2009's Project Grateful.

Last year I played along with my WASSIMA peeps and posted 20 things I am grateful for, daily, for the days leading up to Thanksgiving. Jilliene nudged me again tonight to play along...and so here we go.

In no particular order....20 things I am grateful for this moment:

1. My ART TRIBE, and nudges and encouragement from them, like Jilliene's invite tonight : )


2. Planning Thanksgiving dinner with the Gilmans/Cohens - our very favorite holiday. Cannot wait for that spiced turkey!


3. That my nieces all love college.


4. For Facebook, email, and texting, which helps us all stay in touch when we can't be together.


5. That my sisters, in addition to being great sisters, are such good moms and aunts.


6. Mikayla, who is the best PLANNER and found the PERFECT Christmas PJs for us this year at Old Navy!
7. Plans with friends (like painting ornaments and making chocolate covered preztels at Jan's! Thanks, Jan, we can't wait for Saturday!)


8. BFFs at work who always listen, provide a boost when I need it, and always, always make me LAUGH.


9. The company I work for promotes and supports so many programs for giving back to our communities, and that I get to participate on some of the planning teams.


10. People in power who DON'T "kiss up and kick down."


11. That Rob never, ever, complains about my crafting/creative/sewing piles.
    
12. RAKs and cards in the mail - I love snail mail!


13. My weighted pin cushion and scrap bag combo next to my sewing machine! Best $4.99 I ever spent.


14. Endless 40% off coupons at Michael's, AC Moore and JoAnn Fabrics!


15. The drive-thru at Starbucks when it is raining. : )


16. Whoever invented the little green-plastic-coffee-cup-hole-plug-sticks at Starbucks, so I don't have to curse out whoever invented the MOUNTAIN HIGH speed bumps in our parking lot at work! (seriously)


17. TV's GLEE.


18. iTunes


19. GOOGLE LOGOS that make me smile, especially the Sesame Street ones this week. (Love that they catalogue the logos....why does that make me so happy?)


20. Jeans passes at work!

Shop Hop - Final Stop!

Whew! Thanks, Jan, for riding with me to the last shop yesterday!

My last stop was Generations Quilt Shop in Pottstown....no time to shop (we were on our lunch hour....the shop is a 25 minute ride from the office so there you have it...Next time we will SHOP, Jan!)


Here is their take on the quilt...I loved the use of greens and pinks.
Now we wait to hear who all the WINNERS ARE!

144 miles, 7 1/2 hours later....

...I made it to 5 more shops today! So close! I have one more shop tomorrow. This SHOP HOPPIN' business is HARD WORK!

OK....first stop this morning was in Byrne Sewing Connection. This shop is HUGE and is all about the machines and the classes. If I ever decide to REALLY LEARN how to sew/quilt....this would be a good place to get to know! (hee) Oh...and they had SILK fabrics and patterns for fabulous things...(spendy spendy, tho'!) Bonus points to them for thinking to have mini bottles of water for their guests! (Like JCrew stores. I think everyone should offer these....but not exactly GREEN, I guess). OK...I digress....here is their take on the SHOP HOP quilt:

Next stop was Country Quiltworks....this is one I could have spent HOURS IN. Lots of great fabrics (bonus points for also offering FAT 1/8ths!) and tons of patterns and samples everywhere. They had some Amy Butler that I hadn't seen elsewhere, and Heather Bailey patterns (no fabric tho! Am I destined to NEVER SEE THAT STUFF IN A DANG SHOP?) I scored the LAST strawberry pincushion kit! (lovely felts/wool bits)....but did not splurge for the $12 patterns. Ugh. Remember the good ole days when patterns were 50 or 75 cents? This shop gets bonus points for offering up an extra pattern with their quilt block for the Shop Hoppers. It's for a Christmas Tree made of fabric yo-yo's. Cute. Their quilt was done in black, white, and tans (sorry for the lousy photo...it was much lovlier in person!)

My haul!

They had a FULL ROOM devoted to patterns and books...and in the center was a twin bed with this gorgeous quilt: "I SPY" - all novelty fabrics....and some really lovely pillows. YUMMY fabrics, don't you think? The I SPY quilt is 6" blocks with squares appliqued in the corners somehow....clever clever....I need to look into that pattern!
Yum Yum....scrappy pillows.

Third shop was Granny's Sewing Den. They get bonus points for giving away a piece of fabric to each Shop Hopper! AND...instead of doing a full quilt? They made each block into a PURSE. How clever is THAT? (AND...they are raffling off one of the totes....a dollar a chance. WOOT!) Favorite find there was the retro Santa fabric (like MOM's SANTA MUGS, sisters!)

These purses were really well made. I'd be happy to win ANY of them...I forget which one is being raffled off. Not a fan of the fabric selection...but they looked great all grouped together. Very clever, eh?

My haul from Granny's! The black fabric with the Christmas balls on it was the "free gift." Very nice!

Number 4 stop today was Quilter's Corner....this is a shop I frequent fairly often....and since I was short on time...I dashed in and got my book stamped and zipped out. I wish I had time to linger...looked like they have lots of new bolts since I was there last. They are raffling off their Shop Hop quilt - you get one chance for every 10 dollars you spend! Nice! I saw some really cool retro or comic book strip looking fabrics that have you written ALL OVER THEM, Stella!! Gotta get back there soon to check that out.... here is their quilt:

And my fifth and final stop for the day was in Neward DE at Quilter's Hive. This shop is new to me also...TONS of space - lots of beautiful samples and nice selection of fabrics...I scored another piece of Amy Butler's Belle collection as my final purchase of the day! yippie!

I {heart} you, Amy Butler's Belle Collection, I do!

OK...off to go PLAY with my new toys now!

2009 Fall Fabric Frenzy --Quilt Shops SHOP HOP!

The results of my first four stops on the SHOP HOP! The start of the Lizzie B quilt..."making fabric" for the hills. I think this is my favorite part of the process!

OK quilting peeps...as promised...here are some peeks at my loot from the first four shops of the 2009 Shop Hop. There are 10 shops....I did two on Friday night after work, two yesterday afternoon. Plan to leave the house at 10:30 to do FIVE MORE TODAY....the sixth one if I can make it (otherwise it will have to be a mad dash tomorrow!)

SO....first stop was The Quilt Block, which is within walking distance of my work - (in the old Hawley House for those of you who know the area.) They had a BUNCH of the Lizzie B samples displayed (two rugs, the bean bag chair, a few large quilts and some of the smaller applique quilt pieces.) Love the PEACE themes lately....so these were capturing my attention. I bought the Peace Throughout the Land pattern and a few fat quarters and scraps to get me started. (Also scored a piece of black wool felt to add to my STASH. YUM. They carry lots of beautiful wools - but no brights for the type of things I want to make.) Their version of the Shop Hop Quilt was done in deep blue, maroon red and shades of green. It was beautifully done as is all of their work(sorry no pics!) I always love their displays in this shop.

No CLUE why these next photos are rotating! grrrr...

Next stop was Chester County Quilting....they have my FAVORITE scrap basket because it is completely RANDOM (sizes, cuts, fabrics). I scored some big pieces of coordinating fabrics, as well as some novelty prints (Eagles, Penn State) which will work for some items I am making for the Craft Fair this week....go me! Also bought two half yard cuts of a pink/cream and black on black damask prints - yum---(very Heidi Swapp, no?) No clue what they will become...but had!to!have!them! Their version of the shop hop quilt is pictured here - also beautifully done-very traditional. Wish I had more time to spend in this shop ... they are jam-packed with goodies. TONS of charm packs.

Yes...these were in the scrap basket! (you pay by the pound). Can you believe my LUCK? I KNOW!

Camera still a problem...trust me these are much more fabulous in real life!

Yesterday was Steve's Sewing, Vacuum & Quilting....they didn't have anything new since I had been there last, so I settled for a few "tan" cuts that I need for the Lizzie B quilt. They did their Shop Hop Quilt in blues, white, and sunshine yellows. (I think Rob said is was his favorite so far. Hee. So fun when he notices and makes a pick!) Sirryha liked the dog bank that was at the counter for collecting funds for the SPCA, and the quilted cat piece on display (baby Dr. Doolittle!)

Must be the beautiful fall weather this weekend...but I am in love with these two! YUM

Then we made our way to the Fabrics on the Hill . Their Shop Hop Quilt was done with (wait for it! insert sigh and swoon!) Amy Butler fabrics (Daisy Chain) - gorgeous pinks, greens and teal blues. (Sorry...no photo here again. How did I FORGET MY CAMERA AND PHONE? I will get back there for a pic, Cath! Promise!) They are carrying ALL OF THE NEW AMY BUTLER PATTERNS - but The Liverpool was SOLD OUT, Cath. I think she said she will be carrying the LOVE line....will definitely make it back for that!

They also carry a huge selection of really cool buttons. Could have spent hours playing among them...settled on one fab GREEN ONE (of course)....and some PEACE fabric (Robert Kaufmann, Flower Child) in the Earth colorway. Also bought a few fat quarters (Amy Butler, Midwest Modern2, hello, gorgeous!)

Stay tuned for the update on the next five shops! Heading out soon...(weee!)

I want ...

...to be able to make cool art journal pages like Teesha Moore. CHECK OUT HER YOUTUBE VIDEOS!

Trying not to covet the PAN PASTELS and COPIC MARKERS but ohhh...Santa, if you are reading along? They'd fit nicely in a stocking, no?

ho ho ho

Thanks, Charissa!

...look how beautifully it bloomed : ) xo

Why I need to learn to KNIT....

...I need some throw rugs and I really want a scrappy one....

and I TOTALLY WANT THIS!! STELLLAAA!! HELP!! how hard is this?? http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/2009/01/scrap-rug.html

Come on....GOOGLE FRIEND ME ALREADY!

I can't have ZERO FRIENDS over there on the ole sidebar!

Pretty Please? anyone?

Just carved the CINDERELLA PUMPKIN my sister grew (thanks, Lisey!) and now I am surfing for good pumpkin seed toasting recipes...I must have 4 CUPS of plump juicy seeds!

Happy Halloween : )

CraftCycle

I think that is the right word? Creating something new and useful from something that would otherwise be tossed? (or is it "UpCycle?" I like both.)

So you may recall the ORB quiltalong from a few months ago. And a bunch of my gals agreed to swap our scraps afterwards....and I have to tell you...I think I like the SCRAP BAGS better than my STASH lately (still so hard to CUT INTO THESE FABRICS sometimes! But give me a ziplock baggie of "scraps" and I can play and create for hours on end.)

And one of my favorite bags from the quiltalong swap was from Jilliene - who made her quilt using Anna Maria Horner's Good Folks fabrics (yum yum and yum). Her scraps were SKINNY...but lookie how SKINNY FABULOUS they look as bookmarks?

(thanks for being so patient, Jilliene! I owe you a scrap stash baggie!)

HOW-TO: Start with a substrate (these are Shout Color Catcher sheets folded in half lengthwise.) Lay your scraps of fabric down along one side, right side up. Stitch in place. Add another scrap of fabric next to it. Stitch. Continue til you have the look you like. Turn over and do the same with the other side. If you don't like the raw edges - fold a few scraps over the edges and stitch in place. You get the idea....

(I just noticed these look like psychedelic bacon strips the way they are laying on that highchair tray! Sorry...too tired to reshoot! hee)

Oh, Fer Cute!

Saw a tutorial on doll bedding yesterday and HAD.TO.MAKE.THESE.FOR.SIRRYHA! Lisey--recognize the fabrics? How perfect are these PILLOWS? weee! I have been wanting to get a proper doll bed for Sirryha .... but she hasn't really shown much interest in her baby dolls (would rather tend to her doggies.) : ) Lately, though, she is all about "naptime" so these are just right.

(and who says doggies can't sleep in a bed with pillows and a cover?)

Now off to bed for me....Monday morning will be arriving all too soon...

Philly2Phoenix 9Patch Girls!

Oooh.....still a few patches to go (no pressure, Danielle, honest!), but I couldn't resist starting to lay these out to see what it will look like all together! I am thinking of white sashing ala this example: http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/2009/10/9-patch-round-2.html (oh how I love everything this lady makes!)....and definitely the border with the extra rows of the strips from the patches.

Hmmm....I started to lay mine out as 8 blocks wide by 9 blocks long....but I am going to switch to 7 x 10 like Amanda Jean's. I don't like SQUAREish quilts...not sure why?

It's raining again...it's been gray all day...perfect day to stay inside and play and then have a nap! Sirryha Hope, age 2. Recharging! xo

Seriously--is that the prettiest little princess ever?

Can't sleep....

...but can sew.

Loving my scrap bags from Cathy and Stella! Thanks, Peeps! I can't get enough of pillows and piecework. This one is from the Cathy stash. Kaffe Fassett strips cut into pieces, then sewn together side by side...white muslin border and backing, 14x14" pillow form and VOILA!

I think he looks rather chummy alongside the Anna Maria Horner lovelies, don't you? xo

Easing back...

...into some comforting routines after these sad weeks and days following my sister's unexpected hospitalization and funeral.

Thanks to you all, my Art Tribe Peeps, for holding me in your caring hands and hearts; your support and words and kindnesses have meant more than I can express.

Last night, my sister Jackie and I returned home to Philly (from the Burgh) after 10pm sometime...and since I FORGOT TO ORDER DECAF at our 7pm-ish pittstop at Starbucks, I was still WIRED and unable to go right to sleep (even tho' I was sure that was what would happen the minute I hit the door!)

And so, as always when I cannot sleep, I turned to my ART TRIBE and my favorite bloggists (not a word, is it? don't care...I like it better than BLOGGER) for some soothing distraction....and the first click brought me to Rebecca Sowers' latest entry (could a softing landing exist? I want to be her when I grow up.) How perfect is this idea? (and oh yes, Cynthia, it was not lost on me that there are two sets of FIVES in her piece!)

And so, I scribbled down a copy of the idea, headed to my sewing machine, pulled out some pre-cut canvas, threaded the machine with some brown cotton, and just WENT FOR IT. I got as far as the above photo shows by 2:30 am before I was ready to call it a night...and this morning when I asked Rob "what does this look like?" he said "um.....a flower?"

I can see the bird, can't you?

Lavendar is healing, right?

Our lavendar plants have reflowered in the front yard (smell is heavenly) and Sirryha and I picked a lovely handful to take to Aunt Lyndee yesterday when we arrived for Rosh Hashanah dinner. (Best brisket evah!) Still using my cell phone for photos....oh I need to get better with that Kodak Zi6 video camera 'cause nothing is better than hearing Sirryha's giggles and little voice!

Happy Sunday, peeps....sending out prayers for healing for my sisters and our families.

Sweep It Clean, Inside & Out

A pretty "puzzle" sky picture for Niki! xo

Read this today on the Heal Your Life site....felt compelled to share it here.

Inspiration
Sweep It Clean, Inside & Out
12 ways to simplify your life and set your spirit free!
Published: April 28, 2009

By Dr. Wayne W. Dyer
Clean out the clutter; in your mind, your appointment book, your garage... and let your true spirit come out and play!

FOR A MOMENT, let’s imagine what it would be like to be fully alive without a physical shell or any of the stuff we need and desire for maintaining life on Earth. We’d have a mental energy that allowed us to move forward or backward, up or down, instantly creating whatever we desired. We’d be free to wallow in an exquisite existence without time or space as we know it. We’d be in a state of pure bliss, in love with everything and everyone. We’d have no duties or bills to tend to, no fear of losing anything, no one judging us, no possessions to insure, no demands on our time, and no goals to achieve.

What we’re envisioning is actually the world of Spirit, which we experienced before we came here and will return to when we shed our body (or as William Butler Yeats poetically called it, our “tattered coat upon a stick”).

Inspiration is a state of being here now in this material world, while at the same time reconnecting to our spiritual origins. In order to be receptive to inspiration, we need to eliminate the ego clutter that accumulates all too easily for most of us—after all, if we’re preoccupied with events and activities that have nothing to do with inspiration, we’re unlikely to notice its summons. So in order to achieve a reunion with our ultimate calling, we need to emulate the clear, uncomplicated world of Spirit.

This doesn’t mean that we should sit around doing nothing, awaiting Spirit’s arrival; instead, it means having faith that our spiritual connection flourishes in a life dedicated to joy, love, and peace. If our daily activities are so overwhelming that we don’t make these things our priority, then we’re disregarding the value of living a simple life.

MY 12-STEP PROGRAM TO SIMPLICITY
Here are 12 very specific tools for simplifying your life. Begin using them today if you’re serious about hearing that ultimate call to inspiration.

1. Unclutter your life. You’ll feel a real rush of inspiration when you clear out stuff that’s no longer useful in your life:
   If you haven’t worn it in the past year or two, recycle it for others to use. Get rid of old files that take up space and are seldom, if ever, needed. Donate unused toys, tools, books, bicycles, and dishes to a charitable organization.
   Get rid of anything that keeps you mired in acquisitions that contribute to a cluttered life. In the words of Socrates, “He is nearest to God who needs the fewest things.” So the less you need to insure, protect, dust, reorganize, and move, the closer you’ll be to hearing inspiration’s call.
2. Clear your calendar of unwanted and unnecessary activities and obligations. If you’re unavailable for Spirit, you’re unlikely to know the glow of inspiration. God will indeed work with you and send you the guidance—and the people—you need, but if you’re grossly overscheduled, you’re going to miss these life-altering gifts. So practice saying no to excessive demands and don’t feel guilty about injecting a dose of leisure time into your daily routine.
   
3. Be sure to keep your free time free. Be on the lookout for invitations to functions that may keep you on top of society’s pyramid, but which inhibit your access to joyful inspiration. If cocktail parties, social get-togethers, fund-raising events, or even drinking-and-gossiping gatherings with friends aren’t really how you want to spend your free time, then don’t. Begin declining invitations that don’t activate feelings of inspiration.
   I find that an evening spent reading or writing letters, watching a movie with a loved one, having dinner with my children, or even exercising alone is far more inspiring than getting dressed to attend a function often filled with small talk. I’ve learned to be unavailable for such events without apologizing, and consequently have more inspired moments freed up.
   
4. Take time for meditation and yoga. Give yourself at least 20 minutes a day to sit quietly and make conscious contact with God. I’ve written an entire book on this subject called Getting in the Gap, so I won’t belabor it here. I will say that I’ve received thousands of messages from people all over the world, who have expressed their appreciation for learning how to simplify their life by taking the time to meditate.
   I also encourage you to find a yoga center near you and begin a regular practice. The rewards are so powerful: You’ll feel healthier, less stressed, and inspired by what you’ll be able to do with and for your body in a very short time.
   
5. Return to the simplicity of nature. There’s nothing more awe inspiring than nature itself. The fantasy to return to a less tumultuous life almost always involves living in the splendor of the mountains, the forests, or the tundra; on an island; near the ocean; or beside a lake. These are universal urges, since nature is created by the same Source as we are, and we’re made up of the same chemicals as all of nature (we’re stardust, remember?).
   Your urge to simplify and feel inspired is fueled by the desire to be your natural self—that is, your nature self. So give yourself permission to get away to trek or camp in the woods; swim in a river, lake, or ocean; sit by an open fire; ride horseback through trails; or ski down a mountain slope. This doesn’t have to mean long, planned vacations that are months away—no matter where you live, you’re only a few hours or even moments away from a park, campground, or trail that will allow you to enjoy a feeling of being connected to the entire Universe.
   
6. Put distance between you and your critics. Choose to align yourself with people who are like-minded in their search for simplified inspiration. Give those who find fault or who are confrontational a silent blessing and remove yourself from their energy as quickly as possible. Your life is simplified enormously when you don’t have to defend yourself to anyone, and when you receive support rather than criticism. You don’t have to endure the criticism with anything other than a polite thank-you and a promise to consider what’s been said—anything else is a state of conflict that erases the possibility of your feeling inspired. You never need to defend yourself or your desires to anyone, as those inner feelings are Spirit speaking to you. Those thoughts are sacred, so don’t ever let anyone trample on them.
   
7. Take some time for your health. Consider that the number one health problem in America seems to be obesity. How can you feel inspired and live in simplicity if you’re gorging on excessive amounts of food and eliminating the exercise that the body craves? Recall that your body is a sacred temple where you reside for this lifetime, so make some time every single day for exercising it. Even if you can only manage a walk around the block, just do it. Similarly, keep the words portion control uppermost in your consciousness—your stomach is the size of your fist, not a wheelbarrow! Respect your sacred temple and simplify your life by being an exerciser and a sensible eater. I promise that you’ll feel inspired if you act on this today!
   
8. Play, play, play! You’ll simplify your life and feel inspired if you learn to play rather than work your way through life. I love to be around kids because they inspire me with their laughter and frivolity. In fact, if I’ve heard it once, I’ve heard it a thousand times: “Wayne, you’ve never grown up—you’re always playing.” I take great pride in this! I play onstage when I speak, and I’m playing now as I write.
   Many years ago I was given a tremendous opportunity to appear on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. The man who took a chance on me, booking me even though I was an unknown at the time, was a talent coordinator named Howard Papush. It was my first big break, and I went on to appear on The Tonight Show 36 additional times. Now it’s my turn to say thank you to Howard. He’s written a wonderful book titled When’s Recess? Playing Your Way Through the Stresses of Life, which I encourage you to read. (Howard also conducts workshops that teach people how to play and have fun in life.) In the book, Howard shares this great quote from Richard Bach: “You are led through your lifetime by the inner learning creature, the playful spiritual being that is your real self.” I couldn’t agree more—by all means, get back in touch with your real, playful self, and take every opportunity to play! Notice how it makes everything so sweet, and so simple.
   
9. Slow down. One of Gandhi’s most illuminating observations reminds us that “there is more to life than increasing its speed.” This is great advice for simplifying your life—in fact, slow everything way down for a few moments right here and now. Slowly read these words. Slow your breathing down so that you’re aware of each inhalation and exhalation...
   When you’re in your car, downshift and relax. Slow down your speech, your inner thoughts, and the frantic pace of everything you do. Take more time to hear others. Notice your inclination to interrupt and get the conversation over with, and then choose to listen instead. Stop to enjoy the stars on a clear night and the cloud formations on a crisp day. Sit down in a mall and just observe how everyone seems in a hurry to get nowhere.
   By slowing down, you’ll simplify and rejoin the perfect pace at which creation works. Imagine trying to hurry nature up by tugging at an emerging tomato plant—you’re as natural as that plant, so let yourself be at peace with the perfection of nature’s plan.
   
10. Do everything you can to eschew debt. Remember that you’re attempting to simplify your life here, so you don’t need to purchase more of what will complicate and clutter your life. If you can’t afford it, let it go until you can. By going into debt, you’ll just add layers of anxiety onto your life. That anxiety will then take you away from your peace, which is where you are when you’re in-Spirit. When you have to work extra hard to pay off debts, the present moments of your life are less enjoyable; consequently, you’re further away from the joy and peace that are the trademarks of inspiration. You’re far better off to have less and enjoy the days of your life than to take on debt and invite stress and anxiety where peace and tranquility could have reigned. And remember that the money you have in your possession is nothing but energy—so refuse to plug in to an energy system that’s not even there.
    
11. Forget about the cash value. I try not to think about money too frequently because it’s been my observation that people who do so tend to think about almost nothing else. So do what your heart tells you will bring you joy, rather than determining whether it will be cost-effective. If you’d really enjoy that whale-watching trip, for instance, make the decision to do so—don’t deny yourself the pleasures of life because of some monetary detail. Don’t base your purchases on getting a discount, and don’t rob yourself of a simple joy because you didn’t get a break on the price. You can afford a happy, fulfilling life, and if you’re busy right now thinking that I have some nerve telling you this because of your bleak financial picture, then you have your own barrier of resistance.
    
12. Make an attempt to free yourself from placing a price tag on everything you have and do—after all, in the world of Spirit, there are no price tags. Don’t make money the guiding principle for what you have or do; rather, simplify your life and return to Spirit by finding the inherent value in everything. A dollar does not determine worth, even though you live in a world that attempts to convince you otherwise.
    Remember your spirit. When life tends to get overly complex, too fast, too cluttered, too deadline oriented, or too type A for you, stop and remember your own spirit. You’re headed for inspiration, a simple, peaceful place where you’re in harmony with the perfect timing of all creation. Go there in your mind, and stop frequently to remember what you really want.

A man who personified success at the highest intellectual and social levels would hardly seem one to quote on simplifying our life, yet here’s what Albert Einstein offers us on this subject: “Possessions, outward success, publicity, luxury—to me these have always been contemptible. I believe that a simple and unassuming manner of life is best for everyone, best both for the body and the mind.”
Wow! I’d say this is pretty good advice, wouldn’t you?

I have to agree....good advice and I really need to take it myself!! (Starting with the decluttering!)

Peace out.

Patchwork & Pillowcases

Taken with my cellphone camera....early this morning before leaving for work. sigh.

I didn't want to leave it!

I love this blog by Alicia Paulson and today my love grew even greater when she offered up a free embroidery pattern for pillowcases at Sew Mama Sew! Queen Anne's Lace....oh how lovely, eh? I want to stitch some of these for our bed....

....to go with the new patchwork coverlet I am working on!

A few weeks ago, I decided to stop HOARDING my favorite fabrics and just CUT INTO THEM. I picked out my favorites and every few nights I cut 2 to 4 8" squares of each, and just started stacking them in one of my "work in progress trays" (um...yeah, I do have a dozen or so of them going at any given time. Any other questions?) Moving along....

So...last night, I started piecing them together in rows of 8. OH...but first I divied up my piles into "greens/blues," "pinks/reds," and "oranges" (cause those were the main colors in my "favs" it seems).

I pieced the first row, then eyeballed the selections for the next row, being sure that the same fabrics did not touch. And sure enough....as I moved down the rows, I realized how SIMILAR my fabrics were. Not enough DARKS and not enough small scale prints. I guess I tend to just "like what I like" and pick up the same fabrics over and over again. I just marvel at the "queens of quilting" who can design a whole colorway of fabrics that JUST GO TOGETHER and those who can whip up a scrappy quilt with "oh, just some stuff from my stash" and have it look just so right.

Interesting thing? The fabrics I LOVE on the bolt are NOT my favs in the actual quilt top....and those I almost passed over, I ended up cutting more squares of to sprinkle among the rows. I think I finally get the "add sparkle" terminology I keep seeing when reading about fabric selections in quilting patterns.

And so to bed!

I really, really do....

....and I really, really loved Purl Patchwork, too...

Busted camera means lame posts...

...'cause you know I need a photo for every post! Our poor little Canon PowerShot SD45C just stopped working properly on the fourth of July (LCD screen is GONE). So I can't use the menu and that means no flash or macro controls....(the only two settings I really used!)

Sigh.

But that means Sirryha can play with it to her heart's content. Interesting to see things from the perspective of 2 1/2 feet from the floor, eh?

(kitchen plants - and my precious Moravian pottery pieces - the first thing I hung when we moved in 8 years ago! And the LAST time I MEASURED before pounding nails--shhh...don't tell ROB!)

Happy Saturday, peeps!

And Happy Happy Birthday, Niki LALA! Wish I was there to celebrate with you! xoxo

Stella's 2009 Summer Scavenger Hunt {#4}

Fizzy fruity drink (Island Paradise) - item #10 on the list...taken with my cell phone at an after-work gathering last week at Cheeseburger in Paradise. Yummy.

Stella's Summer Scavenger Hunt {#3}

File this one under "some sort of indoor crafting." I have been playing around with my fabric scraps...stitching them to pieces of canvas and muslin and yes, my Color Catcher laundry sheets. And lookie here! This? It's the first button hole I ever made. Complicated stuff this "real sewing!" (My camera is on the fritz...thus the horrid and few photos of late...the mini box is for my first SwapBot swap - Altered Matchbox. How much did I love making THAT little thing???)

Love the red and blues together....isn't it summer-y? xo