PINK PINCUSHION

You Amaze Me

2012-02-01T17:00:00.000-08:00

I loved each and every quilt, pillow, runner and topper that was in the Full House parade!

I think there was nearly 60 quilts, 60 awesome bloggers who joined in!

You all amaze me!

So, I was going to tell you, that due to my honey being in the hospital
and being stressed in general... I was really hoping for a quick and easy project this month...
for the next AYOS.
I looked on my list and saw this one. I.S.T.H.
I went through my pattern stack and found it.
Usually Carrie has a little blurb in her patterns on how she came up with the name but
this time I could easily see... those initials are mixed up.
They really should be
S.H.I.T.
That was the first word out of my mouth
when I opened the pattern and saw little half square triangles and then I flipped the pattern over
and took another look at the name... yeah, I am certain there was a mix up with the letters!

Ok, that being said, it really wasn't bad at all. See- I managed to make it
even though I am working and spending the same amount of time in a ICU!
I know you all will have no problem at all getting it done!
Really.

There was a question about the button... so I thought I would explain...

If you don't have our button but would like to put it on your sidebar...

here it is. There isn't a code for it though, you can just link it to

either one of our blogs, Sherri's A Quilting Life or mine.
Also,

Here are a couple of our wonderful featured quilt shops

that have the Schnibbles patterns available for you.

I have a link on my sidebar of the featured quilt shops also.

Quilter's Paradise

Bear Paw Quilts and More

(their web site is under construction right now)

I am excited to say that

Green Fairy Quilts is our newest featured quilt shop.

Sherri will have the list of prize winners over at her blog today.

Congratulations to the winners and congrats to everyone who played this month!

Standing Room Only! Talk About a Full House!

2012-01-31T22:00:00.000-08:00

I have to tell you that I was so excited when Sherri and I decided to go ahead and

do Another Year of Schnibbles... after all, I am addicted!

But I am beyond excited now... all of the fantastic Full House projects that have been coming

in to my mailbox , well, they are all just amazing!

There are a lot of quilts in this parade so let's get started...

oh, oh, wait,

but of course you are waiting to see the project for next month??? Right???

Well, here you go...

I.S.T.H.

Cute setting and Star blocks!

Here is what you need to pull together to get started:

2 charm packs

3/8 yard star background

1/2 yard setting triangles

... remind me to tell you what I think those initials stand for....

but for now, lets have a parade of Full House!

This adorable pillow Sandy F made for her bed... she just did a makeover so the red black and a touch of grey was used for her palate.

Dorothy at Paws for Stitching blog created her lovely neighborhood

in happy "30's" colors.

Debbie at Tis the Season to be Quilting made her
winter wonderland of houses with frost on the rooftops!

Here is a creation of pretty little houses by Aster.
Her blog is Aster Cody Quilts. She made her town
out of Fig Tree fabrics... Breakfast at Tiffany's.

This is one from Kathy. Her DH thought there should be a McDonald's

right in the middle of it! Too funny! Isn't this a sweet vignette!

This little pillow top town in gorgeous blues and greens was made by Alison

also known as Cardygirl! They are her Australian Beach Huts!

This one was made by Karen and she has a great story to go with this

quilt, so hop over to her blog (Quilting, Losing and Tea) when you get a chance and read about it.

This is a cute little town made by Carol C.

Sweet in pink! This was made by Hildy in Germany... she calls her town of Full House

Girls Houses! I love the touch of grey too!

Here is another little town in bright happy polka dots!

This was made by Andee in Az from the blog A Modern Diary! Love the blue skies!

I love the town square here! This was made by

Dee at Bitten by the Quilting Bee blog!

Wish I would have thought of this!

Here we have a cute little town table topper by Brenda from the blog

Quilting Along Life's Way. It's made from a fabric line called Blessings...

how appropriate!

Using her Kansas Troubles stash Carmen created her

cute town... I'm moving into the one with the blue roof!

Carmen's blog is Downstairs, Quilting.

Kay, this is so adorable...

she used Hometown by Sweetwater! I love your little town!

This is from Wendy, her blog is here.

I think pink houses is perfect for a girl from Pensicola!

Don't you love the strips in these houses?

We have another Kay who created this "Hideaway" village...

You can visit Kay's blog at Quilt Studio Happenings.

This one is from Gretchen at Stella Bella Quilts blog.

She used Petite Ecole from French General.

It's a beautiful neighborhood!

The construction is finished and nearly move in ready!

This fun quilt topper was made by Carol at Brown Quilts.

(glad you found some sewing time Carol)

This one reminds me of a colorful town in Africa but she's calling it Carolville!

It's so happy! She obviously has no fear... love this!

It was made by Carol C at the Polka Dot Chicken blog!

Here is a town with the Chinese New Year's influence!

It is the year of the dragon! Lots of fun here... it was created by

Jamie at Beach House Quilts.

Here is a wonderful Full House made by Abby at Life on Latimer Lane.

She used an assortment of Minick and Simpson fabrics for a patriotic town!

Here is a cute little runner out of Countdown to Christmas by

Sweetwater. It was made by Denise from the blog My Life in Quilts.

She did a little change up with the doors... I like it Denise:)

Here is a perfectly perfect Tiny Town by Kathy

her blog is Troublesome Creek.

Here is a fun large version of Tiny Town by Di at

Quilting is Blissful. Great center fabric!

Ok, Debi's quilt just does not want to cooperate with me here.

That's ok because as you can see this town has attitude!

I love her fun color selections... they are Kaffee fabrics;

it's like a box of crayons. You can visit Debi at

Quilting with Debi blog.

Mmmm, blueberry crumb cake! That's the fabric line that Carol used

for her Full House quilt. Gorgeous! Yes, and so are you Buster!

And so is Mary's quilting!!! (Mary at Quilt Hallow)

See lots of fun things at her blog Carol's Crafty Creations.

This one is just adorable! It was made by JoAnne

at the blog The Patriotic Quilter. She lives in Hawaii

so she gave it an Island flair! I love the Palm trees and the

waves in the border too!

Here is a beautiful pillow completed by Bea in France!

Love the rich colors!

Here we are traveling again... this

is a sweet topper of Tiny Town made by Diana at Quiltecke blog.

Here I go again, but this time the Full House quilt

is made by Eileen at Little Red Hen blog. These cute little towns are

just sprouting up where ever they want to!!!

I love this little town out of Kansas Troubles fabrics: Sandhill Plum!

I love this pillow... but it reminds me that I need to finish mine

out of the same group of fabric, Countdown to Christmas. But

even better is the quilting and the red binding... ok, I just love it all.

It was made by Cheryl... Polka Dots and Ric Rac!

I love this little version of Tiny Town with the pink background!

This mini town was made by Kigwit at Kigwits Thoughtful Spot blog.

And lookie here... we have not one but two pillow tops from Darlene at Quilting Daze blog!

Of course she did one in Christmas colors... she is the queen of Christmas presents!

Check out her blog to learn about her Christmas Through the Year quilt along.

Let me know if this inspired you to build your own town

or if you have already made one... do you want to make another???

If you are not part of AYOS yet but would like to participate in next months parade...

just make the next project and send me a picture. Easie peasie.

And if you haven't seen the other half of the parade yet, get ready for some more fun

over at A Quilting Life!

Sherri and I are just amazed at all the wonderful

quilts that were made using Carrie's Schnibbles pattern!

Thank you so much for being a part of the parade!

I hope you have enjoyed it much as I did!

You will want to come back tomorrow to see the prize winners...

see you then!

My Special Assignment

2012-01-26T15:43:00.000-08:00

As you can see, I couldn't even wait to take a picture before
I unwrapped this gorgeous bundle!
It's the new line of fabric by 3 Sisters.
I haven't seen a 3 Sisters group that I didn't like. This one
is no exception. I wonderful palate of cream, brown, blue, red and pink.
I get to make a shop sample with these and the little pattern that came with the bundle.
It's all half square triangles. I think you can even
download the pattern at the United Notions web site.
(the pattern shows a really slick way of making the HST's, so it should make up pretty fast)
Ah, so nice.
I haven't gotten to make a shop sample for anyone in a while...
so I really appreciated being asked!

Also, I am happy to say that the hubs is making wonderful

progress this week in his recovery.

So, this really is a great week!

Sherri and I are getting lots of pictures of finished Full House tops for AYOS!

It is going to be a great parade!

If you are playing along...

Don't forget to email one of us a picture and a link to your post showing your project.

I Am Weak

2012-01-23T17:22:00.000-08:00

Have you heard about the new Block of the Month by Fat Quarter Shop?

There was no arm twisting here... as soon as I saw it

I went ahead and signed up... in a heartbeat!

I love getting these blocks every month and

I have no doubt that the new Designer Mystery 2012 will be as

fun as the 2011 Mystery BOM has been...

Each month will be a new design by a great group... you know you love them!!!

The fabrics will be the Vintage Modern group by Bonnie and Camille

and the designers include:

Aneela Hoey, Blackbird Designs,

and of course Bonnie & Camille,

Bunny Hill Designs,

Cosmo Cricket, Fig Tree Quilts,

Me & My Sister Designs, Kate Spain,

Minick & Simpson,

Pieces from My Heart, Primitive Gatherings

and Sweetwater.

I know I am behind on my 2011 Mystery (what's new)... but now

I have good insentive to get it finished up and get ready for the

new BOM, right?!?

Yeap, count me in!

No Snuggling, But A Little Swooning Going On

2012-01-19T16:15:00.000-08:00

I have been M.I.A. for a while now...

from blogland and my sewing room.

Sewing is definitely a happy place for me,

and I just can't create

at all while under stress.

My poor DH has been in the hospital for the past 3 weeks in the ICU unit.

I didn't want to share much before...

but now it seems that we are mostly over the hurdle

and he is on a slow road to getting better.

The surgery was actually planned, and as my hubby prepared, I prepared

mentally and just to be safe,

I colored my hair prior to going!

Seriously.

Anyway, I want to thank everyone who knew and sent us extra prayers

and good wishes.

We have an army of angels on our team and are so very thankful for that!

So, even though there are still many

days ahead of special care for my DH,

I can exhale a little

and give a sigh of relief now.

So no snuggling for me this year yet...

but I did finally enter my sewing room, last night, brushed away some of the cob webs (kidding)

and embarked on my first block of Swoon!

I am using Nine Dot by Carrie Nelson.

Does it bother you to see the little stripes going

in different directions in

a block?

Here are some of the other color combos I have picked.

Oh, and I did make this little sampler

from Temecula Quilt Co. Twelve Days of Christmas Mystery.

Mosaic Monday

2012-01-16T17:03:00.000-08:00

Inspiration from Cabbages and Roses...
wonderful ideas and fabrics for a refreshing look.
I know you are familiar with their fabrics with Moda...
but have you seen their website for home decor?

A New Year, A Chance to Renew

2012-01-06T16:48:00.000-08:00

I have been absent all week!
I am so happy at the turnout we have so far for AYOS.
Every one is so creative... I am sure it will be another fun year.

(photo borrowed from somewhere out on the web)

I have been wanting to share with those of you who are making Full House...
the fabric requirements so that you can start your wheels turning and
maybe start looking at your stash while you are waiting for the pattern to
arrive.

Full House Fabric requirements:

2 charm packs

1 fat quarter roof background

1/2 yard sashings and borders
easie peasie!

I have big plans for 2012.
I took photos of my projects but I have been traveling
and it seems that my camera cord has been traveling also... and we haven't
caught up with each other yet.

Here is my plan for January:

I can tell you that first on my list is Swoon. I have that one cut out right now. Yeah!
I plan on taking one of my unfinished projects and completing it as a monthly goal.
A Schnibble per month is a must!
Henrietta Squirrel is on the agenda also. I have all the patterns that didn't get done last year. So I can start that as a monthly project as well.

But that's not all!
Remember that last year Kelly at Charming Chatter challenged us to come up with a word for the year?
Last year my word was picnic.
As in: enjoy life, take it easy...
I have lots and lots of ideas that have been brewing in my head this past year
and I have decided that my word for this year is:
Renew.

I want to make changes in my home and my life but I don't necessarily want new.
I just want a little change, to refresh, a chance to re-new.
So that will be my motto for the year!

Do you have a word???

A Brand New Year but...

2012-01-01T10:00:00.000-08:00

it's Another Year of Schnibbles!

I hope everyone had a wonderful and safe New Years celebration!
We had another full house...

I didn't take any pictures at all of the baby shower!

However, there were a lot of pictures taken... I just need to get my hands on them!

Here are a couple of pictures of the left over balloons and gifts.

The theme was Bees. As in Ba-bee.

Jill's friends made the cute little invitations.

It was a fun day and so very sweet!

But I'll bet you are wondering about

AYOS!

Well, here it is...

Sherri, at A Quilting Life and I decided that we would make it simple and start off

the year with Full House!

It is a very fun pattern so we hope you will enjoy the first project of the year!

I know some people made Full House as their "free choice" pattern
for Le Petite last year. If you did, you might want to whip up another
variation of the pattern. Carrie (Ms. Schnibbles herself) had a great post
a couple of months ago and gave a few examples
and instructions of other projects using this pattern.
You can go see it here.

(photo borrowed from La Vie En Rosie blog)

Sherri has the ins-n-outs of joining in for Another Year of Schnibbles,
so if you want to know how it "works", go check out her post today.
For those of you who are already familiar with how we play...
go grab a pattern from one of your LQS's or
from one of our featured quilt shops listed on my sidebar.
If you are already a member of Fat Quarter Shops
Schnibbles pattern club, you are probably
already set and good to go!

We will have a parade of Full House on February 1st!
And don't forget to add our button to your sidebar if you are playing along...
or if you just like
the button! hehe

Bindings and Other Finishes

2011-12-30T16:29:00.000-08:00

Looking back at the posts of 2011

I thought I would choose one

of my favorites to share with you... one that

I thought would be worth repeating.

It is titled:

Have You Had Your Quilters Vaccine Yet

(just click on title above)

Of course, it is a little bit embarrassing but a little bit funny,

the funny outweighs the embarrassing and I thought you might enjoy it!

Tomorrow is my DDIL baby shower that is going to be held at my house...

it will be a brunch and will probably be the big event of the day. I expect

I will be in bed long before midnight. I think I could manage to

celebrate using East Coast time though.

Happy New Year to all of you.

Thank you for a year of friendship and sharing.

Wishing you all a safe and blessed

2012!

I will see you next year!

Are You Ready for Another Year?

2011-12-28T16:42:00.000-08:00

It's getting close to the end of the year...

but the good news is that it will be the start of

Another Year of Schnibbles!

Monthly challenges, parades and fun!

Remember these?

Click here to see the post of Le Petite Grand Finale of Small Quilts.

It's time for Sherri at A Quilting Life and I to start getting

everything in order for those of you who are interested

in participating in Another Year of Schnibbles.

Sherri is working on a post that explains "the rules".

And we have a new button for you to put on your sidebar if you would like!

I think it's really cute...

You can just take the button and link it to either one of our blogs.

Since we both host this it will just be easier this way.

So I am going to hurry up and get my holiday decorations put away and find

my sewing room again. I have the first pattern to finish up so that

it will be ready on the first of January along with Sherri's Schnibble project.

Wouldn't it be fun if Carrie, Ms Schnibbles herself played along with us???
nudge, nudge!

One French Hen, Two Turtle Doves

2011-12-23T15:47:00.000-08:00

and a Union Jack under the tree!

I found one more quilt top this morning to add to my 11/11 list.
This is number 17.

And because Schnibbles are a big part of my year... and some of you said that it would be okay to
count them...
here are my Schnibble and other little things- finishes for 2011.

Then there were a few other things like:

A cute little camera bag or two.

I actually made 4 of these little spool wall hangings.
They were addictingly fun!

Here are a couple others in the mix. Endless Summer and

one from This and That designs.

One sewing machine cover, there were a few other small projects too,
and a partridge in a pear tree.
Now that I'm looking at the little machine cover,
I really don't know why I made it... the cover really doesn't stay on the machine for very long!
And I don't really see how this machine has any time to collect dust at all.

I think you can put me down for another dozen done on the "small" quilt list.
And speaking of Schnibbles...
well,
I guess I can wait to tell you next week!

Merry Christmas to you.
I enjoy our time here
and wish you a
blessed holiday
filled with
love
and
laughter!

A Look Back

2011-12-22T17:05:00.000-08:00

I was trying to get an idea of the quilts that I finished this year.

I had joined in with the 11 in '11 with Kim at Kim's Big Quilting Adventures.

Now, the rule was that they had to be quilted and Schnibbles (small quilts) don't really count either.

So, as productive as I was, I didn't meet the requirements.

Here are a few quilts that actually did get quilted.

I did a little special sewing for FQS and the rule there is that, of course, it needs to be quilted.

I followed the rules where it counted!

I also made a shop sample using Flurry by Kate Spade... and this one was quilted also.

My Butterfly quilt got finished and quilted as well.

Some of the quilts I completed... I couldn't find finished photos for.

But this Flying Geese quilt got done... but I am on the fence with it.

I seem to have a reoccurring theme of debating whether or not to be finished or to

add more borders.

I had made two Picnic quilts from the book Scrap Basket Sensations. This one was made

with Bliss and the other one was made using Sweetwater fabric: Hometown.

Here is my Gone to Market quilt... small version. This is one that I would like

to make larger also.

Here is my Dear John quilt. Actually called Eventide by Miss Rosie's Quilt Co.

Not quilted... might never get quilted.

I finished the FQS 2008 Mystery... and this one does need to get quilted.

This one was from Scrap Basket Sensations also. It's called Nana's Garden.

Currently this one is done... but I really am going to make it larger...

soon.

Frosted Windowpanes is done and I did make it larger than the pattern... just a little bit larger, so

now it can go into the "to be quilted"stack.

Each Day is a Gift.

Vintage Dishes... it's quilted and I love it.

This one is Amelia and is a shop sample...

it will get quilted and go to the stack of quilts that will be for my

granddaughter who is on the way.

There is more small projects and this and that.

I will save that for later.

So by my count... that's 16 quilts and just 6 of them quilted.

Bring It On

2011-12-20T16:29:00.000-08:00

The decorating is done
with no lights to spare,

all in the hopes that the kids would soon be here...

and I am happy to say that they have started arriving...
last night and today... and more on their way!

My sewing room will be the last room to be turned into sleeping quarters..
so mostly everything here has come to a stop.
But I did start a little project that needs some attention...
I decided that now was the time (I need serious help)
to make the slip covers for my family room furniture.
And with that task I learned a little something new...
although it was a struggle for me, I did manage to
"get it"... I figured out my ruffler attachment for my featherweight.
Oh my goodness, I am in love!
Instead of cording for the slipcovers I am making little ruffles. And
I do have to say that it is turning out pretty cute.
I see no stopping me... after I am through with the 40 yards of ruffles I need for the furniture, I have
baby blankets to make for my soon to be arriving grand daughter. Oh, and then can you see all the little clothes with ruffles!!!
I am in heaven!

My Favorite Time of Year

2011-12-19T10:43:00.000-08:00

I love listening to holiday music and all the festivity of this time of year.

I would love to live in a musical if I could... and if I could sing.

This time of year brings me close to my imaginary world.

This song is my "traditional" song for sharing on my blog.

I shared it last year also and I'm happy to have a chance to share it with you again.

I hope you enjoy it and that you are enjoying all the pre-Christmas festivity this week.

Coming In For A Landing

2011-12-15T13:10:00.000-08:00

Just a wee bit more to do on my Studly and the Mrs. quilt.

I got all of those 1,244 flying geese to get into formation!
(not a true count)hehe
But I'm not done yet. This quilt just fits the top of the bed.
But I have more fabric... so I thought I would continue the borders on it.
Kelly's pattern does call for one more 2 1/2" border outside the FG border, like the inside one.
I thought I would add that and then maybe the brown floral that you see in the bottom photo.
I would really like like to use the other "needlepoint" print fabric on the outer border and I was
thinking of making it pretty wide... 6-8-10 inches??? What do you think of those options?
Is 8" about as wide as you would go?
Just like the quilt top I shared yesterday,
this quilt was made solely with stash fabric and the border fabrics
are from my stash as well, so I thought it
was a good opportunity to use it up.

Of course, anything left over could go towards my Schnibbles stash. right?!

More Making, More Decorating

2011-12-14T17:05:00.000-08:00

I have been working on my decorating and

slipping in some time to create.

I even finished up this quilt!

I went ahead and added another border... that's all it took to make it a queen size.

I stripped the bed so I could lay it out... sorry it's not complete with pillows etc.

Next, I am working on taming some flying geese...

those guys take some time to herd up!

Mosaic Monday

2011-12-12T15:06:00.000-08:00

This is just a random assortment of photos that I have saved and thought were
cute, fun, or inspiring and thought I would share them with you today. Especially since
this week we can find ourselves, ok, maybe I find myself,
being random or otherwise in a chaotic state of
mind!
The quilt was made by Kay at Studio Happenings. I have her blog listed on my sidebar.
I love that quilt. The pattern is in a book by Hyacinth Designs.
I love the Christmas card of the family
all busy texting. Isn't that perfect?
The snowman heads are made with a donut hole
on top of a vintage milk bottle filled with milk.. . wouldn't that be sweet for Santa?
I did finish a quilt top over the weekend. I will have to share a photo of it tomorrow.
I also managed to get my last gifts in the mail to my Santa Swap partner!
Some things are getting checked off the list but more things are getting added quickly.

The Silver Thimble Awards

2011-12-09T16:54:00.000-08:00

I haven't done any sewing of significance this week, but my mind has

been wandering... and wondering.

And this is where it has led me to:

Silver Thimble Awards

As we come to the end of the year I was thinking that we should pay special tribute to

fabric designers, pattern designers, and supporting cast

to recognise the most memorable contributions

to the quilting community.

I would like to give you, bloggettes, a chance to nominate those people who have

inspired and influenced you this year.
Of course there are many more, second runner ups, third runner up, fifteenth runner up etc.

and this is certainly just in fun but

Please take a minute and think of who you would like to nominate for 2011

in the following categories:

Best Pattern of the year

Best Designer of the year

Best New Fabric Designer

Best New Pattern Designer

and for supporting cast...

Best (favorite) New Fabric line

Best Fabric Company

Best Online Quilt Shop

So here is my picks:
(and when I say best... I mean favorite)

Best pattern- Swoon
I fall in love with this pattern over and over again,
every time I see it made.. it looks good in every fabric group.

Best Designer of the Year-

Carrie Nelson aka Miss Rosie's Quilt Co.
It seems like her wheels are always turning... creating wonderful patterns AND fabrics continuously.
Books, Schnbbles, Nine Dots and more.

Best New fabric Designer- Lori Holt
The cutest fabrics ever... and more on the way!

Best New Pattern Designer- Cluck Cluck Sew
A new twist and a whole lot of fun.

Supporting cast:

Best New Fabric Line- Joanna at Fig Tree and Company

Strawberry Fields, gorgeous fabrics this year and California Girl is already my favorite for next year.

(shamelessly borrowed from Fresh Figs blog)

Best Fabric Company- Riley Blake Designs
Lots of new designers and very fun fabrics

Best On Line Quilt Shop- Fat Quarter Shop
Outstanding selection and service... and they are just plain nice!

(another shamelessly borrowed photo from Jolly Jabber)

So, who is in your line up?
Have a great weelend and I hope you get everything checked off of your
to-do list!

All I Want For Christmas

2011-12-07T17:19:00.000-08:00

I loved this...

and just wanted to share it with you.

They have been at sea for seven months.

There Should Be 34 Days In December

2011-12-06T16:53:00.000-08:00

I am lucky enough to be paid to do arts and crafts at work at this time of year.

I start off the holidays like this:

150 handmade cards for our clients.

Then I send out my personal cards... but not handmade!
I am way over it by the time it gets to making mine.

Then, over the weekend I tackled my own decorating...
and it starts like this:
First and foremost, for me... I need a Noble Fir tree.
It is my preference for Christmas trees.

(sorry Kelly, this is my one and only picture of the process)

Usually I wrap the trunk of the tree with that cheap garland in either silver or gold
and then wrap lights on top of that.
But I skipped that part this year and went ahead and just
wrapped the trunk with clear lights.
I want the eye to be drawn in and that is why that garland is good to put there first.
It reflects the light good.

My husband likes colored lights
and I prefer the clear and amber lights on the branches.
This year, I went with the colored ones... but if I am using the clear
and amber lights I take both strands and
double wrap the branches.
With the light strands I always wrap around each branch
going out and coming back in
and diverting on to some of
the sides to each branch also.
It is tedious but it really shows off the tree.

Next will be the ornaments... I will be back with more photos and
my strategy for adding the ornaments to the tree.
Oh yeah, also,
Over the weekend my girlfriend came over and
we made Christmas cookies!
I had the oven on all day!
Her recipe for sugar cookies is wonderful...
I really think that the icing isn't even necessary.

(did I mention shampooing carpets too.. it never ends, I tell you)?

Patty brought a newly finished quilt to show me too...

Look at all the hand quilting! Doesn't it look like a snowflake?
I am amazed... the photo doesn't do it justice, we were having camera troubles that day.
Darn it.

Patty might not like this picture... but sorry, I'm not cropping it!

Here is the whole quilt! I love the fabrics in this quilt!

The pattern is called Triple Crown.
I have made that same quilt... and quilted it myself... so, you can understand why I didn't take it out of the

closet to show her! No way! I really need to kick it up a notch on my quilting.

Oh, the reason why I stopped with the tree lights is because I had two little glitches...

one, half of one strand isn't working... I don't know how that happens, they were in prefect order when I took them off the tree last year, wound them up and placed it in the baggie... how can it not work

and the other reason was... somehow, I ran out of lights, I had to go get one more strand!

I hate that when that happens!

How is your decorating coming along?

Mosaic Monday: The List

2011-12-05T16:13:00.000-08:00

My list for Christmas is pretty simple really.
I would like some fabric,
a sewing chair and pink featherweight like Anne Sutton's,
pajamas,
a tree house,
more fabric,
a sweet little vintage trailer,
more fabric,
a sewing studio like
this one and maybe... a little more fabric!
(click here to see more pictures of the tree house)

My Week So Far

2011-11-30T16:53:00.000-08:00

Time seems to be getting away from me lately!
I have been trying to go around and do some blog reading. But I
haven't had much time to leave any comments.
I also haven't been very good about answering many of my emails either.
I am sorry about that. I am reading them and I do appreciate all of your comments!
I hope to do better soon. So thanks for taking the time to comment...

So, my week so far-
This is a picture of an apron I have in my collection that I ran across when I was
looking for an apron to wear for Thanksgiving!
I just love those vintage colors... and the little hexies are so cute too.

Here is what I had to start dealing with on Monday.
I haven't been called to duty yet...
I have just been having to call in every evening to see
if my "group" is needed.

It seems that I always get these summons
around the holidays!
The courthouse is an hour drive away.
It is super annoying to have to travel that far to
do my duty. Otherwise I do like court cases.
I had been to school to be a stenographer before, so it's something
that intrigues me.

I have been able to get my blocks together for the
Studly and the Mrs. quilt along.

I love star blocks, so I am liking the way this quilt is coming together.

Here was a cute pattern that I saw made up at Bear Paw Quilts and More.

I was there during my lunch time today...
I met with my sewing machine guru and showed her my
featherweight. Remember a week or so ago that I ran over a pin with it and broke the needle?
Well, it seems that machines don't like that very much and it threw it out of sync.
My friend, Mary, did a little of this and that and got her
all fixed up! Yeah!
Well, I am just minutes away from calling in for jury duty again... wish me luck!

Mosaic Monday: Welcome!

2011-11-28T15:44:00.000-08:00

Welcome, Christmas, bring your cheer. Cheer to all Whos far and near. Christmas Day is in our grasp, so long as we have hands to clasp. Christmas Day will always be just as long as we have we. Welcome Christmas while we stand, heart to heart, and hand in hand.

That is a quote, of course, from the Grinch Who Stole Christmas. It's one of my favorite
books from Dr. Suess and one of my favorite Christmas story's.
Put on the Christmas music and break out the boxes!!!
It's time to decorate!

The Rain Was On My Side

2011-11-22T16:25:00.000-08:00

I am so glad that it rained on Sunday!
The only chore that was on my list
was mowing the lawn! Ha! That wasn't going to happen!
So I crossed it off and headed up to the sewing room...

I only have one charm pack of Countdown to Christmas
(how can that be?)
So I went ahead and opened it and started making a row of
houses to make into a pillow...
I saw Carrie's post earlier in the week and was dieing to make one of those cute pillows or two!

(edit: thanks for pointing out the door that is upside down Sue! I must have been getting sleepy)

And then I moved on to some little basket blocks
to see how they were going to turn out.
I haven't done the handles yet though.
I am using the Petite Fours pattern by Fig Tree Quilts.
I love the colors of the blues and the creams in Blueberry Crumb Cake
by Blackbird Designs. I am not a big "blue" person..
but I love the shades in this group.
But, I do also love Robin's Egg blue and beachy blues also...
like in my Schnibbles quilt
Full House
aka Beach Houses
(did I mention I finished up this one also)?

I was savoring my seersucker charm packs of Dandelion Girl
by Fig Tree Quilts & Co.
Those seersuckers accompanied the line of fabric and were so hard to find.
But I love the sweet stripes and the texture of them and am glad that I used them for this
little quilt.

And just as I suspected, there is not much sewing happening this week so far.
Oh, I did trim the 1,987 flying geese
for the Studly and the Mrs. quilt along... does that count?
I figure that I should be done with the geese right about the time
it's time to start the "turkey"!

Mosaic Monday

2011-11-21T16:58:00.000-08:00

Do you know what my favorite
part of the
Thanksgiving holiday is?

Well, family and friends are first... but pie is a close second!!!
So what are your plans for the holiday this week?

Got My Work Cut Out For Me

2011-11-18T16:41:00.000-08:00

I mean that in a good way!

I'm thinking Blueberry Crumb Cake and Petite Fours will be a good match.

The pattern calls for one of those 4 1/2" bundles but I think my Layer Cake can adapt.

I wanted to use a basket pattern for the fabric group and my second choice was Bunny Hill..

you can see the pattern underneath the Fig Tree pattern. But I am liking the combo here. I think I will stay with that.
And another one that is on the list... especially after Carrie's post last week...

I am jazzed now about making my Beach Houses and even cut out fabric to make one of the pillows

like she made... using my Countdown to Christmas fabric.

Yes, I have big plans for the weekend...

and even though my little black featherweight is sick right now...

I have my backup plan ready to go....

The little white one is on standby!

So that's my plan... and I'm stickin' to it!

Me and this gal have a date in my sewing room!

It might just be our last chance before the holidays take over.

Mosaic Monday

2011-11-14T16:15:00.000-08:00

First, I am showing you what I worked on over the weekend. I had some time in the

mornings to make a little headway on this quilt.

Well, that is until my needle hit a pin... and broke my needle. I rarely use pins. It was the second pin I used that day.

But it somehow threw my featherweight out of whack...

After an hour or so I gave up and am now seeking wisdom from the Singer Guru's.

I have a call into a friend of mine who is very knowledgeable right now...

fingers crossed that it doesn't have to go in for serious repair work. *g*

So onward...

here are of my favorite pictures from Market 2011.

Unfortunately, there were several designers that were not
having booths this year.
I love looking at the photos of the displays.
I have a degree in Design, Display and Visual Promotion...
(not something I actually do) so, needless to say I love
that aspect of Market... the fabric is just icing on the cake!

In Appreciation of Your Sacrifice

2011-11-11T16:50:00.000-08:00

This picture is one I keep at my desk. I look at every day since 2007.

I keep this boy and his family in my prayers. But it's not just a prayer for them, it's for all the veterans and for all of their families.

For all of those who have served and for those who are serving now.

Their sacrifices are great and are greatly appreciated.

The Daily News Journal:

As 8-year-old Christian Golczynski accepted the flag from his father's casket, tears flowed freely from the mourners, and even Marine Lt. Col. Ric Thompson, who presented the flag to the boy, showed a trace of emotion.

"My Marc made the sacrifice for my freedom," said Heather Southward Golczynski, widow of the fallen Marine. "That is a debt I won't ever be able to repay."

A week before he was killed in action, the young Marine wrote this:

"I want all of you to be safe. And please don't feel bad for us. We are warriors. And as warriors have done before us, we joined this organization and are following orders because we believe that what we are doing is right. Many of us have volunteered to do this a second time due to our deep desire to finish the job we started. We fight and sometimes die so that our families don't have to. Stand beside us. Because we would do it for you. Because it is our unity that has enabled us to prosper as a nation."

Forever in our hearts. Thank you.

One Cute Snowfella

2011-11-09T15:57:00.000-08:00

Isn't he the sweetest snowman?

The Old Cupboard Door blog is having a giveaway for him.

I just love this fella and wish I had this kind of talent!

Willa makes amazing prim style treasures!
Oh, I guess I'm suppose to mention that you should go over
there for a chance to win it.
But I just want you to know that it would
look great in my home!

I haven't opened my bundle of Nine Dots yet...
but I am chomping at the bit to start my Swoon quilt with it!

I have been working on this guy off and on

... forever... and it looks like I have a couple

more blocks to finish. When I get it done I will tell

you the story of this quilt. It's a "evolution" quilt.

(Sandie, if you are reading this... didn't you make one using the MBS pattern and add sashing)?

My main focus this week:

I have been working on my blocks for the Studly & the Mrs. quilt along over at
Charming Chatter with Kellie.

Just four more blocks to go...

and then the flying geese border!

(I'm behind the rest of the quilt along-ers)

Here is a picture of Kellie's quilt.
(she's ahead of everybody)
See how it gets a thin sashing between the blocks? And then another sashing before the
flying geese, and on the outer border also. I was thinking of adding another border to
the outside that would contrast with the light borders.

A Recap of October And What's on the List

2011-11-07T16:15:00.000-08:00

For as busy as I was last month... there isn't a whole lot that
got accomplished in my sewing room.

One of the two things I finished in October was

another quilt from the Scrap Basket Sensations book.

I love it in the Christmas colors and with the polka dot borders.

I used nothing but stash fabric too!

I enjoyed making this pattern again.

My only other accomplishment was a Schnibbles quiltlette.

I call it T and the Ladybug Picnic.

A few things that I didn't get done but would like to

finish up with is.......

the binding on this Vintage Dishes quilt.

I have been making blocks for the sew along with Kellie over at

Charming Chatter. I actually have made most of the blocks now!

I have this wonderful bundle of Nine Dot and I have been waiting and watching

all of the different versions of Swoon... and I think I finally have the combination

I want here. The perfect match for me!

I have loved seeing all of the different quilts being made out there in blogland.

I especially liked a Halloween version I saw.

But this is the fabric that really did make me Swoon!

Yes, I have another Schnibbles started... yes, I am addicted.

This one is Full House, but I will be calling it

Beach Houses.

I actually found a notepad (buried) on my cutting table...

looks like this is what I had in mind plus a couple more.

I think that must be a note to myself for projects that include

November as well as December.

So much to do, and not enough time to do it in.

Finishes and New Beginnings

2011-11-04T16:45:00.000-07:00

Sad to see Le Petite finish...

but there are always new beginnings.

I loved seeing the parade and seeing how so many of you did all 12 of the projects too!

Honorable mentions to those, like me, who made most of the quilts...

and gave it a good try!

I think Sherri even scrambled and missed a month or two as well.

It certainly isn't easy to accomplish when you are so busy with

all of the everyday things that need to get done too.

So, even though we are all winners...

Well, there seems to be a little something special for some of our Le Petite parade people!

Carrie Nelson (Miss Rosie's Quilt Co.) is awarding a roll of her wonderful fabric "Nine Dots"

along with a layer cake of Little Gatherings to a couple of you!

(photos borrowed from Hawthorne Threads and FQS)

The recipients are:

Joyce

and

Michele

and also a winner for a Quilt Taffy gift certificate...

which goes to........

Carol

and one more winner...

Leah

that will be getting a gift certificate from Quilter's Paradise!

oh wait... and just one more...
Sherri and I are putting a little something together for one more person...

Sandie, from Crazy Bout Quilts!

Thanks for playing along, thanks for coming to see what everybody has created and

a special thanks to our wonderful Quilt Shops for the prizes...

and maybe a special thank you to the designers of

the patterns we got to play with!

Speaking of finishes and beginnings...
Sherri and I aren't finished yet...
We will be starting up again at the beginning of 2012 with Another Year of Schnibbles and More
I will be sure to announce the details as soon as Sherri and I have them!

And then there are beginnings of another kind.......

I wanted to show you a photo of the quilt a friend of mine made...

her son is getting married this weekend

and this is her gift to the lucky couple:

She designed the pattern herself.

Winery's and golfing are a big part of the couple's lives

so she wanted to give it a Tuscany feel.

The LAQ embellished the vines a little more in the quilting.

Isn't it a beautiful gift?

Le Petite Grand Finale

2011-11-01T17:19:00.000-07:00

HI! I have missed you all this last week or so!

Thank you for all your nice comments and thoughts for me.

It's nice to be back in blogville with you again.

And... to celebrate with a parade ta' boot!

I am so excited to revisit your collections of Le Petite projects!

Although I have been "absent" from blogville, I have taken

a few minutes to look at my emails here and there

when I have had a moment to relax.

I love seeing the quilts that were made during the past year for

Le Petite... I know you are going to love seeing them too!

It gets me all reved up to do it again!!!

Here are some of my quilts from the year...

Time is running short so I will settle for half of the collection of Le Petite.

But most importantly...

here are the quilts from the Le Petite participants!!!

This collection was created by Allison, Cardygirl blog.

Did you count them? Yes, all 12 were completed!

This collage of gorgeous quilts is

from Joyce... from And Sew On blog.

Don't the quilts look great together?

You really really need to see her quilts individually on Joyce's blog!

Here is a picture of Endless Summer by Shannon from Nunus Quilting World blog.

I kive the color placement and the bright fabrics she used. This was a fun quilt to make.

This collection is just beautiful and almost needs no introduction...

since Buster is posed in most of the photos here...

we know that these were created by Carol at Carol's Crafty Creations blog!

I grabbed this picture from LeAnn's blog post at Sewing Straight Stitches that shows all of her

Le Petite quilts because this also had Tuley Bear photographed with the quilt!

Go over to LeAnn's blog to see all of her other sweet quilts!

I love this one here by Leah... aka Quilted Delights. I love the way this one came together..

and you will want to see all of her other creations for Le Petite on her blog!

Do you not just love this one? It's Paganini.

Kim at Kim's Big Quilting Adventure... is very

adventurous with her patterns! You have to check out her parade of Le Petite quilts

on her blog!

And from Paws for Stitching blog,

here is a beautiful version of Butter Churn by Dorothy.

Does this give you any ideas for a quilt holiday gift???

This is one of Kay's quilts from Le Petite...

she sent me all the pictures and I attempted to make a collage of them, however a few just wouldn't cooperate! So, here are MOST of Kay's other lovely creations!

And here is a sample of the delightful quilts from Red Door Quilting

I love this quilt... and now I need to go make another Honeycomb!

Newly added to the parade:

This is Full House and is from Sandie at Crazy Bout Quilts...
you can see the rest of her collection on her blog!
She always made fun little twists to her projects!

This is Endless Summer from Michele at Island Life Quilts...
lots more eye candy over at her blog!

There are a few more gorgeous quilts to see over at
May's blog: Krisp Quilts. I love her style and her photography too!

Thank you to everyone who played along this past year.

Your quilts are amazing and inspirational!

Thanks for sharing your talent and making each month so much fun too!

I will look forward to the first of the year when Sherri and I start up

Another Year of Schnibbles!

I guess that means that we need to start getting busy and get prepared for January!

A Change of Season

2011-10-21T16:50:00.000-07:00

A little change in the season and
a few things are going on that have my attention right now.
I think I will be away from blogville for a short while...
while I tend to some other life stuff.
But I hope I will at least be able to visit you on your blogs here and there.

I know there must be some kind of analogy for having a collage of dress forms...
but I just like them and I like seeing what people do with them.

See you soon!
(photos from a varitey of places including Maison Douce)

Mosaic Monday: Sewing With Sunglasses On

2011-10-17T16:35:00.000-07:00

I have a few photos of the retreat to share... right now... but a whole lot more to come!

There were 58 sewing machines,
lots and lots of chattering,
tons of laughter...
a heck of a lot of talented women scattered about everywhere...
all at my favorite place!
Pine Needles Quilt Camp 2011.

I worked on my FQS BOM... I only had 3 done but I'm on number 9 now.
Oh, and where is that other quilt I was working on???
I decided to name it...
"T " and the ladybug picnic!

Halloween Quilt, Full Moon and Something Brewing

2011-10-12T16:50:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my quilting circle met at the LQS. It's always nice to see everybody
and have some show and tell.

Trizzle trazzel trezzel trone... time for this one to come home!

That was the spell Sammie said and wha-la... her quilt come back from

the quilters! Just in time. Isn't it gorgeous?

She used the Gastlies fabric for the backing!

Note to self: put this on to-do list.
(I think I'm on page 27 now)

I had to snap a picture of the October moon last night as I was

driving home from work.

My little camera doesn't quite capture the colors, but who doesn't love a full moon?

New fabric arrived for my birthday gifts!

I got some cash here and there and put it towards something

I have been lusting for... the Going Coastal line

and waiting for it to come out... and finally got my hands on some!

It was hard to find a fat quarter bundle but I found it at Sew Fabulous Quilt Shop.

Yeah.

And this lovely collection was another birthday gift from

Cyndi via FQS. I am overwhelmed by Cyndi's generosity. I just love this

group of fabrics... and I love the vintage yellow color and the greys!

I just want to push everything else I am working on

to the side and brew up something here!!!

I'm excited to play with the Cluck Cluck Sew pattern too!

I feel spoiled rotten! Thank you so much Cyndi!

Now I wonder if I can actually get something done at that retreat this weekend?

Maybe I need a spell for that!

And Then I Remembered

2011-10-10T15:05:00.000-07:00

This was just a practice layout for my Schnibbles quilt...

(yes, I am doing one just because)!

Well, just because Thelma was making it and I wanted to

play with these fabrics and make one also.

There is some controversy over the name of the pattern though.

It was named Bibelot.

Renamed Thelma... by Thelma.

But since I have 3 boys that have names that start with...

well, you see where I'm going with that.

But I had to pick this up off the floor and add the little side sashings

to it before I forgot to do that step.

Yeap, I forget things like that!

I get more scattered than you think...

well, maybe you already knew that!

I started off the weekend tidying up my sewing room, so I could

find my cutting table etc.

And these fabrics that I have been holding on to forever spoke to me.

So I diverted from my plan... and made some nine patch blocks.

And some more 9 patch blocks.

And even some little 9 patch blocks!

It's the start of an Acorn and Quilt Co. pattern that I have loved even longer than that fabric!

Here is a picture of it from the quilt shop called Holly Hill in West Linn, Oregon.

Borrowed from their blog, Boughs of Holly.

But then I remembered that I was suppose to be gathering my fabrics for the

Studly and the Mrs. Quilt Along.

I went to the stash closet and picked out this:

I have gone to my stash before, when I made the Eventide project with Cupcake and Daises group.

And I regretted my decision. Hopefully this will turn out better than that one did.

I am not so enamoured with my dark fabrics anymore...

although I still love Blackbird Designs and everything they create.

So now the cutting begins... wish me luck...

I hope I am "feeling it" when it's all said and done!

Then I remembered that this weekend is my retreat, Pine Needles Quilt Camp, I hold...

and I need to do a whole list of things to get ready for that!
Yikes!

We Have Giveaway Winners!

2011-10-07T16:04:00.000-07:00

You knew these photos looked familiar didn't you!

First I want to tell you all that I appreciated the stories

you shared! I enjoyed each and every one of them.

Thank you all also for entering the giveaway.

It was fun for me!

And a nice way to round out my birthday "week" by picking winners today.

I am picking 2 winners for my

birthday/your un-birthday giveaway!

So before the weekend starts...

let me tell you who the winners are!

The first winner I picked is Heather!

Happy unbirthday to you Heather!

(from Creative Confessions blog)

She wrote:

Hooray for birthdays! Have a superb day!

My favourite birthday... It's sort of cheesey, but it would have to be my 13th birthday when I got chicken pox. Yep, it was awful to have them, but everyone felt so bad for me the entire class each made me a birthday card and my family took special care of me.

Thanks for offering us a gift for your special day! I am happy with either kit, but if I am chosen first I prefer the pumpkin one.

Heather

You will be getting the Pumpkin Wallhanging kit in the mail soon!!!

I hope you enjoy it!

and next is Linda from the Quilted Pineapple who wrote:

Happy Birthday, Sinta!!! Lots of October birthdays it seems. I know a certain quilter that has bday coming up too! :-) Your in good company!

Happy birthday to you Linda!

(and happy birthday to you too)!!

So Linda, since you didn't have a preference stated you will be getting the Sunflower Pincushion kit!

I hope you like it!!!

Thank you for visiting!

Have a great weekend!

Just By Chance

2011-10-05T15:35:00.000-07:00

I was so excited to see this picture today over at the Monticello Antique Mall blog.

I happened to be lurking over there and at the Camas Antique Mall because they have the

best window displays and decorations, especially for the holidays.

I lived in Portland (BC) (before children) and actually worked

in display and visual promotion at that time. So I still have a love of

that and a love of Portland.

Just by chance I saw this photo on the Monticello blog.

I have never seen another set like my furniture before.

I had to go back and find a photo to show you.

I think I was just starting to set up for Christmas.

But here it is!

My set has been recovered and doesn't have the diamond

tucking that the other furniture has.

I called the store, to see if they

had any information about the group.

Unfortunately the seller did not seem to have any details.

I was told that she acquired them at an Estate sale. Darn.

Here is another photo (sorry Jilly Bean). This was taken last weekend.

Poor Jill had to take a rest.

Anyway, I just thought it was fun and exciting...

and even though I didn't find out any history of the pieces...

I did find out what they are selling them for!

Mosaic Monday and A Reminder

2011-10-03T14:43:00.000-07:00

Don't forget that I am having an un-birthday giveaway!
Go to this post here to enter!

I thought my mosaic this Monday could be of my
birthday weekend. I had a lot of fun
and enjoyed every minute of the festivities!
It was a birthday to remember!

I wish I could have gotten one big
group photo... everyone was so spread out!
(I got one picute of Hannah to complete the group. She loves opening gifts)!

DDIL had to take rests!

Le Petite's Latest Winners

2011-10-02T18:35:00.000-07:00

I am having a wonderful birthday weekend.
But thought I had better take a moment to announce the winners
but first I just wanted to thank everyone for being in the Le Petite parade for one final time...
I know you will think this is funny but I was so surprised that it was all over!

So let's see who our winners are for the Free Choice Schnibble parade.

From the amazingly Carrie Nelson, who doesn't look a day older..

we have a signed copy of her newest book, Another Bite of Schnibbles
and some of her newest fabric line called Nine Dots!

And the winner from Sherrie's parade is: Dortha

And the winner from my parade of is: Kim!

Congratulations girls!!!

Our wonderful featured quilt shops have prizes for a few of you too...

Bear Paw Quilts and More has two cute little charm packs

of Flora for you...

and the winner of the charm packs is: Simone

A $15 gift certificate from the wonderful girls at Quilter's Paradise goes to: Carol (no blog)

Quilt Taffy has a sweet little gift certificate for a winner... which goes to: Leah

The links to the featured quilt shops that are offering prizes are on my sidebar.

Please feel free to contact them if you are a prize winner.

If you won Carrie's prizes... make sure I have your email addy, so I can pass it on to her!

A Free Choice Parade! and Good News

2011-10-01T12:09:00.000-07:00

Looks like there is lots of celebrating... did you know that it's not only your unbirthday and my birthday, but it's Carrie's birthday today also! Please go send her some love and birthday wishes...

Here is what I have so far for our year of Le Petite:

Each project is announced the first of the month and the parade is the first of the next month.

Parade dates:

Nov. 2010 Pagainini

Dec. 2010 This and That/Butter Churn

Jan 2011 Prairie Point Christmas

Feb. 2011 Mon Ami

March 2011 Sweet Spot

April 2011 Endless Summer

May 2011 Brocante

June 2011 Candy Bar

July 2011 Ric Rac or Recess

August 2011 George

Sept 2011 Honeycomb

October 2011 Free Choice

I had to put it all down on paper because I was ready to go one more month!

I can't believe the year is finishing up and you all have been so amazing and creative

this past year with Le Petite.

I have enjoyed seeing the patterns come to life each month!

Thank you all for sharing your quilts!

A special thank you to our featured quilt shops and to Carrie

for her talent and her generosity and support of our parades.

And special thanks to Cara (MBS) and Sherri (This and That patterns)
and also Pam Buda from Heartspun Quilts

for supporting our group on the months we did their

wonderful patterns!

So what's up nest????

Well, two things... next month we will have a parade that will link to your blog

and you will be able to show all of your projects, maybe even all 12) at one time for Le Petite.

That will be Nov. 1st.

Secondly...

I am working on a little Schnibble right now... because

I'm just addicted and can't stop.

How about you???

Sherri and I have been talking... and we were wondering if anyone would be up

for Another Year of Schnibbles???

WE have it planned to start the first of January.

What do you say?

Are you ready for a little break... and then start 2012 with more Schnibbles???

We are excited about it...

we haven't told Carrie yet, but I know she will be excited too.

So for now let's have our Free Choice parade!!
The last of our Le Petite Parades!

edit 10/2 it seems that we have inadvertedly left out our sweet Kim's quilt:

It's a Halloween Lincoln from Kim's Big Quilting Adventure!

Sorry Kim... I thought the Holloween theme was a great idea, made with leftovers from her

1904 quilt.

First up is by Sandy F. (no blog)

She commented in her email:

I chose Reveille. This was a fun pattern.

I used Panier de Fleurs by French General. LOVE the fabrics

This is Full House by Linda at the Quilted Pineapple, she commented:

Went together faster and easier than any Schnibbles I've ever made!!! Came together like BUTTER!!

Next is one made by Simone.

She commented:

This pattern and Cracked Pots inspired me to play with the 'full houses' and court house steps. It has been long ago, since I played with a pattern and not just 'following' the 'rules'.

From Mary at the blog QUILT HOLLOW

I made a larger version of Short Story and had hoped to have it quilted by today. (insert my wishful thinking!) Here is two pictures as I didn't know which you would want. I used Moda's Fandango line from last year

From Leah at the blog QUILTED DELIGHTS. She said:

I picked the new "Spot" pattern and used the Countdown to Christmas from Moda.

This one is from Satu.

She commented: The Summer Day is 'our' Le Petit project in this month.

The fabrics are all the old ones... so it's sewed in the spirit of 80's!

Next up is the pretty pink and lavender one that is by Paulette.

She had hers done and emailed to me within days of starting this project!

Here is one by Sandie at Crazy Bout Quilts.

She commented: Great fun!

Next up is this pattern created by LeAnn at Sewing Straight Stitches
I actually don't remember this cute pattern... called A Little Bit Country.
LeAnn made it with Oasis fabric.

And here is one that came in just just under the wire:
McGuffy is made out of Hometown fabric by Michelle at Island Life Quilts.

Shannon made a table runner for her Le Petite project.
Bright and fun... that will make for a lively table!

Make sure you stop by Sherri's blog and see the rest of the parade over there!
Thanks again for making this a wonderful parade of quilts!
See you tomorrow for the parade of winners!
Please let us know if you would be interested in signing up for
Another year of Schnibbles...
(after a brief break)

A Giveaway! Happy Unbirthday to You!

2011-09-30T16:15:00.000-07:00

I'm celebrating!

Not just because it's Fall, my favorite time of year.

The reason why I'm celebrating is

because tomorrow is my birthday!

And it's your un-birthday!

Happy unbirthday to you!!!

Do you want to help me celebrate?

All you need to do is write a comment telling me

what your favorite birthday was

and tell me which one of

these kits you would like to win...

The little pumpkin wallhanging or the sunflower pincushion.

I will pick a winner from each group

next Friday October 7th.

Warm and Cozy

2011-09-28T16:35:00.000-07:00

Nope, I'm not exactly talking about the weather.
Although we had one day over the weekend of perfect fall weather,
it was a teaser because we are back to hot now.

What I am talking about is my iron cozy!
Warm and cozy!
This is from a pattern by Me and My Sister.
Now, I know that it's not something we always NEED, but
isn't it fun? It does coordinate with my iron board cover... but
that was in the wash at the moment.
Yes, I do wash my iron board cover, every now and then!

I have been having fun making up these little blocks.

They are for something I saw on the Molly Flanders blog.

I just had to copy! I wanted to give you the link for the project but

I can't find it on her blog anymore. Hmmm, mysterious! I guess we will just have to wait

and see what it turns into.

Next on my list was this:

I put out a challenge for the people attending my retreat in a few weeks.

Before coming to the retreat, they can make a sewing machine cover and

we will choose one randomly to win a gift certificate.

And even though I am not going to be entered... I thought that I at least needed one for

my little featherweight machine. The little guy is warm and cozy now.

But then this week I saw one that I wanted to make...

it was a free pattern by Bari J. Using her fabric, which I already have, so even better!

The new one will be made for my Pfaff. And then it could be warm and cozy too.

Here is my Flowers for Nana Girl quilt from the Scrap Basket Sensation book.
Only I made it with my Yuletide Blessings fabric by Fig Tree & Co. that I have been hording.
I finally let loose of my polka dot fabric for the border... it was Mistletoe Manor by 3 Sisters.
Amazingly, I had exactly enough lengthwise yardage to fit the border! How lucky is that? I guess it was meant to be.
Thelma at Cupcake 'n Dasies showed a little Schnibbles pattern that she was working on last week.
It is a new one called Bibelot.
But for obvious reasons...

(photo from FQS)

Thelma thought it should be named for her.
Then I got to thinking....
my sons' names all start with the same letter... "T".
So I thought I needed to make one of these also...
and call it Triple T! So here is my start:

"T" not only stands for Thelma, but it stands for Teague, Tauren and Todd too!

Hmmm, I might have to triple size it.

Mosaic Monday

2011-09-26T14:42:00.000-07:00

Today is going by so fast!

I got a lot of sewing done over the weekend but
I was running off to work this morning (late) and
didn't get a chance to take any photos.
I can tell you that I didn't get to the umbrella project like I would have liked to.
But that's ok, it will give me more time to percolate on an idea of the
fabric I would like to use for it.

So instead of showing you what I have been working on...
I thought I would put together a collage of a variety of Schnibbles
projects that were done by various AYOS bloggers and a few of my fall
projects from the past too.

Happy Autumnal Equinox

2011-09-23T16:51:00.000-07:00

(my photo, BHG photo & picture of Paulette's quilt from my retreat)

I'm ignoring that today is 96 degrees and I'm focusing on the fact that tonight will be 53.
My favorite time of year has arrived!
Open up the paint box and get ready!
Nature's beautiful fall range of color is just around the corner.

Another friend of the season is rain.
Time to get out the umbrellas!
Oh, what do the English call them???
Is it bumbershoots???

(did you know Moda Home sells these)

The one thing I saw on my blog travels this week, that I completely loved, was

an umbrella made by Emily at Crazy Old Ladies!

This was made from her Going Coastal line of fabrics/laminated!

Don't you love it?

I think I might just have to give this a try!

Bring on the rain!
I had wanted to plan a giveaway for today...
but I just didn't get it together in time.
So, here is your "heads up"...
one is on the autumn horizon soon!
Have a great weekend!

I Even Amaze Myself!

2011-09-21T16:35:00.000-07:00

No, this is not my wall. The photo you see is the same one I stumbled upon

when I was blog hopping and I believe that blog referenced that it was from Martha Stewart.

A picture like this

is very dangerous

to someone

like me,

who is,

at that moment anyway,

under a lot of stress.

And you all know what is the best relief for stress...

(no, not exercise)...

Retail therapy!

Do you know you can find anything on Ebay?

Normally I keep away from Ebay. I even forgot my password but when there is a will

there is a way... and within the minute of an auction item closing...

I had my new password in my inbox...

and that's where the trouble started.

It certainly didn't take long to do some damage.

Who in their right mind buys pie tins anyway? Old ones ta' boot!

Good grief.

I do amaze myself!

And as the days went by and a kept seeing the UPS driver

coming to my office...

even I couldn't help but shake my head in disbelief.

The main problem is...

I don't even have walls to make a display like that in

my kitchen or dining room!

What the heck! It's almost laughable...

but only because I haven't taken those darn things home yet...

and a certain somebody does not know what I had been up to.

But even he would understand and be thankful that I hadn't found

something a lot more expensive to obsess over to relieve my stress!

Although, I believe that is the same way I ended up with my little Featherweight.

Maybe I should take up drinking!

Anyway, there is another little something that is about to be going on...

Jackie at Canton Village Quilt Works is starting a Blogger's BOM.

There will be 12 different blocks made by a blogger/designer. One per month for a year. Sherri at

a Quilting Life will be the first to share a pattern... it starts Sept 25th!

Only a few days away!

Mosaic Monday

2011-09-19T16:49:00.000-07:00

A mosaic of my weekend sewing adventures!

It looks like the "B" won out on that pumpkin.
But I really liked
the ideas you gave me! I might have to make more of
these little wall hangings...
just to use the fun ideas!
I was super A.D.D. this weekend and started several projects. The first one is
Nana's Garden from Kim's book, Scrap Basket Sensations. I am using an old
line of Christmas fabric by Fig Tree & Co.
I also made up a sample house
from the Full House Schnibbles pattern. I have a few charm packs of
seersucker fabric that Fig Tree came out with a few years ago. So, I thought it
might make good "beach cottage" type of houses!
And my other WIP is
a MBS pattern that I have been wanting to make.
I had a lot of the half square triangles
already made from another project that went terribly wrong (a story that I will tell you later),
and they happen
to be the right size for this project... so,
SO BE IT!

I'm Getting Ready

2011-09-16T16:38:00.000-07:00

Next Friday is Autumn Equinox! I am so ready for
the fall weather!
I haven't done anything exciting at all this week.
(except going out to lunch with friends every day and a pedicure during my lunch time today).
But other than that,
I haven't even had anything too fun write about.
I am anticipating the new Fresh Vintage issue by Fig Tree & Co.
It should be out very soon.

Which made me remember an old Fresh Vintage issue that had a cute silhouette pumpkin in
it. So I went through my past issues and found it! And of course I pushed everything else aside
and started to work on it while I was inspired! I had some wool pieces already and gathered up some left over background pieces, so I was good to go.
Now, if you see in the pattern on the left side, there is an
"H" on the pumpkin which stands for Halloween. I am trying to decide if I want to use the "H" or
should I use a "B", which would be the initial of my last name.
What do you think I should go with?

I'm A Little Helper!

2011-09-12T16:36:00.000-07:00

It was a nice, much cooler, weekend.
I got home from work on Friday
with just enough time to do a little cleaning up,
put clean sheets on the guest bed, straighten up the other guest room...
no, I mean sewing room... and slip a an air matress in there!
And I got dinner in the works before the first of the kids arrived.
The rest of the weekend was relaxing and enjoying the company of
everyone.
Although I didn't get any sewing done, I did help DDIL with trimming her quilts that came back from the
LAQ. There were 4 in all. 2 King size, 1 Queen and 1 Lap.
The poor girl's quilting days are slipping from a full speed into a small chug like
a car out of gas! She has terrible morning sickness, so I took pity on her and squared up the quilts.
We also picked out bindings for a couple of these.

Got those preped.

The blue quilt above is one of the huge ones.

She went crazy with my Material Obsessions II book.

The one below is adapted from the same book.

I really love this one (above). The centers of the blocks all have yoyo's.

She used nothing but scraps for her "summer quilt production".

So, they were virtually free quilts!

Including the one below.

This quilt was a free pattern from Piece n quilt.

I got lucky with this one... Jill cut out double the amount of fabrics she needed...

so I got to make one too! Mine isn't this far along though!

I kept two of the quilts and will be spending a few of my evening hours doing the

binding work for Jilly Bean. The least I can do for someone with

the dreadful morning sickness!

(Better her than me)!

We finished the weekend by going over to the lake,
enjoying the hot tub, the restaurants
and waking up to this view.
Then, it was back to work!
It is Monday after all!

Something To Share

2011-09-09T14:50:00.000-07:00

I received an e-mail from Lois, a new quilter friend of mine, that I met at The Vintage Spool retreat a couple of months ago. I wanted to pass this information to anyone who might be interested.

San Marcos School of Nursing is raising money to send a select group of student nurses to Africa for 3 weeks on November. My daughter Mindy is one of them. The purpose is to provide hands on experience in nursing care/treatments and health education to the ill, homeless and impoverished families in Africa. They go to other countries as well, this year happens to be Africa.

I would like to help them to get there. All my Edge to Edge quilting sales from now to October will be going towards a fund raiser for Mindy and other student nurses. I'm asking you to pass this on to other quilters and together we can help send these student nurses to help those less fortunate.

For my out of town friends/quilters - Any orders that require return shipping and are received before October 31, 2011 will get complimentary return shipping.

The quilt pictured is a close up of one of Lois's quilts that I took at the retreat. Although I haven't had anything quilted by her as of yet... I have seen her work, which is fabulous, and I know that she does sewing for Pearl Pereira. So if you might be interested, let me know and I would be glad to give her contact information to you.

Last weekend was very quite for the Labor Day holiday but this weekend will be

fun and busy. I am looking forward to it...

and sharing pictures on Monday!

Conquering the List!

2011-09-06T17:03:00.000-07:00

What a girl can do with a 3 day weekend!
Here it is...
One, two, three! Yes... that is 3 out of 3 for the Designer Mystery BOM
project from Fat Quarter Shop!
I am caught up... but the problem is that I left off with block 4 from last year!
So even though there is some hope of staying on track...
well, the track is a bit of a slippery slope!

But what I thought I could do is starting with block 5, do last year's and this year's BOM at the
same time! One is Christmas and one is not.
Another thing that I have been wanting to do for-ever!!! is this pattern by Blackbird Designs.

Although I don't have great expectations of getting it completed by Halloween...

it will be nice to be working on it as a fall project... that might actually be ready by

next fall.

Another nemesis that I needed to conquer is Eventide.

Yes, Eventide! Do you remember that project?

There was a great group of bloggers/and some non bloggers

working on the pattern at the same time.

It was co-hosted by Thelma at Cupcakes and Daisies and Nicole at

Sisters Choice blogs.

There were lots of beautiful creations from the pattern

(by Miss Rosie's Quilt Co.) but mine

didn't thrill me. It was a bad relationship from the beginning.

But, for some reason, the LQS encouraged me to put it on the

class schedule. So I did... I obviously am easily persuaded!

I figured a two part class of a large quilt might not be for the faint of heart...

so even though it was on the class schedule... I was pretty sure it wouldn't get enough people to sign up

and make it a class.

Oh, so wrong!

So, I decided over the weekend to get out my rejected pieces and have a

review. Then I started to play with the pieces to see what I could come up with.

That's the thing about me... I hate to be defeated! And the first go round with Eventide left

me feeling like that... defeated!

So I played some more and made the star blocks, so I could be well

prepared for teaching this class.

So tonight is the night.

I will let you know how it goes!

I was given this sweet little applique center by Marby from the Wooden Gate Quilt shop.

So I decided to make a little wall hanging with it. I am waiting to add the name of

my first grandchild... and then I will put on the striped binding! Thanks Marby!

Honeycomb Winners and A Special Treasure

2011-09-02T16:59:00.000-07:00

I saw this wonderful small quilt as I was walking down a hallway

at the VA Hospital yesterday in Palo Alto.

Can you see that they are vintage Uncle Sam blocks. The hat and the pants are in pink stripes.

There was nothing stating any information about the quilt...

I just love it!

I guess it's just a special treasure, so I thought I would share that with you

on this Labor Day weekend.

But what we really are anxious to see, is the Le Petite parade of winners!

From the amazingly talented Carrie Nelson, we have a little bundle of her newest fabric line called Nine Dots! (and just a little F.Y.I., one roll can make 2 Schnibble quilts)

And to go along with it... a set of Miss Rosie's Quilt Company's new Schnibble patterns!!!

That is a super cute group of fabrics!

And the winner from Sherrie's parade is:

Paulette!

And the winner from my parade of Honeycomb is:

Gretchen!!!

Congratulations!!!

I am willing to bribe either of you two!

Our wonderful featured quilt shops have prizes for a few of you too...

Bear Paw Quilts and More has two cute little charm packs just right for Fall from Brannick and Patek.

This is the Together collection.

and the winner of the Together charm packs is:

May Kristin

A $15 gift certificate from the wonderful girls at Quilter's Paradise goes to:

Sandy F.

I want to thank Corrie from Quilt Taffy once again for making up the Free Choice sample, Summer Day

for Le Petite this month! Didn't you love it???

Quilt Taffy has a sweet little gift certificate for a winner... which goes to:

Carol and Buster!

Congratulations!!!

Congratulations to everyone in the parade too!

The links to the featured quilt shops that are offering prizes are on my sidebar.

Please feel free to contact them if you are a prize winner.

If you won Carrie's prizes... make sure I have your email addy, so I can pass it on to her!

I guess that is it! Please have a wonderful, safe holiday weekend!

Welcome September and a Sweet Parade!

2011-09-01T08:45:00.000-07:00

I have been absent (I am using this term because of school starting)hehe!

As I'm sure you have noticed. I haven't answered email's or done anything

on the computer for a week... until yesterday when I knew the show must go on!

I have been super sick with Bronchitis and it really kicked my *@!*#@!

I can't believe how good it feels to be back in blogland!

A few of you said that this month's Honeycomb quilt had been a bit of a struggle for you...

but then there were others that really enjoyed it! A couple of you did your own versions of the hexagons, which is great too! I love seeing what you all made from the pattern and I hope you enjoy

the Le Petite parade!

But before we start...

Let me show you what you could be doing for your next Le Petite project!

You are going to love me... and A Quilting Life's Sherri both...

As you know, there are an endless array of Schnibble patterns to chose from.

And to add to that, Carrie Nelson, Ms. Schnibbles herself,

just released 6 more patterns! Iye yie yie!

So since the choice was just too difficult for us to make...

We are letting you chose your pattern this month!

That's right!

Free Choice!!!

Corrie from Quilt Taffy helped me out with this months Le Petite

and she chose Summer Day as her project.

Isn't it a sweet quilt? I am loving this one... but

Corrie is doing something even better... she has made up kits for this

quilt out of the Sophie fabrics AND also kits out of the

pattern cover fabric line as well! (Strawberry Fields).

Easie peasie! She has more pictures of her quilt over on her blog, so go check it out!

Now, lets get started on our parade of Honeycomb!

Allison from Cardygirl blog admits that she did not find Honeycomb very sweet... but it still came together beautifully don't you think?

From Carol's creative Creations is this table topper made by carol and Buster is sitting so sweetly in his place... READY FOR THE PARADE.

I have to tell you, I have been so sick for the past week... and when I was this picture of Buster...

it was the first thing to make me not only smile but laugh out loud! Thank you Buster... laughter is the best medicine for sure!

Diana over at Quiltecke made her cute little version of Honeycomb in rich colors!

Even though Gretchen at Stella Bella blog was dealing with Irene...

she had Flurry's in the forecast too.

Flurry is just a happy line of fabric I think! Love it.

Joyce at And Sew On made a lovely little table topper.

I love the colors and will dress up the table nicely!

Here is a Honeycomb from Carol C.

As sweet as can be- I believe this was made with Plume?

Kay made up her beautiful version of Honeycomb made out of her little stash of Bliss that she was saving for the right project... I think this pattern shows off the fabrics nicely!

So that is my parade... please go over to Sherri's and see what everyone did there...

and see the new patterns from Carrie too... and you can see them at Miss Rosie's Quilt Co.

(Sandie at crazy Bout Quilt's rocked this one... and made herself a Honeycomb tote!)

I am so jealous!

See you tomorrow when we announce the winners!

Something For The Sewing Room

2011-08-25T12:55:00.000-07:00

I am on a roll with these little wall hangings made with the DS fabrics.

I am making a third one right now... out of Free Spirit fabrics.

There just might be a fourth one on the horizon...

I'm thinking some Quilt Soup fabrics. Maybe?

I think they would look good hanging in a sewing room.

It was a pattern in AP&Q. I made a little variation. With sashing/without sashing.

Straight borders, not half-square triangle borders like in the pattern.

They are just fun. When I get the next one finished I will be quilting them...

and then they will go out in the mail as gifts.

I turned this little holiday gem, "Flurry" over to Bear Paws Quilt's and More for a shop sample.

Which felt good... having finished something with the Christmas theme...

but really, I guess it's time to start thinking Fall.

A certain somebody reminded me of a birthday coming up.

When it's bday time... that means it's time to start thinking in terms of Autumn, cooler weather,

leaves turning color... aaah, that all sounds good but I am not ready to start baking yet...

it's going to be 100 plus this weekend!

Mosaic Monday

2011-08-22T15:38:00.000-07:00

After I put the binding on my Flurry quilt, I got to wondering what number that quilt made of finished quilts for the year. Kim at Kim's Big Quilting Adventure offered a challenge this year to make/finish 11 quilts in 2011. I thought that was fair enough of a challenge. Fortunately I think that I am close. Unfortunately, I think that the rest is pretty much up to my longarm quilter!
Here is my list of "finished-so-far" in 2011
(that means quilted but does not count Schnibbles sized quilts)
1. Flurry/Kate Spain
2. Diamonds/Fig Tree
3. Dresden wedding
4. Picnic/Sweetwater
5. Picnic/Bliss

Here is a list of "finished-so-far" in 2011
but not quilted and in no particular order:

1. Picnic by Thimble Blossoms made with Verna
2. Butterfly quilt
3. Flying Geese/Comfort Stitching pattern
4. Gone To Market
5. Eventide
6. Sew Cherry
7. Union Jack/made with Quilt Soup fabric
8. Each Day is a Gift
9. Amelia
10. Fat Quarter Shop Mystery BOM 2008

So, now that I look this over... it looks like my longarm quilter will
be able to afford a very nice Christmas!
And I will be hunting the sale
racks for backing fabrics!

Work Time vs.Play Time

2011-08-19T15:46:00.000-07:00

I managed a little play time.
Do you recognize this fun little project from
APQ mag? The one that has Sherri's (A Quilting Life)
hexagon purse project in it.
I love the way this is turning out... I might have to make more than one of these wall hangings!

But that's it, in between the otherwise routine week.

Now I just have some binding to do.

And finish up my Santa Swap project for this month.

Looks like these guys are going to be getting in some last minute camping this weekend.
Yes, camping with the horses! That is what is so hard about living in a resort area...
you become painfully aware of
everyone else starting their vacation weekends... while you are still
doing the regular old stuff!
Which makes it tempting to just run off during lunch time...
and forget about going back to work.
No... I wouldn't really do that....
(wink)

Checklist: Checked!

2011-08-16T15:08:00.000-07:00

So now, as I was saying... my last weekend accomplishments:

I might add that these got accomplished while I was having refrigerator issues!
It was like house camping. Ice chests full of food I was trying to selvage.
Each day running to buy more ice to keep things cold.
Iye yie yie!
Fortunately we had friends over for dinner on Sunday t help us eat all the
food that we needed to cook-up!
I did mention how August is giving me more challenges that I want, didn't I?

I am so excited to get this puppy finished! Well, at least my part is finished.

I will let the longarm quilter do her magic on it.

It was a pattern by Nathalia at Piece n Quilt.

I left the period off after the word gift... but I am planning on putting a button there.

I also finished up my Amelia quilt with a pattern from Me and My Sister

called 10, 11, 12.
This was number 12.

Creative system for numbering. LOL.

Now, it is off to hang as a shop sample... but maybe after that, like in about 7 months, there will

be a little baby girl (?) that might need it!

Don't worry I have back up plans for a little boy grand-baby!

I had to share this cutie pie with you. My co-worker made a version of Yoyoville.
She changed it up a bit and also decided not to have yoyo's in all of the rows.
I just love it and the Lakehouse green background fabric she used too!

Somebody's Been Up To Something...

2011-08-15T15:10:00.000-07:00

I was going to post about what I accomplished over the weekend.
I had a few pictures for "proof".
But then I saw something...

There seems to be a little something out there on the horizon.

Something that made my ears perk up like a golden retriever.
(hint)

Something you might be interested in.

Another

Bite

Sch_ _ _ _ _ _ _!
(hint hint)

by someone you might be familiar with!
(HINT)

So just think of this as a public service announcement and

I'll be back tomorrow with my little odds and ends!

This Is What's Entertaining My Head This Week

2011-08-10T14:34:00.000-07:00

It's the dog days of Summer and I am feeling

pretty sluggish.

However, I have been dabbling in my sewing

room a little and although I am not doing as much as

I would like to, I have been playing in the early

morning hours when it is cooler.

I had purchased this fabric group while I was at my retreat a couple of weeks ago.

It's by Bari J.

On the Lecien website is a downloadable pattern for the collection.

I have started to cut it out and slapped it up on my design wall...

for a ruff idea of the arrangement. But I seem to be needing the yellow.

It wasn't available at the Wooden Gate when I picked up the other fabrics.

What do you think?

Or can you tell? It's not a very good picture.

The blocks are cut at a strangle little angle but what is fun about the pattern is the

raw edge collage border.

I did have my Simple Things quilt top put together and

the parade over at Brown Quilts and Charming Chatter

came and went before I got the borders put on...

but I have it on my work table to finish up, pronto!

I started working on the shop sample using Amelia

by Me and My Sister.

I just need to do the pink blocks now.

It is still running through my head that I get to be a grandma!

I wanted to share with you

the special day when I found out the wonderful news.

My DDIL was in town and asked if I could join her and her mom for lunch at a

near by Tea House. (We all get together occasionally, so nothing unusually there).
But while we were enjoying our salads a little plate appeared with something rolled up

on it. Certainly it wasn't to wipe our hands on... nope, it

was a cute little bib that Jill had made that said "I love my grandparents"!

the moment couldn't have been any sweeter!

After a moment of fussing over the new mother-to-be I called my son

and interrupted his class to tell him congratulations!

Evidently he sent out a text to his brothers at that point and there was

lots of fun and commotion!

I felt so lucky to share in that moment with Jillybean and her mom.

And of course I left my phone on my desk at work... so I had to resort to my camera

on my cell phone for pictures! Dang it. But at least we have the moment captured!
I guess I am going to be seeing a lot of these

little things in the future!

Mosaic Monday

2011-08-08T11:28:00.000-07:00

Enjoying... the colors of Summer!

I Love Vintage Dishes

2011-08-04T17:20:00.000-07:00

I got myself organized again and got my borders on my Vintage Dishes quilt.

I also love Lori's pattern. Everything went together perfectly.

I can't wait to start my next pattern with this same fabric group... that I won from Cyndi
a couple of weeks ago. I am anxious to make Cherry Cheesecake.

I saw over at Frida's Hive that Nanette just made that quilt and it is so cute!

Vintage Dishes is going to replace this quilt as one of my favorite 5.

I love this quilt. It's a simple pattern but those lollipop flowers are just so happy.

All in all there isn't much too it, but when it got quilted...

the quilt suddenly came to life for me.

Unfortunately, I did not make a quilt that I had promised my nephew...

and this week is his anniversary... so this one got boxed up today and sent in the mail to him and his wife.

I did put a "clause" in the card... since they just bought a beach home at Santa Cruz, I told them that I plan on making a nautical quilt... so if they want, they could do a one time trade in for another quilt I make if they choose to do so.

oh, the reason I chose this one to send to them was because last year when they had been at my house,

my nephews wife saw the quilt hanging across the room and swooped in on it and had to hold it immediately... I kind of got the feeling she liked it!

When I was at Hallmark I saw this display and just had to take a picture...

Do you remember this gum?
I instantly thought of a summer back when I was like 7,
when I learned to make a chain out of the gum wrappers!

Do You Feel Like A Winner?

2011-08-02T16:57:00.000-07:00

You are one!

It seems our parade gets a little smaller during the summer months.

But each one of you that finished your Schnibbles pattern of George did

an awesome job! They were all so beautiful and once again amazing to see

the different look that different fabrics can give a pattern.

Carrie is picking a winner from each of our parade's.

Each winner will be receiving a layer cake...of little something.

The winner from Sherri's parade at A Quilting Life is:

Everyone!

and the winner over at my parade of George is:

EVERYONE!

Yes, you are reading this right!

Carrie is just awesome... and wants to reward everyone for making

the Le Petite project this month!

So all of you that sent in your photo and are in the parade... will be

getting a little something to satisfy your sweet tooth!

Say: "cake please"!

Say: "Thank you Carrie"!

Now don't you feel bad for thinking all those bad thoughts of her since she had the nerve
to go off to France... and without inviting everybody else along.

But that's not all!!!

Our wonderful featured quilt shops have prizes for a few of you too...

Bear Paw Quilts and More has two cute little charm packs of the Amelia collection by Me and My Sister (which I am playing with right now) for one of our winners...

and the winner of the Amelia charm packs is:

Dorothy from Sherri's parade!

A $15 gift certificate from the fabulous girls at Quilter's Paradise goes to:

Kim at Kim's Big Quilting Adventures!

Quilt Taffy has a sweet little gift certificate for a winner... which goes to:

Linda from the Quilted Pineapple!

Le Petite: Introducing George

2011-08-01T16:48:00.000-07:00

I am so sorry that the parade is late today... but it does set the tone for the month.

All things in August should be done in a lazy kind of way.

It's just too darn hot to do it any other way.

It seems like I haven't gotten much accomplished during July and I have to be honest...

I sat down to the sewing machine on Saturday and pieced the rows of

the August Le Petite project.

Sunday morning I was able to put the rows together and

slap on the border!

So I am telling you that although this next project looks a little harder than George was

it is still a gorgeous quilt that goes together easie peasie!

And if you haven't already learned this from

making Schnibbles... don't think, just do what Carrie says and all will be well.

Seriously. I know this project, Honeycomb" is 60 degree angles...

but just get past that. Our Ms. Carrie of Miss Rosie's Quilt Co. has it all spelled out for you and

even will hold your hand throughout the pattern.

(Well, at least it feels like she does:)

The pattern cover shows Central Park fabric by Kate Spain but

I had a little stash of Terrain by Kate, soon to be released, and was able to

put it to good use here.

Here is what you need to gather up while you wait for your Schnibbles pattern...

80 charm squares

7/8 yard background

So here we are in the hotter than hot

summer days of August. So what could be a better way to start the month

than to have a little parade? Go ahead, turn on the sprinklers,

grab some ice cold lemonade and

enjoy the parade of George!

Here we have a strikingly handsome version of George

made by Nathalie of Wasteland Wallowing. She changed the pattern

up a bit with the dark background.

This is the most adorable use of a panel I have every seen!

I love the retro colors of this too... it was created by Sandi

at Crazy Bout Quilts blog! The perfect kitchen wall hanging!

This one was created by Leah, and she used a line of

fabrics called Canning Day. So cute!

From the Quilted Pineapple, Linda whipped up her version of and calls it

Georgette... because of the gorgeous fabrics.

Sandy F. (no blog) stepped outside the box and made her version

of George. It is so cute in these bright colors... I love the way the purple border holds it all in.

I think it turned out so sweet! Good for you Sandy, for "embracing the bright"!

Here is a soft palate of beautiful Blackbird fabrics that

Joyce from And Sew On made! I love how the inner sashing fabric gives just the right accent

for the blocks.

This is a fun quilt that Kim of Kim's Big Quilting Adventures made...

this guy (George) is retro with attitude!

This is another adorable version of George made by Kay W.

Soft and sweet!

This one is from Michele from Island Life Quilts. Her son named her version: Go Bananas! She used Wee Woodlands and Lollipop fabrics. Perfect indeed!

Now here is one I am calling "A Picnic with George" this version was made by LeAnn with the sweet

Strawberry Fields fabric group. It reminds me of a summer picnic quilt for sure!

(LeAnn... yeah! I got your picture to work! for the first time this year).

That is the parade for my side of the street, so grab your lemonade and head over to

Sherri's blog. She has the other half of the parade.

I hope you enjoyed yourself over here!

And just in case you are worried about Le Petite ending in a few months...

I wanted to share with you that Fat Quarter Shop has put together a great

Schnibbles club. You just might want to check it out!

See you tomorrow!

Fun News of This and That

2011-07-29T15:01:00.000-07:00

I got my bundle of love from Cyndi in the mail this week!

I had won a bundle of fat quarters of the yummy Sew Cherry fabric...

but that's not all!!!

Cyndi, from Bluebird's Wing is always so sweet... she included an assortment of Kate Spain

desk items and a cute lunch tote that it all came in.

Thank you so much! I feel so lucky!

Then today at my lunch time I received this little package of goodness:

Here is a slightly blurry picture of a layer cake group from

Me and My Sister designs. I get to start working on a

shop sample using this group and the pattern you see here!

Lucky me again!

Of course, it will have to wait a tiny bit...

I do have a certain Le Petite project to work on this weekend...

because we are just days away from the first of September when we will be having the

Le Petite Parade of "George"!!! And I can tell you... George is lookin' gooood!

(edit: oops, I meant August)

But there was one more thing I had wanted to tell you that was both new and fun...

hmmm,

did I already tell you???

It had something to do with bundles of love... packages of goodness...

oh,

I know...

(little block made by Marby, the owner of the Wooden Gate)

I'm going to be a grandma!!!!!!
Lucky me!

I Made it Back... and it Really Was...

2011-07-27T16:16:00.000-07:00

...a "Sweet Retreat"!

I want to tell you what an incredible time I had...

but on the other hand I don't because you will all want to

go to this retreat next year and then there won't be any room for me!

But, I do have to say that I loved being spoiled for 3 days.

It was like being at a 3 day tea party!

And somehow I managed to learn how to applique too!

Verna of A Vintage Spool and her fabulous assistant, Pam

put on a wonderfully girly weekend with lots of fun events jam packed into it.

The picture above is a sampling of the decor and the candy,

and eye candy that was always well within reach!

I was able to meet some great women and form some friendships, each one of them made

the weekend extra special! I actually met someone who reads my blog. Miss Janet!!!

That is us up in the corner!

Also a friend of Lisa's from Stashmaster blog... Kay. And

Kay has a blog too! We were table mates along with Kristy and Lois-

I just loved these ladies!

(note to LeAnn: you should have come!)

Aside from quilting, there was shopping. I got to explore

Wooden Gate quilt shop. Those gals were great and the shop has wonderful displays.
I love this shop.

... and then there was more shopping! Not fabric but a super cute

store that made you feel like you walked into a boutique in Paris.

Obviously Verna knows her way around these places and directed us, with

discount coupons in hand, to the cream of the crop-shops!

There was show and tell from Verna's veteran attendees!

More shopping... at In Between Stitches (love them) and there was "Sweet Retreat" gifts too!
If you look closely... near the bottom left is a little sample of
my applique handiwork! I did it! I actually did it!
I'm not sure if it was the special appliquers fairy dust that Verna sprinkled me with or
if she was just an excellent teacher.

Don't tell me that there is no such thing as Applique Fairy Dust!

I Got The Golden Ticket!

2011-07-21T14:32:00.000-07:00

(photo from Pottery Barn)

I won't be needing this over the coming weekend!

Back on Mother's Day these wonderful children of mine got me a

special present....

a quilting retreat weekend with A Vintage Spool, Verna Mosquera!

Her work is just beautiful and I have collected her patterns nearly ever

since I started quilting... the only problem is

I never have learned to do the "A" word.

I have a big fat fear of it!

Applique?

I am considering it an applique boot camp disguised as

Sweet Treat Retreat...

it just lures you in doesn't it?

I am imagining Willy Wonka and the Oompa-Loompas ...

lots of fun and eye candy.

Well, we will just see about that!

I did take a lesson before by Barbara Jones of Quilt Soup.

It apparently did not sink in well.

So, I'm giving it another try... because Verna's patterns are wonderful and I want to be able to make them along with my patterns I have collected from Blackbird Designs, Acorn Quilt Co. and various others.

This is one of Verna's patterns, Primavera.

then there is this one, that was offered by Fat Quarter Shop.

And this one, her newest creation, Sugar Kisses!

I hope she's patient and the other kids don't laugh at me!

I am heading out to the Bay Area for my Sweet Retreat!

I will be spending the evenings with my son and DIL-- even better!

The gift that keeps on giving! woohoo!

Wish me luck!

Have You Had Your Quilters' Vacine Yet?

2011-07-18T16:14:00.000-07:00

I caught a cold at the end of my stacation and I haven't kicked it yet.

I did work on my Simple Things quilt along this weekend. Yeah!
I think I am ready for borders now. That is how my weekend started.

And then I decided to put some bindings on a couple of quilts

that have been waiting for-ever to be finished up.

I was doing the binding work and using my wonderful little gadget to thread needles...

when I bumped it and the needle flew out.

It landed right on my lap but when I moved... it moved and then the chase was on!

I ended up searching on the sofa seat, under the seat cushion and all around...
but it evaded me. Hours passed. Afternoon turned into night.
I went to get ready for bed. And that's when I got my Quilters' vaccine!
Somehow that needle traveled with me through the day and even when I changed for bed...
( that means tank and bottoms.. ok, truthfully, a tank and just undies- it was hot)
I layed down but instantly assumed the Upward Plank yoga position, seen here:

I can tell you that I wasn't lookin' anywhere near as relaxed or graceful as the lady in the photo here.
That needle found just the right moment to reappear...
and give me a piercing like I haven't had since back when I had a pediatrician!
That is how my weekend ended.

I'm Back In Blogville!

2011-07-13T16:34:00.000-07:00

Well, my "stay-cation" turned out very nice. But of course I didn't get half of the things done
that I had hoped to.
I did do the deep cleaning and yard work.
I had family come and go and more that came and went.
My favorite thing is to entertain and cook, so it was perfect for me.
I tried to get on the computer and visit blogs... and answer email but I wasn't very good at that.

I managed a couple of sewing days too. Because that is my other favorite thing to do.

This is just a block for

Dianne who is in my quilting "circle". There are 12 of us in the group. Our monthly challenge this year... (starting last month) was to put a block of our choice in a bag and we would each take a turn over the next year making a border row around each block. I got lucky and picked Dianne's block that was red and white. I added the yoyo border to it.

This is sitting on my cutting table... and Swoon is calling to me.

I think that pattern and these fabrics might be a good match. I love the

Thimble Blossoms pattern so much when I saw it at market (in photos)

that I had to order it... the PDF was PDQ!

It was in my hot little hands in minutes!

I love that!

The other pattern that called my name was...

Vintage Dishes. I started this during my stay-cation too.
I am still working on the border... but I just love this fabric of Lori's and
her pattern is just so darn cute.
I had wanted to put together a list of goals for the month... but then I blinked and the month is nearly half over with! So of course I don't have an official list put together as of now, but I know that there is a Le Petite project that needs to get started next. Before I blink again and it's the end of this month!

Charming Girls Club May/June Finishes

2011-07-06T14:15:00.000-07:00

Here is my snapshot of the projects I worked on and finished

in May and June. It's always fun to look back and see what I actually accomplished
the past couple of months. I am sad that this is the end of the CGC, but Kelly has been so wonderful and has been hostessing the club for 2 years now!
Thank you Kelly!!!
She no doubt has new things to do and share with us! She is awesome like that!

I think I will still set goals for myself each month. I kind of like my little check lists!

I am also working on my Simple Things quilt along with Kelly at Charming Chatter (who is also the hostess of Charming Girls Club) and Carol from Brown Quilts blog. That will probably be my first finish for July!

I am on a "stay at home vacation" this week and have been able to do some quilting,
have family come to visit...
along with getting things accomplished off my personal "honey-do" list.
I can tell you, I am going to need a lot longer than a week to
get all of the things done that I would like to get done.
I just wish I had a little bit of "I Dream of Jeanie" in me...
and could just fold my arms and make a head nod and BAM,
redecorating COMPLETE!
I wonder how long it would really take to make
new drapes, make slip covers for the family room furniture
and paint my dining table and chairs?