Quilting in Cornfields

Signs of Summer

2008-07-13T11:46:00.006-05:00

I've been a bit obsessed here lately trying to get ideas for my summer four season's swap. I've had three or four different directions and nothing seems to be working out. UGH. And possibly -- Help?!?

Anyway, in my search for things that are quintessentially "summer" -- I thought I would share some of my ideas that haven't suggested HOW to work themselves out into fabric.

Is this just an American thing or does tinny, loud music coming slowly down the street raise the heartbeat and excitement of children all over the world? Because you just KNOW this guy is coming down the street and your parents can be talked into a before dinner treat?

And that for just a couple of dollars (or less) there are choices to be made for a cool and refreshing treat.

Or that sitting on the back porch with your prize in hand and totally spoiling your dinner is a wonderful way to spend a lazy summer afternoon?

Of course, some of this idyllic splendor is done to the back drop of Eddie Murphy chanting "I got my ice cream" in my head...but I think that has to be part of being a child of the 80's.

There has to be a quilt in there someplace doesn't there? Please? Anyway, my fabric angst aside -- hope you've enjoyed a slice of my summer.

Crossing T's

2008-07-01T12:49:00.005-05:00

Just a bit of a quickie post for today since Mom will be here in a couple of hours and I still need to finish some cleaning and errands. I also have no idea if I will have time to post until after the 4th -- so Happy B-day (kind of) USA! More immediately importantly to my family -- Mom's b-day is on the 5th so there will be some clebratin' going on here.

So -- the final cross stitch examples from Mom's house. This little kitty is dated though I can't make it out all that well -- I think it was from '87 and that sounds about right. I have no idea of the pattern on this one or where it's from but it's cute.

And this little Angel is one I finished in '87 as well. It seems that was a good year for cross stitch. Hmmn. This one is a Mar Beck angel. One of these came out a year for a long time, and Mom collected all of the patterns. Of course, this is the only one that was ever completed -- but, hey. The patterns are there if I ever decide to give up quilting -- yeah, like that's gonna happen!

Thanks for hanging out with me as I traipsed through my Mom's house -- I know she has other samples of my work, but, well, these were the easy ones to find. Oddly enough, I think I only have three samples of my own work in my house. Oh well, I'd rather quilt anyway :0).

Summer School Part II

2008-06-30T14:33:00.011-05:00

Thanks to all of you for your support of the summer sickness and sunburn post. I really hadn't noticed how negative it was until I reread it -- not really my intention. So, as a bit of an antidote I thought I would post a few more "summer school" lessons that have been a blast and a half.

A clear empty jar with a few holes punched in the lid, dusk, and a few handfuls of fireflies (lightning bugs, whatever) make for a good hour's worth of giggles and excitement.

Rainy days are a wonderful excuse to play with inexpensive picture frames, leftover tissue paper, glue and glitter.

I love seeing the smile on my daughter's face when she's made a "project" "all on her own" (we won't mention the help from mommy now will we?).

Despite the idiocy of her mother forgetting to put on sunscreen -- watching my brave girl willing to jump right into the "big pool" with no fear -- reminds me to have a little less fear of my own. (and also keeps my eyes WIDE open and alert -- bravery is one thing, safety an entirely different concept)

Warm days and lovely nights equal good sleeping weather and lots of fun at the park and pool.

Pretty good lessons overall, though, still not much time left for crafting and/or blogging. Oh well, I'll get caught up on my blog reading and my project list SOMEDAY!

I also thought I'd share some more photos of the patchwork balls I have hanging around the house. These are the ones I made for my daughter (except for the Halloween one -- that one was made by a dear friend as she was tempting me to want to make them on my own -- evil, evil woman that she is). Even without using the photo transfers they're a fun little project. Most of these were made with scraps from other projects and done in a night or two (except for the big mutha in the back, that one took a bit more time).

And to give you an idea of the size of these things, this is the smallest ball in my hand. My husband keeps telling me it's the perfect size for a juggling ball and that he'd like a couple more of them -- I keep saying it is made up of an awful lot of triangle pieces.

Though, I can't help thinking that this one with the stars would be fun to try again -- maybe in patriotic colors for the fourth? Hmmn...not that I need another project anytime soon.

Speaking of projects, I need to get back to today's task -- Mom will be here tomorrow for a visit so need to get my stuff out of her room :0).

Summer School

2008-06-26T01:26:00.005-05:00

Nope, I'm not talking about actual school. You know, the kind with teachers (though, since I am one, that's debatable) and desks and regulated lessons. I'm talking about the kind of "school" life gives you. You know, the kind of lessons you learn the hard way? Over the last two weeks I've learned quite a bit from that kind of school. I thought I might share some of my lessons with you.

Explaining to a 3 year old that while the weather is FINALLY perfect for going to the pool and playing in the park she can't because she has a fever is darned near impossible.

Explaining to the same child that while she may FEEL better, she is still contagious with strep throat and STILL cannot go outside even though she went to the doctor and got medicine is even harder than explaining the part about the fever. (her faith in the medical profession and medicine is a bit scary at times too)

My patience with dealing with icky bodily fluids is getting less and less the closer Miss Tinkerbell is to being fully potty trained.

The word diarrhea when repeated over and over again by a 3 year old because she finds it amusing is almost as icky as cleaning it up (see above).

Buying new underwear is occasionally the better part of valor. (See numbers 3 and 4 above)

When the stars finally align and the weather, child, and activities finally combine for the first trip to the pool for the year, Mommy points are given for remembering to slather the child with sunscreen. An equal number of intelligence points are removed for forgetting to put sunscreen on your own back.

Burgundy, while a lovely color and one I usually look good in, is not as appealing when it is the color of your skin.

Keeping a child amused when all you want to do is lay on your stomach and moan about how much you hurt is not easy.

Growing new skin itches. A lot. And of course, the worst itches occur in places you can't reach easily on your own.

Door jams and walls are your friends. Chair backs also work well.

While learning (or relearning in the case of the sunburn -- some lessons it seems need to be repeated periodically) the above, it's near impossible to do anything of a crafty or blog reading nature.

So, as you can see I've been a diligent student these past two weeks. Many, many lessons have been learned. Now to see if I can remember how to use my sewing machine. I THINK I just may be able to.

And, well, since I just realized how long it's been since I posted ANYTHING that even vaguely resembles a quilt, a photo from my Mom's house of a quilt like object. I still have more cross stitch to show but come on, it's not like the title of this blog is cross stitch in cornfields. Ok, so it comes with a cute photo of my daughter too. Sue me.

And another photo of the same thing only in its actual resting place. This is a patchwork puzzle ball from the Jenny Beyer book that came out a couple of years ago. Oddly enough, one of the few projects I've hand pieced. I made this for Christmas 2005 and substituted fabric photo transfers for some of the pieces. It worked out well and I've done it a few more times for other memory balls. I actually really like making these -- Miss Tinkerbell has a set of them here at the house. A great baby gift really. Soft balls that young children can throw around without too much possibility of breaking things. I should try and get photos of the others we have in the pit that is my house.

Hopefully I will have more crafty (and quilty) goodness to show soon. I've gotten some lovely mail and I think I may FINALLY have a chance to get some sewing done tomorrow. Wish me luck!

Completely Cross

2008-06-12T12:25:00.009-05:00

Nope, it has nothing to do with my mood (though talk to me again in a couple of hours after I have finished ~~digging out~~ cleaning my bedroom. No, I will not share pictures. Even I have SOME level of shame at the state it's in -- though in my own defense I will say that when your husband works third shift (and sleeps days) and you don't -- this leaves precious little time for things like, um, cleaning in the place where it seems one of you is usually sleeping :0).

Nope, the title of the post has to do with the content. Enough of you asked (well, honestly, since I can't show most of what I'm currently working on no one really HAD to ask) to see some of the other cross stitch projects I found hanging out at my Mom's. Literally. See? Hanging out? Yeah, I think my career in comedy is doomed.

So, anyway -- this wall pretty much spans a 10-15 year period in my crafty life. Teddy here was done while I was in high school. Your basic alphabet sampler with a cute teddy bear in the middle. Don't ask me about the pattern -- I want to say it was a Prairie something...

Bunny here -- about the same time period and I think both Mom and I worked on this one. Um, yep -- I checked out the photo and there's our joint signature there in the corner.

And the um, large piece in the center. Yeah -- I TRIED to get a good photo of this one, but well, glare, glass, no go. Let me first say that this piece is HUGE. I've made quilts for humans that are not as wide. It's bulky and heavy in the frame and I wasn't risking taking it down off the wall. Let me also say, this was a JOINT effort between my Mom and I. It took us several years of stitching to complete and I think it was finished sometime in the late 80's, early 90's. I do remember working on it in high school mostly though. All three of these pieces were done on aida cloth (anywhere between 16 and 22 count) with DMC threads.

This one -- yeah this one has a story to tell. You see, in the summer of 1996 my Mom brought a project home for me to work on. One of my cousins was getting married in the fall and Mom wanted me to stitch he and his wife-to-be a wedding sampler. Ok -- not the first time I'd done it for a relative nor the first time Mom had volunteered me for a project. But hey -- I was in grad school, it was summer, I had no job, sure, why not? Except, once I got a good look at the project the conversation went something like this:

"Um, Mom -- this pattern says it needs to be done on linen. I don't work on linen, I don't know how, I only know how to work on aida"

"I know -- but you can do it in aida"

"Are you sure?"

"It will be fine"

Is anyone getting the feeling these were famous last words? Yeah -- turns out the wedding sampler pattern called for linen for a reason. (and no, I DON'T have a photo of the sampler -- must see about correcting that at some point since it was a ~~pain in the patootie~~ beautiful piece when finished) See, the words? (click on the link and you will see a photo of the pattern I was working from -- and no, I didn't do the full thing, but most of it) The words needed to be done over a single thread. Something possible in linen or other evenweave fabrics, but NOT in aida. Have I mentioned that the wedding sampler was on a DEADLINE?

So what does an adorable Halloween piece with bats and pumpkins and an alphabet have to do with a wedding sampler? Meet my very first piece done on evenweave fabric. I taught myself how to work on this so I could do the wedding sampler. A new skill learned -- which is cool. I discovered I actually prefer working on linen anyway. Though, honestly? I made this piece for myself. Once Mom got it framed though -- um, yeah. Notice where it's hanging. Ok -- so I made a second one for myself that summer. My Aunt saw it and decided she wanted it. I have the stuff to make one for myself -- somewhere. It's now 2008? (and no Mom, you will never be allowed to forget this)

The final piece on that wall? It was a Mill Hill Beads kit circa 1999-2000. It was cute, I was bored, and I hadn't started quilting yet. Sorry -- I think one long winded story is enough for one post don't you? :0) Though, when looking for a link to Mill Hill I did see that they have some new Jim Shore stitching kits for any of you so inclined.

I do still have a couple more pieces from Mom's house to show if you haven't fallen into a non-quilt related coma on my blog that is :0). But, I hear the dust bunnies plotting the overthrow of the humans in this house so wish me luck as I go into battle.

Seven Random Things

2008-06-05T13:48:00.000-05:00

Not much going on here crafty wise in my corner of the cornfields (well, that's not entirely true, I'm working on a couple of projects that I can't show and the weather stinks so no good pictures of the things I HAVE finished. UGH) so today you get a meme :0). KathieB over at Threadlines tagged me for this one yesterday. I have done it before, but since it's been a year, I figure you can put up with another 7 random things about me :0).

1. I started first grade when I was 4 years old. Yes, there's a long story here. Nope, I'm not gonna bore you with it. But since I was already reading chapter books by that time, I figure that starting school was a good thing.

2. Speaking of reading, I can, and often do, read a novel a day. BT (before Tinkerbell) I would often read more than one novel in a day. We're not talking War and Peace here people, but your average mass market novel, yeah. Your average trashy romance novel? Um, 2-3 hours tops. This has meant I've had a personal library of well over 200 books for most of my life, and currently means my public library folks look at me funny when I check out 5-10 books at a time.

3. My undergrad degree is a Bachelor's of Science in Political Science. This means I have a BS in politics. (go ahead, laugh -- I know you want to) And while, technically, the degree is a general one, 85% of my coursework was in US politics. And yes, I am finding the current electoral cycle interesting. :0)

4. At one point, I planned on being a professional musician. I was even accepted to college as a music major -- a flautist. Then I realized that while I love music, I didn't have enough talent to make a living at it without teaching music. Since I didn't want to do that, I went in another direction (see above). And no, I don't play anymore.

5. I'm scared of thunder. No, not lightning, just the darned thunder. The noise drives me nuts and makes me want to run for cover. I mask this well for my daughter and have learned to deal with it. This is a bit of a problem given that I live in the north eastern end of tornado alley and we have thunder storms all the time.

6. I am allergic to corn pollen. I live in a town surrounded by cornfields. You do the math.

7. I never memorized my multiplication tables. I got up to the 5's and realized that you can figure out all of the rest by doing simple addition so there was no point in memorizing it. I was a cheeky little thing, no? This means that to this day I still do a lot of silent adding in my head. You'd think I would have the darned things down by now wouldn't you?

So there you go, seven random facts about me (and if you feel the need to click on the link to last year's list -- seven more for you).

And since what's a post without photos, here's one I've been meaning to post since February. While I was at my Mom's house I unearthed (well, not so much unearthing as looking around in plain sight) not only quilts, quilts and more quilts, but also some of my early, middle and late period craft adventures. Mom is definitely the most constant recipient of my crafty efforts. So here you are, a piece from my early period, circa 1977. The very first counted cross stitch I ever completed. And since this photo doesn't show scale, that frame is, I believe, 2" x 3".

If anyone is interested, I've got a few photos of other finished stitched work to share as well. And since the weather report is saying I won't have decent light for photos of what I AM working on for another 4-5 days, um, you may get to see those pieces whether you want to or not :0).

Where DOES the time go

2008-06-03T13:07:00.014-05:00

Really, I want to know.

It seems like just yesterday I was putting my daughter in her crib for the first time. She was soooo tiny.

And in a blink there she was learning to smile and seeing herself in a mirror for the first time.

And another blink and poof -- she's really too big to be in that crib. Though, she still seems to be enjoying playing with her feet. Hmmmn.

Nope, no doubt about it -- time to go out with the old, and in with the new, cribless, era. Hmmmn...needs a quilt. Of course, that would mean I'd have to get off my duff and finish it. Though discovery of a slight construction error (ok, so my seam allowance was so far off that one of the strips on a block is a scant 1/16" or maybe 1/32"?) means I need to remake one of the blocks. Thank goodness I have more of the fabrics (there is SOMETHING to be said for over purchasing fabrics at times).

But she seems to love her major present even if Mommy didn't finish her blankie.

And this is my roundabout way of saying a, belated, Happy birthday to my Miss Tinkerbell. Her actual birthday was Sunday but we spent most of last week and the weekend celebrating. Can you guess how old she is? And I still want to know -- where DOES all of that time go?

So Happy Birthday Tinkerbell. I'm glad your day (days) were special.

And just so I don't seem like a total craft slacker, I DID finish one of her hand made gifts. I finally finished the sewing up of her pink and purple fairy dress. And she loved it so much when she opened it she HAD to put it on RIGHT then. Sniff. It does a mother proud. Though, looking at the photo -- um, need to do something about that skirt and the ties on the top need to be tied lower...hmmnn.

Though, to be honest, the fairy dress did get put away when another present showed up. Priorities hunh? So here's to time passing, even if I don't know where it's gone. As for me? Um, I think I hear a leftover cupcake calling my name...

Randomness

2008-05-24T15:33:00.007-05:00

How do you combat a nasty little realization you've come to? For me...I go out and do things to my hair. Or, well, pay to have them done anyway. After a lovely 2 hours at the salon today, this is what I came home with.

What do you think? You can be honest here.

And a better view of the colors. Yes, colors. There are three in there. Hey -- if only one color is not enough for a quilt, why in the world should I limit my hair color?

As a comparison -- this is what I'm changing from. Picture from the visit to the lilacs -- though, well, it was looking pretty scary in this photo. We won't mention the inch or so of grey that was showing at the roots either. I know this doesn't show how long the old cut was -- but, um, I looked while they were sweeping up after my cut. They filled a dustpan with the hair. And then some. I think she said I had about 6" cut off. Wow -- my neck feels so breezy.

Oh, and side note -- do you have any idea how hard it is to take a picture of yourself? Yeah -- most of them ended up with me looking really surprised. Or ticked off. Or just otherwise strange. Though, looking at these photos -- I REALLY need to get my eyebrows done. EEEK. Now that's scary. (and Mom -- here you go, photos of the new hair as promised, and Elaine -- challenge of posting a photo of myself met!)

And yep, this is the only "cutting" that has been going on around here this week as well. Though, I am hoping to try and get that changed this weekend. Fingers crossed for some quality time with my rotary cutter and sewing machine.

As for the realization that sent me running for the drastic cut and color? Um, yeah -- I finally got around to doing some cleaning and organizing. I put away my fabrics (well most of them) that I've been collecting over the past six months. When I finished ~~cramming~~ ~~stuffing~~ ~~shoving~~ placing them in my fabric bins, I realized I have NO ROOM LEFT in my fabric storage area for any more fabric. Not even for a fat quarter or two. And, well, I may still have fabrics that need to be put away. So -- the quandary -- do I stop buying fabrics and use what I have to make room for new things (the prudent, adult, responsible thing to do) or do I figure out somewhere else to store my fabrics? I mean, Miss Tinkerbell is only three right? She can't possibly need a WHOLE closet to herself. Her clothes are SMALL right?

Tools of the Trade

2008-05-20T13:10:00.008-05:00

So, here I was saying I was going to post more often and a week goes by. Well, I'd love to say I've been busy, busy, busy so I have tons to share today. I'd love to say it. I just, well, can't. I haven't finished a darned thing since last week. I haven't even really worked on much. Of course, it could be because I've been working (YEAH!!!) and trying to figure out a furniture move because of a birthday gift that will be arriving next week (we won't mention the quilt that supposed to go with this one -- um, it's still in the same state as it was here. Don't ask).

Honestly? The only creative cutting I've done in the past week was with this guy. One of the local Lutheran (I think?) churches has an annual lobster boil as a fund raiser. It's become a tradition to pick up lobsters and have a family meal with my in-laws and grandparents-in law. She was yummy by the way.

So, since I have a lack of anything new to post -- how about a post I've been meaning to do for, oh, let's say the past 7 months or so. While working on some projects, I realized just how many of my favorite quilting/sewing notions did not start out having anything to do with quilting.

These for instance. Yes, they are nothing more than strips of cardboard (in this case from a saltines box I think) that have been cut down to a specific width. I think these are 1/2" and 3/4" in the photo. So why have them around? They are my secret to pressing an accurate seam allowance when necessary. For most piecing this isn't a problem, but for making bags, etc. they always have instructions for pressing an edge. Fold the fabric over my strip, press, and move on. No muss, no fuss. And yes, I know there is actually a sewing notion you can use for this -- but let me just say those little metal seam gauges? with the little plastic slide thing? Yeah, I've toasted more than one with my iron. Not to mention toasting my fingers. Ick. These are long enough that my fingers stay OUT of the way and gives a longer surface area to iron. Plus, if I ruin one (or lose it) -- replacements are just a breakfast cereal box away. I have a whole set of these on hand for seam allowance of every size. I would love to take credit for this idea -- but, well, it was in a pattern for a bag I made awhile ago. A shame I can't claim it -- but, there you go.

And this, one of my favorite tools of all time, the humble chopstick. More importantly the humble, wooden, take out chopstick. I have several sets of very nice chopsticks here at the house. They are NOT the sort that you throw away at the end of the meal. We like using them and pretending that we are civilized. So, what to do with the throwaways that come home? Well -- they make GREAT turning and stuffing tools. Why spend lots of money when I've got a drawer full of these suckers? And honestly? If it's a good quality take away chopstick -- it lasts forever.

Another favorite, though this one IS actually intended for fabric, my Downey Wrinkle Release spray. I LOVE this stuff. Yes, it is meant for ironing and clothing. I don't really iron clothing. Not if I can help it that is. But, for fabrics that have been folded and stored for a bit -- those stubborn wrinkles that WILL NOT come out? A spray or two of this, a quick pass of the iron -- voila! They are gone, baby, gone! And, since I'm of the "I'm not washing it until I absolutely have to" school of thought when it comes to my fabrics -- that crease line from the fold on the bolt? It gets rid of those too :0).

My final favorite non-quilting, quilting notion? No, this isn't a mistake -- bottled water. You see -- I love me some steam when I'm pressing my seams. Oh, who am I kidding -- seams, fabric, anything really. I almost always use steam (exceptions here for use of fusibles that say NO STEAM). However, my favorite Rowenta iron does NOT like my tap water. While modern irons are designed to use water that has SOME particulates -- the stuff that comes out of my tap has a few too many for mine. Tap water around here = spitting, lime/calcium build up, etc. Add in the radon warnings we keep getting about our local water supply in the mail -- um, yeah, not so much a fan of my tap water. I mean, I do drink the stuff from the tap -- but, well, my iron gets treated a bit better than I do :0).

So there you have it -- my favorite non-quilting (or at least non-quilting in their first life) quilting notions. What are some of your favorites?

Under the Lilacs

2008-05-12T14:14:00.016-05:00

The title of today's post pretty much describes how I spent part of my weekend (thank you Louisa May Alcott for the lovely title as well). Spring seems to finally have come to Northern Illinois and the lilacs are in full bloom. While I don't have any planted near my house, there is a park in the suburbs where I can go and be in absolute lilac heaven.

The park has literally hundreds (if not thousands) of lilac bushes along winding paths. The number of varieties of lilacs are amazing as well. It's enough to make me wish I had a place where I could plant dozens of bushes. The scent is just heavenly. We could smell the fragrance a block and 1/2 away from the park entrance. Mmmmnnn.

The trip to the park for the day was my Mother's Day gift from my husband and daughter. (though my daughter also brought home a plaster of paris hand print she made at daycare -- I always wondered if the stuff I made for my Mom was appreciated. Being on the receiving end now -- oh yeah, it was. The darned thing had me tearing up) It's all I asked for and it was just perfect. Because of the weather forecast we went on Saturday and had a great time playing in the park and looking at the flowers.

As you can see from the photos, Lilacs are not the only attraction -- there are tons and tons of tulips as well. When I've gone in the past the tulips were pretty much gone before the lilacs were ready. This year? Oh my!

And the varieties of tulips were amazing as well. I mean, look at this one -- yes, it is a tulip. And in the patch you see above? With pinks and light pinks that all have those multiple petals? Amazing.

One of my favorites was this grouping. There has to be a quilt in this somehow. The orange with the white and deep purple against the spring green? Oh my, oh my.

One of the nicest parts of the park is the fact that they clearly label all of the varieties of lilacs and tulips. That orange tulip that I fell in love with? Imagine my surprise when I found out its name. I KNEW there was a reason I fell in love with it. It shares a name with one of my favorite quilt blogs. (Hi Clare!) And if any of you think I've been googling tulip bulb suppliers and dreaming of planting some of these beauties in the fall? Umm...you would be absolutely correct.

All in all it was a perfect way for me to spend my Mother's Day celebration. Add in the fact that I got a wonderful package in the mail last week with my Spring Four Seasons quilt in it? Oh yeah, what more could I ask for? Gwen of Scrappy Angel Quilts was my partner and I LOVE my spring baskets. I can't wait to hang it up in my office.

In addition to the wonderful quilt, she also sent some yummy sock yarns for me to play with. This should be some serious inspiration to actually FINISH the purple socks that have been languishing around here (yes, they are still in the same state as they are in that post -- ugh). I know what pattern I want to try next and now I have the yarn to play with. I just have to decide on whether to use the green or the purple/blue/yellow/green combo. Decisions, decisions. Either way THANK YOU GWEN!!!!

And speaking of knitting...I did manage to get something finished this weekend! The sweater I started for my daughter way back in February, the one I confidently claimed would be ready for Easter? Yeah...um, I finally got around to finishing it this weekend. Finally. And it fits!

Mostly. It seems in the 2+ months since I started this one my little one has gotten taller. Not any heavier, but taller. The sleeves fit perfectly. It fits around her waist with room to spare. But, um the length?!? Yeah, it's a bolero sweater. This is fine -- it's for spring so it's cool. I'm thinking she may need a little empire waist dress to go under it though. At the time I started this (and finished knitting the front and back sections) the measurements worked with a bit of room to spare. Now?? Yeah. Oh well -- such is life when making things for children. :0). And since I ~~stole~~ took the yarn from my Mom's stash with permission, you can't beat the price :0).

So, that's it from the cornfields for today. I'm trying to finish up a few projects so hopefully I will have more to report soon!

It's ALIVE...

2008-05-08T15:56:00.000-05:00

Or, rather, I am. Really. I seriously can't believe it's been over a month since I posted to my blog, but I am still alive and kicking. As for what's been keeping me away from my blog (and most of the blogs I regularly read too -- we won't even go into how many posts bloglines says I haven't read) take your pick from the following:

Sick husband

Sick child

Child deciding to learn how to slide head first into home plate but using a steel door frame as her target

The blahs (probably the biggest reason folks -- I was having a major tail end of winter funk that just would not go away)

Getting some substitute teaching jobs (love the money, teaching, etc. but you usually don't find out whether or not you are working the next day until sometime between 6 and 9 pm)

Scratching an eye because of something getting in my contact lens which made light painful and meant I had to wear my soooo out of date glasses for two weeks (um, yeah, I actually had to try and thread a quilting between during that period -- luckily Tink was asleep or she would have had way too many new words to add to her vocabulary. This was also another major reason for not posting -- when it hurts to look at a computer screen, um, yeah.)

And -- just because I'm in the mood for lists here are some sure signs you haven't posted to your blog in much too long:

You get wonderful emails from blog friends asking if you are ok. (thank you everyone who wrote -- I'm catching up on my email so if you haven't heard from me yet -- you will soon!)

You get a call from one of your favorite quilt shop owners saying you haven't written on the blog lately and she and the staff are wondering if you are ok. (thank you for calling -- it means a whole lot to me -- I'll be in soon!)

Every conversation with your mother includes a reminder that you need to post to your blog.

Soooo -- what have I been up to in the past month? Well...I did hold the drawing for my 1 year/100th + post giveaway. Tink decided when I asked her to "mix" the slips of paper that she absolutely needed to use a spoon to do it. Hey, who am I to argue? She also decided that "one" was not enough -- so she chose two names: Gwen of Scrappy Angel Quilts and Lisa of Upstatelisa. I DID notify the winners via email. Now to just get their packages in the mail (it isn't just the blog that I'm behind on folks...).

I also managed to finish a gift for a coworker of my mother's who retired in April. This is someone who has been a great help to my mother and who has been generous in her praise of my humble efforts at crafting. I just HAD to make her something. After seeing a book that had some wonderful Japanese designs I decided to use a sashiko/applique design of a cherry blossom (a sakura) but instead of the sashiko technique use western embroidery. I then turned it into a decorative pillow with some pretty spring colored fabrics. I LOVE how this piece turned out. It's hard to tell from the photo (click to make it bigger) but the embroidery is done in pale pinks that shade out to almost white. I think I'm going to have to try this one again -- maybe with one of the other traditional Japanese designs.

I also finished my Four Seasons Spring piece!!! Wooo Hoooo! I'm kind of conflicted about this one. One the one hand, I put a lot of myself into it. It represents a lot of hours and a lot of things I haven't experimented with before. It's the first piece I've ever hand quilted that had seams. (check another thing off of my new year's list). It's the first piece I've ever done that has incorporated both knitting and quilting. Yes, call me an over achiever -- but that lace edging is the one I was working on here.

And, yes, the base of this piece is the trip around the world I talked about here. I took some of the suggestions and added embroidery to try and make it pop a bit more. There's a bit in the upper right hand corner.

And a bigger section in the lower left. I also added in some knit flowers to add some dimension. So why the conflict? Well -- I love the individual elements, but, somehow, I'm just not sure about the finished piece. This one is also just, well, despite the fact that I designed most of it -- just so not ME. Maybe because of it, it was really hard to let this one go. I think I may have to repeat this one again. It is on its way to its new owner and I hope she enjoys it. I really did have fun making it, even if I am a bit unsure about how it turned out. Maybe it's just nerves.

Yikes -- I don't post for over a month and then I end up going on and on. I do have more to say (so since when is that a surprise) and show (you should see the lovely swap piece I received -- and you will, I promise!) but I think this one is getting a bit long! I'll post more soon. I won't promise tomorrow, but hopefully this weekend!

Quarterly Review

2008-04-01T13:18:00.008-05:00

Here we are on April 1st (and nope, no April Fool's jokes here) and it seems like a good time to do a business style review of my progress this quarter. Based on my New Year's goals and projections -- let's see how my work has been progressing (or not -- which is much more to the point here).

Skills:

Hand quilting -- actually, I've been working on this one. I still have a bit more to do on my second mini-wholecloth but not bad. I figured it would take much longer to get to this one.

Applique -- still a total and complete wimp.

Embroidery -- I have at least two projects in progress and one that I've finished the embroidery part but I can't show yet (and need to finish the other part and get it in the mail -- eeek!). I also finished the embroidery on my Winter Four Season's Swap. So -- not too bad here. It would be better if I FINISHED a few more things -- but, I'm working on it. And just to prove that I am -- a hint about some of the work on my current Four Season's piece.

Knitting -- well, actually there is more to report here than anywhere else. I've made three and 1/2 pairs of mitts over the past three months, finished a scarf, started another scarf, almost finished a sweater for my daughter, almost finished a princess/fairy dress for my daughter, made three washcloths, a couple of bath scrubbies, and a really long piece of lace and some flowers for embellishments. Whew. That actually is a lot. If you would like to see photos of most of these -- you can check out my Flickr page. I'm still enjoying knitting so it's likely to continue -- though, I have an experiment that I tried over the weekend that is getting frogged when I have enough heart to do it. UGH. As for not adding to the stash -- um, yeah, we just aren't going to go there.

Projects (this is the category that is going to just KILL my stock values here):

PIBS -- (projects in bins) Yeah, haven't touched them. They're still there. They're still waiting for me. See above for some reasons why they haven't been touched.

UFOs -- still there. Still UFO's. Though -- I did finally buy a backing for one UFO (though if I'm kind I'll call it a WISP -- Work in Slow Progress though I haven't touched it since -- let's see -- um, LAST March) that needs to be a FO by June 1st for my daughter's birthday.

Bags -- not going there. Have plans for three or four, have two I need to make pronto. Yep. Not going there.

Stash:

Um, haven't been sewing much, haven't been using up what I have. Though, I will say -- I did find a use for this piece from my stash while Mom was here visiting. Yep -- another new project. There's a surprise.

And if I keep on giving in to lovely new fabrics that I just want to play with -- how I'm ever going to get to use what I have is beyond me. But, really, these? Can you blame me???

And well -- when kind friends decide they want to send you bits and bobs to help you have MORE fabric -- can you REALLY say no? And, let's be honest -- do you really WANT to say no? Especially when you have a little one with a shoe fetish? No -- I didn't think so. (but I will say thank you so much KATE!!!)

As for hoarding fabrics (a nasty little tendency) -- um, is it really hoarding if you haven't been using much fabric AT ALL?!?
Christmas:

It sounded like a good idea, get Christmas presents done throughout the year so that my November/December isn't totally crazy. Started well -- hasn't been working out all that great. The one present I had managed to make has already been given away. NEED to get on top of this one if I don't want a repeat of last year's sweat shop.

Life:

Trying. Best I can do some days.

So -- overall report. Um, yeah, not so great. I have a ton of projects started, in the works, plots and plans and not much action. Not to mention I've been neglecting my blog. I won't even mention the number of posts I have plotted out in my head and haven't gotten to yet. Not to mention how far behind I am in my blog reading (yeah -- when bloglines tells you there are over 1000 posts you haven't read -- time to do some serious reading and/or editing of your lists -- so I apologize if I haven't been commenting much lately).

As for my giveaway -- I've had a terrible work stoppage problem here at my house (Tink and Mr. Cornfields have been sick). The drawing that was supposed to happen while my Mom was here didn't -- so I will be drawing names TONIGHT and posting winners tomorrow. My helper is feeling better so -- time to get her back to work!

Wips, gifts, and other assorted stuff

2008-03-19T15:50:00.012-05:00

First -- thanks so much to everyone who has been cheering me on in the "mommy vs. toddler" nighttime wars. (we won't even mention the potty wars) It helps knowing I'm not alone in this one -- and that it will end. Eventually. In the meantime -- sleep, ah yes, I remember it fondly :0).

On the plus side, I have had a few spare moments to work on some projects. Mostly handwork since, well, by the time I get all the machine stuff set up -- someone is daring me to come up and tell her to go to bed -- again. But, hey, couch time is good :0). I've been able to work a bit on my hand quilting.

And weave in the (seemingly) bazillion ends for this sweater. There weren't really a bazillion -- but, more than I really wanted to deal with anyway. I still need to sew in the sleeves and the side seams and knit a little bit of trim (more ends, yippee!).

Oh, and work on some little tiny flowers. These are part of my solution for this quilt top.

And so is this. Speaking of which, I need to do some blocking tonight so I can get an accurate read on the length of it. More will be revealed in time :0).

And I did get the bunny houses done as well. Here's the front of the finished Victorian number -- may I say that glitter and small children is a BAD idea? Yeah -- thought I could :0). I think I'll save pictures of the other house for Sunday. Yeah, um, Easter and all.

I also got some great mail this week. A beautiful whole cloth quilt that I just CAN NOT get a good picture of. I won it in a blog drawing a few months ago from Suzanne over at Art, Quilts and Other Adventures. And since I, of course, chose the option of a mini-whole cloth rather than the faster, and easier, fabric -- yes, it's my fault, and not Suzanne's. I WISH I could have gotten a better picture. The machine quilting on this is just sooooo incredible. Maybe, someday, if I work really, really hard -- um, yeah, I can be something like 1/10 as good. Thank you Suzanne -- this one is getting hung in my office. Mostly so I can walk past it and pet it every day :0).

I also got a lovely goodie package from Sharon over at Red Geranium Cottage. When I posted about some of the mitts I've been knitting, she commented (once, or maybe twice) about really liking them but that she can't knit. Soooo -- I proposed a trade. Mitts for some fabric. :0). I think I came out waaaaay ahead in this deal. Thank you so much Sharon!!! I love, love, love these Japanese fabrics she sent as well as the little koala -- um, I think it's for making muffins or something? Help?!?! (if I'm not careful Miss Tink's gonna take it over for her play doh!) I can't wait to play with these -- and the hedgehogs?!? oh yeah I NEED to get some projects out of the way!

Ok, well, that's it for now (more than enough don't you think?). A lot of things in the works -- not a whole lot done. Kind of like my cleaning, but hey, Mom won't be here for another 12 hours or so...

Ooops -- almost forgot. Again. Geesh, my mind is full of swiss cheese. See -- last weekend wasn't just my hubby's birthday (he got some lovely sushi delivered to him as a special lunch/dinner together -- I wasn't quite THAT forgetful). It also wan't just National Quilting Day. Seems it was also my one year blogaversary as well (take THAT Ides of March). Oh, and I passed the whole 100 posts celebration thing sometime last January too. Sooooo -- I should probably do something about that shouldn't I?!? Yeah -- I think so. Post a comment to this post to be entered into a drawing. What, exactly the prize is I'm not sure. It may be fabric. It may be a hand made goodie from me. It may be a combination of the two :0). I'll keep the comment/blog drawing open until Midnight, Easter Sunday (sounds like a good enough time to me) and announce the winner next week :0). Thanks for sticking around and listening to my angst and my quilting/knitting/crafting babble for the past year. When I started this blog I had NO idea how much I would come to enjoy it and/or how many great friends I would make on the net. Just goes to show -- quilters (and other crafters) are some of the best kinds of people!

Unintended Blog Break

2008-03-13T16:15:00.005-05:00

Hey all -- wow, when I made my last post I had no idea I would be taking a week and 1/2 off from blogging. I'd love to say that it was due to some mysterious, dark stranger who came and whisked me off for a romantic trip filled with fabric and yarn shopping. (hey -- we all have our fantasies right? I mean -- it COULD happen, we won't mention pesky details about my hubby or child waiting for me at home. This is after all a FANTASY) But, well, nope.

I've mostly been bad company to be around -- a combination of winter hanging on way too long (will this snow and cold NEVER end? maybe -- it's sunny out now and almost human temps), a few nights of "bedtime battle" (who knew a 2 yo could be THAT passive aggressive? I mean, one or two potty accidents in one night I'll buy -- the 8 times we had?? Each one pretty much calculated to allow me to get downstairs and sit down before she called me up to tell me she had wet her bed? Yeah -- not buying it. We are now having serious conversations about only wearing big girl panties. If her control of her bladder is that good -- um, I'm not buying pull-ups anymore. That particular battle also lasted over three hours folks, meaning she got to sleep close to midnight, I got to sleep a heck of a lot later -- so not doing that again), and being ticked off at a universe where a really sweet lady is no longer here -- and her 14 yo daughter is without her mother. Yeah, that one has really been eating at me. Nothing I can do about it. Nothing to really be angry at, but -- still, makes me want to scream at the universe or something. And yeah, the funeral. Have I mentioned I don't do funerals well? (no, I don't make a scene or anything -- I go, I'm polite, I'm even presentable -- I just, well, don't like doing it. I never know what to say -- then again, if I did maybe then something would be wrong?)

Unfortunately, the something I've been doing hasn't been much on the crafty end. I've got a few things in the works but nothing worth showing really. Um, unless you count some mommy/daughter Easter decorations? You will? Great (hate to have a post without photos here). This one started out because Tink asked me if we could "decorate" the house. (sniff, sniff, so proud) Ok -- no problem. Wait. Possible problem. So I look through my decorations. Halloween. Check. Christmas. Check. Birthday. Check. Easter. Um, nope. Nothing, zilch, nadda. So, a trip to Michael's -- cute bunny house kits. Sticker backed pieces. A project we can do together, on sale -- perfect. Yeah, until I got home and realized that this lovely little bunny Victorian included glue. And glitter. (please refer to what happened with little one and sprinkles) Ok, so less the little one could do -- way more for Mommy. (at least, if I don't want EVERYTHING in the house covered with iridescent glitter)

Back to Michael's for the simple cottage. Smaller, fewer pieces, no glitter. No glue. We've been working on both of them -- she peels off the backings to the stickers, I do some placement, she pushes in place. At the current pace -- both should be done for Easter. Yeah team. (that is IF Mommy gets off her duff and finishes gluing down all the extra pieces.) I'll share finished photos when appropriate.

Other than that -- a few books I was planning to review but I had to return them to the library. And some other crafty goodness in the works. I'll post more about those projects later. Until then -- um, I've got a certain hubby who has a birthday soon (soon? crud -- it's tomorrow. Ok, a present to make tonight -- or, a card? cards are good right?), an anniversary of sorts coming up, a sweater I said was going to be for an Easter gift, and a visit from my Mom in a week (panic cleaning -- goodie -- though her only request is that the bathrooms be clean -- that I CAN promise). Enough with the feeling down in the dumps -- who the heck has time?!?

Playing with Pastels

2008-03-04T15:22:00.006-06:00

Let me start off by saying that, despite seeing a whole lot of Cherry Baby fabrics hanging out here lately, I'm not really a pastel person. There's nothing wrong with pastels. They're cool. They're lovely. I just tend to gravitate to more saturated colors. But, as most of you know, sometimes fabrics just call to you. They say "play with me". And hey, who am I to ignore it when fabric is talking?

First step to play with fabrics? Yeah, that would have been clean the mess in my sewing area. Here's an "after" shot. Still a few things on the table (it's never REALLY clear -- but, getting ready to sew now takes all of 2 minutes rather than the hour and 1/2 it took to get it to this point).

And then, while I do have a few other projects I need to get to -- I played. I will have the "need to finish" projects done this week -- but, well, some bad news over the weekend kind of sent me into a place where I needed to play. I needed to remember that while this winter seems to have been dragging on forever, the world won't seem like it's in perpetual hibernation forever -- and that there is rebirth and renewal that will come.

So, this is what I came up with. In a few ways it's totally unlike what I usually do. It's pastel for one thing. And then, well, it's a pretty darned traditional quilt piecing design. (I like traditional designs, I just don't make very many of them) Of course, I did add my own "twist" to the traditional -- but, hmmm...

I'm just not sure it works. I had an idea for a series of four of these little quilts (this one is about 18 1/2 by 18 1/2). I was going to play with different border and edge treatments and kind of do an ode to spring (and yes, one of them in a slightly smaller size to accommodate borders was going to be for my Four Season's Swap). I also had some vague ideas of doing some embroidery embellishment to the top. I'm just not sure it's worth continuing on with -- or whether I should call the experiment a bust and start over.

I think part of the problem is lack of contrast in the fabrics. The design I chose (bonus points if you can tell what the design IS -- I'm not sure I can and I made it) is one that should have a bit more contrast. Maybe I was being influenced by all of the lovely blended quilts (the link takes you to Nicole's finished challenge quilts, but the post has links to others) I was seeing last month?

Part of the problem is surely my own fault -- I'm usually of the "more fabrics is better" school of thought (why use one or two when you can use 10 or 20?). And I did that here -- maybe confining myself to 5 or 10 would have been better than the, um, I think 30 or so I did use? (gotta love those jelly rolls -- oh, yeah, that was how I got into this mess in the first place) But seriously folks -- here's a bit of a closeup with the sun shining on it, how could I have chosen just a few of these fabrics?

I guess the question now is whether to keep on trucking with this experiment or not? Any advice, opinions? For those of you involved in the Four Seasons swap -- um, would you hate something like this (though not this one) in your mailbox? I welcome some good, constructive criticism here. In the meantime -- I have a few "have to finish it" projects that are calling out to me. Oh yeah, and some blog reading to catch up on, oh, and laundry, grocery shopping, etc. I suppose it will keep me out of trouble. But oh, I really want to play!

Calgon take me away

2008-02-29T15:32:00.009-06:00

Please tell me I'm not the only one who remembers that commercial. The woman in the lovely bubble filled tub who is blissfully soaking while images of all the other stuff going crazy around her float around her head? I want that Calgon moment (without having to use calgon actually, nothing wrong with it, just kind of makes my skin itch). I especially want it since my day, which was all planned out, has so not gone as I wanted it to today.

I had a whole list of things that needed to get done today. Bank. Library. Post office. Grocery store. Job applications (time to look for employment for the fall if you are a teacher, which is what I have been doing all week). All so that I could be done with that list by sometime around 2:00 which would have given me time to tackle my sewing area. It's a disaster. If I was quick, I would even have had time to, gasp, sew today. Oh bliss.

And for those of you who don't believe me when I say how awful my sewing area currently is? (gwen, Nan, you know who you are) Um, let me show you JUST how bad it is. You see, I went out of town for five (only five really) days. My sewing "room" is also the eat-in dining room/kitchen. Now I did leave in a hurry and there were a few (just a few mind you) things piled here when I left. But, well, I came back to this. And -- in the just over a week and 1/2 since I've been back? Um -- I may have added just a bit to it (just a little mind you). But -- well, hey -- I've had a sick kid, a job fair, etc. going on.

Oh yeah, and I've had to work on digging out the REST of the house (trust me folks, those photos I'm scared to take -- the health department may just come and threaten to take Miss Tink away for her own safety). Now, some of this mess is mine, I will admit. But -- um, I don't remember putting the stuffed fish in my chair. Or the Olivia books hanging out there either. Hmmn...I wonder who thought that would be a good place for those things to hang out? I'm thinking she's adorable and about 3 feet tall, but still...

And just for yucks, how about a photo from the other side? If you squint really hard and look closely enough you MIGHT be able to see some fabric hanging out there. Maybe. I know there's a cutting mat somewhere under there as well -- somewhere. Where? I'm not entirely certain -- oh wait, I do see a small corner of it peeking out. Ah, good, it does still exist. I was beginning to wonder.

And Libby's challenge to show our ironing boards on our blogs? Yeah -- I was thinking about that one -- and then realized that THIS is the state of my ironing board. I'll cop to the Target bags (thanks Suzanne for telling me about them -- reusable and a whole $.99 each -- wooo hooo). But, um, -- while I like Tinkerbell (the fairy as opposed to Miss Tinkerbell whom I love to pieces) -- the purse so does NOT match my ensemble. Any of my ensembles. Again, I wonder who it could belong to?

Though, since I was taking pictures I did manage to ~~shove aside~~ move a few things to take a photo of the actual state of the pressing surface. It's not too bad really, then again -- this is just the wear since December when I replaced the darned cover. I go through about one new cover ever six months or so. I usually stick with the plain duck cloth covered ones because -- well, I destroy them. The last one went to ironing board cover heaven because of the holes I had burned through it. Yep -- I do love me some steam, but, well, um, it does take its toll.

So -- why am I here asking for a Calgon moment rather than working on the ~~huge honking~~ mess that used to be my sewing area? Or better yet -- done with the ~~decontamination~~ clean-up and blissfully sewing away? Miss Tinkerbell herself. I've spent the better part of my day at one Dr.'s office or another trying to have them find one of these. No, not the penny. The green thing. It's one of my knitting stitch markers. Lovely little things, soft, simple. Great. I love it for marking stitches for my knitting.

So where were Dr.'s looking for it? Um, yeah, that would be up Miss Tink's nose. Go ahead. Laugh. I know I've been doing a lot of it today. There is a point at which things are so absurd you have to laugh. Right before leaving for daycare this morning she announced that she had shoved it up her nose. My husband looked, I looked, couldn't see it. Ok, off to convenient care. Um, yeah, you remember that place right? Only this time, since I had a 2 year old to entertain, no knitting. UGH. And then, the convenient care Dr. couldn't find it either. Referral to the ear, nose throat specialist. Nope, not seeing it. So, a lovely scope (which I explained to Tink as a camera up her nose). All the while folks are asking -- are you sure she did it? And bad mother that I am -- "um, sure, I guess so" I'm taking the word of a 2 yo here folks. While the nose stuffing was occurring, I was upstairs throwing on my jeans and getting ready to drop her off at daycare -- I wasn't actually present. My husband was with her. On the plus side for the toddler's story -- she's pretty specific (pointed to which nostril and very sure about what color it was) oh, yeah, and my husband totally believed her so -- I'm going with it. When she's making up things -- usually it's NOT something she's going to get in trouble for. So, nothing on the scope either. Best guess is that she sniffed it back to her throat and has since swallowed it. Ok, so we get to (oh yuck) keep on eye on the poop situation and see if it comes out the other end. Fun. (we also get to keep an eye on her "booger" production and make sure it didn't go into her lungs and start an infection -- again -- joy oh joy).

On the plus side -- Miss Tinkerbell is a trooper and every single doctor and nurse was amazed at how cheerful (she gleefully told them it was a 'geen stich mawker' up her nose while pointing to her left nostril -- little scamp) and well behaved she was. Not a lick of complaint, even when they were shoving things up her nose and/or squirting liquids up there so they could get a better look. She was even polite and said "thank you" to the Dr.'s. ALMOST enough for me to forgive her for shoving it up there in the first place. Almost.

So, what did I get done today? Bank? If I hurry maybe. Food? Looks like we're going out to eat tonight. Library? What's one more day of late fees? Applications? They're online -- I can work on them tonight. Post office? Luckily open tomorrow -- sorry Sharon and Aunt L. One more day. Sewing table? Um...yeah, pretty much the same state as in the photos. And, given the day I've had -- the applications may wait for tomorrow with the sewing table getting attention tonight. I NEED some fabric therapy. And hey, if I can get in some fabric therapy -- I may have a third package to send off tomorrow. Woo Hoo!

So -- Calgon? Nah -- I don't have any (though I do have some absolutely yummy vanilla sugar scrub and salts). I think tonight's stress relievers of choice will be some fabric play and some lovely hot chocolate. With homemade marshmallows. (note -- the marshmallows are already made. And pink. Tinkerbell helped :0) ) And if a little bit of the Irish manages to find its way into my mug? Yeah, just about perfect.

Oh, yes, I'm also going to be hiding all of my knitting supplies. ALL of them. I mean, this time it was a stitch marker. I don't want to KNOW where she would think of putting my bamboo double pointed needles. *shudder* Or my Addi's -- um, yeah. Lesson learned for Mom too -- don't leave ANY crafting supplies out where small one can get to them. Maybe a touch more of the Irish will be needed?!?

Goodies, goodies, and a few wips

2008-02-27T13:12:00.017-06:00

I knew the song lyric thing had to end sometime -- looks like this post is it. I do still have some older projects to share, but all this nostalgia is reminding me that I need to show you the new stuff I bought and am working on.

First up, the goodies I purchased while I was in New Mexico. Mom isn't a quilter, but she does knit. Given my recent knitting jag, I had to hit the local yarn shop, Unravel. They've got some absolutely lovely yarns and super friendly service. In addition to yarns and other knitting goodies, they also have some embroidery and other needlecraft supplies. Since I had limited space in my suitcase, and wallet, I was good. Just these two skeins of cotton/alpaca mix yarns and some stitchery transfers/patterns. I do love those Sublime Stitching patterns -- one is just words and an alphabet, but the other has cobwebs, and gravestones. I'm thinking Halloween here folks. Oh, who am I kidding? I'm thinking my husband would get a real kick out of something from these. In fact, his birthday is coming up....

I also picked these up at the same shop. Two Shashiko (Japanese quilting design) kits and thread. I actually had managed to walk out of the shop without these lovelies -- then I couldn't stop talking about them to my mother. Yeah, I went back. I had to. One is a set of fans, and the other is dragonflies. I really can't wait to try these out, though, the instructions are in Japanese. Hmmnnn...I also can't decide whether or not to do it with a backing or just treat it as a single layer embroidery...I'll figure it out eventually. (Unravel doesn't have an online ordering site -- but, I did find the same kits online here, not that I would try and convince others to join in my madness).

And wouldn't you just know, there is a quilt shop right across the courtyard from the knit shop? Don't you hate it when that happens? Organ Mountain Quilt Shop has a lovely selection of fabrics, notions, books and patterns. I was drooling over their wall 'o Batiks as well as some of the full collections from Moda and Robert Kaufman they carry. Oh my. But, again, I was soooooo good. I only walked out with one little quilt book (on sale for 20% off!) and one little 1/2 yard of fabric. I know, I wasn't sick -- just, well, I knew how much room I left myself in my suitcase. And how many projects I currently have going at home (which I think has more to do with it). I actually have a book review planned for this book (but, hey, it came home with me so that tells you something right there) so I'm not going to say much about it now.

While I was at Mom's I did get some work done. When I was packing, my biggest worry was what to bring on the plane with me to work on. Yeah, I know, I should have been thinking about clothes and stuff -- but, well, I knew I'd have some serious waiting around time. There was the three hour flight, surgery, hanging around at home while Mom was sleeping off anesthesia, etc. Unfortunately, I didn't have any quilting/embroidery handwork prepped, but oh my, I did take some knitting. I already showed you the mitt I finished (which still needs its mate), but I did do some other stuff. I brought Miss Tinkerbell's pink and purple with me and all of the knitting is done. I still need to seam up the other side, get some ribbons for the ties and make the skirt, but, hey, it's for her birthday. I have time.

I also may have ~~raided, borrowed,~~ looked through Mom's yarn stash and got permission to take some lovely cotton yarn she had. I may have also had a look through her patterns and found one that would be perfect for said yarn. And, since I happened to have the right sized needles with me, I may have cast on a sweater for my daughter. And well, since it's easy and fun, I may have gotten a whole lot done on said sweater. Like, darned near 1/2 of it. It's a fun little wrap sweater from this book. It's the pattern on the cover. The pattern is actually for a 12 month size, but Miss Tinkerbell is so skinny, the width fits. So, I'm just making it a bit longer in the length. Since coming home I've finished one of the sleeves and I should have the other one done this week. I'm thinking this one is going to be a lovely little lightweight Easter sweater. I'm being optimistic that the weather will allow for a lightweight sweater for Easter (but I'm not gonna hold my breath).

I also got some great mail while I was gone. This was waiting for me when I got home. A lovely mini quilt from the Calico Cat. This is part of a private swap we're doing -- I still need to get hers out in the mail but it will be done this week. Oh yes. It will be done. (points for the movie reference for this one). I love the bright colors and the cat print in the border :0).

She also sent along a bunch of goodies including some star blocks that didn't make the cut and this little tin full of Moda Cinnamon Stars charms. I'm thinking the mini-quilt pattern in the tin is just about perfect and I feel another mini quilt coming on. Thanks so much!!!

And there was some fabric included to make her a mini-messenger bag like the one I made for my cousin for Christmas. So, that tutorial I was promising? It will be coming up shortly folks! And hey, it's a chance to play with this absolutely adorable Japanese fabric. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it! I can't wait to cut into this one -- it's just going to be fun!

I also found out when I got back that I had won a blog contest over at Wool and Company. Since I not only guessed the yarn, but also the pattern, I was the big winner. Ok, so I've done one scarf in that pattern and am working on another -- it isn't cheating. And, well, I've been in the shop often enough lately that I know they're in love with the new Noro sock yarns...still, it's just using my knowledge for good right? So, here's my winnings. A skein of each of the yarns used in the scarf and a pair of needles in the right size to make one of my own. Can I just say yummy? Of course, I should finish a few other projects first...but, oh, the temptation...

And speaking of finishes. I do have two to report. First up, the Bella quilt. I did get it quilted before I left -- but the binding had to wait until I got back. It's now hanging at the shop, and I have to say it's adorable. It also is one of those projects that looks like it took a heck of a lot more time than it really did (minus the getting sick, getting called out of town, etc.). This one is nothing more than fussy cut letters from the Lakehouse alphabet panel and charm squares straight out of the pack. Add a 1/4 yard of binding and some backing and you're set. The quilting is super simple, but the letters look like applique if you don't know about the panels. In fact, it fooled one of the shop employees for a second or two. A totally fun project and wouldn't it be adorable for a new baby?

I also finished this one (well, kinda, still needs the ends woven in) as a Valentine's present for my husband before I left. It's just a knit washcloth -- but, since he loved the Transformers when he was younger I just HAD to make it for him. He appreciated the humor and that I made it. So, way cool.

Oh, and one last thing (as if this post hasn't gone on long enough -- can you tell I'm still playing catch-up? I was only gone 5 days, you would think I would be caught up by now wouldn't you? yeah, that whole sick toddler thing when I got back kind of put a kink in the works) -- this is a teaser hint for another blogger. Nope, I'm gonna keep the soon to be finish a surprise, but I hope you like the hint!

That is sooooo much more than enough for now. Time for me to dig out my sewing area -- FINALLY! I'll take a before picture so you'll believe me when I say how messy my house gets (not to mention my sewing area if I don't police it pretty regularly). UGH. My kingdom for a cleaning service. Or a separate craft room -- yeah, that would be nice!

It's Just A Jump to the Left...

2008-02-22T15:59:00.014-06:00

I'm stretching a bit with today's title, but given the last two quilts were from the late 1800's, there is a bit of a time warp going on with today's offering. And for some reason I'm addicted to these darned song lyrics. Anyhoo...

This quilt comes from my Dad's side of the family and is of much more recent vintage. Mom remembers that it was a gift for their wedding in 1968. It is a true scrap quilt -- lots and lots of fabrics in this one and lots of combinations. They all appear to be cottons, though, some could be blends. There are feed sacks, shirtings, possible dress materials, even some cord material in there. The white areas all appear to be plain white muslin though. The size is approximately twin. Again, no quilting on this one, but it does have a batting which looks like it is a layer of white flannel and it is tied. One tie through the center of every single star and tie in the corners where every block meets.

Mom remembers that my grandmother on that side tied this, but we both agree it is unlikely that she actually did any of the piecework. My grandmother had her talents (the woman could bake like no other, and remind me someday to take photos of the baby clothes she crocheted for me) but sewing was not really one of them. It's much more likely that this one is made by the same person who made this quilt. Especially since there are a lot of fabrics that are common to both pieces. That would mean that it was probably pieced by my great-grandmother, and more likely my grandfather's mother. My grandmother's mother was a German immigrant and I just don't see her doing much of this patchwork -- though, I could be wrong. Any clues from my friends in Germany as to whether this would have been common there in the 20's and 30's? It's much more likely that the top was already finished and my grandmother simply tied and bound it. Or, that it was even farther along than that when my grandmother gave it to Mom and Dad. Unfortunately, anyone who would have the information is now gone.

The blocks themselves are interesting. They are hexagons with a six pointed star in the middle. The finished sides of each hexagon are 2 1/4". That's a whole lot of small piecing for those stars. I'm not sure if these are hand or machine pieced, I've seen evidence of both in the blocks though. I don't know the name of the block (if anyone has any information it would be appreciated) but it does explain why I absolutely LOVE hexagon designs in quilts. These quilts are ones that really mean "quilt" to me. I grew up with them. I remember using them for picnics, camping, snuggling on. They were not put away as "treasures" as Mom said "They were just quilts, we used them." And yeah, that's exactly how it is supposed to be :0).

The edges are bound, but rather than cutting off some of the hexagons to create a "squared" quilt, the binding follows the hexagon pattern all the way around. Part of me shudders at the thought of having to turn all those corners with binding. The other part of me is doing some little dances of glee going "I've gotta try that." I'm not sure which part is going to win eventually (though I'm kinda voting for the sane part that says 1/2 blocks at the edge aren't so bad...).

Now, given that the quilt has been used, and used well, there is some damage. Some of the fabrics have not held up. There are wear spots and some tears and some staining. Mom wants to wash it to see if the stains will come out, but with the state of some of the fabrics -- I'm not so sure. However, I mean, I could do some rescue work here. I can trace the pieces, create templates, replicate blocks and replace them. I have the skills, I have the technology, and more importantly, I have...

this. No, this is not the same quilt. It is the twin to the one I've been showing you. Fraternal twins -- but twins just the same. :0)

Unfortunately, time has not been as kind to this quilt as it has to the first one. While the first one has a quite a few damage spots but may be salvageable, this one, um, this one is a cutter. I think Mom had a small coronary when I looked at the second quilt and said that -- but, honestly? That's what it is. It got better when I stated referring to this one as the "donor" quilt.

While the donor has pretty extensive damage, there are some good spots that I could lift out blocks and replace those in the first. Having said that, I'm not planning on doing this rescue any time soon -- but, eventually, yeah, I'm going to do it. I'd also like to try my hand at making a few of the blocks with some modern fabrics. Now, will I end up with enough blocks to make two twin sized quilts? Um -- yeah, probably not. That's a WOLE LOT of hexagons folks. And here I thought Jane Stickle was crazy -- looks like that kind of insanity runs in my family too. Especially since I also remember my grandmother having two of these quilts at her house when I was young. I remember sleeping under them when I went to visit her for a week every summer. What happened to them, I don't know -- but think, making enough of these blocks for 4, count 'em 4, twin sized bead spreads. EEEKKK!!!! I'm hoping for enough patience with the pattern for maybe a pillow. Possibly a throw.

I hope you've enjoyed the quilt show from Mom's house -- I've still got more photos to share of other works from Mom's, just not quilts. These are all MUCH more recent vintage as well. As in, well, my lifetime since I made most of them. And I still have goodies to share -- retail therapy and some current crafting. Not much of the current stuff this week -- I've been digging out and dealing with a sick Miss Tinkerbell. She managed to survive being exposed to my strep throat without catching it -- but, another kid at daycare seems to have passed it on to her. UGH. Until next time!

PS -- SPELL CHECK WORKED!!! OMG!!!!!!!!!

The Show Must Go On

2008-02-21T12:51:00.012-06:00

Or rather my own internet "Mom's Quilted Treasures" quilt show must. (and hey, I've managed a post title that combines a cliche AND a song lyric/cultural reference -- cool) Thanks to everyone who has been saying such nice things about my great-great-grandmother's quilt. But it's not the only quilted treasure hanging out at Mom's house. This next one actually belongs to me, but I decided that it needed to be in "Mom protective custody" for the time being. My housekeeping skills and the quick hands of a toddler mean this one just doesn't have a spot to be cared for properly in my home right now.

This quilt also comes from Mom's side of the family. One of my aunts received it when my great grandmother died and passed it on to me almost two years ago because she knows how much I love quilts and quilting. According to my aunt, it's not from my great grandmother's side of the family, but rather from my great grandfather's. According to my aunt, my great grandmother said it was "old." (and given that SHE was born in 1896, that says something) And that's about the extent of the sure information I have about its history.

The quilt itself is a largish lap/smallish twin size. The blocks are log cabin blocks that have been foundation pieced (more on how I know that in a minute) and set in the barn raising pattern. The center blocks are not the "traditional" red or yellow -- the are a variety of fabrics that match the light logs in the blocks. All of the dark logs are solid black fabrics with the lights being composed of various solids and prints. Since that side of the family is from Kentucky near the Ohio river/border -- there may be some Amish influence (ya think?) but this is NOT an Amish quilt. At least, I'm pretty sure it's not. Why do I say that? While solids are more traditional, I have heard of Amish pieces that use patterned prints. Yep -- but, I've never heard of an Amish quilt that uses silk. Yep -- unlike the last quilt -- this one is not pieced from calicoes (though there are some used as foundations). All of the logs are silk and/or silk crepe, and that includes the plaids and the red binding.

I'd give a detail shot of the quilting but, well, there isn't any. Nor is there any batting. It appears the foundation pieces were joined and then it was backed and bound which probably means this was not meant for use as a bed covering. Well, heck, given the materials used, I'd doubt it was meant as a bed covering as well. Maybe a table covering? Anyway, because of the materials used this one also has some pretty extensive damage in areas. You can see here where the blue silk is these logs is simply desintigrating due to time. There are several spots on the front where this is happening. (and also partially how I know about the foundation piecing :0) )

Also interesting is the way the logs are put together. they are not simply sewn to the foundation and folded back like we do modern paper piecing. they are sewn down and then a knife pleat is created so that all of the logs are actually "pleats" on the front. Hopefully this picture explains better than my words are doing. It's kind of neat though.

The backing is made of one piece of silk crepe material in a brown and white pattern. There is one corner where there is a rip in the backing (it goes all the way through to the front) but it shows the stitches on the foundation really well and it shows where a plaid was used as a foundation. The stitches here also look like they are hand stitched. So, if pressed, I'd say this one was at least partially hand pieced. If I HAD to put a date to this one, I would guesstimate that it's roughly the same age as the one my great-great-grandmother made. Though, I will give it a bit more leeway in the "earlier" department. I'm going to say anywhere from 1870-1890. I can't go any earlier because of the log cabin blocks and I don't want to go much later because of my great grandmother's comments about its age.

Also, while the blacks appear to all be one type of fabric -- they aren't. The one photo I took with a flash really shows the number of different black silks that went into this piece.

One thing that I'm not sure I've been able to show with the photos are the colors in this one. Yes, the black stands out, but really, what I noticed about it this time were all of the colors in the light side of the blocks. Look at that purple, and the green. Just yummy. I so could see myself wearing those colors. Heck, I could see myself wearing most of the colors in this quilt. Not so sure about the plaids though. :0)

The thing about this quilt for me is that it invites dreams and speculation. Let's face it, there is a LOT of black silk in this one. Why would someone have that much black silk? Was this a memorial quilt and when the maker had put aside mourning dress did they use the fabrics to make it? Were they bits and pieces left over from dresses? Were the light blocks from dresses from happier times and possibly some from half mourning (lavender) with the blacks of full mourning combined? Were these bits of white silk (which is tissue thin and delicate -- I tried touching it, then thought better of it when I realized how thin it acutally was) the remnants from a wedding gown lovingly preserved? All of those questions are ones that spin through my mind, and because I have so little information about it -- I can dream over. I know it makes bad history. I know its what leads to over romantacized notions of quilting. I know. I also can't say for sure that is what this quilt is. But I can have fun dreaming :0).

I have two more quilts as part of my mini-show to share tomorrow and I will finally be able to get to the retail therapy and other progress on projects. Thanks for indulging my trips through my family's quilting history. I'm off to do some more ~~digging out~~ cleaning and to dream about my long ago relative who decided to make log cabins out of silk.

Out of the Mouths of Babes...

2008-02-21T00:44:00.003-06:00

It's past midnight and I should be in bed. I was on my way there when I heard Miss Tinkerbell calling out to me and I just had to share this one before I make my appointment with my pillows. (and yep, I switched from cultural references to cliches)

I heard Miss Tink crying and calling for me. I figured it was a bad dream, nothing a little TLC can't cure. I go and pick her up for some cuddles and ask what's wrong.

"I'm sad Mommy"

"Why sweetie? What happend"

"I'm just sad"

So, I tell her that when I'm sad, sometimes it helps if I think about what makes me happy. And I asked her what made her happy. I'm expecting an answer that includes one of her stuffed animals, her art stuff, her toys, her videos, etc. Her response was instant.

" 'Nama"
"Nana"
"Papa"
"Anne"
"George"

These are her grandparents and her great grandparents folks. Then she pulls this one out --

"All you need are friends"

This from my 2 1/2 year old daughter. And at that age -- she gets it. Not a single toy was mentioned -- only people (a few friends from school made the list too. Mommy and Daddy may have been in there somewhere -- kind of hard to tell since she was falling back asleep on my shoulder).

Thanks Miss Tinkerbell for the reminder. And thanks for letting me know that you have so much to teach me.

For all my bloggy friends -- you make me happy :0).

And now for something completely different

2008-02-20T13:25:00.010-06:00

I thought I might actually post about some crafty/quilty stuff. I know, kind of a stretch for this blog, but hey, it's there in the title. As for when I will stop using cultural (pop or otherwise) references and song lyrics for my post titles? Um, probably not anytime soon.

First though, the obligatory vacation photos. (hey, it wasn't really a vacation, but it's the closest I've come in a long time) This is part of the view from my Mom's back porch. For a flatlander like me, going anywhere there are tall hills (also known as mountains) is kind of cool.

I always forget how beautiful the desert can be when I leave there. It is stunning. And the night skies? Oh my, it really makes you appreciate just how much you miss due to light pollution in other places. Of course, it could also have something to do with the higher elevations. If anyone's curious about the location of these mountains and the desert -- they are in the Mesilla Valley of southern New Mexico. Las Cruces to be precise. If you get the chance -- I can't say enough nice things about the people there (Hi DJ!) and their hospitality. They do need to do something about their speed limits though. I think there was one road I was driving on the entire time that was over 35 mph. UGH. (sorry, I'm way too used to lightly populated areas having much higher speed limits)

Anyway -- I didn't see a whole lot of the area on this trip. I spent a lot of time at Mom's house hanging out and getting her stuff when she needed it. But this is good from a crafting point of view. I had some time to work on a couple of projects (which I'll show later) and, more importantly, I was able to take photos of some of the crafty treasures hanging out at Mom's house. Some are things I made, and some are truly treasures handed down in the family. Yep, some lovely antique quilts!!!!

Today's offering was made by my great-great-grandmother. It's unsigned, but Mom remembers it from her childhood and also remembers helping her great-grandmother by threading quilting needles for her. The quilt is roughly queen sized and is a two color pink and white quilt. The pink is a lovely dotted double pink and the white is plain white muslin. I don't know what the pattern is, but there are feathered triangles surrounding large white hexagons. An approximate date on this one is anywhere from 1880-1890. The date is based on the date of my great-great-grandmother's birth and the date of my great-grandmother's birth as Mom is pretty sure this quilt was made by my great-great-grandmother as part of her trousseau. Location of creation would have been West Virgina.

Each of the plain white hexagons is quilted with a feathered wreath with cross hatching in the center of the circle. I don't know enough to even guess at the number of stitches per inch, but it looks pretty darned good to me. Each of the feathered triangles is quilted about a 1/4 inch in from the seams. I wasn't able to get a good shot of the back (would have involved more work than I care think of to take it off the wall) -- but the back is plain muslin with at least one spot showing some repair.

The borders on this one include a small border of triangles and a larger border of the double pink. Before the border begins there is a cabled quilting design. The final border is quilted with diagonal lines, and a few of those do get a bit wonky in places. I'm not sure if a single person quilted this one or if there was a bee of some sort. Either is possible, which might explain the care in the main circles with the slightly wonky edge treatments. Or, it could just be the edges were harder to work with.

There is no binding on this one. The edges are folded in and finished that way. And just to show you the scale of those triangles, here's a picture with my finger in there. Let me state I do not have big hands (the rest of me, sure, but my wedding ring is a 5 1/2). My assumption is that this one is hand pieced, though I'm not 100% certain on that one. It seems likely though.

I do love this quilt. It really is a masterwork. There are a few damage spots, but for its age it has held up remarkably well. And the damage? Some sun fading on one side (no, not from Mom hanging it up, there is more light in that room for the photos than really ever gets in there) that was there when Mom got it. One spot on one triangle where the fabric looks like it has torn slightly, but otherwise, pretty darned pristine. Mom had the hanging sleeve added to it sometime in the early 80's after it came to her when my great-grandmother died. It's hung in her home since. Someday, it will hang in mine, and I will be glad to know I come from a line of quilters (even if that line was broken a bit before it got to me :0) ).

And just to show that I didn't spend all of my time gazing at the mountains, marveling at the fact that my toes were warm for the first time in months and staring at beautiful antique quilts. Here's a shot of some knitting I did while was on a plane and waiting for Mom to get out of surgery. Another pair of mitts. Or, well, a single mitt anyway. No, Sharon, this one isn't yours -- yours I'm making you wait to see :0). This one is for another exchange I'm working on. And I do hope the recipient likes the colors :0).

And still no freakin' spell check. ARRGGHHHH! Oh well, I have a couple more family quilts to share and the retail therapy excursions, plus more works in progress...but, I need to go dig out my house. Somehow leaving suddenly and leaving my husband and 2 1/2 year old on their own for a few days means my house is even more of a disaster than usual. Time to acutally dig out! (wish me luck, I'm going in...)

What a Long, Strange Trip

2008-02-18T08:57:00.003-06:00

First, thank you to everyone who has posted comments wishing my mother a speedy recovery. She came through the surgery like a champ and is well on her way back to "normal" (whatever that is for anyone). As she said -- it was nice to have her nose straight again. :0) It was great spending time with her and I managed to take a ton of photos to share. I also may have, just may have mind you, done some retail therapy while there -- so I'll have some of that to share as well.

Honestly? Other than having a row of three seats to myself on the plane, my actual travels weren't all that strange. The strange part were the events at home that I missed. (Tink and Mr. Cornfields are fine) The first strange part happened while I was at Mom's -- on Valentine's Day I started getting wierd emails and text messages from friends -- all asking me if I were ok, if I'd heard the news? News? I was on my way back from picking up a late lunch at Sonic Burger -- what news? I mean really -- I live in the cornfields, what in the world can happen in the cornfields?

It turns out -- quite a bit. For those of you who have seen the news, you'll know there was another campus shooting on Valentine's Day at Northern Illinois University. So why all the calls to me? Because I am a part of the NIU community. That's my campus. It's part of my corner of the cornfields. I was lucky, I was nowhere near campus that day. I've been taking some time off from my studies this year, but if I hadn't -- I probably would have been in the thick of it. No, not in the hall where the shootings took place, but in one of the buildings nearby which houses my department and my former offices. When I heard what had happened and turned on the news I was stunned. I still am.

I've been involved with NIU in one way or another for over 20 years now, as a child of a faculty member, an undergraduate student, a staff member, a graduate student, and a graduate assistant/instructor. NIU in many ways has been a home to me. The town that houses it has been part of my home base. Both are good places. They have their faults, don't get me wrong, but it's the type of place where you can go to the local businesses and be greeted by name. Or the post office. It's the type of place where you see folks you've known since you were in Jr. High and they ask about your parents, and your children. And now, it's a little darker. And a little more scary. But ultimately, it's still a good place. It's a good place to learn; it's a good place to live. The actions of one person will not overshadow that.

My heart and thoughts go out to the families of those who lost their lives and to those who were injured. I didn't know any of those killed personally -- but their absence impacts the entire community. For those injured, I wish them a speedy recovery. For those of my friends and colleagues who are busy with trying to put their campus back together so that students can return, my thoughts are with you.

We Interrupt This Blog...

2008-02-12T12:09:00.000-06:00

For an emergency trip to visit my mother. Mom tripped and fell over the weekend, and some minor surgery is in the works for tomorrow (no, nothing major -- she broke her nose). So, I'm heading out on a plane tonight to hang out with Mom and give some TLC. Lovely part is I get to spend Valentine's Day with one of my favorite people -- down side? I have to miss Valentine's day with my other two favorite people :0(.

Thanks to everyone who has responded to my little disaster -- just to let you know, the second wash didn't do much (a bit lighter) but also brought out another spot where bleeding was going to be a problem. I did try a bit of a seam treatment -- but, um, it didn't look great so I pulled it out. So, final decision? It's not THAT bad -- and it will be going to my partner as is. Hopefully today (if I can get my butt in gear and get packed, etc.). It may be packaged up today and left for my hubby to mail out tomorrow. I'll try and get a picture to share later.

Until then -- I have about 3 hours to pack, get some things done around the house, and get ready to make it to O'Hare. I'll be back next Sunday, so I'll have tons of catching up to do -- Later!

I Spoke Too Soon

2008-02-08T16:29:00.000-06:00

In my last post (of all of, what an hour or two ago?) I said that my Four Season's Swap quilt didn't bleed. And when I took it out of the washing machine -- it hadn't.

But, well -- when I took it out of the dryer this is what I found. F*ck.

And this. Double F*ck.

I'm sorry to those of you offended by swearing but, there are times when such language is the only thing that will accurately describe the feelings. This is one of those times.

And, I was right. It is that &(&*%^(*# star fabric that was bleeding on my ironing board. Aren't I just so happy to be right?

So now what to do? Other than swear and want to cry? I'm going to try washing it again. More Retayne. Some Dreft stain remover (works on some really nasty stuff my daughter manages to get into -- can't hurt). And if it's still bleeding? What then? Any opinions? Advice? Please?

This is what the quilt looks like with the stains. If it were a quilt for me, I'd probably try washing it again and if that doesn't work say fecal matter occurs and hang it up anyway. I still love it. The stains don't bother me. But, it's not for me. It's for someone else. UGH!!!!! Any opinions?

And just so this post is nothing but me wanting to tear my hair out (because, no, I didn't pre-wash my fabrics and I know it's my own fault). I'll show some of the embroidery that I put in. 'Cause it turned out exactly as I wanted it to.

And the second panel.

And the full poem that is embroidered on the front as a label ready to be sewn to the back (there is another label as well with all the required info -- but, well, since this will be the first quilt I've ever actually labeled it's not so hot. And if you're about to have a heart attack about the not labeling quilts thing -- sorry :0( ).

Ok, off to try and get the stains out and keep more of it from bleeding.

Da*n, Da*n, Da*n.

I think I need chocolate. Maybe a drink.

Quick Blog Break

2008-02-08T14:42:00.000-06:00

I haven't been blogging much the last week or so, or doing a whole lot of crafting. This whole getting sick thing has really knocked me for a loop. The antibiotics helped. I was able to eat again relatively quickly. But the energy levels? I'm still waiting for those to get back to something that resembles "normal". It doesn't help that mommy just doesn't get to be sick in quite the same way as daddy and/or little one (potty training still needs go on, laundry needs to get done, etc., etc., etc.). I think I'm finally getting back up to speed, but -- oy! So, while I'm waiting for my Four Seasons Swap to finish up in the dryer (it didn't bleed!!! Wooo Hooo AND I got out all the markings for the embroidery, double WOO HOO!) -- and thinking about how to apologize to my partner for how late it is -- I thought I 'd take a quick blog break and show what I HAVE been able to get done in the last two weeks.

I did manage to do my part for the economy lately (go and read Kim's blog about this one -- really, you'll be laughing yourself silly). I mean, shopping doesn't take that much energy right? (we'll ignore the fact that when I got home from the shop that day I needed a nap.) And hey -- when you can find some lovely new fabrics? Oh yeah. I finally broke down and bought my very first jelly roll. It's the new Moda Simplicity line by 3 Sisters. Yummy, yummy spring time colors in pinks, blues, yellows, a scrumptious green, and white. Oh my. Not my usual palate at all -- but, oh, how I need some spring. I already have plans for these goodies, just need to get a few more things off my plate. (oh, and I think I'm kind of lucky to have these. I just checked out the Fat Quarter Shop and looks like these haven't gotten in yet...)

I also got some great mail. I won a blog contest over at The Late Bloomer (Thank you Compton) and my goodies arrived over the weekend. Two fantastic patterns and kits to make the cone and heart valentines. Just in time! I think I may be playing with these over the weekend. As for the Altar Steps pattern...oh my, that I may need to go play in the stash for. Much too cute! Thanks so much Elizabeth -- your package made my day.

So, new projects added to the pile, but, how about some things actually done??? There are a couple. I've mostly been finishing up things (note, 4seasons quilt still in the dryer -- LATE). First up on my finally finished list is this cutie. And yes, this is Yet. Another. Apron. I think this is about my 10th apron made from this pattern. Am I tired of it? Um...no, not really. I can make them pretty quickly now -- and hey, they turn out so darned cute. Now, having said that, do I want to do another one soon? Um...well, we'll see. This one is a shop sample. More Cherry Baby fabrics from Lakehouse -- with the panel letters used for the word and a fun cupcake applique added. Sorry, that cupcake needs a closeup of its own here. I actually started this one before I got sick folks -- (so much for I can make them quickly) and it took me way too much time to get it done -- but it's done, delivered and last I saw was hanging on a manequin in the shop.

Other than that -- not too much to report. I've been working on finishing up things (weaving in ends of knitting -- mils mitts are done! Yeah!, need to finish sewing down the binding for "bella" -- almost done!, have a couple of things being blocked before I can do much more -- but hey, I'm blocking them...). Lots of things in the "almost done" category that I want to clear out so I can start some new projects. Speaking of which -- I think I just heard the dryer buzzing -- WOOO HOOO! Label to stitch on, photos to take, and a trip to the post office. (which, since I just looked at the time -- will happen tomorrow morning. UGH!) Oh well, almost done with one more! YEAH!

PS -- and STILL no spell check. Um, am I just cursed??!!??

Adventures in Interloans

2008-02-06T12:12:00.000-06:00

Alright -- enough folks said they would be interested in some library book reviews so I'm willing to do it. (I know -- such a hardship, read books, talk about them, I'll suffer through somehow). And since the weather outside is icky (enough with the snow already -- I need some spring!) it seems like the perfect time to talk about books for curling up with.

First up on our hit parade today is Comfort and Joy: 14 Quilts for Christmas by Mary Hickey. (That Patchwork Place, 2007, 111 p.. List price $27.95) This book is filled with some lovely ideas for Christmas decorations. The quilts and projects all tend to the wall hanging/table runner sizes, so if you are looking for a bed quilt -- not something you are going to find (though, adding blocks to a pattern is not difficult at all). I will say that I am tempted by a couple of the quilts. The Peppermint Patties quilt on pg. 42 and the Midnight Stars on p.83 make me smile and are patterns I could see playing with. Now, for the down side. These are all Christmas patterns. Yes, you can change the fabrics for some of them and have a quilt that is for any season, but many of the patterns are themed and/or created so that they are really only appropriate for one season. Nothing wrong with that -- but, look at the list price. Yep, for nearly $30.00 I want a bit more variety. Now, you can get this one on Amazon for less, which makes it more feasible. For me, this on is on my "if I see it for a bargain price I will pick it up -- but, otherwise I'm going to use it as inspiration" list. Its worth checking out. I may even be checking it out again -- just not sure it's going to go in my permanent collection.

Next up -- Bend the Rules Sewing by Amy Karol. (Potter Craft, 2007, 143p. List price $21.95) I should admit right off that I read Amy's blog Angry Chicken regularly. I like her ideas (am planing on stealing shamelessly her fantastic idea about a photo hanging thingy). I like her aesthetic. So, I was pretty much predisposed to like the book. And there are some great ideas in there -- some bags that I really want to make. A little smock that will get made for Miss Tinkerbell to go with her easel. And I'm not the only one interested in this book. I ordered it through interloans shortly after it was released in June. It was January before I got my hands on the library copy. 'Nuff said there. As for the down side on this one -- if you are a quilter and are looking for quilting? This book is NOT for you. Yes, there are a couple of quilts in it. Yes, they are kind of cute. No, it's nothing you can't figure out on your own and no, they are not the main focus of the book. The book is full of general sewing advice (some of it pretty basic -- but, always useful to have a general guide around) with not much of it aimed at the quilter per se. Some great bag ideas (and patterns) and a few other sewing gifts (placemats, coasters, etc.) but no -- this is not a quilt pattern book by a long shot. That being said, where does this rate on my "buy it or not" scale? Well -- um, there may be another copy downstairs already that does not have library coding on it. I did wait a bit -- but, the combo of a 40% off coupon at Borders and a Christmas gift card may have been more than I could handle. Just maybe mind you. :0)

And finally (for today at least -- I have a couple more quilting books to review and a whole stack more downstairs I'm getting to) for the knitters among us. The Knitter's Book of Yarn by Clara Parkes. (Potter Craft, 2007, 255p. List price $30.00) I wasn't too sure what I was getting when I ordered this one through interloans, but, hey -- yarn, a guide to choosing yarn? Why not. I'm sooo glad I did. This little gem is chock full of information about fiber types, their properties when knit, how they are spun, dyed and manufactured, etc. Added to this there is information on specific yarns (most of which I either want to touch for myself or have been looking up online) the author really recommends. Oh, and patterns. Yeah, there are some of those too (ok, you know I'm having fun reading the book if the patterns are an afterthought) -- they are organized by type of yarn starting with plys and moving on to some of the specialty/textured yarns. Some of the patterns are really cute and take advantage of the yarn properties -- but, really, this book is more about the yarn than about the patterns. Downside? Um -- well, that would be price. at $30.00 retail -- not going to be coming home to me anytime soon. (yes, I know, there is Amazon -- thank goodness for Amazon, but, well -- hey -- I like shopping locally too. And, well, I have gift certificates for Borders -- um, hard to spend those at Amazon) It is on my buy it relatively soon list though. It would be a great reference to add to a knitting collection.

Ok, so those are the reviews for now -- I've got two more books I really want to get to so I may add them to tomorrow's post. I also have some goodies in the mail as well as having done some of my patriotic duty (no, not voting -- follow the link) to talk about. Hope everyone is having a great week -- and if you're anywhere near the cornfields, hope you're not getting too snowed in! (have I mentioned that I really need some spring???)

PS -- what is up with blogger and spell check? I'm dying here -- I'm not a great speller, I NEED my spell check!

WIP it good...

2008-01-31T14:20:00.000-06:00

Yep, repeating myself with musical references, but I had such fun finding out who was actually a closet (0r not so closet) Devo fan the last time :0).

Not a whole lot to report this week. I did get the mitts I was working on while waiting for the doctor done. Mostly. They still need the ends woven in. The knitting equivalent of hand sewing down the binding. I may get to that tonight though -- so, close enough to show on the blog. And no, they don't match -- that's the nature of working with verigated Noro for something like this. I actually like the look -- let's just hope my mil does too. She chose the yarn though, so, she should.

I also did manage to get some of the embroidery done on the four seasons swap. Yes, I know it's the 31st. I know it's past the deadline for mailing it. I did get an ok for an extension due to illness. I should get it out in the mail on Saturday. I hope. No later than Monday. And no, not much of a peek here. I'm hoping to have a bit of a surprise for my partner (not that I think she reads my blog -- but you never know).

Oh, and a recent purchase that I didn't show -- a small bottle of Retayne. Because, one of the fabrics from my winter swap has been leaving some nasty blue marks on my ironing board.

I think this fabric is the ~~little bugger~~ culprit, but I'm not positive. Since most of the pieces were smaller than I would prewash anyway -- um, well, hey. Ya play, sometimes you might pay. Not an attitude I'm happy about having to take with a swap piece -- but there it is. And yes, I'm also going out to get some color catchers too.

The last piece I have anything to show on is this one. A new shop sample out of the Cherry Baby line from Lakehouse. I do like this fabric (though, since I've been playing with it since October, um, I might need a bit of a break soon). This one is way cute. I have to think about making one for my own daughter (nope, sorry -- Bella is not Tink's name -- I do believe this one will be going to this cutie, scroll down to see Bella, when it is done being a shop sample). Super, super simple and quick to put together (which is why this is almost done but the apron I'm also working on isn't) -- a charm square pack and a panel of the alphabet letters and you are good to go. The only thing I had to cut out were the letters. Woo Hoo. Simple quilting on this one, a quick binding and it should be done!

You know -- despite the fact that this week feels like it has been singularly unproductive, I may have actually gotten a few things done. Hmmm...now, if I had taken pictures of the other knit project I cast on while I was confined to the couch, I'd probably really feel that way. Cool.

And finally -- a question for you folks. I mentioned in my last post that I bought a book that I had "previewed" by checking it out of the library first. I've been doing a lot of that lately. Not buying books (not that I don't want to -- just, well, my budget hasn't actually had room for new craft books unless I'm absolutely positive I want to make something out of them), checking them out of the library to see whether or not I want to buy them. Or, in some cases, if I want to hunt them down since they are now out of print.

And well, since I don't seem to believe in moderation when it comes to checking books out of the library, I'm starting to lose track of what it is I like, or don't like, about some of the things I've checked out. See? This is the current stack. And well, since I took this picture BEFORE I went to the library to get the interloans that had come in while I was still contagious, the stack may be just a bit bigger than this. I did return a few of them -- I did, but, well, I kept most. So -- where does the question come in? Would anyone be interested in seeing a "review" post every now and then? I can't promise how often -- but, I'm thinking if I put my thoughts about the books up on my blog it might help me remember which ones are "buy it, now", "buy it someday", "buy it if you see it on sale", "check out again later", "nice to have seen but you don't need to see it again" or "what a waste of time". Let me know -- I may do it anyway, but, would be nice if other folks found it useful too :0).

That's it for now -- now off to see if I can figure out what has been piled on my sewing table (kitchen table, whatever) while I was sick and unable to do much policing. Ugh -- I have to clean to be able to sew -- what's up with that?

** Note -- I am still unable to use spell check so, see previous disclaimer. Spelling is not my strong suit -- this is why I spell check the heck out of my work and usually have a dictionary at hand. Where my dictionary went to, I have no clue -- oh honey?!?

Goodies, Goodies

2008-01-31T12:31:00.000-06:00

A couple of days of antibiotics do wonders for your outlook. Add in the fact that I can eat solid food again and the improvement in my blood sugar means my mood is drastically improved. Thanks to everyone who sent get well soon wishes -- and put up with my whining! So, now that I'm feeling human again I thought I would share some of the goodies I've been treating myself to lately. Some fabric goodies, a few knitting goodies, all thanks to some Christmas and birthday mad money -- wooo hooo!

First up -- a recent purchase with a lovely Christmas gift certificate. I love this house and laundry line fabric. No, it's not new. It's been out for awhile. Over a year at least. But, it makes me smile for some reason every time I see it. I have no idea why. I've been eyeing it for at least a year and I finally had an excuse to buy it.

And my excuse for getting it now? This ribbon. It also makes me smile for no apparent reason. I bought this to wrap my daughter's Christmas presents with (yes, she had pink presents -- but, the red polka dots went -- really). When I found out it was printed on both sides -- I went nuts. (ok, so I may have been nuts before then -- and it may have taken very little to amuse me at that point in the holiday season -- but seriously? how cute is this?) I knew I HAD to use it for some sort of sewing project -- so I made sure to snatch it as it was coming off of the gifts. (yes, I actually still have some on the roll as well -- but, hey, recycling here!) What I'm going to do with the combo I don't know exactly, I'm thinking bags of some sort -- but something. And soon!

And while I was snagging the house fabric, I also found this lonely little pattern hanging out in a clearance bin. $1.00. Can you believe that? $1.00. I don't so much care about the projects -- but the little stitchery patterns are adorable. And for that price? Oh yea, coming home with me! I also picked up some fusible fleece to make another mini-messenger bag soon, but, nothing all that interesting about white fluffy stuff.

This brings us to what I was going to blog about last weekend -- my Friday shopping spree. Before the plague hit -- I was able to go out and spend some of my mad money. Bwahahahaha.

First stop was Michael's for this book (whole story there about not having a 40% off coupon, being told where I could find one -- leaving the store to get it -- yes, I am that ~~cheap~~ frugal -- coming back without a coupon due to bad information -- and a store clerk giving me the discount anyway because I did try to get one).

Why this one? Well, I had checked it out at the library recently. Some really cute patterns, a few things I was kind of interested in but not sure enough to buy it. Then Miss Tinkerbell saw this pattern. Her reaction was a ~~demand~~ request for Mommy to make it for her, complete with color ~~demands~~ choices. What's a mother to do? Yeah -- we've already established that I bought the book right?

Yep -- and the next stop was the LYS. For the yarn. In pink and purple. As ordered. I'm such a sucker. Though, I have to admit -- when Tink saw the yarn she wanted to wrap herself up in it immediately. (forget that Mommy still needs to knit it) *sniff* I'm so darned proud of her. Of course, we'll neglect to mention that while I THOUGHT I had the right needles for this one, I don't -- so, I have to make another trip. But that's ok -- I have an order for some yarn from my aunt. Any excuse will do!

And, while I didn't get the needles for this project while I was there -- I did buy some needles for another project. And some more yarn (though, no photo of that, I'll have to take care of that later). I did get another knitting book with my birthday loot though -- a beautiful Debbi Bliss book. (thank you Borders and a 30% off coupon)

I have to admit the patterns in this one are ~~wayyy~~ a bit above my skill level. But -- oh, man. This one is just killing me. And, since the patterns go up to kids' sizes 8-10 years -- I might even be able to make one that will actually fit my daughter by the time I finish it. Maybe. Probably. Um, we'll see. It's at least inspiring eye candy.

And while I was already out and about -- well, why not a quick stop at a favorite LQS? (oh come now, a day spent shopping for crafty goodness and you think I didn't end up at a quilt shop? Please!) I will admit I was a bit restrained at the quilt shop though. Something about a basket full of projects I want to get to has been restraining me when it comes to fabric purchases lately. But, I did get this little goodie (and some muslin to back it with) -- I had such fun doing the last one I just had to have another one. More hand quilting -- wooo hooo! I can't believe I just said that -- um, no, I haven't been abducted by pod people, I really am excited about this. Cool, 'cause I can't wait to get this one sandwiched and started.

So, that's it for the goodies for right now. I do have some progress to share on some WIPs and an idea that I would like some feedback on, but this post is getting looooonnnggg. (I know, par for the course with me) I think I'll split it up a bit, so don't be surprised if you see a couple of posts in one day from me. Later!

PS -- sorry about any spelling errors in this one -- I usually do run spell check (knowing that I am a lousy speller and that I tend towards typos) but for some reason, blogger doesn't like it's spell check right now. Phooey.

What You Can Accomplish

2008-01-29T01:34:00.000-06:00

It always amazes me how much you can accomplish in the time you spend waiting for other things to get done. You know the times -- what can get done while laundry is running, while dinner is cooking, while waiting for kids to be done with sports, etc. And let's not forget one my favorite "waiting" activities -- waiting to see the doctor. There may be a bit of sarcasm in that last sentence. (maybe a LOT of sarcasm)

But hey -- this is what you can accomplish while waiting to see a doctor in something called "convenient care" (which, I will admit is convenient if you can't get an appointment with your regular doctor -- or like me, don't particularly LIKE your regular doctor) but which is also a first come/first serve arrangement. Then, once you have been called, while waiting for the "instant read" throat culture to come back (and yeah, instant would be stretching it a bit) so the doctor can tell you what you had a pretty good idea of in the first place (gee, you would think the two days of fevers/chills and the fact that my glands are so swollen I look like a bull frog, added to the fact that I can't swallow anything MIGHT have been a clue). Though, I must admit -- it did make me feel a bit better about how wimpy I've been all weekend when the doctor looked at my throat and winced at how red and swollen it looked. It's nice having outside verification that you SHOULD be feeling like something left on the side of the road to die.

Oh, and don't forget the wait at the pharmacy to pick up the prescription for those lovely little pills that hold out the hope that in a day or two you will be able to swallow something without pain -- all the while having to argue with the person working behind the counter that yes, you DO have insurance and yes, your information IS on file, and yes, not all people use their first names (now -- I'm usually happy to argue with folks, but when your throat is on fire and all you want to do sleep and hope you feel less cruddy when you wake up -- um, even I get a bit tired of arguing).

And, just to give you a point of reference -- this is the same mitt (once again -- Last Minute Knitted Gifts wrist warmers pattern) in comparison to the finished mitt. By the time I got home from the whole doctor's office, pharmacy, confirmation that I do, indeed, have strep throat ordeal -- I had gotten 14 rows from finishing it. If I add in the fact that I actually finished the first mitt while waiting as well -- um, that's a completed mitt. Not bad.

Of course, given the fact that I felt like crud and was running a fever all weekend that's about the only thing I've gotten done (I did get SOME of the embroidery for my four season's swap done, but, not all of it) -- it doesn't seem like a lot. Then again, as I've stated before -- I like keeping all of my fingers and refuse to play with rotary cutters and/or other sharp objects when I'm not quite in my right mind. Hopefully, I will be feeling better tomorrow (today? with all the weird sleep I've been getting my days/nights are a bit confused) and I can get my swap finished and out into the mail. Of course, I have to wait until I'm not contagious to go to the post office -- but, hey, what's an easily communicable disease amongst postal customers? (actually -- no, I wouldn't do that -- but the not being able to kiss and cuddle Miss Tinkerbell for 24 hours is killing me -- and, yes, I am watching her like a hawk since before I knew it was strep she had been cuddling with me).

Ok, enough of the self-pity here -- I'll be back soon with some photos of the loot I've been treating myself to with my birthday money and hopefully a personality adjustment. I'm also going to try and catch up with all my emails. On the plus side -- I do get all the ice cream I want for the next couple of days -- doctor's orders :0).

Thank you Mr. Postman

2008-01-25T01:09:00.001-06:00

Yep, some of the best things show up in the mail. And today's delivery was a doozy! I have a really tiny mailbox, so packages get left on the front step along with the doorbell ringing. And no, he doesn't ring twice (matter of fact, sometimes he doesn't ring at all -- ugh). Luckily this time, he did ring. I figured it was a birthday package of some sort. (hey, a girl can hope right?) I was wrong -- but oooh, I so don't mind!

Instead of birthday goodies, I got my Four Seasons Quilt Swap package from Janey at SewStylish. Already! (oh man do I need to finish mine this weekend) Just look at the beautiful quilt she sent. I LOVE the pattern and the fabrics. The picture doesn't show it but the white snowflakes and binding have a "sequin" shimmer in them that really looks like snow falling. I just love it! (so does Ms. Tinkerbell -- she decided it was for her and has been trying to cuddle up under it all night. The kid's got taste, but we need to have a talk about MOMMY'S stuff versus her stuff.)

And just look at the quilting in it -- the meandering in the mitten blocks includes, well, mittens. How freaking cute is that? This just proves that I have GOT to practice machine quilting. I wanna be able to do this. Heck, I'd be happy if I could do a decent meander -- but this? Way too cute!

And, as if the super cute quilt wasn't enough -- I also got spoiled with some other goodies. Two adorable fat quarters (I am seriously getting ideas about those fish -- especially since the bubble fabric that came with it would make really cool "fish bubbles" -- hmmn), a knitted bag, a set of quilt hangers, and some yummy looking chocolate and coffee candies. I may need to hide the candy from my husband though -- he does love coffee. Ah well, I've been spoiled enough that I can share. I guess. :0)

Thank you so much Janey -- I absolutely love everything you sent. And my quilt (once I can wrest it from the hands of my little one) will be going up on the wall as soon as possible! Wooo Hooo -- this is turning out to be a GREAT birthday week!

Now, it's off to bed for me. I've got my own quilt to finish as well as a couple of other projects in the works -- if I'm going to get anything done I had better get some rest!

Crack that WIP...

2008-01-23T01:15:00.000-06:00

Sorry, couldn't resist the musical reference (and you get points if you can identify it! Points for what I don't know -- but points.) Anyhooo -- let me first say thank you for all the wonderful birthday wishes from everyone. They really did "make my day." As for a couple of requests to see the crafty birthday loot -- um, well, there really isn't much. Yet. I did get a quilt block a day calendar (I'll get a picture) but mostly I was given some birthday money. Now, you know me. Mad money. Added to some Christmas mad money. Um -- yeah, I'm already plotting a trip (or two) to a quilt shop (or two) and the LYS I love, I may even be doing some button pressing. Sooo -- photos as appropriate (which reminds me, I already took a trip to spend some of a quilt gift certificate the other day -- I need to get some photos).

On the spending the day sewing front -- I did get some work done on my Four Seasons swap. (speaking of which -- I really should get the button up on my sidebar -- yet another "housekeeping" chore I haven't done --hmnph). I have the top together -- now to just get the embroidery transferred into the large white areas and get that done. Since the quilting is going to be very simple (due to the skill level of the quilt maker -- and because while I toyed with hand quilting it, I didn't leave myself enough time) I should have time to get this in the mail for the deadline next Weds. Yeah!

I decided to go a bit scrappy on this one (though, since I had to buy most of the fabrics you see -- not sure how "scrappy" it is. My scraps and stash run to blues that are great if you are trying to make a Caribbean sea, not so much for winter snow. That's ok though -- I now have a nice selection of scraps to play with in the future). I also have been having fun doing some wonky piecing. (thank you Tonya and Joyce for your inspiration) A few snowflakes and some icicles. At least, I hope they look like icicles :0). I had forgotten how much fun it is to do these kinds of blocks -- something I'll have to think about playing with more. How soon? Anyone's guess, since I do have a long list of projects I need to get to before I'll have time to play with them again. I'm happy with it so far -- just hope my partner enjoys it as well!

Not much more to show -- we had a nice, relaxing evening last night and today the temps dropped back into the "please don't make me go outside in that stuff" range. So, hopefully more to show soon!

Breakfast of Champions

2008-01-21T13:15:00.000-06:00

Or, well, ok, so maybe not of champions. I'm sure champions actually eat a very healthy and nutritious breakfast. How about "breakfast of birthday celebrants"? Hmmm...not the same ring to it. But it's my birthday -- so I enjoyed every single bite! Even more so since I wasn't expecting it when my mil brought the cake to dinner last night! (and hey -- it has apricot jam in between the layers -- that's FRUIT, see, healthy! We shall simply ignore the sponge cake and home made butter cream frosting shall we?)

No major plans for the day today -- I think I'm going to spend the day communing with some fabric for a deadline that is approaching. I may even get to quilting a swap I finally finished the top for this weekend. I'd show a photo of the top, but I need the ok from a certain someone who is currently cruising the Caribbean. Hmmnph. Maybe I should show it anyway just to make up for the fact that I'm here in the frozen tundra (previously known as the cornfields) while she's enjoying balmy temperatures. Nah -- I'll wait!

And before I go off to enjoy a day spent communing with my sewing machine and fabrics (Miss Tink is safely at daycare after two days of being cooped up in a small house due to dangerously cold weather outside -- Mommy needs a day to herself!), I want to say thank you to Tracey, Kairle, and Gwen who all nominated me for a "You Make My Day" Award. Since all three ladies regularly make MY day -- well, it's just plain sweet. I'm supposed to choose ten other blogs who make my day to pass this along to -- but, well, there is a reason I have a lot of fabrics in my stash. I just can't choose! (between two different fabrics? Um, how about a little bit of BOTH?!?). So, I'm going to cop out here -- if I've read your blog and commented, if you've commented on my blog, please know you've made my day!

Ok, I'm off to enjoy some quiet sewing time -- or, well, possibly not so quiet since I plan on blasting some rock-n-roll on my ipod. Who says 36 year olds are grown ups? Not me!!!!

Getting back to the fabric

2008-01-17T15:39:00.000-06:00

Ok, so the knitty love is still going strong here -- but, my sewing machine has been patiently waiting for me to find my way back to it. Or, well, I did hear some murmurings in that direction about a yarn overthrow. So -- I SHOULD spend some time devoted to sewing here on the blog as well as preventing a coup and yarn basket overthrow. I have finally reclaimed the kitchen for sewing space (there go all those lovely visions of family dinners around the table) so there should be more fabric love showing up soon.

In the meantime -- I thought I would share some goodies that came in the mail over the holidays. This lovely, bright quilt was a gift for my daughter. Despite my hopes that she wouldn't like it ('cause Mommy loves it and wants to cuddle under it) -- no luck. She LOVES her gift from her "Aunt B" and has been sleeping under it every night since the postman delivered it. It's lined with lime green minky -- soooo soft. She's even named it her "super soft blankie". I've got to admit, the kid's got good taste.

The postman also brought me a lovely little package from Sam over at Diary of a Mad Fabriholic over the holidays. I won a drawing on her blog and as a prize I got this fun little pincushion kit and some great cards. Since I really do have to send out some notes soon -- the cards are going to come in handy!

And last, just because I am feeling the need to show something I've made that is quilting related -- here's a photo of the quilt I made for Miss Tinkerbell LAST Christmas ('06). This is one where I had pretty much figured out how to make it from a photograph, but I did end up buying the pattern just to make sure I was "doing it right". Honestly? I shouldn't have bothered -- (though there were a few other cute patterns in the book). The method the pattern used was MUCH more fiddly than what I did (let's hear it for Thangles).

The other thing about this quilt is that it shows why, though I love the idea, when Finn cried "All Aboard" for the Orphan Train quilts -- I was left standing at the station without the ability to get a ticket. When I need quilt backs -- um, well, I'm too ~~cheap~~, ~~frugal~~, um -- thrifty, yeah that's a good word, to buy large pieces of fabric (there is also that whole -- I love so many fabric designs I usually don't want to limit myself to one or two purchases of yardage -- I would rather have a little bit each of lots of fabrics). So -- I end up having to either a) go out and buy a specific backing fabric (or two or more depending) or b) make do with what I have. In this case -- it was option b. I had lots of smallish cuts (1/2 yards or less) and an orphan block -- hey, it's a quilt backing! So, not many orphans here at casa de cornfields -- but a whole lot of quilt backs that are a mish mash!

Now, to see about getting that sewing machine to stop plotting against the knitting basket...or maybe I should clean? NAH -- there's still enough room to put down a coke -- I think quelling the overthrow should come first...

Getting My Knit On

2008-01-15T15:06:00.000-06:00

So, we finally had some sun today so I decided to take some photos of projects in the works, things I've finished (yay!) and some gifties I got in the mail that I haven't posted about yet. When I got the pictures loaded in the computer I realized that I took 69 of them. Ok, yes, some of them are multiples of the same thing. I'm not a great photographer. What I lack in skill and knowledge, I make up for in luck and taking a whole lot of photos of the same thing hoping I'll get decent results. Generally this works for me. But even after weeding out the "oh yuck, who the heck took that one" photos, I still had way too many for one post. So, I have photos for the next three days worth of posts.

Today's offering? Well -- hopefully the title kind of explains it. I've mentioned that I've been kind of taken with knitting again lately. Well, the current ~~obsession~~ fascination has paid off in some finished objects to share. First up is the scarf I showed here. Done. Ends woven in (am I the only one who puts this step off until the very last possible minute? I actually had this one off the needles about a week and 1/2 ago -- but, I had to weave in the ends and block it. So, what did I do? Cast on and finish two more projects that also needed ends woven in. I think this is like my aversion to sewing down binding) and blocked. Of course, to do that I needed to go out to the lovely LYS and get some blocking pins and a new yarn needle -- but, we do what we must do. Finished in time for our weather to get back to normal January freeze your tush off cold. (single digits expected for the weekend -- and please remember I'm using the F scale here) And since this is for me, I'm wearing it as an early birthday gift to myself.

Also done (remember I said I had finished two projects while avoiding weaving in ends?) is a pair of warm and soft, soft, soft mitts/wristwarmers for me. They're made out of some Noro cashmere/silk/wool/nylon blend yarn and may I say they are nummy. The pattern is from (of course) Last Minute Knitted Gifts -- and while I couldn't find the really short circulars they called for in the pattern, it works up just fine on double points.

And because after I was done (more ends to weave in remember) I wanted to make another "quick" project. The pair for my aunt out of the same yarn. Though, I do love this color -- too bad my aunt has seen photos of the yarn I bought for her -- otherwise I might think about trading colors...no, that would be wrong (and my aunt would kill me as well).

And just to prove that I only have second sock issues (and no, the second pair of those is NOT done yet), not second mitt issues -- a photo of both PAIRS of mitts.

Oh, and I may be addicted to making these. I mentioned having to go to the LYS to pick up some notions? Well, I finally took my mil out to the shop as well. She goes to quilt shops with her mother and I every year -- but, well, she doesn't quilt or sew much. She does, however, knit. While there she saw the yarn I made these out of and I offered to make her a pair. She decided on this lovely variegated version (looks much more like "Noro" colors hunh?) for her pair.

And speaking of doing the same pattern again -- um, I think I'm going to be making another one of those chevron scarves. Wayyyyy too much fun with that one. So, I may have (just may have mind you -- despite the photographic evidence I'm about to show) purchased some yarn already. This one is going to be for a friend for Christmas (next year!!! How's that for an early start?). I did call and ask her if she wanted something calm or not -- she said go for the hot pink and green so, hope you like it B! Personally, I can't wait to see how these go together in that pattern. The yarn is Shibui sock yarn in orchid and wasabi.

Christmas gifts -- I'm already working on another one for next year! (woo hooo -- another New Year's Goal I'm actually working on. Now, if I keep it up will be another thing) This will be -- um, well, it will be something. I'll show it when it's finished and tell you my plan. Until then -- it's easy peasy knitting in the round (yes on dpns -- but, still, all knit stitches, no purls, no decreases, no pattern, you know -- boring). I'm about 1/3 of the way done with it -- but, it really goes quickly.

And I have more yarn for the next one of, whatever it is, when this one is done. This should be fun (and I hope it works) since it is recycled cotton yarn. It is made from the leftovers/ends that are part of fabric manufacturing. I really like the idea of hand made gifts using something that is recycled (not by me mind you, I bought it -- but, still, by someone).

And one last knitty thing to show. I did mention I was going to have a hard time leaving alone the yarn for my daughter's sweater right? Well, despite having a few other things going -- I did get the gauge swatch for it done. Just need to block it to know for sure, but it looks like I've got gauge!!! Wooo Hooo! (though I'm thinking about trying out a new pair of needles -- I love my addi's but, I may try the addi lace turbos to get a better point for parts of the pattern. We'll see.)

So, wow. I guess I did get a few things done. Though, those ends were woven in on Sunday night and the scarf was blocked before I went to bed. AFTER little one was feeling better. Tomorrow's post (I hope) will be all about fabric and gifts. In the meantime, my living room looks like a daycare center exploded all over it. I had to ~~shove aside~~ move a whole lot of ~~junk~~ stuff in order to be able to take the photos while we had some sun. I think it's time for even my non-domestic goddess self to get some cleaning done!

Back to Normal

2008-01-14T13:22:00.000-06:00

Or, well, as normal as it gets here at casa de cornfields. After dealing with the 48 hour stomach ick with Miss Tinkerbell, she's all better and back to her normal headlong dash through her days. Whew. There are days when I wish for a break from the constant activity -- until she gets sick and I see what she's like without it. I need to remember that when I'm about to pull my hair out (or collapse in a heap because she has WAY more energy than I do). Thank you so much to everyone who posted and sent good wishes for quick recovery. They are appreciated (and I'm working on answering emails).

For some reason I haven't got much crafty/quilty/knitting related to show. My "long" weekend pretty much consisted of staying our pajamas all day and cuddling on the couch with some Disney classics. (Tink has been fascinated by Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Peter Pan, and The Little Mermaid -- I didn't know if she had the patience to sit through these yet. Turns out, she LOVES them. Cool.) Oh yeah, and the other cutie? He got to clean up Friday night's bed icks. I love an equal opportunity laundry family!

We also spent a lot of time explaining that it was too cold/wet/icky out to go to the park -- so we played with markers, and play doh, and all the other good art stuff we've got hanging around. It's fun watching her put together colors and how she puts them on the page. One of the pieces in there is totally inspired by the fairies in Sleeping Beauty. She gave me the pink marker, she took blue and had fun "zapping" any pink marks I made on the page. I was cracking up. I also have to keep remembering she is only 2 when we watch some of these movies. I've taught the Italian version of Sleeping Beauty (as well as the Perrault version) -- there are things I can wait to explain to her.

And just so this isn't just another rambling post about my life and family (not that there is anything wrong with that) I did manage to finish a couple of things. These are actually WISPs (ala May Britt only I forgot to get a "before" picture for these to count for her January Challenge) I've been working on for awhile. I started these way before Christmas as shop samples but the holidays got here and things got crazy.

They are little children's hangar covers done in wool and embroidery. A really fun and (if you're not totally swamped and hand work challenged like I seemed to be) relatively quick gift idea for a little one. I can so see these as nursery decorations or as a great presentation/gift giving idea for a hand knit or sewn creation. And -- well, 'cause it's me (and because pink and green are Tammy's signature colors) why bother with pastels? Or am I the only one who thinks that pastels are ok for babies -- but I'd much rather play with in-your-face brights?

The pattern for this one is from Daisy and Dell. There are actually three patterns in one -- though I just did one pattern in two color ways. The wool is from Weeks Dye Works (I've loved their hand dyed embroidery flosses for years -- now that I've worked with the wool I'm even more in love). I'm also thinking I want to work with more wool. I haven't done much before because most of what you see are the more "primitive" color palates. I love the designs -- but the colors kind of leave me cold. But -- take the same folksy designs and punch up the colors? I'm sooooo there. These particular colors are bubble gum and chartreuse. (and I am really hoping that Tammy gets more of these wools or others like them in the shop -- hint, hint) The flosses are also from Weeks -- Emma's Pink, Chartreuse and Saffron for the yellow. The "ribbons" are ones I made out of some fat quarters. I looked for ribbons to match but couldn't find anything that really "went" -- so, 3" strips made into a tube and you have a fabric ribbon! All in all a really fun project to play with -- and look, more embroidery -- one of my New Year's goals I'm already working on! Wooo Hoo! And they have been delivered to their home -- so totally finished!

I do have some more finishes to share soon. A couple of knitting projects (nap time is a good time -- and longer naps for sick baby meant a few things done) but I need to get photos. So, see you all soon -- and thank you again for all of the encouragement. It means so much to me!

But I Just DID Laundry...

2008-01-10T03:31:00.000-06:00

Anyone who has read my blog for long knows that I am not a domestic goddess. Not by a long shot. Crafty? Yes. Love quilting and sewing? Yes. Knit? Yes. Clean the house well and/or regularly? No. Not only no but oh h*ll no. There are only so many hours in the day and I have too many fabrics I want to play with.

So what am I doing at 3 something in the morning doing laundry?? Especially since I just DID laundry yesterday (and have the basket full of Miss Tinkerbell's laundry in the living room waiting for me to bring it upstairs and put it away to prove it). I got the dreaded Mommy call --that's what.

Any of you who have children know this call -- the "Mommy, I'm messy" call. Silly me, I thought it meant she had peed her bed. Again. We've been having a bit of a passive aggressive struggle lately about bed time. DH and I put her to bed, she protests. She tries/says anything to stay awake a little while longer. "Sing me a song Mommy" "I need to go potty, weally" etc. etc. Anything to avoid sleep and draw out the bed time process. DH and I have been quietly ignoring most of the requests and simply saying "no." One time at the potty, one song, a cuddle and a kiss and goodnight. Her protest? Take off her pants and her diaper and pee on the sheets. It would be funny if it weren't happening to me so you can go ahead and laugh. I mean -- from her viewpoint, you've got to admit, it's effective. It does delay bedtime while we change the sheets and put new ones on and put her back to bed, again.

I should have known better since this call came at 2:00 am. Nope, this "I messy" meant that she had thrown up all over herself, her bed, and the stuffed animals she was sleeping with. "I messy" meant a trip to the tub for the "dub dub" we didn't do earlier and a clean pair of pj's (though just for the record -- she HAD taken off her pj bottoms and her diaper so she may have been THINKING about peeing in the bed). It meant reassuring her that it's ok that she got Muffy messy, that Muffy would get her own "dub dub". (no, Muffy is not the name of the dolly I made for her. Muffy is the "bear" she "made" the day we visited Santa) It meant taking her temperature (normal) and reading a story. It meant cuddles and kisses and going back to bed. That was over an hour ago -- but I really don't see me getting any sleep tonight.

My baby is sick and there's nothing I can do about it. This is the WORST feeling in the world. I am wide awake and wired to DO something -- but there's nothing to do. Oh, other than keep an ear out for any repeat stomach "bloops" (her word). Which, btw, we've already had one. So we're on the second set of pj's, a new pj top for Mommy, and another load of laundry to start when the first is in the dryer. And I'm not going to get any sleep tonight. I'll keep watch until DH gets home from work at 6:45 am and then get a nap in before the Dr.'s office opens at 8. Then I will do Dr. duty, and then Mommy duty since little one will not be going to daycare tomorrow.

You would think I could use this time to do some sewing. I have swaps to finish. I have knitting I can do. But I need my hands free. I need to be able to drop what I'm doing. So, I'll sit at the computer, a few short steps from Miss Tinkerbell and get caught up on my blog reading. And I'll listen. And I'll worry. And I'll hope her tummy feels better. And I'll wish I could do SOMETHING, so I'll ramble in a blog post and hope you understand.

And on the bright side -- I've wondered how I would handle the whole "child getting sick and throwing up" thing. You see -- I tend to have a "sympathetic" stomach. On my own, pretty much a rock unless I am seriously ill. But give me a good whiff of someone else losing their lunch (or dinner, or any other meal) and, um, yeah. (baby spit-ups do not count -- not the same thing AT ALL) So, I'm proud of me tonight. I didn't lose it. I kept my head. I cleaned the mess without losing MY dinner. I even touched the ick without getting too grossed out (and anyone out there who tells me they don't get a little icked by cleaning up messes like this, I don't believe you. Yes, it's part of being a parent, but come on, it's gross). Yeah me.

2 1/2 hours left until DH gets home. Let's hear it for caffeine and adrenaline. And it's also time to switch loads of laundry. 'Cause dammit, Muffy will be clean and dry when little one wakes up. 'Cause she was worried about the darned stuffie, rather than herself. 'Cause it's all I can do.

Yarn Porn

2008-01-04T13:13:00.000-06:00

Sorry about the title but -- um, well, I wanted to warn those of you only interested in quilting content what you were going to get here. This post is all about another form of insanity I indulged in over the holidays, yarn. Or, more specifically, a really great yarn sale.

In my post-Christmas relaxation mode I haven't been doing much sewing. I did get my mil's apron done for her Christmas present (and silly me, didn't get a photo of it. Drat! It turned out well too -- I used some of the Moda Roman Holiday fabrics for it and used prairie points instead of ric rac for trim. I'll see if I can get my mil to take a photo for me) but that's about it. Otherwise it's been all knitting, all the time. I'm just about done with my chevron scarf and just need to decide if I want to buy two more skeins of the yarn to make it longer or if I'd rather just make another one :0). I'm leaning towards making a second one in an even wilder color combination.

With all the time spent with a pair of knitting needles in my hands, when I got the email from my favorite yarn shop that they were having their annual sale I jumped all over it. I mean, 40% of most yarns in the store? And 20% off of almost everything else? Wooo Hooo. The catch? (oh, come on -- there is always a catch!) It was a limited time sale. One day only and the largest discounts only for those who were at the store between 7 and 9 am. For each two hour period afterwards the discounts were lower.

Ok, I can do this right? Only -- um, the shop is at least 45 minutes, if not an hour, away from my home. For those of you who are doing the math -- that means being up, and out of the house by 6 am. Earlier really since there were disturbing mentions in the email about only allowing enough people who could safely fit in the store in at one time and lines. (silly me wondering how many other folks would be up at that hour for a great yarn sale -- come on. Dedicated knitters are at least as passionate about yarn as dedicated quilters. When I finally got out of my car and stood in line the line was all the way down the block and beginning to wrap around the building). Um, did I mention the projected snow storm for that day as well? Yeah.

Well -- yep, I decided to jump in to the insanity and just do it. Why not right? And I will even say that at those prices, I could indulge in a bit of yarn love that otherwise I wouldn't be able to. So, thinking that it might (given the email warnings) be a bit busy I did make a list of things to look for and projects I wanted to do this year. This was a good thing -- because there were some dedicated knitters there who were walking out with bags full of beautiful yarns that made my own little pile look pitiful (knitters and quilters have a lot in common when it comes to the raw materials of the trade).

My first score was this yummy yarn. I found a pattern for a lovely little wrap sweater for Miss Tinkerbell in the holiday 2007 issue of Interweave Knits (the pattern is called Dragon Skin Wrap). It's Jaeger Baby Merino and the colors are just so soft. It will be perfect with the scallop/shell pattern in the sweater. This one I really can't wait to get to -- though, I should probably finish a few other things first (I'm just so bad at delayed gratification though).

That was really all I went into the store for. The yarn for one little sweater -- but, well, come on. You've read what happens when I go into a fabric store right? Unhun. Soooo...I may have come home with a skein of this just for fun.

And -- because what do you do while waiting in the car (and delaying going to stand in line 'cause it's COLD outside baby) at 6 something in the morning but call your early bird fellow knitter mother (who also happens to be in a time zone an hour ahead of you) who is visiting her sister who also knits to tell them about the sale? (ok, so maybe this is just me) And when they find out about it -- um, they may ask you to pick up some things for them.

For my aunt, a lovely skein of the cashmere and silk blend Noro I got from Mom as a Christmas present. Only, hers is in a lovely turquoise color. I'm supposed to just send this to her along with the pattern information for a pair of wrist warmers/mitts. I think I may surprise her though and just make up the mitts and send them to her. (what? I'm being nice, really. I'm not depriving her of the chance to work with this yummy yarn -- I'm being a thoughtful niece who appreciates all the things her aunt does for her. Really.)

For my Mom -- a fun and funky skein of Lorna's Laces sock yarn for a scarf she is making. I have no idea of the pattern that is going to be used for this one, but she said it was for a scarf for me. Cool -- I get to pick my own colors. Hehehehe.

Oh, and I may have picked up another pair of addi turbos for myself. I'm realizing as I get back into knitting that all of my needles moved close to 1500 miles away from me several years ago. (hi Mom!)

Fun stuff and I'm looking forward to playing with it! I do need to get back to my sewing machine though. I have a mini/doll quilt swap I need to finish and another swap quilt I need to get cooking on. And another one waiting in the wings (but I do need to order something for it). Oh well, there will be time for both passions!

Let It Be Resolved

2008-01-03T12:11:00.000-06:00

First -- Happy New Year to everyone who stops by to share my little slice of the cornfields. (I know -- it's three days late, but really, given that there are 365 days in a year -- what's a day or two amongst friends?) We had a very quiet celebration here at casa de cornfields -- complete with a pre-midnight nap for me on the couch at some point in the evening. I remember the days when I would party all night -- vaguely, but these days I think I would rather have our nice and quiet celebration with the in-laws and our daughter and a bit of knitting thrown in. What this says about me I'm not sure, but I think it may be something about getting old! Or something about the fact that the weather here has been much too cold and snowy to want to do anything other than snuggle on the couch with some knitting!

And the whole "dig in and wait for spring" thing also makes you think about what you want the new year to bring. Hmmmn...well, that and Kim's meme asking us to post our quilting resolutions for the new year. Now -- this may be a bit of a problem for me. Especially since the only resolution I've ever kept is the one year I resolved never to make another resolution. But -- well, if I look at them as goals rather than resolutions, maybe I'll do better. I mean, goals are a good thing right? So here are my goals for 2008 (categorized because my brain works that way, in no particular order because, well, it works that way too).

Skills

Continue working on my hand quilting. I really enjoyed my little mini-wholecloth. I want to do another of these and even try something that has, well, seams.

Applique. I've avoided all applique like a plague because it scares me. No more fear -- and there are way too many cute projects out there that involve applique that I want to do. Sometime this year I will try it! (and not just machine applique though there will be some of that too -- we're talking hand work!)

Embroidery. I've really enjoyed the projects I did this year. I want to do more of it. So, that's the goal -- do more embroidery.
Knitting. I know, this is a quilting blog. But, I'm really enjoying my time knitting lately and I have have a few projects I really want to do. So, goal for the year is to do those projects I've already bought yarn for (and there are several that you haven't seen yet) and to not end up with a yarn stash to rival my fabric stash. (yeah, this one might be a problem -- though my addiction to really expensive yarns may help me here. If I don't have the money, I can't have the stash.)

Projects

I have tons of projects that I want to do. More than I have time to do this year, and possibly into next (we won't mention that I probably have enough to last me the next 5 years at least as well). Most of these are PIBs (or PIGS if you insist) -- I have the fabrics, the patterns, they are kitted up -- I just need to sit down and work! So, the goal for this year is to get some of these done! Honestly -- the fact that I have so many projects planned but not enough done is starting to paralyze me. I have to clear some out so the new ideas that keep coming can get out as well!

UFOs -- I have a few that need to be finished. (can we say baby quilts from before Miss Tinkerbell was born? She'll turn 3 in June -- um, time to get these out of the way!) Goal for the year is to get the UFOs out of my to-do pile or out of the house if I'm not going to finish them.

Bags. I love them. I absolutely love making them. I had a blast just kind of making it up as I went along for my cousin's Christmas present. So -- I want to do more of the same this year. I already have ideas for a few more bags I want to make but no one has patterns that meet my needs. Well, darn it, I have the skills, I have the desire, I will make it up and make it fit me!

Stash

I've seen a lot of folks post about the need to reduce their stash, etc. I like most of my stash (though there are some things in there that I've fallen out of love with like most of us) -- but, having said that there are all of those projects sitting around. AND there are new fabrics coming out every day. And new interests I have. Sooooo -- I really need to use what I have this year and make room for the new. It isn't about yards used, etc. for me -- it's about making room for new ideas and directions I want to take. I may join in with the folks posting to Judy L's blog about stash usage, I may not -- but I will mention when things are gone from the stash here.

Ok, you would think the goal of using up stash would be enough, but not quite. See -- I have these hoarding tendencies. I buy fabric, I love it, and then I just don't want to touch/use/cut it because then I won't have it (PLEASE someone tell me that I'm not the only one who does this). I had such a hard time cutting into my Joel Dewberry fabrics to make Miss Tinkerbell's dolly for Christmas. I didn't buy them with any specific project in mind. I had vague ideas of making a bag for myself -- and yet, when a good project for it came up I had a hard time using it. I must stop this. Once I have fabrics I love, I need to use them for goodness sake!!! So the goal is to stop "saving" my fabrics for some special occasion and just use them when I want to!

Christmas

The whole Santa's Sweat Shop/list of insanity thing was a bit much this year. I don't want to do this again. I got a lot done, but there were definitely points were I was ready for Christmas to just be over or I felt like I was missing out on the magic of the season with a toddler because of it. So, no more. Goal for this year is to get hand made presents started, well, like now. And if it isn't done two weeks before Christmas? It's gift cards baby!

Life

Live well, laugh often, love much. (anything else is subject to change and/or to editing at my discretion)

Well -- I think those goals are enough to go on for now. No lists of specific projects (which leaves me some wriggle room -- I have an overflowing bin to choose from) but lots of directions to take. We'll see how I do on these goals for the year, whatever happens, it looks like 2008 is going to be interesting!

May you all have a new year filled with much joy, laughter and love!

A Quilter's Christmas

2007-12-31T09:33:00.000-06:00

Before we head into 2008 I thought I would share some of the goodies Santa (aka Mom and family members) and others sent me during my mini-blog break. I've been truly spoiled this year in terms of crafting/quilting toys to play with!

First up is a wonderful coffee table book I won from Tracey over at Thee Handworks. It came in the mail the week before Christmas and I've been having so much fun reading through it. Of course, with a new book in the house I also had to tell myself to get back to my sewing! Thank you so much for this fabulous book!!! Now that the major crunch for Christmas is over, I'm looking forward to a few sessions curled on the couch with this one!

Another blog "win" that I just need to share is this one! I left a comment over at the Michael Miller fabrics blog Making It Fun, they decided to send something to everyone who commented so it was a double pleasure for me! These are "samples" (in quotes because to me 4 yards of anything is more than just a "sample") of the new trim lines they have coming out in January. Let me just say that the ruffled ric rac is just WAAAYYYYY too cute and I can't wait to find a project to use it in! And the bias tape? Oh my, this I can think of uses for too! (and just how did they know I love orange??) I'm thinking I'm in trouble when the full line comes out as well :0).

As for the goodies from family, oh my! I got this lovely trio from my Mom (along with some blades for the rotary cutter, some new needles for my machine, oh -- and since I didn't get a photo of it -- a new Rowenta professional iron!!! WOooo Hooooo!!!). I love the new rotary cutter (I've been wanting one since I first saw them over at Stashmaster's blog this fall) and I can't wait to test drive it! As for the embroidery scissors -- my old, falling apart, orange handled Fiskars have met their maker!

Mom also indulged my renewed knitty interests too (sorry if you only want quilty content but these yarns are going to be showing up again on my blog -- as well as a few others I need to post about!). I got this wonderful knitting carrier (and I may have bought Mom one as well in red) as well as the yarns and the new pair of addi turbos inside of it. Yummy, yummy.

That Koigu yarn is just so much fun to work with and I just couldn't resist casting on this on Christmas day. (ok, yes, I still have a purple sock to finish -- I know -- but I'm having second sock issues and I just couldn't resist this one. Especially since after my gift making frenzy of the past two months -- this one is self-indulgent in the extreme since it's for me!) I'm loving how this one is turning out!

If you were wondering what pattern it is, it's the chevron scarf from the Last Minute Knitted Gifts book I got for Christmas as well (along with its companion Patchwork book!!!). I love this book and I finally have my own copy (and can stop borrowing it from the library). Since this is the third project I've made from the book already -- I think it's a pretty sure investment!

I also got this yummy Noro yarn to make a pair of fingerless mitts from. Another project that is all for me that I can't wait to get started on! It's not as colorful as some of the Noro yarns -- but, ummm, can we say silk and cashmere??!!?? Oh yes, I can see my hands staying warm as I knit up and quilt up a storm this year!

And finally (at least for today) I also got this fun ball of white fluff with iridescent sparklies in it to try my hand at making some of these that I saw over at Trail Mix designs (and in the book -- but, seeing them made up really was the bug). I got the One Skein book as well for Christmas so I'm all set to whip up a few little cupcake goodies. These should be fun to make!

I did get a few other things for Christmas (pj's, the first season of Veronica Mars -- good for watching while knitting and/or sewing) and other assorted goodies though none really relating to crafting/sewing/quilting. I guess Santa appreciated all the time I spent in the sweat shop before Christmas! I am still trying to catch up on my blog reading and I have at least three more posts I've been plotting in my head! Hope everyone has a safe and wonderful New Year's celebration tonight -- me? I think I'm going to be playing with my new toys and thinking about taking down my Christmas decorations!

It's a wrap

2007-12-28T11:38:00.001-06:00

Well -- another year, another Christmas come and gone (almost -- still have one day of presents with the in laws to do) and yet another year where I SWEAR I am going to get my presents done earlier next year! Geesh -- ya think after 35 years I would have learned better. Oh well -- most of what I wanted to get done got done, and what wasn't finished? Well -- I have some IOUs out there. I suppose I could have gotten a couple more things finished -- but that would have meant missing out on things like cookie baking (Miss Tinkerbell had a blast and can you tell her favorite color these days is pink?). Yeah -- it's ok that a few things didn't get done to have those memories :0).

I did get quite a bit of my list of insanity done though. I think there were only two or three "I really think I can do this" items that didn't get finished (or started for that matter) and the others -- well, they were optional to begin with. Wanna see? (ok -- who am I kidding -- I love the show and tell parts of my blog -- why else would I mention these things?)

Mom's hand quilted pillow. DONE!!! Remember when I mentioned that I had started this way back in October? Well, Mom said she might like it -- hehehehe. So, along with all of the other first efforts -- she got my first hand quilted piece. I ended up turning it into a pillow per her request (for decorative purposes only upon pain of death -- REALLY). You should be able to click on the photo for a better view, but if I do say so myself this turned out beautifully. (ok -- side note here -- isn't it nice when you manage to impress even yourself with your own work?)

And for those of you who wondered whether or not the pre-printed blue lines from the wholecloth came out when finished, the answer is yes. They do. Totally, utterly, and completely. I washed in cold with just a little bit of detergent and I couldn't be happier with it. Not even a hint of the blue left. For anyone who is thinking of trying one of these as an intro to hand quilting? I have to say go for it! I went to the shop where I bought it to get another one for myself. They're out right now -- but when they get them back in, I'm all over it!

Dolly. DONE. Truly one of the most important ones too. And, no, dolly was not nekkid when I gave her to Tinkerbell. She had a snazzy little outfit in pink and green (since, as Tink has been saying for about a month or more -- Santa was going to bring her PINK presents). I was even proud of myself for using fabrics from my stash to make the outfit. I was so tempted just to go out and buy new -- but I resisted and I couldn't be happier that I went ahead and used what I had.

Dolly even got a blankie so she doesn't get cold in her crib. There was some doubt this one was going to happen. I just used the left overs from making the outfit and did a quick and dirty on it. I took my cue from modern quilts and just kind of started cutting and putting it together. I'm really happy with it too -- which confirms for me that I tend to over complicate things too much.

I did "cheat" a bit though -- it's not "quilted". (ah - yeah, like 2 days before Christmas I was going to actually quilt this one, nope, insane is one thing -- the other is just plain crazy). Thankfully pearl cotton and tying is a viable option!

As for Miss Tinkerbell? Oh my -- all the effort that went into this one was sooooo worth it. She loves her dolly. She won't go anywhere without her. She puts her in her crib, and covers her up so sweetly. Of course, a certain guy in a red suit and a bunch of elves got credit for her. Humph. I suppose I can share with the big guy -- knowing she loves it so much is what is really important.

Tinkerbell's train mat. DONE. This is the best photo I have of this one -- and really, not that much to it. A pre-printed panel with some quilting (again -- glad there isn't a better picture since the quilting on this one is, well, horrible would be kind, but -- for what it is -- it does the job) and a binding. A solid backing in a coordinating fabric, and you have yourself a train mat. As for my opinion of the workmanship in it -- I'm not being hard on myself (really, see me sing my own praises above). I'm being honest that I have NO clue what I'm doing when I do free motion quilting and that I need to practice. For what this "blankie" is (something to be put on the floor and played on), what I did is fine. I would just like to do better than ok. It's a goal -- and this is a good thing :0).

What didn't get done? Knit bag for AL -- I found another gift bag to use (though, I do believe Mom left before I could put the scarf into it -- drat!!! Oh well, I'm one up on a gift for next year!). And in case anyone kind of recognizes the fabric in the back -- yep, the gifts I made for Mom that I hinted about earlier? Yep -- a whole passel of drawstring bags. Mom filled them up with goodies, but I made the bags :0).

The only other thing I really wanted to get done that got postponed was my mil's apron. But, since we're not exchanging gifts until tomorrow -- um, I actually have a little time. I've actually taken the past few days off from sewing anything (though I may have started a new knitting project -- just maybe mind you). Looks like break time is over though -- I need to get back to my sewing! I've also got a bunch of thank yous, photos of new goodies (Santa was VERY good to me), and some new things in progress to get to, but that's for another post! Hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and is having a safe week leading into the New Year! I'll be back soon (really -- I'm just about caught up with non-computer stuff, but if you could slow down with your posting so I have a chance to catch up on reading??!!??)

Still Sewing...

2007-12-23T21:54:00.000-06:00

So -- I've been a bit quiet lately. It's not that I haven't had anything to post -- it's just that I haven't had time to actually get to the computer and do anything about the random thoughts running around in my head.

I mean -- there was a whole post about the trip to the mall to see Santa (her first time) -- with a mini-rant about the commercialization of Santa's area. This particular mall was pushing a recent release Christmas movie (that bombed so I hear). What ever is wrong with generic (non-advertising laden) castles and gingerbread and other North Pole type deals? Or trains -- I can deal with trains! But Noooooo -- we get some really bad crud from a movie that stank. Great. Oh, and the giant walk through snow globe? Yeah -- great idea -- except we were in there for about 15-20 minutes while waiting. All that fake snow was such fun to pick out of my daughter's hair in time for her picture with Santa (and don't EVEN get me started on the whole "photo package" deals). On the other hand -- if I thought she was excited about the tree -- well, let's just say seeing the big guy was even more exciting. No running back and forth to the kitchen -- but I swear if she started shaking and vibrating any more she was going to break through some space/time barrier.

Mom has been here since Monday -- which has been wonderful. But, I feel like I'm working her half to death with very little reward. UGH. My kingdom (or, really, just my small corner of the cornfields since that's all I can offer) for a nice, relaxing, don't have to do anything visit!

I have been working on my projects (and finishing things) but I don't have any good photos right now. I'll try to get everything photographed and show and tell soon. Really!

In the meantime -- it's two nights until Christmas and I have three must finish projects to complete (one hand sewn binding, one doll quilt to tie and one apron to make). Will I make it? Stay tuned to find out folks!

Checking It Twice

2007-12-14T02:24:00.000-06:00

Or in my case, since I've made a list I'm not sure now I can complete, I'm double checking it to see where I can cut corners and/or delete items. *Sigh* Still -- some of it is getting done. Despite other holiday delays, I do have progress to show (and a second post in one day!).

4. ~~Knit bag for B's gift. Almost done. Need to finish the icord.~~ DONE !!!! And really, since the actual bag has been done for about a month -- um, about time. The pattern is from Last Minute Knitted Gifts, and may I say again how much I LOVE this book? I swear there are about 10 more patterns I want to try and play with! (AFTER Christmas that is -- the list of things I want to do in the new year is a whole 'nother ball of wax)

13. ~~Doll crib mattress for dd. I have the stuff I need to make it.~~ DONE!!!! Or, well, in this photo it's ALMOST done. I had to go out to Joann's and pick up some more button forms to finish the tufting (yes -- I am insane -- was there ever any doubt?) It even fits in the doll crib perfectly -- and what is this?

It looks like the dollies wanted to test out the new bed, and do a dry run for Christmas morning. But look -- they now have arms that are attached. And faces!!!!

Yep -- I finally stopped ~~putting off until the last possible minute the part of the dolls that scared me~~ pondering the hair color decisions and went for it. And now I have some decisions to make -- see, I've had some vague ideas that I would finish BOTH dolls and give them to Tinkerbell for Christmas. Hmmm...but, well, see above about having to be a bit more realistic. Up until this point working on two of them has been relatively easy -- but we're now at the point where I'm going to have to make clothing and doll quilts. Um, I have time, honestly, to make one set of clothing. That is if I want the doll to have a quilt and/or some of the other accessories (I've already decided her coat and purse will wait and I'm tempted to say her PJs will as well). So -- the quandary -- do I go with blondie there or with red?

I'm not all that fond of blondie's hair color. I thought I could make it look a bit more "natural" than the straight up yellow (I had vague ideas of trying to match Tink's blond/brown locks). This, of course, was before reality set in and I remembered that my skills with paint and a brush are -- um, well, not non-existent, but, limited is a better word. That plus -- it looks like blondie here got into her mother's makeup and decided to do some clown cheeks.

The other option is red. Red's cheeks look rosy without being garish. But, well, see above about skills with a paintbrush. See -- I may have, just may have mind you, made a boo boo when painting her hairline. I could claim that red here has super fine hair and has a few wisps escaping an otherwise careful do -- but, well, it's a mistake. And an obvious one. And I'm not sure if I can let it go.

So -- there are the options (the third option -- start again and re-do is NOT viable). Unless someone has some suggestions about how to get the fabric paint off the part I don't want it on for red -- I have to choose one or the other. Any suggestions? Picks? Help?

In the meantime -- both these ladies are nekkid -- and I need to get cracking on making some clothes!

Slowly, Slowly

2007-12-14T01:12:00.000-06:00

There is slow progress here at casa de cornfields. The list of Christmas insanity is getting done. Kind of. It is nice to know I'm not the only one who does this to herself -- but still. There are interruptions -- both of the runny nose kind (though, it looks like the redness has gone away mostly and I'm not sneezing as much, still coughing up half a lung though) and of the "I really need to have more than an advent calendar hanging up in my house" kind. One of those distractions was much more fun than the other btw.

This is my way of saying we finally go the tree up and decorated on Weds. night. Yes, I did say we bought it on Sunday -- but, well, remember the picture of the ice outside my window? Yeah, that had been around since Saturday or so. So, live tree purchased on Sunday needed a few days in the garage to thaw out before coming inside. But, it's in, it's up, and it's even decorated. (though -- I still need to hunt down the angel for the top)

I have to admit I haven't been all that enthusiastic about Christmas trees the past few years. It has nothing to do with the whole real/artificial debate. (though -- as an aside -- we do cut trees for a reason. The last artificial tree I played with was my mother's and the darned thing gave me hives! Yes, I can actually say I am allergic to artificial trees -- or, well, at least to the dust they collect) It has to do with the fact that since the first year dh and I celebrated Christmas together -- I'm the only one who has seemed to care whether or not we have a tree in the house. And, frankly, after having to beg, plead and/or just do it all myself -- I was getting to wonder whether it was even worth doing. I know, not very Christmasy -- but, there you have it. I figured the holidays are stressful enough without having to add another layer of stuff to do as well as building resentment.

This year? Oh man -- sooooo worth it. See -- this year Miss Tinkerbell is old enough to really be into the whole Christmas thing. And SHE was thrilled that we she had a tree "in her house." Make no mistake -- it is HER tree. I got such a kick watching her excitement, it helped me remember why I love Christmas trees, and the smell of pine, and the whole decorating thing. And of course, she "helped" decorate. (don't tell Tink that these ornaments are Mommy's -- one of the first Christmas presents her Daddy bought for me. Though, I'll let her claim them since she keeps walking up to them and saying "Hello, Clarice" -- and doesn't understand why Daddy and I are cracking up!)

When she found out it was time to decorate the tree? Well -- you know how young puppies get when they are really excited? They kind of shake and vibrate and run around in circles kind of yapping away? Yeah -- um, I didn't know human beings did that too. 'Cause she kept on saying "My Christmas Tree" and running from the kitchen into the living room and back again until she was able to dig into the boxes of ornaments. And then there was the fun of trying to explain that no, not ALL of the ornaments in the boxes would fit on the tree. The bulbs I bought when I didn't have many ornaments have given way to all of the "specialty" ornaments I've collected over the years.

My tree may not look as put together as others out there -- but all of the ornaments have memories. I like it that way -- it doesn't match, and not all of them may seem seasonally appropriate (hey -- the Halloween one was an engagement gift -- we got engaged on Halloween night, so it seems appropriate that we have this one on our tree every year), but they are all special. I can give up some glass balls for those kinds of memories.

And just so this post isn't devoid of anything crafty -- yes, there are the homemade kind on there too. A lollipop made out of polymer clay I made a few years ago and a cinnamon stick Santa -- made almost 10 years ago now. Both fun to do -- but, really, I'm just waiting until Miss Tinkerbell's handiwork is on the tree. And I'm loving watching her be so excited about a pine tree, some lights and a box full of memories!

I do have progress on the list, but this post is way too long as it is (really -- I can blather on about things!). So, I'll do a separate crafty post about the progress made.

Rudolph's Nose

2007-12-11T13:10:00.000-06:00

Isn't the only one that is bright red and shiny right now. Though, I imagine his hurts a whole lot less. Ick. After posting my to-do list for the insane, I got my annual bout of bronchitis. Fun, fun, fun. Cough, cough, hack, hack, oh what fun a sneeze attack (sung to the tune of plop/plop, fizz/fizz), And to top it off, my husband seems to have caught a related buggy thing so we've both been walking around like zombies. Gotta love that codeine cough syrup. But it does make the idea of playing with a rotary cutter not quite as attractive as it might otherwise be. (I like all of my appendages attached thank-you-very-much!)

Despite the temporary setback of being ill, I do still think I can finish my homemade Christmas gifts (see -- insanity, but I'm gonna try to do it darn it). I've been plugging away slowly but surely and I do have some progress.

17. ~~Advent Calendar.~~ Done!!!!!!! It's even been hung up and we've been pulling slips of paper from it every day. I've had to do some covert rearranging of activities though. Saturday we were supposed to go get the tree -- with dh running a fever and my coughing/nose blowing exploits that got delayed by a day, but otherwise a success. We've been busy with playing with some of the goodies inside (gotta love those paint with water books -- so far I think we've colored the entire book that was in her grab bag, and the scratch and sniff book was a big hit as well). And, since this is the grand sum of my holiday decorating thus far -- hey, a bonus!

8. ~~C's messenger bag. I have the stuff -- need to design and make.~~ Done!!!!! Yahooo!!!! This one needs to be in the mail pronto so I'm really glad I did get it finished.

It ended up being more of a "mini" messenger bag -- still big enough to put manila folders in and/or a three ring binder (heck, even a laptop if needed) but still small enough to be used as a largish purse if desired as well.

And considering I was working without a net on this one (pattern? I don't need no stinkin' pattern!) I think it turned out well if I do say so myself.

I'm still seriously in love with these Heather Ross fabrics, and since my cousin (the intended recipient) has been riding horses since she was 8 or 9 (and she's a year older than I am -- ok, only 10 months and three days) the fabrics are perfect for her.

And honestly? If it weren't for the whole, I've been drugged out on an opiate derivative cough medication thing, it would have taken me an afternoon to complete. Now that's my idea of a great quick project!

Other projects have had some spotty progress at best -- not a whole lot to show there. So, I will leave you with the view from my computer/guest room window. Pretty -- in a, gee I hope the temps don't drop too much so I can actually walk outside kind of way.

Though, it does make you feel kind of Christmasy -- I think it's time for some more cough syrup, a bit of hot chocolate and a cuddle under the blankets before I get back to the sweat shop!

Progress from Santa's Sweat Shop

2007-12-06T15:24:00.000-06:00

So, some progress in the past couple of days. This is good. If I can keep up this pace everything should be done in time for Christmas. This year even. Well -- ok, so I may have to speed it up a little...

Anyhooo --- I thought I would share the full extent of the insanity that I'm playing with here in the cornfields. So, like Santa it's time to make my list. Check it twice. And see whether I'm going to get done or not. In no particular order of importance, my "to do before Christmas" list:

1. ~~Commission for Mom.~~ Done!!! In the mail. Out of here! Yahoo!!! (all 5 of whatever it is I was making)

2. ~~Gift for my god daughter.~~ Done!!!! A cutie pie little pair of funky monkey pj's (she loves monkeys -- go figure). And, as a bonus, a little bag to put them in (instant and reusable wrapping paper -- woo hooo). And before you think I'm crazy for making the bag (well -- you will when you see the rest of my list) I will say that I wasn't going to do it. Until, well, someone -- I'm not naming any names mind you, but someone may have forgotten to look and see if this fabric is directional before cutting out the PJ bottoms. And, well, this someone may have had to recut them (thank goodness I someone bought WAY more fabric than the pattern called for). And well -- someone may have decided to make lemonade out of lemons with the bottoms that were cut upside down. Someone mind you -- I'm not admitting to the mistake!

3. ~~PJ's for dd.~~ DONE. Remember that we've been in Santa and Rudolph heavy rotation these days? These will be part of her advent calendar gifts this year. I saw the fabric at Joann's and couldn't resist. Not the best stuff in the world to use -- but for a pair of PJs that are going to be worn for a limited time -- yeah, it works. And since I already was making a pair for my god daughter -- easy enough to make two instead of one.

And just because I can't resist -- a close up of the t-shirt. A simple patch top stitched down. And I chose Santa vs. Rudolph because she loves Santa. Me? I'm in love with that green and red polka dot fabric. Don't know why -- it makes me happy!

4. Knit bag for B's gift. Almost done. Need to finish the icord -- she's getting a smaller (and different color) version of this (the cover photo, not the cabled one).

5. Knit bag for AL's gift. Haven't started. Need to get B's gift off needles.

6. Weave in ends of knit scarf for AL's gift.

7. One on One doll quilt exchange. Blocks made. Need to get together, quilt and bind.

8. C's messenger bag. I have the stuff -- need to design and make.

9. Train panel play mat for dd. Need to back, sandwich, quilt and bind.

10. Hand quilted pillow. About 80% done. I have the hand quilting done. Need to make the pillow backing and binding. Not too bad.

11. ~~Ornaments for teacher gifts.~~ Done!!!

12. Dolly for dd. In progress. Doll body made, need to finish stuffing, attach arms and paint on the face and hair. After that just need to make an outfit. Or two. As for the accessories -- um, we'll see. (and no -- you're not seeing double. I couldn't decide which color fabric to use for the body so I made two. I probably won't give both to dd -- I'll figure out what to with the second one later).

13. Doll crib mattress for dd. I have the stuff I need to make it. Simply covering some foam so shouldn't take long.

14. MIL's apron. I was going to make my mil a quilt this year. Really. I was. I even have the fabrics cut and ready. Um, so not going to happen. I mentioned this to her -- and sweet woman that she is understands completely and asked for an apron. An apron? I can do an apron. And I KNOW this project is an afternoon or less.

15. Small handbag/bag for S. This one -- um, she may be getting a gift card. This one is truly an "If I can get around to it" gift. Though, PamKittyMorning's pattern does work up quickly...

16. Messenger bag for DH. May get delayed until his birthday. Since it was supposed to be a gift for our anniversary, leaving it a bit longer may be ok.

17. Advent calendar. Yeah, I know it's already December. I know this should have been done a week ago. Um...it's not. On the plus side, it's almost done. Really. I just need to finish sewing down the binding and the hanging sleeve. Though, I would appreciate it if you didn't look too closely at the quilting. This was a quick and dirty. I've had this panel by Makower UK hanging around since dd was in an infant carrier. So, it's been a PIP (sorry -- I don't keep my undone projects in grocery sacks. I keep them in plastic bins -- so PIP instead of PIG) since sometime in 2005. So, this is a bit of a stashbusting effort, and a FWYH entry.

I'm really not in love with it either (HEY -- HEY -- I see you, I told you NOT to look at the quilting!) -- which may be one reason it's taken me so long to finish it. It's cute and all, but -- not sure. It just doesn't sing to me. And I've been seeing such cute ideas for Advent calendars all over the blogosphere. Really -- look here, and here, and well -- there's an entire flickr group dedicated to them. Some of the ideas are really great and they are fun and funky -- something my little offering isn't. Hmmnn...next year. At least I can introduce the concept this year and then work on a new one that speaks more about our family's personality AFTER the holidays. For now -- those little tiny pockets (honestly, you can't fit much in them) will get stuffed with pieces of paper that either give dd a chance at some goodies in a grab bag and/or activities we have planned (including some more handmade Christmasy goodness -- but, um, this list thing is starting to depress me -- so, I'll take pics and talk about it as those happen).

And what am I doing hanging out on my blog?!? (other than taking a break from the slave driver elves here in the sweat shop?) I've got sewing to do!

Santa's Sweat Shop

2007-12-04T13:18:00.000-06:00

Bet you didn't know there was a North Pole annex here in the cornfields did ya? Well -- that's what it's been feeling like around here. All Christmas, all the time. And I haven't even BEGUN to decorate (unless you count digging out the Christmas videos for dd -- I think I have now seen Rudolph, Santa and Frosty more times in the last three weeks than I ever did growing up, and my poor husband who HATES the Santa one, or is it Rudolph? -- um, yeah, moving on).

Anyway, I have been in full on gift making mode these days. And -- amazingly enough, I've gotten a few things done! (hooray -- I'll have to post the full list of what I'm actually trying to finish for you to truly appreciate the INSANITY that runs rampant in this house though. Next year, I swear, I will be starting earlier!)

First up on today's project list are some little ornaments. Gifts for teachers and other folks who I don't see often but want to do something homemade for. I will fully admit these are "cheater" presents. Simple panel squares backed with some additional yardage, a snippet of ribbon and some leftover batting. Pillowcase it and top stitch around the edges.

Still home made, but well -- um, yeah, I had to make quite a few so this is about all the time I had! They are cute and I refuse to feel guilty about not piecing something. Really. (yes, I am trying to convince myself as much as I am you).

The next round of finished presents I can't actually show you. These were commissions from my Mom, and one of the recipients reads my blog. But, I do have permission to hint and tease (hi DJ!). So -- to whet the appetite of a certain someone (and, well, hey -- I like taking pictures) here's the hint. I finally got to use some older Hoffman Christmas batiks I bought long and long ago. I love these fabrics but just hadn't found the perfect place to use them.

Not enough of a hint? Hmmm...well, ok. One more tiny one. So these are done and even out in the mail already. I still will be going to the post office on a regular basis -- but one project completely gone from the stuffed bins waiting for me to get to them. Plus, a project mostly from stash. This is a good thing.

Oh, and lest you think that Santa's Sweat Shop is only producing goodies for me to give? Oh no -- not by a long shot. I've also been working on more shop samples (and if you click on the link you can see the earlier ornament samples on the web site -- yes, I'm easy to amuse). These cuties are courtesy of the Quilts and More Winter 2007 issue. It's a fun and pretty quick little pattern to hold an ipod (and yes, my large "old" ipod fits in it too -- I checked!). Might make a good present for a teenager -- especially if you make it up with some of the cute Chocolate Lollipop or Urban Gardens fabrics I was playing with. The pattern calls for a 1/4 yard cut -- but I used fat quarters and had fabric left over.

I've also managed to finish some hand quilting. I'd show a photo -- but, well, this one has turned into a Christmas present for someone who reads my blog. So, I will take photos when I finish binding/making it into a large pillow (per the recipient's request) and show them in a post-Christmas round-up. I will say that I really did enjoy the process and I want to do another!

I'm also busily working on a quilty project -- but I don't have any in-progress photos to share. I will try and get some, but since I'm hoping to be done with it tomorrow (I must say, the SciFi Tinman miniseries has been great for getting some of my handwork projects done!) -- you may get a completed picture rather than in-progress (I hope, I hope, I hope -- this one has a deadline that has already come and gone).

Finally, a bit more catching up -- I've been meaning to post photos of these, and keep on going way too long in my posts. Remember me talking about ordering the patterns for my daughter's doll from Australia? Well -- the folks at Jet Music and Books also hold a monthly drawing for free pattern giveaways to customers. And guess who won the October contest? Yeah, li'l ole me! So, two Melly & Me patterns to go with my Lolly collection! Woo Hoo!

I REALLY want to make these. I do -- but, um, if I start one project right now that is not for a Christmas gift -- I'm never going to get done. But, I'm just sayin' wouldn't this guy look fabulous made up out of this fabric? With this for the ear inserts and the tummy? And maybe this for the shorts? I'm just sayin' (and copying shamelessly from Vicky).

Well -- that's it from my corner of the sewing sweat shop. Now to get back to work -- man those elves get cranky if you take a break that's too long!

Catching up...

2007-11-30T23:17:00.000-06:00

This post is going to have a lot of little "catch-up" stuff in it. Some quilting, some not so much. I've been thinking of all sorts of things I want to post about but haven't gotten to it and now I just need to get it all out.

Thanksgiving day -- we had a great day here in the Cornfields. I actually cooked (it happens rarely around here). And just to prove that I can do it. A photo. Yep. I took a picture of the bird coming out of the oven. But -- really, it was Normal Rockwell perfect. Not only was it pretty to look at, but it was yummy too.

Also, a few folks have asked if Miss Tinkerbell got to go out and play in the snow (I am seriously behind in answering my emails folks -- I'm playing catch-up there too!). Unfortunately -- by the time we'd had some breakfast, gotten dressed, and realized the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade was way cool to watch most of it was gone so nope -- but she keeps on waiting for more of the white stuff.

Black Friday. Ok, I read on a lot of blogs that most of you stayed home and sewed rather than fight the crowds of shoppers on Black Friday. I'd love to say I did the same. Nope. I HAVE to go shopping on that day. I do. It's a memory thing. That being said, I mostly went out to go to Joann's. They were having some major sales and I needed a few supplies for Christmas gifts.

So not all of that was for Christmas presents. I did buy some DMC floss for a project that I will be dealing with AFTER the holidays -- but really, it was on sale! (and with the extra % off for getting there before noon, um, I think I paid something like $.16 per skein -- for those of you in Europe, please remember that is the devalued American dollar -- so in terms of Euros, that's .11 or .08 Pounds. Yes -- we are spoiled here!) And how could I resist doing this pattern? Paula was kind enough to pass it on to me when she was done with it. (I loved seeing hers in progress as well as Carole's) I'm thinking that green tea dyed fabric will be perfect! Thanks Paula!

When I came home I was actually inspired by this. A table with not a thing on it. For a reminder of what it usually looks like you can go here. (and honestly? That full work surface picture is a bit cleaner than normal as well) I had to clean up my work area and kitchen so that we could eat Thanksgiving at the table (I thought it was only right that we actually eat there every so often).

The area that DIDN'T get touched in the mad dash to get everything ready for dinner though was this mess...

Yeah, um, well...look, I have NEVER claimed to be a domestic goddess. (just because some of you may not have BELIEVED me when I said how messy my home/work are is...doesn't mean I wasn't telling the truth). And this doesn't even include the piles of stuff that got taken upstairs to be hidden until after Thanksgiving dinner was over. *sigh*

So, I decided to do a little bit of cleaning and organization for my own sanity. Projects I'm not going to even think about until after the holidays and fabrics waiting to be put away into the stash got ~~shoved~~ placed in bins and removed from the area. I will also say, in the interest of full disclosure, that both of those bins were overflowing by the time I was done since I also brought down the piles of stuff from upstairs while I was in my cleaning frenzy. One bin for "projects" I haven't gotten to. One for fabrics to be put away. I think I need to join Judy L's stashbusting effort -- I love my stash, don't get me wrong, but I need to finish some projects before I buy more stuff for new ones! (yeah, we'll see how long that one lasts -- but honestly? It would be a good idea!)

And here it is -- the after. All organized and almost everything there (other than my basic tools and gadgets) is destined to be a Christmas present or something I need to work on before the holidays. We won't mention that those bins are still stuffed -- but, I will say in my own defense that some of it is because I just pulled the fabrics I want to use, not the correct yardages. Some of what is there will be going back into the stash after I've made the projects (or at least, that's what I keep telling myself -- and it's even somewhat true -- I've been working on some things and I did put about 4 1/2 yards of fabric back into the stash yesterday because I cut what I needed out of it). It is helping -- but I still think I need an elf or two who know how to sew to show up at my place.

And since this post is getting loooooong (when do mine not?) I will save some of the goodies I have been making to show later! (some new shop samples out of some yummy and yummier fabrics) I have been busy -- and this whole cleaning thing has really helped!

Pincushion Winners

2007-11-27T11:44:00.001-06:00

So, after my last post I am more convinced than ever that quilters are some of the best sorts of people. Thanks to all who commented and told me not to worry. I don't know that I'm constitutionally capable of not worrying at all -- but you made me feel much better!

And now on to the fun part! The names were put into a hat...

Little Miss Tinkerbell (she's the one who has been insisting lately that her name is "Tinkbell"-- won't even let me shorten it to Tink -- *sniff* ok, so I'm kinda proud of this, sick I know) did her part...

And the winner is...

Lisa D. from Stashmaster.

And then -- Mommy -- here you go!

Ok Tinkerbell -- that one too! ( I did mention this was a possibility).

So congrats to Vickie E. from Midohioknitter.

The winners have been notified via email, and thanks to everyone for playing along. Coming soon -- a recap of my Thanksgiving weekend! (yep, late, but hey -- better late than never!)

Egg On My Face...

2007-11-26T12:09:00.000-06:00

Ok, so the whole -- do a give away drawing as a way of saying thanks to all the wonderful folks who have read and commented on my blog sounded like a good idea. So why the egg on my face? Well -- I've been lax about reading my email this weekend -- when I got to it this morning some of the comments were puzzling me. I mean, a drawing is no guarantee that I will be sending anything right? Welllllllll...I guess I should have read my post more carefully before I hit that publish button. See, there was supposed to be a whole sentence in there about "I will put your name into a hat and have my capable assistant draw a name on Monday" that didn't make it into the published version.

Crud.

Double Crud.

And now for my quandary. I could be all technical and say that the paragraph following the offer in the original post implies that not EVERYONE would get a pincushion (the whole -- if you want a guarantee go to my PIF post thing -- which, btw, has been filled, thanks!). That feels an awful lot like cheating to me. I'm the one who didn't edit (something I tell my students to do) and so it's my fault. Then again -- there is the other side of the coin. I did not make nearly enough pincushions to send to everyone who commented -- and I don't think I can afford the postage for all of them either (they aren't heavy -- just bulky, which means the postage goes up).

So -- what to do? I'm considering Hari-Kari -- though somehow that seems a bit extreme. I considered going into hiding -- but, well, how do you hide from yourself? Ok, enough self-flagellation.

Immediate fix is that I will hold the drawing I intended to hold today (dd is looking forward to it so, really, you don't want to disappoint the toddler do you? She's really cute). Given how well she did the last time, I can say there will probably be more than one winner.

For those of you who commented and are not ok with this "fix" -- shoot me an email. (this is especially true for those of you who are "no-reply" on your comments, I would have done this via email but, well, I can't really) I'll work something out. I have more fabric. I can make more pincushions -- but, um, they aren't going to be ready for a while. My list of Christmas projects has to take priority -- so I won't be able to get to them for sure until January. Sorry folks, this is the best I can do for right now -- hope you understand. Now I'm going to go see if I have anything resembling a hair shirt hanging in my closet.

Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa

Giving Thanks

2007-11-22T21:09:00.000-06:00

Today was/is (at least for another couple of hours) the day set aside in the US to give thanks for the harvest (though -- our current traditions probably have very little to do with the celebration we're supposed to be emulating). It's also a time to look at your life and think about what it is you are grateful/thankful for. I know it's something I don't do often enough, so it's nice to get the reminder sometimes.

This year I am thankful for young eyes that remind me of the wonder of the first snow of the year. No worries about the roads, travel -- just excitement and wonder that this white stuff came from the sky, and a quick run to the closet and demands to put on her coat so she can go out and play.

I am thankful for my family and friends, near and far. They're pretty wonderful people.

I am thankful for the opportunities I have had this year to play with my quilting and to teach my first quilting class.

And, I am thankful for you -- my fellow crafters who read my blog. You give me encouragement (even when I probably don't need it when it comes to stash enhancement activities), advice, and honest feedback. Those are all things I value. In addition, I've made so many new "imaginary" (though, you are all real -- that term bothers me somehow) friends from all walks of life, all over the globe. I have learned over and over again that quilters are some of the most generous people. People whose generosity in terms of time (and sometimes in terms of fabric, patterns and other goodies) are unparalleled.

So -- as a way to say "thank you" on a day meant for thanks -- I'm going to offer up a little token of my thanks. Remember these pincushions? Well -- leave a comment on this post between now and Sunday, November 25th and I will send you one. Which one I'm not sure (and one of the two finished ones you see in the photo has already gone to a new home) -- but you will get one of them. I mentioned earlier that I had put some scented oil in one -- the one I will send does not have any scent.

Oh -- and if you don't want to take any chances and would like to guarantee that you get one of these -- I still have one spot open on my Pay-It-Forward exchange. If you'd like to play along -- I think I can guarantee one of these lovelies :0). If you are signing up for the PIF -- it will be first come, first serve. Please leave your comment on the PIF post!

MeMeMe...

2007-11-19T11:57:00.000-06:00

Ok, so if you didn't get enough of me blabbing about myself in July, I've been tagged for another MeMeme by Nan over at Quilting in Doxie-Land (and yep, this was awhile ago -- but, well, I'm slow at responding to these things). So here it is, 4 things about me...

4 jobs I've held:

Migrant farm laborer. Ok -- so I wasn't so much migrating, but corn detasseling counts -- and I have the scars from the corn rash to prove it.
Waitress at a fast food chain pizza resturaunt. Lousy tips and don't get me started on the damage a softball team can do to a dining room.
Secretary to a freshman program in an academic university.
Indentured servant. Oh wait -- technical title was Graduate Assistant. In exchange for tuition breaks I taught freshman composition courses. On second thought, indentured servant is about right -- but I did love the teaching.

4 films I could watch over and over again:

The Princess Bride ("Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya, you killed my father, prepare to die")
The Quiet Man (John Wayne, Maureen O'Hara, 'nuff said)
The Wizard of Oz (I no longer hide when the wicked witch shows up -- but love this movie)
Star Wars (no, not going to give the "new title" -- I grew up with it being Star Wars. The first one. Forget the numbering -- and, frankly, forget the tinkering that Lucas did to it -- it's my childhood memory darn it!)
A host of other films -- really, I love rewatching movies. I have many favorites, these are just some of the top picks.

4 TV shows I watch:

House -- LOVE Huge Laurie
Numbers -- Rob Morrow, Judd Hirsch, the cast in this is wonderful!
Bionic Woman -- Ok, throwback to my childhood again, but the new show is pretty good.
WWE Monday Night Raw -- don't ask, I blame a friend for this.
Again -- a host of others -- I haven't even touched on most of the shows I watch like Miami Ink and all of the Food Network shows I watch. Not to mention Heroes, etc. I'm a TV junkie -- I freely admit this.

4 Places I've lived:

Utica, Michigan
Fairfax, Virginia
Chicago, Illinois
Cornfield County, Illinois

4 favorite foods:

Sushi (tuna and salmon the two favs here)
Chocolate (in all its many forms)
Bread -- really, I love crusty good fresh bread -- a bit of butter and I'm in heaven.
Saganaki -- flaming cheese served with crusty bread, what's not to love?

4 favorite colors:

Orange
Pink/red
Lime green
purple
blue
brown
yellow
grey
Anyone get the feeling that I love color and am a color slut? You should.

4 Places I would love to be right now:

Right where I am with my daughter and husband
Desert south west with my Mom
Paris
Virginia

4 names I love but would/could not use for my children:

Robert (um -- had a girl, so not really appropriate)
Carolyn
Catriona (was a close call there)
Alexandra

4 people I would love to tag:

This one has made the rounds, so I'm not going to tag anyone specifically -- if you want to do it, consider yourself it!

Imagine my surprise

2007-11-19T00:28:00.001-06:00

Ok, I'll admit it, I check my blog's statistics on sitemeter from time to time. I love the world map that shows where visitors are coming from. Ok, yes, it takes amazingly little to amuse me at times. Anyhoo -- imagine my surprise when I realized I've been getting a lot more visits than normal. Like almost double. Hunh? I mean, I know my experiments with tea dying are just fascinating but still.

Oh wait -- I then checked where folks were coming from. Turns out I'm getting a lot of hits from Sew Mama Sew. Hunh? They posted that link to my tutorial ages ago. So why the sudden rush? It turns out they reposted the link to the tutorial as part of their Handmade Holidays posts for November. Way cool. And so are all of the great ideas and tutorials they've been posting. If you haven't had a chance -- go check it out. Not like most of us need another project to add to the pile at this time of year -- but, well, hey -- never hurts to look right? I'm going to add the banner for it onto my sidebar as well. I also added an update to the tutorial (links to the finished project and to the dress with fabric I made) so if you are seeing it on bloglines -- sorry for the repeat.

In other crafting/sewing/quilting news -- um, nothing really to report right now. It's been a singularly craft free weekend. Ugh. I have too much to do and not enough time to do it in -- but I also had a little one with a virus thingy (don't you love my technical medical terms). I love that kids bounce back quickly from these sorts of things -- I hate the gut wrenching fear that you have when daycare calls and tells you your child has a fever of 104 F. And just to reassure you -- she was kind of listless and oddly agreeable for a day. The next day she was her normal bouncing off the walls and go, go, go self who is glad to tell you "I don' LIKE that" with no fever in sight. Now mommy on the other hand -- mommy needs longer to recover! Hopefully I will have more to show/share soon.

Also, thanks for all the tips and suggestions on the tea dying. I want to try some of them and see what results I get. But, I'm just about to the point on the doll fabric of saying -- it's good enough, I'll make it with what I have and continue the experiments after Christmas (when I don't have 10 projects lined up). Any opinions?

Experiments

2007-11-16T13:12:00.000-06:00

Ok, so I've never been one to be too scared of experimenting with fabrics. I like to play. If I mess up -- it's FABRIC. No one dies, I may have spent a bit of money and time -- but, um, nothing seriously wrong happens. (if you know of an exception to this one -- I'd love to hear about it -- though, on second thought, maybe you shouldn't burst my bubble).

So, when the pattern for my daughter's Christmas gift called for something I've never done -- wooo hoo -- time to experiment. Time to venture into the kitchen and play with some tea dying. (for those of you who have done this a million times -- um, yep -- I'm late coming to the party on this one) And of course, since I'm prone to overly complicating relatively simple things, I had to not just tea dye but play with it. I wanted to get a "peachy" color to the fabric. This is, after all, supposed to be a doll right? So -- black tea should give a brownish tinge -- what will give more of a flesh tone? How about a "red" tea?

And, just in case the whole -- it should be black tea thing is necessary. How about another length that has both red and black teas combined? So far looking promising no? A nice peachy color here -- even given that tea dying is going to be MUCH lighter when it gets washed -- still, looking good!

Anyone get the feeling that this isn't going to turn out the way I want it to? You should be -- I mean, I did end up getting tea dyed fabric. It's darker/duskier than the original white -- but, the whole color thing I was going for? Not sure. It could be the detergent I used. I used Dreft, which is a wonderful product. Really. There's even a blurb on it in the current Quilter's Home magazine for this issue's product test -- they rated it REALLY highly for washing quilts, just below the specialty product Soak (and for the rating -- a darned sight cheaper as well). But, you see, I forgot one *little* thing -- the reason I still use Dreft for my daughter's laundry even though she's 2? Um -- this stuff WORKS. I mean, really works. Gets out stains I thought wouldn't come out works. As in as soon as I poured it into the washing machine it started changing the color of the fabrics -- fast!

Soooo -- this is what I ended up with. The red tea is on the left, the red/black is in the middle and that far right piece is another experiment with green tea meant for some stitchery ideas (too coarse to want to use for the doll body. The fabric across the bottom is the original white. Not sure how happy I am with these.

And just for a shot with another color reference -- here's a shot with my hand in it. I mean -- it could be the detergent (probable) -- it could just be that the red color in the tea I used doesn't stain enough (possible) -- could be that I used warm water to wash it in (also possible but not as likely as the first two) -- could be that I didn't use enough tea bags to get good color (though, look at the before pictures, I think I got enough color on there)-- etc., etc., etc. So the question is -- do I attempt the experiment again? Do I change one of the likely culprit variables and attempt to re-stain the fabrics? Do I say well -- I got stained fabric and just go with what I've got?

Am I over thinking and over complicating something that doesn't need to be? *sigh* probably to the last one. But I'm still unsure about the use or redye question. I still think the red tea idea should work -- but, really, does it matter? What do you think? Redo or use what I have so my daughter can have her doll for THIS Christmas?

And to end on a happier note -- the pincushions are coming along. Two completely done -- five more that need buttons added to them, but that's a good nighttime project. One of these is actually already at its destination -- one of dd's teachers is leaving today. I added a bit of scented oil soaked in a cotton ball to the stuffing and it's a pretty sachet if she doesn't need a pincushion. As for the others -- well, stay tuned for further announcements :0).

I've been getting some nice compliments on the Christmas ornaments from my last post -- if anyone is interested in being Megged -- I know Tammy was planning on kiting these up with the pattern and a fabric pack. I'm not sure if they're up on her site or not or if she's gotten them done yet -- but if you are interested you could shoot her an email. Just doing my part to ensure a vital global economy :0).

It's beginning to look a lot like...

2007-11-14T16:02:00.000-06:00

Christmas here at Casa de Cornfields. No, I don't have my decorations up yet (isn't it bad enough the stores have had them up since Halloween?? EEEKK -- nope, we wait until AFTER Thanksgiving in this house thank you very much) -- but I have been a busy bee sewing up some Christmas themed items and getting some work on hand made presents done. I don't know why I do this to myself every year -- I wait 'til the last minute (ok, so a month or so before isn't the LAST minute, but you know what I mean) to get all the handmade stuff done and/or underway.

If you're like me -- you also forget about people you know you want to do something for -- but not a full quilt (or, well, projects that are going to require a huge investment of time and/or money). The coworker gifts, teachers (my daughter has 4 teachers who are with her on a regular basis), coaches, family members who you see once a year but still want to do something for...what to do? What to do? Well -- one option could be these little lovelies that I've been working on this week. Fun fabric ornaments/gift tags. The pattern is new from Daisy and Dell (though, I was having problems with their site if you follow the link) and tons of fun to make.

Though -- I will have to say, my ability to overly complicate things may have been in overdrive here. Yes, the pattern does call for doing machine blanket stitching around the fused pieces -- but, seriously, on pieces this small -- I probably should have just let it go. It's not like it's going to be washed or anything. It looks great (or at least I think so) but -- seriously folks. Despite that bit of insanity -- they really are fun to make, and easy enough to use for some of those gifts you're not sure what to give -- who couldn't use a cutie patootie ornament for the tree?

I may even make some more of them to give as gifts (or for myself for that matter). Oh, yeah, I forgot to mention that I was making these as shop samples. A case of "one of my favorite quilt shop owners and designers (hi Tammy) went to market and I get to play with the goodies!" And speaking of goodies I got to play with (and another shop sample) -- I FINALLY got my hands on some of that yummy Chocolate Lollipop fabric I've been wanting to play with! (If you don't remember -- there was a bit of a saga the last time I tried to find some) Add in a fun new pattern by an all around wonderful blogger who had two new patterns introduced at market (see the November 6th post) and you've got another fun project to make. This one is both fun and easy -- and I have a 'tween on my Christmas list who may be getting one of these. Thanks PamKitty for such a fantastic pattern to play with!

Hmmn...with all of these shop samples you would think that my claim of getting Christmas presents done was, well, not quite the truth. But -- I have, in fact, been getting some done. Or, well, close to it anyway. Here's a sneak peek of an in-progress project -- more of that lovely Cherry Baby fabric. I got to keep some of the "scraps" when I was making aprons and so I've been turning some of them into pincushions. I've got another "scrap" project cooking with these as well -- I'll see about posting hints on that soon :0).

I've got more projects in the works and some fun stuff I'm working on -- but it looks like this post is getting to be WAAAAYYYY longer than I intended (I really need to work on the whole running off at the fingers thing). So, I will say goodnight for now (despite when this SAYS it was published -- it's after midnight by my watch!)

Oooops, almost forgot to mention -- Anna Maria Horner (the lovely lady who designed the Chocolate Lollipop fabrics) will be on Martha today (Nov. 15th) so check it out!

I'm just so proud...

2007-11-08T11:56:00.000-06:00

I've commented here and there when I've seen other crafters whose children are joining the fun, that I can't wait until my daughter is old enough to join me in the crafting madness that goes on around here. Not that she hasn't tried already (though pulling on my yarn skeins as I try to knit and trying to hit buttons on my sewing machine (see step 10) are not exactly helpful -- it comes from a good place, "mommy, I help you"), but, well, she's two! I figured it would be at least another year or two until I could ~~brag about~~, um ~~show off~~, no -- display (no mommy pride going on here at all folks) her handiwork. HA! Shows what I know. Look what came home with dd yesterday from daycare/school. Yep -- the two year old made this! Well, before you start thinking I have a prodigy or something (not that I don't believe she's the smartest and most talented kid I know) she did have help. They've been doing a unit this fall on bodies and differences at daycare. Part of this was the doll project -- the kids got to choose the basic doll body (pre-made) from a variety of skin tones. Then they talked about eyes and they got to chose their eye color -- and while the kids pointed, the teacher glued where they pointed. Same with the hair, mouths, noses, etc. And the clothes -- oh yeah, the design options for the outfits were all theirs too (with execution help from the teachers) -- and trust me, I've seen some of the other dolls and their outfits -- hers is way cooler (no bias here, nope, not me). And she is so in love with her doll -- and has now named her "Baby Dolly" (a better name than "poopy dollie" who came home with us from the toy store while 'Nama was visiting).

The enjoyment she's getting out of her dolls lately is giving me hope that my main present for her for Christmas is going to go over well. Which is good because the patterns for most of it came in the mail yesterday! Wooo Hooo!!!! I can get started on her doll and doll ensembles! I saw this doll over at the Material Obsessions blog this past spring and just fell in love. I have since started reading the blog of the designer, Rosalie Quinlan and her sister -- Melly and Me Designs (you should seriously check out some of their joint designs folks -- they are fun, fun, fun), and been trying to get the patterns here in the states. I did try and see if a LQS could get them (no luck) and finally decided enough was enough (especially if dd is going to get these before she has children of her own) and ordered them from Australia. I can't say enough good things about the folks over at Jet Music and Books. When I originally emailed about the patterns to check on the shipping costs (very reasonable) the patterns were out of stock. BUT -- they kept me informed via email (once even to let me know they were still waiting but they hadn't forgotten about me) and let me know as soon as they were available. Great service and they got to me within a week and 1/2!

So -- you know part of what dd is getting for Christmas -- shhhh, don't tell! (And since she can't read yet, I'm pretty safe here) The doll is to go along with the doll crib she's also getting. It's actually MY old doll crib from when I was here age -- it's been reinforced with 2x4's since I used to want to get in with my dolls and wood and wonderful. I'll get a photo when I can (right now it's "hiding" in a box so little one can't see it) -- but, a little old, a little new, and a little handmade. Sounds perfect to me.

And before this post gets to be REALLY long -- I'll keep the rest of what I was going to say for another post. Maybe tomorrow. I'm not going to join the NoBloPoMo challenge (goodness, I have the feeling people's eyes would be popping out of their heads if I did that) but I do have enough things I've been mulling over and wanting to post about for at least 3 or 4 posts. In the meantime --- here's a current picture of my sewing/work space (aka the Kitchen/dining table) -- um, really, there's 4 or 5 projects in various stages of completion there. But I do need to get back to it so I can start on the new dolly! As for dinner being eaten there any time soon -- not so sure.

Pay It Forward

2007-11-08T01:22:00.000-06:00

I know, I'm a bit behind the times here. I've seen this going around the blogosphere for the last several months. But every time I saw someone post it -- it seemed I was always the 4th person to read and/or so far down the line it wasn't even funny. Now -- looks like my luck has changed. The lovely Kristin L. (rocking cool crafty artsy chica mama that she is) has decided to play along as well. AND I managed to make a comment in enough time to be able to sign up. Wooo Hooo!!!

So, for those of you who haven't read it before or have no idea what I'm talking about here is the original meme/invitation:

“I will send a handmade gift to the first 3 people who leave a comment on my blog requesting to join this PIF exchange. I don’t know what that gift will be yet and you may not receive it tomorrow or next week, but you will receive it within 365 days, that is my promise! The only thing you have to do in return is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog.”

Obviously, there is one little catch -- you must have a blog in order to pay it forward yourself. I wish there were a way to make the offer to some of you who have kindly commented here and don't have blogs of your own -- but this one is going to have to be limited to those who have blogs. Stay tuned for something soon that will be open to anyone.

As for what I may send -- I have NO idea. Probably something made out of fabric, though knitted stuff is not out of the question as well, and then there are embroideries too -- oh the possibilities. I also will try my best to get these out sooner rather than later -- but, the only promise I will make is that in the invitation -- within the next calendar year. Oh, and the photo of the yoyo's -- um, not sure the eventual PIF items will contain them, just needed a photo for today so I raided a past blog post!

And on the current crafting front -- I have a ton going on right now. Lots of stuff on my work surface, some new patterns to play with, some sightings of the aprons I put together at market (last photo from the bottom of the post on the right, the mannequin with the aprons on it? The adult sized one is one I made -- and yep, that's the Lakehouse booth -- silly that I'm excited by this right?), and a package from Australia that came in the mail today with more goodies. But, the only photos I've taken in the past two days are of the applesauce I made yesterday. And I don't think you're all that interested in my culinary experiments sooooo -- I'll post more about what's going on later (I'd say tomorrow, but it may just be later today).

Reason to love living in a small town

2007-11-04T23:19:00.001-06:00

Ok, the title of my blog makes it pretty obvious that I don't exactly live in a large city. It's larger than it used to be, but, it's essentially a small town plunked down in the middle of a cornfield. I've lived in suburban/metro areas (and let me tell you when I first moved to this small town over 20 years ago there was some serious culture shock going on) and a large city. There are benefits to all -- but last weekend I got to enjoy one of my favorite parts about living in a small town in the Midwest -- the annual town wide festival. And what does our town's festival celebrate? The pumpkin! (kind of lucky that Halloween is one of my favorite holidays don't you think?)

And let me tell you -- most of the town really gets into the celebration. There is a pumpkin decorating contest with all of the entries displayed on the courthouse lawn. I overheard someone saying this year there were something like 900 entries. And there are categories divided by type of decoration as well as by age group. It's always a blast to see how they are decorated and whether they fit into the year's theme. If you want to know what is popular with different age groups from year to year -- just check out the pumpkins. This year there were A LOT of pirates -- wonder if Johnny Depp might have anything to do with that? ;0)

In addition to the pumpkins, there's also a parade. And while some small town parades are relatively small affairs -- this one, not so much. In addition to all of the local floats, etc. there is also a marching band competition -- so, lots and lots of marching bands (I lost count after 10 or 11 this year -- but, you get the drift). It's also the first year we've taken my dd to see the parade (her first year it was cold and rainy, last year ditto and she probably wouldn't have enjoyed it because of the crowd -- this year, totally different story). She LOVED the bands and was paying attention through the entire thing (or, well, as much as we stayed for -- after a bit more than 2 1/2 hours with more of the parade coming we decided to call it done and get out of dodge -- I did mention this parade was kind of a big deal right?)

Ok, so what does all of this have to do with crafting, quilting, etc.? Other than being a fun little slice of my life? Well, another feature of our little festival is the huge craft/goodies market held at the high school. The entire field house is taken over by crafts and other stuff (it used to be called a flea market but for some reason the name has been changed). There are actually 3 craft shows being held in town at the same time -- we only hit one of them, but have vowed that next year we will hit the rest. Lots of great ideas for gifts, etc. and this year I found someone who was selling hand painted yarn. Aren't those colors just luscious? A new skein of sock yarn to play with, of course, this does mean I should finish the pair of socks I'm still working on...they're a bit further along than they were, but not much. Oh well, this is an incentive to get them done.

On other crafting fronts, I haven't been sewing much at all lately. While Mom was here I simply didn't have time, and since she left on Tuesday, I have been finishing a few other things. But, I did have some crafty fun while Mom was here -- no quilting, but some knitty goodness. Mom wanted to look for some yarn while she was visiting so we went to a new to me yarn shop. May I just say yummy? I must admit that walking in was like stepping into a playground where all I wanted to do was take one of everything (or more). But, I was good -- I had two projects (yep, ambitious aren't I given that I have tons of quilting projects to do for Christmas and a WIP already on sticks) in mind. I had checked this book out of the library recently and let me tell you I am in love! The photos are stunning and the patterns really do seem doable. (this one is already on my Christmas list along with its sister book for quilting -- the folks at Purl really do have some fantastic ideas)

So, what did I end up with? Well, one yarn I got was a lovely bamboo and wool blend. I'd show you the skein, but, um, I've already finished the project. Hehehehe -- see, not so crazy is it if I've actually FINISHED it. No new UFO hanging around -- just a really soft and cuddly knit bag. This was actually a super fast project to knit up (gotta love those addi turbos) since it's done in the round and nothing but knit stitches except for the eyelet round.

And I also ended up with a skein of Koigu Premium Merino (the link is not to the place I bought it, but I can't find it on their site). Again, would love to show you a photo of the skein, but, um, I finished the project already. A fun little cabled knit bag. What I'm going to do with it I don't know -- it's pretty much big enough for a cell phone, a credit card or two and a set of keys (maybe a lipstick too) and that's it. But, I had a ton of fun making it and I am now no longer afraid of cables. Which is cool.

Both projects were finished by Nov. 1st -- and I bought the yarn on Oct. 26th, so -- less than a week for two knit finishes. I think this is a record for me. Now to just get back to those socks! I will have more quilty/fabric related content again soon -- it's just been a knitting kind of week or two. Oh, and anyone who is curious -- Mom loved the quilt, but she still noticed how messy the house was -- kind of hard to miss it. But, being the fantastic Mom she is -- her comment was "I know you too well -- and I'm not there to see how clean your house is, but to spend time with you." Yep -- and that's why I love her, and why I SWEAR for Christmas, things WILL be cleaner! I've got two months -- I should be able to get it clean by then!!!

Happy Halloween

2007-10-31T23:33:00.000-05:00

I know -- Halloween is almost over, only another 1/2 an hour but it's been a good holiday here in the cornfields. The rain and cold front we were supposed to get in time for trick or treating didn't show up, and dd LOVED going around to the houses in the neighborhood to get her candy. ("I LOVE candy mommy!" -- which is fine, love it all you want sweetie, you only get one piece per day) And she LOVED her costume (enter the tears and fight to get her OUT of it at the end of the night).

It made me feel all warm and happy inside that she loves it so much, and a little less guilty that it is the same costume she wore last year. (I know BAD mommy -- but, well, I may have spent a bit more than I intended on last year's costume -- and it fit again this year -- and um, I just hadn't gotten over the trauma of trying to gather and put in three layers of tulle in the underskirt, or working with sheer fabrics -- let alone sheer fabrics that had little "sequins" that were part of the fabric and a royal pain to work with all for a Tinkerbell costume that didn't look like a stiff wind would make it fall apart -- and she LOVES it, really).

I may have also gone a bit overboard on those wings as well. See, the original pattern (Simplicity 4949 Disney toddler princesses if you really want to know) said to make the wings out of wrapping paper. Um, don't know about you folks but wrapping paper wings -- for a toddler. Yeah, right. Especially since last year this time my darling was going through her "if it's paper I must rip it" phase. *shudder* So -- well, I may have improvised a bit on the wings and used materials that were a bit more sturdy (let's hear it for fusible fleece and Heat N Bond lite shall we? And yes, you can, if you are careful, fuse sheer fabrics). And, um, there may be a little bit of quilting in there as well. We won't even mention what using an iridescent nylon thread to do the edge zigzags and the eyelet buttonholes does to your sanity. Yeah -- a bit overboard describes it but getting two years of wear out of them kind of makes it seem reasonable. Kind of. Of course, next year I will probably do it all over again :0).

Anyway -- it's getting late, and while I do have more to share (lots of fun stuff while Mom was here, including one my top reasons to love living in a small town and some crafty goodness including a finished project and some new purchases) I'm going to get some sleep. I'll leave you with visions of cavities waiting to happen -- and happy pumpkins set out for display (though not by me). Hope your own Halloween was happy!

I hate housework

2007-10-24T00:03:00.000-05:00

I do, I really, really do. Those dust bunnies haven't hurt anyone -- why do I need to go and disturb them? Let's forget the fact that I have Cheerios and pretzels ground into my living room/family room/main room we live in carpet (unhunh -- for any of you who have lived with a small little Tasmanian devil you tell me you've never had that happen to you). Let's overlook the fact that my husband's idea of "cleaning" the kitchen involves moving things off of the counters onto my sewing area (aka the kitchen table/dining table) and ironing board. Let's just suppose that my bathrooms look like some college fraternity has been living here for a moment shall we? Despite all of this I can muster NO enthusiasm for cleaning any of it.

On the plus side, dealing with portions of the mountains of laundry today meant I was able to finally finish my 'Cause I Can't Crochet (gee it only took me a month to finish getting the binding sewn down -- and only three months from finished top to finished quilt, not bad I guess, but the quilting has been done for two of those months). And finally finish means not only is the binding down but it has been washed and all markings removed. Yeah!!!!

And I am loving the way this one turned out as well. Though, I think I may be insane for having done the quilting myself on a twin sized quilt. It's possible to do -- but, um, not sure I will be doing it again any time soon!

I am also loving the way washing and drying it (yes, in the dryer -- for those of you about to faint, I'm sorry -- but, um, really, I wanted to do this -- and if you're really upset by the dryer part -- um, I guess I shouldn't mention that I rarely, if ever, pre-wash my fabrics) made it all wrinkly and bumpy -- which helps hide the faults in the quilting quite nicely. :0)

And really, I think this qualifies as a FWYH entry since until I finally got around to finishing the binding last night it was sitting over the back of my couch and my daughter has been trying to use it as a nap blankie on the couch for the last month or so.

Ok, ok, at least the health hazards the bathrooms represent has me thinking that MAYBE I should be cleaning. Oh, yeah, and Mom is coming to visit um, well, tomorrow since it's after midnight. And I still have lots of laundry left to do as well as attacking the poor defenseless dust bunnies. Maybe some sleep will make it seem less daunting? Oh well -- maybe Mom will be so impressed with the new quilt she gets to sleep under she won't notice the pit the rest of the house is -- right? right?

Goodies in my Mailbox

2007-10-22T15:39:00.000-05:00

After a nice, boring, and relaxing weekend, things at casa de cornfields are getting back to normal. Or, well, as normal as they can be if I'm living here that is. So, time for some catch-up on all the things I haven't been doing while I've been producing cute aprons. You know, laundry, cleaning, finishing up quilting projects I should have finished by now -- that stuff.

One task I have needed to do is give a big thanks to some folks who sent lovely packages in the mail over the past few weeks. Look at it all -- makes me giddy just looking at it!!! Hehehehehe.

First up is a lovely ATC sent to me by Helen over at Quilts and ATCs. I won this lovely piece in a drawing on her blog and it's even more lovely in person. the colors are soft and lovely and the use of the washers is fantastic. Thanks so much Helen!

I also won these fabulous note cards from Karyn over at Trail Mix Designs. She's been busy with her new Gocco printer and been making some lovely cards and gift tags (and some are even available in her etsy store as well -- really, they are fantastic).

And as if sending the cards wasn't enough, she attached a lovely little button pendant to the bow she wrapped the cards with. Hehehehe -- I've been admiring these! I just need to find a chain! Isn't that button just fantastic?

And, if you were ready to hate me for my winning streak with these two -- hold on, 'cause there's one more. Teresa over at Fabric Alchemy did a drawing for a piece of her lovely hand dyed fabrics -- and well, I won a piece! And really, this blue is just absolutely luscious! I'm not sure what it will be used for, but -- oh yes, I will find something!

And the final piece of goodness in the mail is something purchased -- so no huge surprise that it was coming (darned those buttons to push). But really -- that Heather Ross fabric I was playing with for my daughter's dress was just too nummy to pass up. These are destined for a Christmas gift -- I'll show more as I get to the project! A special nod here to the folks at Z and S Fabrics -- they were great about getting the package out quickly even when there was a computer glitch in getting the order processed.

So, the mail's all caught up -- and now to tackle the laundry and the quilting!

Cone of Silence

2007-10-19T16:39:00.000-05:00

Ok -- does anyone else remember the Cone of Silence from the old Get Smart show? Ya know -- they were supposed to use it to talk about super secret stuff? Well, my own personal Cone of Silence has been lifted!!! YEAH!! I can now talk about all that super secret sewing I've been doing!

So, what have I been making? Aprons. Lots and lots of aprons. They are for a new pattern that is being introduced at market by Tammy Tadd Designs. If you'd like to see two of them (one in child and adult size) go on over to Tammy's Blog and check them out. Yep, the two aprons hanging on the dressmaker's forms were made by yours truly! I've also made a few others to be used/worn at market.

I love, love, love the new Lakehouse fabrics I was playing with as well. The colors are soft, fun, and a little bit old fashioned. Not my usual palate of in-your-face brights -- but oh so fun all the same. I can so see myself going crazy when these make it to the stores. Not to mention the new hydrangeas that I haven't played with :0).

And did I mention that the pattern is for both adults and children's aprons?? So, like any self-respecting crafty mommy -- I made one for my own little one. I finally found something I wanted to cut into my Freshcut stash for. Hehehehehe. I didn't have any rick rack in the house (and for any of you who wouldn't be caught dead without any in the house -- um, well, what can I say?) for the trim -- but I love how the prairie points work on this one.

As for the pattern? It's fun -- and simple -- and easy! Really. I've made 8 of them in the last two weeks -- so it HAS to be simple and fast right? I can just see holiday themed aprons popping up at my house too -- we have to wear SOMETHING to protect our clothes for Christmas cookie baking right?

So, the last of the quilt market sewing I'm doing is done, I STILL need to post about all the goodies I got in the mail, and my mother is coming for a visit in SIX DAYS!!! Ok, I need to finish binding the quilt for the guest room, and, um, I think I need to clean, desperately! I'd better get going!

What I can show

2007-10-18T10:52:00.000-05:00

Ok, aside from the super secret sewing I've been doing, I have a few other projects I've been working on. Like most of us, I've usually got more than one project going at a time -- though, at some point the number of in progress works gets a bit much! So, in an effort to reduce the number I've been plugging away at a couple of them.

First up on my list of projects to complete are two knitting projects. I've been able to knit for over 20 years now -- notice I do not say I'm a knitter though. I go in spurts with yarn and sticks. I've made hats, scarves, attempted a blanket and realized I didn't have the patience (then again -- I was 10 at the time -- do any 10 year olds have the patience to knit a blanket?), etc. etc. -- the one thing I haven't made? SOCKS. And, well, with all the socks I've been seeing online (really -- here, here, all over the place, and oh yeah -- it's Socktoberfest!) So, enter some lovely purple yarn (oh my, I'm remembering my whole Donnie and Marie period) and a pretty basic pattern -- and you get this. One sock done and the second one cast on. I need to get back to this -- I might even have a pair of purple socks for Halloween if I get moving!

Next in the knitting love is a scarf -- I found some really ~~cheap~~ inexpensive ribbon yarn at Michael's over the summer and decided I wanted to make a scarf. Large needles -- and knit until your eyes want to pop out of your head. It is a great "I really don't want to have to think about this thing" project. I love the colors in this one -- nice and fall like (though not at all what I would call warm) -- and the only question I have left for it is to fringe or not to fringe. (yes -- I do know I still need to weave in my ends as well) Since the darned thing is 6 ft. long and I'm only 5'4" tall -- um, not sure if it needs the added length the fringe would add. Any opinions?

And finally, back to quilting. I also said awhile ago that I wanted to learn how to hand quilt. I asked my grandmother-in-law for lessons last spring. Um -- her answer was that the needle goes in and out of the fabric. Literally. (Tonya -- feel free to laugh) Which got me thinking -- ya know -- maybe it is that simple. Hmmnn...and really, it's not like it's brain surgery. A wrong move isn't going to mean someone's cerebral cortex is irrevocably damaged. If it's god awful -- well, it's another offering on the altar of motherly love. So, I decided to take the plunge. But what project? It needed to be small (if I was ever going to finish it -- I do know myself), it needed to be quick (if I hated hand quilting -- um, don't want to have another UFO hanging around that I feel obligated to finish someday), it needed to be easy...

Enter a trip to a quilt shop awhile ago (yes, yes, so surprising for me I know) -- and I found the perfect (for me anyway) answer. A mini-whole cloth quilt. With pre-printed quilting designs. Hmmn...fast, easy, inexpensive, I don't have to worry about creating the design, all I have to do is concentrate on making my stitches. Perfect! So, in spare moments of watching TV -- I've been working on it. So far so good -- I'm enjoying it. My stitches aren't perfect by a long shot -- but, I'm learning so that's ok!

I'm working without a hoop and so far I like what I've been doing and don't have any major puckers on the back. I know, it might be easier if I had one but, honestly, I don't like the darned things. I use one for embroidery and for cross stitch when I absolutely have to -- linen is a "have to" for me since I make tight stitches but I always feel like I'm fighting the hoop rather than playing with the stitches! I've also figured out that, yes, a thimble is an absolute must despite the fact that I don't like them and that I need to find a better one than the one I'm using. This is not as easy as it seems -- the one I have is the smallest one I've been able to find -- and it's still a bit too big. ARGHHH. Oh well, here's hoping the one I ordered to try comes in soon. I'm about 3/4 done with this and the only problem now is whether when it's done I keep it -- or if I send it off to live with all of my other first efforts (Hi Mom!).

That's it for now -- three projects that have been getting some minimal attention lately. I still have photos to post about mail (I have a bunch of squishies that came -- at least, when dh finally remembered to give me the mail he had stuck in his car!) but this post is getting to be loooong. So, I will post again soon with photos of the goodies!