allie-oops sweet happy life

Sigh.

2012-02-28T09:38:00.000-08:00

Not much to tell you about, and nothing to show you. I'm hand quilting the big green quilt, and the lighthouse table runner. Sandra asked me if my fingers were hamburger yet - no, not quite, but my neck and shoulders sure are aching. Somehow, hand quilting all day makes me feel like I've done NOTHING, although my body says otherwise!

Do you get Jenny's magazine? If you don't, and you love to stitch, you're missing out. She's offering her first issue for free, click here and check it out! I ~~stole~~ borrowed a pic of a project from her latest issue, this is one I really want to make.

Isn't that darling??? This is the kitchen issue. Every magazine is chock full of patterns and her lovely writing, and is only $4! I find Jenny's designs seriously addictive, and they always turn out brilliantly. Once I get this hand-quilting done, I'm starting on her new free BOM, Promises and Borders, I'm so in love with it!

Today is primary day here in Michigan, have you voted yet? I'm still sitting here in my jammies - just visited a bunch of blogs, been missing you guys, and boy were they stacked up in my reader. I haven't had the tv on much recently, I'm so sick of all the political commercials, and it's just going to get worse heading up to November. Thank goodness for dvd's - I need something to watch while I quilt.

I saw an article linked on my homeschool board that I wanted to share with you. Walmart will be selling Monsanto GMO corn this summer - it's a short article and well worth the read. Needless to say, I'll be buying local from farmers I trust. You can read the article, just click here. Yet another reason not to buy anything from Walmart.

Have a great week everyone, I'm going to try to work in some sketching time in between my hand-quilting bouts - I have some ideas in my head that really want out! And I really need the break....see you soon!

The Forecast Was Rain

2012-02-21T18:45:00.000-08:00

Hm. What a shock when I opened the curtains this morning. I had seen John off to work, it was dark and dry...a couple of hours later and this is what greeted me. I don't know why the image is so bright...almost looks like a negative, doesn't it? I think I should read my camera book. This is more what it really looked like...

We haven't had a lot of snow this year, hardly any, matter of fact. So it was quite the novelty.

Since my son had my car today and I didn't want to go out anyway, I decided to get the green quilt basted.

All done, now to decide on the quilting!

It's already past my bedtime, so instead of opening my Google Reader, I'm going to bed and I'll browse blogs in the morning. I'm afraid to look at it, it's so full it might explode. The rain has finally moved in, good sleeping weather....don't you just love sleeping with rain falling on the roof? Makes you feel even cozier. Hope you have a good night/day depending on where you are on the planet!

A little something cute for you.

A Word About Spam

2012-02-20T11:17:00.000-08:00

Don't you just hate it? Me too. I don't mean the kind you eat - I mean the kind that shows up on your blog.

I don't know how many of you know that blogger has a spam filter. It WORKS. Go to your Comments, and you'll see it. I check mine daily, and that way they never make it into my email inbox. Blogger will send them to your email if they sit for awhile. The spam that makes it onto blogger never shows up on my blog, it stays in that folder until I delete it.

Because blogger has that wonderful feature, I've turned off word verification. I've seen all the complaints around blogland about blogger's new 2-word verification, and I agree wholeheartedly with them. It takes much longer to leave a comment now. So you know, if you see a comment from me and you have that feature enabled, I must really love you. Really, REALLY love you.

If you ever need help to turn off word verification, I will jump through flaming hoops to help you. Just email me or leave a comment. My pleasure, truly.

Off to the races - mum's taxi service is getting a workout today - be well, be happy, and sew something for me!

I'm Not Ignoring You, Promise

2012-02-19T14:02:00.000-08:00

I've just been sooooo busy. I'm sure you can relate...I've been reading your blogs, but time keeps getting away from me lately. And I don't stay up half the night anymore, which used to be my favorite time to cruise blogland.

Yesterday, I finally got this quilt top together.

My friend Stacy embroidered the blocks, and sent it with the fabric. It looks so much prettier in person, you can hardly see the light green in the photo. This will be a raffle quilt for our homeschool board's annual raffle. Now, I just have to quilt it. The binding will be the dark green, not sure if you can see the outer border of white with the pinwheels in the corners.

I'm pretty proud of those pinwheels, my very first ones, AND my first time putting a square in the corner of a border! Yay me. *G*

Today, hubby helped me hang a 4x8ft piece of foam board, after I covered it with flannel, to use as a design wall. You can barely see it behind the quilt.

SO nice to have somewhere to hang this quilt, while I ponder quilting options. All 2 of them. I'm a straight line quilter, no surprises here...I'm just not sure how to do this, so any ideas would be welcome. But don't tell me "feathers" or "vines"...those are so far above my skills!

Here's a quilt my friend Cathy and I made - I cut the squares out of the remnants of my 30's reproduction stash, sewed them into rows, and handed it over. She finished putting it together, and will quilt it.

I had started that quite awhile ago, and finally decided it wasn't going to happen at my house! She loves 30's even more than I do, so I thought it would be in good hands.

I'm going to try to get back on track this week, with blog reading that is. I miss you all terribly. I think after Tuesday life will slow down enough. I had no success finding work last week, but I won't get discouraged, just keep plugging away. I hope you all have a wonderful week, I'll be seeing you on your blogs soon!

I'll leave you with a small pic of the first quilt I ever made, still being used daily...

Hope You're Sitting Down

2012-02-12T17:22:00.000-08:00

Cuz....*drum roll*...I have a finish! First one of the year, isn't that sad. But I do like it.

Haven't named it yet, haven't drawn a pattern yet, but I'm glad it's done. I love it.

See those clouds? I tried and tried to find a mostly white with black fabric that I liked for the background for the poppy, and couldn't. So I made my own. I drew them on and embroidered them with one strand of black floss. Love the effect, but it would have been faster to find fabric I liked. *G* And the binding fabric wasn't that dark - I got it all put on, decided it blended into the border too much, so colored it with a black fabric marker. All because I'm lazy, and didn't want to do a new binding! Necessity really is the mother of invention.

I'd love to make it with Japanese prints, too, and I also want to make a bigger one with more blocks and some liberated, asymmetrical borders. We'll see.

Now I'm relaxing with Lucy, and reading blogs. Feels SO GOOD to have a finish!

You may notice a new linky follower on my sidebar, apparently Google has decided if it ain't broke, they have to fix it and will be canceling Google Friend Connect. At the end of the month! A few folks have started using Linky Follower so I thought I would try it too. Any blogs I follow using google, I'll be looking to see if they have this, so I can follow using linky follower as well - don't want to lose anyone during the transition! Darn google anyway.

My oldest son, John, got into a car accident yesterday, he's ok but his car is not. It's still drive-able, but he'll probably use my car tomorrow. First he hit a deer, and now this. That poor car of his used to be so pretty! I'm just so thankful he's ok.

Billie from BillieBee's Blog gave me the Versatile Blogger award, thank you so much Billie, but since I already did that post I'm not going to do it again - she's a great blogger and a great friend, go say hi!

Nothing else new here, I may be a bit quiet this week, I'm going to make a supreme effort to find a job. If anyone has any leads, let me know! I hope you all have a wonderful week!

An Award And A Give-Away

2012-02-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

A bright and beautiful good morning, everyone! There's a gorgeous sun coming up over my trees, I hope the sun is shining in your part of the world too. I have a couple of things to tell you about today.

First, my darling friend Midge is having a give-away.

She did the cutest post with her darling pup Freya, they went to a Donkey Sanctuary and brought home this sweet little donkey to give away. I love Midge's blog, she lives in a 17th century cottage in England...BLISS...

And the award. Jocelyn, at Happy Cottage Quilter gave me the Versatile Blogger Award!

Wasn't that sweet of her!! Here are the rules....[copied and pasted from Jocelyn's blog, yes I'm lazy..]

Thank the blogger who gave you the award
Add the Award badge to your blog
Create a list of seven things about yourself
Pass the Award on to 15 other bloggers and let them know by commenting on their blog

Thank you Jocelyn!!! Let's see if I can come up with seven things, yikes. Seven? About ME? *yawn*

1. I was named after a character on Peyton Place [a very old soap opera, the character was played by Mia Farrow].

2. The first stick shift I ever drove was a semi.

3. I hate Valentine's Day [is that sacrilege?]

4. I would love to live in the country, but would probably die of starvation if I had to grow my own food.

5. I've almost drowned eight times, still don't know how to swim.

6. Before I started quilting, I read a book a day.

7. The beach is my favorite place in the world.

Ok, that wasn't too bad....but now I have to pick 15 bloggers to give the award to! This is the hard part. Only 15?????

In no particular order, here we go.....if you don't accept tags or awards, please forgive me, I'm scanning your blogs to see but might miss it! I'm also going to try to not do the same blogs as Jocelyn, lol!

Jenny of Elefantz

Caroll at Attic Window Quilt Shop

Cheryl at Polka Dots & Rick Rack

Karen at Log Cabin Quilter

Martha at Q Is For Quilter

Midge at Soggibottom

Wendy at Sugarlane Quilts

Cathy at Big Lake Quilter

Wendy at The Crafter's Apprentice

Debbie at WoolenSails

Michelle at The Raspberry Rabbits

Melody at The House On The Side Of The Hill

Dolores at True Blue Canadian

Terry at Terry's Treasures

Paulette at Sweet P Quilting and Creations

I must tell you, that was difficult. I love every single one of you and if left up to me, every blog I read would go on that list. There's a reason you're all in my reader!

Now I'd better get up from here and go sew something - hope you all have a wonderful day!!

Spread The Word, Share The Love

2012-02-08T10:26:00.000-08:00

My dear friend Midge did a post on her blog that I simply have to share. Her friend Judith, who lives in Crete, found two pups sitting by the side of the road, patiently waiting for their owners to return - they never did. The dogs were abandoned. Judith and her hubby took them home. And then Judith found out the pups were about to become parents....

Judith has the most adorable pics on her blog. Judith and her hubby already have a dog, Lucky, who they also rescued [what beautiful hearts they have] and are looking for forever homes for these pups. Can you help? One has already been adopted and will be going to Holland. Spread the word and let's help these babies find someone to love them! These pics are from Judith's blog, please help if you can.

UPDATE: The puppies have all been adopted - now they're looking for forever homes for the mum and dad. Let's get busy and see if we can find these darlings a good home!!

Settling In

2012-02-07T06:31:00.000-08:00

Well, I think I've managed to settle down. I'm back to work on a few projects, but not much to show today. I did find an old project that I had promised would be a free download here, and forgotten about....

I had started hand-quilting it, with RAYON embroidery thread, what a mess that was. And it was extremely difficult to see unless I was quilting in direct sunlight. The thread tangled something awful. I picked it up, decided to heck with it, and tore out the hand-quilting. Then yesterday, I tried to quilt it by machine, which was also a disaster, so I tore THAT out, and started hand-quilting again. This time, with cotton hand quilting thread. That is going nicely, so as soon as I'm done, it will be a free download! It's a very large table runner, but you can put the appliques closer if you like to make it smaller. I just hope I can remember all I did with it to make the pattern.

Last night, we ordered new glasses from Zenni Optical. Glasses start at $6.95! The one thing you want your optometrist to do when you get an eye exam is to measure the pupil distance, as it can be difficult to do on your own. They have a neat feature - you can upload a pic of yourself and try on glasses! This is the pic I took of Sam for that purpose, I thought it turned out pretty nice - the one pic I have of him not making a face.

Just wish I had that nice hair. *G*

A Give-Away!

2012-02-05T07:01:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite designers, Val Laird, is hosting a give-away for reaching 500 followers - if you aren't a follower yet, you'll want to be! She's got the loveliest BOM going, and is just so talented and sweet....a truly lovely lady!

Just Settle Down!

2012-02-02T11:30:00.000-08:00

Did you ever tell your kids that? My boys were 2 years apart, and that was heard with great frequency around here. Now I'm saying it to myself!

I'm having a lot of trouble settling down to a project lately. I threw away two projects this morning! Don't worry, I didn't waste a lot - they were small, but very deserving of their fate. I worked on them both this morning, and ruined them! ARGH!

This is another project I'm trying to work on, it's fighting me tooth and nail. Just a sneak peek for now.

I cleaned my sewing room the other day, in the hopes I could get organized and find something to settle down with. Boy, did I find things. I have so many stitcheries started! Trouble is, I put them away to work on something else, and forget I have them. And with all the gorgeous BOM's out there right now, I want to start more!

Remember my friend Shirley's pillow she made? She made two more little wallhangings of the same design.

She's putting me to shame. I love those things. January is gone, and I have not one finish! Here's another pillow she made, a number of years ago.

See why she inspires me?

I think I'll go plug in Lucy, and pick up one of those stitchery projects I found before they take my quilting license away!

By the way - I'm still rising at 5am, still loving it, now if the rest of the family would just get up so I can turn on my sewing machine that early!

Did Ya Miss Me?

2012-01-29T15:11:00.000-08:00

Cuz I missed you! I've been visiting all your blogs, just not commenting - I've been BUSY. Not sewing - just changing my whole perspective!

Remember how bad of a night owl I am? Well, I've always wanted to be an early morning person. The Lord brought to my mind the scripture that "ye have not, because ye ask not", so I asked Him to help me become a morning person. The very next day I was up at 5am! Every single day last week, I was up at five, and in bed by 9pm, with no tossing and turning, no insomnia, just right to sleep. The first day I only got 4 hours of sleep, the second day only five hours, but it worked. This weekend, I decided to sleep in until 6am. *G* I'm loving this!!! I even got to see this....

That is DAWN. In my front yard. And I didn't have to stay up all night to see it!

Also, I won a give-away, from Michelle Ridgway - another superb Australian designer, I just love her! She's an absolute sweetheart and I'm honored to call her friend! Not only did she send me these delightful gifts...

Look at that sweet little lace heart, I think I'm going to design something for the center of it...some sweet green fabric with polka dots....rose cards...darling needlebook....precious rose button....and two of her gorgeous patterns!!! But that's not all, she sent a little gift for my mum!

Isn't that too sweet? She said the Christmasaholics need to stick together. She decorates like my mum, lol - love how they both go all out for the holiday! Do go check out Michelle's patterns, they are so sweet - thank you so much Michelle, I love it all! And I was right, Shirley wants me to make the bear for her!

Mum and I went to Shirley's this week, what a treat. Shirley has been away from sewing since her hubby died, almost 3 years ago. Well, she got some inspiration and made a pillow, how gorgeous is this....

She also pulled out an antique quilt that she has. Oh my gosh, I love it so much....it's all hand-pieced, all hexagons, even the aqua background is hexagons. The lime green border is one piece. I just think it looks so fresh and modern still! It's machine quilted. Someone in her hubby's family made it, she's not sure who. Martha, any ideas on how old this is?

I'm almost back to commenting on all your blogs, although I have some catching up to do! Bear with me, I'm getting used to this whole new schedule, I get super sleepy at the time I used to read blogs, so I have to find a new time of day to do that! Probably early morning, after I breakfast with my son and see him off to work. It sure is different seeing the world from an early bird perspective, and I love it! I'm sure I'll get it all figured out soon. And now I'm off to read some blogs!

A pic of Greta, just cuz....

This Post Brought To You By....

2012-01-18T16:28:00.000-08:00

A gift from my blogless friend Cathy, who knows me SO well. Don't you just love this? Thank you Cathy, you sure know how to brighten my day! Cathy's "thing" is Betty Boop, mine is Lucy. You should see all her Betty Boop stuff....so cute!

*************************************************************************

You may have seen some sites blacked out today, to protest the SOPA/PIPA bills currently pending. Wikipedia, Google, and even Flickr. This bill proposes to stop online piracy, but is really an ill-concealed attempt to completely control the internet.

If you click on the photo, you'll see the message from flickr. Please consider visiting one of these sites and signing the petitions to stop this bill.

*************************************************************************

I wanted to let you all know that I'm taking a mental health blog break. My quilting mojo seems to have flown south, not taking me with it. Stupid mojo. Rather than bore you silly with all I'm not getting done, I'll just go quiet. I'll be back in a week or two, at which time I hope to have something to share. Y'all behave yourselves!

A Little Housekeeping....

2012-01-12T22:21:00.000-08:00

My blog seems to be getting dusty! I've been busy, just not much to share. I'm currently working on a new quilt pattern, but I didn't have enough black fabric, so I'm waiting on a shipment.

I thought I would test the pattern out with some batiks, I have some scraps and really wanted to see what it would look like. I'd already fused the pattern on the fabric I plan on using, but got stuck without enough black fabric, and started fusing the batiks. Good thing I did, because I forgot to reverse my templates on the fusible. Ever do that? It doesn't inspire confidence.

Good thing I ordered more black, cuz all those pieces got thrown out. I'm such a rookie. Got these to play with on the new pattern too....

I think I'm going to like this new quilt!

So that's it in old boring Allie-land, I'll have to find something to do while I wait for my fabric - and I think I know just the thing - the Mermaids pattern I won from Debbie! I've been wanting to do that and now is the perfect time. What are you working on??

Sue from Cypress, could you email me please? I seem to have lost your email addy!

A Fun Week

2012-01-06T21:11:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! Hope you've all had a good start to the new year, mine has been relaxing and pretty uneventful. But my postman delivered a few events.

I got a lovely package from Melody, from The House On The Side Of The Hill. Look at this sweetness.....

Beautiful, what? I don't know if Melody knew it or not, but my word last year was "joy". This is a lovely reminder. She says it's a mug rug/coaster, but good heavens, could you set a dripping tea cup on that? I don't think so. It's on the wall. And the darling scissors fob is on my curved embroidery scissors. Thank you Melody! By the way, Melody is starting a new BOM, called Home Sweet Home, starting January 9th - can't wait!

And remember that jelly roll give-away Jan was doing? Well, I won! She emailed me on New Year's Day, what a way to start the new year.

How pretty is that! Dandelion Girl from Fig Tree Quilts. There will be a summer design to go with that! Thank you Jan!!! She's my hero....have you seen how many quilts she makes for Project Linus? WOW.

Also in the mail, remember the pattern I did for Fresh Hope in Australia? Well, they sent me a copy for my records...

To say I'm thrilled would be an understatement. They did a gorgeous job, so professional, I'm so pleased. You can go to their website and look at all the gorgeous patterns they have, from many different designers, and purchase directly from Mary or click on the link to see where else to purchase. I'm honored to be able to promote their wonderful ministry!

And then, mum wanted to paint me a little something. She didn't have a picture to work from, or the tiny brushes she needed....but she hoped I would recognize Lucy. And I did.

Bless her heart, how I love her!

Now. Last year, I participated in Kelly's Word Up. Basically, you pick a word for the year that you hope to have more of in your life - my word last year was joy. Kelly has just written a wonderful post explaining her own word for this year. This year, my word is WORK.

Work is not a four-letter word to me. The bible says work is a blessing, and I agree. For many years, my family was my work - I homeschooled my boys, took care of our home, cooked all the meals, etc. But now both my boys have graduated, hubby is not working and discovered he loves to cook, and I find myself with a lot of time on my hands. I have a lazy streak a mile wide in me, and I don't want to spend the rest of my life being slothful - I have a horror of that, but gravity gets to me and I find myself sitting far too much, doing nothing. It's time for me to get out of neutral and into drive. I used to be a real type A person, always moving, always doing something, and I want that back. But with balance this time....knowing when to stop, knowing when to rest, not pushing myself into not being able to move for a week.

I'm not sure yet what that work will look like, other than designing. I will need a job, a regular job, where I can support myself. I don't think designing will do that, although I'm hopeful it will help support my quilting habit! So I'll keep myself open to opportunity, and pray, and let the Lord lead me. As Thomas Edison said, "Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work". I don't want to miss it, I'll be keeping my eyes open and seeking it out.

I appreciate Kelly doing this. Do read her post about what she learned from the word she picked last year. SO thoughtful and inspiring. What will your word be this year?

Lastly, I leave you with a very fuzzy pic of a visitor to my front yard early this morning. The sun was shining in my window, that's the glare...but January, and a robin?

It was 54F today, I guess they don't feel the need to fly to Florida anymore! I hope you all have a lovely weekend, see you next week!

Christmas Through The Year

2012-01-02T11:51:00.000-08:00

GUESS WHAT!! For those of you who loved doing Christmas Through The Year, I have very, very good news - Darlene from Quilting Daze and Cheryl from Polka Dots & Rick Rack have decided to carry it on! Go see Darlene's post and read all about it!

They're keeping it open all year, as I did, no sign up required, so if you miss a month nobody will kick you out. I truly think that makes it more achievable for all of us. Thank you Darlene and Cheryl, I'm so happy to hand over the torch to you both, I know you'll do great! And folks, do go check out what they're giving away every month....I'm teasing you now, you'll have to go look!

The End And The Beginning.....

2011-12-29T21:55:00.000-08:00

Can you believe we're closing the door on 2011 in just a couple of days? I still don't know where this year went, thank goodness I blog because I can't remember much about it! It seems like a whirlwind year. I've had a hard time getting back into blogging this week, every day has been so busy with visits and family, I'm sure you can relate. But next week I should be back completely!

I wanted to show you some gifts that I received. Some very precious friends have blessed me so much....

My sweet O'faigh had sent me some parcels that I couldn't open until Christmas morning, which just about killed me, but it was worth it!

She knows me so well. MERMAIDS, a darling crafters apron, and the neatest pencil case I've ever seen - it seems to be made from one zipper! I frequently carry pencils with me, instead of stitching I draw while I'm waiting at places, and this will keep the pencil leads from breaking! Thank you sweetie!

Then, my dear friend Sandra also sent me a box I couldn't open til Christmas...oh these girls....

Look at those gorgeous pouches - a boxy pouch and a tall pouch, each with a little gift inside, and my NAME embroidered in them! And would you look at the fabric she used? Is that me or what? Sandra, they're perfect!

She sent me the cutest book thong, and the sweetest flower head pins, I've already put them in one of my pincushions!

Thank you so much Sandra!

Then, Jocelyn sent a card [which is hanging in my potholder, lol] and a little gift...an ornament with goodies inside! A special tea, fabric for a coaster, a candy cane and some very sweet beaded pins! I wish I had taken a pic of them all.

Thank you Jocelyn!

Today, I got a package in the mail from Cheryl, thanking me for hosting the Christmas Through The Year - what a sweetie - look at the polka dot wrapping paper, isn't that neat?

And inside,

a gorgeous table runner [LOVE that fabric and card]

and a snap bag! It's so neat - you pull it open and it'll snap shut. I've seen tutorials around the web for them using metal tape measures, and it was on my list, but not anymore - I could never do something prettier than this! The fabric is vinyl-covered, what a neat bag. Thank you Cheryl!

And speaking of Christmas Through The Year. Some of you have asked if I will be hosting it again this year. I've given it a lot of thought, and I don't think I will....I really enjoyed not panicking on Christmas Eve, and I enjoyed looking for tutorials and hosting give-aways. But I don't think I could do it again. That's where the End part of my blog post title comes in. I know I can't do the give-aways anymore [insert VERY sad face, I love doing those], not unless our finances change in the new year. And the time and commitment it took to do the whole thing every month was a bit of a surprise to me.

I want to go in a new direction this coming year. And that's the Beginning part of my blog post title. I've dabbled in designing stitcheries for awhile, and I really do love that, and have drawn up some patterns for applique quilts which I want to get to. I've decided to focus all my energies into that - creating from my head. It's something I got away from for a very long time, and it's calling me back. I'm excited about it, and looking forward to it...I'm hoping for a very productive year!

One last thing, but so important - my friend Jan from Quilter Jan is having a give-away for her 500th post, a jelly roll of Dandelion Girl from Fig Tree Quilts - pop on over and say hello!

My weekend is going to be very busy, so I'll see you all next year - have a very Happy New Year!!!

It's After Midnight, Time To Pick Our Winner!

2011-12-21T22:19:00.000-08:00

Well the kitchen is clean, all ready for our baking day tomorrow. Mum and I will don our aprons and get busy. Now it's time for Mr. Random Number Generator to do his stuff....sorry, everyone's in bed, nobody to pick from the hat! And our winner is....

number 6, which is Miss Carrie from A Passion For Applique! Congratulations Carrie, I have your address and will send your your gift on Friday! I'd better get there early, lol...

I want to thank you all so much for playing along with me this year. How I wish I had a gift for every single one of you, for inspiring me, encouraging me, and uplifting me. I never would have made it through if not for all of you!

Also, this will be my last post until after Christmas, I'm going to take a well-earned break from blogging. I'll still be checking my emails though! Can't wake up without my morning coffee-and-email. So to all of you, have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field,

keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them,

and the glory of the Lord shone round about them:

and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not:

for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy,

which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you;

Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude

of the heavenly host praising God,

and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Luke 2:8-14

Mrs. Claus Has A Birthday

2011-12-20T21:42:00.000-08:00

I hadn't been to my mum's for a few days, but we went over to celebrate her birthday tonight. She's been a busy little elf!

Not sure what she's saying in this picture, but it doesn't look good for me, does it? I thought you might like to see her decorating. This woman doesn't know the meaning of "enough"! Here's a close-up of her tree, there are 40 ornaments to the square inch.

I know there's a tree under there somewhere! I didn't get a pic of her coffee table, which is a staging area for anything too heavy to hang. EVERY surface is covered. There are 3 chairs you can't sit in.

Oh look, here's a place to sit, AFTER we moved things.

This is a wreath I made for her years ago, she was gluing some loose ornaments on before we hung it.

The fireplace.

This is my favorite ornament - she makes these out of light bulbs!

And look what she got for her birthday!!!

Just kidding. That's our friend's little girl, Arianna. Mum had a great birthday, and we ordered pizza and had cake and ice cream too. Our friend with the little girl works at Tim Horton's, and brought 2 huge bags of donuts and bagels and muffins too. Let's hope I don't get a call that she's gone into a diabetic coma! I know my brother will do his best to eat it all before she does though.

Seriously, I LOVE my mom's decorating, she's so over the top and loves Christmas SO much, she makes it even more fun. I have no clue who all the stockings are for...there's just her and my brother!

I have to show you something else. Fiona from BubzRugz sent me this photo of a quilt she finished for Christmas, but couldn't blog about. It's GORGEOUS.

Didn't she do a great job? I LOVE the colors in this!! But gee, would you look at the green in that pic? Yes, it's summer in Australia, and I for one am so jealous!

Tomorrow at midnight is our give-away for the Christmas Club, our final draw! Can you believe we've been at it all year? Remember to link up at this post if you're finishing up at the last minute! I'll see you all tomorrow night!

Did You See This??

2011-12-19T20:36:00.000-08:00

image source

These awesome clouds rolling across the Alabama sky...I've never seen anything like it! Saw this pic and just had to post it. You can click on the link below the image to read all about it.

Two more days for our final Christmas Through The Year link party! Link up on the Strut Your Stuff post so we can all come look. I'm really enjoying all of your creations! I'll be pulling a winner Wednesday night [December 21st] at midnight my time.

If you'd like a darling tutorial on what to do with all those Christmas cards you get, Michelle from The Raspberry Rabbits has a great idea! So keep those cards and check her out! This would be a great after Christmas project!

I put my sewing machine away today, because I'm done, and also I don't want to get tempted by any darling tutorials I find this close to the big day. *G* I know myself - I'll see something and try to rush to get it done in time! Nope, this is a stress-free Christmas, I have a baking day coming up with mum and holiday parties to go to. I want to enjoy them! I hope you're having a stress-free holiday too!

Cold Feet....

2011-12-17T14:05:00.000-08:00

because I got my socks blessed right off today! Remember that darling Teddy that my dear friend Midge was giving away to celebrate her birthday? Guess who won?

Yep, lil' ol' me. I opened this delicious parcel that came Royal Mail and my heart was instantly captivated. Do you know I have never owned a teddy bear? And now I have one made by the sweetest and most talented bear artist ever!

And look at the card, it's Midge's puppy Freya Rose Blossom! That has to be the cutest card ever! Oh Teddy, you have stolen my heart completely.

He's completely jointed, and oh so tiny -

He likes to sit here and look at himself, or else his favorite mum -

to keep up with her doings, you know. Along with the rest of the Soggibottom gang...

Midge, he's making himself right at home, we're having lots of fun getting to know each other and he sends you hugs! Hugs to Freya and Frankie de Tabby too! Thank you darling girl!

But that's not all. Oh no. A big box came also....

My darling friend Kelly from I Have A Notion had a give-away as well, and I won that! I almost fainted when she emailed me, and almost fainted again when it came this morning! Talk about a stuffed box....

It quite takes one's breath away, doesn't it? Have you been to Kelly's store? I guarantee you'll not find better customer service! And if you're thinking of making a purchase of some new gadget, you'd better go read her reviews - she does a fabulous job of making sure things work, lets you know if this is something you need or not, she's so real and honest. I just love her! I've purchased from her myself, and I highly recommend her. Kelly, thank you so much, I love everything in my box and I still haven't caught my breath!

Of course, Ted had to inspect everything too...

And he quite approved.

One more thing. I'm almost done with the give-away gift for our December link-up. A snack mat and mug rug, just have to finish the binding on the mug rug....

I was going to do that tonight, the boys are going to a hockey game and I'll have no interruptions. Instead, I'm going to read the books from Kelly! Binding can wait when there's excellent reading material!

And now, Ted and I are off to have tea - see you soon!

December Strut Your Stuff!

2011-12-16T22:10:00.000-08:00

Five days left to complete your Christmas gift and link up to this post, can you do it? I'll be taking pics of our give-away gift in the next couple of days, I hope you like it!

My gift for the month I've showed before, the pillowcase for my brother.

Not much of a gift, but I got him a pair of jeans too. Can't make those. At least, *I* can't.

If you've made a gift this month, even if you've never participated in this club before, you can link to your blog post below to be in the give-away. If you can't post about your gift, because the recipient reads your blog, email me with the picture and I'll post it here, and add your name. I can't wait to see what you've made!

The give-away ends on midnight, December 21st! Good luck!

Snapshots From My Mailbox

2011-12-12T19:23:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, I hope you've been busy, I know I have - although I have to confess, I took some things I was making off of my list, crossed them out and wrote "cookies" instead. WHAT a relief. I did promise I wouldn't panic this year, didn't I?

After re-writing my list, I took a few days off. I thought I would sort through my totes and find all the gifts I'd made this year. Um, they weren't there! I was missing FIVE. Which meant nothing for my aunt. Horrors! That was a bad few days. I'm happy to report that I remembered my son had taken one of my totes to use as a footstool - sure enough, they were there!

Other than a few days off from sewing, I've been getting the mail. And I want to show you what some lovely friends have sent.

The first is from my dear sweet friend Carrie from A Passion For Applique. Look at this lovely bundle, all wrapped in vintage Christmas paper!

Gorgeous vintage cookie cutter, a lovely potholder, and vintage Santa fabric....

When I emailed Carrie to thank her, I told her I'd been looking for something to hold my Christmas cards, and the holder she designed for me was perfect! She emailed me back that it was actually a potholder, lol, but it would work for Christmas cards too. Yes, I am notoriously incompetent in the kitchen, and now everyone knows it. Bet I'm the only person in the world who hangs her Christmas cards in a potholder, lol! But hey, that gorgeous potholder won't get dirty! I would have to hurt anyone who got a drip on it. Thank you Carrie!

Next is from the Swap Queen Cheryll, at Gone Stitchin', what a doll -

Two really gorgeous and clever ornaments, and a calender diary for the next two years, that fits in my purse! She wanted to thank me for hosting the Christmas Through The Year. Thank YOU Cheryll, you're so sweet!!

And then my precious O'Faigh, from Oldbury Cottage. She said she found this fabric and thought of me....

Well I love anything ocean and mermaids, and when I saw it, I immediately thought of these vintage mermaid designs I have - how perfect is this!!

Thank you sweetie, it's just perfect and I can't wait to get started!

This one came today, and brightened up my day like you wouldn't believe. From my dear friend Shell at The Raspberry Rabbits....

Thank you Shell, I adore this fabric, and I'm going to design something perfect for it! You are a sweetheart!

So other than getting the mail, and frantically searching for lost gifts, I haven't done much. Mum is sick again, she had to call the dr. to get some antibiotics today. Meijer's has a list of FREE antibiotics, so we went there....and the doctor called in the wrong one. We'll be going back tomorrow. As I was drying my hair, getting ready to go, I decided my hair was getting too scraggly at the ends and I was going to cut it. I only meant to cut an inch....but cut five....there's a bit of going back and forth from side to side to even things up, you know? That's ok, it's better than it was!

I hope to have a few completed gifts to show you in a few days. I've also been picking up pencil and paper - I have five new projects in my notebook. Applique quilts, and stitcheries both. Gosh I'd better get busy!!

I'll be back in a couple of days with more tutorials for you, it's not too late!

Everybody saw "AWWWW"!!!

2011-12-04T00:10:00.000-08:00

My sweet friend Midge from Soggibottom is having a give-away, the sweetest little bear you've ever seen....he's 3 inches tall and comes dressed for winter! This give-away is in honor of her birthday, so go join in and wish her lots of happy birthday wishes too!

I haven't been blogging much, I've been very busy stitching away - stitched myself right into a migraine today, lol. Have to remember to take breaks! Here's what I've been working on...I made a pillowcase for my brother,

And I'm working on some redwork stitcheries.

These stitcheries are from this book,

which I bought several years ago and forgot I had. I found it the other day and as soon as I opened it, remembered why I'd had to have it! Aren't they darling? Maybe I should look at my books more often, lol. I hope your stitching is going along fine too!

December Christmas Through The Year

2011-12-02T11:53:00.000-08:00

It's our last month, and a short one at that! Remember, anyone can join in, all you have to do is make one gift to be entered in our monthly give-away. It can be something you sew, or jewelry, or baked, anything, as long as it's handmade.

Our cut-off this month is December 21. At midnight of that day, I will pick our winner.

I have some tutorials for you, starting with Mary, from Quilting in the Sunshine State. Remember the gorgeous Sewing Mat she made?

Mary has generously created a pdf of the pattern, and sent it to me to share with you! You can get the pattern here, and please do go thank Mary! What a sweetie!! Thank you Mary!

Val Spiers has created a darling journal cover, love the kitty cat!

She also has two more kitty designs! Scroll back through her blog, and don't forget to click on her My Designs tab at the top of her blog - she has lots of great stuff there!

Linda from Buzzing and Bumbling has a very sweet owl ornament tutorial!

Caroll from Attic Window Quilt Shop designed the cutest rooster wallhanging! I really love this little guy!

Jenny from Elefantz has shared some really gorgeous tree designs, this one is made into a table runner!

I dearly love Jenny's designs!!!!

And finally, Michelle from L7 Quilt Co. has some of the best ideas I've seen yet for gifts. Not handmade, but all about buying local and keeping jobs in America. I LOVE this post!

So there it is, kicking off our last month in our Christmas Club. If this is your first month joining us, welcome! And if you've been here all along, thank you! You have kept me inspired to keep going, and I hope you have a nice pile of gifts ready. At the end of the year, AFTER everyone has received their gifts, I would love for you to do a post showing everything you've made this year. You can also upload your pics to our flickr group, found here. Now go get busy, time is running out!!!

November Christmas Through The Year GiveAway Winner!

2011-11-30T22:16:00.000-08:00

Wow, it's midnight on the last day of November...where did this year go! We have less than one month left til the big day. If you've been playing along with me all year, you should be almost ready for it!

Sandra from Sandra Sews sent me some pics of gifts she couldn't post on her blog, so I'm going to show them here - boy has she been busy! Look at these!

Makes me feel like a slacker, for sure. WTG Sandra! Sandra has an embroidery machine, and made some stitch-outs for people to use in projects. Love that idea! And I love that bag!

I suppose you want to know our winner? Well then, I'll pop our numbers into Mr. Random and see......[cue Jeopardy music...]

Number two, which is....Mary, from Quilting In the Sunshine State! Congratulations Mary, I'll be emailing you in a bit!

Now. What about December? I think we'll make the cut-off for gifts December 21st, and do our give-away at midnight of that day. Any closer to Christmas and I may totally forget. So if you want to join in, get your stitching engines into high gear, and you can be in the give-away! Remember, it doesn't have to be stitched, it can be anything you make...jewelry, baked goods for a gift, etc. I just found out that I'll be going to a cousin's house on Christmas Eve, so I'll need more gifts than I thought - yes, panic has commenced - but not as much panic as there would be if I hadn't started in January.

I'll be back tomorrow or the next day, I have a few tutorials to share!

November Christmas Through The Year Strut Your Stuff!

2011-11-26T20:24:00.000-08:00

Yep, it's that time again, time to show off what you've made this month, or email me with a pic if you don't dare show it off on your blog! Like our sweet Mary from Quilting in the Sunshine State did, here's what she made:

It's a pincushion/thread catcher, isn't it great in that Maxine fabric? Mary got the pattern from here. She added a strip of velcro to the bottom of the pincushion and the top of the pad to hold it in place. I think her friend is going to LOVE it!

I've added Mr. Linky to this post, if you've made a gift for someone this month, post about it and add your name to be in the give-away. Or, as Mary did, email me the pic if you don't want to spoil a surprise. Remember, you can join in any month, you don't have to be in on this from the beginning. Link is at the bottom, email me if you have any problems.

So, American friends, how was your Thanksgiving? Ours was just lovely - my mother-in-law came with baskets loaded with food. I didn't get any pics of the day that I can share, except for my mother, who loves the camera and just has to make funny faces. I know, you're all jealous and wish she was YOUR mum. Too bad, you can't have her.

My favorite part of Thanksgiving is the few days after, when nobody has to cook and we fill up on leftovers. My mum-in-law makes the most wonderful Waldorf salad, and it's my favorite part, I claim it all for myself. I finished it off tonight.

Thanksgiving was also hubby's birthday, so there are also ton of really ~~fattening~~ delicious desserts left. Like home made fudge. Oh yes, I love this time of year.

Ok, here we go, link away!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-23T17:07:00.000-08:00

To all of my American friends, I wish you a joyful Thanksgiving feast with your families - I've closed comments and will be taking a short break to celebrate with my own family. See you after the holiday!

The Party Is Back On.....

2011-11-16T19:09:00.000-08:00

in my sewing room. All of this [well, not ALL].......

is becoming these.....

as seen in this book.....

Which was a gift from my darling Jenny. Thank you Jenny! Can you believe I've never done a log cabin before? They're so perfect for scraps, and so much fun when you cut them with scissors and don't worry about straight lines. I'm having a blast!

My sweet friend O'faigh sent me a package last week....

Oh what could it be! I'm being a very good girl and not opening until Christmas. But it's KILLING me. I don't know how you swap girls do it! Thank you dear O'faigh, can I start Christmas on Australian time? *G*

And my darling Cyndi sent me a couple of books last week.....this one is so very special...

It's a KJV bible, and what makes it so very special [other than Cyndi sending it] is this....

LARGE PRINT! I can read it, lol! I have been looking for one of these forever.

She also sent this book - you may want to look away if you're hungry -

Not only does it have delicious projects in it, it has delicious recipes!

Doesn't that look too yummy??? There's a really cute pie carrier in there too, I've had two people request it already, lol! Thank you sweet Cyndi!

I'm also working on a secret project, a rilly rilly rilly fun one. I can't wait to show this one to you. You can tell I'm from the McDonald's generation - I have no patience, I want instant everything! My lazy days are over, I'm back in the swing of creating, and loving it again. I'm ALMOST resigned to the dreaded four-letter winter word....snow tomorrow.....shhhhhhhh....

One more thing I want to tell you about. Today [November 16, 2011] is American Censorship Day. Today Congress held the first hearings on a dreadful internet bill that IS EXPECTED TO PASS. Go here to read about it, then go here to read more and act on it. This is NOT a bill to stop indecent acts...Facebook, Youtube, MySpace, Twitter and Tumblr would all have to shut down over it. I'm thinking one of my favorites, Pinterest, would also have to shut down. This is unacceptable to me, and I hope to any freedom-loving American. Let your voice be heard!

Ok, off my soapbox, while I still have it. I'm off to watch one more episode of Lucy, if I can stay awake. See you all soon!

A Gift For You

2011-11-14T12:10:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, long time no see - I've been lurking around, but mainly staying off the computer. I haven't even been sewing much. Whole days have gone by just being lazy. And have I enjoyed it!

Today I've uploaded Caroll's Christmas, my new mug rug designs for you. These designs are named for Caroll at Attic Window Quilt Shop, who was instrumental in helping me start the Christmas Through The Year. Thank you Caroll!!!

There are 7 designs total.

You can make the entire set to give as a gift, or just use one or two. I first did them in different colored floss, then did the gingerbread men in redwork - love the redwork! And that one will be for a very special friend for Christmas. That's my November Christmas Through The Year gift. Making them in redwork is much faster!

I've decided to name my patterns after my blog friends. Christmas Through The Year was started for the purpose of having lots of gifties to send out to my bloggy pals, but this year is a tight one financially and I won't be able to send them. Praise God, we have enough - enough food, enough heat, enough to cover all the bills - He has been so good to us - but there is no extra. My blog friends have been so very good to me, and I want so much to give back, so I thought and thought about what I could do to thank you all. And this is what I came up with. I appreciate you all so very, very much, and love you dearly, so be watching for your names! They won't be in any particular order, I want the pattern to reflect the person.

You can download Caroll's Christmas here.

It's thunderstorms today, grey and not terribly cold - Hermione was helping me take pictures of the mug rugs. She thinks I'm silly when I tell her to get down.

I hope you enjoy my new pattern, if you make some I'd love to see them!

November Christmas Through The Year

2011-11-01T19:43:00.000-07:00

It's time to kick off our November gift making. Do you know who you'll be making for this month? I don't, yet. How about hostess gifts for any holiday parties you'll be going to? That's what I'm going to do with my mug rugs.

I have a couple of tutorials for you to start. I haven't had much time to look, but here are two. First, Wendy from The Crafter's Apprentice has a knitting needle roll tutorial that would be great for any knitter's you know!

And from Love Laugh Quilt, a lovely hexagon table topper.

I'm going to be taking a bloggy break. Probably a couple of weeks. I'll come back in about a week with the mug rug pattern for you, but other than that, I'm not going to be around for a bit.

Sue from Cypress, I got your lovely comments on my blog but don't have a way to reach you. If you could email me, that would be great. Look on my profile and click "email me".

See you all in a bit!

Christmas Through The Year October Winner!

2011-10-31T21:52:00.000-07:00

And our winner is .............

number 3, O'Faigh! Congratulations hon, I think I have your address, if not I'll let you know! Thank you everyone for playing along!

I did finish my own gift, with 5 whole hours to spare. I made a set of 7 mug rugs.

The pictures are horrid because it was already dark out. The light in here is not the best, sorry. Anyway, these are my own designs, and as soon as I get the pattern written up [give me about a week] I'll be happy to share it with you.

I wanted kind of big mug rugs....the one thing I don't like about them, is that you always have to set your mug on the prettiest part, and my name is not Grace. So I made mine with a big square to put your cup on, and left the pretty part off to the side.

After I had them cut out and the tops made, I decided using a light color was a mistake, being that I'm a spiller and all, and probably should have used a quilt block, maybe a star. Do you do that? Change your mind when it's too late? I also don't care for the colors I used, and will be re-doing them in redwork.

Another mistake was that I tried to cheat on the finishing. Rather than going to the hassle of making and attaching a binding, I decided to do the pillowcase finish. I don't like it, and next time will use binding.

Lazy doesn't pay.

Because I pillowcased them, anything more than minimal quilting would have puckered something awful. Yes absolutely these need to be made again, lol.

Maybe that will be my November project. Speaking of November, it's here - almost 1am! This coming weekend we'll be turning our clocks back, and gaining an extra hour. WE NEED IT. Less than two months to go now! I'll be back tomorrow to kick off our November making!

My Memories Give Away Winner!

2011-10-30T21:14:00.000-07:00

The winner of the My Memories Give Away is Sue B! Sue, I'm emailing you, congratulations! Sue has a new grandson and I know she'll get good use out of it, lol!

How I arrived at the winner - I copied and pasted all the names to a word document, and numbered them, in the order they were left on the comments. Some folks didn't want in on the give-away, and one was having her own! So I skipped those names, and added a few from the previous post - a few left comments there instead of on the official post, but I think I wasn't really clear on telling you to do that, so I added them. Then I went to mr. random number and let him do his thing. I want to thank you all for playing along, I wish you could all be winners.

If you still would like to get the software, you can click on the link on my sidebar and use my code STMMMS68739 [copy and paste] to get $10 off the software and $10 to use in the store.

I'll be back tomorrow night with our Christmas Club give-away, see you then!

October Strut Your Stuff!

2011-10-30T00:30:00.000-07:00

I simply MUST apologize for so many posts today and yesterday...and now one more...but I completely forgot to do our linky party for October! Well, this is the post you'll link to. You won't see my finished gift until Monday, when I do the give-away. It won't be finished until then, but I will make the deadline!

So how did you do? Did Halloween distract you? We no longer celebrate it, our neighborhood has no small children and neither do I. The only thing we celebrate is the half-price candy the day after. We stock UP. There's a reason our dental cleanings are usually scheduled for early November.

All righty then, do your post and link up, I'll do the give-away very late on Monday night, in order to give you as much time as possible - and again, I apologize for letting it go this late!

Blogger's Quilt Festival

2011-10-29T17:40:00.000-07:00

If you're here visiting from Amy's, welcome! And thank you to Amy for doing the BQF's, I've loved every one and am so glad she does it!

I wasn't going to enter a quilt this time, I've not been creating much lately and didn't have one I wanted to show, but then I remembered this one....

Island Dance. I'd made this quilt years ago, when I first discovered the joy of painted quilts. I'd never done applique and this was how I translated my designs to fabric. My sweet friend Shirley had showed me how to do this. I wasn't totally happy with it, but she loved it so much, I gave it to her, and she still loves it.

It's on my list to be re-made, but all in fabric, no paint. I want to do a collage type quilt with this design. I think the paint looks flat, no life to it, and I want to try to really make it pop. But it's still one of my favorites, maybe because my friend treasures it....I think too, because I drew it myself, and while I'm certainly no Picasso, I like the fact that I tried. It reminds me to keep on trying.

I hope everyone is enjoying the festival, I know I sure am!

Give-Away Ends Tomorrow Night!

2011-10-29T14:44:00.000-07:00

I've been having a bit of a play today with the My Memories software. Such fun! Remember to comment on THIS post to get a chance to win a copy!

Sheltering Tree is a free download on my sidebar.
I love that you can use your own photo for the background papers, and pick a color to match your picture for the text and mat.

Baby Girl designs are also free on my sidebar - really need a better name.
And you can change the opacity of the background so it's not as bright, but still coordinates perfectly.

I also really love the quick pages, you just open one up and drop your photo in, one click to move it to the background and it looks so lovely.

The quick pages also come with embellishments if you want to dress it up further. The picture of Greta will be printed and framed for Shirley for Christmas. I also want to document all my quilts I've made - some, I'll have to go back and take better pics, lol.

This is the number one rated software for digital scrapbooking, and I can see why. They have so many free pages and embellishments, too. I'm loving it.

I'm almost done with my stitcheries, got to the last bit and realized I didn't like the colors I'd picked. I'll do them again in plain redwork at some point. I'm putting them together for the finish tomorrow, it looks like I'll make my own deadline! I'll see you tomorrow night for the give-away of the software!

Success

2011-10-27T21:45:00.000-07:00

We went and got Sam's brace adjusted today, hooray. He's fine now - he can sit without it crunching into his ribs. Not comfortable, but no longer painful. It was very chilly today. I walked outside with just my hoodie [well, and pants and a shirt] and found myself wishing for my winter coat.

Sunny, and raining, squall lines moving through. It was pretty. Most of the trees that have turned have lost their leaves, but a few are hanging on.

Right next to the doctor's, we spotted this beauty.

It says Silver Streak - not a clue what it is, but I like it. The sun was shining through our sunroof, but we were about to get wet!

I heard on the news that there were lots of rainbows about today, along with rain and SLEET. Sleet is a four-letter word around here.

I've been having a dreadful week sleeping. I lay awake until 8am, even with taking a sleeping pill, and don't wake until noon. Not the best way to get things done. At least, when I can't sleep, I can stitch quietly....

But I'd much rather do it in daylight, easier on the eyes. I'm anxious to get this project done and written up, as I've already drawn another. And my deadline for this project is Monday, the last day of the month, so I can get it in under my deadline for our Christmas Club. Think I'll make it?

I'm afraid I've only been lurking on your blogs, not commenting. I feel awful about that, as it's my favorite part of blogging. I'm trying to stay off the computer late at night, as I think it contributes to my insomnia. And during the day I'm designing, stitching, and playing taxi driver. Hopefully I'll do better this weekend, and be back to being a ~~pest~~ regular commenter on your blogs.

Have a wonderful Friday!

What A Week, Already

2011-10-25T20:20:00.000-07:00

It started Monday, with an appointment to take Sam for his brace. For those who don't know, Sam has scoliosis, a 40-degree curve in his spine. This is what he has to wear....front,

and back.

It hurts. He's wearing it for an hour and a half at a time to try to get used to it. He's having a great deal of trouble sitting down without it digging into the tops of his legs, and the back comes down so far it hits the chair seat, and pushes the brace up, into his ribs....I have to call tomorrow to go back in for more adjustments. Right now, he's standing at the counter, using his laptop.

Somehow tomorrow, I have to find time to pick up mum, take her to the bank, two different stores to get her meds, grocery shopping, post office, AND call the doctor and take Sam to get his brace adjusted. Seems like I left something out there...wouldn't surprise me. Monday we were at the orthotic place for 3 hours, while they adjusted the brace. I hope it won't take that long again.

A bright spot in my week came from the lovely Cathy of Big Lake Quilter. She's been having give-aways, and contacted me to let me know I'd won. What a doll...it came today.

Great pattern, a batik charm pack, a storage basket perfect for patterns, and a darling little needlecase - thank you so much Cathy!! You are a sweetheart and you really cheered me up!

Another bright spot tonight was going to see Shirley. We haven't seen her in a few weeks, she went to Florida to visit her daughter, and last week none of us was feeling well. Greta [her dog] was overjoyed to see us. Well, so was Shirley....

I do have some tutorials for you today. Most of you probably know Penny, from Sew Take A Hike. She's been a busy girl, and has 3 tutorials for you! First up, a darling paper-pieced pop bottle curtain tutorial....

Then, a crocheted and stitched pot holder!

And finally, the cutest bottle cap trivet!

If you don't know her blog, you're missing out! Thank you dear Penny, for letting me use your pics, and for being so incredibly creative!

Lastly, here's a great resource of free sewing patterns - Freeneedle. Organized by category, there are almost 2800 links to free patterns. Great place, but bring your cuppa! And maybe lunch.

How is your Christmas gift coming? I'm working hard on mine, when I'm home. I hope I'm home enough to get it done. I'll be doing our linky post in a few days.

Also, don't forget about my give-away, you still have time to enter - I'll be picking the winner the evening of October 30! I haven't had much time to play with pics lately, but I'm dying to. It's so much fun.

I hope the week is going better for all of you, and I hope it gets better for us too. If you think of it, I'm sure Sam would appreciate prayer as he gets used to his "torture device", as he calls it. I know I would, and I thank you!

It's Arrived!!

2011-10-22T13:00:00.000-07:00

Yay, Kaaren got her quilts, go see....

I was holding my breath after I sent them off, praying that this wouldn't be the one time the post office messed up for me. I want to say THANK YOU to everyone who contributed to this effort, you are all just amazing and together we were able to bless Kaaren's socks off. Good job, all of you!!! What a blessing to be a part of this bloggy community.

I've put a whole bunch of pics of the blocks on my flickr. They're all in a set called Kaaren's Quilt. If you'd like to see your block, it should be there, I used every single one. I did have some where the writing bled, I fixed it with textile medium and used those on the tote bag. There are a LOT of pics, fair warning.

My friend Cathy-No-Blog finished a darling baby quilt, and handed it to me to get pics. I want to keep it, it's so cute. I need to take better pics, sigh. Why is it always so gloomy when I want to get pictures!

More pics on flickr too. Been a busy day, uploading. I think the designs she used are from Sew Weird, machine embroidery.

And I finished Val's give-away gift. I can't remember now which month she won, but she had told me to concentrate on Kaaren's quilts and get hers finished when the quilts were done, bless her. She's waited and waited, and Val, this will be shipped Monday.

The back, with hanging sleeve.

And the sweetest little flower...

The design is by Jenny of Elefantz, from Issue 2 of her Elefantz Home Magazine. LOVE IT.

And now? No, I'm not slacking....I'm working on a new set of designs for you. They will be my Christmas gift for this month...I hope. And the design will be free when I'm finished making them.

It's a lot of fun, designing again!

Don't forget about my give-away, leave a comment on this post if you want to enter - you have until October 30th! I'll be back soon with some more tutorials I've found. I hope you're all having a wonderful weekend - it's chilly here, but the sun is out, hooray!

How About A Give-Away?

2011-10-17T21:44:00.000-07:00

Since finishing the quilts, I've been cleaning and not much else....except playing with a new toy. And I'm going to share it with you, because I am just plain hooked now.

It's a digital scrapbooking software called MyMemories. Have you ever done scrapbooking? I never have, for a few reasons. One, it's expensive. Two, you end up with a LOT of stuff that isn't fabric. Three, who has time for all that when there's sewing to be done?

But DIGITAL scrapbooking - ah, this company got my attention! No mess, no storing of boxes and boxes of embellishments. They offered to sponsor a give-away here on my blog, and so I started exploring it. I have to tell you, one blogger had a give-away of this, and I told her not to put my name in it, I thought I would never use it....ha. HAHA. Boy was I wrong.

What I love about it....it's easy and fast. It makes me look good. There are tons of quick pages, and you can add layers manually OR you can have it do a whole folder of pics in seconds. My kind of tool! You can make books [which I'm planning to do for each of my boys], calendars, you name it. And of course, there are freebies to download!

There are so many choices of background papers and embellishments. Something I really love, you can create your OWN background papers from your own pics, which I've done on this one! I used a picture I took a week or so ago, changed the opacity so it wasn't so bright, and just added to it.

As you can see, I've started a scrapbook for Sam. What a cutie he was [IS]. I'm also planning on using it to create cover photos for my quilt patterns!

MyMemories has a blog, they're on facebook [where they have weekly freebies!], and youtube. If you'd like a really good overview of what this software can do, definitely check out the youtube videos, especially the first one, which I'm embedding here. That's how I found out about the feature that lets you do a whole album in one click, amazing.

****************************************************
So, would you like to win a copy of this software? Here's what you have to do......go to MyMemories home page, and pick your favorite design pack. Then leave a comment and let me know what it is. I'll pick a winner on October 30. You'll be able to download it just in time for all those great Halloween pictures you're going to take!

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If you don't want to wait to see if you win, you can click the link on the top of my sidebar, and use my code for $10 off the software PLUS a coupon for $10! And the software isn't expensive, either! My code is

STMMMS68739

and I suggest you copy and paste it, no mistakes that way.

I'm starting to look at pictures in a whole new way - I thought getting a new camera would change the way I looked at things, but this is a whole new way to play! Especially when I take pics of things I make, I can't wait to get started on those. I'm also going to play with the calendar layouts, I think those would make a great Christmas gift, don't you? I want to make a lovely page of my friend Shirley's dog, and frame it for her for Christmas. I think she'll really like it....can you tell I'm hooked, lol! I wish you all good luck in the give-away!

Extended Deadline

2011-10-15T10:52:00.000-07:00

John'aLee from The Scrappy Appleyard has extended the deadline for star blocks until November 30th, 2011. If you can, please help her reach her goal and send a block or two [or more]...and also if you can, please add a dollar or two [or more] to help defray the costs. It's a Herculean effort and a worthy one. Thank you!

Comments are closed for this post.

Shipped.

2011-10-14T11:34:00.000-07:00

About 10 days. I'm not uploading the pics til she receives it....and I'm warning you now, they turned out really dark. It's been rainy and gloomy all week, and with more rain for the whole next week, I didn't want to wait for a sunny day.

What I'm working on now....

And then? THE BIG CLEAN. Oh don't I have fun. Sigh.

Indian Summer

2011-10-11T08:04:00.000-07:00

The weather man says today will be the last day of Indian Summer....changes are coming! Which means staying inside in the sewing room. Not a bad thing, really, as Christmas is looming up on the horizon. How is your gift-making coming? Would you like some more tutorials?

Fee from Designs By Fee has the most darling little needlebook tutorial -

so sweet!

Melody from The House On The Side Of The Hill has a very sweet owl scissors keep and needle book!

Shell from The Raspberry Rabbits has a beautiful Friendship Stars Tutorial, done up in a lovely table runner!

Linda from Buzzing and Bumbling has a great tutorial for an insulated lunch or gift bag, very clever!

Elisa from Bits From The Scrap Basket has a great tutorial for making the perfect 1/4" border, I need to try this, very striking!

Jocelyn from Happy Cottage Quilter has a darling fall leaf garland tutorial!

And for the crocheters, Yarn Muse has an excellent tutorial for a Crocodile Stitch Scarf, I so want to try this one!

Karen from Flamingo K's Blogabout could use your prayers, her newest grandbaby Miranda is in NICU - bless her, she seems like quite the fighter.

And now for my news - the quilts are DONE, labeled and ready. Today I'm finishing up the last project with the remaining blocks, then I just need to find a box! Stay tuned!

O Canada

2011-10-10T09:27:00.000-07:00

I'd like to wish all my Canadian friends a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Bitter Sweet

2011-10-08T16:56:00.000-07:00

Today, we held a memorial service for my cousin at the cemetery. It was a glorious day.

He died several years ago, but there were problems getting his ashes. His mother died giving birth to him, and now he's with her.

This is such a beautiful place. My grandparents are buried here, along with my great-grandparents.

I had not been back here since my grandmother died in 1986. That was the hardest and darkest day of my life. But today, I felt only peace in this beautiful place.

I know she's not there. She's with her beloved Jesus, and someday I'll see her again, and be able to worship Him with her.

Afterward, we went to dinner at the Green Lantern [worth an out of state road trip], then onto my cousin's home. He's big into salt water fish tanks....he has several.

They even grow their own coral. This is the fish tank he's getting set up in the living room, John is standing next to it to give you some idea of the size.

Isn't that just dedication? The pics come out kind of blue, they have led lights or something in the tanks. But gosh are they stunning in person.

I hope you had a good day too. I have to go stitch a quilt label....see you soon!

Name That Blog

2011-10-04T08:06:00.000-07:00

Dawn from As Sweet As Cinnamon is having a fun contest - she wants to know the reason behind the name for your blog! Which I think is quite interesting. Do you ever wonder how someone came up with their name? What it means? Wish you'd thought of it first? Go link up at Dawn's, do a blog post with what your name means and why you picked it, and you could win a Moda charm pack!

So - how did I come up with Allie-oops Sweet Happy Life? Well, my aunt always called me Allie-oop, from the time I was born. I changed it a bit, to OOPS, because I make so many oops while I'm quilting! If you were in my sewing room with me, you would hear that word a lot, muttered under my breath in shock at my latest gaffe.

Sweet Happy Life is a song by Peggy Lee - not too fond of the song, but I love the sentiment! I used to be prone to major depression, it took a long time and a lot of patience from the Lord to teach me to enjoy the moment, enjoy my life, and let go of the stress. The littlest things used to send me over the edge, and now I can let them go. It's not an easy life, but no matter my circumstances, it's sweet and happy, because the Lord has taught me to be content in all things. I'm so thankful that I've gone from pessimism and depression to optimism and gratitude! My blog title reminds me of that change every day.

So, what's your story? I'd love to hear it! Do a blog post and link up at Dawn's, join the party!

Give-Away

2011-10-03T09:40:00.000-07:00

Cathy over at Big Lake Quilter is having a give-away - to celebrate her birthday month and her hubby's retirement! Go congratulate them and enter, she's giving away a copy of Kay MacKenzie's Inspired By Tradition book. She's going to have a give-away every week this month!

October Christmas Through The Year

2011-10-02T14:32:00.000-07:00

Wow the year is winding down quickly, isn't it? All the trees are changing color, and there is such a chill in the air, here in Allie-land. Are you ready to make a gift for October? I have some tutorials for you!

First up, from Karen Wilson, a darling book bag for your young'un....

Isn't that cute!

From Melody at The House On The Side Of The Hill, the prettiest ever hexagon coasters!

From Clare at Clare's Craftroom, a really darling spring bouquet, although I think they're great any time of year!

From Jocelyn at Happy Cottage Quilter, scrappy cards - brilliant idea! Part one, and part two!

From Helen at Hugs from Helen, a great armchair caddy!

I think that's it for today, if I've missed you let me know.

My son came in my sewing room yesterday with a package. He said he found it under some junk mail on the coffee table...grrr. It was all the way from Wendy in the UK!

The cutest little seat belt cozies I've ever seen!! Don't they just look happy? They sure make me happy! Thank you darling Wendy! Wait til my mom sees them...she's going to love them too! Good thing she doesn't have a car. *G*

I hope you all have a great week, and that your weather is friendly. Start thinking about who you're going to make a gift for this month, and gather your supplies - remember, it doesn't have to be sewn, just handmade! I'll see you soon!

Christmas Through The Year September Winner!

2011-09-30T21:26:00.000-07:00

But first, I did finish my Christmas gift, another lovely Carry Out Menu Holder from Karen Wilson's great tutorial!

This one is for my mum, she loves this color blue.

And I know you're dying to know the winner, so here it is, straight from Mr. Random Number.....

And that would be Fiona from BubzRugz, congratulations Fiona!!!!! I'll be emailing for your address!!!

I need to apologize, I've had to clear out my Google Reader - earlier this week, I was trying to catch up on commenting on your blogs, and I just couldn't do it. I've only had one day at home this week! I hope things calm down next week, I really do. I don't do well when I have to keep running errands. I'm SUCH a homebody...

I took Sam for the casting of his mold for his back, the orthotists were a couple of comedians. It wasn't too bad, but good thing he's not ticklish. I would have never made it through.

Did you ever read Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion magazine? I did, and I have almost every issue. I was a faithful subscriber for years. No magazine has ever inspired me like that one. Well, Mary is wanting to bring the magazine back, and is looking for folks to sign the petition to convince a publisher - you can go here to either sign it or leave a comment! How I would love to see this in print again!

By the way, one quilt is bound, and I'm starting on the second after I get my dinner - yes, it's after midnight - I had a nap. Big mistake. Seems like I had more to tell you, I suppose it will keep! Have a great weekend, I'll see you soon with our kick-off for October!

September Strut Your Stuff!

2011-09-28T17:30:00.000-07:00

It's time for our linky up party, to show off the Christmas gifts you made this month! Normally, this is where I also show off mine, a-hem, but it isn't made yet. Told you I'd be last this month.

Don't forget to upload your pics to our flickr group as well. It's always so inspiring to see the finished gifts!

We do have a couple of finishes from folks who can't post to their blogs. Dolores made these two adorable knit hats - I can't wait to learn to knit! Aren't they darling!

And O'faigh made this darling gift bag - so sweet and you don't waste wrapping paper!

I had to go out today, and while I was out I picked up some magnetic sheets - so my gift this month will be another Carry Out Menu Holder from Karen Wilson, I just adore that project and I think it's brilliant. Click on the Free Patterns/Tutorials page on her blog and check her out!

If you haven't already, get your Christmas gift post done, then link up here - our giveaway this month is for another darling cupcake bag [thank you anonymous donor!], with a surprise inside! I'll be doing the drawing at midnight on Friday night. I can't wait to see what you've made!

Weekend Report

2011-09-26T10:56:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Monday, it's a damp and drizzly day here - I fell asleep last night to the sounds of a torrential downpour, it was lovely. We had perfect weather this weekend. Saturday, Cathy and I went to the American Sewing Expo, do you want to see my loot? There's not much of it, but I'm happy with it! First I bought what I always go there to get, my hand sewing thimbles.

I LOVE those thimbles. This may last me until next year. Then, there was a vendor selling books mighty cheap, I got these two...

for $9. Wow! I hadn't planned on buying any books, but couldn't resist. I also picked up some fabric to make stars for Johna'Lee, from the Quilts of Valor booth.

I told them her story, and they gave me 10% off the fabrics. Isn't that so sweet.

The show was smaller yet this year, and crowds were way down. A very sad indicator of our economy. There were some new vendors, I hope they made enough to cover their spaces.

Sunday, we helped Cathy move some more things from her old house. Thank goodness for teenage boys! I was too tired to blog or sew last night [although I mostly supervised, lol]. I'm going to get the binding on the quilts today, and try to come up with a Christmas gift - I need to decide what to make! I'll be back probably tomorrow for our link-up post. Although I just realized tomorrow is Tuesday, and that's always a busy day for me...errands and a visit to Shirley. I might be the last one this month to get my gift done!

By the way, if you're going to make stars for Johna'Lee, could you please include a dollar or two to help offset costs? She didn't ask for that, but I think it would be a lovely gesture - quilts cost money, and she's got a Herculean effort going. I don't mind asking for her!

I'll try to catch up on your blogs this week. You've all been busy, and I'm missing you!

Turkey Lurkey

2011-09-23T19:01:00.000-07:00

That's me, lately. Not a lot of time to comment on your blogs, although I try. Do you know what this is?

Took Sam for his fitting, and we have to go back next Friday - they need to cast a mold of him first, before having the brace made. Won't that be fun...hope it's warm in there. But the orthotist was very nice, and thinks it will help him.

Tomorrow I'm spending the day with Cathy, we're going to the American Sewing Expo in Novi, Michigan. We've gone together for the past 8 years. If any of you are going, I hope I can meet you! Not too sure how long we'll be able to stay, Cathy fell down the stairs Wednesday and tore her meniscus in her knee. My hubby went and got the wheelchair from his folks, but it doesn't have foot rests....so what good is it? *sigh*

Did you figure out what my top picture was? It's BINDING. That's right, the quilting is done on both quilts, and binding is next! I'm looking forward to an evening in front of the tv, old movies on, hand-stitching it to the back. That's my favorite part. I hope I made enough.....

I'm not good with math.

Enjoy your weekend!

Catching Up

2011-09-21T20:51:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, been glued to my sewing chair, quilting up a storm - I'm happy to report that the big quilt is done, and I'm halfway through the smaller one.

Very simple quilting - just a wavy stitch on all the seams. I want the blocks to shine, and just hold the quilt together. Binding is next.

Let's see, today is Wednesday. Yesterday I didn't get to do any quilting at all. The day started with the mailman....and what a LOVELY start it was. I had won a give-away on Sue's blog, bless her, Simply Piece-ful Quilting, and they arrived yesterday. She was giving away two of the sweetest books!

Oh my gosh I want to make everything in them, but I'd love to start with this...

and then maybe this.

Thank you so much, Sue, I love them!

And then my sweet friend Cyndi sent me a box. She sent me one on Saturday, too. I can't stop petting everything in them....cotton fabric. Vintage barkcloth. Vintage sheets. A gorgeous shower curtain that is destined to become something beachy. Magazines. A flexible curve ruler. *SWOON* and *SWOON again.

Cyndi, words fail me....but you already know how much this meant to me. And I promise I will get your fabric to you before Christmas. *G* I've put it in writing now. Thank you my precious friend.

We did make it to Shirley's last night, no pics though. As we were leaving, hubby was burning some brush in the backyard. The sun came through the trees, shining through the smoke, and I thought it looked so pretty!

By the way, I live in suburbia, not the forest. There's a whole lot more brush back there to take care of. I'm afraid the dog will get lost back there. It's a little creepy. But then, I'm the girl who likes her nature behind glass, lol.

That's about all I've been up to. Tomorrow I get to stay home all day again, I'll hopefully be finishing all the quilting, and cutting the binding. Friday I'm taking Sam to get fitted for his back brace - if you're a praying person, prayers would be most welcome. I have no idea what it's going to look like or how much it will hurt, but he's determined that God won't give him more than he can handle, and that if it helps him, he'll get through it. I'm just a bit proud of him, but I'm a mum, and still worry.

Be good, I'll see you in a few days with our link-up post for September Christmas Through The Year. I still haven't made my own gift yet, but I'll get there. I'm also struggling to keep up with all of your blogs, so you might not hear from me for a few days, but I am reading and enjoying...just can only do so much in a day, as I'm sure you know! Big hugs to you all!

Please Help....

2011-09-20T21:25:00.000-07:00

Many of you know Johna'Lee from her blog, The Scrappy Appleyard, and that her family has just suffered a tremendous loss...her daughter Tory was supposed to be married this week, but instead had to bury her soldier fiance, Chris. Johna'Lee is asking for star blocks to make quilts for the family, and for Chris's best friend, who was with him when he died. Go HERE to see if you can help, and be sure to check her updates....she's posted a block with the colors. Thank you so much - and please, keep them all in your prayers!

Undone

2011-09-16T22:39:00.000-07:00

A couple of people asked on my last post about why the pins were left open, and one was a no-reply blogger so I thought I would answer here.

When I learned about pin basting, I read that you're supposed to leave the pins open until you get them all in. If you close them as you go, you're lifting the layers and shifting them, so you can end up with puckers. There is a wee bit of danger in doing this....I have a few holes in my fingers, but I've never had puckers [or blood on my quilts]. I assure you they're all closed now. And.....drum roll....quilting has commenced!

If you want to read my post on how I baste quilts, you can find it here.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Thank You Cathy!!

2011-09-15T19:04:00.000-07:00

I spent the day with Cathy [always fun!], and we got both quilts basted!!!

I am amazed, really truly - I've never in my life gotten a quilt basted so fast, and we did TWO. With a brief time out for a Slim Jim at Big Boy...yum. Cathy, you're the best! She got a new haircut today too, is it darling.

Is there anything better than spending time with your best friend???

Can't Help Myself

2011-09-14T17:06:00.000-07:00

I just had to show you this.....

The borders are done! I'm going to my friend's tomorrow [hi Cathy] to baste them. Happy dance!

Yesterday, I had to go to the post office and on the way, I saw my car. Well, one of them. [Not mine, just one I really, really, really want].

It's even the right color!

Mum and I went to Shirley's last evening, such a lovely visit, we've all been sick with one thing or another and it's been weeks since we've been there. Shirley showed us the new little table set she made for her sunporch...

Isn't that cute? She wants something cheery to look at when the snow starts flying. This is a quilt she made several years ago, just hand quilting...

Always loved it.

While we were there, mum pulled out a hat she made for me.

It's a little large. I pulled it back a bit so I could see.

Ah, that's better.

Then I made her put it on.

If you're thinking she looks like more fun than me, you're right.

My hand is better today, I wore my brace all night and day, so I'm going to go answer emails before my inbox explodes, and check out your blogs. I may not comment on every post, but I've got nothing to work on until morning - so I just might! I'll keep my brace on just in case, though.

And I'll leave you with a pic of Greta, Shirley's dog, just cuz I like you.

Cue Chirping Crickets

2011-09-13T10:27:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, that's right, I'm about to go a bit silent....

I have an owie. NOT a clue why, or when, or what, but kissing it hasn't made it better. Typing is difficult, so I'll be quiet for a bit til it heals. Thank goodness I can still sew, and I've already got the borders cut for Kaaren's quilts.

In keeping with Tickled Pink Tuesday, I finally got pics of the gift Mickie won in our last Christmas Through The Year give-away. Mickie, I'm sorry it has taken me so long, it's being mailed in about an hour.

The darlingest little cupcake pouch, made by someone who wishes to remain anonymous, and a surprise inside. Cuz, you know, the best things have a surprise inside, right? So what does that have to do with Tickled Pink Tuesday? I'm finally getting my sorry behind to the post office, and I don't have a manual transmission. Can't imagine trying to shift gears with my fancy glove on.

So I'll be reading your blogs and keeping an eye on you, better behave. You'll hear about it when I've healed.

Remembering

2011-09-10T23:04:00.000-07:00

My boys were 7 and 9 the day the world changed. It was hard to tear myself from the unfolding horror on tv and take care of them....but I did. For the next few weeks, I bounced between joyful boys and the heartbreaking sadness that I couldn't keep myself from watching.

I remember standing outside while the boys played, looking at the empty skies, listening to the silence. Flags everywhere. Shock evident on every face. Listening to the stories that started to trickle out, the stories of heroic acts, everyday kindnesses, and uncommon courtesies. The feeling of kinship with perfect strangers. We were united by a grief that was bigger than any of us.

Today, I will remember. I will never forget. I will pray for the survivors, for the heroes, for the families who lost loved ones, and for my country's loss of innocence. For our soldiers and our leaders. For our enemies who mean to harm us. And for this land, this beautiful and bountiful land that I love with all my heart.

America, I love you.

Press. Slam. Repeat.

2011-09-10T13:33:00.000-07:00

Someday I'd love to meet the shining light in Washington that thinks we're all too stupid to turn off our own irons.

Normally, I don't get political here. But this one hits home, baby. As I'm pressing, my iron [every iron I've bought that has auto-shut-off] decides I don't know what I'm doing and capriciously turns off. So I SLAM it on the table, because shaking it doesn't wake it up. Naturally, that's not good for an electrical appliance, but it guarantees I'll have to buy a new one every few months - cha-ching into the manufacturer's pockets. Can you tell this angers me?

I put this right up there with smart meters. Which we've already refused, by the way. Along with every other thing that someone [usually someone who has stock in the company, or a vested interest somehow] decides is good for me, taking away my own free choice in the matter. Did you know that Michael Chertoff [former head of Homeland Security] made piles of money from those intrusive body scanners at the airport? Does THAT make you feel safer?

I'm going to go find some thrift stores and see if I can get an old iron that won't tell me what I'm doing. And then I'm going to put on I Love Lucy and pretend it's current. And hopefully get over it.

So how's YOUR day going? Got any good jokes to lighten my mood??? And btw, thank you for indulging me, I promise it won't happen often.....

Shut The Fridge Door!

2011-09-07T18:52:00.000-07:00

And turn off the water, lol! Oh brrrr it is cold here, and wet and rainy....my boys [hubby and son] went to the range today for target practice, and came home soaking wet.

Yesterday, I ran errands most of the day. One of my stops was at the pharmacy where Cathy-Of-The-Endless-Machines works. She had finished a customer quilt, and hadn't taken any pics, so I took them for her. Couldn't hold it up and take pics at the same time, you'll have to use your imagination.

Lovely, isn't it? I wanted to sneak out with it, but she was keeping an eagle eye on me.

Another errand was to the produce store. They wanted .99 PER LEMON. What? I think I'll grow my own. Then I went to Walmart, and got some new slippers....

My old ones were down to the plastic, it was time. I uploaded that pic to flickr, and not five minutes later, Terry commented that she has the same slippers! Aren't they comfy, Terry? I love them. How fun to know we match!

Today, since it was so rainy and cold, I stayed inside and did a lot of this.

And ended up with this!

This is the lap size, all I have to do is add the red border. I'm so happy!!! Tomorrow I'll press all the seams, and then press the seams of the rows of the bigger quilt and start putting them together. It's so chilly here, it's very nice to have the iron on all day!

Because I've been so busy, your blogs are piling up in my Google Reader. I was going to visit you all last night...I was having terrible nerve pain in my foot and couldn't sleep, but I couldn't concentrate on blogging either. So after I post this, I'm going to open my Reader, and see what you've all been up to - not sure if I'll get to you all tonight, but I'll try! I miss you all so much!

Long Weekend

2011-09-02T21:41:00.000-07:00

I like long weekends - especially in summer - but when the temp is almost 100, it's nicer to stay indoors. Here's what I did today.

Stitch and trim.

Press. [This is only half.]

Trim again.

And now we're all prepared for joining in more rows.

I'm not sure how I got all that trimming done today - I think a little angel was perched on my shoulder, cheering me on. Normally I can't stand for that long, but it was nice and cool in my sewing room [except during the pressing] and I just got into the groove.

Tomorrow will be exceptionally hot again, mid-90's, and by Monday it will struggle to get to 70! You'll know where to find me....I'm hoping to get ALL the rows done. I hope you are all enjoying your weekend, I know I will be!

September Christmas Through The Year

2011-09-01T21:20:00.000-07:00

September already!!! This year is flying by [I say that every month, don't ? At least I'm consistent, if somewhat boring].

I do have some tutorials for you, and I did find a project I want to make this month [already!]. I was reading Barb's blog, she had a link to Thimbleberries' free patterns, oh thank you Barb!!! There are a few I want to make, but the log cabin potholders will be my project this month, I believe.

And then Caroll emailed me about Elisa's blog post - I read Elisa's blog, but hadn't seen her latest post yet. What a great post, chock full of inspiration! I was going to post the Zip-Itself coin purse, but Elisa beat me to it, lol. Thanks for the links, hon! Let's get together again for coffee after the holiday, k?

And one last one that I really, really want to do - it's from So September - the cutest little hanging mirror you'd EVER want to look into! She makes it look easy enough for me to try.

I've been working hard today on Kaaren's quilt, no pics sorry, but all the blocks are now sashed. I still have to trim the ends off, press the seams open, and trim them again to 7" - then I'll be putting them ALL together, yay!! I'll try to remember pics tomorrow.

I hope everyone has a fun and safe holiday weekend here in the States - not sure if anyone else celebrates it? It's Labor Day, for my overseas friends, a holiday to celebrate the working 'man'. I was a mum and went through labor, so I'm going to celebrate.

Kidding.

Maybe.

August Christmas Through The Year Winner!

2011-08-31T22:31:00.000-07:00

Sandra asked not to be entered in the give-away, so I put 7 numbers into Mr. Random Number Generator and clicked...and here's our winner....

Mickie!! I'll be emailing for your address, girl, congratulations!!! Did you see all the stuff she made??? If not, go look!

And to read the funniest crafting post I've ever read, go over to Wendy's blog....

14 Steps To Buggering Up A Shopping Bag

Too funny!

Tickled Pink Tuesday, Through The Window Challenge

2011-08-30T11:51:00.000-07:00

Joining with Cheryl to tell you what Tickles me Pink today....

IT LIVES!!

That's right, Sam's laptop is A-Ok - it took a bath and lived to tell the tale. We're all very happy, but especially his brother John, who would have had to buy him a new one. *G*

The other day we went to my aunt's house, and this pic is my entry for Patricia's Through The Window Challenge. The window really isn't dirty, it's just the reflection from outside. Now MY windows, that's another story.

Mum and her typical pose. I'm also entering another two - I took Sam for x-rays today, and in the ceiling, instead of the usual florescent light cover, they had this pretty one -

Closer -

The first pic shows the truer colors. I think every light fixture in every office ought to be as pretty as that.

The only thing not tickling me today -

The leaves were starting to turn out by my aunt's. NOT READY. No ma'am. Uh-uh. The cooler nights are lovely for sleeping, but I am NOT ready for jackets and long pants. Just about when I get used to showing some skin when fully dressed, it's over....and I have to start putting on layers. No fair!

How's your Christmas gift making coming along? Are you done? Have you linked up? I'll be picking our winner tomorrow night at midnight....I just realized I haven't shown a pic of what the gift is, I'll have to do that soon. Tomorrow. Right now I have to run off to the library, then I think we're going to visit Shirley - it's been a few weeks! I miss her!

One more thing - do you have any pet sayings for your kids? Anything that you always said, in the way of advice or admonishment? If so, leave a comment and tell me - no prizes, just curious. One of my favorites and something I still say is "knock it off or I'll turn you into a crime scene". Let me hear yours!

Oops

2011-08-28T19:39:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, when I showed you the pics of my new chairs, I forgot to mention what else I found at that thrift shop. A treadle machine with what looked like a Singer Red Eye in the cabinet, for $50! Guess who I called at work. Yep, Cathy, the sewing machine queen. She's been looking for one! While I was talking to her, the gentleman said he'd go down to $30.

I picked her up from work, and we went back. She looked at it, said "hm, needs a lot of work" and after a few minutes of that, he said "tell you what, give me $10 and get it out of here". Um, hello, SOLD!

It even came with stuff in the drawer for it.

The legs.

She even had the perfect chair for it.

But for now, until she re-arranges her sewing room, it has to live here.

Isn't that a hoot. This is a little machine her daughter picked up for her. We've lost count how many she has - she still has to get the rest from the old house and her mum's.

This is a quilt Cathy made for a new baby, so cute.

The back.

And this is the quilt she's working on now, for a customer. She's using some embroidery designs from Amazing Designs for the quilting, it's just gorgeous.

So Cathy's been busy, I'm glad because all I have to show you is the same thing I've been working on. I do, however, have some tutorials for you.

First, from Dandelion Quilts, a beautiful table runner that you can make to showcase a big print...

Second, a Vinyl Rain Bag Tutorial from Talin, what a smart idea and she makes it easy~!

And from Liz at The Quilted Turtle, a darling adjustable headband tutorial for that special little girl in your life. I forgot to ask her permission for her pic, so you'll have to go look.

I think that's all for now - I hope you all had a great weekend and are ready for a productive week, and that everyone in the flood zones are ok. You are in my prayers.

Catching Up

2011-08-27T16:11:00.000-07:00

So, besides being sick [almost all better now, thank you!] and quilting, we've had a little excitement around here. Thursday, my son Sam turned 17. Not a GREAT birthday, since family couldn't come for a party or anything, but he did get to go target shooting with dad. And he got some cash, which is what he wanted. Oh how hard it is to buy for teenagers.

Normally, my aunt takes us all out to dinner on our birthdays. We couldn't do it Thursday, so we did it today. Where did Sam want to go? To a BAR. But not just any bar....I grew up in this one, my grandfather and I went all the time, they have THE best pizza and THE best Italian subs you've ever tasted. If you're in the metro Detroit area, go have lunch or dinner at the Green Lantern in Madison Heights. The pics I took inside didn't turn out, too dark, so here's Sam and Mum after we ate.

Yesterday, I had some errands to run, so I got them done and while on the way home, saw that a thrift shop was open - I can never catch this one open, they keep odd hours - so I stopped. The first thing I saw when I got inside was a red chair, just like Cathy had gotten me a bit ago. The guy had TWO, for almost the same price as Cathy had paid, so I snapped them up. They are making me very happy, in my sewing room.

Come on over, we'll have a pot of tea. That WAS my sewing table - I moved my machine to the other table, and this is my drawing and laptop table now. I love it.

Here's where I moved my sewing machine.

I still have more to do in here, I need to put my mini-quilts back up on the wall, but this space is cheering me up no end. My retro table will also serve as my cutting table.

Remember when I went to Mackinac? Well, Liz brought me a gift that I hadn't taken pics of til today. These are market bags, and I'm telling you I'm the most stylish shopper around now. Thank you Liz, I really love them and how much they hold!

And then, Jenny did something so very sweet - she sent me this fat quarter bundle. It's Tea Garden by Dena Fishbein - I'd never heard of her before, but I am totally in love with these fabrics.

Thank you darling Jenny - you are such a blessing!

Well, now I have to run - Sam told me that John just spilled an entire bottle of water on his [Sam's] laptop. It's completely dead, not sure if we can bring it back. I'm going to set up my old computer for him while we wait for his to dry up. Egads. I hope you're all having a better weekend than Sam is, lol.

August Strut Your Stuff, Christmas Through The Year

2011-08-26T22:09:00.000-07:00

First let me say I am praying for ALL of you in Hurricane Irene's path. She is a scary storm, please be safe and heed the warnings.

It's August 27 [barely] and it's time to start linking up. I did make my Christmas gift yesterday, I used Karen Wilson's tutorial for a carry out menu holder for the fridge - I'll be making many more of these, I am in love with it!

Isn't that the neatest thing? I didn't have a magnetic sheet for the back, so I used the magnetic strip that adheres on. LOVE THIS.

So how are your projects coming? I hope you're all doing better than I am. I have the excuse of being sick all week, but also I've been working very hard on Kaaren's quilts. What a joy it is to put that together.

Don't forget to link up here, and add your pics to our flickr group. Remember, if you don't want to do a post about your gift because the recipient reads your blog, you can always email me the pic and I'll post it here. Our give-away for the folks linking up will be on Wednesday night at midnight....so you have a few days yet!

I have lots more to tell you, but it will wait until at least tomorrow. Yesterday was my baby's birthday, he's 17 and he didn't get a very good party, with us all being sick. But he did get to go target shooting at the range with dad [first time], and he really enjoyed that. I even let them take my camera - and do you believe they got NO PICS??? I could cry. See if they ever get my camera again.

Ok, link up folks, let's see what brilliant creations you've made this month!!!

Still Here...

2011-08-22T20:42:00.000-07:00

Nothing to show but a pile of used kleenexes, I'll spare you that. I'm sleeping about 20 hours a day [not really, but it feels like it]. Hopefully there will be some kind of quilty content soon in these here parts...take some time to smell the flowers for me, my sense of smell is compromised at the moment. See you soon!

Closing comments for this post - so you have more time to browse blogs with actually interesting content, lol!

We Interrupt Your Regularly Scheduled Broadcast...

2011-08-19T23:32:00.000-07:00

to bring you the prelude to the 2011 Woodward Dream Cruise. If you're here looking for quilty content, you may want to look away now. But I don't recommend it.

After all, you may see some of these vehicles on quilts someday.

Sam is sick, so mum and I headed down to Woodward Ave, the first stretch of concrete roadway in the world. And the scene of many a teenage drama, including mum's. She used to cruise here.

Tomorrow is the official cruise, but they've been at it all week. For miles and miles, nothing but people from all over the country and their classic cars. Duggan's Irish Pub is a hot spot, our local news broadcasts the cruise from here.

People are incredibly courteous, letting each other into traffic, giving thumbs up to the cars, and car owners are more than happy to tell you all about their rides.

Not only are the cars cruising, they're parked all along the road, anywhere they can fit. Folding chairs near the curb for comfort, and someone handed us free bottles of Faygo pop.

I had a hard time finding a parking space, but that didn't stop me from taking pictures along the route.

But never fear - I was in the slow lane, it was stop, go, stop, go, stop stop stop. I clicked at stops. Mostly.

These ladies were a hoot - they were rating the rides.

I love it when the hot rods squeal their tires and take off. Lots of rubber gets left behind on Woodward during cruise week.

Love this one.

Mum remembers riding in something like this.

Very cool.

A personal favorite.

So, tomorrow is the real cruise, and I want to go for it. I'll have you know I only took and uploaded 245 pics to my flickr and no, I didn't put them all on my blog. I also have a couple of movies for you. Might want to turn your volume down a bit. The first is the cars...

And here, a band started up, and this guy was dancing all by himself. He really made my toes start tapping, if I'd been braver I would have gotten out there with him. But then we wouldn't have the cool movie of him.

Hope you enjoyed that as much as we did. Not sure I'm going tomorrow, Sam was good enough to give me his awful cold. My throat is killing me and my nose is leaking like a sieve. But tomorrow will be even better - wall to wall classic cars - noise and fumes and crowds, how I love it! The only way it would be better is if it was held on a beach somewhere. Think I'll go to bed now with a half-gallon of Nyquil. I bet gas fumes are good for your sinuses....clear them right up, right? I'm going to fall asleep with the old "see the USA in your Chevrolet" commercial ringing in my ears....

Miscellany

2011-08-17T19:21:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again here in southeastern Michigan, time for the Woodward Dream Cruise. Just the thought of it makes my heart beat faster. I'm a car nut, don't know much about them but I dearly love the old ones. And lately I'm seeing them everywhere....

This guy was the only one I was quick enough to get while driving. I was stopped at the light, so all was ok. Since it was taken through my windshield [which still hasn't been washed], I'm posting it for my friend Patricia's Through The Window photo challenge.

Saturday is the official Cruise day. But the cars have been gathering from far and wide, and we're going to cruise down Woodward tomorrow to start looking. We'll probably go Friday and Saturday too. My plan is to get some movies as well. We'll see!

This is my aunt's cat Felix. He is evil. Well, not really - but he does not like men. He bites them, growls and hisses and generally makes them feel very unwelcome.

He's cuddly with his mama, unless he's biting her. Shortly after I took this pic, he nipped her foot. He loves to hear her say OW!

And now the update. Today, I started putting Kaaren's blocks together into rows.

There's double that on the design wall now, I took the pic this afternoon. Blocks are everywhere.

Probably the most time-consuming part has been testing the writing, to make sure it doesn't bleed [a few have], and trimming. I still have a lot to go on trimming and sashing. But it felt good to start getting them in rows!

Normally, when I'm stitching blocks together and they're not super large, I don't pin them. I just lay them together and stitch. But this time, I want it as perfect as I can get it, so I'm pinning each one. I'm a wee bit amazed at how well it's working, and I'll be changing my sorry ways when it comes to my own quilts!

One more Through The Window photo for you. I wish I could remember the quote about the world starting at your own front door.....

Are You A Michigan Blogger?

2011-08-16T14:16:00.000-07:00

If so, I've made a button for us so we can recognize each other right away. Elisa emailed me asking if I could, so I did.

If you'd like to add it to your block, simply right-click the picture and save [I save to my desktop, so I can find it again]. Go to your blog and sign in, then click Design, then Add A Gadget. Click on Picture. In the pop-up window, just browse the pics on your computer, pick that one, then save. That's all! I hope you like it. Thanks Elisa!

I'm Back.....[with a million pictures]

2011-08-15T13:14:00.000-07:00

and I wasn't gone long enough! Three days is way too short. But oh it was great.

We left for my aunt's house at 1:30am Friday morning, got on the road at 3am. We got to Tawas City at dawn, and had breakfast. The view from the restaurant....

It was in the Tawas Bay Beach Resort, where we booked a room for Saturday night. The food was great, the rooms not so much, but it had a beautiful beach.

And murals on the patio walls.

We stopped a few times along the way to Mackinac Island to stretch our legs.

Got to the ferry and headed over, passing the Mackinac Bridge.

Liz called just as we arrived, and we got to meet for the first time - she was off island last year when we came. She lives on the island full-time. What a sweetie! Do you see that fabric bundle on the table? She made me some fabulous market bags - I'll be the most stylish shopper out there! Thank you Liz! [Ignore the boat hair on me - I'm on the left.]

After we left Liz, we took a carriage ride around the island. The homes are just gorgeous.

Rush hour on the island.

Cars are not allowed on the island, you get around by carriage or bicycle. This is a parking lot.

The Grand Hotel.

The Little Stone Church.

The cemetery [one of three?].

The Butterfly House.

The view from Arch Rock.

The Governor's mansion [where he vacations].

Near the ferry dock.

Murdick's Fudge, being made.

My hubby and older son had put in their order, and given Sam money to buy fudge. Well, we had put it in the cooler, the ice melted, and all that fudge was lost....we had to go online and order more, lol. It'll be here any day.

Downtown.

The island is so pretty, even the dog houses have flower boxes.

The day on the island was beautiful, sunny and not too warm. I think there were half the amount of people there were last year - not good, as the island relies on tourists. We left in the evening and headed back to Mackinac City [on the mainland] for the night. We stayed at the Hamilton Inn, had a 2-room suite and a balcony - lovely place, we really enjoyed our stay there. In the morning, we headed for Harrisville and my cousin's place on the beach. It had started RAINING! We weren't sure if they were there or not, so we stopped in town to eat, right next door to the.....quilt shop!!!

The Hollyhock Quilt Shop, what a gorgeous place and so friendly!

And she let me take pics inside!

Wools, for Paulette. *G*

After we ate, we headed to my cousin's place. This is the view from the living room...my favorite beach in the world. Also my submission for Patricia's Through The Window challenge.

It stopped raining shortly after we got there, so my cousin and Sam and I went down to the historic train depot. It's being renovated - and will be hosting a wedding soon. The city is trying to buy it, wish I could.

Dinner was ready, so we got back and ate again, and when it got dark everyone decided it was time for a swim in the lake. I walked the beach, but wasn't brave enough to go in - it was chilly, and the lake was agitated. I LOVE walking a stormy beach at night! It was great to see my cousin and her daughters from Missouri, and all my cousins from here. We didn't stay the night, we left around midnight and headed back to Tawas and our reserved room. It started raining again. But morning on the beach was beautiful - the lake was calm again.

We took our time getting home, shopping in Tawas and stopping wherever we wanted. It was a very leisurely trip. We stopped in Kawkawlin like we always do, for dinner at the Turkey Roost. HIGHLY recommend this restaurant.

By that time, my behind was numb and it was good to get home. I can still hear the beach calling my name though...I think it's time to head back! I hope I didn't overload you with too many pictures, there are lots more on my flickr, especially of island homes and shops. And I didn't upload them all, either. You can thank me later.

Now it's time to get my mind-set back from vacation mode, and get busy. I'm going to read your blogs this evening, but I'm not even going to try catching up on comments - I have a quilt to finish! Guess I'd better get busy!

Leaving....

2011-08-11T21:53:00.001-07:00

for here....

Back Sunday night - have a great weekend and I'll see you soon!

Tickled Pink Tuesday And Through The Window

2011-08-09T21:51:00.000-07:00

Happy Tuesday! I'm joining my partner Cheryl in posting what's tickling me today....feel free to join us! I'm also linking up to my sweet friend Patricia's Through The Window Photo Challenge....I seem to take more pictures when I have a challenge, lol. But trying to find just the right thing to take pics of when other people are rushing you here and there, well, that's hard!

Here's my pic for this week, and boy did it tickle me.....can you see the face?

See his nose, and that he's sticking out his tongue?

These pics were taken through my [filthy and bug-spattered] windshield. Yes, I had pulled over to take them. The clouds were quite pretty today - I'm a cloudwatcher in case you didn't know. But wouldn't you know it, they all disappeared before sunset.

I have a great tutorial for you today.

It's from Karen at The House of Wilson, and it's a take-out menu holder for your fridge! Isn't that brilliant? She has a great blog, with wonderful tutorials and interesting things - you'll want to follow her so you don't miss out on future posts!

Jenny of Elefantz has a quilt pictured in Homespun magazine, it's called Juliet's Rose and it is GORGEOUS...

and Homespun is offering it as a FREE DOWNLOAD! Go get it and don't forget to go thank Jenny too! Jenny, I hope you don't mind, I borrowed your photo....I love this quilt!

And now for the thing that's really been tickling me lately. Have you heard about the Frixion Erasable pens from Pilot? I thought I would try them. I'm making Jenny's Love Is All You Need design from her latest magazine issue. First, I stitched down my appliques, then traced the stitchery part with the Frixion pen...

Then, I added my Shape-Flex fusible to the back. When I did that, the tracing disappeared, because heat makes the ink go away. I had heard that it will come back if you put it in the freezer, so that's what I did. And it came back!

Fainter, but still easily seen to stitch. So why is this a great thing? I always trace my design first, then add the fusible interfacing to the back - too hard to see through the interfacing, have to trace it first. So I really didn't think these pens would work for me. But I didn't like the thickness of the wash-out blue pens I normally use, and I don't like using something permanent. The Frixion pen will disappear with heat, then it comes back so I can stitch, then I'll iron it again and wash the project, and it will never come back. It glides like a dream on the fabric. I really, really love them, and plan on using them not only for stitcheries, but also for quilting lines. But you can be sure I'll be testing my fabrics first, to make sure it goes away.

Whew, this is a long post - I hope to post again before I leave on Friday morning, we have to be at my aunt's at THREE AM. Guess who'll be sleeping all the way to Mackinac Island?????

Good Weekend

2011-08-07T21:04:00.000-07:00

How was your weekend? Good, I hope. My hubby and oldest son, John, went to New Jersey on Friday to pick up his new car - an ebay win - and being so close to New York, went there too, to visit our niece. They played tourist for a day. I am SO jealous....they went to Central Park, the World Trade Center site, Times Square, they walked across the Brooklyn Bridge, went to where John Lennon was killed [John is a huge Beatles fan], and took the subway everywhere. My reclusive husband fell in love with the city and says he understands why people want to live there. *shock* They also took my old camera and took horrible pictures.

My weekend was tamer. Cathy [Sewing Machine Queen] and I went to Port Huron. I was looking for some red fabric for Kaaren's quilt and wasn't terribly successful. I got some but I don't know if it will be enough. I'll make it work. We enjoyed our day and took our time. No pics this trip!

So, do you want to see John's new car? It's blue, to match his eyes. So pretty!

I think he's pretty proud of himself, lol. I just wish he'd got something that sits a little higher - it's hard for me to get into. I believe he gets 50-60mpg. Pretty good!

Tomorrow is Monday, I'll be hard at work on the quilt for Kaaren. Early Friday morning, we're going to Mackinac Island [the boys, my aunt, my mum and me] so I'd like to get as much done this week as I can. What will you be up to this week? I hope it's a great one, no matter what!

What's Your Song?

2011-08-03T20:06:00.000-07:00

No, that's not a bad pick-up line from the 70's, it just so happens to be Dawn's birthday [go wish her a happy!] and she posted her life song - the one that best describes her life. And she wants us to play along! I knew right away what my song was, it's been my song for a long time now, and I still get a thrill when I hear it. Have a listen, I bet you know it....

C'mon and join the party over at Dawn's!

August Christmas Through The Year

2011-08-01T14:34:00.000-07:00

All I'm doing today is sitting so I might as well do the post to start us off for the month! How are you coming with your Christmas gifts - running out of room to store them yet? Only five months to go! We're on the slippery downhill slide to the big day....

I found a couple of tutorials for you, well one tutorial, and a site well worth a visit. The tutorial is for a patchwork camera strap cover, and boy do I need one of these myself! You'll find it at Fabric Family Fun. If you have anyone on your list who has a larger camera with a strap, this will help their neck.

The site from Sulky is wonderful. There are several categories on the left hand side to browse through. They have BOM quilts going back to 2006 [although I'm not sure what happened to 2007], hand embroidery, Christmas projects, you'll have fun there.

I also found a tote bag similar to the tutorial I used for last month's Christmas gift - it has six outside pockets like mine, but uses fabric instead of webbing for the handles. You'll find it at Craft Gossip. My tutorial called for 2 3/4 yards of webbing.

No movie this time, I've totally run out of movies to recommend. I guess I tend to watch the same ones over and over every year. Maybe put on some Christmas music while you stitch and get in the spirit!

Remember, there is no stress involved in our Christmas Club. You either make something and get entered in the give-away, or you skip it this month and try again next month. You won't get kicked out of the club for taking some time away. You can start anytime, and end anytime. Making gifts is supposed to be a joy! If I can ever figure out how to do pages on this here blog o' mine, I'll make one with a list of tutorials I've posted, so we have a handy reference guide and don't lose the links.

In the meantime, go play and create something beautiful!

July Christmas Through The Year Winner!

2011-08-01T10:16:00.000-07:00

And that would be Val, from Life's Little Garden! Congratulations Val, I'll email you! I can't tell you what your gift will be yet, but we'll know soon, lol....sorry I'm so preoccupied this month!

I'll be back tomorrow [hopefully] with our kick-off post for August. I'm not feeling very well today so I'm laying low and taking it easy. If anyone has any tutorials to share, shoot me an email, or post it in comments - I haven't come across any myself lately, been too busy to look. Enjoy your day!

Happy Birthday To Me?

2011-07-30T17:47:00.000-07:00

Why not, lol! Cathy [queen of sewing machines, see this post] called me this afternoon. She'd been garage-saling.....and she wanted to show me her treasures. She swung by on her way home, and pulled a vintage red chair out of her car...and told me Happy Birthday!!!

It cost her all of $3! I couldn't believe it. I'd been looking for one for a very, very long time, to go with my retro table...

And she found one!!! Look how well it goes with my table!

It is SO comfy and fits me to a T. Thank you Cathy, I love you girl! Now what gorgeous thing can I do for her....hm, maybe I can find her a treadle machine, I'd better get looking!

Hermione says "Can I have this old chair now, mom?" No Hermione, that one goes back to grandma - she needs it for sitting at her easel!

A true friend is one who thinks you are a good egg even if you are half-cracked. ~Author Unknown

Edit - no, it's not my birthday, that was last March - but I told her we can celebrate our birthdays anytime, lol - thanks for the wishes though!

Down In Kokomo.....

2011-07-29T22:14:00.000-07:00

Got that song running through my head - and Sloop John B, my favorite ever by the Beach Boys. We went to see them in concert tonight. What fun! It was an outdoor concert, we had ~~mud~~ lawn seats, it was great.

Amazing how popular they still are. But I don't think their music ever gets old. By the end of the night, folks had moved down the hill, and the place was packed close and everyone was dancing. Yes, even me....no photos of that. EVER.

I haven't been to a concert in years. I think the last one was Stevie Ray Vaughan, here at this venue, shortly before he died. That was - eleven years ago!

The lawns around the stage form a sort of bowl, so you can see pretty well anywhere. I couldn't believe all the beach balls being tossed around. Lots and lots of kids, teens, and of course us older folk -

I don't know which was better, people watching or the music! I took some VERY short videos if you'd like to see. Not of the people, but the crowd with the beach balls, and the stage. The first one is pretty dark, sorry, see if you can make out all the beach balls...

Mum and my aunt were up to their regular tricks - I left them alone for 10 minutes, and a couple of young guys tried to pick them up. HONESTLY. Can't take them anywhere.

Not much going on for the weekend, I'm going to work on sashing blocks, and see if I can get them all done. It's going to be a hot one, but thankfully the humidity is gone. I should be able to turn the iron on, yay! You have a wonderful weekend everyone, and if you get a chance to get out and do something summery, go for it! It will be gone before we know it.....I'll be back Sunday night or Monday to pick our CTTY winner!

July Christmas Through The Year Strut Your Stuff!

2011-07-28T08:12:00.000-07:00

It's time to link up - a little late this month, but you still have 4 days - our give-away this month is a surprise, from a donor who wishes to remain anonymous, but I know you will love it! No pic yet....

Link up to your blog post of your Christmas gift you made. If you don't want to blog it, you can email me with your pic, and I can post it here, and add your name to the give-away. Don't forget to add your pic to the flickr group! I can't wait to see what everyone has made!

Tickled Pink Tuesday, Plus

2011-07-26T19:18:00.000-07:00

Happy happy Tuesday to you all - what a gorgeous day here, the high was 83F and no humidity, it was so good to get out and about! I took Sam to his doctor appointment and imagine my embarrassment when I was told it was NEXT Tuesday...ever done that? Sigh.

This is the time of year where everywhere you look, there are vintage cars on the road. All gearing up for the Dream Cruise, I think. I've taken to carrying my camera with me everywhere, as I love old cars. These are two we saw today - a Thunderbird,

and I believe a Continental.

There were more, but I wasn't quick enough. Most were driving away from me. Love it.

I got my July Christmas Through The Year gift done. Not too happy with it, as my tension seemed off, it was the top thread I was using. I switched to a different thread finally, but the damage was done. Front....

and back. I had to use two different fabrics for the pockets, there wasn't enough of the cherries. It takes one yard for the pockets and lining.

I think it'll be ok though.

Since today was Tuesday, we went to Shirley's. These pics are from last week, but there were left-over goodies and we had them again this week. OH YUM. Cherry Nut Squares.

Mom thoroughly enjoyed them, like a good diabetic should. *insert major sarcasm*

Greta really wanted some too.

But of course she can't. If you'd like some, here's the recipe!

Cherry Nut Squares

1/2 lb soft oleo [margarine?]
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs
2 cups flour
1 cup chopped nuts
1 can cherry pie filling

Cream oleo and sugar, add vanilla and eggs. Stir in flour and nuts. Spread 3/4 of batter in ungreased 13x9" pan, cover with pie filling and drop remaining batter by spoonfuls on pie filling spread [will not cover filling completely]. Bake 45 minutes at 350 degrees. Sprinkle powdered sugar on top when cool.

So very yummy, it reminded me of strawberry shortcake.

What else - I found the cutest tutorial for Little Sneaks Shoe Deodorizers from a link on Stephanie's blog - they are the sweetest little dolls, and the faces are printable on fabric! I think they'd make fabulous Christmas gifts.

The blocks for Kaaren's quilt are coming along, I'm in the trimming and sashing stage. I've made myself a turntable cutting mat - I'll have to show that soon - very easy and almost free, lol. Trimming sure seems like it takes the longest, doesn't it? And yet it's so very necessary.

Seems like there was more I had to tell you, if I think of it I'll let you know. My poor memory....I'll leave you with a couple of gratuitous animal shots - Hermione, whose name I just discovered I've been spelling wrong for YEARS [yes, she's my cat] and Greta, Shirley's Schnauzer. Spoiled rotten animals, they are. Hermione's nickname is Wide Load, just sayin'....

Almost forgot - I've discovered the secret behind this massive heat wave in the USA. It's coming from Washington, D.C. All that hot air is just blowing around the country....

Have a great week!

Sadness

2011-07-24T09:16:00.000-07:00

How my heart grieves for Norway - my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Hot?

2011-07-18T16:04:00.000-07:00

Me too. Got up to 96 here, then a storm came through, and it dropped to 70. It's climbing back up right now, and the humidity is worse than ever. Today will be the coolest day of the week to come....I'm feeling a bit nostalgic, thinking about last January...

Here's the blocks as of Sunday, pressed and ready to go.

Now if I can just bring myself to turn the iron and sewing machine on. Even though I have a/c in my sewing room, the rest of the house is over 100 degrees, and going in and out of my room is making me feel sick to my stomach. I don't know how my family is coping with this, I really don't. Sam stays in here with me, does his schoolwork and plays on the computer, but John sits at his computer downstairs and that's after working in it all day! No a/c at the warehouse.

I had to convince my kitty to join me in here, and now I don't think she'll leave, lol. Here she is taking over the dog bed in my room.

The dog doesn't like it in here, she can't hear what's going on in the rest of the house. She comes in but leaves in about 30 minutes.

One tutorial for you today: Karen from The House of Wilson has a really cute tutorial for a Baby Hands Mini-Quilt, this would be a great gift for grandparents!

I hope wherever you are, you're staying nice and cool - or warm, for my friends Down Under. I'm going to miss Tickled Pink Tuesday this week, and Cheryl is too, she's at the beach! I can't think of a better place to be in this weather. Actually, ANY weather. No place better than the beach! Be careful in this heat, check on your outside animals, and any elderly friends or family members. Stay safe!

Update

2011-07-16T23:14:00.000-07:00

Hi everybody, just wanted to mention that I'm still taking blocks for Kaaren's quilt, we have 120 blocks right now so keep 'em coming and spread the word! The backing and sashing fabrics are in the wash right now, I spent the day pressing all the blocks that had come in. I also took some time today to do math - not my strong suit - and came up with a couple of different settings for the blocks.

Ann, you made a comment on the official post for Kaaren's quilt, but I have no way to contact you. If you could please email me, I'll give you my address.

Our temps will be in the low to mid 90's tomorrow and the rest of the week, I'm not sure I'm going to leave my sewing room at all, it's the only place in the house with air-conditioning. I'll try to get some pics tomorrow of the blocks. It's AMAZING to see them all together, you guys are just the best!

With Apologies....

2011-07-13T17:21:00.000-07:00

for the appalling lack of commenting on your blogs lately....do you know that being able to make comments on blogs was what started me blogging? So many didn't take 'anonymous' comments, so I bit the bullet and started one. And look at me now. Sigh. DAYS without commenting. And you all are having so much fun. I'm missing the party! ACK!

The blocks for Kaaren are still coming in, I do like to see them coming to my door! While I was in Port Huron, I picked up the batting and some navy fabric, on clearance at the WONDERFUL quilt shop there. They always have the best stuff on clearance! I would have loved to have stocked up. If I ever hit the lottery, I'm going to make their day. Have to play it first, lol. I never do!

Along with the blocks, there have been a few surprises in my mail lately. Diane from Sideroad Stitcher sent me these darling little charm squares, so sweet I could eat 'em up. Thank you Diane! I see a new sweet stitchery in my future to go with them!

Forgive the loose threads, I took that pic before I could see this morning.

And Marilyn from Mardi Meanderings sent me this gorgeous Australian wildflower fabric.

Thank you Marilyn! I'm collecting Australian wildflower fabric, I want to design a quilt with stitcheries around them. They are so gorgeous!

And my ~~partner in crime~~ co-conspirator Paulette from Sweet P Quilting and Creations, sent me these gorgeous snowflakes, ready to be fused - there's going to be a winter quilt design in my future too, thank you Paulette!

Terrible pic, but you KNOW how hard it is to photograph snowflakes....

And then my sweet friend Nancy tried to kill me. Honest. Death by Squishy Mail. You know, when you're not expecting anything, and you open a package and it's so wonderful your heart stops.

Four Green Fairy Quilts patterns, and the cutest little stitchery....is this not too funny?

Two charm packs, Aunt Grace and Nouveau by Moda. And the prettiest fabrics! Oh Nancy, I love you to pieces. Thank you darlin' girl!

So, I HAVE been doing things other than opening mail. Mum and I went to Shirley's of course, and I do have another recipe for you. Shirley is very tickled that you all like her recipes, and every week she has something new sitting on the tea table now. This time it was the yummiest coated walnuts, they take about 5 minutes to make!

Mum-approved, of course.

Greta-the-Schnauzer really wanted some too.

Here's how you make them.

Mix 1 1/2 cups of sugar with 1/2 cup of sour cream. Boil for 5 minutes. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla, toss in 1 pound of walnuts. Stir to coat the nuts. Spread on cookie sheet to cool, moving them around so they don't stick together. Watch them disappear.

Seriously. I brought a bag home, hubby snatched it out of my hand and I haven't seen it since.

I had to pull over and take a picture of the sunset on my way home from Shirley's, it was so lovely.

That's right out of the camera, not touched up or anything. It was amazing. My kids always say that's a sky right out of Mordor.

And now for my mate Midge, a couple of videos of freighters coming into and leaving the harbor at Port Huron. Just cuz I can.

It still tickles me that I can put a video on here. Midge had put some videos on her blog of the walk she took the other day, a most beautiful spot where I would like to build my castle. Y'all are invited to come visit, of course. Stay as long as you'd like. I promise hot tea, clean towels, a full pantry and lots of comfy chairs.

Off to finish writing a pattern, then MAYBE I can read some blogs!!!

Tickled Pink Tuesday

2011-07-11T20:11:00.000-07:00

A few hours early - because it's late, I'm tired, and tomorrow is yet another busy day, on the run all day.

We made it to Port Huron yesterday. We were supposed to meet our friends at our favorite park with the beach. It was PACKED. So packed, that we had to meet our friends elsewhere - by the time they got there, the parking lot was full.

We headed on down to Thomas Edison park, it's a lovely place with a very long walk along the St. Clair River, which empties into Lake Huron. A very busy city - major border crossing and lots of freighters coming in and out of the river. This is a pic of the Blue Water Bridge, which connects Port Huron to Sarnia, Ontario, Canada.

This is the Canadian side, across from the park. It's not really this close, I had the zoom on.

Here's one of the freighters coming down the river

heading out here, to Lake Huron. My favorite Great Lake.

It was 90 degrees in the shade and a perfect day for boating.

Lots of seagulls.

Downtown is very pretty, but sad with so many empty historic buildings.

One of my favorites isn't empty, though. We had dinner at Powers Diner. Here's mum. [And Sam off to the side.]

Inside Powers.

There was a pretty house near the park, we couldn't resist crossing the street to look at the garden.

After we ate, we went back to the beach, but still didn't make it down to the sand. Instead we just relaxed under the trees, and enjoyed visiting with our friends. Just a perfect, lazy hazy summer day. We even had a free concert - the Salvation Army came and did a concert, with free food [that we didn't partake of]. A very blissful day.

I'm really behind in reading blogs. And will probably stay behind for the week. You might not hear much out of me this week. I'm still here, just so busy - and not feeling well at the moment, hopefully that will pass quickly. I'll catch up as soon as I can, I surely do miss you all!

Saturday, What A Day

2011-07-09T18:30:00.000-07:00

A lovely day. Boys were gone all day, they celebrated some birthdays with their cousins by playing laser tag. I stitched, and stitched, and stitched. See?

I know, you really can't see, but you will. *G*

I have a couple of tutorials for you. Linda at Buzzing and Bumbling has done an upcycled jeans purse tutorial and is it CUTE.

I've made jeans purses before, but not that cute!

And Susan from Sew Many Things To Say has made a darling little Happy Meal bird house,

which I think would look awesome in Christmas colors too! Maybe with glitter for snow....sweet!

The mail has been coming in pretty steady. No pics of the design wall today, I had to take the blocks down. This is my sewing room, yes, but Sam also uses it for his therapy exercises and Pilates. He went to put his mat down yesterday, and kind of whooshed it, and all the blocks went flying off the wall. I THOUGHT I had my own room......

I got a few things in the mail myself. Kind of exciting when that happens, isn't it? Remember Caroll's scissors fob tutorial? Well, she sent me a fob! Front:

and back. As you can see, it's in use already! Thank you Caroll, I just love it, your stitching is so perfect!

And Lyn from Blue Bird Quilts sent me this gorgeous pattern...

She remembered that Japanese quilt I had done in January, for our first Christmas Club give-away, and thought I might like it. Yep, I like. I like a LOT. Thank you darling Lyn!

And Kathy from Quilting Along The Gorge sent me this gorgeous fat quarter:

Sooooo pretty - love the hearts on it - thank you Kathy!

Tonight I have to charge up every battery I have, tomorrow is a beach day in Port Huron. We're meeting our friends. It's supposed to be 90 here, so I'm thinking the beach will be pretty crowded!

I have a funny story to tell you. Last week, Sam and I were driving home, and I came up on a car where the guy was texting as he drove. He was going 35 in a 45. So, I used my turn signal, went around him, signaled again and got back in the lane. Didn't cut him off, didn't flip him off, just nice and easy. You know, like the mother of an impressionable soon-to-be-driver should. Somehow this outraged the guy....I saw him throw his phone on his seat, grip the steering wheel, then he floored it, went around me and cut me off. JUST as he cut me off, his hood flew up against the windshield and he couldn't see where he was going. I don't think I've ever laughed so hard, I could hardly drive myself - and I know he heard us shrieking with laughter, all of our windows were open. I've never seen justice administered so quickly, or so aptly.

Let this be a lesson to you, Detroit drivers. You don't ALL own the road!

See you Monday, hope I have some beach pictures for you! And I hope you all enjoy your day as much as I will!

Thursday Update, Tutorials And Another Recipe

2011-07-07T11:07:00.000-07:00

First, the update on Kaaren's quilt - here's the design wall!

Think I need a bigger design wall? *G* Keep 'em coming, folks!

Two tutorials for you - Caroll at the Attic Window Quilt Shop had her friend Barb show how to make her darling scissors fobs - so cute, go look! I think we all need these. Thank you Caroll and Barb!

And over at Moda Bakeshop, Mary from The Tulip Patch has a tutorial for an easy advent calender, darling!

Side note: Darlynn, you left a comment that you'd like to donate a block, but there's no email address for me to reply to. Could you please email me?

And now for our visit to Shirley's. She really is such a treasure. She showed me the green beans she's picked from her garden...

and here they are on the bush.

Her tomatoes:

It's uncanny how everything grows for her, and how no bugs eat her tiny crops. I forgot to get pics of her blueberries and spinach, she eats spinach 3 times a day and has been picking right from her backyard. I guess if I want to be in such good shape when I'm 81, I'd better start eating spinach. She also drinks a gallon of milk a week, by herself. I'll never forget going up to her cottage and moving her refrigerator to my house, just the two of us, and yes, she's MUCH stronger than I am!

She also had a treat for us. I told her she's an enabler - helping mum to stay off her diabetic diet.

These are "healthy", according to Shirley. They're called O. Henry bars, I've never had the candy bar but she says they taste just like them. And here's the recipe for you.

O. Henry Bars

Ingredients:

2/3 cup margarine
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
3 teaspoons vanilla
4 cups quick cooking rolled oats [uncooked]
6 ounce package chocolate chips
2/3 cup peanut butter

Cream together margarine, sugar, syrup, and vanilla. Stir in oats. Spread onto greased 13x9" pan, patting down mixture evenly. Bake 15 minutes at 350 degrees. Do not bake longer, even if it doesn't look cooked.
Melt chocolate chips and peanut butter together, spread over top. Let cool, then refrigerate, serve chilled. These should be stored in the fridge. They get a little gooey in the heat.

Of course, no visit to Shirley would be complete without pictures of her dog, Greta - she loves us to visit!

See you soon! Let me know if you make the recipe!

Tickled Pink Tuesday

2011-07-05T19:58:00.000-07:00

No pics today, it was a very busy day. But I'm tickled to say I got 20 blocks in the mail today!!! We're up to 71! Oh I must remember to charge the batteries for the camera so you can see the design wall.

I also have a DARLING tutorial for you, from precious Lyn at Bluebird Quilts - a holly wreath candle mat. I think this will be my project for July. Lyn has been so generous to our club, making and sending things for our give-aways - go pay her a visit!

And dear Wendy of The Crafter's Apprentice has started something new, you may have seen her button on my sidebar. She's started a L.A.N.T. challenge - Learn A New Technique. She's put together a list of crafts, under her Crafts List tab, tons of them, and is adding tutorials she finds all the time. If you've ever wanted to learn something new, join the party! I'll be joining her once Kaaren's quilts are done.

Another busy day tomorrow, physical therapy in the morning for Sam, then both boys have dental appointments in the afternoon. Mum and I will go to Shirley's in the evening, and I hear she has a lovely new recipe for us. I'll charge the batteries tonight!

Won't you join me and Cheryl in telling what tickles you? We'd love to know!

July Christmas Through The Year, And More

2011-07-03T08:48:00.000-07:00

Kicking off July's party a little late, that's ok - seems to be a habit now. I admit it's hard to think about Christmas gifts right now, but we can do it! Remember, all you have to do is make one gift for someone on your list, to be given at Christmas - and you can be in the draw for this month's give-away prize. What that prize will be I have no clue yet, but I'll let you know! You can join in or drop out any time, there are no rules with this club.

I completely forgot that I was going to give you a Christmas movie to watch each month. And I don't have one for you now. Maybe you could put on some Christmas music while you work, to help you get in the spirit. I know I'll be turning up the a/c while I work. *G*

I do have a couple of sites for you to visit. This first one, as you scroll down the post, you'll see links to 93 ideas - wow! You'll find it at Thirty Handmade Days. Thank you Kris from Dandelion Quilts for the link! She has a gorgeous recipe there.

The second link is to a darling perpetual calendar at The Quilted Fish, thanks to Stephanie from Peas in a Pod for the link, she is a creative design team member for The Quilted Fish!

And now for the More part of this post.

The mail has been coming in, and here is the design wall today - still have more blocks that haven't made it up, oops.

I've come up with 3 different settings, so the quilts will be different but similar. I must thank you all for your blocks and donations for Kaaren, you guys are amazing! And I have to show you what Rosie did, she sent me this darling little hand-stitched tag, bless her. It's hanging with my scissors above my sewing table.

Thank you Rosie, you are a doll!

Michelle from L7 Quilt Co. had a give-away, and the winners didn't contact her, so guess who was an alternate winner? Yep! Look at these gorgeous fabrics....

And the little "laugh" hanger, also on my scissors peg! Thank you Michelle! I'm thinking these fabrics might be perfect for Jenny's new Circles of Life BOM, in her new magazine.

And speaking of Jenny's new magazine, I'm going to be the guest designer next month! How exciting is THAT??? Here's a sneak peek of the work in progress....

If you haven't subscribed yet, you can get back issues in her etsy store! But if you haven't, you have to see what you're missing!!

Finally, I'll leave you with a pic of our sky last night.

Don't adjust your monitor, yes it was ORANGE. Strangest thing. I guess the local tv news had a lot of calls about it, and he explained it was something to do with all the moisture in the air, and the refraction of the setting sun. Very, very eerie. At one point it was green, which in this neck of the woods usually means a tornado, but apparently it went through the color spectrum and ended up with orange. I'm really glad it wasn't a tornado.

I want to wish all of my US friends a very Happy 4th of July, my Canadian friends a very Happy Canada Day, and all the rest of you a wonderful weekend [what's left of it] and week! See you Tuesday!

A Winner, An Update, And A Birthday

2011-07-01T05:15:00.000-07:00

I suppose you'd like to know who won that gorgeous table topper from Cheryl??? Ok, we'll do that first, cuz I know I hate to wait too.

Number eight, which would be SANDRA!!!!!!
Sandra, I'll be emailing you and Cheryl! Congratulations!!

And now an update on Kaaren's quilt - here's the blocks starting to grace my design wall.

GORGEOUS! I anticipate this will grow again today, the mail will arrive in about 2 hours. It's a wonderful thing, seeing all the love for her, I can't WAIT to get this done and on its way to her. I also want to thank all of you for your donations, I'm going shopping this weekend with coupons for batting and sashing fabric. I want to be a faithful steward and get the best price possible, while sticking to quality for Kaaren.

Finally, the birthday....yesterday was John's birthday, I have no clue how he got to be 19 years old. It's just not possible.

We went for dinner at Famous Dave's, John's favorite place. Messy but oh so good!

With his brother....

And his mother....

Happy Birthday my darling young man - you'll always be my baby!

I'll be back tonight or tomorrow to kick off July's Christmas Through The Year!

Tickled Pink Tuesday

2011-06-28T17:35:00.000-07:00

Nope, not tickled pink that mum is sick AGAIN....and not tickled pink that Jeff's mum fell and hit her head, and had to get a CT scan today [all clear, thank You Lord]...not tickled pink that I have to get up at 6am tomorrow for Sam's PT appointment....but I am tickled pink about something...

Do you remember when Jenny and the Gum Tree Designers created their Springtime BOM for Fresh Hope? Well, sweet Cheryl from Willowberry Designs put me in touch with Mary from Fresh Hope, and I created a pattern for her wonderful ministry too.

Fresh Hope is a wonderful organization, helping mums and children stay together and getting them healthy. The name of the organization is exactly what they offer to these families. Truly something I can support with my whole heart, and small talents.

This is the pattern I created for Fresh Hope, the Seeds Of Hope Hand Bag.

And here is my 'designer's statement', the reason I chose to support them.

Since the birth of my two boys, I’ve realized that motherhood is the most important role of my life. The future of the world starts with our children. That is why I decided to support Fresh Hope, by creating and donating a pattern. The help, caring and devotion that Fresh Hope gives to mothers is something I am very pleased to support. In my own small way, I hope to make a contribution to their great work.

The design on the front of my purse is dandelions in the seed stage. The seeds scatter and produce a miracle of new life, bringing the hope and promise of beauty to new areas. I think they’re a lovely little flower, sunny yellow and cheerful, and I love their persistence and endurance – both excellent qualities. To me, it epitomizes the work that Fresh Hope does, bringing these qualities and a new life to mothers and children in need. The seeds of addiction and hopelessness are blown away for the promise of a new life, a ‘fresh hope’.

The pattern will be available soon, it's going to the distributor this week. You can browse Fresh Hope's pattern index here, or check at Under the Mulberry Tree, [put Fresh Hope in the search box on the left], or go into your local craft store and ask for a pattern. Creative Abundance is the distributor, the store will contact them and Creative Abundance will send them the pattern.

I want to thank Cheryl for putting me in touch with such a lovely ministry, and for the opportunity to be a blessing!

I hope you're all having a Tickled Pink Tuesday - join with me and my partner Cheryl at Polka Dots and Rick Rack and tell us what's tickling you!

allie-oops sweet happy life

Sigh.

The Forecast Was Rain

A Word About Spam

I'm Not Ignoring You, Promise

Hope You're Sitting Down

An Award And A Give-Away

Spread The Word, Share The Love

Settling In

A Give-Away!

Just Settle Down!

Did Ya Miss Me?

This Post Brought To You By....

A Little Housekeeping....

A Fun Week

Christmas Through The Year

The End And The Beginning.....

It's After Midnight, Time To Pick Our Winner!

Mrs. Claus Has A Birthday

Did You See This??

Cold Feet....

December Strut Your Stuff!

More Tutorials And Where Is My Brain?

Snapshots From My Mailbox

More Tutorials

Everybody saw "AWWWW"!!!

December Christmas Through The Year

November Christmas Through The Year GiveAway Winner!

November Christmas Through The Year Strut Your Stuff!

Happy Thanksgiving!

The Party Is Back On.....

A Gift For You

November Christmas Through The Year

Christmas Through The Year October Winner!

My Memories Give Away Winner!

October Strut Your Stuff!

Blogger's Quilt Festival

Give-Away Ends Tomorrow Night!

Success

What A Week, Already

It's Arrived!!

How About A Give-Away?

STMMMS68739

Extended Deadline

Shipped.

Indian Summer

O Canada

Bitter Sweet

Name That Blog

Give-Away

October Christmas Through The Year

Christmas Through The Year September Winner!

September Strut Your Stuff!

Weekend Report

Turkey Lurkey

Catching Up

Please Help....

Undone

Thank You Cathy!!

Can't Help Myself

*Cue Chirping Crickets*

Remembering

Press. Slam. Repeat.

Shut The Fridge Door!

Long Weekend

September Christmas Through The Year

August Christmas Through The Year Winner!

Tickled Pink Tuesday, Through The Window Challenge

Oops

Catching Up

August Strut Your Stuff, Christmas Through The Year

Still Here...

We Interrupt Your Regularly Scheduled Broadcast...

Miscellany

Are You A Michigan Blogger?

I'm Back.....[with a million pictures]

Leaving....

Tickled Pink Tuesday And Through The Window

Good Weekend

What's Your Song?

Cue Chirping Crickets