Let the Summer Begin!!

A few of my project this past month! Sometimes I feel as though I NEVER  get in my sewing room, then I look around and well maybe I have been in there some lately! The dust on the furniture and the un-mopped floors can attest to the truth...I sew when I get the chance. The top picture is part of my daughter and son in law's anniversary gift. It is so hard to believe it has been 5 years since they were married. march+094.jpg
The middle picture has a story...Several years ago my sister bought a sewing/ embroidery machine. It was her first machine and she was really intimidated and would call me in a panic. I explained the "buyer's remorse" and she  would get passed that and enjoy sewing before long. I saw a little card with the above design and sent it to her. Since that time I have been planning to make a pillow with this because I need a constant reminder!

The four pillows were made using a jelly roll someone gave to me. A fun little project!

Wrestling with T Shirts

This is my second ever T Shirt quilt. I made it as a Christmas surprise for my sweet son in law. I acquired these t shirts over the years from our two oldest grandsons' high school wrestling days. I wasn't exactly sure who each shirt belonged to and then I had an epiphany…the quilt should be for the father he…after all encouraged them both, worked with them both, adapted the workshop to a gym for them to practice, and he attended all the meets. I truly believe this was the best idea. My  grandson, Tanner, (the younger of the two) earned the Missouri State Wrestling First Place Title 2012 and I asked him…What move did he employ to win the match? Hence the name of this awesome memento….Over & Under, Hip Toss in Overtime. 

Tanner went on to wrestle at Mizzou….His quilt..The Eye of the Tiger…….

My Latest Endeavors

 

WEAVING!!!!!
Baby blankets,
Scarves,
Curtains,
Dish towels.....
What else. I love it! For years I have knitted a few items each year. I have collected yarn, given yarn away, looked at yarn, longed for yarn, knowing I may not ever do anything with it...until now!

Weaving on a Rigid Heddle Loom is perfect for me. It isn't so complicated I cannot get started, there are a multitude of designs achievable on this handy loom, it takes up a small amount of space and I can use the yarn and fabric I already have and I can use it quickly. I am excited...can you tell. These are all yarns I have had on hand and I am thrilled to see them work up nicely into a useable item. Did you also catch that I said fabric? Yes FABRIC! and I have some fabric on hand too. I can't wait to see what I will weave next. Till then...tootles.

WildFlowers

March 21

April 23

This is what has been making my heart glad each morning. Simple things. I planted this little circle of wildflowers late October. The end of March brought a few delicate little flowers. I was enchanted! As you can see, by the end of April the circle was brimming over with flowers of all variety. I was enthralled! The bees and hummingbirds love my little circle of color and therefore so do I. Each morning when I sip my coffee I go outside and look at the new flowers that have opened over night and I am made glad. God is so artistic and I am thankful He has allowed me to have this little garden of delight.

Spiral Bound Garden!!!!

Here it is again!!!! I am very proud of my quilt. It won 1ST Place Improvisational at Cultural Crossroads and will hang in the Mississippi Museum of Art this summer. Happy ME!!!

If you want to read about the origin of this quilt I will try to link to a previous post...cross your fingers      Or you could just scroll down ;) http://sewingwithpaisley.blogspot.com/2012/10/spiral-bound-garden.html

Hi peeps! This beautiful sweet quilt will be at the First Presbyterian Church Kindergarten Art Auction. It quilted out very nicely I think.  The children colored the squares and I had the honor and privilege of designing and finishing the quilt.  I am excited , the children did awesome work and I hope the lucky  person who is the top bidder will be thrilled with this work of art.

I shared in the beauty of GOD's created world today. Yes, I live here everyday but I often miss the little things He has for me.  A few weeks ago I missed an opportunity to which I had genuinely looked forward, then there was regret.  I allowed something I live with everyday to block my view.  Today, as I walked the same road I travel everyday I saw this view. The same trees I see day after day season after season but today I noticed their beauty. He keeps urging me nudging me to "Taste and see that the LORD is good and His mercy endures forever".  I will stumble and fall, I will let stuff get in the way, and I will regret but morning by morning new mercies I see if only I will look.

Intersections

Another baby quilt finished this week...Intersections....

I chose that name because, while I was making the top several more tops were dancing in my head. I was thinking about the next one and the next one. I began focusing on this one and praying, thinking, smiling, about the little fella who will be here in a few days, OMG!! No really those are his initials. I thought about the intersection of heaven and earth, mom and dad, couple and family.  God blesses with this little life and there are sooooo many paths to be taken but as long as the paths all intersect at the cross, the patchwork, mosaic, pixels of life paint a beautiful picture. O My GOD, thank you.

This little quilt is for a little miracle boy. He was born January 15 to friend who thought she couldn't have a baby...GOD knew better. I finished the quilt on the day he arrived. I used Retro Geo fabric line, disappearing nine patch pattern and free hand machine quilting. I  hope they enjoy!

It is difficult to be relieved all of the CHRISTmas decorations are taken down and put away for another year. Yes, I am glad I do not still have this task hanging over me, but the hang over I have is just as heavy.  The house is quiet, the children and grandchildren have all returned to their homes.  Just a few short days ago they were all here. The evidence scattered all through the house with toys, cooking, and conversations, now they are scattered across the country.

I love the warm glow of the CHRISTmas lights in the house, Mickey, Minnie, and Snoopy standing guard outside. The nativity on the piano,stockings over the mantle, and the mistletoe at the front door. The family trickled in, games were played, and watched, meals shared, a warm fire in the fireplace, bonfires outside, and gifts exchanged. Then two by two they went home.

What a treasure to gather together.  The house is empty, but our hearts are full and nourished until next time we come together. We are a blessed family, God has truly placed His loving hand upon us, and I am thankful.