Let's Quilt & Hook on the Eastern Caribbean!!!

Well... it's official!  

I've just posted our CRUISE PAGE to our web site!!!  We are all hookin' up together and gettin' ourselves on a BIG WHITE BOAT

and headin' to the Caribbean on June 1, 2014!!!  Oh My Gosh... I'm so excited...will the days ever pass?  I know you're not supposed to wish your life away... but it can scurry along a bit!  This is our 3rd QUILT CRUISE that we have sponsored and I'm lovin' our SHIP, CONFERENCE CENTER, GREAT INSTRUCTORS, & PORTS OF CALL!

This Sunday, we are headed to Port Canaveral to tour the boat... see the staterooms, check out their awesome conference center, eat GREAT food... and HAVE A BLAST!!!  Vicky and I are taking our fellows with us ... so you know they are excited!  Heck... FREE FOOD...that simply excites any man!  Don't you think?

So... when we get back I'll fill you in on the details.  In the meantime... read up ... everything you can about this trip.  THEN... print your application form - fill it out - and send it to our cruisin' partners  -  CruiseOne.

Mara has helped us with our last two cruises and she is the absolute bestest of the best!  She is the cruisin' queen!  She specializes in working with large craft groups - so she knows how important it is for everything to be just perfect in the conference center, in your stateroom, and for the entire trip!  With tons of cruises under her belt, and this one being our 3rd one... we've got this girls!!!

Now... by no means do you think you need to leave out your spouse or family!

Freedom of the Seas is the perfect ship for the entire family...which you can read more about when you get to our web site.  You are more than welcome to bring them along... or... just have a "girl trip"  - YOUR CHOICE!!

Call me (904-742-1100) or email me (oldgreencupboard@aol.com) if you have ANY questions at all.  No question is silly!  

Ok... Click here and JOIN IN THE FUN!!!  

Two New Shops to Visit!! Yippee!!!

Well.... I must admit.... I finally feel like this cold (bronchitis/pneumonia kind of thing...) has kicked my butt!  Yes... I went to the doctor and I'm full of "meds" and I sure can tell they are working.  I can at least sit up now...wow... I was flat out on the couch.  Couldn't even hardly pick my head up.  However, I still have a ways to go but at least I'm among the living.  

Today... I have another two of my favorite...favorite.... shops and designers!  They are unbelievable!!!

Let's go way up into Wisconsin (they seem to have tons of wonderful shops...don't they?) to Sun Prairie and visit: 

 J J Stitches

Julie Hendrickson, the owner, has an eye for displaying her fabric in the most magnificent way.  I remember as a small girl.... we would visit the Singer Sewing Center in Warsaw, Indiana at the end of every school year.  Here we would go to the basement where the hundreds and hundreds of bolts of fabric were on display.  Mom would let us pick out the fabrics we loved so she could get started on making our school dresses for the next year.  Guess how much the fabric was???? (this will make you sick...)  4 yards for $1.00 !!!  Of course...we always liked the fabric that was $1.00 @ yard...but we couldn't pick from that... only from the group that were 4 for $1.00.  I remember this special dress... it was big black and white buffalo checked gingham.... made into a dress...with stagecoaches all around the bottom of the hem.  Gosh, I loved that dress!  What wonderful memories of our mom sewing for us.  Poor thing...she'd make one outfit and then have to turn around and make another one just like it.  Wow... could she ever sew!  

See how she drapes the fabric on the outside of the bolt.  I just love that look!  It's much more time intensive.... but oh so much more effective.  Now... I ask you... don't you want to buy every piece you see here?  I know I sure do!

The building she is in is simply adorable.  When I first entered the shop... I felt my breath go away... in a good manner.  I just wandered around over and over again... I simply felt like I was in Heaven.

Look at this quilt on the wall.  Do you not just want to yank it off the wall, throw it on the floor and roll all over it with love?

Julie loves to make her quilt patterns designed after antique quilts.  They are simply fabulous!!  That's all I can say... FABULOUS!!

Then... to top it off... she designs fabric for Windham Fabrics!  Now how cool is that?  Check it out!!

Windham Fabrics Julie Hendrickson

Thanks Julie...for your fabulous store, your beautiful fabrics... and your great patterns!  

Visit her website at:   J J Stitches

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We are now leaving Wisconsin and heading to Buttermilk Basin in Mounds View, Minnesota!!

Meet Stacy West !!!  What a wonderfully talented gal she is!  I am simply amazed at the designs she comes up with.  She specializes in embroidery and wool... two of my all time favorites.

Here is the bio she has written about herself.....

The creative madness behind BB * Mother of two darling girls * A DrEaMeR * A Happy ending type gal * LOVER OF VINTAGE GOODS * A party planner WANNA be! * Chocolate & Iced SODA lover * AWESOME friend * Work hard~Play hard type GAL * HaPpY Girl * RT FAN * Giver * BLESSED beyond measure * L*U*C*K*Y * Late Night OWL!

She has a wonderful line of small pillows......

This guy....well... I've made him and he's my all time favorite.  Each month you change the blanket on his back!!! 

 Now how stinkin' cute is that?????

Then she has monthly mats..... like a Block of the month....

She designed this crazy quilt on a wire frame that sits on a table.  Each month you change the wool center.  Now I ask you... is that not adorable?

Crazy.... CUTE.... table mats of all designs!!!

It just goes on and on... the girl is a "machine"!

Visit her web site       Buttermilk Basin Web Site      and check out ALL OF HER DESIGNS... this is just a drop in the bucket of what all she has to offer... season by season!

Thanks Stacy!  I love you bunches!

Keep designing!

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Well, that's our little "trip" for the day... it's time for me to flop back on the couch and take a little rest!

Chat with you later!

Gloria

Good Morning to all!!

My sister, Vicky, and I returned from Texas last night.  We went to the memorial service of our dear sweet friend, Paula Barnes, husband - J.R.  It was a wonderful celebration of his life... his daughters were 'rocks' and had wonderful things to say about  their daddy.  It was so good to visit with Paula and Maryellen.  When your friends are 'hurting' the only way to know they are ok is to actually be with them.  We all four got to spend some time together over margaritas and chips (hahahaha....) at their favorite local Mexican restaurant.  Paula is hanging in there... she feels very lost and has lots of decisions to make.  She's a strong girl and will DO THIS!  It won't be easy, but she will make it - I told her with all of her family and friends.. "we got this girl"!  Please continue to keep her entire family in your prayers... and MaryEllen too... this has been so hard on her too.

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Today I want to "shout out" to some of my other favorite shops, companies, stores that are at the top of my LOVE LIST!!

My first... is Brenda Gervais -  from Country Stitches!

Now... I'm sure she has no memory of me... I've met her a couple of times.  However, it is safe to say - that she is one of the most talented women I know in the "handwork industry".  Have you ever shopped her web site?  I simply want to purchase one of everything!!!  

Country Stitches Web Site

When I first met Brenda...she had a beautiful booth at one of the quilt markets... she was beside Sandy Gervais(her sister) - Moda.  I couldn't figure out how in the heck they were both married and still had the same last name????  How do you do that?  Well, they explained...it was simple!  They married brothers!  Pretty cool don't you think?

Brenda's blog is so great to read...  you must put it on your list to look at each day.  She not only shows you her wonderful projects she's designing...but has great recipes and fun pictures of her yard, etc.  It's such a delight to read.  I never miss it...read it every day!

Love you Brenda!!!

"With Thy Needle and Thread"

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My next featured shop.... is...

Country Sampler 

The store is simply decorated in the most magnificent way...

She has beautiful cross stitch sampler kits !!!

Along with selling the most wonderful primitive decorating items.  Now...those of you that know me from The Olde Green Cupboard store can understand why this is one of my favorite quilt stores in the whole wide world!

OMG!!!!  This shop is simply to die for....located in Wisconsin... in an adorable small town.. you just have to experience this... especially if you love reproduction fabric and primitives and cross-stitch!  Can you tell why I love it so much?

Hop over to her website and take a peek!!!      Country Sampler  Then when you are done shopping... be sure to read her blog.  I LOVE IT ALSO!  It too is one I read every morning.

Jeanne's Blog

Jeanne is the owner and she works so hard on her blog...showing you pictures of the store and her home.  You will simply drool when you look at all of the photos!

Last year I gook 13 gals on a trip to Wisconsin for a retreat and this was one of our stops.  There were so many things in there I wanted to buy... when I first walked in I could feel myself moving into a panic attack - full of excitement.  There were so many pieces of reproduction fabrics that I DIDN'T own... I simply didn't know where to begin!  What a super shop and a great bunch of gals!!

So... now that I've given you two new places to browse, look and shop... you should have a fun morning!

I am getting ready to see the doctor... I think I am on the verge of pneumonia and it's time to get some magic medicine to clean out the old lungs...they are filling up!  Icky!!!

Then... I'm going to bed for a nice long nap...

I'll see you later this week when we will feature

JJ Stitches

& 

Buttermilk Basin

Happy sewing!!!

Gloria

Check out my Friends!

Good Morning!!!

I wanted to take a few minutes and show you some of the wonderful projects that are going on with my friends in the quilting industry.  I am simply amazed at the talent of these women... humbles me... drives me to be more creative... and puts me in my "happy place" when I read their blogs and see their wonderful designs.

Here we go!

First... is Lisa Bongean, Primitive Gatherings in Wisconsin.  Now this girl.. I'm not sure what she eats for breakfast, but she has more energy than the Easter Bunny!!  Each summer she has a BOW (block of the week) that she designs - both wool applique and pieced.  They are simply stunning... that's all I can say... stunning.

Here's what we have for this summer:
This antique quilt is her inspiration... OMG!! Love it!
Each week you will receive fabric to make 12 blocks (14 weeks long) - all reproduction fabric!

Then...this is her wool Block of the Week.... It's simply wonderful!  Then she will have a finishing kit you can purchase.  

Go to Lisa's Blog and read more about it.  If you decide to join... don't wait to long!!!  They fill up fast!

Primitive Gathering Blog   Thanks Lisa for another fun summer of blocks to work on!

Then... moving on to Pam Buda - Heartspun Quilts.  I was reading her blog and she posted two breathtaking quilts that are new!!!

"Abigail's Pins".....

and "Pins and Needles"

Pam also has wonderful "Sew Alongs".... Here is her next one!

You can join in by following her blog!  It's great fun and you will learn so much.... this chick has fabulous techniques.  Pam taught at our Camp Blanding Retreat!  She was a HUGE hit!

Heartspun Quilts Blog

Then.............  We're moving on to Kansas!  Yes... Lynne and Robert (Kansas Troubles Quilts) are in the middle of a great adventure!  They recently took the bottom floor of their retreat house (OMG... it is to die for... I've been there 3 times already!) and opened up a small shop - specializing in Lynnes fabric (Moda), patterns, antiques, and wonderful gifts.  Robert (her hubby) has taken on a Bernina dealership and is loving it!  

Look at these great pictures!

It's kind of hard to see...but they have a cool ladder hanging over the cutting counter...

Yummy displays!!

This is sweet Robert... WOW do I love that lamp over his head!  So cool....

This is her wool corner....

These are some Pam Buda's - Heartspun Quilts - quilt patterns...

Aren't you ready to go shopping???? 

I love, love, love, love....that star!  I want one!!!  How in the heck would I get that home?????  

Here is an adorable new quilt pattern of Lynnes....

"Icicle Stars"  

How cute are those trees???  I'm lovin' it!

You can read more by visiting Lynne's blog:    

Kansas Troubles Blog

Okay... I guess I've gabbed enough... I'll post some more of my favorites next time... how about two (or three) of my favorite quilts shops???

Keep on sewin' ... and Celebrate Handmade!!

Gloria

Good Morning! 

I'm not sure in what part of the country you live in... but here in sunny Florida... it's gorgeous outside!  

Here is an update to the projects we are working on for our June 2014 cruise.  

I've finished my wool applique for the center of my quilt.  This picture doesn't do it justice...but the over dyed wool (from Kiss Rug Hooking) is to "dye" for (hahahahahaha!!!)  Then I've added jumbo ric rac to the front sides in two different shades of green.  Since the quilt is called "Christmas Peace", our sweet little red bird has PEACE ... stringing through him mouth. 

This is the quilt put together - 45" square.  I wanted each of the borders to be a different fabric.  See the cream border on the bottom?  Well... it's going bye-bye and I'll use one of my golds to replace it.  The lighter color just doesn't work!  Once that's finished... it's headed to my quilters (Lynn and Cathy) for their magic!

Then.. .I can have Heather (my daughter) 

take a really awesome picture.

Then... look at this little guy!!!  He started as a simple drawing...

Then... Katie did her hooking magic and he became....

"Topper"!  She had the brilliant idea to tie a wool plaid scarf around his neck for a 3-D look.   "Topper" stands 12" tall and is adorable in a centerpiece for your holiday table... or... how about tucked into a beautiful wreath for your front door?  Or... I would even have him tucked into the Christmas Tree... he can keep watch over the packages!

This seems crazy to get these things done so much ahead of schedule...but that's just how we work here in the design world.... gotta have them up and ready for display on our web site and CRUISEONE's web site.

We'll make an official announcement to both web sites soon....

Take care and keep on sewing' !!!

Gloria

Fun NEW STUFF!!!!

Hi Everyone!!!!

Mark your calendar... today... right now... at this minute!!  Go get it... .I'll wait...........................(humming...)

For JUNE 1 2014 (I'll tell you more later)

What a whirlwind this weekend and first few days of the week have been.... how about you?

Heather and I are working on finding a new web site provider so we've been researching that...

She came over last night and took "bio" photos of Vicky and I - for our CRUISE FLYER... (more on that later) and to send to our FABRIC COMPANY... that we are designing for!

Here's our pearly whites!!  For those of you that have not met us.... Vicky is on the left and I am on the right.  We are twins... however, we don't look too much alike any more.  However, I can say that my Heather is a great photographer and she is a WHIZ on Photoshop!!!  

Then... I've designed our quilt project for the cruise (more on that later)!!

It's a smaller project so it's faster and easier to finish before Christmas!  The "hour glass" blocks are foundation pieced (such a wonderful... DID I SAY WONDERFUL... invention).  Then... the center will be this sweet "Christmas Peace" dove in wool applique!    We'll have the kit all ready for you... you'll simply sit and sew!  Wow... I'm telling you.. it doesn't get much better than this.

PLUS - my sweet friend, Katie Puckett will be instructing traditional wool rug hooking!  Only this sweet little fellow "Topper" is not a rug!  He's a table topper...yes...that's right... he is going to sit on your table (when finished)... or you may want to tuck him into a wreath - or how about in


your Christmas Tree?  The nice thing about snowmen is you don't have to pack them up and store them in your attic as soon as Christmas is over - they can stay out all winter long!   He is approximately 12" tall - and very easy to hook.  

Katie is a fabulous instructor and she's bringing all the equipment with her to show you how.  Kits will be available.  This is the one project you must try... it is so much fun and he will be easy to finish before winter season arrives.

Then... our long time buddies Paula Barnes and Maryellen Robison

- from Red Crinoline Quilts 

will join us on the cruise (more on that later...tee hee) too!  Paula will be teaching a quilt for you that I know you will simply adore.  We'll have a photo of that shortly.... she and I are still working on the decision.  She's been very sick (vertigo) and then when she just started feeling like a human again - she was called for jury duty (in Texas).  Don't they know she is a busy, busy woman and has no time for playing with criminals!

Then... we're working on both the July and September Camp Blanding Retreats!!  Look what we have been making for the July attendees....           Aren't these adorable?  Vicky, Wynette, Donna and I have made about 120 of these sweet luggage tags!  If you are spending the weekend with us... YOU WILL GET ONE!  They were so much fun making.  We looked like a production company working on them!  HA!!

Here is another of my projects... I'm not going to tell you what it is until I have it finished.  It's actually a sample... I'm making this one first then if it turns out like I'm hoping... I will be making another one from OUR FABRIC that will be making it's debut soon!

Look at this sweet, sweet sewing basket lid my sweet friend, Patty made!  It's an antique sewing basket she found on Ebay!  Then she recovered the lid with these sweet flowers, a tiny butterfly and the cutest worm yo have ever seen... he's down at the bottom.  Her stitching and handwork is PERFECT!  You ROCK Patty!!!

That's my updates for you!  Whew... have to catch my breath!  My hubby is off again today for the courthouse... he ALSO had Jury Duty yesterday and was CHOSEN!  He loves it! (sick puppy...).  I did hear that Paula did NOT get chosen.  Now me... they call me in.. then I tell them my work history of 30 years with the banking industry - working with the FBI and Secret Service...well that kind of does it for me.  You are "excused"....aaahhhh .. .music to my ears!  (even though I know it's our duty to serve - YACK!)


Here's a little funny for your day!  Have a super-great one.  I've enjoyed chatting with you today... and now..it's off to my sewing machine to work on more of those "mystery projects"!

Keep those sewing machines movin' !

Gloria

Hey Everyone!!!!

We have just received our email slide show from our cruise... so I thought I would share some of the photos with you!!

We had several "Santa's" on board with us.... they were so wonderful.  I wish I could remember going to a REAL bearded Santa when I was little.  They were taking a little time off before their busy Christmas season!  

Johnny Rockets was so much fun.... we got wonderful, yummy, hamburgers, shakes, fries, onion rings and coney dogs.  Then..... we were entertained by the "dancing" waiters... to 'old time' music.  It was such fun!

On the deck... they had an ice sculpture demonstration.... it's simply amazing what these guys can do with a block of ice!!!

Look at this beach... I'm telling you... I just can't explain how gorgeous the water is in the islands.  It's such a pretty turquoise blue.... simply unbelievable.

AND... the desserts... OMG!!  I'm not sure what his is... however, WHO CARES!!!  It's gorgeous and I'm sure delicious!

Then.. you can take every wonderful excursion you want... many of the gals went to swim with the sting rays ...........

AND the DOLPHINS!!!

 

Here is my sewing room.... and the cute little gal in the front (pink shirt) ... she came up to me and was so excited.  She reads my blob and couldn't believe I was on the ship with her.  I think she is from California... and I'm such a bad person ... I can't remember her name!!!  Please send me a comment and tell me your name... this entire group of gals were a hoot!  I loved sewing in the same room with them.

Here we are... all of us ... standing on one of the MANY dynamic stair cases on the ship.  Don't you LOVE our pink t-shirts!!  I'm way at the top...  you know... the one in the pink t-shirt (tee hee) I have a little bit of turquoise sleeve on my right arm sticking out.. Maryellen is one step down from me.  Paula... well she's way down in front... HIDING her sweet little face behind Dana... see her... she's right under that square screen over her head?  Paula...did you hide on purpose???

This is our braid quilt that we all worked on taught by Denise.  It is so awesome... I'm going to teach this technique/class at Cinnamon's next quarter.  It's so darn much fun!  This is the one I'm going to over-dye when I get it finished.

What an easy, fast and fun quilt this is.  Gerry taught us this class!!

Paula Barnes taught 'Gettysburg" and it is scrumptious.  This quilt will be adorning my kitchen table soon!

So... there you go!!!  If you have never gone on a quilting cruise... you simply MUST add it to your bucket list and make it happen!  I cannot begin to tell you how many nice gals we met, laughs we had, relaxing... eating.... sewing.... it was simply the best!

Thanks to everyone for such a super - great time!  

Keep watching my BLOG, website, and Facebook.... Vicky and I are working on a fun, NEW, adventure that you can all participate in... 

Chat with you soon!

Gloria