Cold weather and quilting....

I am looking to make one of these. It is a wool blanket that is made from 3 wool tweed coats. You can either recycle them from your own closet, or get some from Goodwill. This is what I plan to do. I will probably be heading out to Goodwill tomorrow and see what kind they have. I know they are relatively inexpensive. I have priced them before. $3.00 a coat. Boy, you can't beat that. I got the idea and the directions from Martha Stewarts website. You can read about it here:http://www.marthastewart.com/article/wool-tweed-patchwork-throw?backto=true

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HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I hope everyone has a safe and Happy New Year!

I will be back posting on Friday morning to blog.Pin It Now!

The kiddos are happy

Christmas break is starting early. We got covered with an ice storm last night. So a little sleeping in was done.

The rest of the day may be just as slow....

Hope everyone is enjoying their Christmas season this year.

Be safe all,
CherylPin It Now!

FAMILY CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS

Do you have any family Christmas traditions you would like to share?

I will share a few with you. Growing up, my sister and I always put out milk and cookies for Santa and we always had the traditional picture taken with Santa. My mom sewed all our clothes that we wore back then, so we always got a new pair of pajamas for Christmas each year. I almot forgot this tradition. Every year our parents would read Twas the Night Before Christmas to me and my sister. I actually still have the book packed away in a box somewhere. It's been so many years. It's starting to tatter. When I got married and we had our first child, my father gave it to me to read to my children during the holidays.

Now that I am married and have kids, my husband and I have started traditions of our own. We always attend a candlelight service at our church. My husband usually sings my very favorite Christmas song.... O Holy Night. Afterwards we usually get invited to a Christmas open house by some friends and hang out for a while and then head home. Now this next Christmas tradition we need to stop. After arriving home from the open house my husband and I usually spend another hour and a half awake because we are wrapping gifts. Now, mind you, are children are no longer small. They are teenagers. So, really, we need to get these things wrapped as we buy them and not wait so late. Maybe that will change this year. Another tradition we started with our children when they were toddlers was receiving only three gifts just like baby Jesus did. They each have a stocking and they usually get an orange and some candy and one or two fun things in it. Each year since the children were born we have bought a Christmas CD or two. So now we have an eclectic collection of Christmas music. Everything from the oldies like Nat King Cole to Brenda Lee and the Trans Siberian Orchestra. Makes listening to Christmas music throughout the holidays more enjoyable.

This year, I am starting a new tradition. I will be making cinnamon rolls for breakfast on Christmas Day....and I will be posting the recipe to share with you all. But first let me entice you with a pic of the finished product. Now you can't tell me that doesn't look tasty. Shoot, if I had the time today, I would make some right now, but I don't. Another tradition we have is baking cookies. Now my family loves Chocolate Chip cookies, so those are a given. I like something called a Mexican Wedding cookie. This year we will try two new ones. Some shortbread cookies and some Linzer cookies. Unfortunately, both are loaded with butter, but are a beautiful , tasty cookie when done.




Speedy Cinnamon Rolls



SERVINGS: 18
CATEGORY: Breads
METHOD: Baked
TIME: Prep: 10 min. + rising Bake: 25 min.





Ingredients:
1 loaf (1 pound) frozen bread dough, thawed
2 tablespoons butter, melted
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream


Directions: On a floured surface, roll dough into an 18-in. x 6-in. rectangle; brush with butter. In a large bowl, combine the brown sugar, walnuts and cinnamon; sprinkle over dough. Roll up, jelly-roll style, starting with a long side; pinch seams to seal. Cut into 16 slices. Place, cut side down, in two greased 8-in. round baking pans. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 50 minutes. Pour 1/4 cup cream over each pan. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.



Immediately invert onto serving plates. Yield: 1-1/2 dozen.



Here is another recipe for you. If you like giving out bark at Christmas, then this recipe is for you....and no, I don't mean tree bark. This is white chocolate peppermint bark. It is delicious.

Again, I will enitce you with another picture first and then the recipe



Peppermint Bark

Cook Time
10 min
Yield: about 2 pounds of candy
Ingredients
Crushed candy canes, to yield 1 cup
2 pounds white chocolate

Directions
Place candy canes in a plastic bag and hammer into 1/4-inch chunks or smaller. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler. Combine candy cane chunks with chocolate (add peppermint flavoring at this point if desired.) Pour mixture onto a cookie sheet layered with parchment or waxed paper and place in the refrigerator for 45 minutes or until firm. Remove from cookie sheet and break into pieces (like peanut brittle.)


For packaging ideas, check out Martha Stewarts website. She has some good ideas.

Well, that's all for now. This should keep you all busy and wanting to get into the spirit of the Christmas Season.



Have a blessed day!
CherylPin It Now!

Christmas Decorating

We have been so busy around here. Our weekends for this month started filling up last month. I tidied up the house yesterday and brought up all the Christmas decorations, etc. up. I will decking the house out inside and out today. I will be posting pics later this afternoon or evening. So be sure to check back and take a peek. I don't have lots of decorations, but just enough to showcase something in each room on our first floor.Pin It Now!

LET'S SURF A LITTLE

I have added some new blogs to my "blogs I like to read" list. Go and check them out. Lotsa talented ladies that like to craft, cook , sew and do photography.

Enjoy!Pin It Now!

Holiday Greetings

HAVE A BLESSED CHRISTMAS AND A JOYOUS NEW YEAR!

Posting this a bit early as blogger has been a stinker with me on and off for a long while so I may not be able to get back in for a while. I wanted to be able to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday with friends and family.

I have been to sewmamasews blog quite a bit this month for inspiration. There is something there for everyone on your Christmas list to make something handmade. They have been doing giveaways as well. So go check them out.
http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/?p=653

Monica over at http://thehomespunheart.blogspot.com/ has been sharing some delightful projects for the Christmas season that she has made. So go give her a look see as well. She also just opened the http://therustyrobin.blogspot.com/ She sells her handmades at this site. One tradition that she has started with her girls this year is something called a "jesse tree." You can read about it here and she even gives you ideas on how to put your own together as well as a link about the Jesse tree.http://thehomespunheart.blogspot.com/2008/12/jesse-tree.html What a wonderful tradition to start with your children. A sweet reminder to them that Jesus is the reason for the season!

Have a blessed day!Pin It Now!

THE HARVEST

We had loads of veggies this summer to pick from our own garden that we planted. We had tomatoes well into late October early November. The cucumbers and green beans didn't do so well. There is a tree next to our garden and that tree got invaded by some kind of beetle. We had carrots, tomatoes and green, red, and yellow peppers to eat throughout the summer and fall. I can't tell you how wonderful it was to go out into the garden early in the morning and water it and later in the day be able to pick a couple of things to use in a salad at night. Below is a pic of some of the tomatoes I picked one day. I thought it was kind of cute how they stair stepped in size, so I snapped their photo.
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WOOOHOO!!

So excited! I finally was able to get into my blog today. YAY!!!

I have been wanting to share some pictures with you all for a very long time, but due to blogger not letting me get in, I couldn't.

Anyhow, I shared in a previous post that last year for Christmas my dear husband gave me a new camera. A digital SLR camera. I love it and have been snapping away the past few months. I am hoping to be able to one day take pics like this.
http://stacyrichardsonphotography.com/blog/

She take fabulous pictures. She doesn't use a flash for any of her photos and her photos are what she calls done in photojournalism form. They tell a story. Check out her blog and her photography site.

The first pic I would like to share with you is a pic of my daughter late summer. She found a big ball of these dandelion fluffs. I thought, how cool. It would be cool to get a profile pic of her blowing on it and have them blow away. So, I did. The photo is below. One thing I learned about taking pictures outside in natural light is to not take a pic when the sun is at the height of the day. I should of taken this pic later that evening and the natural light wouldn't of been as harsh on her face.




Then later in the fall I took some of this shrub we have in front of our house. It's commonly referred to as a burning bush. I love the deep dark red leaves on it in the fall. So pretty.

I took several pics of this bush at different angles. No flash. Taken early in the morning. Haven't learned anything about photoshop yet, so all these pics are RAW and untouched.
Here are two more



My daughter asked me to take her senior photos this year. So hopefully when it warms up in the spring I can share those pics. We missed getting some photos taken in the fall when the colors on the leaves were beautiful.Pin It Now!

THIS IS SO CRAZY....

Blogger has been a stinker to me. Sometimes I can get in and post and comment, and sometimes I can't. Today, it's weird. I haven't been able to sign on to my account for along time and I come to my blog and it's signed on already. So absolutely bizarre, I tell you.

Well, since it is freakishly working I guess I will chat a bit about what's been happening here. We've been very busy with school activities and church activities, birthdays and whatever else makes it in.

My darling husband bought me a fabulous digital SLR for Christmas and I didn't start using it until July! I know, that is just ridiculous in and of itself. I have been snapping away and enjoying it. I have been wanting to post pics for a while now, but blogger is so finicky about letting me on. Later today if I am still able to get on, I will post some of the snapshots that I have.

Well, I am off to do the housework and errands.
Have a blessed day all!Pin It Now!

Still looking

Job front is still a no go. Haven't heard back from any of the places I put applications in at. In the process of filling out more applications. So, hopefully something will pan out soon.Pin It Now!

I've been MIA

Sorry I have been MIA. Blogger wouldn't let me in to my blog. I am not sure what all the problems were, but I am able to post now. If you don't see me post again in a long time it's because blogger is being honery again.

I will be posting pics of several things this weekend. Some garden harvest photos, 40th birthday fun and projects that I haven't been able to post due to old camera going on the fritz and learning how to use the new camera.

I will be sharing recipes with you that are family favorites. Would love to hear what your family favorites are as well. Hoping to have some kind of swap and giveaway soon in honor of Fall being in full swing.

Hope everyone is doing well.

Hugs,
CherylPin It Now!

AUTUMN

What is your favorite season of the year? I have two. I have always loved the Fall...or Autumn. The days start to get shorter and the temperatures start to slowly drop from the hot days of summer. There is a crispness in the air. I love it! It means I will be making more soup, beef stew and chili to warm up our bellies and more snugging under the blanket with my better half.


Growing up on the east coast you have the opportunity to see all the beautiful colors the leaves turn. My favorite are the deep, dark red ones like in this photo.

Now we live in the Midwest and I don't get to see the red colored ones as often. It's mostly yellows and oranges I see out in the Midwest. Guess if I go further north, I might be able to see the reds I like. Hmm, may have to talk hubby into a day trip as it gets cooler.

My other favorite season is Summer! My husband and I grew up in Maryland and our families ALWAYS vacationed on the Eastern Shore every summer. Summer at the shore was always a must. Now his folks live there and we visit every other summer. We enjoy spending the day at the beach in the sand and water and finishing it off with either crab cakes, potatoes and corn or just getting a bushel and picking at the crabs eating them like as you see below. Sooooo goood! It may not look appetizing to you, but it sure tastes yummy.

As summer is winding down and our kiddos are heading back to school, take some time to smell the roses....er , uh, or the mums and enjoy the fall foliage around you.

Have a blessed day!

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ON THE JOB FRONT

I haven't any news to post on this. I have been filling out applications, but haven't heard from anyone yet.
It was weird to have to dig up all kinds of information to put on these applications. Some places want the last seven years worth of places you worked, others want like everywhere you have ever worked. Too funny! So, I had to hunt down names, addresses, etc. It started to make my head spin, but I did it.
Now, I am in wait and see mode.Pin It Now!

LIFE....

Well, it seems I have good intentions, but God has other things for me to do.

I wasn't able to get any quilting done last weekend. : ( My dear husband had volunteered our whole family to go help out with "Beaver Day" at the local Boy Scout Council. Basically a Beaver Day is a work day. Fixing things, painting, etc. We spent most of our morning there and then were too pooped to do much else afterward.

I am in the process of looking for a part time job. Our oldest will be graduating this year and it is important to us to be able to get through the college years debt free. NO LOANS! So, my already close to zero amount of time I would like to use sewing is dwindling down because I have other things taking a priority.

Once I get a handle on the job thing and get a routine down, I plan to post more often and once in a great while, you just may see a sewing or quilting creation or two.

Have a blessed day in whatever you do today!Pin It Now!

BABY QUILT ALONG

Amanda Jean over at crazymomquilts blog is having a baby quilt along this week. I have one pieced top I need to quilt and bind and another I need to start on. I plan to join her and get them done this week. I will post on how they came out on Saturday or Sunday. Planning on quilting tomorrow and Friday and part of Saturday.Pin It Now!

PATTERN SALE!

If you have a Hobby Lobby where you live and you have been wanting a pattern that has just been to expensive to buy, well, now is the day to buy it. All of their McCall's patterns are on sale for 99 cents! That's right, you read it correctly. I bought three patterns that I have been wanting for just $3.00. I plan to go back tomorrow to get two more. The sale is over on Saturday, August 23rd.

Happy Sewing Ladies!Pin It Now!

IT'S OUT!

The new Amy Butler Little Stitches for Little Ones is out. You can click on the link below to read the first review that someone has left and take a peek inside the book. I checked out the table of contents and it sounds like the book is a keeper. I will be stopping by my Barnes and Noble today to check it out.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0811861287/?tag=soul01-20

Have a great day!Pin It Now!

AN AWARD

A big shout out to Christina of Bumblebee and a big thank you for the Brilliant Weblog Award.

There are a lot of blogs out there that are so informative and creative. I have learned so many new things with respect to quilting and sewing, etc. by so many.

Here are just a few that I frequent just because these gals are so talented, sweet and always inspire me.

Christina of http://www.bumblebeebags.blogspot.com/ makes the most awesome bags. You will have to check out her blog to see her past creations. Most, if not all are her own design. Very talented gal. She also has a very quick wit. Love that.

Sue of http://berkshirecottage.blogspot.com/ is a sweetheart. She is always ready to share or help you out if you don't understand a pattern, etc. She also shares my love for homeschooling. You go girl! I would love to be able to sit on Christinas front porch and sip a cuppa cold iced tea with her and Christina!

Autum of http://www.creativelittledaisy.typepad.com/ is another sweet soul. She is one creative cookie. I have enjoyed learning how to do new things with respect to sewing and quilting. I fear the zipper no more because of Autum. She makes it all look so easy.

Nikki over at http://nikisventures.blogspot.com/ is another sweetie as well. She talks about all sorts of stuff on her blog. She always has links to cool freebies and she makes the most beautiful quilts.

Monica of http://thehomespunheart.blogspot.com/ I would like to say is like a good friend who I have never met. She is so transparent and real when she blogs. She blogs about every day mom stuff that we all go through or never talk about. She has a wonderful series that she does called "Clean Heart." Without never having had the opportunity to meet Monica, I think we would be wonderful friends. We both enjoy the simple pleasures of life, family and home.

Ruth and Jessica a mom and daughter blog over at http://sewchic.blogspot.com/2007/07/crocheted-edge-blanket-tutorial.html. They are lots of fun! They always talk about interesting things. Share their latest sewing endeavors and cute pics of the kids, etc.

Amanda Jean over at http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/ has a wonderful blog. She has done a couple of wonderful quilt alongs. I admire you for doing these. Taking step-by-step pics for each quilt block so all of us in blog land following along understand. She has shared some beautiful quilts she has made and has some wonderful tutorials as well.

So there you have it! My top 7 fave blogs out there. After I eat breakfast every morning, I check you all out and find out what is new for the day...what quilts you are working on, what bag or purse you have sewed, etc.....and I get INSPIRED!

Thank you all for blogging and sharing a little part of you with the rest of us in Blogland!

Hugs!

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THE FRUITS OF OUR LABOR

I may not have a green thumb when it comes to keeping flowering plants alive, but apparently with the help of my dear husband I can grow vegetables!


Below you will see some of our green beans.
There is a story to that small harvest. We have been looking and waiting for green beans to show up and nothing. Well, the other day my husband pulled back the big leaves to find some green beans. Apparently we have been waiting for this to climb like a vine when in actuality, it is a green bean bush. So, this small harvest will go to hubby's lunch. I will probably saute them up with some garlic and butter and call it a day. Live and learn, eh?







Here is an aerial shot of the tomatoes. I want them to be ripe now so we can have some tomatoe sandwiches.


Here is a front view of one of our pepper plants Next up is a shot of our carrot tops and a view of the cucumber vines. Looks like there will be lotsa cucumbers too! Woohoo!

An older lady friend of mine at church remarried recently and she and her new husband have been downsizing...consolidating her things from her house to his. In the past she has had gardens and canned a lot. She doesn't do this anymore. She will be giving me all her canning equipment. She has jars, lids, rings, and the jar grabber thingie...lol, I am not sure of it's proper name. I just need to purchase the pot with the basket thing in it. I am so excited!

I have been reading up on canning and freezing from a book I checked out at the local library. Next year we will have to plant some strawberries and blueberries so we can make some freezer jam.

Enjoy your day in your little part of the world!

Cheryl

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Purse/Bag cuteness

I was surfing this morning and saw this cool video on Martha Stewarts website on this darling purse.

It's quite cute. Sue, this bag looks similiar to the ones you made. I can't remember if you referenced Martha's site or note. Anyhow, they have a free template online and you can watch the video of her actually putting it together on the show.

Next up in purse cuteness is this purse. Sorry for the not so great pic of it. I purchased it at a local dollar store for only....are you ready for this??? I only purchased it for $8.00 They had other styles and fabric ways at the same price and matching wallets for $4.00 I couldn't believe it, so naturally I had to buy one! Move over Vera Bradley. The purse is just as cute as hers and doesn't cost and arm and a leg.

I also have a pattern to make this style purse. Very easy.

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New Books ....

I would love to be able to purchase these new books that are out. You can never have too many idea and pattern books. This one is Amy Butler's new book that is not out yet, but you can get it at a pre order price from Amazon. I love making homemade baby gifts for new mom's to be and this would be a good book to have in my sewing library.

Here is another one that I would love to have in my library. It's yet another sweet baby pattern book as well. The author of this one is Valerie Van Arsdale Shrader

My birthday is coming up soon, so I may need to put a gift request in...haha!

Tomorrow hopefully the weather will cooperate and I can post pics and I will do a couple of book reviews for you.

Until then, happy sewing!

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Summer time and relaxing....

Hello!

Sorry I have been away from Blogland for so long. Vacation Bible School took a lot of my time the month of June. I was on the snack committee and had to solicit many local merchants for food for our Friday Family Dinner. Then there was the actual week of VBS and the Family Night Dinner. All went well, but I needed a relaxing few weeks after it was over to just do NOTHING! And I did. It was nice.

The garden is really making me smile. We have lots of tomatoes and peppers, but just not ripe to eat yet. Probably in late August we will see our carrots, and green beans. We started those from seed and I guess they are taking a bit longer to produce the fruit.

I have lots of pics to share,but will do so later. We are about to get hit with a bad storm.

Have a blessed day!Pin It Now!

Summer....

We have had our share of some crazy weather....tornadoes, rain, and more rain. We didn't mind all the rain as it kept us from having to water the garden with the hose. We were able to save on our water bill.

The garden is really thriving and I can't wait for July..for two reasons. One, because we should start seeing the fruits of our labor in the garden and the other...well, it will be my birthday.

I haven't blogged in a while because life in general has been full and because I haven't had internet access and now way of uploading pics to share with you.

I promise I will have some pics to share this weekend. I have lots to share....purse, wallet, quilt, crocheted blanket, bibs,etc.

Stay cool and enjoy your day!Pin It Now!

THE GARDEN IS COMING ALONG...

The pepper plants are growing like weeds and have some of the buds on them already. I don't think they are called buds though. They are like small flowers where the pepper will grow out from. LOL, I am sure someone knows what they are called. Right now, I can't remember. The cucumbers have finally poked through the dirt as well as the green beans. The carrots are taking a little longer to look like they are even there. All in all it's coming along and I can't wait till late July or August to sink my teeth into a nice, juicy, homegrown tomato. There will be lotsa tomato sandwiches eaten before fall rolls around.

DD and I were maybe even thinking about learning how to can. Anyone out there done this? Any advice on resources to read up on it? What all did you can?

No pics for now, been raining. We had tornado warnings and lotsa rain yesterday. If it clears up, I will share the veggies poking through.

DD sprained her ankle yesterday, will be seeing the doc today. No errands planned. I plan to actually get some sewing done. LOL, there is a novel idea. Wouldn't you just love to see some projects? This is after all supposed to be a quilting blog, isn't it?

I will post later on with some completed projects.

Have a wonderful day!Pin It Now!

AAAH, SPRING

Well, spring has finally sprung in our little neck of the woods. It's been in the upper 70's with a nice breeze the past few days. I love this kind of weather. If summer could be like this all the time I would love it.

Memorial weekend we did some much needed yardwork. Weeding and weeding...and oh, did I say weeding? LOL, we had A LOT of weeding to do. We also turned over a garden. We have planted tomato plants (my fave), pepper plants, cucumbers, carrots and zucchini.

Which reminds me, as I type this post, I am thinking I need to get out there and water the garden this morning. We also cleared an area where dh put down this seed mix for wild flowers. I can't wait to see this bed start sprouting. I can't remember the description of all the flowers that will grow there, but it is going to be pretty. I will take pics as the bed starts to fill in.

Kids are finally out of school! YAY! That means more sewing time now for me. Luckily for me, my dd learned to sew this year in Home Ec., so she is all about heading out to the fabric store to look and buy fabric and patterns. We went to the local quilt store this weekend. I was in search of a moda simplicty charm pack and she was looking for some trendy fabric to make some skirts. We both walked out with a purchase or two and we were happy. I will be starting the second quilt for my other neice. Pop out some bibs for the twins and then get that little package out in the mail. Today I have errands to run and then I will work on a gift for my sister to get sent out tomorrow. So hopefully I will have some sewing pics to share tomorrow.

I will leave you with a couple of pics from a shrub in our yard that flowers every year. I thought it was a rose bush before, but now I am not sure. If anyone knows what they are, please leave me a comment.

Have a great day!

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REMEMBER~

As you gather with friends or family this weekend for a cookout/bbq and are having a good time please take a moment to remember the fallen men and women of our country who died for us so that we could have our freedom.



Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day because it was a time set aside to honor the nation's Civil War dead by decorating their graves. It was first observed on May 30, 1868 and its purpose was to decorate the graves with flowers of fallen soldiers who died in defense of their country.



In the 21st century we honor the nations fallens soldiers on the last Monday in May. At Arlington National Cemetary in Washington, DC a small American flag is placed at each grave. Also, the president or vice president will give a speech and a wreath is laid at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Enjoy the long weekend and have a safe one!

I have fought a good fight I have finished my course I have kept the faith. -- Timothy 2:4:7

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HELLO

I have been away for a few days. Was out of town to attend a wedding. The wedding was beautiful...the bride and groom were beautiful. Don't have any pics to share. Hubby and I are friends of the brides parents, so we helped out a lot so they didn't have to do stuff so they could enjoy the day with their daughter.


With the long weekend coming up and the children soon out of school I have lots of plans for sewing and gardening. More on that to come. Hopefully I will have some pics to share come Tuesday.

Now that we are back home, it's back to laundry, dishes and the like. Ah, it's good to be home. : )Pin It Now!

THANK YOU

A big Thank YOU to Autum of CREATIVE LITTLE DAISY. I was looking to give my blog a new look for the spring/summer. My new banner is a pic from a cozy corner of her home.

Lots to do around here today. So, I best get going.

Have a blessed all!Pin It Now!

The day after.....

Alright ladies, it's back to reality for us. LOL, we got a day off without cooking and got pampered a bit, but now it's back to life as a mommy....and we love it!



I had a chance to practice some more free motion quilting and I think I am just about ready to finish up the table runner project from class. If it turns out half way decent, I may try some potholders too. One can never practice too much.

I may post a pic of it later on today...so stay tuned.



Enjoy your day!
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WISHING....

All my blogger friends that are moms out there a very Happy Mother's Day ...early.

Hope you are blessed to be surrounded by your family and your own moms.

Enjoy your special day ladies!

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FUN AND FREE MOTION QUILTING

I thoroughly enjoyed this class and again, I forgot my camera. I really need to just stash it in my purse so I always have it.

A sweet lady named Marilyn taught this class. She was a wonderful teacher and was encouraging us to try and PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE. I wasn't able to stay for the whole class because I had to get my kids from school. My dh was just flying in from being out of town, so he wasn't able to pick them up so I could finish the class. She knew I had to leave early and so did another lady because of committments so she taught us how to do all the fun stuff . How to make loops, stars, hearts, cabbage roses, triangles. I have to say though ladies. If you are new to free motion quilting and have never done it before like myself it is not as easy at it looks. As you will see by my samples I am posting.

Getting the speed of the foot pedal regulated with the speed of your hands is the key. I haven't mastered that yet LOL. Hopefully when the kids are out of school I can concentrate on practicing.

I should mention that the book Marilyn taught from for the class was this one by Pat Sloan. Check her out on youtube. She has some nice tutorials on there.

So, as I mentioned before I had to leave class a little early. The last hour and half we were to put our new found skills in to practice on a table runner we were to have pieced prior to class. Here is mine. It is all wrinkled from being in my quilt carrier for over a week. It's not the most beautiful of color combos. I have to confess after paying for the class and having to purchase the book, I didn't want to have to purchase fabrics too. So, I swiped what I could from the stash I have.

Once I practice, practice practice and feel confident to free motion on a nicely pieced quilt top, then I will post a finished project. Until then, like Marilyn said, "I can't stress enough to PRACTICE , PRACTICE, PRACTICE!"

Have a blessed day!

Cheryl

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HUCK WEAVING

Christina over at Bumblebeebags (you can find her here http://bumblebeebags.blogspot.com/) asked if I would show you an example of Huck Weaving from my craft day at my church. I don't know that I can explain it very well, but you will see from the picture that it is kinda like embroidery or cross stitch, except that you weave through the cloth. The cloth is very soft and yarn is what is used to weave in and out of the cloth to create your design. The needle that is used is very long, but blunt. I gotta tell ya I fell in love with this craft. Very relaxing and instantly gratifying. You start to see results quickly. The gal that showed us how to do it brought in some examples. She had a beautiful blanket done with hunter green yarn and the pattern on the cloth was just gorgeous. She also had a table runner in progress that she was working on. On the table runner she used variegated yarn. Using variegated yarn makes a beautiful end result too. Lotsa contrast. I could just kick myself for not bringing my camera so I would be able to show you pics of that. Here is a link that explains it probably better than I do and has an illustration of how the weaving is done. They also have a link to click to to get some free patterns.http://www.stitchpics.com/huckhow.htm

Here is a sample from the class. I don't know if it's my sample or not though. She only had so many samples to use and I shared mine with someone else. Anyhow, you get the idea though. Below the sample is a close up of the cloth. It is called Monks Cloth.

If anyone is ineterested in doing this let me know. The gal teaching it did give me a pattern to use. Also, if anyone reads up on it and decideds to do a project please share. I would love to see your creations.

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What a tease.....

Spring is being such a tease here in the midwest. We have these beautiful days of warm weather and then it's cold again. It's so crazy as it is April and we are all ready for warmer weather.

Even though it has been cool, those warm days have started to jump start things into blooming like crazy around here. Seems the flower...or should I say bulb to plant is tulips. I see them everywhere and in so many colors. I may have to plant some of my own this year so I can see them bloom next year. We are in desperate need of landscaping our home. We have a lot of mulch to put down and some soil to build up grading in some areas. We also have some pulling out of withered things. There is however one bit of color that has brought a smile to my face. These yellow tulips are so lovely. Such a vibrant color. It's the last of three bunches that have bloomed every year. Seems the local rabbit population likes my tulips too. LOL, they didn't eat these this year. Here is another pic of the tulip closeup blowing in the breeze.

Haven't had extended lengths of time to quilt,crochet or sew. I don't have any projects to share that are finished. Still crocheting away on the baby blanket. I did attend my free motion quilting class. Lotsa fun and more on that in another post.

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Just a "hello"

It was a busy weekend. The kids had things going on sports wise, etc. Spent most of the day at church on Sat. Our ladies ministry had a craft day and it was so much fun. I did glass etching and huck weaving. Huck weaving was soooo much fun. I think I see a new craft addiction in my future. Ha, like I need one. Sunday our choir had a presentation in both services too.



I have several quilts and crochet projects on the burner right now. When things settle down, I would love to try this quilt pattern. I saw a quilt over on Crafster with this pattern, but in different color ways.It's call Yellow Brick Road. If you like this pattern, but can't find it locally, you can purchase it at this link:

http://www.atkinsondesigns.com/patterns/patternDetail.asp?productid=126


I also want to try the disappearing nine patch. I am thinking of using all my stash fabrics to make that quilt. It might be one ugly quilt one I am done though, but at least I will have made room to buy some NEW fabric! And really, all of us that need a 12 step program for hoarding fabrics know that making room to buy more fabric is what it's all about, right?

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MINI SHOPPING SPREE WITH "THE GIFT CARD"

It was an absolutely wet day yesterday. Throughout the day it would thunder and the rain would come down in buckets of water. There I was standing at the door; armed with "The Gift Card" and I was heading to the local quilt store to use it no matter what.


I had planned on getting a jelly roll of Moda's Simplicity fabrics. They are so fresh and feminine and such yummy prints. But then I realized I need some fabrics for a quilt to be gifted to a newly married couple. You see, she likes greens....any shades and I don't have any of that color fabric in my stash. So, I went looking and with the help of one of the employees there, we came up with these beautiful fabrics that will make a wonderful lap quilt she and her hubby can snuggle under.

Later on in the afternoon I had to return some yarn at Michael's and yep, you guessed it...I whipped out "The Gift Card" again and purchased this book and a number ten crochet hook and the proper thread to make some of those crochet edged flannel blankets.

Can you believe after all this....I still had money left on the card? Well, I did. There isn't much left, but I intend to use it all...every last penny.

Have a blessed day!

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FREE MOTION

Yippeee! I am so excited! I was at my local quilt shop picking out some new fabrics....I know I know, I said I was going to use what I have, but I couldn't help myself. I was bestowed with a gift card, so , you know how that goes. I HAD to use it. : ) Anyhow, I noticed while I was there that in a couple of weeks they will have a free motion quilt class. So, I signed up. It's a 4 1/2 hour class on one day and the class was only $40.00

As I was looking through my supplies list I was dissapointed by the fact that we have to purchase a book .We will be using a pattern for a table runner in this book. As I read on, I saw that they won't be totally following the instructions given. So, why buy the book? I don't know, I am going to look for it at the library first and possibly copy that page I need. That is ridicuolous they are making us buy the book. Anyhow, I am still excited about the class as I hope taking this class will allow me to make a better finished product. No more "X's" hopefully in the future.

Enjoy your evening!Pin It Now!

Crochet

Did I mention I like to crochet? Well, I do. I find it incredibly relaxing. Especially when I have found a pattern with well written directions. Here is a pic of a baby blanket I am making for a friend I play BUNCO with.

Here is another. That first one seemed kind of dark. The pattern is a shell stitch. The yarn I am using is so soft. I think it will be a wonderful covering for her babe in the coming summer months.

I also plan to make some bibs and crochet edged flannel blankets too. These are great shower gifts to have on hand. I plan on making this gift set and doing others in different color ways so I always have a gift on hand.

I love handmade gifts. I have saved my childrens baby gifts that were crocheted or quilted. It is especially more sentimental when you have a piece made by a family member that has passed on.

If you need a tutorial or pattern for the chrochet edged blankets check my side bar for Sew Chic blog. They have a great tutorial there for you to use. I believe happythings blog on the side bar also has some tutorials as well as a pattern to make bibs too.

Have a blessed day!

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THANGLES

Do you quilt? Have you ever used thangles? They are a wonderful thing if you don't like doing math with squares that call for seven eighths in them. These are a time saver and you will love them. I am hoping to pop out a couple of QUICK quilts with these nifty Thangles. If you want to see how to use them, check out this YouTube video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4p-vpLScRw

There is another YouTube video series on this link.
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Thangles&search_type=

This gal from Expert Village in Utah shows you step-by-step how to sew and cut Thangles. Very nicely done. She also states that 85% of quilting is half square triangles. I didn't know that. This will definitley be a time saver then. If anyone has used these, please leave me a comment on how you liked using them.

Hopefully in the next week or so I will be able to post pics of the finished quilt that is blue and yellow ; as well as the new one I will be making using the Thangles.

Until then.....
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BINDING DONE!!

Phew! I finally finished my first quilt and binding. I wasn't able to get it done before my friends birthday, but I think she will love it just the same. I mean who doesn't enjoy getting a package in the mail all wrapped in beautiful paper just for them, right?

The "big, bad binding" turned out to not be as bad as I thought it would be. It was actually quite relaxing to hand stitch it to the backing fabric of the quilt. I am pleased with how it turned out. Hopefully as I quilt more, my binding skills will improve.

If someone has a better way to photograph a quilt, please let me know. I found it hard to get a good pic of it unless I put it on the floor. Anyhow, without further adieu, here it is.

Next up will be some baby things. Several quilts and some bibs. I need to put the borders, backing and binding on this one and send it off.

Then all these kiddos will get some bibs. Gotta look in the fabric stash to make those. I am on a "gotta use what you have" kick right now when it comes to fabric. As much as I would love to buy all these yummy fabrics that are out right now. I just can't justify buying more when I haven't used up what I have already.

If you haven't checked out my blog roll over on the side bar, please do. Ruth and Jessica have a great blog over at http://www.sewchic.blogspot.com/

Speaking of cute baby things to make. Check out her tutorial for some crochet edge baby blankets. These would be so cute for a mom to be that is due during spring or summer time. Those flannel blankies are just the right weight to keep a chill off a babe.

Hoping to pop some of those out as well. They are just too darling, don't ya think?

Have a good day all!

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Quilting

Here is a pic above of the binding I put on the quilt for my friend. I wasn't sure I was going to like the blue as the binding, but it looks really nice. The flash washed out the color, but it's sort of a Robins egg blue color.

I had to watch a video over at you tube to understand how to do the stitching of the binding to the back. I am not always able to picture things from directions. LOL, I need a visual. So, went looking for a tutorial or something with visuals to figure it out. Basically it is a hem stitch from what I gathered. The kind of stitch you use to hem a pair of pants. Anyhow, here is the link in case anyone needs a visual.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wdC1_1_cx0

Enjoy your day all!

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MARCH IS ......

National Craft Month!

I read that recently in a magazine while working out at the gym. I believe the magazine was Country Living. Not sure. They also had an article in there about entrepreneurial women. Some gals in blog land made it in this article. Have a look at their blog or site.

Alicia Paulson of http://rosylittlethings.typepad.com/posie_gets_cozy/ was in there. Connie and Mary from http://www.countrythreads.com/patchwork_quilting_patterns_about_us.html were in there as well.

Kudos to these women for making there dreams come true! What's better than being your own boss and waking up everyday getting to do what you really enjoy?Pin It Now!

SPRING FORWARD

Well, Spring is just around the corner. I know I am ready for it. I have had enough snow and cold weather. Ready for some warm sunny days and pretty spring flowers and a tall cuppa sweet ice tea.

Just a short post to remind everyone to set their clocks forward this Saturday.

I will post later on my progress with my quilt. I got the binding on last night and will spend some time today sewing it to the back.Pin It Now!

Quilting

I am still in the process of making this looooong binding to put on the quilt for my friend. I am hoping to actually start sewing on the binding tonight and pinning it to the back and start stitching away to get it all done. I am under a time constraint. I need to have it out in the mail by Monday at the latest. So, if you don't see a few posts between now and then it's because I am sewing away like a crazy woman trying to get it finished. I will be sure to post a pic of the finished quilt.Pin It Now!

Thrifting

I have been reading on lots of blogs the wonderful treasures people find thrifting. Today I decided to try my hand at it. I visited our local Goodwill store. No craft books in the book section. No sewing books, no crochet books...naddah. I couldn't believe it. I was bummed. Nothing in the linen department either. Was hoping to find some old sheets to make some picnic quilts. I did however scope out some tweed and wool sportcoats. Lots of neat plaids and tartans. Thought if I bought maybe six or ten I could put together a pretty warm quilt for our family to use when we go camping in the fall. At $4.99-$6.99 a coat, I didn't think that was too bad. So, I may head back there tomorrow to get some coats to cut up and turn into a warm quilt.



Another thing that I loved, but have nowhere to put it was a vintage picnic basket. Reminded me of the kind my mom had when we were kids. You know the kind with the two handles that you can fold down and the lid flips up and the bottom part of the basket is green. It look kind of like this one, but the body of the basket was a dark green. The price was just right too...$4.99! I tell ya, if I had some place to put it, I would of bought it.

Ah well, better luck next time when I head out to a different store.

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Rest, Relaxation and bonding time

In my last post I was wanting to be at the beach and I was ready for spring. Well, I got half that wish. My darling husband had arranged a mother/daughter cruise for myself and my daughter in the beautiful Bahams.

I recently had the pleasure of going on a mother/daughter cruise through BRIO. It's a Christian magazine for young girls. The speaker, Susie Shellinberger was absolutely fantastic. She was down to earth and funny and a poweful speaker on fire for the Lord.

Our cruise left on Valentines Day from Florida. That evening at dinner all the moms and daughters received a red carnation at dinner from our waiter. Later that evening our cabin steward had left a cool towel sculpture and some chocolates on our pillow. It was so cool looking, I thought, this is a kodak moment. So, there you have your picture.....

My dear daughter and I are very sentimental and wanted to admire the flowers just a little longer. So, she found some glasses and put some water in them and placed them on the ledge by the portal window. They looked so lovely in the glasses the next morning the way the sun was hitting them that I just knew it was ...yes, another Kodak moment.

We had a wonderful five days and four nights doing the mother/daughter bonding thing and we loved it. If anyone is interested in attending one, they are taking reservations for next years cruise. They will be going to Cozumel, Mexico. Here is the link:http://go.family.org/briocruise/

I will leave you with a few pics. There was a small chapel on the island of Half Moon Cay. I loved how the doorway framed the view looking out. Pictures don't do the beautiful scenery justice. The water is so clear and blue at the same time. Here is another of my daughter holding a beautiufl shell she found.

Have a blessed day!

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