New Year's Eve Cyber Slumber Party!

On New Year's Eve and Day, there is a worldwide slumber party going on. Heartstrings Quilt Project group will be making Happy Blocks during January and February. To kick it off, many of us are joining in the cyber party and begin stitching on them at the stroke of midnight--2009. I'll be keeping track of my progress throughout that period right here on this blog, as well as checking in with others in various quilt groups who have joined. I'd love to hear from you!

My Abstract Challenge for December2008

I'm in the process of transfering this sketch into an eight inch square piece of fabric. The Abstract Challenge group offers a new concept each month. No prizes. No rewards. No mailing. It's just to enjoy how everyone interprets the same topic and give us a challenge to think outside the box. December's topic is: Beginnings and Endings

Painted Tile on Wall

Knowing that this bathroom would eventually be totally remodeled, I decided to paint faux tile across the top of the tub surround. I'm planning on using bead board over the original sheetrock anyway. I didn't want to spend any money, so I just painted the wall.

Baby Crib Bench

This was the first baby crib I transformed into a bench. It was my husband's and his brother's bed and I made it for their Mom. Now that she's downsized, I get to keep it for me! It will definitely need some decorative painting and the baby shoes hung someplace else!

Claude's New UFO

I found this UFO after thinking it was long gone. It's one of the first pieced quilts I made, and thought I would hand quilt it. It's basted together, most of the center is quilted. I used a large wood hoop to hold it. (A UFO is an UnFinished Object.)

Is this cheating?

Heartstrings Quilt Project I basted the blue center strips onto the muslin, then centered the pattern (or previous cut square) to cut out each individually. Now I can start the FUN part! But, is this cheating, Mary?

Cork Boards

I was once the catering secretary for the Marriott in Kansas City. The guys in Food & Beverage Department shared the wine corks with me. These were old "dime store" framed art and I just covered the painting. I also covered a wood frame, but I still haven't found the perfect photo for it! These are what I used to pin up my first paper pieced potholder with Stashbuster!

My First I Spy Swap!

I've found someone who will exchange six 5" novelty print squares for an I Spy quilt. Then I found a second new friend who wants to try it, too. Neither one of us is absolutely sure about what will work, but we're biting the bullet and doing it anyway! I also have some very vintage fabric scraps I'm going to throw in just for fun. Anyone want to join us? There are several more swaps I'd like to do as well i.e. watercolor florals and postage stamp charms.

My First Paper-Pieced Project!

Using a dryer sheet for the base, I got inspired by the Stashbuster group today and decided to bite the bullet and try paper-piecing. This is great fun, and I think I'm going to have to make more of these. Now it's time for batting--which is yet to be determined!!

I'm devastated today

I have been in contact with the Police Department of Tracy, California regarding the 17 year old boy who was held captive. My heart aches for this child and I must do something. I have successfully contacted the officer who is handling all the calls from all over the nation regarding how to help--whether a card of support, or monetary gift, or Christmas gift. The Director of Community Services and the officer of crime prevention will be contacting me today on where donations can be mailed. I am devastated about this and have to help him in any small way I can.

Yeah! It's official.

National Novel Writing Month first year success! I would like to thank tropical screamer for her assistance, support, and humor during this past month.

Thanksgiving Eve

I've made four pumpkin pies (only three left), two pecan, and one coconut cream pie. The last three were made with the help of my little man who just turned three years old. Tomorrow only spinach salad, sweet potatoes with marshmellows, and green rice to make. At this time tomorrow night I will be working on sewing projects and grinning ear to ear. I've got three full days to do whatever I want. Hmmm. Shall it be cutting fabric, sewing strips together, painting a crib, or some new idea that just flashed through my brain? I'm never bored.

I'm finding such treasures!

I just found a cross-stitch kit for a queen-sized quilt. It has the three panels you stitch together stamped with blue x's. Although there are fifteen or so new packages of floss with it, I decided to use the printed panels as a back for a quilt. PLUS, I can just follow the designed lines on the back for quilting design!!

Red, White and Blue Quilt

Nothing special, just thought I'd add it while I'm scanning!

Postage Stamp Quilt

For those of you who don't know, each square in this quilt was one inch!

Smocked Doll Clothes

This outfit is a smocked top with corduroy slacks.

This doll I had to keep for myself.

This is my baby I got when I was two years old. Yes, I still have her!

This outfit was a size two. It had angel wing sleeves and dark green corduroy pants.

Lavender preemie dress for a very special little girl.

Christmas Morning

The little girls dressed is smocked across the yoke, the boys jammies are trimmed with 1/8" piping

Girl and Matching Doll Dress

This was made for a five year old and her Cabbage Patch baby!

White Christmas Dress

More Smocking

My red-headed Christmas dress!

Smocked Doll Clothes

This was an old baby doll of my mother-in-laws, so I dressed her up! The before picture is on the right.

This couple was made in 1986. I only made the clothes. The dollmaker and I traded clothes for dolls, which I gave away after using them for models.

This bear was for a contest in Better Homes & Gardens. We had to make the bear using their pattern, and then dress. I received an Honorable Mention! I made the bear with terry cloth.

This is a closeup of a girl's dress I also made back in the 80's.

Click here to visit My Painting Site

You're invited to visit my custom hand-painted furniture and recycled castaways.

National Novel Writing Month

November is National Novel Writing Month. I will be joining in this effort for the first time this year. You can follow my progress on my writing site: http://elainewrites.blogspot.com

Quilting and Sewing Friends

This section is to share ideas, photos of your quilts, and anything else related to the fine craftsmanship of needlework.

Thank heavens for High Definition!

Operation Care Package

I'm making hygiene bags for our Troops, and donating some unused stocking kits for the women over there. Check this website out and see how you can help! http://www.operationcarepackage.org