Thread Catcher

I got this pattern from Leanne at The Stitching Room. I cut out a dozen and did the construction stitching before leaving on a recent flight. They are so much fun to make and can be used for many other things. I finished ten of them and have been handing them out for special thank yous. Check out http://thestitchingroom.blogspot.com

My 2nd Set of Happy Blocks: 1st Top

Since I'm now on my 3rd Heartstrings Quilt Project, I suppose I'm not considered a newbie anymore.

2nd HeartStrings Blocks

2 layouts - same blocks These blocks will soon be in the mail to Sue. I think I'm still ahead on my 365 blocks for 2009!

My First HeartStrings Blocks

This is a quilt I'm making for a very special teenaged boy who recently survived a horrible experience. I wanted it to be calming with greens and blues, with touches of warmth throughout. This is the center of the quilt: I haven't decided yet what's going to be added next!

Only 3 blocks to go!

My first Happy Blocks quilt! I only need three more blocks to make a child's quilt. I had most of the novelty blocks cut out and some of the frames, but most of this was done from New Year's Eve around 6pm to today, January 1st, 2009! This will be sent to HeartStrings Quilt Project to be quilted and donated to a children's hospital.

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!