Funoldhag

Readied Two Hangings for Quilting

2012-01-30T17:03:00.001-05:00

I actually got two wallhangings sandwiched for quilting a little while ago. Now I can take the cover off my Bernina and do some machine quilting.

The all over flower pattern will go on my dining room table. That was a pattern I had taken out of a magazine a long time ago and I am pretty happy with it. I think it will quilt up nicely. Would look great in batiks, also, or 30's-40's reproduction fabric.

I like my little girls - they were fun to embroider. Found the line drawings on the web. Have no idea what you would ever do with it but that is the way with so many of the wallhangings we make. Fun to do and pretty to look at but no place to hang. Guess we need some long white halls to display all our pretties. It's such fun to try different colors and techniques.

Almost finished!! just have to do the single crochets in the chain spaces around the edge. One side done and another side partway! Attagirl, Carol!!!!!!!!!!!

Earlier this afternoon this herd of turkeys had a meeting around the tree in the front yard. Six of them have been casing the neighborhood everyday. Such funny birds. They look for seeds that people have out for the birds. Don't know what they were finding right here, though. They were hanging around for quite a while.

Yesterday afternoon, my friend Julie came over for a visit. Julie is making just wonderful ATC's, journals, and other altered art. She brought along some of the things she has made lately and some that she has received from some of the ladies she trades art with. She has her pretty pieces posted on her blog http://justtickety-boo.blogspot.com/ but it so much fun to hold them and look at them closely. Julie has found her niche! Later Sherry came and got me and I went home with her for a steak and shrimp (on the grill) dinner. Was that ever good - it hit the spot! That was just the 4th time I have been out since the 6th. However, I am doing okay in that department since I don't have any trouble finding things to do.

I keep my cellphone close. Figure it's a good idea to have it at hand especially if I go to the basement. So in my pocket it goes. However, I have a couple of pair of pants that don't have pockets - what to do. How about a sock - pinned to my waistband with a safety pin. Works like a charm. I was telling Molly about it when she called and told her I would have to patent the idea. Molly said I could call it a stocket! That's your chuckle for today.

Kathy's Beautiful Quilttop

2012-01-27T12:57:00.001-05:00

Tuesday afternoon, my friend, Kathy, came over and spent the afternoon with me. It was so good to have her here - and she brought along some of the things she has been working on and some she is going to be starting. This beautiful piece is Edyta Sitar's Friendship Strips and Scraps, but done in Kathy's beautiful colors. The baskets are from striped fabric rather than strip pieced. Gorgeous. The applique is done with the machine buttonhole - check out the bird's beak. She certainly has mastered that art.

A look at more of the baskets. When this quilt is completed, it will be covered with absolutely beautiful machine quilting - little bitsy circles, feathers and other awesomeness.

Two of the baskets for a closer look. I look forward to seeing her completed quilt - it will be a beauty.

So Far, So Good

2012-01-25T09:16:00.001-05:00

I should have posted yesterday - don't know why I didn't. My trip to the doctor showed the tests I have had already are not showing anything to cause much concern. They are going to do two more tests in early February so we'll see what they show. Then on to the doctor for a look at my lungs. In the meantime, I am feeling well and, although not quilting, I have been working on the zigzag granny afghan and joining the blocks of -

there are two rows left to get together - one of them just has one block to join to the row and the other needs all five joined. I also have two sets of two long rows joined and when it is entirely in one piece, I will crochet an edging in white. I have some yarn coming from Joann.com for the zigzag granny. It is for sure if I have to be more homebound, I have plenty of things I can do that I enjoy. There are several wallhangings just waiting for backing and batting and quilting.

Isn't this machine cute? Three guesses where I found it - on Pinterest, of course. It's from a website http://bloomandblossom.blogspot.com/. Looks like a great site.

Two closer views of the piece - could give you good ideas.

And, for you who are following Hannah's blog and if you haven't already found it, there is a very nice new post.

Some Pretties from Pinterest

2012-01-21T16:54:00.000-05:00

Still feeling good - and anxious to see the cardiologist on Monday to see how things are progressing. Have to watch which way I go wearing this tube or I can get tied in knots. Actually, it's not that bad and there are things that could be much worse. I haven't used the little portable tank I have yet. The weather has been really cold and we've had snow. I probably wouldn't be going out much when it's like this anyway. I also have not been quilting like I thought I would but I'm sure that will change. The afghan is coming along -

Earlier in the week it was at this stage. Now--

A few more rows of color. I sent an order for more yarn and it should be here Monday. So cool to be able to shop without braving the elements! The internet is wonderful - there is so much to see and do. And I have been spending time on Pinterest. I am seeing lots of people I know on it. So much to see - so many ideas - everything under the sun. Here is an idea I found that you might like--

Aren't these just wonderful? If you have some vintage needlework that is in very shabby condition, part could be salvaged in this very sweet and clever way.

Some lovely vintage items--those always get my eye.

How about these beautiful pillowcases edged in crochet? Absolutely gorgeous.

Thinking about all the girls at the retreat this weekend - those are always so much fun. Enjoy!

Feeling Pretty Darned Good

2012-01-16T10:56:00.001-05:00

Actually feeling better as far as being tired and short of breath. I am able to do anything that my 50 feet of tubing will let me reach and that includes the basement, so I can do the laundry with no problem. Doing laundry anymore is not a big task since there are only a couple of loads per week.

I can always look around on the internet - what fascinating stuff is out there - and I have been getting back to doing handwork again. Luckily, like many quilters, I can always find things I love to do. And, my heavens, there are plenty of unfinished projects to work on!! I have about finished the turning of the triangles on my Mexican star from some months ago. It will then be ready for quilts - and that would be no problem, either.

The picture I posted at the top is something I found that I really like. I have also been working on putting together my granny afghan - but the part I am at now is pretty hard to keep at for a long time. It's turning out very pretty and I will keep at it. However, I found this zigzag granny that when it is done, it's done! So, oh my,I started another one.

I want to do it in the bright colors and this is how it's starting. I may need some hot pink and maroon but it will be pretty random. I don't intend to have the granny squares in the middle - just will work it all from one end. So far, I like it. I also have a Kaffe Fassett book that has knitting in it and I want to check that out for colors.

One day at a sewing group, one of the girls had a copy of a new magazine -

It was so pretty - no ads and great pictures and patterns. I took one of the little cards and ordered it. It arrived in my mailbox the other day and I really like it. It's all primitive, lots of wool and reminds me of my friend Leslie. I love all sorts of styles of quilting and, if you love the primitive, this is a great one.

One page of the index.

Two of the projects. Pretty cute, don't you think?

This afternoon I am to get a small portable tank that will get me to the grocery store and out for a little while. Thank you so much for your sweet comments - I will keep you posted. Right now, things are good.

It's Been A While Since I Posted...

2012-01-12T11:13:00.000-05:00

...and just wanted to let you know the Funoldhag is dealing with an issue that requires me to be on a 50 foot plastic tube tethered to an oxygen machine. I am feeling fine - probably better than a week ago - but am in the process of finding out what has been making me tired and shortwinded. I have had incredible health in my 83 years and have been so very blessed with that and a wonderful family.

My tube can get me to the basement to the washer and dryer - am I not lucky? LOL! Right now I have put some soup in the crockpot and will have some good meals from that. My daughter, Sherry, is taking good care of things for me. I have an order for a portable tank that can be used for trips to the grocery store, etc.

I really haven't been doing anything in the way of needlework (will get back to that) so for a picture in this post I probably can find one of my little great grandson, Henry.

Here he is at 5 months! And he's on his choo choo train quilt! Will keep you posted! So far, so good.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T08:58:00.001-05:00

Happy 2012! I wonder if it will fly by as quickly as 2011. Most likely it will. It was a very nice Christmas here.

Here is Hannah back on a vacation from the Peace Corps holding her new nephew who (or whom?) she had never seen. (I was fairly good in grammar but could never remember that or shall and will.) Henry holds his stocking.

Missing were Molly and Doug from Portland, but we opened gifts with them as we skyped. That just blows me away. Bill and Ann, my son and his wife, came in Tuesday to see Hannah and we had three days. So all in all a very nice Christmas considering the family is so scattered.

I have been dragging the last two days, but will get my steam up again. Have to put away the things I got out and get the house back to some semblance of order. There is no need to push myself. Hope your Christmas was good and may 2012 be a healthy, happy year for you and yours.

Merry Christmas, Blogger Friends

2011-12-24T14:38:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas! Blogging and being in contact with you is a bright spot in my life. I have been blogging since 2008 and have been reading some of your blogs since then along with many more as time has progressed. I love your comments and try to let you know that I, too, enjoy the stories and pictures you put up for all to enjoy. I love the fact that we have a common thread between us - also common fabric - and we understand the excitement that comes from the process of quilting and creating beautiful and unique items. I love being an old sew and sew with you all! And I also know that there are those that read my blog that don't quilt - and I thank you for that.

Have a lovely Christmas and a healthy, happy 2012. God bless and take care. See you next week.

Hugs, Funoldhag

One of Santa's Little Elves

2011-12-22T13:09:00.001-05:00

The first Christmas for this adorable little elf and he will soon be here with us. Lots of love awaits him as we enjoy the wonder of this sweet little boy. Aunt Hannah will see him for the very first time. So sweet. Of course, he will bring along his mommy and daddy and we are eagerly awaiting them, also. It'a been a long time since there were little ones in the family. A new generation has begun - and Henry is a perfect start in that department.

A Really Bad Poem

2011-12-20T16:32:00.003-05:00

Twas a while before Christmas
And here in my kitchen
I was starting to bake and excited and itchin'
To make good stuff for my family
As I did in the past
Always at ease and reasonably fast.

No. 1: Ranger cookies started out strong
The first snag I hit didn't take long.
No Wheaties even though  on
   my list in plain sight
I certainly did not read the list right.

So, woe is me, off I go to the store
Got the Wheaties, brown sugar and a
few items more.
But I still had another snag pop right up
When I opened the oatmeal to measure a cup.
The date on the box, check it I did
But I really, really should have opened the lid!
Teensie brown buggies resided inside
They scurried around trying to hide.
Into the garbage the icky thing did go
So what now?   Another trip to the sto'?
I looked in my pantry and what did I see?
Some "Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal"
   staring at me
It was not "outdated" and all sealed up tight.
I opened a packet and it was alright.
By sifting the contents the maple sugar was gone
And there was the oatmeal all on its own.
So I finished the dough and it waits where it's cool
For baking tomorrow in time for the Yule.

No. 2: Yummy Peanut ButterFudge is done
and came out pretty well
Got hung up on amounts of pb and marshmall
Ow-- a tiny bit grainy but good just the same
You win some, you lose some
That's part of the game

No. 3: Nutty O's are all done and cooling
Made of low caloried Cheerios - who am I fooling?
The butter, brown sugar and syrup make them yummy
But they do have a tendency to fluff up your tummy.

Tomorrow I'll bake the cookies and I will be lovin'
The wonderful smell that comes from my oven.
I have at least one more thing I am planning on making
And after that, that's it for the baking.

I think.
(In the picture of me at the top of this post, I am wearing an apron that Sherry made for me many moons ago somewhere in the late 70's or early 80's. And she embroidered the initials. She did beautiful counted crossstitch, too, before it became so popular. I always feel so dopey taking a picture of myself! One more little bit of information, the pages with the recipes are from a cookbook I did with lots of my recipes from over the years. It was done in 1996 when we got the computer. I made it for the girls and Sherry and Ann each have one, also. One went to my dear sister and I think her granddaughter has it now and I have one. I loved doing that and they are used.)

Potpourri

2011-12-18T18:27:00.002-05:00

I'm not doing much in the way of working on projects as we count down the last few days until Christmas. My cards are done and ready to go into the mail tomorrow. Still to come are some things that I ordered - however it would not be catastrophic if they didn't arrive in time. This afternoon I had a super nap and I have become very proficient in that department. Seems like I just don't get done in a day anywhere near what I used to accomplish. I think anymore I try to operate with the idea that if something doesn't get done it really doesn't matter, and I think I am really getting the hang of that.

Now as to the darling little fishy purse........something I spotted on Pinterest. I spend a bit of time there (tsk, tsk) looking at all the wonderful eye candy and especially at things I would love making but probably won't make many of them. There is a tutorial for the purse at

http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2011/12/fabric-fishy-purse-pattern-pieces-included.html

in case you would like to take a look. A little girl would love this purse - so would a big girl!

I thought this was a darling little cluster of patchwork trees. Certainly would look right at home on a quilter's mantel or table. There's a tutorial for this one, also -

http://mypatchwork.wordpress.com/2011/11/18/patchwork-christmas-tree-softie/

I see something like this and immediately would love to make a bunch of them. Wonder when I will get over wanting to do everything I see?

Another one that will use up a bit of your stash - fabric strips and clothesline.

http://www.craftaholicsanonymous.net/2011/11/december-craft-kits.html

Just a little sample of what is on Pinterest. Any interest you have in anything is represented there. Lots of fun - and also a lot of good recipes! If you haven't been there, here is a link to my boards http://pinterest.com/caroldb/. See what you think.

She's Home Safe and Sound

2011-12-17T00:17:00.001-05:00

Home from Mozambique!! Tonight Sherry and Barclay drove to Detroit to pick Hannah up for her stay at home. They stopped by my house and were here for a few minutes. Oh, my, how good it is to see that sweet girl again and she looks wonderful. It's late, so they didn't stay long but I will see her tomorrow and look forward to hearing her stories of her experiences in the Peace Corps. This picture is Hannah at six or so wearing a dress that I made Sherry lots of years ago. Where has the time gone?

Another Christmas, another sweet granddaughter. Here is Molly all dressed for dinner. They had come from Michigan to Illinois for Christmas and everyone was dressed very casually as most families are. Before dinner, Molly went in and dressed up in her pretty dress and red shoes. One of my favorite memories.

Yet another Christmas, even longer ago and the first sweet granddaughter. The kids went on a trip to Colorado while we were still living in Kansas and we had Norah and so thoroughly enjoyed Norah sitting. The little table and chairs that were Sherry's was in the family room for her to play with. There was a candy tin full of old jewelry that the girls all played with over the years. Such sweet times.

I have so very much to be thankful for.

Long Ago Christmas

2011-12-15T07:15:00.003-05:00

Probably taken in 1980 or 81, the bed in my sewing room holds things I made that year. It was the year of the braided stuffed coil wreaths, my needlepoint angel (there were three of those) the stuffed Christmas tree and 2 spoondoll wreaths. I know not where most of that has gone but I do have the angel. There is also a glimpse of some of the many needlepoint pillows that were piled on that bed.

Here are Mr. and Mrs. Claus sitting on the mantel in our home in Overland Park. I think I showed these last year, too. A favorite of mine, I also made a pair for Sherry and for Ann. They sit in front of the sampler dated 1843 made by my husband's great grandmother, Mary Anne Wiley, when she was 10 years old. It's precious.

I made a lot of spoon dolls and used them on a swag between the living room and dining room. This one went into a wreath. Wonder where that went? Don't these all look vintage?

Here is our little Christmas room. Ray and I worked with miniatures a lot and had three dollhouses one of which was in an old tv or stereo cabinet. He made this little box room - probably about 12". Some of the little toys were purchased but he made the rocker and table. I crocheted the rug and made the curtains and lace tablecloth (a circle from a lace doilie). Sherry still puts this out for Christmas.

And here is vintage me. Those were the days of hanging plants and I had a lot of them all hanging in macrame hangers that I tied. Fun to look back on past Christmases.

Decking the Halls

2011-12-10T16:02:00.000-05:00

Here is one of the first Christmas things I made after I started quilting. This is probably from the late 70's or early 80's. Again, it shows the choice of fabric that you found back then. This doesn't hang on my fireplace, but I just wanted to get a good picture of it. I also had a big wreath I made by stuffing long tubes of fabric and twisting them together. Can any of you remember those? No idea of what I did with that one.

This is a vintage wreath that was in my mother-in-law's things. I'm pretty sure it isn't aluminum but could be wrong on that. There used to be something we called "tinfoil" but it's been so long ago. Anyway, no matter what it is, it's rather a pretty little thing. As you can see, I have been putting out some Christmas in my house and have a pretty good little mess going which needs to be cleaned up. Just needed to sit down and take a break so thought I would do a post. This morning I did some shopping on line - so some things are taken care of. Time to get back to the job at hand. Have a good weekend!!

Cute Lollipop Ornaments

2011-12-07T19:13:00.001-05:00

Looking around on different blogs, I found these cute fabric covered lollipops and a video showing how to make them. They are, of course, made in the same way as fabric covered bowls but much, much smaller and more doable. I posted the video on our quilt guild blog - Pass the Tiara. If you would like to take a look at it, simply nudge the little yellow chicken on my side bar and you will be there in a jiffy. Enjoy!

Little Bit of Christmas at My House

2011-12-06T13:42:00.001-05:00

Slowly, slowly, a start on getting my house decorated for Christmas. No longer the whirlwind I used to be in getting things done, it takes me so much longer to do things. Sometimes I feel like I am doing something wrong but then I'm intelligent enough to know that actually I probably have done some things right and that I am so blessed to be able to do what I do at my age. So, if I don't get all the decorating, shopping, etc., that goes along with this lovely season, it will still be lovely and a very, very special Christmas this year. The pretty poinsietta came home with me Sunday evening when I had dinner with Sherry and Barclay. What says Christmas louder than a poinsietta?

This little white chamber pot full of Christmasy things sits on top of the piece that holds my tv. My "arrangements" are always just kind of stuffed in a holder. I think I have old newspapers crumpled up in the bottom of this one. It looks okay, though.

And here is the wreath beside the front door. I took the faded little old snowman off and replaced it with a perky new Santa Claus. It looks pretty good. May tackle my mantel and hang some of the wallhangings, etc. Still don't know if I will bring up the tree that is already decorated or not. Time will tell. Again, Ho, Ho, Ho!

A Sweet Picture of Henry

2011-12-03T21:12:00.001-05:00

An e-mail with this darling picture of Henry came from Norah yesterday and she said she just had to send it to me. Henry's great grandfather (who would just love and adore this little boy) took lots of naps in his recliner over the years and this was the position he always assumed. I am sure in the albums I have more than one picture of him "resting his eyes" as he used to say. So maybe that gene has passed on to this little doll! I'm so looking forward to Christmas to see him again.

Working on a stocking for him for Christmas. Here's a peek, but I'm hoping it's not too busy. It might have been better if I chose a different applique. We'll see. I do like the strip piecing, though.

A Good Giggle

2011-12-01T10:20:00.000-05:00

I found this on Pinterest and it made me laugh out loud, really! Potty humor, I know, but so darned cute to see a Christmas elf fishing for "goldfish" in pretty blue water. I have a couple of little vintage elves but they are dressed in green. I don't plan to set up a little still life in my bathroom, however. Such a clean, sparkly bathroom!

Hope you get a giggle, too! Giggles are good for us.

It's Beginning to Look a Lot-----------

2011-11-30T09:09:00.000-05:00

Around six inches of snow fell here starting early in the evening yesterday. Beautiful, but deep. The service that takes care of our plowing was here bright and early so it would be no problem getting out. That is one of the main reasons for condo living when you get older.

The little red berries showing up against all the white loveliness are on the mountain ash in front of my house.

Ho! Ho! Ho!

A Beautiful Quilt

2011-11-29T15:26:00.001-05:00

First of all, I am sorry this is not a really clear shot of this gorgeous quilt, but I am certain you can get the idea of it's beauty. Yesterday afternoon, my friend Leslie and her awesome daughter (what a terrific young woman!!) stopped by carrying something in a trashbag. Leslie had written in a comment to one of my posts about something her BIL had given her and she was overwhelmed when she saw it. It was this beautiful, crossstiched quilt in absolutely perfect condition with beautiful stitching. A stunner!

I took a couple of closeups and they are much more in focus. Her BIL got this at a church auction and, if I remember right, it was done by two sisters and finished about thirty years ago when the sisters were in their seventies. Evidently, the ladies had a falling out, and the quilt was never used. It's exquisite. It looks as if it was pre-marked - quilting lines and even lines to separate the blocks. When you hold it up to the light, you can tell it is a whole cloth and it may have been a packaged kit. I have seen some quilts like this but never one so stunning. It is so much prettier in one color than it would have been in multiple colors.

Some of the blocks are repeated several time and others look like the same blocks but have different flowers or birds in them. Leslie said she has so many times heard people say they have come into something wonderful - like a Singer Featherweight for next to nothing - and now she has this gorgeous quilt that she got from a very savy brother-in-law who knew just where something like that should go and where it will be treasured. Taking it to Leslie ensures an existence of care and appreciation from her and from Elle, also. Hats off to that BIL!!

Christmas Projects

2011-11-28T12:34:00.000-05:00

One of the small projects I'm working on for Christmas. They actually go pretty quickly once the fabrics have been picked out and fused down.

This is a cute little fellow - still in need of eyes and buttons.

Takes a little longer to applique, but it's pretty cute.

This one is quick and simple. Will do a few more of these patterns and also have a couple of others which I need to resize. Ho! Ho! Ho!

Pictures from Africa

2011-11-26T13:18:00.000-05:00

Here are Hannah and Molly in Africa together. Heavens, who would have thought those little girls would have ever been any place like that! In this photo, they are at Victoria Falls in Livingstone. Molly was there for two weeks and spent Thanksgiving with Hannah and her fellow PCV's. Also, there is a new post up on Hannah's blog telling about the things they did while together.

They took a guided tour and saw animals. Some of them were pretty close. Hannah talks about it in her post.

Pretty picture - looks almost like a painting.

With their guide and a rhino in the background. Hannah is basically on her way home now - will be here in three weeks. She will be doing some sightseeing with friends before catching the plane for home. It is going to be so good to see her!!!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-23T22:40:00.000-05:00

A Thanksgiving greeting from Funoldhag. The site that I use to find vintage postcards also pictures the backs and some of them are such fun. This one is from 1913 .

Thought you might enjoy the little message to Grandma Henry from Mabel. Enjoy your day and the bountiful feast that most folks have.

A Trip to Joann's

2011-11-21T15:43:00.000-05:00

Paid a visit to Joann's yesterday afternoon with coupons, of course, and found things I could purchase with them. Lots of the time you cannot as what you are looking for is usually on sale. Found this book "The Flirty '30''s" and it's a cute one - right up my alley. Also bought some tea towels for applique or embroidery and a ball of Sugar and Cream.

A year or two ago, Leslie game me a knitted dish cloth and I really like it. Can't knit, but can crochet and that's what I am doing - isn't that neat yarn? It's a mindless pattern and goes quickly. Love the scrumptious colors.

A page from the book - very cute applique pattern and

two more nice patterns. Don't know when I think I will get all this done, but just love having it around.

And a note about my two granddaughters in Africa. My daughter talked to them yesterday and they are having a great time. They went back to Hannah's site a day or so ago, and Molly said everyone was waiting for them. Molly told her mom they all love Hannah and she doesn't have to worry about Hannah - she's "sassy" and knows how to negotiate to get what she wants! What an impact this time in the Peace Corps will have on the rest of her life. It is very, very hot and Molly is not used to that, but is having a wonderful time anyway. Actually, they will be spending Thanksgiving with a big group of PC volunteers and then Molly will be on her way home day after. Hannah will be doing some more traveling and will be basically on her way home for Christmas. School has been out there for a time now. Am so anxious to see her and hear all her stories! We also skyped with Norah in Denver and got to look at Henry. My, he is growing and changing and adorable. And to top it all off, Barclay cooked steaks, Sherry made the great spinach salad and baked potatoes, and pumpkin bread. My private 5-star restaurant!! (Click to enlarge)

One Hour and Ten Minute Table Runner

2011-11-18T11:32:00.000-05:00

The pattern for the ten minute table runner has been floating around for some time now, and the other day I made one. Only exception is that I decided to do some applique and it turned out it took quite a while to do the three snowflakes. They look so simple, but there are five little extensions on each arm of the flake so that was lots of stopping, turning and going again. I did some of those on runners a couple of years ago and now remember that they were pretty tedious. However, a simpler flake could be used. Another thing I would change about this is the length and the width. It's kind of short and stubby. The fabric is to be cut width of fabric, but I wanted the rows to go up and down and I only had a yard of the striped. Therefore, instead of being approximately 42 inches long, it was 36. The main fabric (in this case the red with the appliques) was to be cut 10 to 12 inches wof. I cut it 12. Next one it will be 10. The printed was cut 18 inches wide and I think I might cut that a bit smaller, also. If I had not appliqued, it really would have been super fast! (Click to enlarge)

Project for Christmas

2011-11-14T11:25:00.000-05:00

Tucked away in the basement in a container were these little embroideries I did a couple of years ago with the intent of making wallhangings. Good intentions should be carried out, but, alas, that is not always so. I also had four kitchen towels I bought way back when that I was going to applique for Christmas, also. Guess what - that didn't get done either. The other day I got to thinking about ordering some more towels and doing them Christmasy (is that a word?). I do a lot of ordering from http://www.ericas.com/ - they are fast and accommodating. I had a lightbulb moment - why not border the little embroideries and either fuse or sew them to towels which would have nine of them done very quickly.

I have four towels that are white with a red trim and I am going to use four of the figures without the words, etc., on those. There will be some towels left and I ought to be able to do some simple appliques on those. So we shall see if I get this project finished or not. Anymore, I am slower than molasses in January but as long as I keep going, I am content!

(Click to enlarge - this is a different format now so sometimes it doesn't do it, but you can give it a try!)

Visiting Africa

2011-11-13T17:38:00.000-05:00

This is Jolly Boys Packpackers in Zambia where my two youngest granddaughters are now staying. Molly had a long flight from Portland - she left Friday evening-and she arrived this morning for a two week stay in Africa with Hannah. Hannah had gone to Zambia and was able to go on the bus from Jolly Boys to meet Molly's flight so the two sisters are now together for a two week adventure. How great is that?

They will see Victoria Falls and I know they have made other plans for this wonderful experience. The technology today is incredible - Sherry has talked to them already. It will be exciting to hear what they do. They will eventually make their way back to Hannah's site and meet her students and coworkers. Then about the middle of December, Hannah will be coming home for a visit over Christmas and her first visit with her new little nephew, Henry. Exciting times.

Friday, Already

2011-11-11T17:38:00.000-05:00

This has been a quick week. Two days I spent in a class with twelve other quilters doing a fused flower wall hanging. The construction of the piece was quite time consuming and it also entailed fabric painting. I did not get mine done and will probably not get back to it until after Christmas. I intended to take my camera and forgot both days. Some of the girls finished their pieces and they were lovely. Sorry I don't have photos.

This picture and the one at the beginning are my Christmas cactus blooming nicely. Always in late October and early November. The color is so bright it is almost neon.

Here are three of my favorite antiques all in one little group. The spool cabinet is one that was an anniversary gift from my husband a long time ago. He gave our daughter money and she found this at a wonderful antique store in Lawrence, Kansas, called Quantral's Flea Market. I so love this piece. It was probably used on a counter in a notions department at a department store years ago. We added the legs which could be easily removed, but I love it as a side table. I had enough of the old spools of thread to fill the fronts of the drawers. On top sits my first ever antique purchase. An old hotel in Ft. Madison, Iowa, sold out the furnishings and I got this old pitcher and bowl for $1.50. I never had much to spend on things like that in the 50's so I was elated to have this neat old set.

This is the chamber pot that my dad got from the old lady who owned our house and had a summer cottage close by. He took care of her place. When we came over from Iowa to visit my parents and I saw this I flipped. It came back home on the train with us.

It's Getting Bigger

2011-11-06T08:20:00.001-05:00

Coming right along with this one. I think I may have used a hook that was too large but it certainly makes it go quickly. I am inclined to crochet loosely, also. It's to the point where it is really cozy having it on your lap while you crochet.

Won't be adding any additional colors and will just continue mixing them up in between the strips of white. I probably have almost half of this done and when it's done, it's done. Love that!! There was certainly not a big choice when I went shopping for yarn. Most of this is Vanna's. Maybe I will bite the bullet and go to Walmart where I never shop and see what they have next time I get the urge. Walmart is soooooo big and not my favorite place. Love Target but they don't carry good stuff like yarn. (Click to enlarge)

Who Knew

2011-11-04T08:55:00.003-04:00

And I thought ice cream was for lunch! This neat old ad is from a blog I have listed on my sidebar - http://pzrservices.typepad.com/vintageadvertising/
If you are into vintage pictures, magazines, advertising, you will probably love looking around on this one. There is a list on it's sidebar of all the different categories and also ads by the different decades. A fun place for those of us who love the old stuff.

Last evening when I went to my blog, the background was gone. Could not even get to the blog where I found it. So I did some looking around and found a new background at http://www.leeloublogs.blogspot.com/ and used a new picture in the header. This morning, I went to the old website and it is back. Think I will stay with this one for a spell as it's bright and cheery. Later will search out another cute one for the holidays. Lots and lots of cute backgrounds out there. So much great stuff on the internet. Here are some from the board I have for Buttons on my Pinterest page.

How cool is this?

I really love covered buttons.

This would be very time consuming and you would need tons of buttons but it is just gorgeous.

(Click to enlarge)

Trick or Treater

2011-11-01T09:09:00.001-04:00

One of the rewards of spending time in the pumpkin patch is getting to dress up in your cool costume and go trick or treating for Halloween! Here is Henry as a happy hamburger - how humorous!! No, from the entry on Facebook, Mommy did not make the outfit - it came from Old Navy. What an adorable, laid back great grandson I have. Thought I would share this with you. (This one does not enlarge)

BOO!!

2011-10-31T10:59:00.000-04:00

from

Funoldhag

Almost Halloween

2011-10-30T17:07:00.000-04:00

Here's a pretty little girl all dressed up for Halloween. I so love everything done in this manner - I would guess it is from the 1920's. She is so cute.

I have been working away at the granny square afghan and have most of the individual rows sewn together along with two long ones shown above. Not lots of fun but necessary. I probably could have been finished with it except for.......

the fact that I started another one!! What in the heck am I thinking? This is a stitch called larksfoot and it does go quickly, but I certainly don't need another afghan. Monkey see, monkey want to do!! With this, when you are done with the rows you are done. In the middle picture, you can see some of the blooms and buds on my Christmas cactus that usually blooms for Halloween. Not as many as a couple of years ago when it was just loaded with blooms.
(Click to enlarge)

Working on Three Projects

2011-10-25T16:38:00.000-04:00

I have been working on projects - but ones that I started and have not finished. Three of them are lying around my living room right now and I kind of jump from one to another and slowly progress is being made. My granny squares have been done for a long time, but not put together. So I am in the process of joining them and then will have to crochet a border around the completed piece. This kind of work is not fun - but it comes with the territory! Next afghan I do will be a one piece!!

My Mexican Star is all together but the little triangle thingies have to be laid back and sewn down ala catherdral window. I have maybe seven of them done. All the time I work on these finishes I think of other things I would like to be start, but I'll bet most quilters do likewise.

Last winter I did the little snowman and now I am almost done with Santa. Love these little embroideries. Six or seven more snowflakes and a puff of wind in the corner and Santa is done. There is a pattern for a tree, also, but I think I will pass on that one. Found some cute fabric so will make a couple of little wallhangings. So tonight while tv is on, I will work on one or the other or all and eventually they will be done. (Click to enlarge)

Two More Laurel Wreaths

2011-10-20T16:31:00.000-04:00

Spent some time these past two rainy days cutting out leaves for the wreaths and there are plenty of them to be cut if I carry on with this quilt. Wanted to see how it would look with some in a row and I pretty much like it. No flower or bird in the center of the top two for now. The little black splotch on the bottom flower is a piece of black with tiny white polka dots that I will use to replace the solid color already there. It's hard to see unless you enlarge it. Plan to use a little black and white in each center object and think that would add some sparkle. Think for now this will go back in the box until after Christmas as I have lots of things I would like to do. It seems the older I get, the slower I get but I'm not about to complain because I'm still moving and getting the fun things done. Housework and cooking? Not so much! (Click to enlarge)

Choosing Pumpkins is Exhausting

2011-10-19T09:29:00.001-04:00

First you have to get dressed in your jeans, cool hat and argyle socks - then meander all over looking for the perfect pumpkin. Whew! Looks like this is the one, finally, so now it's time to get a little rest. More pictures on Mommy's new blog post. (Click to enlarge)

Sweet Little Poem

2011-10-17T18:55:00.000-04:00

There is so much to see on the internet - easy to spend way too much time just going from one blog to another and to different websites. I love things from the 20's and 30's, especially relating to children. Could it be because my childhood was in the thirties? Talking Pinterest again, but I found my way to a blog http://loverforbooks.blogspot.com/ that is full of beautiful illustrations with many of them from my time. This sweet little illustration (the illustrator is unknown) accompanies a little poem that I have heard before. It is by Dorothy Aldis.

Little
I am the sister of him,
And he is my brother.
He is too little for us
To talk to each other.

So every morning I show him
My doll and my book;
But every morning he still is
Too little to look.

Hope you enjoyed my little find!

Finished Tabletopper

2011-10-13T14:52:00.000-04:00

All quilted and bound, the little Christmas tree tabletopper is done. I chose not to make scalloped edges by following the bottom of the trees and the circle is really not an exact circle but that's okay. I am going to put it under the quilt on the sewing room bed and that little hump on the edge will flatten down. Love the way it looks with my old pitcher which I bought at an antique show a long time ago. It's one of my favorite things. And I have the Mexican Star all together but the borders-boy, that little bugger was a puzzle to piece and required several sessions of "unsewing". Turned out great, though. (Click to enlarge)

Mexican Star

2011-10-12T16:46:00.001-04:00

Yesterday I took a class to make this Mexican Star wallhanging. It was a fun day even though there were only six of us who signed up. Our program chair was there, also, and she was working on a project for the monthly class she is teaching which will culminate in a lovely large quilt for the people taking the class. Today I have been working on getting my blocks finished and, by golly, I have done that.

This is a piece of batik that I have in the hanging. I think this is gorgeous. Planning the colors is part of the fun for me. Sometimes, I question what I have picked out, but I am pretty happy with how this is turning out. Piecing is not my first love in quilting and I most likely won't make another little quilt like this but amvery glad that I made this one.

Here it is laid out on the bed ready to be sewn together. Next time I show it in a post, hopefully I will have it quilted and bound. I took my camera along yesterday and, if you haven't already guessed, forgot to take it out and take pictures. Eventually I hope to be able to show you the ones made by Stephanie, Kathy, Leslie, Marcia and Helen. All of them are so pretty.
(Click to enlarge)

What a Picture

2011-10-12T12:58:00.000-04:00

I don't go to facebook often and I am so glad I did today. You can probably guess that this is my granddaughter and her now two month old baby, Henry. What a beautiful moment caught with a camera by Henry's daddy. Hope you enjoy this as much as I do. (Click to enlarge)

Big Hilda

2011-10-09T12:45:00.001-04:00

Duane Bryers is the creator of Big Hilda, a gorgeous, chubby redhead who was probably on the scene in the 1960's. I found her a couple of years ago on someone's blog and just thought she was adorable. So refreshing and reinforcing to the girls out there who have extra padding and lots of curves to see that Hilda is a really cute gal and pleasing to the eyes.

Love this one of Hilda fishing. Isn't she a doll? I will do a post of her every once in a while. Hope you are having a good weekend!

Some Pretty Old Toddler's Dresses

2011-10-07T21:25:00.000-04:00

I have two very pretty, old dresses that are for a toddler or small child that came from the family that my parents rented our old house from. They had three cottages along the river and our house was through the orchard and about a block from the river. Dad worked out our $10.00 per month rent by taking care of the cottages - mowing, odd jobs. There was a mother and two of her sons each with a place. The mother - Grandma Lynch - had her house just full of wonderful old antiques which I was really too young to appreciate at the time. I also have a chamber pot from her cottage and that is how I got into collecting those.

Another dear little dress. Pretty shadow stripe in this one. Both feature very pretty lace trimming.

These adorable little shoes belonged to my husband. The leather is so soft. I think I bought new ribbon and threaded it through and also attached them together with it.

The darling little booties are also ones that Ray wore. Those little bows are the original ties.

And here is Hannah probably between two and three years old dressed in one of the little dresses and carrying a basket of dusty, dried flowers. We were being silly and thought it would be fun to have her pose in the little dress. More pictures in an album someplace but this one works well. The basket is my one and only attempt at basket weaving which, I discovered, I do not like doing. Love the baskets but not the wet materials. (Click to enlarge)

Western Electric Sewing Machine

2011-10-04T12:18:00.003-04:00

While we were living in Newton, Kansas, I bought this old sewing machine for $1.50 in an antique store. What we did was turn it into a lamp by putting a curved rod with a socket for the bulb at the back of the wooden base. Since I was in a phase of paper perforating in those days (and stencilling) I made a lampshade from scratch. Those were really popular at the time and lots of fun to do. I took a class to learn how and did quite a few of them. Funny how things come and go.

This is in the basement - no place to have it upstairs. Directly below this is a picture I found on the internet that shows how the machine looks in almost pristine condition.

The story with it is it acquired by the relatives of a woman who had it for many years. The machines were made in the late 1890's and discontinued in 1918 by Western Electric.

This is a closeup of mine - not as shiny by any means but the pretty decorations are not too badly worn.

Top picture from internet, lower one my machine.

Mine shows lots of wear and tear

Look how pretty the one above from the internet is.

Here is what I keep on the bed of the machine - a couple of old scissors and a buttonhook. Below is the foot pedal and connection that I don't have.

What was making me think about this pretty old machine was all the gals at the sewing meets who have Featherweights. They are beautiful little things and if I were younger I would invest in one. Have no idea if anyone restores these little machines or not. (Click to enlarge)

Found the Combination

2011-10-02T11:17:00.000-04:00

After taking a timeout, I went back to the machine and finally found the combination to keep the thread from breaking. Changed the needle, the bobbin thread and fiddled with the upper tension and something I did or all of it did the trick. The machine was working beautifully at the quilting class on Wednesday so figured it had to be something else.

Sometimes I am amazed at how good machine quilting looks on it's own - even something as simple and basic as what I do. I get a lot of mileage out of loop-de-loops. They are easier for me than stippling. How I wish I had started machine quilting years and years ago, but at least I am glad that I can get by with what I do for my smaller pieces.

Here are a couple of samples that I did last week - certainly nothing to be too proud of but maybe they show a bit of promise if I would sit down and do some practicing. Regardless, it was a lot of fun and I'm glad I can do what I do. Hope you're having a great weekend - it's certainly pretty here!
(Click to enlarge - see all my bobbles!)

A Little Christmas Project

2011-10-01T15:34:00.000-04:00

Saw a table topper that I thought was so cute and am replicating it. Is that a good word? Found that I have plenty of Christmas fabrics from Christmases past so am doing one from my stash. I have had the little trees blown up bigger and will probably do one that will almost fill the dining room table, but it is a bit cumbersome doing the buttonhole stitching on something that big with lots of twists and turns.

The little round peppermint candy deal has been taken off. I want to find some cute buttons to sew on - maybe a star?

Here it is ready to be quilted but my machine is giving me fits and my thread is breaking. That is really unusual and I will have to find the right combination. Taking a break to unfrazzle my nerves! I also have to figure out how to bind it and I am entertaining the idea of cutting it into a circle and doing some close quilting along the edge and just bind it in the background fabric. Really not wanting to fiddle with bias binding - getting lazier in my old age. I like the little piece, though, and think it will look cute with something festive in the center.
(Click to enlarge)

How A Little One Grows, Etc

2011-09-28T23:27:00.000-04:00

Here is Henry in his blue jeans! My goodness, he has grown a lot since we were in Denver almost a month ago. Sweet little chubby cheeks and a darling double chin - what a sweetheart.

Love this picture with his little tongue sticking out.

Love this picture of mommy and baby. There is a link to Norah's blog - Living the Dream - on my sidebar.

Have been lazy the past couple of weeks and have not done as much posting. Seems like I don't get as much done in a day as I used to, but that certainly comes with getting older. I feel so fortunate to be able to do what I do and I am especially thankful that I am able to keep busy, interested and enjoy life. Yesterday I worked some more on getting some of the planters emptied and the plants down to the woods at the end of the street. Today was another machine quilting class and again this was a lot of fun. There were nine of us.

Here is another picture from Pinterest - lovely autumn photo.

Wouldn't you like to live on this street? I think this is in Ireland. The link for
my boards is http://pinterest.com/caroldb/ Beautiful stuff out there.

(Click to enlarge)

My Mind's Made Up

2011-09-22T16:16:00.001-04:00

I've been in the basement working on the fabrics for this quilt and have decided it will be done in the Kaffe fabrics ala Glorious Applique. Certainly have enough of them in my stash - and it's fun using the really wild fabrics in such an old fashioned quilt. This pattern was from the 1930's.

Instead of matching the backgrounds of each of the fabrics, I am going black for the buttonhole stitch. That gives it a really old fashioned look and I like the way it kind of unifies the pieces. The closeup shot lets me know I might be going a little too fast around the curves! When it is all done, though, little bobbles will be hard to spot! That certainly is a great shot - you can see the weave of the fabric perfectly! Good little Sony. (Click to enlarge)

Fall is in the Air

2011-09-17T17:20:00.003-04:00

My favorite time of year! It's noticeably cooler the past few days, days are getting shorter and the trees and flowers are starting to dress in their lovely fall color. Here are the berries on my mountain ash tree - lots of them this year. Two years ago, there were a lot of them, also, but last year there were none. It is making up for that again this year.

Today Sherry and I went out to Warmbiers - a simply wonderful place a few miles from here. It has a great nursery, lots of concrete statues and one of the neatest gift shops I have ever seen. Didn't know about it until a few years ago. In the fall there are all the great fall items such as pumpkins, Indian corn, gourds, mums, and lots of things for the kids to do. Perfect day - blue sky, puffy clouds, wonderful temperature and a great shopping buddy - my daughter.

I bought this old witch (maybe she is an old hag!) and set her on a wreath I have, tucked in some bittersweet I bought and she is ready to greet anyone coming to my house. As in the old song - Ain't She Sweet?

She's not very pretty but she's still sweet.

This little fellow has been hanging around at my house for probably 18 years. Bought him back in the days when there was so much wood at craft shows and he has stood up very well. Managed to lose him for a couple of years - he was on a shelf in the basement and I didn't notice him - but eventually I spotted him and he's back greeting fall again. I think he may need some more rope hair.

The free moonflowers that I had last year produced some more free ones for me this year. They certainly love it at the edge of the patio and the plant gets so big. I always have to cut some away so I can get on and off the patio.

Not fall related (fallish colors, though) but some pretty Kaffe fabrics that one of the girls was auditioning for a quilt and two of us were along to cheer her on and give her support. We went to the Park Bench, the new shop here in town that is already a year old. Great place! It was guild night so she was going to go back next day - will find out next week if she went with this particular group. They are so very pretty!
(Click to enlarge)

Have You Checked Out Pinterest

2011-09-12T10:35:00.002-04:00

There are certainly tons of eye candy (or cake) on Pinterest! It is so much fun checking out the gorgeous pictures posted by bloggers. One of my categories is COLOR!!! which I love so much. Look at this rainbow cake I found.

And here are pictures of things good for you. They are just gorgeous.

This wreath is gorgeous and could be made by any of us with the right ribbons, tulle, etc. So pleasing to look at. http://pinterest.com/caroldb/color/ Click on the link and it should take you to my Color board to see what you think of the things I have found so far. You might want to try Pinterest for yourself - it's fun. You can pin pictures from other blogs and from the boards of other pinterest members--what is so great is that credit is given to the person who posted the picture in the first place. Nice way to spend some time looking around at great stuff!!

Decisions, Decisions

2011-09-11T10:56:00.002-04:00

First of all, as we all know, this is the anniversary of the horrific day in 2001 when the unthinkable happened and I know it is on everyone's mind. I find it hard to watch television and see and hear about that unbelievable event but it draws you in and you relive those days again. I pray that there will be no repeat of anything like that ever again.

My week has been lazy and unproductive - guess the old hag takes a bit longer to bounce back from a busy time even though it was such great fun. How can you get pooped out having fun? But, by golly, I didn't have any naps yesterday and today so far I don't feel the need for one so figure I am back on track! Sherry and I went to see The Help yesterday - the best movie I have seen in a long, long time. Now I know what everyone is talking about.......it is so good. The young fellow who played the part of Stuart (Skeeter's beau) was driving me crazy trying to remember what show I had seen him in. I knew I had seen him a lot. I googled the cast, found out his name and discovered he had been in Private Practice which I watch all the time. He's no longer in it as his character died.

Yesterday I spent some time in the basement sorting through fabric - batiks. These will be for Hop to It. Do you think I have enough to pick from? (Just being a smart alec!!) More of them show in the top picture.

This is the first block of Laurel Wreath and I am certainly not happy with it. So I am thinking of changing the leaves to assorted Aunt Gracie fabrics------

and I'm not crazy about that either but probably haven't tried enough fabrics with it. On to doing it as in the quilts on Glorious Color with Kaffe Fassett---

and I am leaning toward this one. I would give much more thought to choosing the fabrics than I did for this. I also thought of doing it in batiks but that would be a lot like my hexie quilttop. Decisions, decisions----(Click to enlarge)

Back Home Again

2011-09-07T15:08:00.000-04:00

Coming to meet us in the Denver airport was this sweet little baby boy (and his proud parents) and we were immediately smitten and in love with this precious little fellow. You forget how small they are and how soft they are. It was great to see Sherry and Barclay, the brand new grandparents, as they met Henry for the first time. Each person has their own way to talk or sing or coo to the little one in their arms. I think it just comes naturally - fun to hear.

Here are four generations--Funoldhag as great grandmother, Aunt Molly holding Henry, Mommy Norah and Grandma Sherry. Missing, of course, is Aunt Hannah but we talked to her and she is doing great. (There is a brand new post that is fun to read - she has been rewiring her house and has new furniture. Also has painted her rooms. There is a link to go to her pictures and among all of them you will find her redecorations. What a girl! Click on her picture on my side bar to read her blog). Now we will wait for December when all will be together, Hannah included. I found that the altitude made me huff and puff especially when I had to climb stairs but all is well here at home. Have taken some great naps the last two days, but will get back to my sewing soon. (Click to enlarge)

Woo Hoo!

2011-08-31T13:33:00.000-04:00

Somehow or other, I was able to get a background again. I am not sure just how I did it but it's done. Marvel of marvels - just could not leave it alone and finally got the right combination. Need to figure out how to get the picture in the middle but that's minor. Now, I can get my suitcase and start packing to go see that little doll in Colorado. So no more posts until after Labor Day - I hope you all have an enjoyable holiday maybe with a great bbq! See you later.

Having Blogger Problems - Highlight post to read

2011-08-31T10:37:00.001-04:00

Much to my dismay, so far I have been unable to fix whatever it is that has messed up my blog background. Unfortunately, I have lots to do today and tomorrow so this may just have to wait until I get back from meeting my sweet little great grandson. Will try to remedy it when I can, but don't want to drive myself up a wall!!!!

Laurel Wreath

2011-08-28T12:43:00.000-04:00

I think this is what I will use for the stems and leaves in the wreath for this quilt. Will work with the 30's reproduction fabrics and was going to do all the leaves in different greens (will still give that a try) but rather like this dark green on the background fabric. My thinking is that I can put a pretty stitch for a vein down each leaf with the Sulky thread that I use for the buttonhole stitch to applique the leaves. Also, I think the plain leaves may make the designs in the wreath stand out. I am shy one leaf in this picture and everything is just temporarily stuck on since I am using some Steam A Seam Lite that I have.

The color is awful here (I took this on the lighted light box) but you can see how the appliques will fit in the wreath.

A cute bird - one of four or five. I think this will be fun to work on even though I will probably be getting a little weary of leaves since there are 25 blocks! Do love to work with Aunt Gracielike fabric. Then again, I love working with all fabrics.

Since this is not particularly a pretty post, I will add a picture I found on Pinterest which originally came from http://loubuttons.tumblr.com/page/7 . You could get lost on Pinterest - great stuff.

Isn't that a beauty?

(Click to enlarge)

Vintage Magazines

2011-08-25T15:50:00.000-04:00

I have been lazy since my big weekend and this afternoon have been surfing the net just looking at all the fun stuff out there. Vintage magazine covers appeal to me so that was in the search box. Then I added "needlework" and there were a lot of the old McCall's Needleworks and Crafts that I started taking back in the 1950's and took for a lot of years. I had impressive stacks of them. Each time we moved, they came along. The Santa Fe paid for our moves (even had the packing done for us in the later ones) so no need to worry about getting rid of anything. Another bunch of magazines I kept for years were old National Geographics. Well, anyway, I finally did get rid of the old Mc's N & C's when we moved back to Illinois. Of course, Ray was retired and Santa Fe was not about to pay for that move. Put them all out in a garage sale and think someone finally did take them.

I really don't wish to have them back, but it would be fun to look through them again. I used to make projects from them which don't seem to be nearly as cool as things are nowadays, but I have always enjoyed making things. Case in point--

Here is some of my craftiness back in the mid 1960's. The Madonna was from one of those old magazines and was gold felt on a white wicker window shade with gold sequins. She really was rather pretty. I think I had two clay flower pots painted gold with white spray painted branches and little ornaments hanging on them. On the coffee table, is a cone with cotton balls and ornaments. You can barely see the red felt stockings lying on the floor that I had made when the kids were really little. This was taken the year Bill got his new bike. Exciting Christmas for him.

Behind Bill who is deep in though with the game you can barely see my toothpick tree! What a wonderful piece. I stuck hundreds of toothpicks in styrofoam balls and piled them in the shape of a tree. Stupid woman did not put glue on the toothpicks so that baby didn't last long. Fun to see these old pictures again. Wow, where did the time go. These were taken in our home in Topeka, Kansas. (Click to enlarge)

What a Great Weekend

2011-08-24T10:23:00.000-04:00

What a great weekend with my family for my 83rd birthday. My son and his wife came in Thursday night late after having driven from KC to Michigan in one day. My middle granddaughter and her husband came from Portland, OR, and stayed with Sherry and Barc. Saturday we had a dinner here and then all went to the Loons ball game - a farm team for the Dodgers that is based here. Dow Chemical is the big employer in Midland and they were responsible for the absolutely wonderful stadium that was built a few years ago. Great place for families and baseball fans to go have a fun evening. Sunday was a steak cookout at my daughter's home. Missing and missed were Hannah and Norah and family. However, we all talked to Hannah on the phone over the weekend and she sounds wonderful. She was telling us how she has added electricity in each room now from the one hanging bulb she had. We are amazed. And she has painted all (probably 3) rooms different colors and all have pink doors. What a girl! We also skyped with Norah, Chad and Henry on Sunday and got to watch the little baby funny faces and hear some of his little sounds. Labor Day weekend Sherry, Barclay and I will fly to Colorado and meet Henry - so looking forward to that so much. Aunt Molly will fly in from Portland, too.

All in all, I had such a happy birthday. I enjoyed the birthday comments so much. Blogging and quilting keep me busy and moving along. I did, however, have two naps yesterday and did not get much done. I have days like that every once in a while anyway! Thank you, my dear family, I love you all.

83 Today

2011-08-21T08:58:00.000-04:00

Today this little girl turns 83 years old. The years have flown by so quickly. I am so very blessed to have such a wonderful family, good health, and most of my mind still functioning. Now, on to 84 "be the good Lord willing and the creek don't rise" as Arthur Gordfrey used to say.

Ready for the Laurel Wreath Quilt

2011-08-17T20:12:00.000-04:00

This is one of two quilts I want to put together this fall and winter. I sent for some very pretty background fabric (you will be able to see it if you enlarge the photo) and also more reproduction fabric from two different sources. No one in Midland sells 30's reproduction fabric and you are pretty sure to be able to get what you want when you order it on line. I bought the background and one set of reproduction fabrics from Fabric Shack in Ohio. Their shipping is $2.50 for up to $75.00 and they were quick in filling my order. I read about them on The Polka Dot Chicken - there is a link to her blog on my sidebar.

I have posted this picture before and only do it to show the way the wreath comes together with a bird or flower being inside each one.

Bill and Ann are coming from Overland Park tomorrow evening and my middle granddaughter, Molly, and Doug are flying in from Portland tomorrow, also, so we will have some great family time with most of the family. (Click to enlarge)

My Beautiful Pillow

2011-08-16T12:48:00.001-04:00

Sunday afternoon, my friend, Leslie, and her beautiful young daughter, Elle, stopped by and brought me this pillow that Elle made for me. It is gorgeous! And what a sweet surprise. The petals of the flower are done in felt and sewn on individually. It will have the place of honor on the red quilt. Elle and I have kind of a mutual admiration society. She is an ice dancer - I think that is the right term. Leslie takes her to Detroit to train and I know she has been working with various partners. Mom and daughter are both cute and lots of fun. In my quilt group, I am probably the oldest with most of the gals being an age to be my daughters or granddaughters. It makes me feel really good that I am included in their fun outings and their creativeness. I think it helps to keep me feel younger and keeps me on my toes.

To you, Elle, thank you so much for this beautiful pillow you made for me. You touched my heart!

(Click to enlarge)

2011-08-14T10:57:00.002-04:00

I love looking around on the different blogs looking at all the loveliness out there. As I do, I usually "right click and save as" things that strike my fancy and put them in folders in My Documents. I have a file there called "My Good Stuff" which is full of many files of all kinds of great inspiration, ideas and just eye candy.
The other day when I was on one of my favorite blogs, http://beeinmybonnetco.blogspot.com/, Lori did a post on "Pinterest" which I had not heard of before. She explains it and gives examples in her post on Wednesday, August 10th. Pinterest is kind of like "My Good Stuff" in that it has many, many files of pictures that many, many people save and you can share theirs and they, in turn, can share yours. I am still trying to get it all figured out and I will eventually. You can go to http://pinterest.com/caroldb/ and see the little bit that I have there. Somehow, I have listed quite a few people that I "follow" and I don't know exactly how I got some of them. When you look at other files, you can repin and put ones you like in your own. What is great is that there is credit for the original poster beneath each picture.

I think this is going to be great fun. The little sampler above is something I spotted that I would love to make as a gift. According to the the girl making it, (http://nanacompany.typepad.com/nanacompany/) it is only about the size of a sheet of paper. I would make it a little bigger. Wouldn't that be a nice gift for a new baby? This time it would be for another little baby who is to be born this month. Maybe one for Henry later!
(Click to enlarge)

Tummy Time

2011-08-13T13:20:00.000-04:00

Tummy time on his train quilt - subject of the e-mail I got from Norah last evening with this adorable picture. I am super smitten with this little fellow - and he is such a spiffy dresser! (Click to enlarge)

What a Nice Way to Start the Day

2011-08-10T14:28:00.001-04:00

The phone rang this morning as I finished eating my breakfast. It was Hannah - what a wonderful way to start the day. All excited about being an aunt for the first time, she was congratulating me on my first great grandchild. Hannah sounds wonderful - bubbly and happy with her cute little giggle. Her next call was going to be to Norah to ooh and aah about the new little one who is doing just great. Mommy and baby will be going home either today or tomorrow.

It's all together now - put the last two red borders on this morning. I started paper piecing the first border but that was going to be a slow go so I did some figuring and came up with the size to cut the little squares and fuse them on the strip. Took a while but not as long as paper piecing. The actual piecing the original way is not my favorite thing to do. I will have it quilted and then have a new quilt for my bed. It's certainly red, isn't it? (Click to enlarge)

A Beautiful, Wonderful Early Birthday Present

2011-08-08T22:58:00.000-04:00

This evening my beautiful granddaughter gave birth to this eagerly awaited adorable little fellow, Henry Ryan, and mommy, baby and daddy are all doing well! This picture, as I understand it, was taken within an hour of his birth. Sherry, my daughter, the new grandma, said they put the baby on the mommy's chest for skin to skin contact for about an hour. How sweet is that? Norah and Chad are certainly a perfect picure of proud, happy new parents. There will be pictures flying through the internet and some skyping going on tomorrow. Christmas will have the magic sparkle again that only little ones bring to the holidays. We're so glad you are here, Henry, and welcome to the family. You have grandparents, aunts, uncles, great aunts and great uncles all anxious to hold and cuddle you. We love you so much. xxxxxoooooxxxxxGreat Grandma

A Really Old UFO

2011-08-05T15:39:00.000-04:00

Way, way back in the late 1980's, I taught a little class in machine applique at Needle and Thread, the little quilt shop in Chillicothe, Illinois. This was the block I used for teaching. Actually, I only got about a fourth of it done and really don't remember a lot about the class other than one woman had a machine she didn't know how to use. Awful! I think the few others in the class did get something out of it---at least, I hope so. Such a shame when that happens. This little block was done in satin stitch which was my main method for many years. The secret to pretty satin stitching is how well the thread matches the fabric. One day a few years ago, I finished it - then another time I stipple quilted the piece and made it into a pillow. It has been lying around here waiting to be stuffed for a long time, and I finally did that. Only thing that was left to do was hand sew the opening of the edge closed.

Today is the day that this pillow top started probably 22 or 23 years ago is finished, done, complete!!! Someplace I have a cathedral window pillow top that is almost done. Maybe I will search it out. Have a fun weekend! (Click to enlarge)

Here's Hannah

2011-08-02T19:14:00.000-04:00

Hannah has been on a break and vacationing with some of her friends. She tells about some of it in her last post on her blog which you can go to by clicking on her picture at the right on my sidebar. Also she posted some pictures on Facebook and I thought you might like to see a couple of them. She is looking so cute and happy here and from what she is posting and what my daughter hears when they talk she is happy and truly enjoying her time in the Peace Corps. The plans are in the works for Molly, her next oldest sister, to visit her at Thanksgiving time and then Hannah will be coming back to Michigan for Christmas. The time is going quickly - but it makes all of us feel so good that she is a happy camper.

Here is the coach and her soccer team. Sher was able to get some deflated balls and needles and pump to send over to her. Thought you might like to see how Professor Hannah is doing. We are so proud of that very dear young woman! (Click to enlarge)

More of My Red Quilttop

2011-07-31T12:49:00.002-04:00

Hope you are not getting tired of this, but that is what is keeping me occupied in the warm, muggy weather. I have made a change in the layout and will now make 16 blocks that will be set together without sashings. There will be a first border of the diamonds on a light print that will be approximately 4 inches wide (makes for easy figuring) and then the darker red second border. I'll decide the width of that later - I have plenty of fabric - but it will probably be 6 to 7 inches wide. You can get the idea from the upper right hand corner of the picture. That will result in a quilt of 85 inches or more square - a great size to go on a double bed with a dust ruffle. This will look so pretty on my bed with the church window headboard. I think there is still a photo on my sideboard.

Here is the 14th block in progress. The pieces of the flowers have been sitting with the paper still on the back and have curled. Pretty close to having this one done - another flower and some buds.

Next on the agenda. I do plan to make the grapes smaller - they are pretty large and would look better being smaller and having more of them. I love grapes and cherries in blocks! After this one, there will be one more to choose from the many books and patterns around here. I was having trouble enlarging them on my scanner but have now figured out how to put the scanned image into my Microsoft Digital Image program and printing it from there. You can see that the pattern of the wreath is done in four pieces. You can even reverse print if you wish. Such a relief to be able to enlarge or make patterns smaller again without running to Staples. The light bulb goes on over my head eventually!! Keep cool, quilting friends. (Click to enlarge)

I'm In Trouble Now

2011-07-30T09:10:00.001-04:00

I was trying to add some more favorite places to my list and, guess what, I accidentally deleted the entire thing! Don't you hate it when something like that happens. Later today, I will work on getting them back up! Now I am hungry!

Work on One, Think About Others

2011-07-28T12:14:00.001-04:00

We all do it - I think that's part of being a quilter - thinking about the next projects while you work on another one. My red applique is coming right along with just one more block to do and then the sashing. I actually am anxious to get to Hop to It and also thinking about this old reproduction quilt that was one by Nancy Page that was published weekly in newspapers. From Sentimental Stitches (I gave you a link to that site in the post about Leslie's schlep bags and you can read their information if you enlarge the picture), I ordered this pattern for the Laurel Wreath quilt.

Here is an article with patterns for some of the birds and the wreath that I took from an old Quilters Newsletter Magazine in 2002. These are such cutie pie birdies.

Three more of the birdies and the wreath pattern.

The pattern for the quilt is on a dvd and it has all of the flowers and birds so you are able to print them and trace your pieces. I am mulling over in my mind what fabrics I want to use. First thought is Aunt Gracie type on some sort of a really cool background which is what the original quilt is. I have also thought it might be great in Kaffe Fassett fabrics in the manner they are doing quilts on http://gloriousapplique.blogspot.com/. That may be a tad wild, though. Solids might be very pretty, also. Or just all sorts of scraps. Fun to think about! (Click to enlarge)

Still More Red Blocks

2011-07-24T20:14:00.001-04:00

Ten down - two more to go. I have spent most of the day putting these two together and have been fighting with my wonder under. I must be doing something wrong - but am having a hard time getting the backing off the pieces. Maybe I am not ironing it long enough. I have had to use a pin to get it started and that is so frustrating. It is actually some softer than Heat and Bond Lite but it is certainly taking much longer when you have such a time getting the backing off. I have some Steam A Seam 2 Lite which is really nice but expensive. However I'll use those Joann coupons for that.

I have laid these out on some red fabric that I have lots of and have quickly cut some squares to see how I would like sashing like that with a solid red border. This is not the finished sashing - just a test sample. I don't have enough of the background fabric to do much of anything. Kind of like the look of this and, if I go this route, I will applique the squares on the sashing instead of piecing them. Will use something other than the wonder under for that! If you know a secret about easy peeling of the backing, please let me know! (Click to enlarge)

Staying in Where It's Cool

2011-07-21T16:43:00.000-04:00

There is red fabric all over the basement - and I now have two more blocks ready to applique. This pattern was about five inches square and I enlarged it to fit my sixteen inch blocks. It struck me that I have done a very similar block before.............

in my quilt From There to There to There to Here in the late 90's. The pattern was one I found in a magazine and it was larger but pretty much the same idea. This quilt was machine appliqued and hand quilted.

The second block fused today. And the second time I have done this one. This is from an old Quilters Newsletter Magazine - they used to have so many great applique patterns back in the days. I have a lot of them that I tore from the mags and have kept in files.

The last block in the middle row is my other tulip bouquet. The first and third blocks in the first tow have both been used in other quilts. The one with the bird is in a little white wool quilt I made sometime ago.

I will have to make myself go outside later this evening and water my poor plants. I can remember now how hard it was when it was so hot and humid to keep lots and lots of flower beds watered! Would not be able to handle that anymore. Stay in where it's air conditioned and relax and sew if you can! This will eventually go away - soon, I hope! (Click to enlarge)

Seeing Red Again

2011-07-18T22:34:00.002-04:00

Hot, hot weather - not my favorite by any means - and a real downpour this afternoon with lightning, thunder and wind followed by the power going out for several hours. It's to be really hot through Friday, at least. There is this about Michigan - it usually isn't as humid as, say, Kansas, for instance. Every summer I used to wish there would be no July and August and instead have three Octobers! This old lady is a cool weather kid.

Last week I was going through fabric in the basement and came across the red blocks I started maybe two years ago. So I have put two more of them together - the two on the left of each row. I have decided that the bottom one will have it's middle big flower changed - it needs more contrast. These are fun to do and actually seem to applique faster than the small ones. These are sixteen inch blocks.

I also fused another block for the Hop to It quilt. There will probably be a couple of changes made here, too, before I applique it. I was going along really well when the lights went out so that was that for today. (Click to enlarge)

Check Out These Great Schlep Bags

2011-07-14T08:03:00.002-04:00

Earlier this year, I made a cute schlep bag I found on Sentimental Stitches. My friend, Leslie, liked the pattern and has made these six gorgeous bags for all the girls at a family reunion which she and her family won't be able to attend this year. Wouldn't you be thrilled to be gifted with one of these beauties? The fabric she used is perfect and I just love the black handles and probably lining in most of them. Beautiful job, Leslie!

If you would like to check out Sentimental Stitches (lots of free stuff there) then click on the following link--

http://www.sentimentalstitches.com/

and for the pattern for the bag click on--
http://sentimentalstitches.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/so-sew-easy-schlep-bag.pdf

(Click to enlarge)

Hop To It

2011-07-13T10:48:00.001-04:00

I have had Edyta Sitar's "Hop To It" for some time now and have been wanting to do the quilt. After I finished getting the hexagon top together, I fused one of the blocks and have done all the buttonhole stitch on it except for nine of the berries or grapes. It will be scrappy and batiks - not sure yet whether I will make it really, really scrappy or more controlled with fewer fabrics that coordinate.

This block is okay, but maybe needs some punch. All the backgrounds will be different light batiks. I will give all this more thought and do some auditioning of fabric and see what I come up with. I just love her work - she really has the touch. (Click to enlarge)

An Adorable Little Outfit

2011-07-12T19:04:00.000-04:00

The other day, Jane, my up-the-street neighbor, called and asked if I was going to be home - she and her great granddaughter had something for me. This is that something - an adorable little knitted sweater and hat with a tassel for my little great grandson who is on his way. What a lovely surprise - isn't it absolutely adorable? I love the little rolled neckline.

The buttons are so cute - it is such a wonderful gift. It was sent off to Norah in Colorado the other day along with some little outfits Sherry and I bought at Macy's the other evening and they have arrived now. The new mommy is very happy with the box of cute little things for the eagerly awaited little babe. Thanks so very much, Jane - that was so special. (Click to enlarge)

So Pretty!

2011-07-11T14:16:00.000-04:00

I don't have much of a garden anymore, but what I do have is doing well. The mandevilla lost all of its buds after I repotted it, but look at it now. Such a glorious pink.

I just leaned the trellis up against the wall and put the pot in front so the vines can climb. I have some low plants in the front of that pot plus two other containers beside it. There is a pretty hanging basket right near it, also. When I glance out my sliding door, I see this pretty little mass of flowers. Good for the soul.
(Click to enlarge)

Senility Coming on?

2011-07-09T14:41:00.000-04:00

Here it is coming even further along - and it should have been ready to finish piecing today. Alas and alack, it is not. On Thursday, we had one of our monthly three all day sewing get togethers and I took along the makings of two hexagon flowers that I needed to finish the fifth row which I decided to add. I finished them - took probably three hours. Naturally, there was lots of chatting and laughing going on but that makes that sort of sewing easier to do. Yesterday, when I went to find my little posies - I found that they have disappeared into thin air. I am sure I brought them home in the little plastic project box that held all of my fabric, thread,etc. I have looked high and low and they are no where. I do imagine I will find them - probably after I have sewn two more. One was a bright blue and the other a bright yellow so they certainly would stand out. Don't you just hate it when things like that happen? However, I am loving how this top is turning out and loving the fact that it is very easy to do. Except for the time it takes to make the flowers, it was a snap. And what is so cool, the flowers could be just plain appliqued flowers with a circle center - or a tulip - or whatever flower you wanted and you would not have to mess with the hexagons. There will be a narrow green strip along both the top and bottom and a plain light strip also. Then I will bind it in the green. (Click to enlarge)

Coming Along on the Hexie Quilt.

2011-07-05T14:56:00.000-04:00

After appliqueing all the hexagon flowers, stems and leaves to the blocks, I added a green strip on the side of each one. The applique went fast. Now I have pressed and trimmed all the blocks and cut long strips strips from the background fabric to go between the rows.

This is kind of how it will be - there will be room for some pretty quilting between the rows of flowers. I'm liking this very much. I have to make two more flowers as I will be making five rows of six each. Twenty-eight are finished. (Click to enlarge)

Our Foremothers

2011-07-04T12:33:00.001-04:00

Lost in what she is doing, this woman reminds me of the way most people feel when they are working on a project and it has their complete attention. Easy to get lost in the task and lose all track of time.

Here is a woman at her sewing machine. It appears that she is seated there a lot making clothing for her family and pretty quilts for them also. Note she is wearing an apron. I would guess these pictures are from the 30's or 40's.

Another quilter with a gorgeous quilt on the frame diligently quilting. Did she just start? Or is she about finished. I love the fans in the quilt. Note to the left of the woman the little baby stroller. That is the kind I had for my babies. Also, the ironing board has the familiar scorched, stained cover which needs to be changed. And you can betcha the iron was a heavyweight, too, with a cloth cord. Back in the day, when something went wrong with a small appliance such as iron, we had them fixed. Now they go out in the trash - or maybe recycle.

You can find pictures like this at the website of the Library of Congress. http://www.loc.gov/pictures/ They have many many subjects to check out. Also, one of my quilting friends sent me a link to new videos on the national quilt collection at the Smithsonian which you might want to check out - http://americanhistory.si.edu/news/factsheet.cfm?key=30&newskey=1356.

And Happy Fourth of July!

My First Piecing

2011-06-30T17:00:00.001-04:00

Thirty-four years ago, I pieced my first quilt - and this is it. It was a crib quilt for my first grandchild who was born that August and who is now expecting her first child this August. My daughter washed it and brought it over last night so that I can tuck it in the box with the little wallhanging.

It always amazes me what there was in the way of fabric back in the mid to late 70's. Quilter's dots, small calicoes, solids, gingham checks - not much zing for sure. However, there were still very pretty quilts being made. For this one, I had some cardboard templates and a ballpoint pen that I traced with. That was a lot of tracing and cutting with the scissors. How much easier and more accurate the rotary cutter and mat have made prep work. I am also amazed that I matched my points pretty well.

The center of the little quilt - Trip Around the World. Actually the colors are holding up quite well. This was one of the quilts that I took to Eureka Springs, Arkansas, to be quilted. The lady who did the quilting did a lovely job. Later on I did a red one (a picture is on the side bar) and had it quilted there, also.

I think this little Steiff bear from Germany that I have had for some time is going to go along for the ride in the box with the quilt and wallhanging and move into the nursery in Colorado and be there to welcome the new little baby. (Click to enlarge)

Back to My Hexies

2011-06-27T10:44:00.000-04:00

Figruing out the layout of the strips for the hexagon quilt. Either four or five floral strips separated by plain ones for pretty quilting. Here I have tucked strips of color on each side of the flowers and like the way that looks. Each strip could be a single fabric or it could have multiple pieces - will try both. I hand appliqued the first hexie down but have since done two with blind stitch machine applique using monofiliment thread. Much, much faster and hard to tell which is which. Being in my 80's, I think I am going for the "fast"!!
(Click to enlarge)

The Little Fur Family, etc.

2011-06-25T11:00:00.001-04:00

Home Sweet Home! This is the dwelling of "The Little Fur Family" that was a very favorite book of my seven plus months pregnant oldest granddaughter, Norah. The wallhanging I have been working on is now complete and ready to be on its way to Colorado to be hung in the nursery of the little fellow that is due on my birthday.

Some trees in the woods behind their home. There is a brown thread hanging on the left tree that makes me want to pick it off - but, unless I wanted to reshoot the picture, that, of course is not doable. My quilting is not the best, but I think it gets the idea across.

Here's the little guy running past his front door. I just drew the face on with the micron pens - not too good but not too bad. The baby will love him, I am sure.

Here is Chad, the happy daddy, refinishing a rocker and with an antique dresser belonging to my husband's mother ready to be stained - both being part of the nursery where the baby will sleep and where the wallhanging will hang.

And here is Norah, our happy, pregnant mommy, and Lacey, the happy doggie, awaiting the arrival of a little fellow on or about August 21st.

It will be here before we know it! (Click to enlarge)

Thinking Hexies

2011-06-20T13:04:00.001-04:00

The little wallhanging for the baby is almost all done - just the binding, sleeve and label which I should get done tomorrow. We have our sit and sew day and that is what I will sit and sew on. After that, I will post it's final picture. In the meantime, I have done a little bit on something that has been waiting in the wings - my hexagon flowers. I found this yummy background batik that features very soft green dots and went through my stash to find greens for leaves and vines.

This is the quilt that I am loosely working from. It's the Nancy Page Magic Vine quilt from back in maybe the 1930's. Will do the panels with flowers and leaves and then a blank strip for quilting. At least, that's the idea at the moment. I would like to make this a bed size quilt and a strippie quilt is a good one for that. There is a pattern for this quilt at http://sentimentalstitches.net/free-stuff/block-of-the-month-quilt-designs/nancy-page-club/nancy-page-club-magic-vine-quilt/ along with a lot of other free patterns for old quilts. It's a fun place to visit. The blocks in the above quilt are 6 x 6 - I am making mine 6 x 11 and sewing them together after the leaves and vines have been buttonhole appliqued down. Right now, I am planning to hand applique the hexie flowers. (Click to enlarge)

All Figured Out and Ready to Sandwich

2011-06-16T12:36:00.001-04:00

Ready to be made into the quilt sandwich and then be quilted. Probably getting tired to seeing this little thing, but I have been so preoccupied with it these past several days. Promise no more until quilting is done. The top window in the tree may get changed or get lost - jury is out on that one yet. I did the mitered corners and am feeling pretty good about that - don't do those very often but they sure look good with fabric like this. Hope I don't break my arm patting myself on the back!!

Here is the little bear close up. Not perfect by any means but he does look kind of like a bear. I did a little coloring with crayon on his face and am just going to leave it like that.

Looks like a cozy little home for the Little Fur Family. Am anxious to start quilting it and hope I don't screw it up!! (Click to enlarge)

OMG, What Kind of a Mother Am I?

2011-06-15T20:28:00.001-04:00

Fifty-eight years ago today, we had a birthday party for this sweet little two year old girl who has now turned 60. Can you imagine I forgot to put up a birthday post for my daughter? I didn't forget her birthday - just didn't do a post. Oh, me, oh, my, the mind is starting to go! Here she is with the whole family, except for my brother who was in the air force at the time. Sherry is in her new wagon between daddy and (a pregnant) mommy. In back is my sister, Jo, her two grandmas - Ray's mom and mine, her grandpa who always had gum for "Sherry's mouth", her great grandmother, Maggie Pearce, whose was 82 that same
day, and her great aunt Leah, my mom's sister.

Here she is with her brother, Bill, and his 57 Chevie when we lived in Newton, Kansas, in the very early 1970's,

Here is a cute picture of Sher showing off her new fingernails she had done in Portland before Molly's wedding last summer. This summer she and Barclay will be grandparents for the first time. Their girls are scattered all over but they are still such a close family. Molly in Portland, Norah now in Denver and that Hannah way over there in Mozambique. She will be coming back for a visit at Christmas and that will be wonderful. She will need to meet her new little nephew!

The entire family last summer at Molly and Doug's wedding.
So, my dear daughter, the day isn't over so I did get this in on your actual birthday. Just want you to know I am so very glad we had you - you are quite a woman! I am very proud of you and love you so much. Many more happy birthdays to you, Sher. God bless!

How Does Your Garden Grow?

2011-06-15T17:28:00.000-04:00

The flowers I planted several weeks ago are coming along nicely. Notice the really old mailbox I have hanging on the fence - remember those? I love old pieces like that.

The big pot I planted - it's really pretty. Notice the little green plants growing at the edge of the patio in the rocks. Those are the moonflower plants coming up from seeds of the plant that came up from seeds last year. I am going to pot some of them and share them with my neighbor and also my daughter. They are getting big enough to pot now.

Just love this pretty blue lobelia growing in a hanging planter at the side of the house. Usually don't have much luck with this sweet little plant - maybe this year will be different.

A closer look at some of the flowers in the big pot. I'm a softie for blue flowers! Aren't these pretty? And the little petunias are wonderful. (Click to enlarge)

It's Coming Along

2011-06-13T12:56:00.003-04:00

I think I have finally pretty much figured this little thing out. It's been a wrestling match trying to do the background forest. Love the tree and even the little bear is okay. He still needs a hand and his face.
The tree needs part of the porch and a third window up high - however, it may get just a hole there.
As for the forest, I was trying to put too much in it and it looks much better simple - at least I think so. I'm not very good at doing something like this without a pattern even though I had Bill's drawing to follow. I have just laid some of the release paper down as clouds and think they look pretty good and gives some interest in the sky. Will cut and fuse some clouds and add them. Next will be figuring out a border. I will straight stitch around all the pieces and try and do some nice quilting to set the piece off. (Click to enlarge)

A Project for a Little Fellow's Room

2011-06-10T17:13:00.001-04:00

Much earlier in Norah's pregnancy, we talked about a wallhanging for the new little member of our familywho is due in August (on my 83rd birthday) and Norah talked about one of her favorite books as a little girl - The Little Fur Family. She ordered one and had it sent to me as she wants to do the baby's room around that little story. What a sweet little book it is. I read her a lot of books, but don't recall ever reading that one. We had a lot of Little Golden Books at our house from when our kids were little and those were what we read to the girls. That and "Go Dog Go" which had been "illustrated" in part with funny pictures and sayings courtesy of Bill, our son, when he was young. Have to admit there were some funny little drawings and messages he put in that book.

I digress. The above picture is what I am working from and also it was drawn out by the same artist, Bill, who did Go Dog Go. He drew me a full size pattern which makes it much easier. Will use a combination of the above picture and

this one. Using batiks so that I can do raw edge applique. Some of my batiks I am not too happy with but overall, I think it will be fine. I had envisioned something different for the sky but after searching through my stash and the three sources of fabrics here in town this is the best I can do. I do love it with the browns.

Keep in mind this is just laid out and in process. Will be doing trees on each side of the big tree and the little bear will probably go in the right hand corner someplace.

I reduced the size of the bear that Bill had drawn. Will be able to tell more as I get more pieces laid out. The little windows, doors and steps will make a big difference. Should I put some clouds in the sky? I guess you just keep cutting and trying and it will fall in place. At first I was kind of leary of this, but I am actually excited about it now.

(Click to enlarge)

Coming Along with the Posey Tabletopper

2011-06-06T12:48:00.002-04:00

Nine of the blocks finished now. I have considered just adding a border of some kind, but I think I am going to go ahead and make the additional seven blocks and just have it borderless. The applique doesn't take all that long to do and I think it will be really pretty when it's quilted. I am pretty much "eyeballing" the pieces as I fuse them to the background.

If you would like to make something from this pattern that came from an old quilt magazine (probably Quilt), here it is for you to right click and save as. It would be very easy to change the shape of the leaves. I made the flower all one piece and added a circle for the center. My blocks are 8 inches finished, but they could be any size. I think a very large block would make a gorgeous all over quilt for a bed - batiks would be smashing. (Click to enlarge)

Finishing the Applique on the Last Block

2011-06-02T17:29:00.001-04:00

The final block for this little wallhanging - working on the twisting vine now so lots of stops and starts.

All nine of the blocks laid out on the bed.

Look what I found at Kroger today!! Another mandevilla! And it was only $10.00 - there had to be a mistake. The girl told me they were $15.00 but when she rang it up it came up $10.00. By golly, I'll take it and enjoy it all summer.

Pretty, pretty color. I'm tickled pink!!! (Click to enlarge)

Kaleidoscopes

2011-05-31T23:21:00.000-04:00

Thought you might enjoy some more kaleidoscopes - this time all made from this picture of a small quilt I made a few years ago. I bought some additional shapes for my Kaleidoscope Kreator software and was playing with them the other day. Lots of fun making the different patterns. I have never really made anything from the program, but it would be wonderful for scrapbooking. These could also be printed out on fabric and used in quilts or wallhangings. Using photographs of family members is a lot of fun, also.

First one - pretty flower!

Another pretty flower - more ornate.

Yet another and

the final one. All of these have a black background, but you can have it any color you wish. Kind of like eating potato chips! Here is a link to the company blog if you would like to check it out. There are projects and a video of how these are made. http://kaleidoscopecollections.com/blog/ (Click to enlarge)

An Earlier Garden

2011-05-30T12:42:00.001-04:00

We moved to Michigan in 1992 first living in a condo for six months before purchasing a home. When we did buy our place, the backyard was shady and I quickly fell in love with flowers that love the shade. We were there five years before my husband passed away. I found these pictures and thought you might like to see the fruits of my labor - it didn't seem like labor! This was taken from one end of the backyard to the other.

Looking in the other direction. These were taken rather early in the season.

About in the middle with the birdbath and some big pots of begonias and one of impatiens.

This is the same end as the first photo but much earlier. The ajuga is in bloom with it's lovely little blue spikes and the flowers in the barrel are still small.

And here is the other end of the bed at a much later date when all the begonias and impatiens are in full bloom. Can't have impatiens here since the deer love to munch on them! (The word "impatiens" doesn't look right but spell check doesn't highlight it!) I really missed having a big garden for a time, but that is no longer the case. I am so happy that I have been able to enjoy my gardens so much over the many years and to this day still enjoy being able to do my containers of flowers. A God given joy of life. (Click to enlarge)

My Flowers are Planted

2011-05-29T17:05:00.003-04:00

For Mother's Day, Sherry and Barclay came over and took out some spreading junipers I put along the edge of this small garden a few years ago. The poor things were looking awful and grass would grow in them which was almost impossible to get rid of. What a great Mother's Day gift!! We also got some more red lava rock to cover the soil. It looks so much nicer. I have cut down on the number of pots I put out this year but there are still plenty. Friday and Saturday I finally got them all planted. Not as fast as I was, but I got the job done and still enjoy getting my hands dirty.

I really like this one - it is really big and I filled it with some neat things. There is a big piece of perennial grass for a back drop, some pretty lacy blue flowers, pink geranium, yellow daisies, dusty miller, pretty little petunias, and some limegreen trailing stuff that is so cool. I think there is some sweet allysum, also. It is bigger than it looks in this picture. In the background there is a pot full of portulaca that the deer played with the other night.

It should be very pretty when it grows more. The flowers are double and it seems to bloom even when the sun isn't out.

The little Austrian pines I put in a couple of years ago are looking wonderful. Another pot and hanging basket along with the flamingo and a little black kettle also show up here.

The planter on the front stoop. I am going to try and find some gray fuzzy stuff to add to this. It is tuberous begonias and New Guinea impatiens. Hope the deer don't like the begonias! Glad to have my flowers in. I still have not found a mandevilla and will definitely get one if I can find it. (Click to enlarge)

All Things Vintage

2011-05-28T13:01:00.001-04:00

I love all things vintage. Here is an ad from an old catalog - 1933 Montgomery Ward, I think - for fabric. The prices are unbelievable but I am sure the paychecks were, too. It would be nice to know how it compares proportionately to the present - I am sure there is a way to figure it but I don't think I am quite that curious! I love the panel for the quick sewing apron.

This is a 1933 swatch card for Newberry's. I would certainly love to have a yard or two of each of these great prints! Love the reproduction fabrics of the 30's and 40's.

Some batt from Sears. Am not sure of the year this was published.

Two pages from 1952 catalog put out by Sears. Prices had risen but not that much. This was the time that I was just starting doing a lot of sewing for Sherry and me. Hope you enjoyed these old ads. (Click to enlarge)

Busy Day

2011-05-27T18:01:00.003-04:00

My day wasn't what I thought it would be even though it wasn't all that bad. Today was one of the three days that quilters gather to spend most of the day "sitting and sewing" but with lots of talking and laughing thrown in. Decided not to go this time and spend the day getting my flowers planted. I ran around most of the day on Tuesday finally getting my posies purchased. Then it rained for a couple of days but none for today. Pretty chilly, though, which I actually would rather work in than too much heat. After lunch, I decided I needed some more plants, got in the car and got tothe end of the street--the car was acting weird. Turned around, stopped in front of my house, got out, flat tire! Oh, me o my - what's the next step. Called the insurance fellow and I do have tow coverage. Ended up, I rode in the towtruck to the garage where they found a nail in the tire. It didn't take them long to fix it and I had them change the oil since I was there and it was overdue as usual. So I would not have been able to go sit and sew today after all. I did go out and get a few more flowers but it is really kind of chilly to finish this evening - supposed to be warmer tomorrow.

As for the picture at the beginning of this post, I now have three of the blocks finished and you can see kind of how they will look together. Will do some more fusing this weekend. The blocks stitch up pretty quickly.

I also just did the buttonhole stitching on this block (block shown before stitching) and have two more to do and that group will be finished and ready to be put together with the sashing and borders. Eventually things get finished. (Click to enlarge)

Pretty New Fabric

2011-05-25T13:34:00.002-04:00

Stopped at Joanne's today to find a liner for a hanging basket that I bought several years ago. Do you find it possible to go there or a local quilt shop for just a single item? Of course not! Naturally, I had to go over by the fabric to check out what has come or gone since my last visit which was actually some time ago. By the cutting counter, I found a rack of very pretty fabric - on sale for $2.00 off per yard. At $9.99 per yard, that is really not a huge bargain but the fabric was lovely and very soft and silky. Some of it was a line I have been reading about in various blogs. The fabric I picked out, however, was not the same line but I think it is so pretty and looks like it could go right along with a book by Piece'O Cake I sent for from Connecting Threads. Yesterday I spent going to nurseries for flowers - planned on planting containers today, but it is raining. Will share some of that with you later. Found some pretty posies! (Click to enlarge)

Snowbank in May

2011-05-22T17:12:00.001-04:00

A view of my patio and garden area a little earlier after a storm with rain, small hail and wind came through this afternoon. Lots of new green leaves from the trees, blossoms from flowers and needles from the pine trees blew around and stuck to the house, roof and wherever they landed. The day was quite warm and muggy and the storm came up quite suddenly.

My front stoop.

Ho, Ho, Ho!!! (Click to enlarge)

First Block Fused

2011-05-20T13:32:00.000-04:00

Have just finished cutting out enough stems and leaves and flowers and centers for sixteen little blocks that will make up a tabletopper. My early days devoted to cutting out paper dolls have prepared me for the later years in my life when I fell in love with quilting and applique. No centers show here, but each little flower will have one. Now there will be a lot of time spent with the iron and ironing board fusing the blocks. Then will come the fun of buttonhole stitching around all the pieces at my machine followed by the machine quilting. So far I am thinking this will be very pretty on my dining room table. (Click to enlarge)

One I Have Wanted to Make

2011-05-18T16:00:00.000-04:00

Here is a pattern I found in a magazine someplace that I have been wanting to put together for a tabletopper. I love the way it connects from one block to the other. The leaves will be changed a little bit.

There is plenty of the mottled fabric to make the sixteen 8 1/2" blocks - it's the same background I used for the posie wallhanging. Will make all the stems and leaves the same color, then lots of different colored flowers with maybe the centers being all the same fabric. Probably will use my reproduction fabrics - mostly in the red family. This would also be pretty in Aunt Gracie, batiks, some of the yummy new designer fabrics, etc. Decisions, decisions - so many choices! Will keep you posted. (Click to enlarge)

Back Home Again

2011-05-16T15:50:00.001-04:00

Here is the little quilt I made for my granddaughter who is expecting her first baby, a little boy, on my 83rd birthday this coming August. I saw a picture of this quilt on line and was so taken with it - my husband worked for the Santa Fe Railroad for 41 years and had an HO train layout that grew to be quite large over the years.

When our daughter was pregnant for Norah, Sherry gave her dad this little kit for "Grandma's House" for him to build and add to his layout. As Norah got older, she and grandpa would be in the basement playing train

and he would let her throw switches and both of them enjoyed that time together so much.

Here she is at the end of the layout where there is a little town. Ray loved building the buildings which were all kits. The little church has a little graveyard with it and there was also a junkyard on the layout. So you can see why I thought the little quilt was perfect.

There was no pattern - I knew that it had come from a magazine called Baby Quilts by Fons and Porter but it was published a couple of years ago. The train was simple pieces and I was able to draft up a pretty good pattern on my own that would have come really close. However, at our recent quilt show while setting up for the bazaar (we all bring magazines, fabric, items we make, etc., and have a very successful bazaar!!) someone brought me this

I was meant to make this little quilt! There were the pattern and instructions - for 25 cents which is what we charge for magazines. How nice is that?

An engine on the rickrack track.

I thought the engines needed some smoke coming out of their smokestacks so I added that little feature.

Being kind of worried that the rickrack might curl with being laundered, I stitched on both sides of it with the invisible thread which I also used to go around all the faces, wheels, etc. It was really fun to make.

This weekend, my daughter and I flew to Kansas City for a shower for Norah hosted by Chad's mom and sisters. Norah, Chad, Sherry and I all stayed with Bill and Ann. It was a really fun weekend despite the fact that it turned really chilly. Here is my granddaughter opening the little quilt - the picture itself is not in the best focus but you can still see that it has brought a smile to her face. (Click to enlarge)

Off to KC

2011-05-12T11:17:00.000-04:00

Our first grandchild is going to have her first child, and grandma and great grandma are leaving this afternoon to go to KC for a baby shower for the new little fellow who will be joining our family this summer. The little quilt is finished and it turned out well. Looking forward to seeing everyone again. Will be back with some pictures next week! (Click to enlarge)