#4 - Done

I have completed the fourth and final block of my Country Whig Rose wallhanging (Simple Blessing, Kim Diehl). Now I need to sew all four blocks together, add borders and do the applique on the final borders. I'm quite proud of myself because I managed to pull all the pieces parts from my stash and I'm hoping to do the same for the borders and such.

I'm off to Jury Duty selection today!

Enjoy your day and remember to be kind to each other!

Thanks for stopping by - hope to 'see' you again soon!

In Friendship!

FINALLY! :-)

I'm baaaaaccccckkkkkk! Did ya miss me? LOL

It was a beautiful week end in the mountains of AZ - cooler temps and such! It started out a very mellow and relaxing week end and Friday morning we had a situation that put a huge pall over the rest of the week end. Rather than relaxing I found myself very tense and stressed. I felt like I was walking on cracked eggs all week end. I accomplished absolutely nothing and wouldn't mind if I felt that I'd rested and relaxed but.... OK enough said! :-) It felt really good to get home. :-)

I did come home to a wonderful surprise - my Fall Swap Quilt arrived. Sadly, my swap partner, Alicia, had to make a second quilt because the first one she mailed well over a month ago has never arrived. :-( This one is darling and will look adorable any place I put it in my home. I went back and looked through Alicia's blog and saw pictures of the first one and it's adorable, too. Thank you, Alicia and I'm so sorry you had to make a second one!

I'll take some time later today to read all your blogs - I'm sure you've all been very, very busy.

Thanks for missing me and remember to be kind to those around you!

In Friendship!!

Taking a little break!

I'm headed to the cool mountain pines for a few days! I'll be back Sunday!

Miss me!

In Friendship!!!!!

Done, Done, Done!!!!! WooHoo!!!!

Another very late birthday gift is done! This is done with a Sweet Romance Jelly Roll by Moda (April Cornell) and the pattern is Zig Zag by Elizabeth/Late Bloomer Quilts. I discovered Elizabeth's patterns about a year ago and fell in love with everything she does but especially this pattern. I'm not kidding when I tell you that this pattern has been on the floor by my bed since I ordered it from Elizabeth oh so long ago. LOL When I was digging through my patterns and books for a pattern to make this birthday quilt I couldn't settle on anything. There were lots of very deep sighs in my household as I agonized about it. And, then I remembered Zig Zag. The pattern calls for 2" strips and I wanted to use a Jelly Roll - hmmmm do I cut down the 2 1/2" strips or just adjust the measurements in the pattern. It was much easier to adjust the measures - LOL Then I added a narrow white inner border and outer border in a coordinating print.

Let me tell you why this particular birthday gift is very late (it was suppose to be a gift for Sept '06). Over the last 3 years I've been making quilts for the girls in my sewing group for at least one of their birthdays. They don't have any say over the fabric or pattern I choose. Nor do they know which birthday they will finally receive a quilt from me. I don't think I've ever given them a completed quilt on their actual birthday just the fabric and/or partially completed top with big promises that I will finish it very soon. Well, last year I gave my friend a gift bag with some cute novelty prints and a background fabric with promises that she would have a quilt very soon. She was very disappointed in my fabric selection and didn't fail to let me know how unhappy she was. I chose what reminded ME of her but she just didn't like any of it and when we started discussing the size of the quilt she didn't hide her disappointment when I told her that it would be a throw size (like everyone else got). Needless to say now I was unhappy and certainly have not felt like working on her quilt. Guess what???? Another birthday came along in September and I still had not worked on her quilt from last year. Sigh! I finally decided that I needed to go Plan B - forget the plan to use the novelty prints and I bought the Sweet Romance Jelly Roll and got busy yesterday afternoon. I need to quilt it, bind it and call it DONE!!!!

By the way, the Fresh Air quilt I showed you on Sunday was also an overdue birthday gift for another friend in the same quilt group.

Two very late birthday quilts DONE!!!!

While I've been trying to get these obligations out of the way I've also been helping some friends get ready for Fall Quilt Market at the end of the month. Whew - it's been a busy October and it's only the 9th.

I looked in my mailbox and I have 482 e-mails that need attention. If you're waiting for a response from me please be patient with me for a bit longer I'm going as fast as I can.

Thanks for visiting - come again!

In Friendship!

HMMMMM!

I've spent all day sewing....Sigh.... it's been awhile since I've done any actual piecing at my machine.

This is made with a Fresh Air Jelly Roll by Moda using a pattern called Fields of Flowers by Pieces From My Heart (Sandy Gervais). It's a birthday gift for a friend. I'm not sure about it but I believe that she'll like it.

Thanks for visiting my little blog!

In Friendship!

I'm Here!

Have ya missed me??? :-) I'm not sure what has happened to the week however I have been super busy! I've read about everyone's doings and happenings and leaving an occasional comment but for the most part staying under the radar and just lurking! Thank you Wendy, Carole, Nadine, Yvonne, Judy and Sharon for the sweet "are you OK?" e-mails. I'm just fine! :-)

I signed up for the Chocolate Swap on Sharon's blog - that should be lots of FUN! And, I won Elaine's wedges that she had up for grabs. :-) WooHoo!!! Thank you, Elaine!

I wish I could say that I've been sewing lots of beautiful and/or cute things but I haven't. :-( I am almost finished with block #4 of my Country Whig Rose project. :-)

Late last week I mailed my Fall Four Seasons Swap quilt and hope that it arrives at its destination soon. My swap quilt was mailed to me over four weeks ago but has not arrived. :-( I haven't given up hope though but I do have to admit that I don't understand our mail system.

Thanks for popping in to check on me! Stop by again soon - I promise to have some pictures soon. :-)

In Friendship!

Chapter 4 - Do you applique?

Yesterday I took some time to tidy up my sewing room and while it still needs a little more attention, it does look much better. I have too many irons in the fire and I hate it when I do that to myself. grrrrr! :-)

When I was finished I took time to pull out fabric for block #2 of my Country Whig Rose project (this is in Simple Blessings by Kim Diehl). It's prepped and I managed a handful of stitches last night while watching TV.

This leads me to my next question for you. Have you missed my questions? teehee!!! :-)

Do you applique? If so - do you - hand or machine applique and what is your preferred prepping and stitching method and why?

I hope you're having a wonderful Friday and I thank you for popping by to visit my blog. You know I love it when you do!

In Friendship!

Blessings!

I feel a strong need to share a few things with you - I hope you'll indulge me and keep reading. :-)

I've been doing something free of charge for a couple of quilt pattern designer friends as they are preparing to show their wares at the Houston Quilt Market next month. I don't want to tell you who they are or what I'm doing because I don't want to embarass them. Anyway, last week I was chatting with a local quilt store owner and one of the employees about what I've been doing (they guessed I was doing it free of charge) and they both told me that I would be repaid in so many ways for helping my friends. I don't expect repayment - I'm just doing it because I want to (that's who I am). A few days later I received an adorable card with a gift card for Chili's from my designer friends just to say thank you and that they love me. I felt loved and appreciated!

A few months ago I pieced, quilted and wrote a pattern for a store sample for the same local quilt store owner using fabric she provided. This sample helped her more than we thought it would. As Martha would said "that's a good thing". A simple thank you was enough for me however today she gave me the quilt. Needless to say my eyes were brimming with tears.

Last week I received an e-mail from Carol in Florida telling me that a little bird told her that I'd been coveting the book "Prairie Children and Their Quilts" so she put a book in the mail for me. The book arrived and she'd included a sweet note on the inside front page. I'm not sure what I did to deserve this special treat from Carol but I appreciate her thoughtfulness very much!

Today a package arrived from Carole in Upstate NY and I couldn't believe what I found when I tore open the package. Inside was the cutest Halloween tabletopper - oh my goodness I was shocked. Again, I'm not sure what I did to deserve this special treat from Carole but I appreciate her thoughtfulness, as well.

The pumpkin pillow I showed you in an earlier post came from Wendy recently! Just because she wanted to send it. Another appreciated special treat.

I won some squares on Sharon's blog in July and when she sent them to me she also included a birthday gift. Yet another appreciated special treat.

Bren was bagophobic like I am and she sent an adorable bag, beautifully made by her, just for me. Another appreciated special treat.

Since I started blogging there have been many other surprises at my door and in my mailbox and I do hope that I've been kind and publicly acknowledged every little treasure. If I haven't mentioned you here today please know that I appreciate you, too.

Blessings are not necessarily things that you can feel and touch - they are sweet e-mails, they are offers to help with learning how to do something. Like Vicky and Patti inspiring me to learn how to do hand applique. Linda and others doing exquisite stitchery projects that inspired me to jump into doing stitchery when I thought I'd forgotten how. Linda and Kim making sure I received a coveted publication!

When the special surprises and treats arrive I struggle with whether or not I should publicly thank you on my blog or just send a thank you via e-mail. I hope I've done it the right way every time!

I don't know what I've done to receive so many blessings however I want to say thank you to each and every one of you for your special friendship! I hope that I've been a friend, as well.

Of course, I must say thank you for indulging me and reading this!

In Friendship!

Fall Decorating

This is the extent of my Fall decor!

As you enter my home my Fall string quilt and other treasures will greet one and all. And the red cabinet is in my kitchen.

I don't have much in the way of seasonal type quilted items. I've got to put my thinking cap on and hopefully I can remedy this very soon.

This adorable pillow was included in a package from a dear friend recently. Isn't is cute? You've got to love the rusty bells in the upper left hand corner - perfect accent. I'll have ask her about this pattern because I must make more to go with it. Thank you, my friend, I'll treasure and enjoy it.


Thank you for visiting my blog and I hope that you'll stop by again!

In Friendship!

Block #3 - Check!

I've completed another Vintage Charm block from the Simply Vintage book - WooHoo! :-) I'm a little unhappy with my work on this one but it'll have to do. I'll prep #4 in the next day or so. And, I need to prep a second Country Whig Rose block, too.

When I stop to think about how much I've been enjoying hand applique again I have to also stop and thank Vicky and Patti. They know why! Ladies I will forever be thankful to you. :-)

And, it's important to also thank all of you for stopping by to read my blog and for leaving a comment. I hope you stop by often!

In Friendship!

Thank you!

A few days ago Bren nominated me for this award and while she says that I make her smile, it's important for her to know that she and her inspirational blog make me smile everyday. So, Bren, thank you for the nomination, I appreciate it more than I could express.

From the author of the award: The thing that I love most about blogging is that I learn so much about a person just by reading his/her blog. I have met MANY wonderful people with wonderful stories to tell and I am grateful every day for each person whom I have the pleasure of crossing paths in life with. I wanted to create something special for the top ten people who have inspired me through their blogging; the stories they tell, and the lives that they lead with grace and dignity. I visit their blogs for inspiration and encouragement. Although there are MANY people I want to give this award to at this very moment, I am going to choose ten bloggers:Please grab your badge and wear it(with a smile) proudly, and pass it on because you inspire and encourage me, thank you.

I'm not going to nominate or choose ten bloggers because there are far more that deserve this award. You make me smile everyday. So please, if you read my blog consider yourself nominated.

In Friendship!

Over 50 and Normal :-)

I was reading about Cheryl and her recent fiasco with her keys - you must read her blog. You'll snicker, giggle and possibly laugh out loud but if this sort of thing hasn't already happened to you believe me when I tell you that it will. LOL

I have to share a recent occurrence in my home. We were settled in one evening - watching TV - hubby in his recliner and me in my spot at one end of the sofa. I'm happily working on some handwork with my pile of "needful things" to my right. I was working away clipped my thread and ready to cut a new piece of thread and I couldn't find my scissors. My hubby looks over at me and asks what I'm searching for - I had something clenched between my teeth so I had to remove it to answer his question - I looked at him and said "I'm searching for my scissors, I just had them" - put that item back between my clenched teeth and continued to search. He snickered and said "you might want to check your mouth" - OMG, that item (as I'm sure you've already concluded) was my scissors. (Relax, I was clenching one of the handles!)

So, I've decided that if you're over 50 and doing this type of stuff then you're normal and if you're under 50 and doing this then I will say a little prayer for you. LOL

I hope that you're having a wonderful day and once again thank you for visiting!

In Friendship!

Four Seasons Quilt Swap - Fall

I joined the Four Seasons Quilt Swap recently full of anticipation and then the anticipation turned to anxiety! I just didn't know what to do - I thought and I thought and then I thought some more (can you hear the Jeopardy music?). And, then there it was, the lightbulb moment - four huge oak leaves with a nice border would make an adorable tabletopper (you know I love table toppers!). It could be a wallhanging, too. On Sunday, I made eight blocks (well, I had to make one for my table, too - LOL) - added sashing and borders and called it a flimsy. Then yesterday I quilted it; sewed the binding down last night and now it's DONE!!! I need to add a label and then pack it up and send it away. Now, I'll just say silent prayers and hope that she likes it. Sigh!
Just a little note - I received an e-mail recently that my swap partner mailed my quilt - it hasn't arrived yet. :-(

Thanks for visiting - please come again!

In Friendship!

Chapter 3 - new question - Scraps

Here's my next question for you. :-)

When you've finished a project what do you do with your scraps aka leftovers?

I have what is probably a bad habit and now I don't know what to do. When I have finished a project I put all the scraps and leftovers (no matter the size) into a ziplock bag and toss them in a large Rubbermaid bin. Now, I have five large bins full of ziplock bags with some great scraps and leftovers. I want to know how you handle your scraps/leftovers.

I don't have anything quilty to show you that you haven't already seen. It's time to prep more applique blocks. Simply Vintage blocks 3 & 4 arrived yesterday so I need get busy prepping those.

I'll be looking forward to your answers and comments! Thanks for popping by!

In Friendship!

More Polka Dot Girls

Spending evenings with my hubby, the Diamondbacks and The Polka Dot Girls. Are you getting tired of my Polka Dot Girls? There are lots more to come but it could be a few days because I need to trace a few more. :-)

Wowzer the responses to my questions to you have been incredible and so much fun to read. Thank you for sharing!

I get the feeling that you enjoy my questions to you - if so I have a list of several more I want to post - are you still game?

I appreciate it so much that you read my blog and I love it when you leave a comment. Thank you!

In Friendship!

Another Question for You! :-)

When you spend time in your quilting corner of the world, what do you enjoy doing the most? What brings a smile to your face?

i.e. planning a project, cutting, piecing, hand or machine quilting, hand piecing, hand or machine applique, embroidery by hand, etc.

My first love is piecing and I truly do not like planning a project! I'm trying to cut back on piecing for awhile so I'm enjoying hand applique and hand embroidery.

I'm looking forward to hearing about your likes and dislikes! :-) Thank you!

In Friendship!

Bits and Bobs
(scroll down for stitchery and new applique project show & tell)

Thank you so much for leaving a comment regarding your fabric likes and dislikes. I really enjoyed reading about your preferences. I have another great question I'll ask you in a few days! :-)


Fun Mail Surprise! Recently this Sunshine charm pack and cute card arrived in my mailbox from Connie. Just a bit of mailbox 'love'.

Connie, thank you so much!









This cuter than cute Sewing Chair belongs to my Polka Dot Girls. Wouldn't it be fun to sit in this comfy chair under that umbrella with your stitching and a nice cup of tea or coffee and just while away the hours? Bliss!











New applique project prepped and ready to be sewn down. This is just a small project to do while I'm waiting for the next installment of blocks for my Vintage Charm project.



It's been a few weeks since I've spent much time with my sewing machine. She's either feeling a little neglected or breathing a huge sigh of relief that I'm leaving her alone. I've really been enjoying my handwork and am looking forward to lots more!

Thanks for popping by to visit with me. I hope you'll come by again!


In Friendship!

A Question for All

When I was chatting with Angie recently we were discussing our quilting likes and dislikes. Our style preferences and such. I find that I like it ALL however I really do not enjoy working with batiks.

So, what's your 'flavor'? Do you find yourself being drawn to certain colors, patterns, etc. I'm sure you know what I'm asking. Please leave a comment and share!

A simple thank you for visiting my blog - I hope you'll stop again!

In Friendship,

Darlene

The Polka Dot Girls

These ladies have been living in my embroidery hoop for the past few days and I've finally released them. I hope they make you smile - I've actually giggled a couple of times. :-)

Stay tuned because they are many more to come - this is a pattern by Bronwyn Hayes/Red Brolly called "The Polka Dot Girls". According to the pattern I was suppose to use different floss colors but I decided that I wanted them to be just red (DMC #304).

I hope that you've been enjoying your needle and thread! As always I love it that you stop by to visit - please feel free to leave a comment.

In Friendship!

Pay It Forward - Received


Yesterday's mail brought this beautiful and adorable quilt from Libby for me to fulfill her 'Pay it Forward' commitment. These blocks were part of an exchange she participated in and she felt that the entire quilt would be happy with me. She's right - I love it. Libby, thank you for the incredible gift and for your gift of friendship.

Small irony - the designer, Valerie Boman of Cotton Pickin' Designs was my beginning quilt making teacher 8 years ago. And, I remember when she designed these blocks.


I have to keep thanking you for visiting my blog and leaving wonderful comments. I look forward to your regular visits.

In Friendship!