Letting It All Hang Out!

I have to do this - I can't help myself. LOL :-)

Two years ago Vicky and Patti encouraged me (well, Vicky shoved me off the fence) to step into the world of hand applique and I was instantly smitten.

So....drumroll, please....the following are my "in the works" hand applique projects.

This one is "Pumpkin Hill" by Bunny Hill Designs (it was the first project)
99.9% of the applique is finished - assembling and embellishing is all that's left. Sigh! :-)

This one is "Baltimore Album Meets Country Cousins" (3 of 12 blocks completed)
This one is "Rabbits Prefer Chocolate"
99.9% of the applique is finished - assembling and embellishing remains! :-)

This one is "Vintage Memories" by Blackbird Designs (Cheri Ralston)

And, last but not least - a design by Kim Diehl but I can't recall what it's called - again all the applique is finished on the blocks. :-)

I had a ton of fun getting reacquainted with these projects. Yes, I do plan to finish all of them.

There's a poll in the margin; which one do you think I should finish first?

In the meantime I'm going to get busy on one or two more. What the heck! :-)

I love it when you stop by - y'all come back!

In Friendship!!!!!

A Lightbulb Moment!

I've struggled recently with projects and such! I'm in the hand applique mood and I want to start something new. I've been really rough on myself because I couldn't justify starting a new applique project when I have several already started - kept telling myself that I needed to finish what I have before I start something new. But those projects are not speaking to me right now. Sigh! I have a tendency to be really hard on myself. :-(

Well, this morning I had a HUGE lightbulb moment when I read Juliann's blog. You must go read her "Monday Mindfulness" post - she hit the nail right on the head. Why can't I start a new applique project? Why can't I start more than one? Why can't I do anything I want? Is someone keeping score? And, in the grand scheme of things - does it really matter?

So today I pulled out an older Moda fat quarter bundle called Gingham Rose (yes, it's a bit old but I love it) and traced the first block and I'm ready to prep the first pieces. WoooooooHooooo! Have I piqued your curiousity? {giggle, giggle} ;-)

And, I might start another new one later this week once I settle on my background fabric. teehee!!!!

I spent an entire day last week cleaning my sewing room. Now, the counters are clear and I can actually walk into my "walk-in" closet (what a concept - lol).

Thanks for stopping by - come again, please!

In Friendship!

Now What?????

I finally finished all my Fall Market work and when I finished I was relieved. Lots of repetitive piecing and quilting. Ugh!!! This time the work was exhausting and stressful and NO FUN!!!! I had to take a few days to just exist.

I feel rested and wondering "Now What?" I have been working on a wonderful stitchery project and I've completed 8 of 12 blocks. This one is "Ring in the New!" by Kathy Schmitz. I'm using DMC #310 and a Moda Marble that looks tea-dyed. Just a sweet project! :-)

My sewing room is a huge disaster - piles everywhere. I stand in the middle of room and can see the piles of fabric from several long ago finished projects. Ugh! I have no desire to sit at my sewing machine and work on a large project. The idea actually makes me sick to my stomach - this could be a little burnout from all the piecing I did for WORK! I've thought about going shopping to find a new project that might provide the needed inspiration but that doesn't sound like fun either. Sigh!

So, in answer to my Now What? question I think I'm going to attempt to clean up my sewing room and then I'm going to go shopping in my stash of long forgotten "had to have projects". I'm in the mood to do more handwork so a hand applique project is sounding very appealing.

If you're still stopping by to see what I'm doing - thank you! I appreciate your visits and comments! Come again and come often.

In Friendship!

Some Fall Decor

A week or so ago I took time to do a little Fall decorating in the entry to our home. I really enjoy doing that, so I look forward to the changing seasons or holidays.

If you came to visit, this is what you'd see when you walked into our home - drop by anytime! :-)

Just a close up!

Another close up! Yes, the little Halloween pillow is dated 1996 but I don't seem to tire of including it when I pull out the Fall stuff.

The quilt draped on the quilt rack is called Tennessee Waltz and was featured in a magazine several years ago.

Since so many of you can't stop by for a cup of coffee, tea or cool drink I thank you for stopping by to visit me and my blog. :-) I love it when you do so please come again soon!

In Friendship!

Hello!

Have you missed me? Even if you haven't, tell me that you have - it'll make me feel good. :-)

It's Fall Market crunch time so I've been busy proofing patterns, sewing small quilts, etc. for my friends, Me & My Sister Designs. So, it's been a hubbub of activity. Sigh!

All work and no play tends to make me very unhappy. :-( So, I worked for a few hours this morning and then gave myself the rest of the day off. I finished assembling the blocks for "Summer" of the "Primitive Four Seasons" block of the month by The Country Loft. Hopefully, the first "Fall" block will be here today. And, I finally got around to making block #4 of the Designer Mystery Block of the Month from The Fat Quarter Shop - block #5 will be here soon. I've done a few embroidered blocks for a new project but they need to be pressed - I'll show them to you soon. BTW, if you sent an e-mail about The Sewing Bird and didn't hear from me it's because you're set up for "no reply". The pattern is on a CD by Kathy Schmitz and available from Colonial Crafts.

A few friends, Carol, Wendy, Judy, Sharon, and I recently completed a block swap for an adorable quilt. In the final package of blocks we all sent treasures to each other. I can't show you what Sharon sent because Judy has not received hers and I don't want to ruin the surprise!

The following mini quilt is from Judy - isn't it adorable? Gotta love those cute cards, too. :-) Thank you, Judy!

From Carol - a wonderful sewing machine cover and pretty post its with matching pen. How did she know I'd been wanting a sewing machine cover? Blue and red - my favorite colors. Thank you, Carol.

From Wendy was this beautiful Schlep Bag and cute mini book titled "The End". I've been using my bag often and really have enjoyed it. Thank you, Wendy!

I wish I had more to show and share but this is it. That's all folks! Thanks for stopping by - please come again soon and often!

In Friendship!

Just Stitching!
(don't miss the BIG news at the bottom of this post)


As I was preparing to trace a few more stitchery/embroidery projects it occurred to me that I have not shared what I have finished in recent days.

Pumpkins from Bird Brain Designs and Sewing Bird from Kathy Schmitz. The polka dotted fabric is just being auditioned with the pumpkins - need to finish them this week end - October is coming! :-)

Big News - Huge - Really Big!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nanette at Freda's Hive has just released two new patterns - All Dressed Up and Leafy Treetops. They are absolutely wonderful. The best part - they are both available for purchase and are downloadable. WooHoo!!!!! I tried to snag pictures from her blog but blogger wasn't playing nice - grrrrrr! Go take a gander and tell her I sent you. :-)

Thanks for popping in - come again soon!

In Friendship!

Something for Me!

A PIF package arrived today from Mar. Not an ordinary package - a package of goodness, sweetness and joy. Two tea towels embroidered with adorable motifs - will be perfect in my kitchen. And, the large project bag - will be perfect for my embroidery project(s). These treasures will be loved and enjoyed - thank you, Mar!

The generosity of so many in the blogging community is amazing. I have received so many wonderful treasures and gifts from so many all over the world. It truly has touched my heart.

For approximately six weeks I've been struggling with some challenges in my life. I won't go into the long sordid tale because I don't want to air my troubles. I only mention it because maybe it will explain my absence from blogging. I appreciate that you continue to pop in to visit.

In Friendship!

Butterfly Fling/Cheap Trick

A Butterfly Fling Layer Cake some white yardage for the background and a Cheap Trick pattern = this cute quilt. :-)
I finished the center over a week ago and now I'm waiting for Butterfly Fling yardage so I can add the borders.

Maybe I should title this post "ode to the locals" :-). The Butterfly Fling fabric is designed by Me and My Sister Designs for Moda (Barbara and Mary) and the Cheap Trick pattern is by Miss Rosie's Quilt Co (Carrie Nelson). These ladies are all local designers, I've known all of them for almost 10 years and I'm happy to say that I can call them friends. I like to say I knew them before they were famous. LOL I have a long list of stories I could share about all three but my post would go on and on. Let's just say we've laughed, cried and sewn together. :-)

Thank you for your kind messages asking if I'm ok - all is well - thank you for caring.

I do appreciate that you stop by even though my blog has been boring. LOL Don't give up on my silly little blog - come again and come often!

In Friendship!

Found!

If you visit Wendy's blog you'll see an adorable quilt made with the samee stitcheries I'm showing here. I had a huge light bulb moment - a few years ago I worked on some of those same stitcheries - this sent me digging in a Rubbermaid box. Lo & behold I had done more than I remembered - WooHoo!!!!!!!!! LOL I need to look closely at each one but it appears that I just have a handful of finishing touches and all twelve will be finished. This would be adorable in my kitchen so I need to get busy. :-)

By the way, I visited the post office earlier this week and put all the fabric baskets in the mail. So, now all my obligations are completed - Big WooHoo!!!!!!

Thank you so much for your sweet comments about Cooper - he's settling in nicely and we're having fun.

I'll be back soon to tell you about a Cheap Trick. :-)

Thanks for visiting - come again soon and often.

In Friendship!

Here's Cooper! :-)

Cooper is a 2 month old Shih Tzu and a new addition to our family. It didn't take long for him to capture our hearts. :-) We've been without a pet for over 8 years and decided it was time. Isn't he adorable?

Thanks for stopping by - come again soon!

In Friendship!

TCB
(taking care of business)

I guess I've kept you waiting long enough however I do appreciate your patience. :-)

Pay It Forwards have been happening all over blogland for quite awhile now and I've participated in three! I've taken care of sending treats/treasures for the first one I signed up for. I decided to pick 6 fellow bloggers to receive a treat/treasure rather than open it up for sign ups on my blog. This prevents anyone from having to "pay it forward" and feel obligated. I hope all of that makes sense. LOL

Six baskets will go to:

1. May Britt - her blog inspires on a daily basis

2. Kathie - she is always there to share her vast and incredible knowledge of quilting

3. Swooze - just because :-)

4. Hanne - she has an inner spirit that shines through her blog

5. Caroline - her blog always takes my breath away

6. It could be yours!

Please send an e-mail with your mailing address!

Six baskets will go to:

1. Linda - thank you for keeping us on task during the pin cushion swap

2. Loz - thank you for Miss Millie and my adorable pin cushion

3. Karen B - thank you for sharing the basket template

4. Pat - thank you for the gift certificate from the Fat Quarter Shop just because I fell on the floor :-)

5. Cheryl - thank you for the adorable drawstring bag

6. Peg - thank you for inspiring so much fun with the 'Finish Five in July Challenge'

Please send an e-mail with your mailing address!

I wish I could send a fabric basket to everyone!

Cupcake Pincushions!!!

Look at these cute Cupcake Pincushions - don't you just love them? I made these a couple months ago but couldn't share till I sent my Cupcake Swap package. I got carried away and kept making them. LOL

Thank you stopping by - I appreciate that you do - come again!

In Friendship!

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

You heard the music, didn't you? LOL

The Good

Remember this sweet flower/pinwheel? I've finally finished hand appliquing all the blocks - woohoo! Now, I need to decide on sashing, corner stones and borders. This is called Petal Play A Graceful Stitch (Denise Sheehan).
The Bad :-(

I've been in a major funk so I've been a bad blogger - please forgive me and know that I'm trying to push past it.

The Ugly

I've been doing a little sewing. I finished this earlier today and I'm not happy with it - aarrgghhh! The fabric (Cotton Blossoms by Moda) is beautiful and the pattern (Cake Walk by Me & My Sister Designs) is terrific but together they are not a good combination. I used a Jelly Cake (Jelly Roll & Layer Cake). I guess done is better than perfect. :-)

I'll be back later with a list of the recepients of all twelve baskets so be sure to check back!

Thanks for stopping by - come again!

In Friendship!

One Dozen Baskets :-)

I spent my day working on these today!

Is one for you?

One never knows. teehee

a little work still to be done!

Sweet Cupcakes!

I participated in Sharon's Cupcake Swap and packages have arrived and been opened! My box from my swap partner Dora arrived a while ago but I refused to enjoy it until after I mailed her box to her. LOL By the way, Dora is a friend of Sharon's and doesn't have a blog - this made it a bit difficult for me because I didn't know much about her.

The picture shows all the goodies Dora sent to me. The super cute little quilt, labels, a notepad, sugar sprinkles sitting on top of the box holding the quilt :-) and a yummy cake mix from the Barefoot Contessa. She tucked a little goodie in the cupcake card - an adorable teapot tea bag holder. We duplicated one little thing - the cupcake cups. LOL Dora, thank you so much!

The next picture shows the goodies I sent to Dora and I believe she was pleased. :-)
I hope that you'll take a close look at the cupcake pincushion - there's a pin with a cupcake on top.

Sharon, thank y0u so much for making this swap happen. I appreciate your hardwork.

There's nothing quilty to show because I haven't done much lately - a little hand applique but that's it. Thanks for stopping by - come again soon!

In Friendship!

Why I Blog????

I picked up the Autumn 2008 issue of "Artful Blogging" last week. A friend raves about this magazine every time a new issue is released but it's out of stock when I look for it. I have not read it from cover to cover instead enjoying flipping through it haphazardly and stopping here and there.

I stopped on a article about Amanda Soule www.soulemama.com and I have to quote a snippet that she wrote because it struck a chord with me and I hope it will with you, too: (I hope she doesn't mind that I have quoted her)

"I think often of the women storytellers before us, and the many ways in which their stores were told -- a chat with a neighbor over coffee; a quilting bee or knitting circle; reading groups. A community of blogs feels much like that to me -- it's like an ongoing conversation we have over tea as friends. It's never the whole story, and it never feels the same -- sometimes the conversation is light and silly, and sometimes it's heartfelt and serious, and sometimes, for whatever reason, we keep a lot of things to ourselves. Sometimes, we don't have much to say at all, except to share an image and a moment in silence. But all of these snippets of conversation together and in the intimate thread of the everyday, it tells our story. Like any good ongoing conversation with a friend, I don't know as though we'll ever run out of things to talk about. Let's put on some more tea."


I appreciate that you stop by to read all about my doings so come again and come often. Next time I put on more tea!

In Friendship!

Buzzing Around!

I've been quite busy the past few days and little play time. I haven't touched my sewing machine since last Friday but I have managed to do a little hand applique while watching the D'backs. Needless to say I have nothing quilty to blog about.

But.....................

I do have something cute, adorable and sweet to tell you about. Recently I received a birthday box from Nan filled with lots of goodness. The pretty box had two sunflower candleholders (hey where's the other one?). Then I found a notepad and Nan's newest pattern (more about that in a bit). So, I sent Nan an e-mail to say Thank you bunches and bunches and she mentioned Miss Bea Happy Wabbit - Who????? I had no idea what she was talking about. That prompted a telephone call and she sent me scurrying to the original box and wrapped in tissue was Miss Bea Happy Wabbit with a HUGE TAG attached to her leg. Written on the tag "Hewwo! My name is Bea Happy Wabbit, and I would love to live with you! May I PLEASE? Bunny Hugs, Bea". I couldn't believe I missed her in the box but she was a wonderful surprise. So, Miss Bea Happy Wabbit has joined Thimbles, Joy & Miss Millie in my sewing room. I've been hearing lots of noises when I'm out of the room so I'm afraid of what they are ALL plotting. LOL You know they can be quite devious - cute but devious. :-)

Nan's going to launch her new pattern design business, Nannie's Quilt Patch, very soon. Her newest adorable pattern is called "That's MY Name". Visit Nan's blog and ask her about her patterns!

I appreciate your visits and comments - come again and often!

In Friendship!

I Did It!

Oh my goodness you absolutely have to give me a huge WOOHOO!!!!!!!

These cute 'baskets' have been popping up in some of my favorite haunts and I've adored them. I'm bagophobic so I thought I couldn't make one. Well, color me wrong - look at my little cutie. Oh, if you look close there are a few boo-boos but what the heck - I learned from those boo-boos and now want to make another one or two (maybe three or four - LOL) Stephanie is seriously addicted and Nanette made some in a variety of sizes. Thanks for the inspiration and encouragement, Ladies!

I hope you're having a good day. Come again and often!

In Friendship!


edit: made a second one for a friend. :-)

Second edit (because it slipped my mind) Here's the link to the awesome tutorial for the basket http://ayumills.blogspot.com/2008/05/tutorial-fabric-basket.html Enjoy!

Keeping Up!

Block #3 - "Peace in Flight" designed by Joanna Figueroa (www.figtreequilts.com) arrived yesterday afternoon and I'm excited to say that it's done. WooHoo!!!!!! :-)

I showed you the first two blocks recently but I failed to tell you more about them. This is a Designer Mystery Block of the Month by The Fat Quarter Shop.

Block #1 - "Cross Stitch" was designed by Brendle Riddle (www.acornquiltingandgiftcompany.com)

Block #2 - "Star Struck" was designed by Sandy Gervais (www.piecesfrommyheart.net).

There will be a total of 12 blocks and the finishing pattern has also been designed by Brenda Riddle.

Now I will wait for September for Block #4.

Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the world. I appreciate that you do and I especially appreciate your kind words. Please come again and often.

In Friendship!

A Giveaway!

She's been blogging a year - wow - where does the time go! And, she's having a giveaway to celebrate so stop by and visit her.

Who?

Cheryl - Miss Polka Dot.

Have a great day!

In Friendship!

Reasons to Smile!

#1 - I spent time prepping wedges, making background and center fabric decisions and smiling when I laid out this first block. When I was sitting with my needle and thread stitching away I started snickering because I suddenly realized that I was truly smiling as I was working. :-)

#2 - Made a huge decision in my real life quilting world about my group particiation that I'm very at peace/piece with. I was a little sad that I didn't get any feedback and kind words in return. That's OK because it really was the right decision for me as I had been seeing the group through rose colored glasses. :-)

#3 - Realizing how much I've missed doing handwork and making decisions to get back to it in a very serious way.
:-)

Enjoy your Saturday - thanks for stopping by - come again and often.

In Friendship!