teacher's quilt that she made for her son's teacher at the end of the school year. She purchased iron on paper to transfer the pictures to fabric. She consulted with me once or twice, then took off. She had that thing done in less than a week! I think it looks great! The yellow border fabric has darling bees on it. I've got to find out where she purchased that cute fabric.

Take Care~~

My Blonde Friend

2009-06-17T16:30:00.006-06:00

Whelp! she did it. Blonde Friend won a quilt! While shop hopping to a few places here in western Idaho, we put our names in for the drawing at Quilt Expressions for their shop hop quilt and ...yup, lo and behold, Blonde Friend, who says that I win everything and she never does~~DID~! Here she is with her lovely quilt. Honestly, it was the prettiest one we saw, plus the other shops weren't even giving away an item as 'big' as a quilt. Years ago, my guy won a barbeque grill(a nice one). Blonde friend's guy called it our ill gotton grill. Hmmm, I wonder, should I make her feel guilty by calling her quilt an ill gotton quilt??? nope. I wouldn't do such a thing, especially involving something so lovely and her tender feelings.

oops that cupcake is upside down!

Karen, the shop owner is showing the back of the quilt. (I think that fabric is a Heather Bailey print.) Blonde friend is on the right.

Isn't she blonde...err ...a ...I mean cute!

Take Care~~

Whew, "where" have I been?

2009-06-17T15:32:00.009-06:00

First off, let's look at some more finishes!

A little Christmas in June. This pillow and runner are a Thimbleblossoms pattern by Camille Roskelley.

I ran onto this little apron pattern over at Patternbee.com and decided to make it up for my niece. Light blue is her favorite color, so picked up this Mary Englbriet fabric and went to work. I hope she likes it.

Scrappy Pink Baby Quilt~I put a flannel back on this, machine quilted it on my old old Singer with wavy loopy lines. Very Very Fun. I seem to like simple simple quilting as I get older. :)

Nine patches sent in May. These are for the swap that Anina sponsored. I can't wait to get mine. We were required to send 16 blocks in May and 16 again in June.

Hot Pads for teacher gifts: I bought a grommet tool and have used it several times now~I've been able to find both gold and silver grommets.

OK, so that is part of 'where' I've been. Otherwise, in a nutshell I've been away dealing with life's challenges...

Take Care~~

Some Finishes~Spring to Finish

2009-05-09T11:16:00.005-06:00

Daisy Chain Gray! got my hands on a charm pack of daisy chain! Engineer daughter chose the border fabrics and gray for sashing~Sheri of A Quilting Life, helped me with the particulars of how to put this quilt together. I used a big quilting machine to quilt it,used a different method for the binding on this refreshing quilt. Daughter and husband are moving to Florida, I hope this quilt will fit right in down there by the ocean.

For this House Hot Pad, I followed Nanette's tutorial. I used two layers of insul-bright, which made the quilting a bit challenging. This was a birthday gift for a friend. I tried to use colors in her kitchen, I hope she uses it!

Paintbox blocks O Fransson is to blame for my 'involvement' in these fun squares. In constructing these, you trim the blocks at two different intervals. This is a technique I'd never done before. It sure guarantees accuracy.

I'll show more later when I can get some better pictures.

Take Care~~

Candy Bar Story

2009-05-05T20:43:00.007-06:00

Candy Bar Story for a Happy Birthday to the Brettmister from Engineer Sister.

Supplies Needed: Two sheets of sturdy paper and tape.

Whatchamacalit candy bar

100,000 Grand candy bar

5 gum pack

Nutrageous candy bar

Good and Plenty box

Pack of Sweetarts

Mounds candy bar

Big Hunk candy bar

text: It's Brett's {whatchamacalit}! Oh yeah, his birthday! Well, I wish I could give him {100,000 grand} but instead, I'm just going to tell him {pack of 5 gum} reasons why I like him. First, Brett can be pretty {nutrageous}(change the nut to out) and crazy. But he can be {good and plenty} kind. In fact a lot of times he's a real {Sweetart}(add an h). Really he's {mounds} of fun and I think he is a {big hunk}. I hope he has a smashing birthday! Love,

Does this make sense? This is just an idea of what one could do. Of course, all of you could probably come up with great ideas also. I think these are fun for teenagers that might be hard to buy for. These were popular quite a while ago. I haven't seen many of late, I think I'll keep this idea in mind. As you can see from the picture it was appreciated. Brett notice that she used U.S. postal service tape. Let me know what good ideas you come up with for a Candy Bar Story!

Take Care~~

Finishes and Family

2009-04-26T21:37:00.018-06:00

Another finish. Rise and Shine. Arizona daughter embroidered this a few years back. I just needed to make the binding and get it on there. Hindsight: I wish I'd done the binding different. Hope I can remember for the next flour sack dishtowel that I put binding on. Finally done. I'm sure it is now covering the deliciouse leftover Sunday Dinner chocolate cake.

I tookt this photo of my parents last month. I think they look so great here. That day they took me to see the headstone that is already on their graves! Eek~not sure I like that idea...

This kid turned 14 years old this week. He likes this new shirt that he got to wear to school on his birthday. He received a Candy Bar story from his Utah sister. Remember those? It "was" a great one. I'll give details in the next post.

About 4 years ago, my mom, sister and I went on a trip to tri-cities Washington. We just happened upon the little road that leads to Buggy Barn in Reardon, Wa. This Thanksgiving quilt was on display. It is a Bareroots pattern. Karen and I bought the kit for this quilt. (We made 2 quilts out of one kit.) Finally! it's done! yeah! I hand quilted along 4 of the border lines. That's all that needed to be done for the last year! ugh

Take Care~~

*capamipilapa commented on a past post...I would like to answer your questions, but you do not have an e-mail address link and I cannot reply because your address shows 'no reply comment'.

Daffodilhill Giveaway

2009-03-26T10:45:00.006-06:00

Isn't that a great name?: Daffodilhill. I like it and I like that I won the giveaway that Candice sponsored last week! I received these four lovely Michael Miller fabrics. I promptly sliced off the selvages to send to the selvage girl. She will be getting a colorful selvage that reads "Groovy Guitars"! Now I'm hoping to make good use of those fabrics, good in the eyes of Mr. Anonymous because he plays the guitar fabulously (and slightly distains my sewing fettish...I'll show him!).

Thanks Candice. Go see her etsy shop.

Take Care~~~

Walkin' in a Spiderweb...

2009-03-17T17:26:00.021-06:00

Piecing these spiderweb/stars is fun and quick. I've used many of those little scraps that are stuffed into that top drawer...the triangles derived while making binding, leftover strips from log cabin blocks and strips of backing trimmed from a quilted quilt. I've done one of every basic color, now I need to do tan and gray, a red-yellow-blue block, a red and aqua block, etc. or should I? Maybe I should just keep the blocks these basic colors, repeating them. What do you think?

I have some time to think about it and get your input because I'm not home at my sewing machine, I'm in AZ., could be at Nancy's sewing machine. However, we are playing which does include traipsing to quilting stores (some in Albuquerque. N.Mex. and in Phoenix). I really shouldn't let you know how many quilting stores I've been to in the last week. I will tell that I haven't purchased at every one of them. I will soon return to my home and sewing machine, but for now we are dreaming and scheming the next few quilting projects.

Take Care~~

OK OK OK

2009-03-01T15:21:00.008-07:00

I know I need to do a post, BUT it's just easier not to, it's selfish of me, and lazy, really. Plus, I'm still struggling with managing pictures, even after a live tutorial from this patient girl. I love reading all of your blogs, it is so fun. I should reciprocate. Time is another factor. Doing one blog post takes me too long, longer than it should. After I read from the great list of blogs that I keep tabs on, it's time to stop staring and start sewing! The patient girl said, "mom, you need to do another blog post." She then gives me ideas of what to post about. In November, after a unique adventure with my son in law (her husband), she said that I should have blogged about it...well yes, it was fun~ the poor kid~went to a rock concert with his mother in law. He and I dashed out the door a little before 9:00 p.m. the night of the COLDPLAY concert in Phoenix, arriving right after they had taken the stage. We had determined what price we would not go above if given the chance to buy tickets from scalpers. Well, we were given that chance, dickered a little, didn't go above the predetermined amount and entered the concert at a very brisk pace! We walked and walked to find our seats, getting closer and closer to the front of the stage! Wow! we had AMAZING seats! By now I was so nervous, hanging onto Travis, he probably thought he was loosing his arm. Coldplay does an amazing show. I've been a fan of theirs for quite a while, so I really loved being able to see them in concert. I think the aunt and patient girl who both opted to stay home, were pretty bummed they hadn't joined us on this adventure. Anyway...back to ideas for blogging...there are many! I will try to be better~~~
This kid has been playing basketball. I snapped this blurry photo at the very end of the very last game right before he went into the locker room. As I'm following the team into the locker room, his teammates were saying, Brett! your mom wants to take your picture! so he turned around. (He already knew, he was just ignoring me!)
My sister and I had a day of hanging out with each other. We went to The Gathering Place in Rupert, Idaho. It is a huge quilting store. Be prepared to be overwhelmed, if you go there. We found a big scrap bin with bags, you know the deal, fill the bag with as many scraps as you can fit into it and buy it for $5.00. We set forth layering and rolling precious pieces(some big) of lovely scraps. We inserted and re-inserted the rolls three times. At one point the bag began to tear. As the saleslady walked by, we cowered a little until she encouraged us to get as many in there as we could and to get a new bag since it was tearing, which we did. Here you can see all the many scraps that we fit into a lunch size paper bag. Laid 'em out and counted them: 50 different fabrics and 80 3 inch squares already cut! {these figures were jotted down on my In-N-Out Burger hat, where I hope to be able to enjoy a burger again in two weeks, when I go see patient girl and rock concert son in law.} I have just always done a lot scrappy quilting. I was pretty astounded when I learned that quilting fabrics come out in 'lines'. And whew, some of those lines coming out right now are so great!, but I still love scrappy piecing and quilts. edit: the selvedges in the center and thread were not in the scrap bin, just waiting to be sent to patient girl for her sewing.
At Material Girls this month, I received my friendship blocks back from the ladies. This was a favorites request, I asked that the ladies use their favorite fabrics and bring 2 raw edge quilt blocks. They are lovely. Now I'll need to figure out how to put them together in some kind of a quilt!

Take Care.~~~

January Happenings

2009-01-30T18:59:00.030-07:00

Quilt group was this week. I know I showed this JOY pillow last post, but this picture has a couple of friends from quilt group in the background, so I want you to meet my blonde friend, Lenette. She'll love that I've put this here. Robin is there too, she is fairly new to the group and fun to have. There's is definitely a chill in the air around here, you can see I'm holding the pillow... I still had my coat on. Which reminds me, out running this week, yes, chilly, Tuesday was 11 degrees at 6:00 a.m.! {I've beefed up my running attire by adding a thick fleece jacket and a Nike beanie under the ear band.}

I'm real pleased with these two quilt blocks I made for Kathi in quilt group. She just happens to be our leader. She outlined for us what she would like, we brought our blocks that we made for her to our meeting this week. I think these are very cute. If you'd like to see the show and tell at our meeting click here: Material Girls Idaho

This red white and blue flimsy is FINALLY done! I purchased this pattern about 5 years ago. As I was sewing away on it, getting ready to put the strips onto the stars, things weren't matching up. I pondered and pondered, coming to the conclusion that what I was trying to do was impossible and that the pattern must be wrong! ugh! I called the girl that designed and wrote the pattern, she didn't know it was wrong, so very very off.... the cutting measurements~ way way off. I asked her, "Am I the first person to notice this? and call you???" Yes. She sent me some money to compensate for the fabric, but there went all that TIME! I'm glad the thing is done. I do still like it. Anyone wanna borrow a pattern???:) j.k.

This quilt is Bloom by Thimbleblossoms. I purchased it as a kit in the Quilt Shoppe in Rigby, Idaho! (It was on sale!) Nancy and I worked on the top together, she did the embroidery and applique, I did the piecing. It is all quilted now ~ I should be binding it RIGHT NOW, but I'm typing! The fabric for this quilt is the Allspice Tapestry line by Moda.This is Nancy's birthday gift(she already knows) for her 25th coming up in May!

Sure feels good getting several 'works in progress' completed these last few months! BUT that doesn't mean I haven't started anything new, or haven't bought any new fabric...ahem. I've been going crazy on the Spiderweb star blocks with scraps, mmmm fun AND I've been playing with Paintbox Quilt blocks. I'm finding it a little challenging to track down solids and a monochromatic that MATCH!!! It will be a very gradual project.

I traveled across Idaho to see all of my siblings and parents a couple of weeks ago. That's what I have to do everytime I want to see loved ones, drive across the width of Idaho, the big width, not the narrow width. However, it was worth it! Here are a couple of pictures of us 5 kids, I guess we're still kids. I thoroughly love being with my siblings, there is a definite connection felt everytime. I wish we could hang out with each other once a month. They are so great.

My sister Karen, me, my eldest brother Doug who lives in Colorado and Kurt who lives in Utah.

Younger brother Mike who lives in Rigby Idaho! Brettster and Doug.

Take Care~~~

Christmas~New and Different

2009-01-20T18:18:00.020-07:00

Don't you just miss Christmas? I sure do. The glorious time went by way way too fast. Several years ago we simplified Christmas. Even though at the time, we only had 2 children, I just felt too busy and tired. My guy decided that we didn't have to attend every event we received invitations for, in the evenings; I decided not to send Christmas cards; homemade goodie plates for friends and neighbors were time consuming and costly. By the time I got cookies rolled cut and frosted, fudge fudged and nuts roasted, I was exhausted. Delivering them was my guy's least favorite thing to do, so of course I didn't have support on that...eventually, we simplified Christmas! These were good moves. As the girls got older, I always had their help, that was a very good part of celebrating. Now when they come home, they bring their guys, that doubles the pleasure and the help! Yeah! We even have time to do a little sewing.

I spotted this "JOY!" pillow last year at a commercial Christmas shop, promptly took a picture of it with my cell phone and proceeded to make a replica of it. I completed it before Christmas! Making covered buttons makes me giddy. The pillow in the store had a darling edging of feathery boa like trim, I was not able to find anything like that in the stores, so I just went with red rick rack. Not having a pattern to work from, this was a careful as you go/methodical project. I was pleased that it worked out!

Simplifying Christmas offers opportunities for new and different. I love love love cake plates. The one pictured here didn't hold a cake this year, but I had a spur of the moment decorating idea: put those old vintage tree ornaments in the lid! It was new and different! I wanted to have a few unique and unknown items around when the couples came home. I accomplished that without spilling the beans and showing any sneak peeks. Another new and different was name cards at the table for our meals. Jacquie at TallgrassPrairieStudio inspired me on that one.

Take Care.

Book and Apron Giveaway!!!

2009-01-20T12:26:00.005-07:00

IF you are so inclined, go over to this fun blog and enter the giveaway!!!!
She is offering~~~Two great things that we women love~
http://notquitejunecleaver.wordpress.com (wordpress not typepad)
I've had the Blogging Lazies, but I'll be back to show what I've been doing.
Take Care.

December Happenings

2008-12-21T21:07:00.033-07:00

The recurring theme is my head is: 'I can't get into the sewing room!' or 'Another day gone by and I didn't get to the sewing room!' ugh BUT~there have been some other goings on that we've enjoyed. There's my graduate. We were able to travel to her graduation last week. She earned her MASTERS in Engineering! How do these kids do it? Needless to say, we are pretty proud of her and what she has accomplished these last several years since graduating from high school. I feel like claiming her as my graduate, but her father and husband both could also say the same.

With both girls gone, I've been relegated to all the decorating for Christmas. This little wooden Nativity is one of my favorites. I have it place on the piano in full view. It was an unfinished project, until two years ago, my friend named Kathy helped me finish the little threesome.

I'm on a Cinnamon Roasted Almonds kick! These little morsels are easy to whip up and nice to have on hand to give in bags tied with sweet ribbon. I love the parchment paper use in making these. So slick to just pick 'em up off the pan and cool, then throw the paper away. Great clean up trick!

While traveling to said graduation, I made these folded paper ornaments. Stolen idea from howaboutorange. They are fun. I don't have them hanging on the tree, just stacked on a cake plate. I wish I could show you every ornament on my tree! They are a collection of 28 years.

There is a story to almost every ornament~they are so cool.

Speaking of tree, Mr. Anonymous and I went up to the hills, picked a tree, cut it down, drug it out, tied it up and brought it home!!! This activity has been a family tradition for the day after Thanksgiving. The kids have really enjoyed it! Here he is "tagging" it.

I have a friend named Mildred, who just celebrated her 100th birthday on November 28. She was able to attend a Christmas Dinner at the church with me. I wasn't sure she'd want to go out in the cold, go out at night or go to a place where she didn't know anyone. She accepted my invitation and off we went. She really had a good time, enjoying the food and program immensely. Mildred gets around really well. She only occasionally uses a walker and pretty much takes care of herself. She is an avid reader. I've know her for about 5 years, she lives in an assisted living facility very close to my home. A funny thing that happened to her recently: she slipped down in the small space between her bed and the wall in her room. She couldn't get herself out and didn't have any way of getting assistance! She had to wait there until one of the employees came looking for her in the morning!!! She just laughs and laughs over that.

For 18 years now, my blonde friend, my energetic friend (me) and friend named Kathy and I have met together for a Christmas luncheon at the beginning of December. Here is a picture of the four of us this year. These are great ladies for whom I have a fond place in my heart. Energetic friend is the hostess for these luncheons. At my request, we repeated the menu from last year ~ this year. It was so so delicious that a repeat was warranted. Menu: French Onion Soup (with bread and cheese-you know...), Macaroni Fruit Salad w/ Cashews, Pomegranate Spinach Salad, and Chocolate Praline Carmel Cheesecake. WOW! Energetic hostess has an awesome Christmas decoration. A green wreath hungs horizontally from the dining light fixture with red and gold bead types of decorations attached. It is so cool, seeing would be believing, but maybe you can get the idea from this photo. It is very unique.

Merry Christmas All!

Take Care~~~

Fun Giveaway(s)

2008-12-07T22:33:00.004-07:00

I love these vintage Christmas verses.

(Click on this to see up close!)

This Creative Girl named Nanette is celebrating one year of blogging. Go visit her blog each day this week and be entered to win something awesome from her. Nanette is such an inspiration. I hope to someday meet her in real life! We are the very same age, have sons and daughters the same ages, lived in the same town at the same time and we both love to sew. (There is probably more we have in common that we just don't know about~yet!) Thanks Nanette!

Take Care~~

Dishtowels and Pockets for the Tree

2008-12-03T14:57:00.022-07:00

Just before our trip to Phoenix, I ran onto a fun site called "turkey feathers". I spied dishtowels and embroidery! ooo all in one! That sweet girl had the patterns available in one click. Also available the tutorial on how to hem with coordinating fabrics. Whew~cute. {She has written a book that I think sounds intriguing and I LOVE the title of: Blanket Statement.} I went right to work tracing, got the desired threads packed and was ready to roll. I was able to embellish and embroider these in the car on the trip south. I was also able to get some crocheting and more embroidery done on the trip back north.
Yesterday, I ran onto Monica's new and simple idea, she calls them pennie pockets. I whipped up these two for our quilt group gift exchange and filled them with Kisses and Gum! I'd like to make a couple more of these maybe a little smaller to hang on the tree. They were quick to put together. That Happy Zombie is a funny creative girl! Thanks for your ideas ladies! Also, if you'd like to see our Show and Tell at MaterialGirlsof Idaho, click on over there! We had a great time with the Yankee Gift Exchange and a wonderful luncheon hosted by Jeri.

While in Phoenix, my sister, daughter and I sewed red red red in pursuit of a fun Christmas Tree skirt for Arizona Daughter. It will be real cute when all done. It's a square! I can't wait! I think we will be quilting it here at home on... aaa ~~well, ahem, probably about December 26th!!! Take Care~~~

Another Giveaway - Old Red Barn Company

2008-11-17T08:47:00.003-07:00

Dana is doing it again but giving away three lovely quilts this time. Wow. Go there, enter and try
to win, but don't really because I WANT to!!!
Take Care.

Christmas Question

2008-11-16T21:38:00.003-07:00

Our quilt group is preparing for the Christmas Lunch/Meeting coming up. We are looking for a new idea for an activity, exchange or anything to do that would be fun. Do you ladies have any suggestions of things you've done in your areas? We plan to do a gift exchange, but from there we are open to anything! Thanks.

I am wondering??? Do you ever just have questions going through your head? These are some of mine:
When sewing binding onto the front of the quilt, why does the top layer pucker...I wonder if this happens to other quilters??? hmmm ...how this can be prevented???
Why am I so forgetful? I don't even have that much to think about?
How do/have others handled a 13 year old like the one I have? I wonder if anyone else has challenges like mine, in raising a son???
Are the higher prices of quilting fabric (in the stores) 'getting' to anyone else???
I'm so disappointed that the batting in my bedspread is coming through to the top of the quilt!
to be continued!...
Thanks.
Take Care.

Blushing Red

2008-11-09T17:29:00.014-07:00

I was tagged by Nedra (she is great, so much going on with her, take a peek) a bit ago. I don't mind disclosure, I do mind attention. It's good exercise to think about these things, and I love learning about others, so I'll attempt some responses. In reading blockaday, she had a fun 'exercise' to read, so I'll attempt that also. (After, reading those Aussies, don't you just feel like typing and talking like them?)

8 things I did yesterday:

~ran/walked

~thrifted with my daughter

~traveled home after 3 fun days of "fishing" with family (the fished, I stitched in the motel)

~ate french fries with fry sauce!

~administered aspirin to the Brett meister

~"ran" to the quilting store

~wrapped booty from trip (Steelhead Salmon)

~retired at 1:15 a.m.

8 favorite t.v. shows:

~I don't watch it, but do like Jeopardy

8 things I look forward to:

~gift making on Tuesday

~sewing this week

~Thanksgiving with the Crumps in Phoenix

~the smell of pine next month

~traditional Christmas luncheon with friends

~all home for Christmas next month

~being a Gramma hmmm- someday, I hope

~moving when my guy retires

8 favorite restaurants:

~ don't have, don't love eating out, too particular BUT there are some places I do want to try:

~ Zuppas in Utah

~ this other place in SLC that is across from the Library on 4th south (I think)

~ a fresh taco place in SLC on the east bench

~ a couple of places in Phoenix that I don't know the names of

oh dear - that was LAME!

8 wishes:

this is getting personal! and taking too much time!

~ a Janome

~ debt free (we are almost there!)

~ house remodeling

~ that I could lose 20 pounds

{ I'd better stop here!!!...}

Where is your significant other? YMCA
Your hair color? brown
Your mother? we are opposites
Your father? makes everyone laugh
Your favorite thing? food (dangit!)
Your dream last night? so weird
Your dream goal? I don't dare say!
The room you’re in? cold
Your hobby? quilting
Your fear? I don't dare say!
Where do you want to be in 6 years? planning to serve a mission for my church, better do it quick before I loose the energy.
Where were you last night? out on the streets...
What you’re not? high achiever
One of your wish-list items? family safety and happiness
Where you grew up? Ashton, Idaho-literally. In Marriage-figuratively.
The last thing you did? napped
What are you wearing? pajama pants and white shirt (I have 7 white tops)
Your TV? off
Your pets? one - have never really been fond of animals
Your computer? a vice
Your mood? tired and cautious
Missing someone? yes
Your car? bugs when not clean
Favorite shop? quilt/bookstore/kitchen/thrift
Your summer? ho hum
Love someone? struggle
Your favorite color? green
When is the last time you laughed? today
When is the last time you cried? at church
Take Care~~~

Black Is Black

2008-11-01T18:33:00.005-06:00

Halloween is just anti-climatical now that the kids are old(er). I hardly even thought about it being Halloween. I forgot to get the candy out, good thing I remembered where I'd stashed it! Now that I don't teach preschool, I forgot to have Mr. Anonymous get the Halloween box out of the attic! When the Brett man returned home from trick-or-treating (he's only in 8th grade) I indulged in every little tidbit of sugar that he would toss my way~'til 11:00 pm! Pathetic!

This little quilt is a paper pieced project, that was so so fun! If you'll notice, where the seams all come together on the witches hair...there are 8 converging seams at the sides of her head! That BOO pillow was pretty fun to make also.

The AUTUMN pillow is a Crabapple Hill pattern. There are some really unique stitches on there, that I hadn't done since college, if then! Their patterns call for the Weeks Dye Works thread for the stitching. pretty thread, but spendy~~At quilt group this week it was Jeanie's turn to have us do a friendship block for her. She provided us with the black, red and white fabric. Using the particular block directions she provided, we are to add red, black or white. I ALREADY have mine done! It was fun to do and I think it is kind of pretty. I hope she likes it.

I've been seeing a really cool black swirly fabric of late. I asked one of the gals at quilt group where it comes from???She gave the needed info(Joanns) ahem and off I went. I picked up 1/2 yard just for me for nothing...you know...stash building. I'd show it, but- man -pictures of fabric is hard enough let alone it be black fabric. Just go look at some swirly black fabric ~you'll know when you see it!

Hope your November 1st has been good~~~ have a good November and get all done that you desire. I'm looking forward to this upcoming holiday, as I get to travel...with my fun brother(all three of them are fun)...south...to Azona...for a week...to 2nd college daughter's house!!!! Maybe she and I should do a giveaway together again! I need to think of new references for my 2 college daughters because they soon will not be. The 1st one (no blog) just passed her master's thesis and all that stuff this week. She will graduate in December with a degree in Environmental Engineering. The 2nd one is already NOT a college daughter, she graduated and is done with internship and exams and is working for a school district in Phoenix. She is in Dietetics and Nutrition. Wow, kids these days, I sure admire these college students and their accomplishments.

Take Care~~

Orange Orange

2008-10-27T13:20:00.039-06:00

Whew, where to start?... In September I was able to host an engagement luncheon for my friend's daughter, who is getting married in November. Fall colors set the mood for decorations, which were minimal, but effective. I gathered orange berries off those real prickly bushes, and holly leaves, placed them in canning jars with water. I tied vintage ribbon around the neck and placed a votive candle on the surface of the water. We lite those and set them around the house. For the menu, I made a Teriayki Chicken Salad, Breadsticks and Cupcakes. For the salad just pull out a large platter and start layering all the ingredients, serve the dressing on the side. Use tongs when dishing up, it is a great way to do salad and makes a pretty presentation. It was simple, but fun. We didn't play any silly games, (mostly because I don't care for them) but had a couple of question activities that were funny and helped us get to know the future groom better. I had a fun door prize thing too!

The quilty pumpkins here are from two different quilts by quilter extrodanaire, Karen McCarter. Aren't pumpkins so fun and festive?

I won free fabric from Quilt Taffy, and of course while giving my address to Corrie on the phone, I scanned their charm square packs and purchased a few of those goodies on the spot! Thanks Corrie and Des. You two are great!

A new season means it's time to send college girls and husbands a goodie package. I was able to sew up these two placemats and napkins and ship them off to Phoenix. It was amazing, I sent them from my post office here in Idaho at 5:10 p.m. on a Thursday~~Phoenix girl received the package before noon on Saturday!!! awesome ~ good thing too because there were homemade cookies in it! I used Sandi Henderson and Dana Fishbien fabrics. Now, before Utah college girl reads this and wonders why I didn't send her a package, I must explain the sweating bullets and anxious stomach I was experiencing while browsing the quilt store for fabrics for her ~ I just couldn't settle on anything that I thought she'd like! I need to have her pick out the fabrics, 'cause what if they didn't like their placemats!? Hopefully, when we get together next, we'll have time to haunt the quilting store.

My son found this cute little bird just hanging out on our lawn! After poking and prodding it to no avail, he took it over to the neighbors, set it down and off it flew!

Lastly~Orange Chicken

mmm the guys love it~try it if you are interested....

Sauce:

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup white vinegar

1 cup ketchup

3 cups sugar

1/8 cup orange juice concentrate (optional)

1 t. salt

Simmer this until sugar dissolves.
Use 6-8 chicken breasts. Cut up in small pieces, about 2X3 inch.
Beat 2 eggs into a shallow dish, add a little milk.
Combine 1 1/2 cups corn starch and 3-4 t. garlic powder on a large plate.
Dip chicken into egg mixture, then into corn starch mixture. Brown in oil on both sides. Place in a 9x13 pan. Pour sauce over. Bake at 350 for almost an hour covered, then bake for 25 more minutes, uncovered. Serve over hot rice.

Orange you glad you came?...

Take Care.~~

Brown and Yellow Quilt Giveaway

2008-10-13T20:25:00.003-06:00

This designing girl is giving away a beautiful brown and yellow quilt! I must admit I have not ever seen a quilt quite like this one! The pattern is so cool. The colors seem peaceful, but 70s at the same time:). Slip on over there to enter for the giveaway, it's this Friday! would be so fun to win! Good luck, yes I'm wishing you luck but quite insincerely, because I'm the one who really needs the most luck to win this wonderful quilt.
I've been sewing~~have lots to show someday soon... :)
Take Care.

Flirting With Fall

2008-09-17T17:52:00.003-06:00

OK, so I totally copied this idea from Anina. I don't think she'll mind...I hope she takes it as a compliment. I loved hers, pumped her for information, then came up with this table runner. I love it. It was very fun to machine quilt, doing a different 'design' in each strip. While suffering with the flu last week, the B man had to tolerate the hum of the machine and my exclamations of glee after every little strip-quilt-stint in the middle of the afternoon. I like to click on the picture to see the detail and I recommend it to you because my picture taking skillz are lacking.

BUT, yesterday I viewed Jacquie's very pretty runner and now don't love mine as much! Whew, I just can't keep up! I would like to have a table runner for every season or holiday, well... I already do ~ almost...moderation in all things. I used orange and green thread, but wasn't real brave to do it on the ivory colored strips, now I wish I would have. I used a gorgeous fabric on the back (forgot to photo it) that hides the quilting.

Now, can you notice?... this front door ditty is complete with found buttons and hanging apple tree branch? The buttons were lost in that little baggie for 2 months in my hmmm...where else, but my... SEWING ROOM! All this red, white and blue fluff around here is looking like I'm either 2 months late OR 10 months early!!! I'll take the later...

Take Care.~~~

Almost Fall

2008-09-11T15:52:00.010-06:00

Red, White and Blue. They really are nice colors together to represent our country. These pretties will be cut up in an effort to refurbish this star. It is a decoration I made for my mom years ago, the old fabrics needed to be changed out. I will show it completed when I get about 50 spirals cut of the new fabric. A LQS offers 20% off all purchases with a birthday coupon. I took advantage of that to a small extent.

This Red White and Blue quilt top has been hanging, completed in my sewing room for a few years. It is soon to be quilted and I can't wait! It was a fun fun quilt to make.

OK, it's a little late, but I wanted you to see our raspberry jam and the cute little flower girl with it. We were very careful not to get jam on that towel. Why do we make pretty dish towels for the kitchen, secretly hoping they won't get stained and dirty? Oh yeah, to hang them on the oven door handle!

Orange Julius is the new great snackie "thing" around our house. The Brettster loves it. He is going down on one here in the garage the first day of school. Quick breakfast!

I hesitate to post this bunch of lovely flowers at the risk of high expectations for the future. Arizona son-in-law had these delivered to my door for my birthday last week. Wow, what a surprise! Utah son-in-law gave me some great fat quarters of cute fabrics, so what's a mother-in-law to do? ... Say...Thank You! Those flowers are Peruvian Lilies, still going strong one week later.

Vegetables! Whew! I started this quilt a few years ago also!!! Finally done! This was one of my very first machine quilting projects. As a whole, the project turned out so so, but I do love the vegetables. (click for a close up of the veggies) I learned not to used lined fabrics for backings, altho this one came out real well ~~for me not knowing WHAT I was doing. This quilt pattern is a Waltzing With Bears pattern, designed by Cheryl Gunn. Cheryl is a designer and works at a LQS. She is always interested in what I'm working on and helps me pick out fabric. She has many very very cute patterns, she is so creative! Look for her patterns in your store.

Take Care~~~

Book Marks, Beautiful Wedding and Flowers

2008-09-07T21:41:00.009-06:00

Would you like to see a couple of book marks made from selvages? They were pretty easy to put together. I had fun going through my stash looking for cute things on the edges. The back of the bookmarks is a solid fabric. To make these I followed Anna Maria's general guidelines. Next, I think I will make one like hers with stitching on all four edges.

I treated myself to a pedicure on my birthday this week. These gorgeous pink flowers were resting right there by the entrance. Wow, vibrant color. Not surprising, I do not know what kind they are. They seemed to be the 'fresh from Hawaii' kind!

Last month we traveled across Idaho to Rexburg for the wedding of my nephew. Here is a picture of the Brett with my mom after the wedding. Isn't my mom so cute? (I think Brett has grown 3 inches this summer!) Two of the groom's brothers are in the background. The wedding dinner was catered by Johnny Carinos, as the groom has worked there for a couple of years. Tasty. The reception was held outdoors in a beautiful spot. The evening was so pleasant and enjoyable, a late summer night in Eastern Idaho... Whew! My friend from high school lives only a minute away from the reception spot, so she buzzed over. Needless to say, we had a little bit of fun, eating, goofing around and acting like we did in high school. The coolest thing~just before bride and groom left the reception for their honeymoon, the bridesmaids handed out sparklers and lighters to everyone. We all stood in two lines to form a long isle with lit sparklers. The bride and groom ran arm in arm through the isle of people waving the bright sparklers. All were cheering. The effect was very memorable. What a fun occasion!

I completed a UFO over the weekend. I will show it soon!

Take Care~~

Going Green!!!!

2008-08-24T17:20:00.010-06:00

Using up stash is a great feeling. Backing/binding fabric was the only purchase I made for this family reunion "raffle" quilt. Green is a versitile color: can be feminine or masculine, green in nature is pleasing, it doesn't offend, is not over bearing, it feels fresh! The only drawback to GREEN is that green and envy are friends. However, I don't think anyone was envious of the winner of this quilt. Many did admire and comment favorably over the green quilt and helped to tie the knots with Green Pearl Cotton, and at $0.50 per chance, the names were placed in the basket. The winner...the family member who had 40 chances in with with a $20.00 bill. (Yes, she did write her name 40 times on 40 little pieces of paper.) All total there were 24 other names in for the drawing. This gave the maker of this quilt a little wiggle room to purchase the needed batting and thread. Enjoy the greens from my stash and my favorite color! "MY JEALOUSY" (Natalie Merchant is a favorite artist of mine and I am jealous of her talent.) has been shipped off the lucky Sandy in Sandyeggo, CA. ~~Take Care.

Giveaway, But not Here

2008-08-21T17:20:00.002-06:00

Heather at Anka's Treasures is having a giveaway! She is a designer. There are some great quilts on her blog. Whew. I love quilts that have the scalloped edge. Someday I want to make a quilt with that kind of a finish. When you go there, comment to win, and please tell her that "I sent cha!" I will then get entered again! The competition feeds off each other.
I've sure been enjoying reading everyone's comings, goings and doings. Nedra, Kim, Nanette, Pam, Nancy, Stephanie, Kathi, AmandaJean, Judy, Cheryl and more...you are my social life, my entertainment! Thanks~~it is great!
I've been sewing some too! I will show all soon!
Thanks for the fun!
Happy Summer Ending...
Take Care.

PolkaDotsandRickRack

2008-08-11T09:10:00.006-06:00

Cheryl is a hot shot getting that cute name for her blog! Go there to read how it all happened and to enter her giveaway! She is a cool lady and fun to read. This is her blogging birthday. Man would I love to win those fun gifts she has pictured!!! Good luck (not really tho').
Here's hoping for some great rainy days ahead to get us some more water and to bring in a beautiful Fall. Sorry Summer, don't mean to offend but you've melted me enough, I'm ready to bid farewell to you.

Take Care.

~D Spack~

p.s. Umbrella Girl~~quilt by Karen McCarter.

I Won, I Won, I Won, I Won!!!

2008-08-05T21:47:00.002-06:00

Hey, I'm very excited! I finally won a give away! Wahoo. Terri and her dad, as a guest writer, do a great blog. They are at Purple and Paisley, she is forever changing her header, she must be very computer savvy! Not like me. Terri's dad is a crack up!!! Thanks Terri and Terri's Dad! :) Can't wait to get the Quilt Catalog! Thank You Much!
Take Care.
D Spack

Tagged Guilt

2008-07-19T11:51:00.004-06:00

In past days, I was tagged but didn't respond at the time, here goes now:
Some things about me that perhaps, some of you might relate to:

!. The smell of the Sweet Pea flower is a very distinct 'blast from the past' for me. I can still see them all happily growing along the back side of the garage.

@. I love the smell of lit off Firecrackers!

#. The first real sewing I took on was sewing jeans for my husband. Remember the Sea Farer jeans? He was on his last pair, and they were not being made anymore, so I took a class, slipped the pattern and made several pair for him. Sea Farers were the best jeans on any guy. I remember my *brothers wearing them. I was so happy that, as a newly married, I could make jeans for my hard working law student husband and keep him comfortable.
*I have three awesome brothers that I adore and miss (Colorado) miss (Utah) miss (Eastern Idaho). They are the funniest guys. It is such a joy to be with them 'cause we are "on the same page"!!! My kids love them too!

$. White linens for me, especially towels.

%. Last summer, I had a spot of skin cancer by my eye removed. I ended up with the best black eye a girl could wish for on her 50th birthday.

^. Right now my favorite rock and roll song is by Coldplay, Viva la Vida. (oh it's on right now, excuse me while I rock out for a sec.)

&. One of my all time favorite religious songs is a hymn entitled, Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing. (My husband plays it on his guitar.)

*. My feet NEVER stink.

(. My face sweats A LOT! (got that from mom)

). I was skinny when I was young.

_. I love having a baby around the house and those toddler years, my favorite ages. I love doing all the baby care stuff. Would like to have "one" all the time. (but I know I'd be tired)

+. Peanut M&Ms and red Nibs are the best combination! try it!

~. I'd love to go to Prince Edward Island/Nova Scotia and related points someday.

OK, enough about me, what's going on with you???
Take Care.
~D Spack~

Exactly a Month Later

2008-07-09T16:50:00.027-06:00

After a month, I'm tongue tied!

I'll begin with the Favorite Things Swap that Kelly sponsored. I sent Kara Jayne my favorite treats, skin product, little cards, book, etc. I received from her a book, gum and mints, note cards, flip flops, a great cd of her favorite songs (which I like too!), lotion, etc. When she wrote to me asking my shoe size, I could not figure that out ~what the heck??? Thanks Kara!

Everywhere we went on our trip to Montana, I kept forgetting my camera, but I did get this picture on our trip. Just before West Yellowstone, there are some fresh water springs called Howard Springs. Brett is standing in the middle of it. The water is so good and so so so cold. I didn't have a cup, so I used my hand and it froze! This little spot is just 40 minutes north of the little town where I grew up. On our return trip south from Big Sky, Mt., we stopped in Ashton to eat and visit my sixth grade teacher. She is 91 years old. We had a nice trip to Montana, in spite of Brett having strep throat and there being 9 inches of snow up at Big Sky.
The pool picture is one from our family reunion in Logan, Utah. College daughter and her new hubby with 2 very cute blonde little cousins. Brett was put in a cardboard boat and raced 2 others boats at first dam there on the Logan river. He won in his boat, we have some great engineers in the family... Family reunion was ok, mostly just ok tho' because it was too too warm. Three days out in the sun just isn't fun. I wilt.

End of June at our house means Raspberries~Raspberries~Raspberries! First picking~~~

Mr. Anonymous brought me these this week~ OOO love love love the pink. Wouldn't a pink and white quilt be great, like this one that Stephanie made?

The quilt block you see is for Mary at quilt group. It was her month for the friendship block quilt. She provided us with the flowered material, I added the background fabric. It was to be a 12 inch block of our choosing, as she will make a sampler quilt. I got my block and instructions from Crazy Mom Quilts in her quilt along from last year. I love the flowered fabric, the picture doesn't do it justice. This month I am hosting quilt group in my home. I haven't decide what we will do for the meeting. Does anyone have any great idea suggestions? We can plan anything we want when hosting, from a guest speaker to a project to a service project.

Kitchen Addiction suggested this yummy cookie recipe, so I had to try it. I struggled getting enough lemon flavor in the top spread. Youngest running partner turned 45, so I treated her to these Deep Dark Chocolate lemon morsels for her birthday.

I have a summery tablecloth in the kitchen now. It was a kit I purchased at a bargain price at a quilt store in Utah when I shopped hop their hop in 2005.

The little flag should have been hung at least by July 3, but no ~~it isn't finished! There are 11 white, perfect for this project buttons in a baggie, somewhere in this house. I haven't seen them for 2 weeks now, and believe me I've looked high and low. Where would I have placed them???

I hope I run onto them eventually. Can you guess where they go on the little flimsy? Maybe I should put 13 on--when I do find them...that was a clue. This was our quilt group project in June.
I want to post a photo of the quilt I took to the family reunion to be tied. It is real pretty. I did it in all greens because I have always had a lot of green in my stash. I will show it when it is bound.

I've been enjoying all you ladies' red, white and blue quilts and recent projects. Keep up the good work and thanks for coming back to my blog after a long dry spell.

Take Care.
~D Spack~

I'm Wondering...

2008-06-09T17:00:00.020-06:00

How does one take a great picture of a great fountain? This one is in Boise. Difficult to decifer, but the statue is of a mother with two boys and a dog trailing her. She has hold of a kite string with a kite at the end. I do like this statue/fountain, although it is hard to see the detail in my photo. Have any of you seen this particular fountain when you've been in this area?

What kind of tree/bush is this? I've been noticing these twin trees on my way to the Library for several days now. Today while driving through a nearby neighborhood I saw two large bushes that very very closely resemble these trees. The green is a very light green going up into the white and then pink on the ends of each branch. They are so sweet and unique! I really don't want to go knock on the doors of those houses. Have any of you seen this particular tree/bush?

What great sights and sounds are to be found near Bozeman, Montana? Mr. Unidentified, the Brettster and I are heading up that way in 1.5 days! We will be at Big Sky Resort. Of course I'll want to hit the quilting stores, but what other must do s are there? I'd better look for 13 year old friendly options also. Are any of you readers from Montana? I do know that I really like the town of Bozeman. No photo of Montana ..., YET!

No sewing photos, unless I could send a picture of frustration from my present project! I know one thing, I need to stick to sewing from a pattern instead of making up my own ideas. (wouldn't think pinwheels would be that hard) It just leads to frustration and time wasted! I know I should be creative, BUT it doesn't ever go good for me...

Take Care.

Where Did May Go???

2008-06-02T16:19:00.010-06:00

Time of change~school out~summer on it's way...the months go by so quick!

Today's To Do list:

~run

~bake 3 Angel Food cakes/slice strawberries for the third graders to have strawberry shortcake "To Go" tomorrow...

~make 30 cards with picture, summer reading booklist and poem written by Amber*

~laundry

~balance checkbook (do you ladies still do that???)

~pay bills

~get chain saw sharpened

~make phone calls

~take a nap (favorite)

~try to keep 13 year old ds BUSY with good things...

~catch up on e-mails

~SEW!!!

I never seem to get to my sewing, by the time I can, it's late in the day~ I'm too tired.

I think all the wedding loose ends are taken care of and the newlyweds are arriving in Peru today for a two week stint to put in drinking water wells and pumps. Hope they get a lot done and have a good time.

As mentioned last week, Quilt Group Friendship blocks were due. The airplane is paper pieced. It's fun and can be addicting, you just have to make sure you work with a generous piece of fabric each step of the way.

*Mom's Gift

by Amber Spackman (with some help from dad)

I've been to London to visit the queen,

I'm friends with Jack Sprat, who could eat only lean,

I'm acquainted with Aesop, and all of his fables,

And I've become friends with Anne of Green Gables.

I've met Abraham Lincoln and Benjamin Harrison,

And Georgie, who kissed all the girls--how embarrasin'!

I've shivered with fright next to brave Nancy Drew,

Helped the Grinch steal Christmas from each Whoville Who.

I've lived in the future, traveled backward in time,

I won the Olympics, even though I'm just nine.

I could not have found red ferns, or 'coons that were treed,

If Mom hadn't helped me to learn how to read.

~Take Care

Wedding Picnic

2008-05-26T10:39:00.022-06:00

OK let's get some of this down on "paper". When we were making wedding plans, we talked of what to have here in Eagle. Amber has been gone from here for eight years. She did not want any of us to spend a lot of money on the wedding. We wanted Tanner to meet people here and vice versa. We talked of sponsoring a large wedding shower, but that wouldn't include the men folk. A couple of years ago, when Morgan, Amber's friend in high school, got married, she had a barbeque in the backyard. Amber really liked it, so we decided that was the thing we should do. Amber called a friend's parents to ask them if we could have it in their backyard. They kindly consented. It would be held the weekend after the wedding (after the newlyweds honeymooned in Colorado). We invited old friends, high school friends and their parents, and neighbors. Fifty all told. We had 43 people attend. (In the above photo, the Brett man had changed into basketball shirt and shoes, leaving dress pants on. Previous to that he looked so great with a green shirt, black tie and dress shoes. Oh well, what's a mom to do? I had to let it go, it wasn't life threatening and wasn't morally threatening.)

We used the linens and table decorations from the Utah reception. I picked up fresh white mums, daisies, some greenery and we cut some white lilacs that day(stolen goods!). My good friend decorated the tables for us. We used some paper lanterns and pictures from the wedding, etc. for other decorations around the patio. We collected tables and chairs from the church.

Our menu was: Pulled Pork, Rolls from the bakery, Fresh Fruit, Sun Chips and Guaco Chips, a side salad and Key Lime Pie or Angel Lime Dessert. My blonde friend took care of the meat for us, my ever so cheerful friend cut up all the fruit and arranged it on two beautiful platters, my running friend made two desserts and the gal I work with ran the kitchen. To serve the dessert, we used various random green plates. When Amber requested Key Lime Pie for dessert, this idea of serving it popped into my head, she liked it, so we went with it. We gathered plates from Good Will, D.I. and from friends and neighbors! Some of them were even green glass vintage. It was a fun little pursuit. Nancy will tell you of our Key Lime Pie dilemmas. The best recipe can be found with her. I will post the Pulled Pork recipe when I get it again, if you all are interested. It was good and easy. We had one spoonful left in the end. Everyone loved the guaco chips, the fresh fruit was sweet (it all came from Costco), the Key Lime Pies went fast. The side salad was a bit of a different way to do salad. We had it at the place settings to begin the picnic, that way people could start with salad as others were going to the serving tables. It was a fun little salad. We put a hand full of red and green 'greens' on the plate, then to the side a little bunch of craisins, cashews, small carrots, grape tomatoes and olives with a clump of clover sprouts top and center. I had some vintage tea cups with plates to put the dressings in. We just used Thousand Island and Brianna's Poppy Seed dressings. Because Brett loves Jones Soda and it is Tanner's last name, we served several flavors of Jones Soda for the drink. How easy was that! AND I found out that Tanner likes Jones Soda also. Tanner and Brett had four cans in one night! This little event was very casual and fun. It came off with lots of help from dear daughter, family and friends. Doing something for the first time is always daunting for me, but after it's over I feel like I could do it again, no sweat..Sooo, now, anyone need an outdoor wedding picnic???? Let me entertain you~~~

(speaking of sweat~96 degrees here that day~that was the only bad part~I wilt in the heat~summer not my fav.)

A friend of the happy couple gave them HATS for their wedding gift!!! Novel. Looks like Amber might go cowgirl on us!

Quilt A Long

2008-05-23T10:42:00.004-06:00

This "place" has some good tutorials, a sampler block quilt-a-long in November and a star block quilt-a-long going now. If you are interested in doing some cute quilt blocks, take a look here. It is possible to view the blocks that other quilters are making, also. There are always many ideas and options on other's blogs, which help the creativity get going. Have fun.
http://www.crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/
Take Care~~~

I Made A Bag

2008-05-21T18:39:00.016-06:00

This bag was not the easiest thing I've ever made. I like it, but seems like it would be wrong to use it for the chance of it getting dirty. Hmmmm, love/hate with bags. There are so many cute ones out there, but not all are functional and what if it needs to be washed! They never look as nice after a washing. Last week while married/no m o re college/no more internship girl was home, she sewed up two bags that you can view on her blog. They are cute bags...covered buttons are fun to make and use. Her bag fabrics are by Amy Butler.

Ok onto other things now. Quilt group is next week. I need to get going on the past two friendship blocks we've done. I'm behind. When completed I'll show those here, if I remember to take a pic. I'm planning to start a "quilt along". This nice person has two to choose from. Deciding what fabrics to go with is tough. I've been peeking at quilt market pictures on everyone's blogs. Would have liked to go. But then there is always something/someplace I'd like to be going to: i.e. quilt shop hops, quilt shows, quilts walks,women's programs, etc. If I did all of that, I wouldn't be able to be a wife, teachers aid, mother of the bride, mom of a thirteen year old stinker, blogger, and a 'caring for others' person.

Take Care~~

Amber and Tanner's Wedding Day

2008-05-14T15:06:00.012-06:00

Friday was a great day in many ways. Amber and Tanner seemed so happy! They were very cute together. Amber was a beautiful bride. Pictured are bride and groom with happy parents.

Nancy, Travis, Brett, Amber, Tanner, Father of the Bride and Diane.

Amber didn't wear a traditional wedding dress. She purchased this white dress that is absolutely gorgeous! I hope she can wear it again sometime. Her bouquet was made of white flowers, Stock and Freesia. We woke up to rain rain rain in Logan, Utah. By the time this picture was taken, mid afternoon, the wind was whippin'. Not good hair conditions...oh well what can I do. It looked pretty good at 9:00 a.m. Amber doesn't have to worrying about her hair, she has thick curly "good hair".

Brett has now experienced both sisters marrying. He now has two great brothers! and loves it!!! We are happy to welcome Tanner into our family, if he can stand us...?

The evening reception was to be outside by the creek, but in the a.m. the decision was made to set it up indoors. It was still very nice. Tanner's parents and family did so much to make it happen! Thank You to the Jones family! We enjoyed seeing relatives and old friends at the reception, even tho' we don't live in Utah. Amber chose colors of black, white and various greens. This Saturday we are sponsoring a picnic/barbecue for Tanner and Amber here at home. Still lots to do...

Take Care.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NANCY!

2008-05-07T08:34:00.004-06:00

Today is this cute girl's 24th birthday! Hope she has a great day down there in sunny AZ! We miss her, BUT get to see her tomorrow! in Utah, then she's home here for a whole week!!! Yeah!
Do you ladies wonder what it's like to be 24th again? Do we even remember anything about being 24??? Take Care.

Cold Cold Flower Day

2008-05-01T17:42:00.024-06:00

Just thought I'd go to my stash for some flowers in May. May is not showing up outside yet. These florals are some of my favorites. Hopefully, you can click on them to see up close.

Aren't those little kids cute? I got that fabric at a giveaway at quilt group one day from Kathi, our leader. We had a guest speaker at quilt group yesterday, Karen MacCarter. She is a superb quilter. Karen told us of her quilting journey and showed us several of her many many quilts. She talked of her beginnings in wanting to make a baby quilt for her son. She appliqued with polyester fabric! It was what was available. Several of you quilters are working on the Dear Jane quilt (click on it for close up). Karen has one done and is hand quilting it now.

I LOVE this little bird! I could make a whole quilt in this little block, with each bird a different fabric. If Nanette sees this birdie she might like it too! ...this little bird is in a quilt that Karen has had for several years that was a 'group' quilt.

I think it is such a great one! I love to just gaze at all the various squares. (click on it too!!!)

We had a three inch flannel squares exchange at quilt group a couple of months ago. Some made a snowman quilt with their squares, I just wanted to do a small quilt with my flannel squares. I sewed them into pair strips then used the 'quilt as you sew' method to put them together with the batting and backing. It was a hassle, difficult to match the corners. I used fabric from my stash for the borders, they are all different. I think I will do some hand quilting on the borders with pearl cotton. I may just donate this quilt, we'll see. Take Care.

Where To Begin...?

2008-04-25T20:43:00.022-06:00

...with the good! ~ This person turned 13 this week! He's always hanging around with his shirt off! Our neighbors gave him that great basketball book.

...more good! ~I received a great package in the mail from my apron swap partner! She is so great~~take a look at this vintage apron~~chicken scratch stitches~~the waist band is pleated I love it!!! Black too! SLENDERIZING!!! I need that in the kitchen ~~and in the kitchen only. :)

...more good ~This Raggedy Hearts quilt is just sitting here waiting to have it's binding stiched down. Material Girls have made this quilt to donate to breast cancer research next month. I have the opportunity of making the binding, applying it to the quilt and finishing this pretty quilt!
...more and more good ~Amber and Tanner get married two weeks from today. Looking forward to the day, it should be a lot of fun. Hopefully, not too cold in Utah~

...not so good~ a curve ~Our great and longtime friend, Emil Drzayich passed away suddenly two weeks ago tonight. We are very very sad. Emil was a great person with a great family, wife Peggy, four sons and two daughters in law. My dear husband was honored to play the organ at the funeral services. Emil was a baseball player as are all of his sons. Take Me Out to the Ballgame was one of the songs played before the service began, along with Going Home, Theme Song from The Natural and Morning Has Broken. Emil will be missed tremendously every day.
Take Care~~~

Flowers, Flannel and Fabric

2008-04-11T17:27:00.012-06:00

These lovely flowers greeted me mid-week from Mr. Anonymous. I like....them and him!

Six new flannels for more baby blankets. Pinks are so sweet~easy to find, dots much fun, blues hard to find! Two blue baby boy blankets are needed for two nephews having/had a boy. Coordinating two matching flannels is challenging most times, also.

Hopefully, I will be able to accomplish a bag with these Bohemian Manor fabrics by In The Beginning. I find making bags to be challenging also!

ALSO, I find purchasing fabric is stressful. So many options...what would be best???...how much to get?...which for lining? which for backing? binding? Usually, I'm by myself and really want a college daughter's opinion, BUT she/they are off chasing their dreams and more! It's alright tho' because they'd be discontented hanging out at home for the rest of their lives, and I'd probably start to wonder what is wrong with them! I do miss them though. Speaking of chasing, college daughter #1 is getting married! May 9th!

Take Care.

Southwestern Sights

2008-04-10T23:08:00.001-06:00

Our winner is...

2008-03-31T22:00:00.011-06:00

... May Britt! Congrats to you! We've never sent anything to Norway before! She'll receive: a paper globe, a vintage fat quarter, 4 corner book marks, a 6" ruler, a pack of needles, a table linen embroidery, a pair of handmade earrings and Arizona chocolates. Hope you enjoy the items we send and that the chocolates stay fresh through the long journey. Thanks to everyone for entering our giveaway and sharing your stories with us. We enjoyed learning a little bit more about each of you, a couple of those stories were tear jerkers.

Cactus flowers blossoms are so amazing, they are big and certain, considering what they come from...

We took a hike this evening on Thunderbird Hill. The sun was just disappearing, so pretty up there, we could see almost all of the Valley of the Sun. This morning found us trekking out to Fountains Hills, what a lovely community out there, we saw the highest fountain in the world AND a quilt store!!!!! I purchased a few delicious pieces. Take Care. ~
D Spack~

Arizona Adventures

2008-03-30T19:20:00.016-06:00

Have you been to In and Out??? B man (ds) wants to eat there everyday we are here. I do love the fresh french fries. We will go there for lunch again tomorrow.

Have you seen the desert in bloom??? I admit it! Scenery is pretty here~the blossoms and plants are intriguing to me. I've photographed several. I think this cactus is the Scarlett Hedgehog Cactus. Thanks Dave Boizelle

Have you eaten Cerreta's Chocolates??? While visiting the candy factory in Glendale, we indulged in the samples and brought son-in-law a chocolate covered red pepper. It was hot, but he ate the whole thing! Our giveaway (previous post) includes some Cerreta's Chocolates, if you haven't commented do so very soon!!!

Have you been to Tortilla Flats??? pop. 6 We drove through the gorgeous Sonoran Desert~~whew yellow, green, light green, purple and orange! Our only food indulgence was Prickly Pear Ice Cream! There is $80,000 one dollars bills attached to the walls of the two buildings up there. Upon returning back to the valley we were treated to a lovely evening barbeque - poolside in Mesa at relatives-thank you D and S, with more relatives from Albuquerque - yeah L and C.

Take Care. ~D Spack~

Spring Break in Arizona and a Giveaway!!!

2008-03-26T22:43:00.008-06:00

Posting from Arizona. Dear Son and I are finally with this cute girl and hubby (we are pictured in front of a Bullseye quilt that was a joint effort between us). As promised we bring you our mother daughter giveaway. The picture below shows a small sampling of our crafting tendencies that we want to send to you. To win, comment with a favorite story about your mother or daughter. Post your story in comments below or over here at Nancy's. The winner will also receive some choice sweets from Arizona. We will randomly select a winner on Monday 3/31 at 8 pm. I just received a nice award from Nanette. Thank you Nanette, oh and go to her 'blodge'! she's doing a giveaway also.

My story: Over Christmas while attending church, in class with college daughters, the instructor mentioned blogging, its growth and popularity. Her concluding statement was, "how great a thing blodging can be." On the back row, flanked by those two cute girls, wondering if I/we heard right...? covert glances left and right ~~left us struggling to stifle our mirth. "Blodging" quickly became the joke of our holidays. {Due to the confusion my brother suggested that blodging is a lodge for bloggers.}

Easter Egg/Baskets Production

2008-03-17T12:27:00.006-06:00

...wondering why I started a no sugar diet yesterday!!!??? Why does Cadbury have to make those mini eggs so darn good? AND pastel jr. mints~oh so good. I hope by now you all know to open your peeps packages several days ahead and let them dry out. They are the best that way-so chewey. Eat them with the mini eggs, yes at the same time. I found those neat big eggs at Winco. I'm sending them in the mail today, to college girls and their guys for Easter~ All kinds of items are on my kitchen counter this Monday. I'd better get candy in those eggs and get things cleared up. I hope the two girls don't read my post here before the packages arrive in the mail!
Take Care.

Basketball, Arizona and Spring!!!

2008-03-14T18:35:00.027-06:00

My header sounds like we might hit some March Madness/Sweet Sixteen kind of stuff, but no not until next year! DS, not 1, 2 or 3 ~ just only, played ball in Eastern Idaho where handsome little brother of mine lives. I snapped this photo of them after the game. Brother (he's number 3, the other two are very handsome also!) is willing to get his picture taken. My parents weren't willing, but were present.

I was able to catch a few glimpses of eye candy in the form of quilting fabric. Aren't these pieces nice? The blue polka dot is for a boy Bulls Eye baby quilt. I got it at The Quilt Shoppe in Rigby.

For the other two pieces, I will use them in curtains for the patio doors in my kitchen, which I started a few months ago, but because of several factors, am not sure how to proceed....

Last summer while visiting married college girl #2 in Utah, she and ds went swimming at the local pool. I enjoyed watching them play together while stitching a Spring pillow. Had to show the back also, it's pieced I figured it out~~ all by myself! Spring huh? In the last hour we just experienced a huge thunder, hail, sleet and snow storm. It came on really fast!

NOW, calling all you ladies from ARIZ.! since I'm spending a good week there in a week~~we have a day set aside for all the fun shops, flee, quilt, antique, whatever you say is good~~sooo, send me your ideas. I'll be in the Peoria/Tuscan/Mesa area with this cute girl! We do hope to hit IKEA too! Oh how will I ever get it all back to Idaho??? j.k. While in the A state, cute girl and I are sponsoring a giveaway, jointly, so please check back with me or her to sign up! We have some neat little items to send your way. In your comment we will be asking you to provide some fun information about YOU!!! Take Care.

Apron Giveaway

2008-03-05T16:43:00.002-07:00

Aprons are so fun and cute nowadays. They are becoming the rage with all the darling fabrics available to create one with...what's girl to do? I might pick up some Denyse Schmidt fabric to make mine. Go to http://apronista.blogspot.com and enter their giveaway~do it now~
Take Care.
~D Spack~

Winter~Summer~Quilty In Between

2008-02-29T19:33:00.009-07:00

Didn't it feel great to have an 'extra' day today~ to get a lot done??? Wish I would have...I know it snowed somewhere today because Judy said so. I love winter, but soon it's good-by. Summer is close at hand, which I don't much care for, but how about a little quilty to make it all good? The sweet birdhouse chimes are from my parents when they were living in Missouri. The patriotic chimes were made by ds in first grade. They rend a totally different sound than the small snowy bird abode. Occasionally we brush by these in our comings and goings, I hear twinkle or clank, I know someone is there. The small quilt in the middle was not handmade by me but hand purchased by me at On The Avenue in Logan, Utah. (i had a coupon:)

I love the little stitches.

Take Care. ~D Spack~

New Blooms

2008-02-28T15:13:00.033-07:00

Sweet Crocus~ right out the front door~ two days ago~

This is my little 'flimsy' I finished this week, just in time to show at Material Girls (quilt group I attend). There are little vintage fabrics here. I "swirled" something different in each square, just havin' fun. I ordered this fabric from Kelly. It included the binding and backing fabrics. I LOVE that backing and border fabric. OK, I think I'm collecting enough baby quilts...

At quilt group, at least one person shows a great bag that they have made. There are so many cute ones out there and fabulous fabric available ~~how to choose??? But I would like to make one, I think? Take Care. ~D Spack~