Polka Dots & Rick Rack

“I’m Going To Tasmania!”

2012-02-12T23:18:00.001-08:00

……that was the text I got from our girl this past week!! What?…was my text back. Turns out her work has given her the opportunity to go to Tasmania for a couple weeks of training. We are so excited and happy for this wonderful opportunity that she has been given. As a mom, in your mind you can imagine things that will come up with your kids, this is one I never thought of! Tonight we both successfully installed Skype so we can be in touch while she is there!! Life…be open to the possibilities!

Here’s my very little bit of quilting..yoyo’s to be added around here and there, and some simple cross hatching will happen.
My friend Loretta that makes the beautiful yard art, gifted me with this pretty candle holder….for a how to have a look here!
Then my friend Carol gave me this sweet bag .
I love those cute little zipper pulls, and she knows how much I love 30’s. It’s the perfect fit for all my binding
equipment!!
This Friday is the next FNSI. Bobbi and Heidi

are the cheerleaders for this group. Sign ups are here at Heidi’s blog. My plan is to work on my Christmas present for this month. Darlene and I are very excited for month two of the Christmas Club…so how’s everyone's projects going???? Does it seem crazy that’s it’s almost the middle of February? Remember the Christmas Club is open to everyone....make a gift each month and at the end of the year you have gifts ready to go!! . Darlene will have a Mr. Linky on her blog at the end of the month where we all link to what we made, and a winner will be picked from the Mr. Linky list....here's this months giveaway--a gadget bucket for your sewing goodies. No sign ups...just jump in when you can!!!!! Next Monday I have a list of wonderful tutorials that I will post for some added inspiration.
Wishing you all a very happy week and an early Happy Valentines Day.

Tutorial Monday

2012-02-06T00:52:00.001-08:00

January was a very successful month for Christmas Through The Year. Darlene and I were so excited with the turnout! Speaking of Darlene …we all are hoping that flu bug gets the heck out of your house soon!!
So here we go with February. This month’s giveaway is a Gadget Bucket for your sewing goodies. To be in the running to win this, all you have to do is make a Christmas gift this month.  Then at the end of the month Darlene will post a Mr. Linky where you can enter a link to your gift. A winner will be picked from this list of names.  The bucket is a 2 lb. coffee can so it holds quite a bit. There are pockets around all sides. Here’s the one I use, filled to the brim! Wishing I was a better photographer..the picture doesn’t do it justice!

I am so excited to share the following tutorials with all of you.   Everyone has been so nice about letting me use their photos, with links to their tutorials.   If you do decide to make a project from one of these tuts, please give credit to the maker with a link back to their site!   So here we go!!!
From Pam Kitty Morning there’s this wonderful pot holder tutorial. In case you haven’t checked it out, here’s a peek at her beautiful new line of fabric. OMW…stinkin’ cute!
Sandra, at Sew in Peace has this really cute snowman mug rug tutorial, and Jodi from Pleasant Home has a sweet tree mug rug tutorial.
Betty Lou at Sugarland Quilts made these cute Christmas Tree napkins using a tutorial from Lyn Brown.   Tisha from Stamp, Stitch and Swizzle Stix has a really cute tissue holder tutorial. Having the sniffles wouldn’t be nearly as bad if you had this I am sure!!!
Kate from Needle and Spatula came up with this really cute quilted wine
tote tutorial (ok, try saying that 3 times fast !) I’m thinking polka dots!
Liz at Sew 4 Home

has a great tutorial for an Ironing Board Thread
Catcher Caddy. How handy to have your tools right at the ironing board!
Val Spiers has this really cute triangle container tutorial over at her blog. So many uses for this …such a clever idea!!
Now no pressure here, but Carol at Carol’s Crafty Creations has her February gift done. Click here for a look. Me, well that’s another story….I’m still in the thinking stage! Wishing you a great start to your week!!

Happenings…Some Finishes..A Tutorial..and Christmas Through The Year News

2012-01-31T13:22:00.001-08:00

This is year two of Sew It’s Finished, a group hosted by Wendy and Dawn, with the object to get things finished up that you have started and put away. This is so the place for me to be, and with that…..tada.. my finishes for the month. A Full House pillow (my finish for this months Another Year of Schnibbles), binding on my Scottie mini quilt, and the binding on my pumpkin table runner. WOOHOO!!!!
Tutorials….what can I say, I just can’t help myself. Kris at Dandelion Quilts made these two cute projects. First these sweet clutches. The tutorial can be found here at Noodlehead. Next these really cute notebooks

The tutorial can be found here at The Cottage Home. Check back Monday….there is quite a list of tutorials coming.

Brainstorming with Darlene about the Club has been really fun. Talking on the phone “in person” has really been great…like we have known each other forever. Below is what is new with our group taken from Darlene’s blog…with her permission of course!
              * * * * * * * * * * * * *
We keep trying to find ways to keep US motivated to make a Christmas gift or two every month. We're really excited about this idea and hope you are, too.
In addition to having a winner every month we're also going to have two Grand Prize winners next December. Cheryl and I are going to set aside an additional gift every month. The number of entries you have for the Grand Prizes will be based on how many months you participated. So if you participate all 12 months, you'll have 12 entries; 6 months - 6 entries and so on.
So...............my fellow Christmas Elves will that help keep you motivated to work on Christmas gifts and make your life easier next December?
         * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
We both are excited, and please know you all are keeping us motivated too!! Darlene and I have our pompoms raised high and are cheering you on…quite the mental picture for sure!! Darlene has a Mr. Linky up so you can have a peek at what others have made this month….wonderful presents being tucked away for next Christmas. Darlene will be drawing a name on Wednesday to see who will be the lucky winner of this sweet gift…..it’s finished, I just don’t have the finished picture!!
Happy end of the month everyone and we really hope you think about joining in…remember, no sign ups, just make a gift the months that you can. Now on to February!

January Christmas Gifts Done....(and a few tutorials!)

2012-01-26T10:03:00.001-08:00

Last night was our weekly quilting friendship group….first off everyone was in rare form…ok ladies you know who I am talking about!! There definitely was more laughing than quilting, but even so I managed to get five 10 minute table runners done. Got to class at 3:30 and by 7:30 they were done….came home and put the buttons on! I made some last year with intentions of giving them to my neighbors, but somehow they went to other homes. This year these are for the neighbors! Thanks to my friends Carol and Darlene for finding the tutorial..... here's the link for the runner.

Finding tutorials for the Christmas Club is so much fun, and even though I said the postings would be on the first and third Mondays of each month, I just have to throw a few in here. First my friend Carol made this sweet bag…I love that pleat in the front. You can find the link here.

Jen already has her January gifts done..link here for the Zippity Wallet tutorial. Then there’s Deb, she’s been a busy bee too and has her January gift done, a zipper purse made out of felt…tutorial here. Three stinkin’ cute projects don’t you think??!!! I have become possessed/obsessed with finding tutorials….think I might need some kind of intervention or something. Darlene and I are having so fun hosting this club, and I hear she has a surprise brewing for us! Don’t forget to check back here on Monday, February 6th…I have some more wonderful tuts coming your way. Happy Thursday everyone.

FNSI Results

2012-01-21T10:33:00.001-08:00

Sewing happened late here, but I definitely made some progress! First, I finished up a Valentine runner I started last year, got a mini heart garland tied up, and finished the piecing on a Valentine candle mat……buttonholing to happen soon! This is going to be a raffle item at Big Dots preschool.
Look at this….so sweet !!! Carol’s sweet doggie and these so cute stay put kitchen towels. It’s a tutorial she found and made for our Christmas Through The Year club….here’s the link if you want to whip up some for yourself!! Thanks Bobbi for hosting FNSI!!
This weekend is Little Dots 2nd birthday party. I can’t believe he’s two, and for party number two, we will be celebrating my in-laws 70th anniversary…..talk about a milestone!! Wishing you all a great weekend.

Fun Stuff and Christmas Through The Year Tutorials

2012-01-16T00:04:00.000-08:00

I won these wonderful goodies from Cheryll who hosted our Santa Sack Swap…all things I love, and such a sweet personal handkerchief .    Thanks so much Cheryll, and thanks for hosting such a fun swap.
Lurking around the blogs I found Wendy’s Sew It’s Finished blog. It’s a challenge blog that you can join to finish up UFO’s…..EUREKA!! This is what I need…some motivation to dig in and finish up all those projects that are tucked away…..let the UFO sewing begin.   Are you tempted?? :-)!

I have decided that I will be posting tutorials on the first and third Mondays of each month. It has been so much fun looking for projects……some are from bloggy friends and some are new bloggy friends.   If you decide to use one of the tutorials for a project and are posting a picture on your blog please use the link back to the tutorial. Good to give our crafters credit for their wonderful projects. So here we go!!!! Thanks to everyone for permission to print their links...and don't forget to check over at Darlene's for the wonderful giveaway she has whipped up this month......SO CUTE!!!
These two links are from Jen, Miss Punkie Pie. First a two handed pot holder from Liz at Sew4home.   So clever and these would make great Xmas gifts.

This next project I will repeat closer to Christmas but I just had to show it now…..it had over 23,000 pins on Pinterest….
Candy Cane Sleighs loaded with candy..YUMMY, from Ellyn’s Place. Ellyn made sure to give credit to one of the ladies in her Bring n Brag group for showing them this project. More tutorials will be coming from Ellyn. Thanks Jen for two wonderful links.
Here’s another project from Liz at Sew4home..a bed caddy. Talk about being organized!!! LOVE THIS…and this link has tons of great projects and info.

Here’s a very quick, easy and cute project from Lori at Bee In My Bonnet… hot/cold bags. The fabrics she used are too cute for words!!   I have been following Lori’s blog for a long time….so much to see over there you probably will get sidetracked for some time. There will be more links to Lori in the future.

Ashley from Make It and Love It came up with this very clever holder for charging your cell phone…I’m thinking I need to be making some polka dot ones for sure. This site is loaded with ideas!
Besides being a good bloggy friend and trusting Darlene and myself to continue on with her club, Allie is also sending me links. Here is a wonderful Hexi Snowman table runner from Paulette at Sweet P Quilting. I know a few friends that would love this for Christmas not to mention ME!!! So it’s definitely on my to do list!

Stephanie at A Ditchin’ Time Quilts has this wonderful tutorial for a designer car trash bag! This is so cool Stephanie and a great tutorial.
If anyone has a tutorial they would like to share please email me….I’m on the hunt!
No sewing for me this past week…other things happening …but I am hoping to get some sewing in this Friday….it’s FNSI. You can sign up here at Bobbi’s blog.
Happy week everyone and start thinking Christmas gifts!

A UFO Finish…..and Tuts for the Christmas Through The Year Club

2012-01-09T17:29:00.001-08:00

Hopping around the blogs I kept seeing all the cute pillows being made, using the Miss Rosie’s Full House Schnibble pattern…at quilt camp I got my pillow top done and then put it aside!! Figured I would work on it some time next year. Well Carol challenged me to finish up a UFO each month this year….and here is my finished pillow.
Feels good to get something done right away and yes that was taken a couple days ago so Christmas has been slow coming down. Tomorrow the last of the boxes will be tucked away!
Darlene and I have had a good response to year two of the Christmas Through The Year Club, and we are both so excited to continue on with Allie’s club. Thanks to Pinterest and emails from friends I have some more Tuts to share!!
Anna at Thimbleanna has this really cute Purse Thingy (her words!) tutorial…link up here. You might as well have a cup of coffee, you will be there for a while. So many wonderful ideas. Karen at Sew Many Ways has this really sweet Fabric Bookmark….tut here.
This would also be a great teacher gift. Again, grab that coffee there is lots to see at her blog….and if you haven’t visited on Tool Time Tuesday have a peek tomorrow. She comes up with some amazing things.
I have always wanted to make a casserole cover for myself, but I’m thinking they would make great gifts too. So over at 2littlehooligans there is this great tutorial.   Again, cup of coffee time…another great blog!
Allie, who is cheering Darlene and I on, sent me the link for a really cute Mushroom Needle Book. She found it over at Loralynn's blog, My Art, My So Called Life... another great blog!!! Wasn’t sure I could use the picture but the link will take you there. Stina at Kviltstina has this so, so cute Christmas Pincushion tutorial. This is a three part tutorial…here is part 1 , part 2, and part 3.   Another wonderful blog and you will definitely be spending time here too!
Lastly, a very cute spider web potholder at Jay Bird Quilts……here’s the link….once again another wonderful blog filled with tons of great ideas and tutorials.
This club is open to everyone…jump in whenever you can!   There is a giveaway each month which Darlene is working on…you are going to love it!!! If you have a tutorial you would like to share email either Darlene or myself and we would love to feature it!! Happy Tuesday everyone.

Christmas Through The Year

2012-01-02T21:20:00.001-08:00

Last year Allie came up with this wonderful idea…make a Christmas gift each month then when Christmas 2011 rolled around we would have a box full of goodies made and ready to go!! I jumped at this, even though there were some months I was barely making the end of the month deadline….but I did all 12 months and I loved having the box of homemade gifts all done. Allie worked very hard on this club for us…cheering us on, posting tutorials and each month a giveaway. Now Allie is embarking on a new adventure. Designing patterns for stitcheries and appliqué quilts. I am so excited for her, and I just know she is going to do well, so this will be her focus, and like she did for us, we will all be cheering her on!!! Thanks Allie for hosting such a wonderful year of the Christmas Club.

I sent an email telling her I was thinking about continuing on with the club. She also had heard from Darlene who wanted to do the same…a phone call from Darlene over the weekend and the club is starting it’s second year. Darlene has come up with some great ideas and has us very organized…thank goodness because I’m afraid I’m not at the moment!! Please hop on over to Darlene’s to see what she has in store!! I promise, promise you are going to love this. Remember, this isn’t a club that you sign up for the whole year. You just join in the months that you can.

Now for some tutorials!!! Our very own Nanette at Freda’s Hive has the most wonderful tutorial for Waffle dish cloths;

a scrappy organizer at Where The Orchids Grow ;

A very sweet Needle book over at Nana Company;

and this fun Marshmallow Shooter over at Thrifty and Thriving. We made this for our family gift exchange this year and it was a BIG hit!

A big thanks to Darlene for laying the ground work on this upcoming year, and also for the wonderful phone call. I’ll be back next week with some more tutorials!

For The Birds….Hearts…and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2011-12-31T13:44:00.001-08:00

Another piece of wonderful yard art from my friend Loretta…the birds will be dinning in style at our house now. The glass is so pretty and I love the chicken feeder attached in the middle. As soon as the honeysuckle grows back it will be the perfect backdrop!

Then she has a couple more to tempt me……love the blue, and look at this one made from an outdoor light fixture….she is amazing! We are all hunting glass for her because we don’t want her to run out :-)!!!!!

I spotted a cute Valentine project on Pinterest and I was talking to a friend about having to cut out tons of hearts…she says “I have a tool for you!” ….and zip, zap, bam tons of hearts cut!! Shut the back door. How have I missed these things?! Guess me avoiding getting in to scrapbooking probably has something to do with it. She has at least 20 other types of cutters…now the trading begins. We are going to be trading tools for quilty things!

2011 has been one fast year and one good year for our family. We have much to be grateful for, which was my word for the year. I thank Kelly for that!! So bring on 2012 …. I know there will be ups and downs, but with our wonderful family and great friends we can handle anything. From our family to yours HAPPY NEW YEAR blogland.

It Was A Very Good Day

2011-12-27T07:36:00.000-08:00

Christmas was so much fun…watching The Dots open their presents and having a wonderful day filled with family…….well it was just plain perfect. Lots of laughing, and way too much eating, but again very perfect!
I opened my package from my SSCS partner Patricia ………OMW, so stinkin’ cute is this sweet bag!!! I am crazy over this fabric, and please notice the polka dot handles and sides! Her embroidery in the squares is perfection.
There’s my sweet bird ornament that she made me checking it out also!! In the inside was this wonderful pattern and floss. Like I told Patricia, this is going in my to do box for sure. Thanks so much Patricia, and thanks Chookyblue for being such a great Elf!!!
Today was a lazy day. I worked on a binding for a bit and then got the itch to sew something.
I made a couple little pouches out of this cool Jo Morton vinyl fabric. It’s the pattern that has the tape measure in the top….fast and easy for sure. It was nice just to have a lazy day after the face paced month that went on around here…..and today I’m thinking more laziness might just happen!! Happy Tuesday everyone.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T16:14:00.001-08:00

To all bloggy friends near and far, wishes for a very, very Merry Christmas!! Hugs to you all!!!!!!!

December Strut Your Stuff

2011-12-20T11:28:00.001-08:00

It’s time to post December’s projects. A fun year of making a present a month has paid off! In the last week I have wrapped and sent off 8 hand made gifts. Normally in the past I would to wishing I had made hand made gifts. Thanks Allie for this wonderful club. You can check over here at Allie’s to see what others have made for the month. First off I did finish The Dots countdown to Xmas bags on December 1st . The boys have had great fun opening a bag each day, and my daughter in law has a Elf On The Shelf that has been helping with the goodies….so much fun!!! Then there was the sweet little button Xmas tree we made in our holiday workshop class. So fun, and easy. A great project for this time of year. I got both of the bindings on Grinch Xmas quilts for the boys (and pillowcases too), but no picture :-( !! They are happily using them at their house though.

Last weekend was full of Xmas fun. Friday night was gingerbread house night with daughters friends from high school….and boyfriends!!! The Dots had a ball….little one here loved eating the candy!! Sunday was our annual family Christmas party hosted by my sister in law and brother in law. It was so much fun. Italian was the theme for the day, with my sister in law making the most yummy Lasagna….ending the day with the swap and steal gift exchange….always a highlight of the day. This year we were 33 plus, so you can bet there was lots of stealing!!

Now for me wrapping has to be done. I haven’t even started, so I better make tracks. Happy Tuesday to you!!!

YIPPPPPPEEEE…Santa Sack Goodies And My Friend Loretta

2011-12-16T21:00:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was our day to open our Santa Sack goodies and I forgot!!! Can you imagine after all this time?! Here’s my sack full of goodies…..
This wonderful wall hanging titled “Flirting With Flowers”, and hand quilted I might add..so pretty! It fits exactly in my entry way, so come Spring I know what will be hanging there.
Then a very sweet mug rug and two mugs, a wonderful quilt calendar, some sweet fabric pieces, 10 inch squares of Antique Faire, and a jelly roll of Hometown….Sharon how did you know I wanted both of these lines???!!!!

Look at that cute little snowman bag, and tucked inside was this wonderful Mary Englebreit fabric with some very pretty floss to go along… this is so me!!!!
POUCHES!!!! Love them all…a sweet tissue holder, a zippered pouch and a perfect one for credit cards…expertly made I might add! Also, a mini sewing work station, with a place to hold your thimble and a magnet on the side for your needle…my favorite part of this, handmade and signed by Sharon’s dad. This means so much that you gave this to me Sharon.
I know what you are thinking…there’s more? Yep, sweet flower pincushions (one for a spool of thread), tape measure, marking pencils, letter beads, a wonderful bag of findings and a sweet key ring.….also not making the picture were some much needed needles and pins!!! Thanks Sharon..you are one great Santa!!!!
Whewwwwwwww, that’s a load of goodness, then the mail comes today and I get another parcel from my other Santa Sack partner Amanda!!!! I am a very lucky girl. The birdhouse was not wrapped, so no cheating on my part. How cute is that birdhouse, and the rest will wait to be opened on Xmas day. Thanks Amanda….another great Santa!!!
Now some bragging about my friend Loretta. She makes the most beautiful yard art from found pieces of glassware and metal. So amazingly beautiful.

I have some others that are glass that I haven’t taken pictures of and the most amazing bird feeder ever…..that will be on my next post!!! She came to our friendship group a couple weeks ago and every single piece she brought was scooped up!!! Loretta you are so talented.
Well, guess I have blabbed enough….hope you all have a great weekend and are getting all your Xmas shopping done!!!

I Suppose I Was A Bit Overly Optimistic…..

2011-12-10T10:02:00.001-08:00

…….thinking I would get the binding on both of The Dots Xmas quilts for FNSI!!!! BUT, I did get one done.
The night just wasn’t filled with sewing, it was Big Dots very first Christmas show with his friends from preschool. It was sweet, wonderful, funny and very touching…..a wonderful memory for us all.
Our little man is growing up way too fast and so is his baby brother. Seems like his daddy there was just in a preschool performance himself!!! Love our sweet family.

Happy Weekend everyone.

So Much Fun Happening!

2011-12-08T09:31:00.001-08:00

This time of year is just plain busy for all of us isn't it?!!! ….so here comes my random catch up post!!!

I made these cute count down to Xmas bags for the boys. My daughter in law found the idea on Pinterest and with technical support from my friend Carol, I whipped them up. They are now hanging over at The Dots house over their fireplace, each day a surprise to open. Our Christmas Workshop group had it’s last meeting Monday. Theresa and Joan, as usual, had a great project lined up!   I was over an hour late so apparently I missed the major whining time when everyone was told they were to make 30 yoyo’s!!! Once again we had no idea what we were making with all those yoyo’s….but here is
what they were used for. A sweet little tree on top of a candle stick with buttons to decorate it with. We were all thrilled and quickly realized making all the yoyo’s was well worth it…and my friends chipped in and got me caught up on my yoyo making. Great job Theresa and Joan. We want more!!
This week I visited my friend Judy at her cute gift shop, O’Flanary’s Emporium. It is filled with such wonderful Xmas decorations and gift items made from crafters in the area. This place will definitely get you in the
Christmas spirit and it’s a great place to pick up presents for friends and family. You can always find things that you just don’t see anywhere else, and on top of it visiting with Judy and her husband Bob is always so much fun. Judy is one talented lady. She not only owns the shop, she also makes things to sell and you can find her decorating homes and businesses in the area. She is definitely a busy lady this time of year!!

My SSCS parcel arrived from Patricia in Australia. How exciting and how hard not to have a peek. Here is my sweet birdie ornament that she made for me…..made out of the most beautiful Cambodian silk she purchased in Cambodia. I wish you could see and touch it in person. The silk is so pretty. Thanks so much Patricia. He has made himself right at home in our Xmas tree.. Thanks Chookyblue for hosting this fun swap.
Yesterday was an excursion to my LQS with my friend Carol and a meet up with Deb. There were so many things to tempt us there, but have to say we were pretty strong.   This Friday is our Sew-In night and my plan is to get the bindings on The Dots Xmas quilts and maybe sew a couple pillow cases to go with them.    Thanks to Heidi for hosting the Sew-In, and there's still time to sign up if you are interested!!!
Mr. P. is having so much fun working on the train. There’s now a covered bridge that houses the train when it’s not working as well as an open bridge . Landscaping is going on and plans for buildings are in the works!!   The boys (big and little) LOVE it. As soon as the weather warms up I am pretty sure this will be the place to hang out all the time.

So there you have it….a catch up post on the happenings in Polka Dot land. Happy Thursday to all of you!

Christmas Thru The Year Finish and Fun Stuff

2011-11-30T15:57:00.001-08:00

How is it possible it’s the end of November???!! AMAZING! So it’s time to report on what I did for my pressie for the month. It’s actually a present for the Big Jolly guy.

A little mat to thank him for bringing such wonderful goodies to The Dots and a nice place to set a cup of hot chocolate and cookies for him . It will be waiting by the tree at The Dots house. Check out Allie’s blog to see what others have made!

Yesterday was a fun day at Disneyland. My son and family, his best friend from high school and his sweet family and nana and papa. Our girl and her guy had to miss out and boy did we miss them. It was time to catch up with an old friend too!! Mr Mickey sure holds his age well. The weather was perfect..not to cold and not to hot and we walked our legs off.

There’s nothing like Disneyland to get you in the holiday spirit. Now unforunately it’s back to the binding cave!!! Business is BOOMING!!! Happy mid week everyone.

A Weekend, Camp and an Xmas Project

2011-11-22T21:00:00.001-08:00

Last weekend was a family getaway to Lake Arrowhead. My family surprised me with it for my 60th birthday last month….excuse me, I am still in denial over the 60 part!! At the last minute we decided to have a turkey dinner since both my girls have to work Thanksgiving. My daughters first turkey….so very, very yummy. Side dishes made by both girls and myself. My girls are terrific cooks, good thing because it just isn’t my favorite thing!!! The cabin was so perfect…a log cabin decorated cute as can be. We played games, laughed and laughed and laughed. So great to have everyone together….I didn’t get many pictures. Too busy having a good time. I will have to snag some from my kids to show later. It was absolutely the best birthday present ever…spending a whole weekend with them all was AMAZING!!!! Love you guys bunches :-)!!!

Then there was quilt camp last week at beautiful Camp Cedar Glen. Catching up with quilt buddies is always so much fun and sewing for four days with my friend Annie…WONDERFUL!!! Oh yeah and quilting!!! I was very productive, lots of secret Xmas sewing and then there was a Jelly Jam challenge that was timed!!!! Here’s my jelly roll strips in a pile sewn end to end, then again and again and again and finally this is what I got ……..

The winner sewed all her strips in to a quilt in one hour and 5 minutes. Us human quilters sewed ours in about 3 1/2 hours!!! My friend Nicole (on the right) used the same jelly roll that I did and she got very creative ….she freehanded the tree shape to match the trees in the fabric. Stinkin’ cute I say! That’s Sue Bouchard on the left…Eleanor’s right hand girl.

Eleanor and the girls always entertain us and always bring great new patterns along to tempt

us. I can’t wait to make this in 30’s. She named the quilt Kylee’s Kite after her granddaughter. I am always drawn to quilts that have what looks to be curves in them. I heart this quilt…..there’s my sweet friend Annie on the left. She teaches classes at Quilt In A Day, and one of these days I’m going to surprise her and sign up for a class. Not only are there new patterns to tempt us, but there is a mini store to shop in with great deals on fabrics….$4.00 a yard for some! Then there was something that caught my eye. I use Quilting Betweens size 10 for my bindings, and threading seems to be getting harder and harder….guess it’s that 60 year old thing again……when I saw this new threader from Bohin and it said for fine needles I just had to have it and it is WONDERFUL! Works like a charm.

I did make a couple Xmas quilts for The Dots, but again everything else is top secret…don’t even try you can’t get it out of me!

The last night of camp there is a fun raffle with proceeds going to a local Women’s Shelter. Everyone brings quilty goodies from home to donate, tickets are purchased and then the fun begins. From both camp sessions $1,900.00 was raised.

Last night was another Christmas Workshop class. Again, no idea what we were going to work on and again….LOVE the project. My guys faces are kind of wonky, but Theresa and Joan assured me that means they have personality!!

It’s always fun when there’s a box waiting on the porch. This one was from my swap partner Sharon …. two bags of Kisses right on top!! Woohoo, does my swap partner know me or what!! Waiting, waiting not so patiently for Xmas morning to open all the goodies. It has been so much fun to get to know Sharon. She is one productive quilter.

Fall has finally arrived. The colors are popping up all over the place.

Wishing all of you in the States a very Happy Thanksgiving.

Lot’s Going On!

2011-11-12T12:17:00.001-08:00

The Dots are on their way over, staying still Monday. Their Mommy and Daddy are headed to San Francisco for the 49er game tomorrow, with best friends from high school. We will be having our own fun!!! Lots of train construction happening, reading books and PLAYING!!!!!

The there’s this going on!! This picture only means one thing ….. QUILT CAMP!!!! I’m heading out Monday for four days with the Quilt In A Day girls. I am so excited to see my friend Annie and catch up with everyone else. Now don’t be laughing at me, but that blue box on the left is filled with TONS of projects….I see you laughing!! Not very big things but lots of sweet things I have been dying to make. I finally will have something quilty to post next week. I know..about time!

I love tin signs, don’t know why but I do. A sweet friend gifted me with this one. She is always saying my binding business is like The Little Engine That Could, and this reminded her of that!

Thought I would share another recipe. I got this off of Pinterest and it is so yummy. Even The Dots liked it.

Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

12 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 3 pounds); 3/4 cup sugar; 3/4 cup soy sauce; 6 tablespoons cider vinegar; 3/4 teaspoons ground ginger; 3/4 teaspoon minced garlic; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 4 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch; 4 1/2 teaspoons cold water; Hot cooked long grain rice.

Place chicken in a 4 qt. slow cooker. In a large bowl, combine the sugar, soy sauce, cider vinegar, ginger, garlic and pepper. Pour over chicken. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or until the chicken is tender. Remove chicken to a serving platter; keep warm. Skim fat from cooking liquid. Place liquid in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Combine cornstarch and water until smooth. Gradually stir into liquid and stir until sauce is thickened. Serve with chicken and rice!! SO YUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMY!!

Wishing you all a great weekend. I’m off to wait for my guys to arrive!

Some Little Bits…..

2011-11-08T13:09:00.001-08:00

Last night was week two of our six week Christmas Workshop. When we got to class this is the pile of goodies we were given. Mind you, no hints, no pictures …nothing!!! Theresa and Joan should be working for the CIA because we couldn’t get anything out of them. Our friend Debbie even offered $50.00 to give up the goods!!! Then cutting started, some whining from those of us who wanted to know what we were doing (a friendly kind of whining though), some sewing, some more whining, some turning and putting in a LARGE grommet…….finally a very sweet tissue holder was born, with ginger guys marching around all sides! I have to miss next week (more on that later). So back to little bits, because that’s about all the sewing I am getting done around here. Wishing you all a very happy week filled with some bigger bits!!!

Pumpkins!

2011-11-03T15:08:00.001-07:00

Last night was my friendship group….those girls are so much fun!! Anywho, at the quilt shop they are hosting a six week holiday workshop. Some projects will be Xmas goodies, and some not. Last night it was pumpkin making night. They were so much fun to make and so easy. I started with one, and couldn’t stop, so I ended up with three sweet pumpkins. Theresa and Joan had all the fixins for us. They even had sewn the seam on the pumpkin tube. We just had to gather the ends, stuff and add the stems, leaves and raffia. LOVE THEM!!!! Each week the projects are a surprise. We tried and tired to get a clue, but no luck! Can’t wait to see what we make next.

One thing I love about doing bindings is getting to see all the wonderful projects. Here is one of my very favorite Xmas projects that my friend Sue made…..Donder and Blitzen. I heart this quilt!! The fabrics are absolutely yummy and even better you can get a kit here…..Hollyhill Quilt Shoppe in Oregon. Sue did a beautiful job on the piecing and buttonholing……I’m definitely going make this one!

On the home front, Mr. P. is putting a garden railroad in the backyard. Construction has started and the train and tracks are down….

here the men folk are checking out the wheels..what is it with boys and wheels?? There will be landscaping happening and buildings to be built and lots of good times ahead. Little Dot supervised from his favorite spot….the jungle gym!!

One day I’m going to surprise everyone and actually quilt something…hoping I can remember! Happy Thursday everyone!

Christmas Club Finish

2011-10-31T09:41:00.001-07:00

Allie’s club has been the best. Now I have a pile of Xmas goodies that are done!! Here’s this months project. I was going to make two. The kit said candle mat, so no problem getting two done. It’s hard to tell from the picture, but this is a very generous candle mat!!! It’s actually placemat size!!!! The second one will get done in November.
First….sorry for the picture. Not so appetizing I’m afraid, but the easiest thing to make, and so yummy. Thought I would share a quick easy yummy recipe since there is no other sewing to report!
Slow Cooker Barbecue Ribs
4 pounds pork baby back ribs cut in sections to fit in your slow cooker; salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup ketchup; 1/2 cup packed brown sugar; 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 2 teaspoons Worcestershire Sauce; 1 dash hot sauce; 1 cup KC Masterpiece Barbecue Sauce
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Season ribs with salt and pepper. Place on a baking sheet and brown in oven 15 minutes, turn and brown another 15 minutes. Drain fat.
In a medium bowl, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire, hot sauce and barbeque sauce. Dip the baked ribs in the sauce then place in slow cooker. Cover with remaining sauce. Cover and cook on low 6 to 8 hours or until tender. In my slow cooker, 6 seems to be the time. Enjoy :-)!

Happy Halloween to all of you and all the little goblins in your life!

The Dots Have Left The Building!!

2011-10-27T13:23:00.001-07:00

Our week is over and the boys are back with their mommy and daddy. They were so good and so much fun, but I have to say papa and nana were popped yesterday. We had time for one last visit to the park…..Big Dot warning me that this is too high!!!! There was lots of running around and climbing with papa giving a helping hand

were needed. Of course sliding down the big slide which is way too much fun and makes you just laugh like crazy …. the only

incident the whole week was Baby Dot bumping his cheek on my bench. Oh I felt so bad, but he was such a big boy about it. Another thing that made me really happy was to deliver this

cute case back to their mommy. It had medicine, doctor authorizations and anything we might need in case of an emergency. Thankfully it was never opened!! PHEWWWW!

This morning I cleaned like a mad woman, went to the store, and threw some spareribs in the crockpot. Now I am going to work on my monthly

Christmas project for Allie’s club. They are candle mats, but my plan is to use them as candy dish mats. I hoping to find some cute dishes to go with. I am really behind on blog reading, so that will happen later tonight. Happy Thursday everyone!

Friday Night Sew In

2011-10-21T16:28:00.001-07:00

The Dots are staying with us for a week while mommy and daddy are at a destination wedding in Maui. Today was a field trip to the pumpkin patch with Big Dots school ……besides pumpkins there was so much “fun stuff”

and pretty girls!! There were mazes, trains to climb on and lots and lots of animals to feed .

Little Dot stayed home with Papa but he still had a wonderful time scouting around outside, coloring and one of his favorite pastimes , eating snacks!!!

We are enjoying have them all to ourselves, wishing only we had more energy. But they don’t seem to mind…they keep us going!!

Tonight is sew-in night. Don’t think I will have the get up and go to sew, but my plan is to get a kit cut for a quilt retreat I have coming up…..that is unless bed calls to me early!! Thanks Bobbi for hosting us! Happy Friday Night Sew-In everyone.

Our Bucket List Trip

2011-10-18T12:17:00.001-07:00

We are back from our cruise to see the Fall colors…from New York to Canada. Traveling with my husband’s two sisters and brother in law made it even more special ….lots of good memories. We had a couple days to spend in New York seeing the sights. I have always wanted to go to New York. We were even lucky enough to visit the 9/11 Memorial…so

moving and still so hard to imagine that could have happened.

Ship life is truly wonderful. They over the top pamper you and then on top of it you get to visit some amazing places along the way. This just looks like a fairy tale! I could just imagine a quilting room up in that tower!!!! So green and beautiful. We met the nicest people too. Everyone was so excited to share a bit of the history of their towns and eager to have us come back! We definitely will be doing that. The 10 days of touring were jam packed with off ship visits here and there, eating and some shopping!!

I would love to have this sign hanging in the kitchen!!!

Yes it was a trip to see the Fall colors, but because it was still so warm the fall colors were still hiding. A stop in Quebec gave us a glimpse of what was to come. I took 288 pictures so I could definitely bore you with them all. I figured a few would probably be the best bet. It was definitely a bucket list trip, one that we will always cherish with family. Coming home is always good. We missed the kids big and little and knew hugs would be waiting. We weren’t disappointed!! Pulling in the driveway however, I realized my scarecrow on the porch was wearing different clothes….VANDELS!!!! Quilting vandals non the less! Not naming names (Ruthie, Joan and Debbie…just sayin’)….had TP’d our house quilter style. First thing Mr. P. said was “I’m not cleaning that up” :-)!! Those same words came from my dad when I was in high school. We both had a good laugh and it was such a wonderful welcome home from my quilting buddies …….a Homie’s Hit as they called it!!! What is it they say about payback?!!! It’s on now! Thanks girls you warmed my heart!

Got my next batch of Xmas goodies from my swap partner Sharon. She has been affected by Hurricane Irene. Some cleanup happening as well as lots of community involvement on her behalf. She sent October’s and November’s gifts with a goodie to open now! Isn’t that crow the sweetest ever?!! He’s perfect sitting on my Halloween bench. Thanks you so much Sharon, and all my thoughts are with you and those in your community.

I have been slow getting back in to the swing of things and now a bit behind on bindings…..time to put the pedal to the medal!! Missed you all and now I’m off to see what you all have been up to.

Christmas Through The Year …(under the wire)!!

2011-09-30T23:16:00.001-07:00

Earlier today I was thinking I would just whip up something really quick to get in under the September 30 deadline for this months present. Two hours ago I was thinking …I’m not going to have time to make anything not to mention I didn’t even have an idea :-( !!! Think, think, think. Then it hit me. My friend Jan had made me the most wonderful journal for Xmas last year…. it had a paper type cover, and she stitched some wonderful patches on it. A few months back I had found the same journals and put them away. So about an hour ago, I Heat n Bonded, and did a simple stitch…added some stickers and tada …two presents done!!! Whewwww, what a huge relief. Check over at Allie’s and see what others have done. I am quite sure they weren’t last minute Annie’s like me !!!!

Last Saturday was Quilts of Valor, and for a fund raiser we made chicken pincushions. These were

my test chickens…smile girls!!! A bit of a challenge for me but I did manage to get some done. Sadly I forgot to take their pictures.

At friendship group this week we got to see a finished Farmers Wife quilt….AMAZING!!!!! I just love those blocks. Think this will have to go in my “make it when life slows down file”!!!

Well that’s a wrap for me. I will be MIA for a bit, but there will lots of stories and pictures to share when I get back! Happy weekend everyone.

Tuesday Already?!!

2011-09-27T22:04:00.000-07:00

Yes it is, and I have something big to be tickled about. My friend Lani had knee replacement surgery over a week ago. Talking to her over the weekend was such a relief…she sounded so positive and looking ahead to a knee with no pain….YIPEEE!!! We had lunch a couple months ago and it was very apparent the pain she was in…..so BIG HUGS to you Lani!!

Then there’s this wonderful Boo banner courtesy of Ivonne at The Crackling Crows. Such pretty pictures of her banners on her blog!!! Love the linen fabric, but also she has the most wonderful wooden banners in her Etsy shop, and there’s still plenty of time for holiday orders.

Then a bit of sewing happened. I finished the Dinosaur Train bags for the Dots….oh wait, liar, liar….my friend Ruthie finished them!! We were at friendship group last week and she started to show me how to finish up the sides and she just finished them both for me. What a friend, and the Dots loved them! I however finished a pillowcase all

by myself for Big Dot!! I know that’s a pretty pitiful sewing report but I am sewing at warp speed with my binding business. We have an adventure ahead of us next week….report to come later!

Fall is playing a game of hide and seek with us. We had one whole day of the coolest weather. I even opened up all the windows in the house…so nice!! But then that pesky heat tricked us and heated things up again!

This is what I want to be making next…it’s part of the Calendar Quilt hangie thingies!! Which reminds me I have two days to whip up a Christmas present for Allie’s club. Guess I better think of something that’s quick and easy!! Happy mid week everyone.

Tickled Pink Tuesday

2011-09-20T17:24:00.001-07:00

I have missed quite a number of Tuesdays so it’s nice to be back in business and to share some pinkness!!!

Our quilt retreat over the weekend was so much fun. Our friend Pat opened her beautiful home to eight of us for a full weekend of quilting, eating, laughing and more eating and laughing. So very nice and she was such an amazing hostess. I on the other hand was a very bad photographer, with only a couple pictures to share. Both amazing quilts and such totally different styles.

This is the only thing

I can show for my weekend retreat sewing. I can tell you there were two top secret Xmas projects made!!!

Yesterday we spent the day with The Dots, again no pictures, but believe me there was lots of playing going on. I was out in the backyard with Big Dot and said, “It’s pretty hot out here”….Big Dot said to me “Nana you can sit in the shade”!!

I just have to share this picture of our girl. It was taken in Yosemite when we were all there. It brings a very happy and proud smile to my face every time I look at it!!

Please feel free to join Allie and myself and share what Tickles you!! Happy Tuesday everyone.

Back Again

2011-09-15T14:03:00.001-07:00

The view for this week and oh yes, cool weather…ahhhhh! Yes I’m spoiled and lucky. It was a whole week of relaxing and not doing much of anything….again, ahhhh!!!! Golfing and reading for Mr. P and for me………….. I worked on my Designer BOM’s and got all three done including the stem/leaf sections. Love these sweet blocks. Kimberly and the girls at Fat Quarter Shop outdid themselves!!!

Ruthie, one of the gals in my friendship group, gave us all a lesson last week on making these cute mesh bags. I am working on a couple for The Dots out of Dinosaur Train fabric. That is the cutest show. Anyway, I finished adding the top bands and handles and next week Ruthie will show me how to finish them up.

There was also some time to put the binding on my friend Carol’s watermelon quilt….stinkin’ cute I have to say, and rick rack around the inner border, well again stinkin’ cute!

Yes I am spoiled. My friend Pat is a hosting a quilt retreat this weekend at her house, so I will be packing up some projects and heading out tomorrow night for a weekend of sewing. As Mrs. Goodneedle would say, “life is good”! Off to see what is going on in blogland. Happy weekend everyone.

God Bless America

2011-09-11T10:45:00.000-07:00

Forever in our thoughts and prayers. You will never be forgotten. God Bless America.

Beautiful Yosemite

2011-09-08T22:32:00.000-07:00

We are back tonight from a great week in Yosemite. I just can’t get over how beautiful it is and pictures just can’t seem to capture the grandeur of it all…especially my pictures :-)!

We had so much fun and part of the time our girl and her guy were with us. Here they are hiking up to get a closer look at Bridal Veil Falls. Oh to be young and limber again!

Although I have to say the view from where we were was mighty pretty!!

A breathtaking view of Half Dome. Mr. P, our girl and her guy made the hike to North Dome. I stayed at camp and did some cutting……..

The first three blocks for the Designer BOM are cut and ready to go. Then there was some time left for reading. Loved this book. Good thing their hike was almost all day, because I just couldn’t put it down!

Home tonight and back to reality, or I should say laundry but thankfully I’m almost done! Waiting for me in the stack of mail was a box from my Santa Sack partner Amanda. I LOVE it, and inside are two sweetly wrapped presents that can’t be opened till Xmas…..so tempting!!!! Thanks Amanda, it couldn’t be more perfect.

Wishing you all a very happy Friday!

Christmas Through The Year Finish, Some Gifties and I’m Tickled …Oh My!!

2011-08-30T07:01:00.001-07:00

I finished these two runners at our FNSI, but then started thinking…hmmm..a little rick rack would be nice too . So last

night I made another and added a bit of rick rack. Check out Allie’s blog here and see what other monthly finishes our bloggy friends have made for our Chrismtas Through The Year Club. The Christmas present box is now overfilling with made ahead presents---shocking! I have never been ready early with homemade gifties! Thanks Allie! Yesterday this was in the mail …..my September Santa Sack gifts from my partner Sharon. Oh the temptation!! Squeeze, squeeze, shake, shake..then I added them to my sack!

It’s Tuesday and today I am very Tickled. I am spending the whole day with my girl..well after a quick doctors appointment….but the WHOLE day. WOOHOO!!!! I am sure lots of chatting will be happening and some shopping too. Speaking of my girl…I snapped this photo of father and daughter at the Angel game we went to last week. She had these shirts made a few years ago for her dad and herself. Baseball has been such a wonderful connection for the two of them…they are both fanatical about The Angels!! The numbers on the back you ask..that represents when they were born (dad was 49!). Happy Tickled Pink Tuesday everyone :-)!

Still Here….

2011-08-26T13:12:00.001-07:00

First off, our thoughts and prayers to everyone on the East Coast. I have been following the coverage all morning and looks like there is much preparation and warnings going on.

There is just no quilting to report on…now bindings that’s another subject but not very interesting to write about. My customers are extremely busy getting ready for Christmas!

Love this sweet basket quilt from one customer. Looks like it was pulled right out of grandma’s hope chest! I am still onboard with Allie’s Christmas Present A Month Club….again, open each and every month to one and all. If you start now you will have at least 5 presents made and set aside for Xmas. As Allie says “no rules, just fun”.

Have to share these ….Koala cupcakes!! My girl and her guy made these! Such cute expressions. Good thing they aren’t at my house because there would be a few gone!!

Fingers crossed I get some quilting done, but if not I can live through all the wonderful projects you guys are working on!

FNSI Report

2011-08-20T12:42:00.001-07:00

Life is just plain busy and time slipped away. No complaints here though, lots of fun stuff. But I was determined not to miss our Friday Night Sew In!
I made these two easy peasy runners. The pattern says 10 minute table runner…for me maybe 20!!! I am just loving this Count Down To Christmas fabric. Then I had time to work on this ……..this is top secret at the moment…it’s headed to Amanda my Santa Sack swap partner, so the reveal will be September!!

Then there’s these!!! I totally blame this on Carol!!!!! Happy weekend everyone.

Tickled Pink Tuesday Post …again!

2011-08-09T18:46:00.001-07:00

Sorry my pictures and post doesn't match up.......blogger is giving me fits!!!

My first post vanished…now that’s creepy..so I’m trying again!!!
Camp report…..fun, fun and more fun. Three wonderful days of sewing and laughing with friends. So many great projects made…. sadly I didn’t take many pictures. But here’s a few to share.

Waking up each morning to hot air balloons floating around..pretty!!! The grounds were amazing..sorry no photos!!!

The girls that organized the retreat had a mystery quilt for us to do if we wanted. Easy, peasy made with a layer cake.
One out of Batiks….

a cheery one…….. and this yummy one!!!
A really cute pumpkin

runner and a sweet Xmas project!

A finish from last year…love that border treatment on the sides and this sweet heart quilt!!!! I decided I needed to get busy on the Grinch Xmas quilt for the boys ……a bit of

cheating though. My friend Carol pieced all the character blocks for me…I am so lucky. Then I worked on the bits and pieces for my Simple Things quilt. A very productive quilt camp! I did get a picture of my friend Joan’s quilt …….

love the chain that run thru this quilt!
In the midst of sewing and laughing all of a sudden some knee slapping country music came on and look who appeared dancing his little heart out!! We had no idea who it was . I can tell you this cowboy had some moves. Hysterically funny! Then came the reveal..it was our quilting buddy Gloria. She did an amazing job of entertaining us! Then the wheels started turning. There was another quilt group sewing across the hall from a San Diego quilt shop. We thought it would be fun to surprise them with the cowboy. The next night a couple of the girls put the invite out to meet in the courtyard and here’s what they were treated to . I have a really cute video of the performance but I can’t figure out how to put it on my blog! We had the perfect retreat with lots of fun games and giveaways …and lots of great memories with friends.
Home Sunday to celebrate Big Dots 3rd birthday …a bounce house full of boys bouncing around. That’s Little Dot sitting down.

The perfect day spent with family and friends. So hard to believe our little man is 3 and totally obsessed with Thomas The Train. By the way have you seen the Thomas The Train fabric?? I will be making someone a quilt out of that!
Happy week bloggy friends!!!!

Tickled Pink Tuesday!!

2011-08-03T16:22:00.001-07:00

Opps!!! How did I miss Tuesday..hmmmm! Ok, I’m pretending it’s Tuesday so bear with me! First off we are BETTER!!!! Yippeeeeeee, doing the happy dance over here. So I have been

digging out of my binding hole!! I have the best customers, and they have been really patient with me. Thanks so much! Here’s a start but I’ll get to the bottom of the pile!!

Last night we went the the Angel game. It was the perfect evening and an escape from our heat. To top it off we met our daughter and her guy!! Wonderful! Call me crazy but I love watching the game from the right field stands.

Two more sleeps till quilt retreat. I have my pile of projects stacking up. Sunday I’ll be home because someone very special in our lives is having his 3rd birthday party! Hope you all are having a wonderful “Tuesday” !! :-)!!!

Monthly Christmas Finish!

2011-07-31T11:09:00.001-07:00

Three tea towels done…perhaps my goal of 7 was a little too ambitious….they will be waiting for another month!! Hop on over to Allie’s and see what others have done…and better yet, join in!!! No obligation. Just make a present each month and link up. The bonus, a giveaway each month!!

My cherry quilt is starting to grow. I love this little quilt…it’s just plain happy.

Yesterday the mail lady brought my next Santa Sack presents from Sharon……TEMPTATION!!! Seriously?? We have to wait till December? :-)!!!!!!

Today we are having an old fashioned rain storm…very strange for this time of year, but very welcome. The heat is gone for a day and we actually have all the windows open…NICE!!!

We are still recovering here. Yes, Mr. P didn’t want me feeling lonely with the crud so he joined in. I think we have made a turn. Better have, cause Friday I leave for quilt retreat!!! Happy day everyone!

Tickled Pink Tuesday

2011-07-26T20:24:00.001-07:00

Being silly with papa after a long day of playing…….

a snuggle with brother and dad before heading home to mama!

Yes papa and I are Tickled Pink!! Please join Allie and myself in sharing what tickles you!

FNSI Results

2011-07-23T16:24:00.001-07:00

Not a “Sew-In” night, but a Heat n Bond, cut and tack down rick rack type of night!! Five more towels ready for stitching and that will be on my agenda the first of the week.

Today was a great mail day . Carol offered up her Seuss pattern to me and I said in return I would send patterns to her. WOW!!! Not only the wonderful Seuss pattern but more great patterns and a book!!! I’m over the moon excited. As I told Carol, I am definitely addicted to patterns! Thanks bunches Carol.

Mr. cold/flu bug has come to visit me and I am putting him on notice right now that he needs to leave the premises…..I have had enough, there is too much to do, and too many fun things going on. So scoot, skedaddle, get the heck out of here. You have way worn out your welcome!!!!

The Good And The Crowded

2011-07-21T13:08:00.001-07:00

We are back from our beach getaway. Here’s the pretty view from our trailer…the good!! So pretty and amazing.
Now here’s maybe the not so good………

The view from the back. Maybe it’s because we’re getting older…but it was a bit crowded… boy that view front the front again AMAZING!!!!!

I did manage to get the stems embroidered on the cherries. I have decided I’m backstitched challenged, but at any rate they are done! Then I started working on my Christmas Project for the month. Our neighbors all do a cookie swap at Christmas and my plan is to find a sweet little basket and fill it with cookies with the dishtowel added in. Since tomorrow night is Sew-In Night, I’ll be working on the snowmen towels!! Here in our neck of the woods we are experiencing cooler than normal weather….so sorry to hear that those of you in other parts are not. I am sending cooling thoughts your way and hoping for major relief for you all.

We’re Back……But We Are Leaving!!!

2011-07-16T14:26:00.001-07:00

We’re back from a great week at the beach. The Dots are great campers…..we had all kinds of rugs out for them, but playing with your cars in the dirt is much better.

Auntie got to spend some quality time with her nephews, but the time went way too fast. The boys left with their mom and dad on Tuesday for Sea World, and Auntie and her BF left for home after lunch. So wonderful having them all there.

I did finish a couple bindings for customers that don’t mind their quilts going on vacation…and one finish for myself . This Seuss quilt is embarrassing. It’s been quilted for quite a long time..just waiting for me to do the binding!!! The Dots are sleeping over tonight and I have it on Big Dots bed for a surprise!!

Tomorrow we are off again. Mr. P managed to get another spot at the beach. So that’s where we will be hanging for a while. I have another couple vacationing quilts going with me for bindings and my cherries are coming along. I need to get the stems embroidered.

Hope you all are having a wonderful weekend. Off to check out what’s going on with you all!

Cheater, Cheater Pumpkin Eater

2011-07-10T22:37:00.001-07:00

……..so I have been doing a bit of cheating sewing …well maybe not cheating, but super easy. Sewing with my friendship group the other night there was this really cute and easy Thanksgiving runner hanging in the shop. Cut the center, fussy cut the borders and add some rick rack…..DONE!!!!

Next up this cute runner that I saw hanging at one of my favorite shops. The bulk of it is a panel that is cut apart and a bit of piecing here and there, throw in some prairie points…and easy, peasy it’s done.

Tomorrow we are off for a getaway…..a getaway to some cooler weather. The 90 degree temps, plus humidity are not my fav, and where we are going it has been in the mid 60’s….bring it on! Auntie and her BF are picking up the Dots …(their mommy and daddy are attending a wedding), and we are all having a sleep over tomorrow night at the campground….so excited! I’ve packed, bubbles, coloring books, cars and all kinds of goodies. I’m hoping the WIFI works in the campground, but sometimes it doesn’t. So just in case I miss Tickled Pink Tuesday I will say right now I am tickled pink to be in some cooler weather!!! Happy week everyone!

Tickled Pink Tuesday

2011-07-05T20:00:00.001-07:00

A while back my partner in crime, Allie and I decided we would use Tuesdays to post positive things…. Might not be big giant doings, but just something that’s positive!! If you would like to join in please free to grab the wonderful button Allie made and join us!

….and oh yeah this is positive!!! My pumpkin is all pieced and will be sent off tomorrow to be quilted …RELIEF!!

This is not my quilt, but I’m doing the binding for a friend…..it is stinkin’ cute!!

Notice all those sweet little crabs made with that shrinky dink fabric…..CUTE!!! The friends they are visiting this week go crabbing all the time. She is so excited to give them the quilt. I am so excited for her….she did an amazing job .

One thing I tackled this week was my thread box. With all the bindings I do there is such a wide range of colors I need. JoAnns had thread 50% off so I filled in some color ways. Inheriting my friend Deb’s thread stash still has me with a huge inventory of lights, browns, and blacks…so now I am really stocked. This is the sweet little hanging my friend Carol made me……very appropriate for Tickled Pink Tuesdays!!

The weather here is hot and humid. I’m trying not to focus on that. So thinking of my monthly Xmas project helps, and then there’s this ……I have something brewing with this panel!

Hope this finds you tickled about something …… Happy mid week to everyone.

Christmas Finish….or Plan C!!

2011-06-30T19:46:00.001-07:00

It’s time to report in, and once again I just sneaked under the wire. First the back story!! My plan was to make an easy peasy Christmas apron. Last week I was showing it to a friend and now I can’t find it! It’s here somewhere, just hiding. So plan “B” was to make Pamkitty’s so cute potholder, which you can see here……problem, I didn’t have the right size rick rack. So plan “C” was this super easy table runner. I goofed off today and spent the whole afternoon getting it together. I am LOVING Allie’s monthly club. It’s so hard to believe the year is half over!

My last post Debbie stopped by for a visit. Well I just had to pop over and visit her. She posted a picture of this wonderful Origami wreath…..and great news, here’s the tutorial. Looks like it would be so much fun to make. I have never seen anything like that before…very pretty!

Bright and early I was off to the Post Office to mail Sharon her Santa Sack…once again..having Xmas presents hanging around for 6 months that you can’t open is going to be a real challenge….just sayin’!!!!
Our summer is officially here. It is just plain hot and forecasts for the holiday weekend have even higher temps…..time for popsicles!!!! Happy Thursday everyone.

Tickled Pink Tuesday

2011-06-28T15:36:00.001-07:00

I’m very tickled about this…..my Santa Sack arrived from my swap partner Sharon. Love it and there’s two sweet gifties wrapped up and will go in my sack. …..I’m thinking waiting till December will be really hard, but I’ll be strong!!!
Blog hopping yesterday I was visiting Karen at Sew Many Ways. WOW….you have to read this. A list of all kinds of projects people are working on, some recipes and some decorating projects. Amazing links, but Karen’s blog is always amazing.

Here’s my sewing progress…three more rows added to my pumpkin!!! Now that's just pitiful prodution don't you think?!

Deadline for Allie’s club is looming, so I need to get on my Xmas project for the month. So what’s tickling you?? Join Allie and myself and share the news.

Simply Caught Up!

2011-06-23T17:59:00.001-07:00

I’m caught up on the Simple Things Quilt Along… again, Kelly said easy peasy and they were.   Good thing I got these done because the next step is posted on Kelly’s blog!!
I also decided to stop pouting about having to rip out rows on my pumpkin quilt. Stitched them back in and added a few more rows.   Now only ten rows left. I’m seeing the light on this one!

Before I left for quilt camp I had ordered a BIG cone of Aurifil thread from here. Started using it at quilt camp (with my handy dandy cone thread holder), and my thread kept breaking. Very frustrating.   Remembering a tip from my friend Deb about taping a safety pin to the side of the machine and threading the thread through the hole …and YIPEE, problem solved. Must be an angle thing that I don’t understand, but no more breaking thread.

If you have a chance head on over to Carol’s blog and see the beautiful FW blocks she has going. So tempting…..but I have way too many UFO’s around here!!! Happy Thursday everyone.

Yes Sireeeee I’m Tickled Pink!

2011-06-21T14:32:00.001-07:00

Happy Pink Tuesday everyone and so happy that my sewing machine is working. I think the threat of going to the machine doctor did the trick.

A couple weeks ago I was invited, along with a couple friends, to visit a friends revamped crafting room….I think sewing studio would be a better way to describe it. I don’t know why I didn’t take my camera…it was totally amazing. Cutting stations, ironing stations, cupboards, book cases and a place for four people to sit and sew. She was formerly a scrap booker ….now as she says, an official quiltaholic!!! She had three of the above spinner stations she was getting rid of and she very nicely offered them to us! I love it, and already need to tidy it up, but it’s so darn handy.

Believe it or not I have actually started sewing on my Simple Things blocks..as Kelly says “easy peasy”!!! I have an hour left to get some sewing in, them I off to my Tuesday friendship group where we will solve all matters of the world!

Yesterday we celebrated Father’s Day. My son and his wife had us all for a very yummmy dinner. Auntie helped big Dot look for rolly polly bugs. A perfect day for one and all.

So yes color me pink and if there is something tickling you please join Allie and myself in sharing the news!! Happy Tuesday everyone.

FSNI Report

2011-06-18T21:30:00.001-07:00

The old girl changed up my plans a bit….something is wonky with my machine and after fiddling with it for quite a bit I decided sewing on my machine wasn’t in the the cards .

Working on customer bindings seemed to be a good second choice….this one finished and then there was some time to get started on another…

so I’m calling the evening a success!

The last couple days have been filled with lots of fun with the Dots. Today bubble chasing was the favorite thing to do !!!

I suppose I will be making a visit to my favorite machine repair guy…or fingers crossed it just starts working again. My Simple Things Quilt Along blocks are waiting to be pieced!!!

Wishing all the dads out there a very happy Father’s Day!!!

Simple Things Cutting Done!

2011-06-16T14:59:00.001-07:00

We are back from a wonderful getaway and I am very happy to report my cutting for The Simple Things Quilt Along is done….all those bits and pieces just waiting to be sewn together!
We couldn’t have had a prettier spot. This was the view from our place. We are so excited to bring the whole family here. Notice the cool playground off in the distance…the Dots will love that. There’s a big water slide, canoe and kayak rentals, fishing and even a Frisbee golf course….all perfect for our family. Wednesday I met up with my friend Lani and we had a very, very scrumptious lunch, not to mention tons of talking that got done :-)!

A little quilting disappointment. I was working on my pumpkin quilt. Sewed four rows completely and then starting attaching them. First row on I was having to do some extra stretching and easing….second row on it got worse. UGH!!!!!! I know this rule….don’t use two different machines when working on a project. Apparently my Bernina and my Featherweight (which I use when we camp) don’t sew the same l/4 inch seam, so I spent a few hours reverse sewing everything I had sewn. Now I will be working on my pumpkin quilt for the Friday Night Sew-In tomorrow night.

Nice to be home. The dots are spending the weekend with us….but still it was very hard to leave such a pretty place. Think we need to work on making some more camping reservations!

Ready….Set….Go!!!!!

2011-06-12T09:47:00.001-07:00

The trailer is packed and we are off for a four day getaway….along for the trip my fabrics for the Simple Things Quilt Along. Cutting will be done this week, and I also have thrown in a couple other finish up projects.
Yesterday was such a wonderful family day. We celebrated my father in laws 90th birthday. The whole herd was there from bigs to littles….just missing Chris who was working hard at his fire station. So great to have the whole family together ……making wonderful family memories.
Here’s little dot rocking in Aunt Janes’s rocker. Such a party boy this little guy is!
Wishing you all a happy week!

Tickled Pink Tuesday

2011-06-07T22:04:00.000-07:00

Tickled Pink really won't describe how overjoyed I am for my dear friend Annie. Today her daughter underwent surgery as a result of improper care she received after the birth of her son. You can read Annie's post here. Getting an email from her tonight saying the surgery went well, and that her daughter is home is the best news ever. Relief.......A HUGE RELIEF.

Quilting......none!!! I feel like such a quilting slacker. I am so inspired by all the wonderful projects that everyone is working on, but that time thing seems to be my problem. I'm looking forward to Kelly and Carol's Simple Things Quilt Along. I'm tackling the smaller size using this ...................................

So if there is something Tickling you, please feel free to join Allie and myself in sharing what it is!

Deadlines, Deadlines!!!

2011-06-04T22:38:00.001-07:00

There have been many, many, many and may I say many Graduation quilts, and quilts for school auction binding jobs keeping me plenty busy, but I am happy to report all deadlines have been met!!!!!

One of the quilts up for auction at a school was entitled love letters. Each student wrote a special note to their parents.....35 love letters in all.

All this means no sewing has happened here, but my goal for next week is to get my pumpkin quilt done. I figure 3 rows a night should do the trick!!!
Something in blogland has caught my eye though. Carol and Kelly are hosting this wonderful Quilt Along
……….such a sweet quilt (just click their links above to have a peek) and look at this cute button!! There are two sizes . Carol has made a large one using a layer cake, and the smaller version made by Kelly calls for charm squares. Sew Cherry has been calling my name and that’s just what Kelly made her’s out of. I still have some charm packs of Friends and Flowers that I have been hoarding, so I probably will be using that.

The weekend has been a good one. The dots are sleeping over, tucked in bed right now after a fun day of playing and visiting their other grandma’s for a swim in the Jacuzzi. Guess I better get myself settled in for the night to be ready to play first thing!!! Happy Sunday everyone.

By The Hair On My Chinny Chin Chin….and I am Tickled Pink!!!

2011-05-31T20:19:00.001-07:00

It’s the end of the month and last night I realized I hadn’t made my Xmas present for the month for Allies Club ……………………

then I remembered ..kitchen towels!!!! I made a few of these a couple years ago, and I knew up in the sewing cupboard there were some cut out just waiting to be finished!! So a very fast buttonholing job, some primitive stitching and buttons and bells and they were done…whewwww, that was a close call. I am loving this club. Just knowing I have presents made ahead is so nice. The club is open every month and you just join in when you can. There is also a giveaway each month to one lucky person, so what are you waiting for?? Check out what projects were made here for this month. I am definitely Tickled Pink that I got my monthly project done!!!! Happy mid week everybody.

Camp Report!!

2011-05-29T15:48:00.001-07:00

Getting pictures loaded has not been working..I’m sure it’s me, but instead of a bunch there will just be some!!! The views…..so pretty!

The gardens and facility……wonderful!!

Twenty five happy quilters working away in this room…and across the hall twenty five more taking a class with Eleanor Burns ………………………
Radiant Star.

so many pretty projects being made…sorry again about the picture thing!! My mosaic maker isn’t cooperating. It’s fun to go back and meet up with camp buddies and pick up where we left off ….this is my friend Annie. She works for Eleanor at Quilt In A Day, and we are best buddies! I’m sending you big hugs Annie!
I worked on some half started things…..

I woke up Tuesday morning at camp thinking I would have this pumpkin done by 2 p.m. Notice those itty bitty 1 inch squares!!! Got a bit bored of that but I did finish half. The rows are now all together for my Designer BOM for 2008..it just needs the outer border..I am so excited about this!!!

Finished this pumpkin topper that I started at fall camp, and made this really easy Halloween
topper. It’s an Atkinson Design pattern so you know there were great directions!! I have never met an Atkinson Design pattern I didn’t like :-)!!! It felt so good to get some things accomplished!!! Bottom line is camp was SO MUCH FUN. We sewed, we ate (yummy food), and shared so much. Connected with some old friends and made some new ones! I highly recommend going to quilt camp…..and RB, here’s a special shout out to you from the late night sewers:-)!!!! Happy weekend everyone!

Thank Goodness For FNSI!!

2011-05-21T19:35:00.001-07:00

It’s so nice to know that one night is set aside each month to sew with all our bloggy friends and to keep on track with some goals…………………

sewing machine organizer complete! I had to really zoom in on this so all the chaos wasn’t showing :-)!

Pillowcases for Carol complete and in the mail. Now to come up with my Christmas present for Allie’s Christmas Club.

There’s only one thing this picture means…packing for quilt camp. Bright and early Monday I’m out the door. Think I have about 15 UFO’s packed….wonder if that will get me through the four days. And not only is my Fat Quarter Shop Designer BOM for 2009 going, but the Fat Quarter Shop Designer BOM for 2008!!!!! I’m so excited to meet up with camp buddies and get our quilt on, and lots of chatting of course. So have to say I am very Tickled Pink about this.

I wanted to share this wonderful patriotic quilt that my friends Chris and Karen made. The pattern will be available here next week and possibly some kits. It measures 53 X 75 . The perfect quilt to make in time for the 4th of July!

Back to packing for camp. You better believe my next post will have TONS of quilty photos! Happy weekend everyone.

Some Pretty Views……..

2011-05-19T22:48:00.001-07:00

Time away at the beach……..a visit with our girl and her guy and some putt putt golf……..
haven’t putt putted in years….it was so much fun. Tomorrow night is Friday Night Sew-In. Sign ups here. Thanks to Heidi and Bobbi for hosting.
I have a couple things going that I want to work on……
a mat for under my sewing machine using these fabrics and some pillowcases using these fabrics for Carol’s pillowcase project…..and only four more sleeps till quilt camp….that should help with some quilt production!

The Dots are coming to play tomorrow, so I think I better get to bed! Happy Friday everyone.

Not Much To Report!

2011-05-15T08:57:00.001-07:00

There just hasn’t been much progress on the sewing front, but I will show you the little I have accomplished…… this snazzy little roll turns into

this snazzy holder for Big Dots fancy, dancy roll up crayons!!
We are headed out for a getaway for a few days and a change of scenery, not to mention to be close to our girl and spending time with her. I’ll be missing Tickled Tuesday but wanted to share a couple early tickles. First …………….
that sweet poochie Buster belongs to my pincushion partner Carol, and there's a pretty quilt she made from a pattern featured in the magazine a while back. If you pick up the June/July Quick Quilts that’s where you will find this cute picture. Then our very own Pam Kitty has a AWESOME brand new spankin line of fabric coming out, and it was just previewed at Spring Quilt Market…….bursting with bloggy pride for her! Don’t forget this Friday, May 20th is our monthly sew-in hosted by Heidi and Bobbi. Sign ups are here. Just checked and there are over 100 signed up. A great way to set aside some “ME” sewing time. Wishing you all a very happy week!!!!

Tickled Pink Tuesday………

2011-05-10T22:13:00.001-07:00

hint, hint…….LAUGH, DANCE!!!!!

It was a great Tickled Pink Tuesday. My girl got the three of us standby tickets for The Ellen Show…we were there bright and early this morning to check in and we knew there was a chance we weren’t getting in, but we went for it. There was shopping close by and then a wonderful lunch. Checking back in at 2:30 we found out……YIPEEEEEEEE, we made it in. The guests….Taylor Swift (man can that girl sing), John Hamm from Mad Men, NeNe Leakes for The Atlanta Housewives and the Apprentice. Lots of dancing happening in between guests and so much laughing. Then a bonus taping after our show was over……..ROB LOWE!!!! Also some wonderful gifties…Taylor Swift’s new CD, a $100.oo gift card to CVS pharmacy and Rob Lowe’s new book. All good and wonderful, but my favorite part was spending the day with my two best girls. I’m a very, very lucky mom!!

Sooooooo, if your feeing tickled about somethin' join Allie and myself and play along!! Happy week everybody.

Tickled Pink Tuesday…a Day Late!

2011-05-04T08:07:00.001-07:00

All my log cabin blocks are done and now the sweet part. Adding cherries, leaves and backstitched stems to the centers of 13 blocks. For some of you that would be fast, but when it comes to stitchery I am slower than molasses!!! Lovin’ these blocks.

Last night I was visiting blogs and Carol of Brown Quilts has a post about her friend and the pillowcase project she has been working on for the Military. Have a hankie handy, and if you have a bit of time you can help out Carol’s friend by making a couple pillowcases and read a wonderful post of friendship and support. Happy mid-week everyone

Christmas Through The Year Finish

2011-04-29T21:16:00.001-07:00

It’s so hard to believe that it’s the end of April..time is just going too fast. I barely made the end of the month deadline but I did it, and here is
my finish for April…two snowmen runners. You can check here on Allie’s blog to see what others have made. I am so excited about this club..in fact I have my pompoms raised and I’m doing high kicks!! Trust me---this is a very scary sight! You don’t have to join each month, just when you can, and by the time Christmas rolls around you’ll have some gifts made ahead of time. Here’s Allie’s explanation of why she started the club. OK, my arms are tired…pompoms down :-)!

I have started on my Charlevoix quilt..log cabin blocks. I have two more go rounds of lights, and two more go rounds of darks..plus some cute applique in some blocks. I just love this fabric. After I’m off the computer I am back to working on it!

I enjoyed watching the Royal Wedding while working on my blocks. So beautiful and uplifting. But then thoughts turn to those in the South dealing with the aftermath of such devastating weather. The enormity of it all is just so hard to comprehend. Prayers to all involved.

Tickled Pink Tuesday

2011-04-26T15:52:00.001-07:00

Feel free to join Allie and myself on sharing what is tickling you!

I have a lot to be tickled about today. Last week was a fun filled week..not much quilting but other fun stuff! Each Wednesday evening I sew with a crazy group of ladies…fun crazy!! I was lucky enough to join this group a couple years ago and what a wonderful support group. We all get handed bumps in life, and to have this group to go to just makes it a whole lot easier. Saturday was a day spent sewing with the Quilts of Valor group. Here's a couple quilts that will be sent out as soon as they are done.

Then there is this sweet gift from a friend. It’s a magnetic box for needles with plenty of room for scissors and thread! LOVE IT!!! I was gifted with this pretty jelly roll!! Can’t wait to find the perfect project for this! I have so much I should be doing..for one thing get my Christmas Through The Year April project done. I know what I’m doing, just need to etch out the time. Allie is getting us all organized for Xmas 2011…..BUT…….this is calling my name!! I’m making this up in the next couple days..you’ll see..I’m gonna surprise you!!!

It’s good to be Tickled Pink!!! Happy Tuesday everyone.

Tickled Pink Tuesday

2011-04-19T09:45:00.000-07:00

My friend Beth sent me this list .....too funny!!! I'll definitely be
using some of them. Happy Tickled Pink Tuesday everyone.

SENIORS TEXTING CODE...
ATD-At The Doctors
BFF-Best Friend Fell.
BTW-Bring the Wheelchair.
BYOT-Bring Your Own Teeth.
FWIW-Forgot Where I Was.
GPBL-Gotta Go Pacemaker Battery Low.
GHA-Got Heartburn Again.
IMHO-Is My Hearing-Aid On.
LMDO-Laughing My Dentures Out.
OMMR-On My Massage Recliner.
OMSG-Oh My! Sorry, Gas.
ROFLACGU-Rolling On Floor Laughing And Can't Get Up.
TTYL-Talk To You Louder

FNSI Success!

2011-04-16T08:55:00.001-07:00

Another Friday Night Sew-In come and gone, but I am so happy to say my last four blocks are pieced. Whewwwww! Have to hand to it Fat Quarter Shop. The patterns for this BOM were so well written and easy to follow. My piecing, well it may not be the best, but as my friend Deb use to say, ‘if you are holding your quilt up and someone gallops by on their trusty steed it is going to look perfect!'’ Next step, getting the quilt together. Thanks again to Heidi and Bobbi for hosting
Before I started sewing Friday night I organized my sewing desk drawer a bit. When I was out shopping Monday with my girl, we went to IKEA and I found these drawer organizers that were the perfect size for my sewing desk……still looks messy I know, but compared to where it started….PERFECTION!

The next couple days will be filled with housework, so not much sewing will be happening, but next week....lots of fun planned! Happy weekend everyone.

FNSI…..A Plan Is Hatched!

2011-04-14T11:15:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow night is our Sew-In night and if you want to join in you can sign up here. I just checked, and there are 120 sign ups, so looks like tons of sewing will be happening tomorrow night. Thanks again Heidi and Bobbi for hosting.
Here’s where my plan hatching comes in……………. these are my done blocks for the Designer BOM for 2009, and here are the not done blocks. Today I am
getting them cut out and my plan is to piece them together Friday night.
Jen mentioned this really fun Santa Sack Swap on her blog and I just had to join in..you might want to check it out.
Cheryll at Gone Stitchin' is hosting. Sign-ups are till the end of this month.

Happy Thursday everyone...off I go to cut my blocks out!

Tickled Pink Tuesday

2011-04-12T17:21:00.001-07:00

Allie and I have a few things that have Tickled us, so please

join in if you like!! I am very tickled here….very, very tickled. I am just back from spending two full days with my girl. That involved shopping, eating and going to the movies. We saw Your Highness....FUNNNNNY!!! Here’s a picture of some of the eating. This was my girls HUGE shrimp burrito from the Coyote Cafe in Old Town San Diego…. one of our favorite places. Then today the Dots and their mom and dad flew in to the airport in San Diego,back from their trip to North Carolina. It couldn’t have worked out any better. We met up with them for lunch at Seaport Village so Auntie got to have a visit with the boys. Big Dot had fun chasing the pigeons while we ate…met a new friend while we were there too, or as he would say my “best friend”. Whenever he meets a new kid it’s always his best friend!! Little Dot chowed down and laughed at his brother!!!!

Then there was some time to ride the carousel…that’s Auntie with Big Dot, Mom and Little Dot. Dad and I stood and waved as they went round and round and round! Only thing missing was Papa…but we will definitely do this again with him along.

Sewing and quilting for me….hmmm, zip, nada, none, ZERO!!! But this Friday is Friday Night Sew-In hosted by Heidi and Bobbi….so if your feeling the urge join in Heidi has Mr. Linky up and waiting for your name!
I do have a couple new patterns calling me, but again there are quite a few unfinished things calling me too. My Fat Quarter Shop Designer BOM 2009, yes 2009 …. now that would be a good project to get finished!!! Wishing your all a very Tickled Pink Tuesday :-) !

And The Winner Is……..

2011-04-09T09:29:00.001-07:00

Mary of Quilt Hollow!!!! Congratulations Mary. Please email me your address and your Spring Topper and goodies will be in the mail. Thanks for all the nice comments and emails.
I have Spring Fever….Spring sewing fever.
I finished up this cute little chickie quilt and right now I’m working on this tumbler bunny runner. Yes Spring is in the air….well it was in the air . This is what we woke up to this morning. Crazy California weather. There’s the Dots little jungle gym frozen out in the corner of the backyard! Happy weekend everyone. I’m off to make some hot chocolate!

SPRING GIVEAWAY!!!!

2011-04-05T15:02:00.001-07:00

It’s been a long time since I’ve done a giveaway so I’m thinking it’s about time. All you need to do is leave a comment and you will be entered in a drawing for this Egg Topper….plus some top secret extras! I will draw the winner on Saturday morning!! International bloggers welcome to join in.
Blogging has brought me so many wonderful friends and lots to help keep me inspired, clubs to keep me on track with my goals, and always friends along the way to offer encouragement and support. I feel so lucky to part of this wonderful community of crafty people and that's a whole lot to be Tickled about on this Tickled Pink Tuesday!! Happy Tuesday everyone.

Christmas Through The Year Post

2011-03-31T18:18:00.001-07:00

Here’s my March Christmas project…a 12 X 12 seasonal mat that I am going to give as a candle mat. The pattern is available here, and includes 5 other holiday seasonal mat patterns. Thanks to Allie’s great idea, we are all getting a huge jump on Christmas presents. If you’d like to see what others are working on check here….and even better think about joining in for April! Thanks Allie for hosting this club.
I have also been working on something very “eggciting” ……..notice the cute rick rack! Fingers crossed it’s finished tonight. My friend Carol gifted me with a very cute candle mat…..

Confession time..I have the kit but she knows me so well and the chance of me getting it done wasn’t looking too good. Now I’m thinking I need to pay it forward and gift my kit to someone, or maybe a giveaway!!!!
Our weather in Cali is just strange…today it was 90 degrees…seriously???? 90 degrees on March 31?? I’m thinking the summer is going to be a doozy!! Happy evening everyone.

Tickled Pink Tuesday

2011-03-29T21:57:00.001-07:00

I am over the top happy to hear that a friend who has been dealing with some serious health issues has turned the corner and things are looking up…what a huge relief!! Life can be so unpredictable and change in an instant. My word for the year comes to mind ….. GRATITUDE. So if you like please join Allie and myself in sharing what tickles you. Happy mid week everyone.

Back From Our Vacation In The Can

2011-03-27T22:18:00.000-07:00

We are just back from a great getaway to Carlsbad and a fun vacation “In The Can” as Pamkitty calls it….love our trailer. The view, well not to shabby. There were some sunny days, a couple rainy mornings, but just lots of fun and some friends to join us…..perfect!
There was some time to work on bindings but mostly lots of time to visit. A dinner with our girl was definitely a highlight and the men folk found some time to do silly things
……….seriously, a remote controlled skateboard?? We would have had a fit if one of our kids did this!!!

Then there were some really pretty sunsets……but then back to life and a playday tomorrow with the dots…we missed them really bad.
APOLOGIES!!!! Apparently my blog email isn’t working anymore, so now there is a new one in place. Sorry about not answering comments…thought I did but they went to Never Never Land I think!! And a BIG APOLOGY to my Pincushion Swap Partner Carol….included in her package was my card to my friend Chris, and visa versa….no one said I was smart!!! Carol your card is on it’s way.
So here we are another week and almost the end of March….where does time go?? Happy Monday!

Oh Yeah It's Tuesday...and You Know What That Means....

2011-03-22T21:17:00.000-07:00

..............I'm Tickled, very, very Tickled. I got the most wonderful package from my pincushion partner Carol.
AMAZING!!!! Not one pincushion but THREE, each and every one so perfect....and to top it off a very sweet and personalized card. Notice there is a pincushion pattern insert..wow, I've been totally spoiled! Both the watermelon and flag are Miss Rosie's patterns and the Dresden Plate Sunflower is Carol's own design....all packaged so sweetly in a metal planter with some yummy jelly beans included. Thank you so much Carol. Happy mid week everyone!

Better Late Than Never......My Friday Night Sew-in Update!

2011-03-19T23:43:00.000-07:00

Yep, got those borders on the Dr. Seuss quilt...and sadly nothing else done! It's was Mr. Polka Dots birthday so there was a party earlier in the evening with the Dots and their Dad and Mom in

attendance....candles to blow out and presents to open....which left just the perfect amount of time for me to get those borders done! Happy Sunday everyone and happy National Quilting Day!

Friday Night Sew-In Tonight

2011-03-18T07:21:00.000-07:00

Checking over at Heidi's this morning, the list of sewers is at 172!!! Now that's a lot of quilting happening tonight and if you'd like to join in, just visit Heidi and sign up with Mr. Linky.
My plan is to finish up this Dr. Seuss quilt I have going for the

Dots .....not much left to do, just the top/bottom inner borders and outer borders. After that the plan is to reach in and grab a project waiting to be done!!

So come on, join us...you know you want to!! Thanks to Mr. Linky we can all have a peek at what everyone is working on! Thanks Heidi for hosting our monthly Sew-In. Happy weekend everyone.

A Pile Of Happy!

2011-03-15T09:54:00.000-07:00

..that's what I got back from my quilter friends that do amazing quilting!! Some have been sitting in my quilting closet for quite a long time, and then there's the Scottie's that I made recently. The snow guys need their eyes, and binding will be the next step, but I am over the top TICKLED to have them quilted!!

Happy Tickled Pink Tuesday to all of you :-) !

Prayers

2011-03-11T15:20:00.000-08:00

The enormity of the disaster in Japan is so hard to comprehend. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the people of that country.

Tickled Pink Tuesday

2011-03-08T12:26:00.000-08:00

Our rose bushes have stayed green all year...weird, but when I went out to leave this morning and saw this sweet rose, it just made me smile. Spring is out there lurking and waiting to make it's appearance, and I know for lots of you it can't come soon enough.

There's some pincushion making going on with this, and the growing pile of customer bindings to keep me busy....

Is there something Tickling you?? Join Allie and me and share a post! Happy Fat Tuesday everyone :-)!

I Won!!!!

2011-03-05T10:01:00.000-08:00

I am so excited I won a $25.00 shopping spree from Kelly at

Cotton Charm Quilts...and already hopped on over there and spent it all!! What a great online site, not only fabrics we all LOVE, but tons of patterns/books, jelly rolls, charms, layer cakes....gezzzzzzz, I could go on and on! Thanks Kelly!!

No quilting, just heat and bonding and cutting, but that's a start. Dear mojo please come back home!

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend.

Tickled Pink Tuesday

2011-03-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

I’m starting to think my “Quilters Union Card” should be taken away….I’m just not getting a darn thing done…but still, lots to be Tickled Pink about :-)!
Last week we were lucky enough to spend a week in Morro Bay. We have taken this trip each year for about 34 years…with family and friends. Mere babies when we started going, and so many wonderful memories collected along the way. There’s always a wonderful Farmer’s Market to visit. The produce is fresh, fresh, fresh and there are always yummy things to buy…….
Aren’t these amazing?? Cooking not really being my strong suit…but I’m sure there is something good to do with these!
Then there was a trip up the coast to visit the elephant seals..love the little guy swimming in the runoff from the rain…his very own cold tub!
Of course a visit to The Cotton Ball in Morro Bay..a very sweet fabric shop. They have the most beautiful decorator fabrics and samples hanging around. Our friend Sandy that camps with us is one of the most creative crafters/quilters I know. She has been collecting

embroidery for a long time and came up with this great idea…piecing them in to blocks just like you would a crazy quilt. Using the blue floss really ties them all together. The foundation blocks are 20 inches square, and then she layers the embroidery on top, even using some edges of pillowcases and hankies here and there……I HEART this project! Such a fun relaxing week.
Tomorrow I am off to spend the whole day with my two girls and the Dots…..hanging out at a children’s museum. Sometime this week I am really hoping to dust off my sewing machine and work on a project or two….we shall see!!! Happy March 1st everyone!

Tickled Pink Tuesday!

2011-02-22T07:30:00.000-08:00

Not Tuesday you say!!!...I'm away for a bit this week and just happened to be able to check the computer and my scheduled Tuesday post didn't post so here it is!!! Also, our thoughts and prayers are with those in New Zealand.

Happy Tuesday everyone....time to share some happy!

We woke up Saturday morning and here was the view...SNOW!! I know there are lots of you that are really, really tired of your snow, but we only see the white stuff a couple times a year, so this was a real treat. It managed to snow all around...but not on our street. Still, the view was so pretty.

......then there were these!!! Two car seats for my car. The Dots mom and dad decided I needed my very own and surprised me with these. No more switching back and forth. Plus, for sure little Dot is going to love facing forward finally. Notice the cup holders..how cute is that!! The boys will be stylin' in Nana's car.

So what's got you Tickled??? Join Allie and myself in sharing the happy!!!

YIPEEEEE!!!! It's Friday Night Sew-In ----UPDATE!!

2011-02-18T17:23:00.000-08:00

FRIDAY NIGHT SEW-IN UPDATE!!! Loved sewing the mug rugs....so fast and easy. I started out wanting to make two, but then as I was sewing I started thinking of other friends I could give one to, so two became six!! I got three completely done, and one with the binding almost on, and the last two just the handwork left. I had one jelly roll, and with that I cut the wedges, borders and bindings. I still have plenty left in the jelly roll to make several more for sure .....that's a pretty economical way to make a number of quilty gifts!! Guess the Valentine Mini will have to wait for another day!! Happy Saturday night everyone.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
I'm so excited tonight is sewing night...just hanging out and sewing with 168 friends. Thanks Bobbi for hosting this fun night. There has not been much production around here so I'm ready to roll. Here's a couple things I hope to work on::::::::

The first thing will be mug rugs, Xmas gifts for some quilty friends. I found this GREAT tutorial here (not to mention many more great tutorials)! This project will be my finish for Allies' monthly Christmas Through The Year Club......finishing a Christmas present each month. Check it out if you haven't already. Then, I plan to start sewing on these CUTE monthly mini Quilts by Kim Schaefer....tonight will be the Valentine one.... behind as usual :-)!!!!

So off I go to get the meatloaf out of the oven, eat a quick bite and settle in for a wonderful night of sewing... and of course taking breaks to see what the other Friday night gals are working on...happy sewing everyone!

Tickle Pink Tuesday

2011-02-15T06:40:00.000-08:00

Happy Tickled Pink Tuesday. A friend sent me this forward and it gave me a good laugh!! Enjoy!

~I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.
~Nothing is worse than the moment in an argument when you realize you're wrong.

~I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

~There is great need for a sarcasm font.

~How the heck are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

~Was learning cursive really necessary?
~Map Quest really needs to start their directions on # 5. I know how to get out of my neighborhood.
~Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

~I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.
~Bad decisions make good stories.
~You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.
~Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don't want to have to restart my collection...again.

~I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to the ten-page technical report I swear I did not make any changes to.
~I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.
~I think the freezer deserves a light, as well.
~I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lite than Kay.

~I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Construction" routing option.
~I have a hard time discerning the fine line between boredom and hunger.

~How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear or understand a word they said?
~I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers and sisters!

~Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.

~Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.

~Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey but I'd bet everyone can find and push the snooze button from 3 feet away, in less than 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time!
~The first testicular guard, the "Cup," was used in Hockey in 1874 and the first helmet was used in 1974. That means it only took 100 years for men to realize that their brain is also important.

Author Unknown

Keep On Stitch'n On!

A Little Somethin', Somethin' and my Friday Night Sew-In Report

2011-02-11T16:58:00.000-08:00

Opps....I linked my Friday Night Sew-In post on this post...had a brain fade I guess...but for what I'm working on tonight, 2/18, please check here!!! Happy sewing everyone.

Just time for a little somethin'!! It's 24 X 24, and will have a tiny red polka dot flange, outer border and scrappy binding...that's about all I could squeeze in this week.

I have to admit there was a morning outing today with a friend to visit a couple quilt shops.....a quilter has to shop after all!

Friday, February 18th is the next Friday Night Sew-In. If you'd like to join in, hop on over to Crafty Vegas Mom, aka Bobbi, and sign up with Mr. Linky. It's so fun to visit all the links and see the amazing projects people are working on.

For now, it's back to my binding business. Happy weekend everyone :-) !

Tickled Pink Tuesday

2011-02-08T15:21:00.000-08:00

I'm a little late in posting today. My day started with hanging out with the Dots while their mommy had a training class...lucky right there to spend the morning with them. We have a nephew who left over a week ago to teach at a school in Kenya and this last Sunday he was finally able to get connected to the Internet so I know that was a huge relief to his mom and sister, as well as the rest of the family. We are so proud of him and the work he will be doing there. Quite an adventure for a 19 year old, all the while doing his college classes online. Then good fortune would come to another nephew....being promoted to Engineer for the Fire Department he works for. Hard work, perseverance and a dream sure paid off, and we are just over the top thrilled for him and his family. Today arriving home from my play day with the Dots this was

waiting for me in a box at the foot of my mailbox!!!! WOOHOO, my friend Terry from here in Cali sent me this bundle of Swell!!!!!! She knows this is one of my all time fabric fabrics. Thanks bunches Terry. I'm taking you up on that sewing weekend.

Allie and I are taking Tuesdays to report on things that tickle us... happy, positive things in our lives......."Tickled Pink Tuesday". If you would like to join in feel free to grab the button. Wishing you all a Tickled Pink Tuesday.

Busy, Busy, Busy

2011-02-03T21:41:00.000-08:00

The first few days of February have just been plain busy...nothing quilty to report, but there are sure some wonderful things going on elsewhere!!

Robyn at Daisy Quilts is having the most wonderful February Hearts sew-along...and a great tutorial to go with!! It keeps calling me and I suppose by the weekend I will have given in. Only problem TIME....where or where can I buy more hours in the day?! She is a lover of scrappy quilts (my favorite), and so much scrappyness to see on her blog!

Last night I was doing a bit of blog hopping and hopped over to Cluck Cluck Sew....a peek at her quilt closet and buffet...yummy eye candy and again wonderful scrappy quilts....hmmmm more hours in the day pleassse!

Allie is hosting Christmas Through The Year......the challenge, every month to make a Christmas present. Yesterday she posted some wonderful tutorials (click here), including one that gives you links to the top 100 tutorials of 2010. I love this idea of actually getting things done ahead of time..what a concept...and there's no pressure. You only join in when you want! There's even a giveaway each month! Mr. Linky is part of her club, and you can pop over and see what participants made for January.

Now back to that time thing!! Happy end of the week everyone!

Tickled Pink Tuesday

2011-02-01T11:09:00.000-08:00

Today is Tickled Pink Tuesday!!! What, you ask?? Last
Tuesday I couldn't come up with a post title and I used Tickled Pink Tuesday. Allie commented that she liked it and wouldn't it be fun to write about what Tickles us on Tuesdays, and even offered to make us a button. So today Tickled Pink Tuesday is born, thanks to Allie and I love the cute button! Now here comes the "Tickled Pink" part!

I belong to a friendship group that does a yearly quilt exchange. The beginning of the year (last January 2010) we drew names, well actually envelopes It's all top secret till the big reveal dinner. In the envelope is our name, a couple yards of fabric of our choice and any notes about quilts we like. We have all year to make our quilts, including having it quilted. Then we have a quilt exchange dinner. A local restaurant has this wonderful back room that we have all to ourselves. Let the quilt show begin!!! Such amazing quilts, and I am Tickled Pink about the center quilt....that's mine made by the sweetest friend anyone could ever ask for, Metta!! There's a few quilts I didn't get pictures of, but at our March meeting we are bringing them all back and I'll get those pictures then. Click on the photo to enlarge.

So what are you Tickled Pink about?? If you like grab the button and join in! Thanks Allie for this great positive idea! Happy Tuesday everyone.

Word Up Sewing Party

2011-01-29T11:26:00.000-08:00

Here's my update and I am happy to report a finish, for our Word Up Sewing Party!!! Such a fun afternoon of sewing with the Word Up Girls!! Tomorrow is a Quilt Till You Wilt day at my LQS and my new pincushion will be attending, a reminder of my word and all you ladies. Thanks Kelly and Kris for hosting such a fun sewing party.

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

Today is our Word Up Sewing Party. Kelly and Kris thought it would be fun if we all worked on a project that reminds us of the word we picked for the year....mine is "Gratitude". She will have Mr Linky going so we can check in and see what everyone is working on. What a great way to spend Saturday afternoon!

I decided to make a heart pincushion from an old quilt block I've been hoarding...with the word "Gratitude"embroidered and buttonholed on. I embroider at a snails pace!!! Have my snacks ready, and I will be

watching a marathon showing of Top Chef!!!!!

So.....ready set EMBROIDER!!!

Tickled Pink Tuesday!

2011-01-25T17:37:00.000-08:00

The title makes no sense...I just couldn't come up with anything and the last few days have been filled with fun...well I'm just Tickled Pink!

Saturday was party day for our little dot...a whole one year old! Gotta start the day with some milk...partying is hard!! There was a wonderful birthday cake and thank goodness big brother was there to help blow out the CANDLE!!! Lots of laughing and playing in the park and PRESENTS!!!!! Too bad nana doesn't know how to work the new camera.....most of the photos were set on video...OPPS!

Then to top it off our girl came home for a few days...lots of talking, laughing, and shopping and playing with the Dots!! We can never get enough Dot time!

Rooting through my sewing closet I came across this quilt I had stuck away with no binding...problem solved..binding done!!! Then my friend Carol gifted me with this cute summertime raw edge quilt....LOVE IT.....I am so lucky!!!

Wednesday's are my quilty friends day...breakfast in the morning and then Wednesday night sit and sew. You can bet there will be some chatting going on.

Wishing you all a very, very happy mid week from Big Dot and me!!!

Friday Night Sew-In Update

2011-01-22T09:24:00.000-08:00

I love these Friday Night Sew-Ins and this one for me was pretty darn productive! Got the snowman/snowflake topper quilted, buttons on, and binding done...so excited about this!!! Then those happy reindeer guys got pieced together and borders on!...actually did this Friday morning! I'm leaving the quilting on this one to a professional. Thanks Heidi and Bobbi for coordinating this fun monthly sew-in. The snowman/snowflake topper is my January finish for Allie's Christmas Club. Such a great idea....finish a present a month. Thanks Allie for coming up with such a great club to keep us on track. Check it out here!!!

Snowmen and Reindeers Oh My!!

2011-01-19T16:38:00.000-08:00

Friday night is Friday Night Sew-In so I'm setting out some goals for myself. Finish the cute snowman/snowflake topper (yes quilting it myself with no whimpering), maybe quilting the snowman runner (yes that is a maybe, depending on how the quilting of the topper goes), and finishing the piecing on the cute reindeer/package runner. Both the Snowman and Reindeer Tablerunners are Cleo And Me patterns and you can get them at Daisy Cottage.

Saturday our Baby Dot turns 1, so party time!! Where has the year gone. Happy mid week friends!

Word Up!

2011-01-14T14:25:00.000-08:00

Kelly, our fearless leader of the Charming Girls Quilt Club has set a challenge to us........."We're choosing a word the identifies what we'd like to see more of in our lives in 2011 - what we want to cultivate in our lives! It's a word to reflect on throughout the year - and to help us "live our best life" as Oprah would say!" I thought this would be easy to pick a word, but I've had to sit with this for a few days and then it came to me. GRATITUDE...a feeling of thankfulness and appreciation. That's it!! Eureka!!! I have so much to be thankful for. My wonderful sweet family, my extended family and my many "in" person friends and bloggy friends, all of which are always there to support and encourage me. I am very, very lucky. Kelly, in her words, said she stole this idea from Diane, one of our Charming girls, but I'm going to say borrow! Thanks to Kelly and Diane....I am so grateful to you both for coming up with such a wonderful idea!!!

It’s January??

2011-01-12T00:05:00.001-08:00

Wow, time flies! Christmas and New Years were so much fun in Polkadotland. We have lots to be thankful and grateful for. So much time spent with family and friends….parties. lunches, dinners and seeing it all through the eyes of our little Dots…..a joyful season for sure.

My friend Carol gave me this wonderful quilt for my birthday…I started one quite a while back and gave up on it…I feel so lucky to have it from her. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it!!!
I finished a mini pineapple topper, and got the binding on the topper I made at quilt camp .
Some goodies came from Daisy Cottage…..
speaking of Daisy Cottage, have you seen all the wonderful Red Valentine goodness over there? Kits, kits and more kits!!

Sadly it was time to take all the decorations down and get focused on the year ahead and get back to some quilting!
This was started before Christmas, but now has become a UFO for this year……Happy New Year bloggy friends!!! UPDATE!
I had several emails about the sweet snowman quilt...it's called Snowy Day, by Ashby's Attic and she has a blog which I linked to!

On The Road To Inspiration.......opps behind again!

2010-12-04T13:14:00.000-08:00

I'm behind on my camp post so here goes!!! Whenever I go to quilt camp I always get inspired...very inspired. All those quilty people together in one place, so many wonderful projects being made, so much quilt talk going on and then to have Eleanor Burns right there with us the whole time....well just plain inspiring!!! I just have to admit she is like a rock star to me...a living, breathing, quilting rock star. She's to blame for my first quilt class. The sign posted in that craft store 26 years ago read "Log Cabin Quilt In A Day"!!!! Well heck, I have a day :-) !!! That's the very moment where my quilting obsession was born. So many quilts and wonderful friendships have been made since that day and I give her all the credit. Her passion for quilting is infectious, and how she keeps the schedule she has is a mystery to me!! All the people she has started down the quilting path......well just plain amazing.

Camp this year was mainly a social (jabbering) time...but here's some pretty quilts that were there to inspire. Gotta love a log cabin....and this quilt on the right called to me all camp!! I have a huge collection of 30's that just need to be made into this quilt. An oh so sweet posy quilt...love the rick rack for the

stems. I can just see this beauty on a little girls bed.

My dear friend Annie made this cuter than cute birthday quilt for her granddaughter Clare's first birthday...it's in a Quilt In Day book called Ice Cream Cone Quilt. Some grandma love went in to that! So great visiting and sewing with Annie.

Here's a group of us visiting Eleanors studio.....Lani, me, Karen, Jennifer and Pat...all such great friends...I'm a lucky girlie! This should be an add for how are you enjoying retirement?! My friend Beth (standing) retired in June and sadly moved away to New Mexico...well not sad for her but for me because we can't play anymore. She is so happy and loves her new place. We all were very grateful that her husband drove her to quilt camp. That's Judy and Marilyn enjoying our visit at Eleanor's lovely home.

Since camp things have been very busy. Thanksgiving....

my sweet family. Then there's been some decorating happening... getting lights on the tree, decorating the castle......

oh wait....that was a visit to Disneyland with the Dots, their mom and dad and our girl. We were busy looking for Nemo.....and here's our girls!

Yes decorating is happening in our castle, but may be not as many lights! Happy December everyone!

Break Is Over!!!

2010-11-12T16:46:00.000-08:00

Break is over....and it's time to get back to blogging. We had a great summer with some good camping trips thrown in. One with the whole family, even our daughter's guy came, who Big Dot calls "Buddy"!!! It was great having Buddy along.

The dots are amazing....growing like weeds and so much fun. We are very lucky to get to spend so much time with them and they keep us extremely entertained. Big Dot carries on a great conversation and Little Dot is a rolling/crawling machine.

Quilting, yep I've been busy!! Attended a wonderful quilt camp in August with my friend Evelyn and finished a topper and an Xmas quilt.....almost anyway.... binding to come!

Then my local quilt shop had it's monthly Quilt Till You Wilt day and I worked on this runner and my latest obsession candle, mats..these will be Xmas presents for a couple quilty friends. A great fast, easy project.....quilting and binding to be done!

Finally the snowman heads are done, and just in time for Halloween I made this super fast Halloween Jack...yes the binding was on in time!

and......some Xmas stockings for some kiddos...............

Next week I am heading out with a group of quilty friends for the Quilt In A Day Fall camp which means spending time with my sweet friend Annie....woohooo! Have my projects cut and boxed...what???? I'm ready ahead of time....SHOCKING!!! Can you tell I'm excited to go??

It feels good to be back, but better to be seeing what all of you have going on!! Happy weekend everybody!!!

A Bloggy Break

2010-06-16T14:19:00.000-07:00

I've decided I'm going to take a bloggy break for a while. Life is just too busy...filled with lots of fun things to do and see and lots of family time.....and spending as much time as possible with our little dots :-)!!

I still will be visiting all of you, and counting on lots of inspiration along the way!! Happy June everyone!