Friday Finish and Finds!

Last weekend we got out for a little shopping. On one of the back roads we travel is a small thrift store, that is packed with goodies. I always like to stop to see if I can find any new treasures. It seems someone was destashing, so I was able to get some patterns for only a few dollars.

I always like jar quilts and this way I have all different types that I can use in projects. The angels are cute and I will probably use them, in small projects. Of course the nativity is great to make for gifts. And the stitchery is a nice saying and the first one I did.

I did it on linen and then antiqued it. I am not sure if I want to frame it or make it into a pillow. As a gift, pillows are easier to make and send. What do you think?

I was also on the hunt for fabric, that matched the nautical piece, that my friend Karen sent me. You would think with all the blues, it would have been easy to find something that matched it, but most blues were too bright and the one I found that was an exact match was a fat quarter. Then I found this, I love the fake wood, goes nice with a nautical look and the darker shade will be a border edge. What do you think of my choices?

I may add a saying or some appliqué to the barn wood blues. I will be adding more to the top and bottom of the quilt, to add more length.

And last week I won a contest and received it this week. It was hosted by Doreen of, Vermont Harvest Folk Art. A wonderful bundle of goodies to use for new projects, wonderful scented candles and a gift certificate. I will have to use the wool threads in a special project.

I also decided to get back to my paintings. Not the best timing, my back and arm are getting worse, so I have a hard time keeping my hand steady and not dropping things. Time to make an appointment with a specialist, before I loose function. I am doing touch ups and adding a few more details, as well as a saying. I am not sure on the lettering, I am leaning towards a shadow outline to make it stand out better. I will be sanding and antiquing the piece, so I can always hide any flubs that I make.

I based it on a photo I took, it is simple and a cloudy day. I may add a little detail to the ground, even though there is none in the photo.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and stay safe if you are in the storm areas.

Friday Finishes?

It looks like another week of not enough time. With Nick here during the day, I have little time for myself and by the time they leave, I am catching up around the house and only have a few hours to stitch, but that is ok, I love having Nick and hopefully we can get on a better schedule.

I finished one more angel, from my old set and started a new one, which will be a pillow for me. I like making larger pillows to set on my chest and Moki loves them too, it is one of  his favorite spots to sleep.

I received two packages this week, I guess it was my lucky week, last week. I won Kathy Schmitz's giveaway on the One Stitch at a Time Club. I enjoyed spending my money and got a lot of wonderful patterns and a pack of threads and material to use for the club. She also sent me some additional prizes, bookmarks, gift cards, a banner pattern and an acorn pin. I felt like it was Christmas, she is so generous with his giveaways and special surprises for me.

I also won a bag from the Green Bag Lady. Not only did I get the beautiful floral print bag, I also got a bonus Christmas bag. I want to make my own, so this way I can use her pattern and see the finished bag, to help me out. I think it is a wonderful idea to use as a gift bag, then I can put gifts or a pillow inside the bag, instead of wrapping paper. I also think it is a nice idea for the cancer heart pillows, then they can carry their pillows and items in the bag, lots of possibilities.

He loves to help, we got a couple of daisy plants to get a start on the garden area. He also loved spraying Bean and Grandma, lol.

And or course Nick, he loves to play outside and that is fun if it is nice out. It is also more relaxing for me if he is playing in one place, instead of running around the house. We took him shopping and he wanted the wheel barrow set, he loved pushing it around the yard. Earlier this morning he and Grandpa where pushing their wheelbarrows around the yard, wish I had seen that, but Grandma slept in so she could have more energy;)

Friday Finish, Finds and Friends!

I have been wanting to try a card holder with needle felting and I finally took the plunge. I found an angel picture that I liked and it was good for a practice piece. There are some parts I like, and others I don't, but I am learning and maybe someday I can make something that looks more like a watercolor picture with roving. A friend sent me yellow locks, so it was perfect for the angel's hair and fun to use.
I also used a wool yarn for some detail and some fell out, so I added stitching, next time I will use roving for shadowing. I used felt for the backing, next time I will go with wool and hopefully get a better wet felting technique.

The inside has two sleeves that are the perfect size for the memorial cards. Maybe I will try a case for sunglasses or a cell phone. The photo makes things brighter and stand out more, it is more blended in person.

Two of Danielle's friends had a friend make me a gift and one of the girls lives down the road, so she came over and gave it to me this week. She lost her dad recently and has been going through a lot herself, so it was nice to have someone who understands and someone I can help too.  It really brings me comfort and a special gift from her friends. I think I will do up the poem with a stairway to heaven, in script, to hang along side.

I also went shopping this week, I love thrift stores. I found two block pattern kits, with the material still in them, so those will be fun to try and practice fusible machine quilting on. I also like to look at the skirts, and found two nice ones. one I can over dye and the other has beautiful shades in it, so I can use it as is.

I appreciate all of the good wishes and prayers. I can't always reply to all of them and some are no reply, and I wish I could answer those too. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Friday Finishes!

This week has been slow, no motivation and no energy. Being stuck in the house so much, doesn't help and Bean has way too much energy to be stuck inside, as well. Yesterday Bean had to go in for his operation, so I had the day without disruption. I spent the time, cutting and getting some prim stuffed Easter pieces ready to make. When Bean came home, I rested and worked on them in between his resting and need a cuddle time.

The first pieces I made were little chicks. I made two to see how I liked them. The actual pattern has a gusset, but i did it the lazy way and just made two sides. I also used camel hair wool, that I had over dyed in yellow shades. The pattern is by Pea Pickers Primitives, which is now called, Whimsical Endeavors. The original pattern has the chicks sitting in a rusty cup with status. I have both, so I will try that too.

The second piece I did was a free pattern I found years ago. I think it was in an old issue of Creative Times Magazine. It is by Rusty Pins and Old Lace, though I think she may be retired now. You can go back through their magazines and most of the free patterns are still downloadable. I reduced the size a bit, and it was a bugger, turning it inside out. As you can see, my stitching didn't stay on track and my bunny came out a bit wonky. I used an old wool that had been over washed and it was stiff and fuzzy. I think it would be fun to make them larger, and a lot easier.

The last piece is a pattern by Soft in the Head. It was given as a free pattern, at one time and I never made it. I have an old spring and the bunny sits on a spring, but my bunny is too stiff and my spring is too narrow for him, so I will make a new setting for him. I think I need to grunge it up with walnut, a bit too bright for me. I do like the way his carrot came out, maybe I will make a bunch to sit in a bowl.

Free Magazine!

Tonight I finished the binding on my wall quilt, so tomorrow I will take a photo of the quilt before I stain it and then I will probably soak it in tea since it would take too much walnut ink to stain it. I also like the look of tea staining on the larger pieces, gives it a nice aged look.

If you have not been to Jacquelynne Steve's Website, then you might want to visit and sign up for her newsletter. It comes out tomorrow and she offers free patterns and wonderful recipes and it is free. One of my seagull photos is featured in, the Art of Summer photo contest.

Tomorrow I will share my new quilt with you, and for now you can sign up for The Art of Home Companion and receive it in your email box tomorrow. You can also find free patterns and tutorials on Jacquelynne's website and you can follow her blog or on Facebook for more inspiration.

Soho Bandana Fabrics!

Yesterday I received a most welcome package from Indygo Junction. A one yard collection of Soho Bandana Fabrics, designed by Amy Barickman. The Contest was hosted by Sherri of A Quilting Life and I was so excited to win this one. 

I have been talking with my daughter on ways to decorate her room and when I saw Amy's new line, I knew this would be perfect for a fun quilt and matching pillows. I am thinking of getting some quilting denim and using that with the fabrics and making her a fun quilt, then pillows to go around her bed. So far I am thinking of blocks with the bandana fabric surrounded by denim or maybe bandana circles. If you have any ideas or a link to quilts that would work well with denim and bandanas, I would love to hear about it.

Not only did they send the fabrics, but I also got patterns to use it with. These will be fun as gifts and I know my daughter would love a messenger bag for school. I have been wanting to practice my sewing skills, so these will be perfect to get me started.

This week I am working on some Christmas presents and a quilt, so hopefully I will have some finishes for you, by Friday.

Vacation?

Well, things didn't work out as planned and we came home wednesday. A combination of people who take out their frustrations on others, bad cooking arrangements and a moldy house, put me into a state of stress that caused me to get sick again. Add a cute but obnoxious niece who wanted to jump on me in the water and a sprained back put me over the edge;)

The first night seemed to be the start of a wonderful week. The location was wonderful, nice calm cove with views of the mountains.

The house was large and looked wonderful from the outside but the floors and walls were plywood. Add a damp environment and you get mold growth on the wood, which made it hard to breath well.

It was cloudy on the first day so Bill and I took a trip down to the end of the lake, which was a little over 4 miles.

The second day rained so we went for a drive by ourselves, so I could get a break and do some shopping at the outlets. On the way we took a back road and saw this dam that warned, when you hear the alarm, the water rises immediately. I would not want to be on the banks when that happens.

By day three, the sun was shining and it was perfect for paddling but I was mentally and physically exhausted and since it was my sister's vacation, I kept my mouth shut and said I was ill and went home. We took the scenic route and had a nice time enjoying the lakes and mountains and found this old dam at Bear Brook State Park area. It was a nice place to stop and stretch our legs.

The nice thing was, I had extra cash left that I had saved for the trip and I decided to treat myself with a stop at The Quilted Crow. They were off to another show so they were pulling things off the shelves, so the pattern stock was being depleted but I was able to find some nice patterns to make and some fabrics to use in my Christmas projects. I also got some gold eye needles to use. They go in smooth but I notice that gold ends tend to stick as you go through, maybe it is just me? Stay tuned for my 5'th year Blogaversary, coming soon! I am working on one gift and hope to have it done to show you.

Valentine Crazy Hearts!

Since I am sick, I decided I needed something simple that I could do in my lap. I have made crazy hearts, but I wanted to try them differently, this time.

This is a great project to do if you want to use up scraps and have some bowl fillers for Valentines. I just used scraps in my basket, any colors will do.

With this method, I drew out a heart on a light fabric, and tracing it on the back, as well. This way you use the front side for the fabrics and when you go to sew it together, you have the design on the back, to follow.

I used a washable blue pen, but any pen will do, you won't see the lines.

I cut and laid out the pieces to see how they looked and just layered them on top of each other. Once I got the look I wanted, I glued the edges down, to make it easier for layering and sewing. I used a blanket stitch around the edges of the pieces, and using the heart on the back, I could look and see where my stitches ended, so I went past the heart shape, but not any further. Once the pieces are sewed down, you can trim off the excess.

I used red ticking for the back and sewed them, right sides together, using the tracing on the back as a guide. After it is sewed, cut a slit on the back and turn them, right sides out. After you stuff them, sew up the opening and cover it with a little tag. I stitched the word love on mine, then sewed the tag to the back with a prim straight stitch. I soaked mine in watered down, walnut ink. By mixing it with water, you can control how dark or light, you want the stain.

I also made another pillow, using a design by Primitive Blessings. These are fun to do and you can place them on shelves around the house, or give them as gifts to a friend.

I also found some new freebies that look like fun and thought I would share them.
Debbie Mumm has a really cute BOM with owls and flowers, would love to make this one.
Fat Cat Patterns has a new BOM for 2013, lots of fun fish blocks, another fun one for kids or a great beach quilt.
Marjory of Peck's Pieces has a wonderful snowman and santa quilt that is available for download and she is also doing some valentine pieces and other quilts to share with her readers, so she is definitely a great blog to follow.

Free stitcheries and thrift finds!

If you enjoy doing stitcheries and learning new techniques and stitches, you should visit Mary Corbet's blog. Her posting are full of inspiration and tutorials and she offers free patterns. Last week she did a Christmas piece with the word Joy and I just had to try it. I love how it looks and it is a great gift to make ahead for next year.

I made mine into pillows, but I did not stuff them. I might add balsam to mine, so I will leave them as is, then I can stuff them next year so they will have fresh balsam in them. Another idea for those of you who like to send items with a card, is to leave them flat with an opening so they fit in the card. Then the recipient can stuff them themselves.

For the backs, I used the fabric, Christmas Traditions that I got with my gift certificate from This-n-That  Fabrics. I love how it looks and it is great for pillow backings to give it that added touch.

Another thing I love to do is shop in thrift stores, you never know, what you will find. I found these three patterns, only .99 a piece, not a bad deal.

And I found this guy on a shelf, love the raggedy look. I assume he was left in the sun and it faded his mail suit, but I like the dull color and the worn look. Something fun to sit on a bench. We are finally getting snow, lots of it and everything is covered in white, I love it.

Christmas Goodies!

Today was a rainy day and I was having one of my bad days, too much paddling  yesterday;)
The mailman bought me an unexpected package, what a way to perk  up my day.
My friend Lauri, Threads of Miz, sent me a box of goodies.

This is a quilt that she made years ago and never finished. It is made up of christmas kitty fabrics with a kitty border and she does the most beautiful piecing I have ever seen. I will just need to add a border for the binding and quilt it, now I need to decide, how should I quilt it? Would love suggestions for designs.

Of course, you know who, had to check it out.

She also sent me finished blocks that I can make into a table cloth or runner, will have to play with them. She made the ear muffs to keep my ears warm when I go for walks, she does beautiful work, and I think that is roving that she made herself, yes she even spins her own yarns.

And a lot of wonderful patterns that I can make and use for gifts, what a wonderful package and lots of wonderful things that I can make. Because I have been so blessed with so many wonderful gifts and prizes this year, I was thinking of starting a giveaway box, filled with goodies that I won't use anymore and have a drawing for those who are interested. Then the person who wins the box, can take what they like, add items from their stash that they won't be using and pass it on in a giveaway on their blog. What do you think, would you be interested in starting something like that?

Fabric choices and Giveaway Prizes!

Last week I went to the quilt stores to find something that matched the blue and white that would match what is in the Jefferson Davis's Daughter quilt, by Barbara Brackman, that I am working on. Of course there was nothing like it or in the shades I wanted, so this is what I found. The darker blue will be the sashing, it seems a lot brighter in the photo. The reproduction border fabric is from the abe lincoln collection, that is all I remember.

What do you think of these fabrics? I am finishing up the second tree and then I can sew the middle section together and add the rest of the appliqués.

I also won a few wonderful giveaways this month. Deborah O'Hare has a wonderful blog, actually two and I have been following her for over a year, her pieces inspire me to create my own art pieces. I won the book, Seaside Home, and I love it. It has a lot of patterns to make things for the home, or summer cottage.

This is Deborah's pattern, I plan on making it and changing it a little by adding inspirational words to the stones. Deborah has done that in one of her patterns and she said it was ok, if I used her idea in my piece.

I also participated in the 100 blocks, blog hop and I did win a copy from Nancy at One Stitch at a Time, I also won a free pattern from Cyndi of Carter Creek Quilts. It is a wonderful pattern and will look beautiful in a lot of different colors and fabrics. 

I was finally able to get out for a paddle, a nice way to spend Mother's Day. It was a beautify day and there were so many wonderful birds out, and I didn't have my good camera with the zoom. I had to use my waterproof camera, so this is the best I could get from the photos I took. I need to find a larger, waterproof case for my  new camera.

This is my bow, as usual, it got windy and I had to paddle against the wind, most of the day. I also had a tetanus shot friday, so you could say, it wasn't an easy paddle, but well worth it;)

Easter Bunny Penny Rug

Last week I was one of the lucky winners of Valerie's giveaway. Valerie of Wooden Acorn offered 3 designs to 3 winners and not only did she send me the design, but another one I had liked and some sewing goodies to use for my pieces. I am amazed at her generosity, and the extra goodies. If you love primitive and working with wool, visit Valerie's Etsy Store, she has lots of wonderful patterns that I have my eyes on.

 And of course I had to make the chick piece, right away, perfect for spring. I made it into a little wall hanging and added a few of my own touches. I made hay for the basket, by unwinding jute strands, then weaving them into the empty spaces. I love the house piece, as well, that is something I can make a few of, as gifts.

The pattern is by Buttermilk Basin Designs. I realized I forgot to decorate the other butterfly, but I was not pleased with the lines I made on the first one, so I will change that and add dots.

Gees Bend Quilt!

Sometimes I get lucky and this is one of those times, that I am so glad I did.
I entered a contest at We Love Quilting for my choice of a Gees Bend Quilt Kit.
I have always loved the Gees Bend quilts and was totally thrilled to have won a kit to make my own.
Not only did Chris send me the kit, but I also received a beautiful tote with a Gees Bend design on it and lots of pens and key chains. What a wonderful box to get on a rainy day:)

I love the blue shades, they are so much nicer in person, really rich and deep shades.



Here is the pattern I will be making, though we know, I tend to put my own touches in sometimes, so we shall see how it turns out;) I can't wait to get my machine back, so I can start on it. Also, be sure to visit Chris' blog, she is running a new contest for a box of goodies and I am sure it will be filled with wonderful quilting items.

Fall Punchneedles!

As some of you may have noticed, I have been doing a few of Tiffany's patterns, from her Primitive Blessings site. I also worked on a secret project, that I could not show until now. I made two punched pieces from Tiffany's patterns and they are featured in the newest issue of Mercantile Gatherings.

These pieces are perfect for fall and fun to do. The magazine is well worth getting, wonderful patterns and drawings, guest artists, homes and so much more. For the price of a pattern, you can get several patterns and home decorating ideas along with articles on how to do your own primitive decorating.

This piece is perfect for the beginner and the fall.



I just loved doing this kitty and I know you will too. If you are not interested in a magazine, both patterns are available on her website, Primitive Blessings.

New Punch Needle: Ghost RIder

I decided I wanted to do my Ghost Rider in a punched design. I have this rug in my hooking room, I could never get the price I wanted, so kept it for me;) But, I will sell the punched version, on ebay, tomorrow. I will try and put my new pieces up, a day ahead, so those of you who would like to make an offer, can do so, before I list it. Only serious offers, please.


I made this one into a pillow without a hanger, I think it looks great sitting with a display to show off the design.
I used some variegated linen threads on the ghost and pumpkin's head. I love those two shades in the linen.

This is also a pattern in my ebooklet if you would like to make your own punched piece or hooked rug. I modified the original to make this new piece.

Patterns on Linen for Sale

I had a request to make a rug hooking pattern on linen for a customer and decided to make an extra one, for those of you who prefer patterns that way. I am offering the second one for 55.00, which includes shipping and insurance. So, if you loved the dog and cat pattern that I made in punch, you will love to make this one for your home. I plan on making one myself. All lines are drawn on the straight of the grain and the missing elements such as eyes will be in the pattern, before it gets sent out;) If you are interested you can email me. I will take paypal or a postal money order. You can email me if you have questions about payment.
No international orders on this one, sorry.



While I was getting linen, I remembered I had another pattern that is looking to be hooked. This one is a pattern from 2006 and it hasn't found the right person to hook it yet. I have made this design in a small mat, but this one is the only one I have done like this and with a welcome. It is a fun piece and a great project to make for the fall. If you are interested, it will be 47.00, which includes shipping and insurance. This offer for US sales only.

This is the version I did.



This is the pattern you will receive. All lines are drawn on the straight of the grain.

The real me!

So, you want to see what I look like now? Well, that depends on what kind of day I am having, lol.
I always have the camera, so it is rare to get a picture of me, never mind one I would show to the public;)

Last year we went to NH for our anniversary. So, this is the most recent picture I have of myself.
Don't be jealous of my skinny legs, especially with those big feet.



That was my little buddy, he was following me around the beach. Here is Bill, in his all sun proof clothing.
He does have some hair left, under that hat;) I have a hard time getting shots in the boat, between my shake and the water motion, not an easy thing to do.



Now, I guess you want to see the real me, well this is it, haha. This is the real me, I could live in my boat, I love to paddle and be on the water and right now I am so so sick of the rain. Hopefully it will clear in a few days and we can get out this week. Then if Bill can get a picture that doesn't make me look like a real chicken legged dork, I might just show it;)

Don't forget, comments today will count as an extra chance to win this weeks prize.