Sewing with Paisley

A Snuggly Quilt for Luca

2012-01-08T18:58:00.002-06:00

Here I am a month later posting the picture..... Luca loved both pillow and quilt. He particularly liked the minkee on the back of the quilt. My son said, Luca kept saying...snuggle me. I am so happy he liked them. He had been at St Jude Children's Research Hospital since June and he was able to go home before Christmas! I will keep this little guy in my prayers and will remember to snuggle him in my mind and heart.

Two too cute

2011-12-07T18:09:00.000-06:00

I know, this title is used way too much but these are pretty cute. They are hair bow holders I made for Arely and Zana. I think their Momma will like them too. She will have to decide which one goes to whom. I just wanted to share. Tomorrow I will post the picture of the quilt and pillow I made for Luca. Tootles.

Here is my Blueberry Muffin

2011-10-10T11:40:00.003-05:00

This is Allen in his little cocoon I knitted for him.

In the words of his momma..he is so stinkin' cute. I am glad he likes it but he is a tall fellow, I should have made it a few inches longer so he could wear it for awhile. He is adorable.

A little knit for a blueberry muffin

2011-10-06T17:52:00.000-05:00

As you can see from a previous post, we have a new baby grandson. Every year about this time I start thinking yarn, so naturally a snuggly cocoon for Allen seemed in order.

I had a pattern for the hat for a little girl...a cupcake so I made it in blue and taupe just right for a little boy...a blueberry muffin. I just couldn't wait to see him in it so I decided to let my little doll do a photo shoot. Yes, I know she is a girl but I don't own a boy doll. She looks cute just the same.

I don't knit very often so I have never refined my tension, but it is improving. I have a few more things I would like to knit this year, so we will see. If not then maybe next year and the next grand baby too.

I didn't like crickets until....

2011-09-26T19:47:00.002-05:00

My sister called one day and whet my appetite for a cricket...yes I did say cricket, however it is pronounced cricut:). Really I had to have one, several hours on the internet later I did find one, purchased it, waited impatiently for its arrival, and finally made my first projects the first day.Read instructions? Sure, sure, as I go along. So here are my projects...by the way I must be a fish because I am hooked on cricut!

2011-09-18T18:13:00.000-05:00

Grand baby #9!!! His name is Allen, isn't he a living doll!?! He was very difficult to get into this world but so worth the wait! I am a very proud Granny.

Run for a Reason

2011-08-15T20:37:00.000-05:00

Richard and I had decided a few months ago to walk the half marathon for St Jude Children's Hospital in Memphis TN. Our son and his fiance' will be running the full marathon. We began going out to our military park and walking everyday. at least 4 times per week, slowly, steadily, working our way up to that 13 mile mark. His gall bladder threw a ringer in that plan. He had to have surgery, but in the mean time the half marathon filled up. We could not register and now probably couldn't walk anyway. Soooooo I decided to sign up for the 5K, now mind you we won't be running that either but it is doable at this point. We are accustom to walking that distance.

If you are so inclined I ask that you go to the web page and make a donation...no matter how small or large, to help with the research at this hospital. A friend's young son, Luca, is a patient battling liver cancer. So go ahead and participate with us in the fight against childhood disease, check out the team page and GO TEAM LUCA!!! Here is the link again....and you know what? Thank you we really appreciate your support.

https://waystohelp.stjude.org/sjVPortal/public/displayUserPage.do?programName=heroes&eventId=166948&userId=658434

The "Thimble"

2011-07-10T17:55:00.001-05:00

This is my new thimble. It doesn't look like your typical thimble but it is a thimble none the less.

I remembered seeing them in a sewing catalog years ago when a friend jogged my memory of their existence. Like so many things I set out to find one. I, however could not..but I have a resource better than google. TLTKE.....The list that knows everything... Dear Jane. Yes the members of this list can find a tiny little thimble in a cyber haystack.

As I hand piece I use the thimble on my left thumb. The needle pokes through the fabric and rests in the 'well' of the heart, as I load several stitches on the needle. This works perfectly for me because I am forever pushing the needle through and sticking my thumb. I described the way the thimble fits on your finger or thumb as a wheel weight on car wheels or like mud under your nail.

The photo isn't very clear but I think from the series you can get a good idea. I haven't tried it for hand quilting yet but since I haven't mastered the rocking motion of hand quilting I question whether it would work for me. That will have to wait until I have a practice piece or a top ready to hand quilt.

These little treasures that we find along the way add excitement and comfort to our journey. It doesn't look like much but it is a piece of sewing jewelry I can wear at those special times when I am able to slow down and use my hands to create without the hum of a machine but perhaps the hum of my favorite hymn and a prayer......The LORD your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He has watched over your journey through this vast wilderness. Duet 2:7

SuperStars

2011-07-05T21:01:00.000-05:00

Zana and Arely came to visit for the Fourth of July. I was able to finish their star pillows before they arrived. Both the girls really liked their pillows. They were perfect for sitting, laying down and stacking. I have several more to make and I look forward to doing so because I think all the grand babies will enjoy them. Arely asked me.."Granny why do you make things for me?' Of course I said' "Because I love you so much." to which she replied,"o, thank you."

The time we spend with the children is so swiftly passing. When they arrive it is a flurry of activity to get them in from the car with all their belongings . They play and eat, swim and run, and then settle down for the night and gently fall asleep in their little beds, to wake in the morning and do it all again. But very quickly it is time for them to pack up again and go home, the visit is over. We kiss and hug, hope and pray . We hope the little ones will remember the hugs and fun until they come back. Maybe the star pillows will help.

USM Golden Eagles

2011-06-27T22:54:00.001-05:00

Southern Mississippi to the top...to the top!
My son is 30!! Yes, my son is 30. He is a graduate of USM where he was not only a cheerleader but also the mascot..Seymour. We have enjoyed many Saturdays at "The Rock".

This is my first T shirt quilt. It was a lot of work, one reason it is heavy! and BIG! Oh that is two reasons:)

I made my first quilt for him before he started to college, and now I have made the first t shirt quilt for him as well. There are a lot of firsts in our lives. I have often wondered...do we fear the firsts more or the lasts? I am thinking about these things because did I mention, my son is 30? I wonder what I will write when my baby is 30.

I worked really hard to finish this top for his surprise birthday party. I remembered back 30 years how hard I worked to get him here on his Dad's birthday. ( We were two hours late)
I was able to finish the top and then take it home after the party to quilt and bind. It has taken me several weeks to do this..did I mention it is heavy and BIG? Now I am ready to give it to him for keeps. It is stressful to take someone's mementos and get a rotary cutter near them, I didn't want to make a mistake with the shirts he saved. I think it would have been a mistake to save them any longer. They are once again usable and I think although this is my first t shirt quilt I believe now the souvenirs of cheering will last.

Birthday Surprises

2011-06-12T15:35:00.001-05:00

Happy birthday to me!!! My daughter and her husband sent a beautiful outfit complete with necklace for my birthday. After a little switching around it all arrived on or before my birthday and I was able to wear it to dinner that evening. She wanted me to feel pretty:) Aren't they sweet?

Three of the kids are close by and we kept missing each other running here and there so I had to wait until today to get my gift from them. Worth it! I now have a Kindle. I have wanted one since they first were available. I quickly downloaded King James Version of the Holy Bible, which I thought was great!!! I recommend everyone read this one, (Amazon it even said...)by God. I also downloaded Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Bronte. I am becoming quite the techie with all these up to date children, and I am well dressed too!! No pocket protector for me.

It was a fun birthday even though none of the kids listened to me, I clearly said..."Do not buy me anything...spend the money on yourselves." Naughty children....Thank you!

This Weather!

2011-05-25T22:52:00.000-05:00

I know every one is talking about the weather. Of course we are, we are all in shock at the pictures we see, the videos, the devastation. It is all so frightening. I am writing this post as we are under a tornado watch. For the most part I am calm, but then so is my weather.

Not very many years ago I would have been a complete lunatic. Which brings me to why I am writing this post. I have been in complete fear , debilitating, paralyzing fear. I was ridiculed for my fears because to others they were unfounded but to me it was a matter of life and death. The focus of these fears was tornadoes, thunder, lightning, and wind. I didn't want my boys to watch the cartoon, "Thunder Cats" becasue they kept saying that word! If it was raining in Texas I was afraid because it was headed our way. Yes I realize I was out of control but isn't that the basis for fear...the loss of control? I cried, prayed, sweated, vomited, and watched. I was afraid for my life but more than that, I was in peril and desperate to save my children, the sad irony is they are now all hyper aware of the weather; the very thing I was trying to protect them from.

I was redeemed, delivered, saved, from this crushing fear when I realized as a child I was sent to the basement during times of upheaval in the household. It was the safe place for the children in my family. If we stayed in the basement we would be spared most of the "storms" that raged upstairs. After this realization, I began to prepare a safe place for my children. We lived in a mobile home but thankfully, my husband was building a house for us. I took clean clothes, toys, water and snacks to the house when the weather channel predictions were ominous. If it was possible, I would take the kids to the "big house" to play before the storm actually arrived. If not possible I kept a diligent watch all night, many nights.

I write all this to hopefully help someone who is afraid. Plan, even of some one says it isn't necessary. Make arrangements to protect the ones you love and you will begin to feel safer. The storms that have decimated areas this past month are frightening, take precautions, and pray. I recall one time a preacher saying to me, " I know who was praying that storm away from us last night." Yes, I had been awake all night praying for the safety of my community.

Right now I am praying for the safety of my children, they are scattered all over the country. And in the aftermath of these recent storms the people who made light of my fears respect the weather. I am praying for your safety as well. God bless all those in the path of these storms. I pray the Lord will keep you from fear and give you His Peace.

2011-05-25T11:23:00.000-05:00

This is a variation of the pillow case dress. I decided to do it differently this time. I like to try new variations on old themes. I really like it but have to admit I love the little pillowcase dress as well.

The pillow is the first of many. As some of you know, we are expecting our 9th grandchild. When I make something I generally make one for each of them, so I have at least 8 more to make. This one is for Zana. It matches her third quilt I am working on.

The bloomers are the feminine version, I used robot fabric for the fellas.

Zana's 2nd Quilt

2011-05-25T11:06:00.000-05:00

I finished a second quilt for little Zana. It is hard to believe we have not see her yet. We just cannot seem to co-ordinate with everyone. I love the braided border on little panel quilts. I think it makes them special. I hope she will enjoy it too. Maybe she will remember Granny because I also have a braid.

Spider!!!

2011-04-16T11:29:00.000-05:00

This reminds me of a line in a Dwight Yoakam song...Once there was this spider in my bed....
I made this pin using an old metal zipper. I thought it was very cute, for a spider. I think I will make a few more.
I have been busy making little things that I will share soon, but I haven't been able to work on my quilts. I need take along projects even though I am not going anywhere(metaphorically and physically). Doesn't make much sense. It is a long journey down the stairs to the sewing room. I have to pass so many markers on the way....the bathroom that needs cleaning, dishwasher to load and unload, that sticky kitchen floor, laundry to fold, and the biggest time consumer...the computer. All these distractions make the distance to the sewing room a decathlon. If I can just do this, this, and this, theeeeeennnnn, I can sew. AHHHH. Instead I have little projects sitting by the sofa ready to be stitched, glued, stuffed or read until I have the stamina to wade through the obstacles to the winner's (sewing) circle and still have time for the victory dance.

Cultural Cross Roads Quilt Show

2011-03-31T13:56:00.000-05:00

Here is the certificate for my winning entry! I was very pleased to receive second place. There were so many lovely small quilts and I am honored to have participated. If you are interested in viewing their site the address is: www.msculturalcrossroads.org

Gone with the Wind

2011-03-18T13:09:00.000-05:00

Here is the finished project. Unfortunately I had problems. I believe in an earlier post I explained the "me" factor in everything I do. I pieced my background, machine quilted it and then formed the tree using the twisted branches technique. I cut strips of batik in to tiny little pieces with a rotary cutter and placed them on my branches. I then placed a black tulle layer over the entire wall hanging and stippled the leaves in place. It looked marvelous. After choosing the black for the binding, I sewed it in place, blocked the quilt and let it dry overnight. I was on target to finish before the deadline for a local quilt show today. All night I thought of what I might do different if I had a little more time.

This morning I awoke unpinned the quilt and decided to press the binding once more before attaching a label and trotting off to the show. Here is the me factor....I touched the tulle with the hot iron and it melted!!!! Just the corner but enough to be a disaster. A tornado couldn't have caused more damage to my tree, and my beautiful project was gone with the wind. I was heart sick. At 7AM this little wall hanging was a beauty, at 8AM I was near tears and by 9AM I was ready to throw it away. I wanted to add some beads and my husband kept saying no..it would distract from the tree. So I rounded the corners re-bound the quilt...did I mention I was out of the binding fabric so I had to make do with the pieces I had. (I should have added the beads.) As you can see the binding and not the wind, fell this tree, I have never been very good with binding and this is a display of my inadequacy. I am still heart sick but I am taking it to the show. I will make another, I will learn a lesson, and with God as my witness I will never touch tulle with an iron again.

Twisted Branches

2011-03-09T20:16:00.000-06:00

I have been thinking about making one of these beautiful wall hangings for over a year. I first saw twisted branches at the MQA meeting and I thought it was lovely. I decided to get started because I may finish it in time for a local quilt show.
I pieced the background and quilted it and then placed the tree. After I finish sewing the tree in place I will add leaves and perhaps some beads. We will have to see where the wind blows me.

Trees have always played a part in my life. An odd comment perhaps, but there are people who live in cities and neighborhoods where trees are few. I have always lived in the woods. My family spends our time under the canopy of towering oak trees. We picnic, play games, read, swim, live in the dappled sunlight. The swing hangs beneath the branches, where a breeze stirs each time we sit with a glass of tea. Here in the south the shade of a familiar tree is like a hug from a friend. We are refreshed and ready to begin anew.

On cool nights we cook our dinner over a campfire, enjoying the night sounds. The rustling leaves sooth and the breeze lulls us to sleep.

When I was a girl in school, I remember this phrase in Literature but I do not recall to whom I should attribute these words, "Trees are monuments of peace". The phrase expressed my feelings quite well.

February Quilts

2011-02-10T22:29:00.001-06:00

Today I have two wonderful quilts to chat about. First the brown, red, and cream top was a gift from my nephew. He found it at a yard sale and thought of me. Isn't he too sweet. I would like to figure out the age of the top as it is simply stunning in my opinion.

It is sewn beautifully and is very clean. there are a few tiny spots that look like rust but I think they are just age spots. All seams are secure...just lovely. I am really proud of the top and it will be a treasure to me.

I do not know whether I should try to make it into a quilt because I feel a connection to the piecer and think I should leave her work as she did. The second picture shows it on display in my home.

The second quilt is also very lovely. I spoke of it in an earlier blog. "Union Blue" was made for the LQS to be displayed with the Washington's Legacy fabric line. I finished the binding and now I will have to give it up for a while.

I hope all the kits to make this quilt sell quickly so I can have it back on my rack where it belongs.

The quilt was quick and easy to make even though I have rudimentary skills.

Happy February!!

2011-02-01T20:39:00.003-06:00

January flew past without a word....We maybe she said a few things but I was too busy to listen. We had a full house in the beginning of January and now it has settled down. I made my way down stairs pretending to go to the laundry room but I spent most of the day in my sewing room. It was great fun. I have been working away on a quilt for LQS to put on display to sell the kits. The kits are wonderful. I do not usually make quilts according to kits but sometimes it is pleasant to just get down to business and sew. I quilted it and now it is ready to bind.

Once I reached the binding stage on the "Union Blue" quilt I did a 'stack-n- slash' baby quilt for my next grand baby. She is due to arrive this month and I did not even have a quilt for the little sweetie, so I thought I better get with it. I always make a play quilt and a Sunday Go-to-Meeting for the new babies. This is her monkey quilt to play and spit upon.

I will have to find more time to do the "laundry" because another grand baby was announced this week...#9. Tonight when I am supposed to be sleeping I will be planning, cutting, sewing, quilting, and binding all in my warm bed with my soft pillow for my head and, yes, clean sheets.

Christmas Sewing

2010-12-27T19:42:00.006-06:00

This Christmas I was able to do a little sewing mixed in the quilting. I went to a class at the stitch-n-frame.net to make these sweet little dresses. I made one for each of the three youngest grand daughters. Luckily for me all the parents are football fans and both teams are black and gold...Southern Miss Eagles and Missouri Tigers.

I made baby Harlie her Christmas stocking to match her Mom and Dad's. Then I made my snowman pillow just for fun from a pattern in a recent quilting magazine. I will have to look up the designer's name.
I have been making these Santa wall hangings the last two years and this one was gift for a friend. I do not usually get much sewing done around the holidays because I am embroidering so many items but this year was a little different for various reasons. I know I will miss the time to sit and sew but I can cherish the feeling when something comes together I am making for someone else.

The quilts were a hit!!!

2010-12-27T19:29:00.005-06:00

The Sock Monkeys and quilts were given to the babies for Christmas. I think they were all happy with their quilts and new friends. Hunt and Laney gave their monkeys a squeeze and posed for their picture with the quilts.
The baby Harlie, who is one year old was not too sure of the sock monkey but she did like the quilt. I think Mommy and Daddy liked it as well.

Christmas came and went so fast as it always does. I was very concerned about having a Christmas with out our youngest daughter at home but Macintosh came through. We were able to see her and her husband on the iphones and have spent a lot of time face timing. Christmas day we were able to video chat through gmail and see them both as they opened their gifts. Technology in this instance certainly brought us closer together.

Hey! Hey! We're the Monkeys

2010-12-09T13:06:00.003-06:00

I did it! I finished all four monkey quilts using the Anita Goodesign monkey embroidery CD, in time for Christmas!
I also made each of my little monkeys a sock monkey of their own.
It was fun to watch each one come together. I made four quilts similar but not identical for our four youngest grand (monkeys) children. I named the series of quilts, the title of this post and each quilt was assigned a number 1 through 4 to correspond with the age of its recipient.
#1 goes to 1 year old Harlie, #2 is for 2 year old Laney, #3 is for 3 year old Arely, and #4 goes to 4 year old Hunt. I hope they will all go "bananas" for their quilts and new friend.

Dear Jane With Benefits

2010-10-05T19:58:00.005-05:00

Perhaps you remember Dear Jane.. This little quilt is a baby jane and she is sweet. Last year I participated in two block swaps, the fall frolic and Christmas swaps of Dear Jane blocks. I received these lovely little treasures from friends around the continent and put them together. Like any baby, I had many labor pains.

It isn't my first quilt, but the piecing looks as if it were. I started to unsew but instead I ripped the sashing. Needless to say, I wanted to cry. I decided to sew it back together and just move on. To make it more complicated, I wanted to make a curved binding, which I have never done, so I freehand quilted a feather on the border. After individually quilting the blocks, I proceeded to feather the sashing. The more I worked the worst it became..... practice made pitiful. I have heard people say, "the quilting makes the quilt" not in this case. The blocks make the quilt, I just gave them a place to gather. I decided to accept my limitations on the feathered sashing and move on. I removed it from the machine and THEN, I noticed a few places the seams were pulled apart. Of course, I will have to fix this but I pressed on. I sewed the curved binding and it turned out okay for a first attempt. When the quilt is viewed from a distance,she looks wonderful. She is a sweet little quilt, the blocks are so special to me and I smile each time I look her. The blocks do make the quilt.

I chose the name because I hear people use the term.. Friends with benefits. My cyber friends created beautiful blocks for me and that was certainly a benefit. As a footnote I do love the border fabric I chose, it "compliments" her well. She hangs over my stairwell, strategically placed at the perfect distance from the quilt patrol.

Monkey business in the sewing room

2010-09-26T19:36:00.003-05:00

I have been monkeying around. A few months ago I had to take my sewing machine in for repairs and I saw the Anita Goodesign Monkey embroidery CD. I just knew my little grand babies would love to have monkey quilts. When I started I had 4 grandbabies, 4,3,2,1. I embroidered each of the monkeys I chose, 4 times. I have finished one quilt, ready to bind one, one ready to quilt and the last one needs another row to the top. I am so close to finishing and in the mean time another grand baby was announced. Looks like I better get back to the embroidery machine. I intend to make the first four for Christmas and since the new little one will makes his/her arrival in February or March I might have time.

2010-07-08T11:17:00.002-05:00

A Decisive Victory....The quilt

I finally finished the Civil War quilt for my brother in law Dennis. Every fella in my family who has seen it, wants it...bad. I chose the name for the quilt because even though it was a reference to General Grant's comment about the battle for Vicksburg, this is my second attempt to make a confederate flag quilt. Obviously it won't be my last. The first one was made for my son and it was indeed my first quilt. It did not turn out so well but it is hand quilted and began a learning process that I have been enjoying for 11 years. I have been happily immersed in all things quilty.

The photos were taken in my back yard. The deer have come through the last few days and have eaten all flowers and decorative vegetation. My flower garden is bare but at it's entrance stand two columns that were salvaged by my husband's grandfather around 1915 from the Jefferson Davis' home, that stood on Davis Island in the Mississippi River. The columns were then used on a house he built for his family in 1944.

I finished the quilt on July4, do not think of this as a surrender but as a decisive victory.

I was not born in the south but as all southern women will say..."That's okay honey, you got here as quick as you could."

Mississippi Museum of Art

2010-07-03T09:21:00.002-05:00

Pieces and Strings at the Mississippi Museum of Art
Yesterday my husband, son and I went to the museum to see my quilt hanging. I was very proud to see Kimono Garden hanging in a museum. I have posted a link to the museums exhibit site. The quilt is part of the Mississippi Cultural Crossroads Pieces and Strings exhibit. I made this quilt for a fabric challenge. I received the fabric in the mail and I felt a Victorian quilt was in order but as I thought about the era, I decided an Asian influence would be appropriate. I designed the kimono and used an innovated technique, Inklingo, to make the diamond collar and the cuffs. I then quilted by machine free style.

My Friendship Siggy Quilt

2010-06-06T14:43:00.003-05:00

Here It Is!

I did finish it quickly after my last post but couldn't seem to take the picture. I love it and I have napped wrapped in Friendship. It makes for a restful slumber.

Attention!!!!

2010-05-04T19:57:00.003-05:00

Since I do not yet know how to reverse the order of these posts, please bear with me...Start reading at the post entitled "What is a Siggy" and work your way back up. Maybe i will figure this out.

Friendship

2010-05-04T19:48:00.002-05:00

In a few days I hope to post the completed quilt, quilted and bound. Just as the block says friendship held together, warm, and comforting, humbling and treasured.

Thank you ladies.

2010-05-04T19:41:00.004-05:00

My excitement was growing with the quilt. Each neighborhood added to a beautiful mosaic of friends from around the globe. I felt the strength of two joining with two more and then four and eight and on and on until 120 friends were gathered together to celebrate my birthday. When I gazed upon the finished top I felt like someone had just opened the door to my surprise party. I was thrilled and humbled.

Trimming the blocks

2010-05-04T19:28:00.005-05:00

As I sewed these little jewels into groups of four I trimmed them to the same size. I felt all of my worry and apprehension fall way just like the little slivers of fabric. They were coming together, my little blocks were becoming neighborhoods.

While I was busy...

2010-05-04T19:19:00.003-05:00

sewing, my embroidery machine was too. He is such a talented little brother;)

I began choosing the siggys totally at random and sewing them two by two. I had the opportunity to think about the hands that made each of these blocks for me. A very warm feeling.

What is a Siggy?

2010-05-04T19:05:00.002-05:00

A few years ago, I joined some online quilt groups. The first one I joined was Dear Jane in honor of the Jane Stickle quilt. I then joined numerous others I was introduced to through the original. Quickly I began reading the chatter about siggies...I though what the heck, I gave up sigs 20 years ago. Why would would I want to sign up to exchange them?

Live and Learn...siggies are signature blocks swappped all around the globe. Little squares of friendship. I decided to join the fun. Well, just like the old cigs these were addictive but unlike the others, these are very health enriching. I joined a birthday swap along with 120 other quilters and we swapped these little treasures. We received a list from our "swap mommy" then near each of the recipient's birthday we sent them a block. In your birthday month you were scheduled to receive 120 blocks from your invisible friends. Great fun!

I decided to put my blocks together with embroidered blocks that signified each month, ending with a beautiful block entitled "Friendship". Here follows the gathering of these friends into a very warm, cheerful, birthday hug.

Bonus baskets

2010-04-25T19:56:00.008-05:00

I belong to a group of quilters online called

"BasketCases". Thus far we have been making basket blocks and I am behind. Can you believe that? last week I began playing catch up and I decided to let my embroidery machine make a few baskets for me while I worked on the others by hand. Here are my embroidered blocks. I purchased the files from embroidery library. They take a while to stitch out but they are beautiful.

Completed Projects

2010-04-05T20:41:00.003-05:00

I just took a peek at my Works in Progress list and Yippee!! I had to remove 4 items from the list. I finished Laney's hearts, titled "all My Hearts"...Tyler's quilt from the featherweight....3 Baby quilts for Harlie...and Lauren's USAF thank you quilt. Now mind you I need to add others but I did indeed finish some.

Gator Nation

2010-04-05T20:20:00.002-05:00

Gator nation quilt is completed and delivered. I appliqued the center and of course pieced the rest. It is quilted with grid work and football shapes, aka ovals. The quilt turned out fabulous and I think Robby is very happy. I hope he will cuddle up with his little wife under this quilt and enjoy the evenings. Both of them remembering all the reasons they have to give thanks.

2010-03-10T15:32:00.004-06:00

Remember the DIL who was a Southern Miss? Here is a link to her new dance studio. RiverPointe Dance Academy.This little sweetie is taking Mommy and Me class, she is a prima ballerina.

Take a look and come in to dance, it is really fun as you can see. You don't even realize you are exercising too!!

riverpointedance.com

Pillow talk

2010-02-20T14:29:00.004-06:00

Pillow talk.....I have been making pillows

for the grand babies and yesterday I decide to make these two for my daughter and her husband. They are Saints fans but he is a Florida Gator through and through. Their wedding colors were orange and blue and the groom's cake was, what else? A Gator. He hasn't seen this yet because I am also in the process of making him a gator quilt. I thought these turned out great so I wanted to share.

For the last ten years my husband and I have been attending all Southern Miss home games and watching the others on TV. Our two boys were cheerleaders for 3 or 4 years, one was Seymour the mascot, the other coached the cheerleaders for years, our Daughter in law was a Southern Miss dancer and then the coach for several years, We have another son who is a classical guitarist, another daughter in law and our baby, all graduated from Southern Miss...To the Top! You get the idea.

My husband ,(Brett Farve fan) son,(Saints fan) and son in law (the Gator) (all USM fans) talk about football, watch football, and wait for football constantly, so at the beginning of this NFL season I announced, I think I am going to cheer for the Saints. A few reasons, they are close by and they are black and gold like USM, and their stats remind me of USM. Sounded good. My son declares, Mom you know they are winning. No I didn't ..I don't care if they win ( just like USM) I am now a fan no matter what. Well, WHO DAT! I guess they needed me in their fan base.

Snow! MAN!

2010-02-12T11:45:00.002-06:00

The Snowman was born today! He doesn't have a name just yet but he is ready to go play tennis or ride in a rodeo. Richard and Millicent had to run out to play in the snow before it is gone. We realize to our Northern family this is a touch of snow but down here in the south this is a ton of snow. I hope you are all having a good time in your snow. It certainly brings out the kid in us. Where am I? Taking pictures of course, in the warm, dry house.

When the children were little we travelled with Dad's job and we spent time in Denver...no snow. We were in Indiana for 5 years and it barely snowed, I am not kidding. Just a dusting of snow. So they really never had the opportunity to play in the snow as I did growing up in Missouri. One winter day in Mississippi, we received about 1/2 inch of snow fall and they all bundled up, went out with sleds and snowsuits and with in a hour they were playing in the mud. The snow was gone as soon as they touched it. I wished they could have enjoyed the beauty and the wonder of those tiny flakes adding up to mountains of snow. Each time it has snowed here since then one of them would ask, "Mom is this real snow?"

Today they are enjoying the snow with their dad or with their children and they were up with sun because they know the snow will melt and the children will be grown before they know it.

Tyler's Quilt

2010-02-12T11:12:00.005-06:00

The last time I blogged, (sounds like something I shouldn't do:) I had posted our newest grand babies birth and her quilt.

This quilt is the first quilt made for our first grand baby,Tyler. He has graduated from high school.
In my defense, I did not quilt when he was born and did not begin until he was 1o years old. I thought about his quilt long before I actually made it, I needed to have a connection to him in the quilt itself. I paper pieced the blocks in bright colors, remembering the first time I saw him, he took my breath away. He and his mommy were so beautiful. The pattern is an abstract multi-faceted star. He certainly is a bright and multi-faceted star. The next connection was the sewing machine itself. I pieced this quilt entirely on my antique Singer Featherweight machine. I had not used the machine for piecing until this quilt or since but it was the perfect choice because our dear sweet Tyler is a wrestler. I do not know if he is still classified as a featherweight but his quilt is. I hope he will always wrap in the quilt and feel the warmth of our love for him.

Here's Harlie!!

2009-10-04T21:33:00.004-05:00

Here is Harlie and Daddy Brian, aren't they adorable. Mommy wanted to wait on her photo shoot!! She worked hard that day.

Brian is a daddy!!

2009-10-04T21:24:00.005-05:00

Harlie finally arrived! 8 pounds 9 ounces and as you can see a head full of black hair. She looks a lot like her daddy. We are all so happy she is here and healthy. Since I "only" had nine months warning..I had to finish this quilt the day she was born. It will be a memory for me, while mommy was in labor...Granny was sewing away! She was born on her aunt Robin's birthday, Sept 22, what a birthday present. She is a beautiful blessing.

A Quilt for Lauren

2009-08-27T13:00:00.003-05:00

This is a thank you quilt. I made it for my niece, Lauren and her husband, Dustin. He is a navigator in the USAF. Lauren was in the Air Force for a little while also. I wanted to make them a wedding quilt but I am very far behind so this became an anniversary quilt instead. I want to say thank you to them for sacrificing for our freedom. They are a young couple struggling to have a marriage in a time when finances are precarious and our country is at a war. They sacrifice to live in a place they may not have chosen, to be on call for a mission at a moments notice, and they do this for our freedom.......yours and mine. And I thank them. Honor all who serve and to me that includes their families.

What is a farm/garden?

2009-08-12T20:52:00.003-05:00

I have a secret pal affiliated with my Dear Jane quilt, I received a wonderful gift package from her this week and she spoke of her garden. Where she lives her gardens are growing well. I am not a gardener of flowers or vegetables. I have planted and weeded, fertilized and watered to very little avail. I think we picked 5 tomatoes. Last year I sprinkled some wild flower seeds in my "flower garden" and this year some beautiful black eyed susans did come up. But if I calculated how much money I spend on my plantings each year I would certainly give up.

When I was a little girl in Missouri my father worked 150 miles away from home in the big city of St. Louis, we grew up in the country. Each Friday when it was time to make the drive home he would tell his co- workers or drinking buddies, he was headed to the farm. When asked what he raised, he replied,"Cats,dogs, kids, and h_ll." An appropriate answer.

Several years ago I went to Sears and bought 5 rose bushes $1.00 each. The next morning I worked very hard to plant them before I had to leave for the airport. I dug the holes, fertilized, and watered each one very carefully. I was digging the last hole when my ride arrived. I dropped the bush in the hole, kicked the dirt over it, and said,"This one is yours God, I have to go." You guess it! This was the only one that survived. This rose bush bloomed with the most beautiful, full , huge roses. Each flush of new roses would be a dozen or more. Everyone would ask for cutting from this bush and of course I would share because the name of the rose was 'Peace". God's Peace.

I am not a gardener but I know the Master Gardener and His crop is well tended. We have eight children and the seventh grand baby will be here next month. When asked what I raise I would have to reply Cats, Dogs, Kids, and praises to heaven. I want to plant seeds of anticipation, fertilize creative thought, weed out negativity, and generously pour out love. God will grow the crop, and a bumper crop it is.

Mariner's Compass

2009-08-02T21:50:00.005-05:00

This past week I had the fun and pleasure of taking a class on Mariner's Compass from M'liss Rae Hawley. We had a wonderful time and I learned some more about color placement. I have never really "learned" the color wheel and have become inspired to do so. Color theory is a mystery to me. I "see" but i have no idea how it really works. She also challenged me to learn stitch in the ditch with my longarm. I am intimidated by this, it requires a steady hand and good eye sight. Two things I lack. I have so many gadgets to help with longarm quilting but I really do not know how to use the gadgets. So many things to learn.

I also had the pleasure of reading an article about her son Alex who is a Staff Sargent in the Marines stationed in Afghanistan. The article was very moving for me and once again I was aware of the sacrifice of others for us, for me, for freedom. This young man is the cream of the crop. I am in prayer for my nephew Erik and the soldiers in Iraq because he is mine. Suddenly I looked at each soldier as mine. I wish they didn't have to be there but I am grateful they are willing, and my prayers are more specific for them and their safety, comfort , and conviction. So many things to learn.

If you have the opportunity to meet or have a class with this wonderful lady, go. you will be blessed.

To The Good Life

2009-07-24T20:43:00.003-05:00

I made it!! I have completed 25 Dear Jane blocks. I know I have 144 blocks left to make but I have reached this milestone. I am Silver! I want to make 50 by this time next year. These are Baby Jane steps, a little block at a time. This quilt is such a treasure. the original quilt was made by Jane Stickle in 1863 "In War Time". Brenda Papdakis drafted the blocks, published a book and Cd so that people all over the world can enjoy,dream of, and reproduce this beautiful, haunting quilt. It is spectacular, it is a history lesson, and it is a hand reaching through time to touch ours. When I set out to make a block I think of Jane and her life, in my mind I contrast mine to hers. She is teaching me to be frugal and extravagant at the same time. Conserving fabric but stretching my abilities, to learn, grow, and treasure. The people who are talented and persistent enough to finish this masterpiece are loving called "godess", the quilt is called a "Baby Jane". Jane's quilt is the Mother quilt. The journey through this quilt is fascinating and rewarding, I will enjoy each step as long as it takes and when I finish the last stitch I will pick up my crown and dance.

2009-07-22T19:18:00.004-05:00

I also want to link to my Etsy shop. I really do not have it set up just yet but it is a beginning, Everything begins at the beginning so thank you again for helping me along my way and checking often to see my journey and progression. I am grateful for my followers and friends. http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7036976

Webshots Link

2009-07-22T18:54:00.003-05:00

Hi Again! I thought I would include a link to my webshots page. I do not have all my quilts on the page but I am trying to keep up to date now. Please feel free to check out the pictures at your leisure. I will be uploading more of my Civil War Love Letters blocks this week as I have been trying to catch up on those. I recently became enamoured with Sylvia's Bridal Quilt and have been anxious to receive my silver status with Dear Jane, So there are more pictures to come very soon. Keep on quilting! http://community.webshots.com/user/litemotif

2009-07-22T18:27:00.003-05:00

I follow Rosa's World blog and learned of this give-a-way there, I thought I would share ...
http://faithfulquilter.blogspot.com/2009/07/45th-entry-give-way.html
If you are interested in the Quilter's Stimulus package check out this blog. Elaine is having a contest.

2009-07-19T22:20:00.004-05:00

Today has been a pleasant day. I began the day at church. We talked about being offended and what we can do when we have been. The Good Lord knows sometimes we are the offender.

We talked about living above our circumstances. God is in control of our circumstances. Praise the Lord, I am so glad I am not in control, I would mess up everything.

After church I fixed lunch. My husband was astounded that I still know how to cook. (I could have been offended). It was a good lunch but I ran down to my sewing room to work on some blocks. This is one I completed today. I am only 2 months behind, this is the May basket. I used felt to make the cherries and leaves which I intend to felt to the fabric very soon.

A few years ago I bought felt at a quilt shop in Missouri and recently I purchased the tools for felting. I made my sister a pin cushion and proudly exclaimed .."It only cost me $50." We laugh about that often but really the cost of her pin cushion is reducing as I use these items for other things. I have far too many interests and am master of none.

I later went for a 1-1/2 mile walk in the park with my husband and our son. the sun had gone down so it was bearable as it has been horribly hot and humid for the last 6 weeks. We finally had a little rain and the temperatures are now a cool 90 degrees. It is amazing how much better 90 is than 100.

I have enjoyed the day, slow and easy, no big surprises, a little sewing, good company and a good lesson to ponder this week. I am blessed.

Tiny Tote Swap

2009-07-15T17:30:00.002-05:00

I have been involved in a several swaps with my online groups. We make various blocks in multiples and swap with others all over the world. However, I think this one intimidated me most because I had one little tote bag to make for a specific person. I wanted it to be special. We were given the guidelines but freedom to do as we pleased. The blue background fabric is called Botanicals but I thought of "Starry Night" as soon as I saw it and wanted to make my tiny tote from this fabric. I purchased some (enough to make a whole BIG tote full of tiny totes), went home and printed my LeMoyne star using the free download from Inklingo. (See Links to Love) Then after a few cuts with the rotary cutter a few stitches this tiny tote was born. I was very pleased, so off it went to my tote buddy Jillian, filled with prayers for her and her family, and good wishes from an invisible friend. Check out the Inklingo blog and the Inklingo sampler blog you will find all the information for making this adorable little bag.

Basket Case #1

2009-07-15T12:37:00.006-05:00

I am definitely a basket case when it comes to sewing. I joined a group of quilters of this name and this is my first block to finish for the online group. As I look about my sewing room I see that I am a basket case in many ways. I have baskets of fabric, thread, notions, scraps, and of course laundry some clean and folded, some clean not folded, and you get the idea. I have baskets of books , patterns, cleaning supplies, dog toys, candy, gum, and dust. may be I should get some shelves.

Wedding Cake and Quilt

2009-06-21T15:44:00.004-05:00

I mentioned before, I learned a life lesson at my daughter's wedding, well a few really. The one to which I was referring involves the wedding cake. I made this little wallhanging of her wedding cake for guests to sign. We decided in lieu of a book we would have the quilt since that is what I do. I do not consider myself a "quilter" because I have seen some of the most magnificent quilts and I am not capable of reaching those heights. However I do enjoy the process of making quilts for family and friends, therefore when asked I say, "Yes, I quilt."

My sister on the other hand decorated the beautiful cake for the wedding. As you can see it was striking. the groom's cake was also made by my sister because she is a cake decorator. Her husband is the baker. Together they create the most delicious cakes, do-nuts, pastries and pies you can imagine. When there is an occasion in the family of course the cake will come from Banky's.

Now here is the lesson...my brother in law the baker is also a biker, he looks more like the biker than the baker so I NEVER thought he wanted a quilt of his own. He asked me..'how many cakes before I get a quilt?' My goodness I was shocked....His cakes are the best cakes ever, ask anyone who has had one and then my beautiful talented sister puts the icing on the cake, like no other can. I was humbled and needless to say I am now enjoying the process of deciding what his quilt will be. Touched by the fact that Banky the biking baker would like to have a quilt made me very happy indeed.

As a reminder to all in within a reasonable distance of Memphis TN... the very best bakery is located in Millington on highway 51. Banky's is the best.

Here Comes the Bride

2009-06-20T22:00:00.003-05:00

And a lovely Bride she is. As I said yesterday, the wedding is over but the work is still going on. I thought I would sigh with relief but I now have to put everything away. Wash all the dishes, tablecloths, curtains...on and on. But it was so good to have so many family and friends here to enjoy the day. This wedding was truly a family affair. We have eight children, the bride being the youngest. All the rest pitched in a worked hard to bring about this beautiful day for the baby.

Details @ 10

2009-06-19T18:36:00.003-05:00

I love how the news baits you into watching and waiting. They always tell you all the things they will cover but are careful not to give enough information that you may not bother to watch. I have decided to try this technique. I have so much to tell but I don't have time, so....details to follow. We had a beautiful wedding, I received my Siggies from the Big Swap, Civil War fat eights, and I learned a little lesson about life. Details @ 10.

Wedding Planner?

2009-06-10T23:35:00.002-05:00

No I am not a wedding planner but I have been planning a wedding. 3 months ago my daughter said she was engaged and wanted to get married in June. I thought Okay I can handle this...then she added, "In the back yard." I have an unfinshed house and a yard filled with everything my husband has ever owned. So we have been working feverishly for these three months. We have had to move, hide, cover, paint and build. Now it is "three days man far out".

I have said, the people who have been to our house will see how much work we have accomplished, those who haven't will wonder why we didn't clean up the yard a little. Oh well. in three days our youngest daughter will walk out of our unfinished home into the backyard filled with family and a few freinds with some old cars, trailers, lumber and flowers for decorations. She will feel the love of a family who pulled together to get ready for her day. She will see the past as she steps toward her future. Praise the Lord for He is good. Peace, Love and rock-n-roll. Three days man....far out.

The Great Inklingo Give Away

2009-04-28T13:13:00.002-05:00

It has been a while since I last posted. I want to be sure everyone knows of the Great Inklingo Give Away! Check out the link on the left and sign up to win one of the wonderful prizes offered by talented Inklingoists all over the world. What is Inklingo you say? One of the most innovative new tools in quilting. Inklingo is software programs which allow you to print your pattern directly on the fabric with no templates, your printer does the work. It is fabulous. I made the hexagons on the Kimono Garden using Inklingo. Check out the giveaway and the follow the link to the FREE software download for a 6" LeMoyne star. You will be glad you did. Let me know how much you love Inklingo and when you win!

Kimono Garden

2009-03-08T17:35:00.006-05:00

Kimono Garden is a charity challenge wall hanging inspired by the Victorian Elegance fabric line. I felt the Victorian era also embraced Oriental themes therefore I chose the shape of the Kimono. I used the software program by Linda Franz, Inklingo, to print my Grandmother's Flower Garden to achieve the Asian feel. The neckline consists of three diamonds, also designed by Linda Franz in Quilted diamonds. The wall hanging is embellished with crystal stylized dragonflies on the waistband, and enhanced by a simple yet elegant freehand quilting design.

2009-02-18T16:06:00.003-06:00

Today, I was able to upload five more of my Civil War Love Letters blocks designed by Rosemary Youngs. I hope you will enjoy taking a peek . I am uploading five at once so I hope to add more later in the week.

In an earlier post I mentioned my dear Christmas friend, her name was Rosemary. She was a wonderful, robust German girl I met when I lived in Indiana. We were fast friends because of her outgoing personality. I loved my friend. She called me everyday and talked for hours about??? I have no idea!!
We moved away and she and I kept in touch the best we could, I had 8 children she 6, but every Christmas eve for 20 years the phone would ring sometime after midnight and we would talk and laugh until Santa had finished his chores and left both of our homes. She was a devout Christian and a wonderful Mom, she loved 'folksy things'. She loved the work of the Amish and she would have loved my quilt. Rosemary died Easter three years ago. I feel her loss every Christmas eve when the phone no longer rings. A sadness creeps in where so much joy and laughter and friendship lived. I am thankful for the many years Rosemary blessed my life. I am also grateful we had a chance to meet one last time 5 years ago. Each Christmas eve since her death I look at the silent phone and I hang the house ornament on the tree that she gave to me to remember --and I do.

Pleasant Campaign

2009-02-18T15:58:00.002-06:00

Jan 17, 2009 What a wonderful day..pleasant one might say. I have been sewing away and now am caught up on Civil War Love Letters blocks. I will now have an opportunity to work on Dear Jane BOW, and Heart-2-Heart swap blocks, then off to the park for a brisk 3 mile walk, and there are household chores to be done. The work is light when you have had the opportunity to sew. I am blessed.

No Serious Fighting

2009-02-18T15:51:00.003-06:00

I love a day when there is no seriuos fighting And today was the perfect day for serious sewing. I enjoyed the day communicating with my sewing machine and and caressing my fabric stash!! Blessings to have such a peaceful relationship.

2009-02-18T15:45:00.003-06:00

Skirmishing Cannon Firing and Uproar

Block completed 1/17/2009

Last night we had dinner at our son and daughter-in-law's house and afterward I played with my 2 1/2 year old grandson..he made quite an uproar! He jumps up and down when he is excited so cute...His baby sister, who is 4 months old, watched as he was laughing hysterically over a funny face his mommy made and the baby began laughing with him. Skirmishing--no cannon fire--but an uproar of fun was had by all.

2009-02-18T15:36:00.002-06:00

At the time I finished this block "Severe Fighting", our country was about to inaugurate our new president, Barak Obama. I will lift him in prayer, he is to be our 44th President and he steps into office during severe economic problems and we have soldiers fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. He will need the guidance of Almighty God and I pray President Obama will seek His will in this nation's future.

2009-02-18T15:00:00.004-06:00

This Block titled," Liberal with Furlough" was actually finished after Thanksgiving. We had a houseful and now it is quiet. Liberal with furlough I guess means everyone gets a chance to go home and visit with loved ones. At times like this we think of our children coming home but also of the loved ones who have gone home to be with the Lord. I miss my Dad, so often he is on my mind. He wasn't always the "best" Dad but he was certainly always "mine". I do not know if our family had any traditions at Thanksgiving, perhaps we blessed the dinner or maybe some watched football but I remember my Dad at the head of the table, shirt with big pockets, long john sleeves under his short sleeved shirt,(always made by Mom),carving the turkey. The night before the house was filled with the excitement of preparations, my job was always crumbling the bread for the dressing. I hope my kids remember something about our Thanksgivings and I pray they are thankful for those days. I'm grateful for special family days and I am proud to be the Mom who fixes the feast. And I am thankful for quiet days after when I can make a block or 2--not necessarily a shirt with big pockets.

Civil War Love Letters

2009-02-05T20:26:00.002-06:00

Here are my first five blocks of the Civil War Love Letter Quilt designed by Rosemary Youngs. This quilt has a lot of foundation piecing which makes it go fairly quick. I have trouble deciding on colors for the blocks so they are random. When I begin to put the quilt together I may change some that aren't right. I hope to add the next ones soon.

I am encouraged along this path by the designer of this quilt via an online group and each week we are assigned a block and are also encourage to journal our progress. I have enjoyed this process too.

Sorrow of War.. My Dad was a veteran of WWII and he passed away 5 years ago. He was laid to rest among his comrades in a brand new veteran's cemetary. Each time we visit we are alarmed at how quickly the cemetary is filling. The men who served during World War II are almost all gone. If you know one, honor him, he saw the sorrow of war.
March in the Mountains.. I am quite sure they are referring to a hike through the mountains but I thought of family times when we were able to take kids to Colorado on spring break. We have been blessed in the mountains. One of our sons was born in Colorado, we found a son-in-law there and we were told of a new granddaughter on the way! March in the Mountains has been good to us.

Heathful region...I am thankful to be in a heathful region. I Chose the pink square for the center for breast cancer awareness. I lost three friends in an 18 month period and they are on my mind. I pieced this block at Christmas time and I was thinking of them. In a later post I will tell of my dear Christmas friend.

A Secession Ball... This block went quickly for me. It was nice to have a time of peace and simplicity for I know full well it will come to an end . I will have to rip out some of my sewing to get the block just right.

Enthusiasm...I chose red, cream, and blue for this block becasue I thought a little enthusiasm for our country would be nice. Patriotic quilts are beautiful and they make me feel proud.

My Motto

2009-01-18T20:15:00.003-06:00

Yes, I would rather quilt than clean. Of course sometimes one has to do some housework, Christmas, Easter, when your Mom is coming to visit. That is about it. So now I am off to take a sweeping glance.

Weather or Not

2009-01-15T16:22:00.002-06:00

I have been reading on line several posts about the weather. Some are freezing some are way too hot. A few days ago here at home it was 75 degrees...tonight it is predicted to be 18..now that is just rude! You cannot get used to one season before it turns into another, then back again. I will have to sit by the fireplace to keep warm. I have only been quilting about ten years, therefore I have given away all the quilts I have made to family and friends.

One person online said it was 108 degrees at their home today, guess what ? I think that is rude too. Now mind you, I am not complaining to the good Lord about His climate control. Believe me I am thankful He gave us plenty of fallen trees and we are able to heat our home and He gave us Willis Carrier, the father of cool, Inventor of the air conditioner..Praise the Lord.

It is funny, my husband grew up in the south without electricity. When he first slept under air conditioning he said he would spend his last dollar to have AC. I on the other hand will probably spend my last dollar on fabric to make a quilt. So where ever you are , snuggle up and stay warm....or Be Cool.

Upload

2009-01-11T22:42:00.003-06:00

When I hear the word UPLOAD I think of laundry or dishes. I do not automatically think of pictures and songs, documents and power point. I still have to figure out how to Upload my images to my blog...how is that for internet talk!?! I have been working on my Fall Frolic Swap blocks and my Heart to Heart blocks. Hurray I am nearly finished. When I finish I will Upload them to a mailbox (snail mail), and wait for my return blocks. So much fun! In the mean time, I will learn to upload to my blog so you can see them too. Tootles everyone. God Bless You all.

In the Beginning

2009-01-03T18:17:00.002-06:00

Where do we begin? At the beginning...Of What? The new year began and I, like many others have expectations of a more productive year. I want to not only start new things but finish some old. I have boxes of beginnings waiting to be accomplishments. Unfortunately these boxes are not only in my sewing room but in my mind. I hope to clear some of the clutter from both of these places and in doing sew make room for contentment and peace.

This blog is a new beginning. Hopefully a place to organize and share my thoughts, and the content of the boxes stored away. By the way...In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.....